Author's POV

Tuesday rolled around and there was a month left before the Christmas holiday. Hermione was standing on the corridor of the seventh floor hiding in the shadow. She was under the disillusionment charm that she cast on herself while waiting for someone. Hoping for that person to come.

This morning, she subtly but intentionally bumped into a certain blonde girl in a hallway before going to class. As she helped to pick up the girl's books, she slid a paper amongst them before returning them to the girl while muttering her apologies hastily. Knowing the girl would soon realize the folded paper, she bolted into the class.

Meet me on the seventh floor in the left corridor tonight after dinner. Don't tell anyone.

She really hoped that the girl would have read the message and trust her to come alone. Soon enough, light footsteps were heard.

"Hermione?" A soft voice called. Hermione released herself from her charm and walked out of the shadow.

"Luna. You came… Alone?" She asked, her voice skeptical.

Luna Lovegood nodded and plastered her dreamy smile. "You said not to tell anyone, so I don't." She said as she smiles dreamily.

"Come, it's not safe here." The brunette motioned for the blonde to come closer as she was pacing along the corridor, back and forth, a few times. Luna only smiled in amusement, fingers toying with her hair end.

Suddenly a door appeared on the wall. Hermione opened the door and walked in, trusting Luna would follow her from behind. Luna walked in, closed the door and looked around the room in amazement.

The room had a large space with few pillars for support. There was a fireplace at one end, and Hermione went to light it up. There were a few statues made of wooden boards, that resembled the shape of a human scattered around the room.

"Hermione? What is this place?" Luna's soft voice echoed.

"This is the Room of Requirement. A room where one can only enter when they have a real need for it. This room can only transform into whatever the person needs it to be at that moment. He or she must be specific about what they need," Hermione explained.

"For example, I wished for a room where I can practice for spells, hence here we are." She finished; hands gestured around the room to emphasized her words.

"I see. And why am I here, Hermione?" Luna looked at her with wonder in her eyes.

"Luna, you are close with Ginny Weasley, are you not? That means you are somewhat friends with Harry Potter, right?"

"Oh yes, Ginny had introduced me to him and her brother before. But why?" Luna said, her head tilted to one side in confusion.

"Look. I don't want to impose and I don't want to bother you, but you are the only person I can talk to about this." Hermione paced around as she talked.

"Last time during Hogsmeade outing, I overheard Harry and Ron talking. They were upset and quite angry with Umbridge for not teaching the DADA class properly. Though I hate to admit, I agree with them. They want the real practical lesson of defense against the dark arts. And Harry," she stopped pacing and looked at Luna.

"You know he said he met Voldemort and the Death Eaters, right?" The blonde girl nodded. "If what he said is true, it won't be long now for the war to come." Hermione looked straight into Luna's eyes; her body screamed seriousness as she tried to make sense of the brilliant plan she came up with.

"So, I think it would be suitable for you to suggest this idea to him — get a number of students who believe in him, or in his cause, whatever, and use this room to practice to defend themselves. Harry is already famous, what with him being the boy who-lived and all that, so I'm sure it won't be a problem for him to gather followers. And since he was the one who had met with the dark side, he'd know how to defend against them."

She started pacing again. "But, be sure to keep it a secret. Never tell anyone that I'm the one who gives you the idea, and keep the practice a secret from Umbridge too. I hate to see if she catches any of you and Merlin knows what she'll do."

Hermione finished with a long deep breath. Luna looked at her in her own weird way like she had grown two heads.

"Why don't you tell him yourself, Hermione? And why can't they know who came up with the idea?"

Hermione laughed out loud. "Luna, I'm not sure if you understand our predicament. I am a Slytherin. They are Gryffindors. I am not particularly fond of the two Weasleys, no hard offence, but we really don't get along at all. Please, just don't tell them it was me. Tell them you came up with it. Get the credits, I don't care." She shrugged her shoulders, proving that she did not really care about it.

"Look, this room can be anything you want it to be. See this? The statues can also help you practice dueling or fighting. It can help you improve your skills tremendously." Hermione made her point by sending hexes, stunning spells, even some 'bombarda' and 'incendio' towards the oncoming statues. Her movements fluid like dancing in the air.

"I understand, Hermione. Will you be joining us if we are to proceed with the idea?" Luna's eyes were full of hope, only to be disappointed at seeing the brunette shaking her head no.

"That would be impossible, Luna." The blonde pouted. "I am not needed, and I'm sure Harry can lead you all very well." Hermione sighed and Luna smiled sadly.

"When you guys manage to gather some people, tell me because I will need to give you something before you start the first practice. Don't speak to me, don't try to befriend me, and never reveal our meeting to anyone. I don't want you to receive the same treatments as I do."

"But how can I tell you if I can't speak to you?"

"You are a Ravenclaw, Luna. I'm sure you'll find a way. I have faith in you." Her voice stern to convey the meaning behind her last sentence. Luna understood and started to skip out of the room after bidding her goodnight. She stayed for a bit more under the pretend to practice some spell, but mainly because she wanted to let loose of some steam.

On the following Sunday, Hermione received delivery by owl during lunch. It was the latest publication of The Quibbler. She immediately knew who it was from and what did the delivery mean. She acted nonchalantly and continued eating while reading the magazine.

Leave it to Luna to send such an obvious but clueless message. Hermione smirked before she morphed her face in disdain. "This thing is nonsense!" She hissed loudly, capturing attention from people in the hall. She looked at the magazine in disgust before throwing it into the dustbin as she walked out of the hall.

Later at night, she had another meeting with Luna in the Room of Requirement, except this time was not like the last time. Th room was different in the sense that it looked like a living room instead of dueling room. There were a sofa and a coffee table in front of the large fireplace.

Neither of them sat on the sofa. Instead, they sat on the floor covered by a soft fluffy rag. Hermione pulled out some items from her bag and showed them to Luna.

"This is an enchanted parchment. Make them write their names, and whoever betrays your group will have repercussion." Luna looked at her worriedly, so she added, "nothing serious. Just a jinx that would cause the betrayer to remember their deed for long time." Or maybe for the rest of their lives.

Luna nodded and smiled, seemingly happy with the explanation. Then the brunette handed her some galleons, to which she looked at her curiously.

"These galleons had been cast with protean charm. Give them to Harry to distribute among those who signed the paper. It is linked with each other, so when Harry decides on the date for the meetings, the coins will be heated to alert them, and dates will be shown.

Just explain to him what he must do — point the wand on one coin and transfigure to show the dates on the coin." She did it to one of the coins as an example. "Remember, don't tell anyone about my involvement in this. You can tell anything you want to them about the paper and coins, but nothing of me. Convince them that the idea and all these come from you." She said as Luna look at it with confusion.

"How can I trust you with this, Hermione?" Luna's tone was not one of accusation but requesting for clarity.

"Simple, you don't. But trust your gut, your own judgment. I won't make any vow, but I promise to not betray you." She smiled upon seeing Luna nodded her head and sent her dreamy smile back. She put the items into a small box and handed it to Luna.

"You are a strong woman, Hermione." The girl looked at her with amazement in her eyes.

"I'm nothing like what you think, Luna, and that's the end of discussion." She sighed.

They parted ways afterwards.

Last class for today was potion and it combined the Slytherins and Gryffindors. Hermione sighed. She had not been looking forward to this.

She sat at the back of the class, alone, while other students were pairing up among them. Hermione never really cared, she had mastered many kinds of potions and school works were just a mundane task for her. She decided to forego the class and read up on an ancient magic book instead. She did not want to skip the class though.

People were ignoring her. It was a weird peaceful time, but she was grateful nonetheless. Her peaceful time was short-lived when she was smacked at the back of her head, by none other than Professor Snape himself. She heard snickers and giggles from other occupants in the room. The man snatched her book and looked at it.

"The Ars Notoria— pray tell, Ms. Granger, which class are you in now?" He asked with his stern voice.

"Potion class, Sir," Hermione mumbled.

"Then why are you reading a book about ancient magic and not making your potion instead?" Arms crossed over his chest as he glared at the student.

'It's too easy,' she thought to herself. No way in hell she was going to say it aloud. "I don't want," she said instead, voice barely above a whisper.

"I beg your pardon?" He looked at her menacingly, eyes sharp and cold.

"I said, I don't want to do it," she spoke in a louder voice and crossed her arms defiantly.

The professor smacked her head again. "10 points from Slytherin for the disobedience! And detention today, Ms. Granger. Make sure to finish the potion before the class end and an essay by the end of the week!" He said before he left, the ancient book confiscated.

'That's in two days!' Hermione huffed and saw that the Gryffindors — especially one Ronald Weasley — snorted and laughed at her. The Slytherins were glaring, probably mad for the points deduction. She smirked at them all and proceeded to make the potion with ease.

15 minutes left before class ended, she handed in her finished potion. The professor merely raised his eyebrow and awarded 15 points to her for being the first to finish the potion, and perfectly too. She went back to her seat and started to do the essay part, which was also easy. But she did not have enough time as the class ended and students started to walk out of the classroom. She packed her stuff and went to the professor's desk for detention.

With flickered of a wand, he closed the door, warded it and put on the silencing charm around the room. He put his head in his hand on the table and sent her his usual annoyed look.

"Ms. Granger. Why on earth would you display such behaviour?"

"Well, it was fun, wasn't it?" She shrugged and grinned at him.

"Fun? Hermione, are you daft? You know I don't like to hurt you." He sighed.

"Oh, what's this? Is Professor Snape going soft on a student? If someone knows, you could lose your face, Sev." She mocked playfully at him, to which he smacked her again albeit softly.

"Don't you dare, Ms. Granger or I'll make you drink the Veritaserum and send you to Minerva." He faux scowled before he smirked at her mischievously.

She gasped, hands flew to cover her mouth, "you wouldn't dare!"

"Oh, try me." He challenged. They both laughed at their banter.

"But seriously though, I know you are bored with them. Harry's a snob, Ronald is an ass, and your godson, Draco, he's a sucker — always want to hide behind your back. Even when I defy you, I still top them all." Hermione grinned smugly.

"Language, Hermione. I can't object with you, but doesn't mean I have to admit it." He smiled at her and she took a seat next to him. "Is there something on your mind, Hermione? You know you can trust me, right?"

Severus' face was full of concern, and he had always been able to see through her. Other than Madam Rosmerta, Severus Snape was one of the few people she could trust wholeheartedly. He had been with her through thick and thin, as much as he possibly can while maintaining his facade as the most serious professor in Hogwarts, among other things.

She smiled affectionately at him. "I just want to talk to you about the Christmas holiday. Do you mind if I stay at your house again? I love helping you with the potions. And we could celebrate Christmas together?" she asked nervously.

"Of course, dearie. How many times do I have to tell you? My house is yours too, feel free to stay there anytime." He smiled at her but his face quickly morphed to frown. "Wait, I was invited to the Christmas ball at Malfoy Manor on the Christmas eve. Oh, I'm sorry Hermione, I'd hate to leave you alone at home."

"It's fine, really, don't worry about me. We can still have the Christmas day together, right? Though I might be gone in the evening. I'm planning to see Tonks too."

She furrowed her eyebrows and wondered if Nymphadora Tonks would agree on meeting her on the Christmas. She had yet to send any letter to the Auror.

"I know, why don't you accompany me to the ball, as my plus one? We could use some glamours, makeup or charms on yours that people won't recognize you."

Hermione thought that it was the worst idea he could ever come up with. She, a Muggle-born, setting a foot inside one of the most renowned pureblood families in the Wizarding World. That would be a death wish. She looked at him like he had grown horns on his head and tails at his back. But she could not deny herself from feeling the excitement as he was.

"Are you crazy? Won't there be You-Know-Who attending the party? What would you even say to them?" She indulged in the idea — the worst idea.

"Hmm, let's say you are a distant cousin I have from Switzerland. Your parents had to travel to Asia for business purpose, and you wanted to stay somewhere less cold for a change in scenery, so you will be staying with me." He tapped his chin with a finger while he was thinking of the logic of his excuse.

"Okay, that's quite sensible. Any idea for a name?" Her eyebrows furrowed in concentration at the insane plan.

He grinned at her. "Regina Haysiyet," he said, his eyes shone brightly with mirth.

She snorted at the suggestion. "Queen of dignity? What the hell, Sev?" She laughed at the ridiculousness. It did make a good name though.

"What? It suits you. So, you agree to come?" He said and Hermione look at him.

"I don't know, Sev. The idea itself is challenging and interesting. But with You-Know-Who and the Malfoys there? It will be the death of me." Even though she let out a heavy sigh, she could feel butterflies in her stomach as she thought about meeting the one person who would certainly be there at the Manor. Her heart skipped a beat as the image of that person flashed in her mind.

"You just have to stay by my side, I'll cover you. Please? It's a good opportunity to learn about their culture." Hermione knew he meant 'their' as in the purebloods'. She could not deny her intrigued mind and her growing interest in the pureblood community. What better way than to learn it by experiencing it firsthand?

"Fine, you win. I'll go with you, but as a compensation for my life, you will treat me to a new dress. I will want to wear the most expensive and beautiful dress when I die." Hermione smirked at the man.

"Oh, stop being so dramatic. I'm sure we can pull this off. But don't worry about the dress, I'll pay for it." He waved her off.

"Good, I'm counting on it. I'm going to find a dress that can make even the Ice Queen melt." She grinned with giddiness, and there was a glint in her eyes.

"The who?" Severus ask as he look at her with a concern on her.

"The Ice Queen, Sev. Madam Malfoy, Narcissa. Are you living under the bridge?" She looked at him skeptically.

"Of course, I know who the Ice Queen is, silly." He playfully ruffled her head. "What I meant to say is why would you want to impress the Lady Malfoy? Is there something I don't know about between you two, hmm?" His tone was playful and he smirked when she caught the double entendre in his words.

She found him annoying but the flush rising up her neck and cheeks said otherwise. "Oh, shut up! Can't I appreciate beautiful women? Plus, it would be beneficial if I get to be in her good grace."

"Of course, for future benefits!" She smacked at him a few times and hid her face in her hands. The colour on her face can compete with the trademark colour of Weasley's hair. He shook with laughter, genuine laughs, and she too joined him afterwards.

She had spent the remaining night helping Severus with marking the students' essays. It had felt good to be laughing and making jokes with him, and she was sure he felt the same too. He had been unable to show his true self at the school due to his persona, but Hermione was grateful to have the chance of knowing the real him.

During her third year, she had been at the worst point of her life in Hogwarts. There were some worst rumours spread about her around the school. She became a shut-in — never talked to anyone, not even teachers. She spent all of her time in the library, and would only go out for occasional shower and classes. She even foregone meals most of the time, only eating once a day at most.

Due to the lack of self-care, one day she passed out during the potion class. Professor Snape had cancelled the class and brought her in his arms to the infirmary. She remembered he said that she was so thin and as light as a feather. He covertly stayed with her until she had fully recovered. Even though sometimes Minerva would come and visit her, she ignored the witch.

From then on, he had always made her stayed behind after class or demanded her to come to see him after the last class finish. Not every day, but often enough that she found him more annoying than he already was. He would feed her with so many foods and slowly but surely her body started to fill in.

Sometimes she felt so pressured and pissed off at him that she would lash out at him. She felt the dark energy from within herself, but she never would want to seriously cause injury on him. She threw hexes and spells but he reflected them successfully every time. He would stay by her until she calmed down, as she cried in front of him at seeing the mess she made. He easily had them repaired with a simple 'reparo' and everything went back to normal.

She kept having the relapse but he would be there by her side. She would lash out at him, break things with or without magic even hurt herself to feel the physical pain. He would either stop her or let her be, but he was always by her side. It went on for months.

One day, she was so tired of everything, and he pulled her into his arms and pat her back. He did not say anything and it was enough for her. Hermione was grateful to have a man who did not look down at her nor take advantage of her. They embraced until he let her go and looked her in the eyes.

"Come to my house for the summer holiday; you can stay as long as you want. No one knows of the place and I won't be there all the time, so you don't need to worry about anything," he said.

"Why?" He did not say it with any malice, nor she got any bad intention coming from him.

"I need someone to help me in making potions. I run supplies for St. Mungo's, and you are the best I could ask for." He said and she nodded.

"Okay," she easily agreed. How did she go from 'insufferable know-it-all' to 'the best I could ask for'?

And so, she had spent the whole summer of the year 1994 and 1995 staying at his house, helping him in stocking up on potions. She had nowhere else to go; her muggle house had been sold prior. Although she could go back to working with Madam Rosmerta's, she did not want to risk to face the person who rejected her. She was not ready, and she felt safe at Severus' house.

True to his words, he was not at the home most of the time. But the few times he was there, she did not find it uncomfortable at all. He had taught her Occlumency, the one thing she had wanted to learn but was not able to due to no partner to practice it with. It was tough, it was mentally and emotionally draining but she persisted. Even though he had seen every memory of her past, she trusted him to continue with the lesson. Days turned to months and in the two years she had known him, she had grown fond of him.

He was kind and protective. Despite his lack of humour, she still found him funny enough. They would argue and banter with each other, but she liked the easygoing life they shared. He did not do anything malicious to her, never forced or coerced her to do anything she did not want to do, and she trusted him.

From then onwards, he went from 'Professor Snape' to 'Severus' and eventually 'Sev' now.

He was a good friend, like a brother she never wished she would have.