Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter.

Hermione spent most of her day wandering around Hogwarts: exploring, reminiscing, thinking, and the usual self-pity she had become accustomed to. The least of the recent surprises in her life had been McGonagall finally becoming headmistress and Snape coming back to teach potions. His becoming deputy headmaster, on the other hand, was still a bit of a shock. It seemed oddly fitting though, given his achievements during the war. Hermione thought about that for a moment. Her seventh year had been a dark time, for all of them really. In fact, it was so difficult for her that she swore off the entire magical community when she finished her schooling at Hogwarts.

Not wanting to be noticed by students, Hermione avoided all the popular hangout spots as much as possible. She eventually ended up in Snape's office to both of their surprise. She was even more surprised when she answered Snape's question with "My feet carried me here." He said nothing in return simply going about his usual scowling, grading, and general disgust in regard to student work.

Hermione cleared her throat and shifted in her seat.

Without looking up Snape said, "Miss Granger, if you have something to say, please say it. Otherwise, make yourself useful and go somewhere else."

She caught his gaze as he glanced up. "I'm leaving shortly," she answered.

He looked down again to his grading. "Where are you going?"

"I thought I'd go to Hogsmeade and then go home."

"It would be unwise for you to go to Hogsmeade alone."

Hermione said nothing as she rose from her chair and walked out of Snape's office. He shook his head and went back to his work for a moment. However, he thought better of the matter and went after her. There was much more at risk by her going alone than she knew, and it was not just her safety he was concerned about or even people finding out she was back.

By the time Snape caught up with Hermione, she was nearly outside Hogwarts' grounds. His longer strides barely did him any good as Hermione's pace was astoundingly quick; at least, to Snape her pace was that fast.

"What do you want?" she asked heatedly, making it very obvious she did not currently appreciate his company.

In an observable tone of voice Snape stated, "I'm coming with you."

She scoffed and nearly broke into a run to deter him. Several moments late it was clear he would not be deterred. Then, she did break into a dead run. She barely heard Snape's growl in the wind as she tried to put some space between them. However, she had not taken into account her current fitness level, nor his. Hermione quickly began to slow down and it was easy for Snape to catch up to her in his jog. She stopped to catch her breath and he stopped with her.

"Cheeky little whats-it," he said under his breath just loud enough for her to hear.

She chose to ignore the comment. "If I throw a stick, will you go away?" Hermione inquired rudely.

This time, Snape chose to ignore her comment. He sat on a conveniently nearby rock and asked, "Miss Granger, do you realize the implications of your return to our world?"

Not wanting to show him any weakness, she continued to stand. "I haven't returned. I'm merely passing through. I'm going home tomorrow. And by home I mean my apartment in muggle London."

"Hermione, it's not that simple."

"What do you mean it's 'not that simple?' If I go home, get a good night's sleep and wake up in my apartment, it's like it never happened."

Her words and her actions did not match. As she spoke, Hermione moved over to the rock and sat next to Snape with a partial look of resignation on her face. Her arms were crossed, hugging herself in a protective way. It made her look frail, vulnerable. A strong urge to simply pull Hermione closer and wrap his arms around her, tell her everything would be okay, came over Snape. He resisted it but pulled Hermione to her feet as he rose to his own.

"Come on. I'll buy you a drink and explain it to you," Snape said.

Hermione nodded weakly, all the wind gone from her sails. She pretty much let Snape pull her along to Hogsmeade for a drink at Madam Rosemerta's. It was the safest location for her to be outside of Hogwarts in the magical world, as long as Snape was with her that was.

Rosemerta greeted them at the bar. Snape ordered their drinks and found them a quiet corner. Rosemerta brought over the order and pulled Snape aside.

"Severus, it's dangerous for her to be out."

"I know, but she was going to come on her own anyway. Would you rather I had left her by herself?"

"I'd rather you'd not brought her!"

He gave her one of his looks and said, "Tell Minerva I've got everything under control."

Rosemerta nodded and asked "And what of the prophecy, Severus? Have you forgotten that?"

"How could I? Rosemerta, I'll only tell her what she needs to know, if and only if she asks. How and when Minerva deems best to reveal that crazy witch's words is up to her. For now, let's just allow the girl to have a drink and calm her nerves. It's been a rough two days for her."

"Fine, but you're taking full responsibility for this," Rosemerta informed him.

Once corner of his mouth moved ever so slightly. "Don't I always?" Rosemerta shook her head and left Snape with Hermione again.

Hermione had disposed of her drink while Snape was indisposed and she was eying his drink. He looked at it, looked at her, and sighed. "Here," he said, pushing it toward her. "You need it more than I do anyway."

As Hermione drank, they chatted about nothing in particular. Snape kept skirting the main issue every time Hermione would ask about it. He did not feel it was his place to really say anything, and he never had any intention of telling her the truth despite what he had told Madam Rosemerta. Hermione, for the time being, seemed content to drown her problems in alcohol. Snape obliged her and supplied her with the drinks finally cutting her off as the last of the patrons left. Remembering he would be back with students in the morning, he got Hermione to finish her last drink and practically dragged her out the door. Rosemerta merely nodded to them as they left. Hermione was leaning heavily on Snape for balance. It briefly crossed his mind that he gave her too much to drink.

Halfway back to Hogwarts, Hermione finally decided to break the silence of their "walk."

She looked up at Snape. "Are my legs supposed to be this drunk? I can think straight . . . surely that's not right?"

He looked down at her. With a raised eyebrow and a hint of a smirk he said sarcastically, "Well, congratulations. Give yourself a shiny."

Hermione giggled. "Good one, Sev-sev-sevviekins."

He nearly dropped her then and there. Part of it was anger, part of it shock, and maybe a hint of it was amusement. In as dignified a manner as he could muster (and being Severus Snape while also not being drunk, he cold muster a lot), he responded, "Miss Granger, I'll have you know a gentleman of my status does not go by such astoundingly ridiculous names as 'Sevviekins.'"

She giggled again. "What about 'Sevie pooh?'" she inquired.

He did drop her this time. Leaving her on the ground, he walked away telling her, "Not even when we're married."

Hermione climbed to her feet as fast as she could and did her best to catch up with her. "What did you say?"

He feigned ignorance. "I've said nary a word, Miss Granger. Perhaps you've had too much to drink? Hmm?"

She nodded in agreement. Despite her state, though, she was positive he had mentioned marriage Now there was a frightening concept if ever there was one: Snape and marriage, specifically her, Snape, and marriage. She quickly forgot it though as she focused on putting one foot in front of the other all the way back to Hogwarts.

Snape escorted her to the guest quarters for the night. He left her to get ready for bed while he retrieved a hangover potion for the morning. When he returned she was sound asleep on top of the covers. He gently shifted her to loosen the covers and place her underneath. He left a note and the potion on the nightstand for Hermione to find in the morning. He knew it would be late in the day when he next saw her, if he saw her at all.

As he turned to leave, Snape noticed the peaceful look on Hermione's face. She was home whether she knew it or not. He smiled a bit sadly as he knew what was to come. "Sleep well, Hermione," he said quietly. "Sleep well." With that he left silently, allowing her some peace for the night.

End Chapter 6

A/N: As usual, I like feedback, so please review. No flames and don't criticize the grammar even if it is dreadful in some places.