isclaimer: Do you think I'd be sitting writing fanfiction if I had book seven to write and all that money to spend? No, not mine. It all belongs to J.K Rowling supreme ruler of the Potter Verse!

Authors Note: Thank you to all who have reviewed, it really inspired me to get this chapter up a little bit quicker. If there was anyone that reviewed but didn't get a reply from me I apologise, and say thank you for your kind words. My beta reader CareBearErin has been a huge help and deserves a round of applause for all her hard work. This chapter couldn't have been written half so well without her advice, support and encouragement. Any errors are my fault as I tinkered with it after she sent it back. This chapter covers the unseen events of book four. Enjoy!

Chapter Seven: How Do You Say Goodbye?

Sobs shook the young woman's body, as she lay curled up on the pink coverlet, fists clutching at the sheets convulsively, tears streaming down her face. Her eyes, swimming with sadness, were deep amber, like the finest whiskey. Slowly she regained her composure and pushed herself up off the bed. Brushing her hair from her face, Hermione Granger hiccupped while wiping her eyes, trying to stop her tears. Crookshanks jumped up on the bed and rubbed himself against her arm, pulling him close, she pressed her face into his fur, taking comfort in her familiar as it seemed to give her a measure of calm.

"Oh Crooks, nothing will ever be the same again." He meowed understandingly and batted contentedly at a curly lock of hair.

"What am I going to do?" She added in a strangled whisper. She shook her head trying to clear her thoughts. An hour ago she had had a huge fight with her parents.

Hermione had come in from the library out of breath; she had run home so that she could start reading her newest book. Putting it down on the hall table she made her way to the kitchen. Raised voices could be clearly heard, pausing she started to back away from the door, not wanting to eavesdrop.

"Hermione cannot go back to that school, I won't stand for it!" Her father was shouting.

She closed her eyes and tried not to breathe. The thought of not returning to her friends and Hogwarts sent cold waves of fear through her body. Why was her father saying this? Wanting to hear more, now that she knew it was about her future, she crept closer and bent to the door.

"Keith, we can't do that! What if they take her away from us?"

"We'll move, maybe go to America, surely they can't take her out of another country!"

"We don't know that, we can't take the risk."

"I know." He said his voice losing some of its anger now simply sounding frustrated. "Jane, if Hermione gives up magic on her own, they can't make her go back, we just need to convince her."

"I don't know if that will work." Jane whispered quietly.

"How can we let her go back to a school that has let her life be put in danger so many times?" he retorted.

Hermione's veins filled with ice. They knew. They knew everything, and worse they knew she had lied to them, shit, she thought quietly. Holding her head up and trying not to panic, she opened the door and went into the kitchen.

"You can't stop me from going." She stood, eyes burning defiantly.

Jane watched her daughter with worried eyes. The last thing she wanted to do was end up pushing her baby girl away. Jane, more than Keith knew how Hermione felt about her magical abilities. She had watched Hermione from a very young age be both frightened and amazed by her gift. Simply remembering her smile the morning she got her Hogwarts letter, was enough to tell her how important it was and that it was a huge part of her little girls life.

"Young lady, you will do as we tell you." Her father shouted angrily.

"You can't make me, it's part of me, and I belong there." She said with conviction. If her father wanted a fight he'd get one. This was the one thing she knew she couldn't live without. Merely the thought of living without her magic made her feel sick and helpless.

"You're not even fifteen yet Hermione, your mother and I can put you into any school we want. Why didn't you tell us what was going on there? You were attacked by a werewolf, nearly got caught by something called Dementors, came face to face with a creature that petrified you and went up against a dark wizard. You've nearly been killed every time you've gone back there. And from the reports, you've been in more danger every year!"

"It's not that simple dad. There was so much at stake, I couldn't not get involved, and my friends needed me. But I can handle it; I'm still here aren't I? I just didn't want you to worry. I knew you wouldn't understand." Jane reached for her daughter and clasped her hand.

"Tell us then, help us understand darling."

"No, I don't have to understand Jane; she'll write to her Headmaster and tell him that she doesn't want to come back!" He said storming out of the room.

Hermione pulled away from her mother.

"I can't do it." She told her quietly. "I belong there."

"You belong here too baby, this is your home." Jane pleaded with her.

"No, it's not really, not anymore. Dad can't accept me for who I am, and you don't really feel comfortable with it either. I sense it in you mum, that look in your eye, when you see all my schoolbooks and my wand. I know it scares you. Don't make me choose mum. You won't like the choice I make. Magic is in my blood; it's like air to me. I can't live without it. When I think about myself I don't just see Hermione, I see Hermione, smartest witch in a century. It defines me mum, it's who I am, and without it I'm just a shell. Please try to understand." She pleaded.

Jane at that moment looked old. Hermione had never thought of her funny, charming mother as old before. But right now, she looked more than her forty-two years.

"I'll try to understand, dear, but… your father, I can't really do anything, and he won't change his mind." Jane's eyes were filling with tears.

"I think I should pack my things, the Weasley's asked me to stay this summer. I'll owl them ask if I can come early." She said turning to leave.

"You don't have to do that Hermione, we can work something out." Jane cried, her hand touching her daughter's shoulder.

Hermione didn't look at her when she answered, "I don't think dad can think straight right now mum. I'll write and when I come home, we'll talk about it properly. I promise."

Hermione left the room, willing herself not to falter. She was making the right decision. Perhaps her father would see reason in time.

Jane felt empty; she realized now just how little she really knew her daughter. But then, she'd been told all those years ago it would happen one day. A small part of her was thankful that she had had these years with her daughter, and really it was a small price to pay for what the dark man had done for her. She couldn't break her promise now. She had promised to care for Hermione and protect her. If that meant going against her husband's wishes, well then, she had no choice.

Hermione busily packed her things into her trunk and determinedly ignored the hole where her heart had been.

There was a knock on her bedroom door, looking up her mother came into the room.

Jane pulled her shoulders back and displaying a courage she didn't really feel, began to speak.

"I don't understand my darling, not really, but I want you to write every week, and let me know how you are. I want a promise from you; if anything bad starts happening I want you to tell me right away."

Tears threatening to brim over once more Hermione ran into her mother's arms and sobbed. "Thank you", she sniffled.

Her mother helped her pack the last of her things and they carried the trunk down stairs. They stood outside the house, trunk at their feet and Crookshanks, hissing and spitting in his basket.

"How will you get there?" She asked worriedly.

"The Knight Bus will pick me up, watch." She stuck out her wand hand and concentrated. A few minutes later there was a loud bang and a triple-decker purple bus appeared, screeching to a stop in front to them. A tall thin young man leaned out.

"Welcome to the Knight Bus, emergency transport for the stranded witch or wizard! Just stick out your wand hand, step on board and we can take you anywhere you want to go. My name is Stan Shunpike and I will be your conductor this afternoon."

"Hi, I want to go to the Leaky Cauldron, please." Hermione said cautiously. Harry had told her about the Knight Bus but seeing it was something else.

"That'll be eighteen sickles, twenty if you're wanting a cool beverage."

Hermione handed her vault key to Stan and he tapped it with his wand once then raised and eyebrow. "Yes, a drink too" she said in answer to the unspoken question. He tapped it once more and handed it back to her. Jumping down he grabbed her trunk and hefted it on board. She turned to her mother and they hugged.

"I love you Hermione, you're still my little miracle" Jane told her fiercely.

"I love you too mum, I really do, I'll write soon, goodbye." Without looking back she stepped on board, wondering if she'd left them for the last time.

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Malfoy Manor

Lucius Malfoy sat in his study; the room was comfortable and warm. Oak paneling covered the lower half of the wall, the upper-half covered in richly embossed red wallpaper. The glass of fire whisky in his hand glowed in the light from the fireplace. He sat in a wing back chair one leg draped elegantly over the arm of the chair, smoking a cigar. He was looking through an old photo album. His eye's held a seldom seen nostalgia and warmth, his mother and aunt smiled and waved at him, each with a toddler on their laps. Both were boys, one fair, one dark, each smiling and laughing with the other. He mused silently to himself of what things would be like if his parents hadn't died. He brushed such thoughts aside angrily; there was no point in what if. Turning his mind in a more satisfying direction he thought that very soon, he would have his revenge. There were whispers of darkness rising, filtering through his network of spies, yes he'd waited twenty years, but soon, soon he would bring honour back to his family name and have his parents' murders avenged.

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

September 1st 1996. Dumbledore's Office.

Minerva, Severus and Albus partook their yearly ritual of discussing the school year, but things were significantly different. Worrisome news was reaching the ears of many. Severus had reported shortly after Wormtail had escaped, that his mark seemed to have darkened slightly and news from other sources spoke of mysterious disappearances. Albus sighed pinching the bridge of his nose; Sybil's prophecy had put them all on edge, especially with the first part having been fulfilled.

"Well, the time is coming soon, when he will rise again, perhaps sooner than we would like. Never the less, we can begin to prepare. I have decided to recall the Order of the Phoenix." Albus told them, his tone heavy with responsibility.

Severus nodded his head, it had been expected, and there was nothing else they could do. If they could get the Order together now, and begin recruiting new members, then the better prepared they would be when the time came.

"Albus, how are you going to run the Order and the school at the same time? Not to mention trying to find suitable quarters. You're not as young as you used to be my love." Minerva's face was creased with worry. Deep inside she had hoped it might never come to this, hoped Tom Riddle would never return, had almost convinced herself of it. A sense of foreboding had been with her over the last months, this time she knew, things would be worse. The thought of losing her lover and best friend turned her cold. She tried very hard not to let anyone see it, especially Albus, but there was a horrible feeling in her heart that told her she might lose him.

"Minerva, we still have time, and I have a few ideas about the headquarters, I was thinking of asking Remus to help us out, perhaps being in charge of the headquarters and allowing me to stay here. However, we don't have much time left so why not move on. The Triwizard Tournament preparations are coming along nicely and our guests should be here sometime near the end of October. Do either of you have any questions?"

Severus raised his eyebrow sardonically. "Just one Headmaster, how exactly do you propose to keep Potter alive through this year?"

"Now Severus, that's just childish" Minerva exclaimed, "you know its age restricted, there's no way Harry can be a Triwizard Champion." She looked at Dumbledore, her eyes begging reassurance. He twinkled back at her.

"She's right Severus, it would take a powerful wizard to trick the Goblet, there's no way Harry will get himself into trouble that way."

Severus snorted a sly smile twitching at the corners of his mouth.

"The year Potter doesn't manage to be the center of attention is the day I'll sing 'I'm a little snitch see me flit, see me float' in front of the whole student body while wearing a pink tutu and a pair of fairy wings!" Ah, wait for it… wait, yes just about now, he thought to himself as Albus tried hard not to laugh and Minerva's Gryffindor pride surfaced, turning her face a magnificent shade of pink that clashed horribly with her robes.

"Severus Snape, you've gone too far! How about a little bet?" She said confidently, determined to make him suffer, for insulting her golden boy.

"Very well, I say Harry Potter will run the Triwizard Tournament and become the center stage for the event. If I'm right, no Hogsmeade duties for an entire year or any chaperoning of any kind." He waited to see if she would agree.

"Very well, since you seem so intent on losing, If I win and Harry isn't in the Tournament you have to give Gryffindor points fairly for one month and agree to take one of my students on as an assistant for her final year." Oh it was too good to be true, but would he accept the bet?

"Done." He put his hand out and they shook, Albus nodding his confirmation of their bet.

As the two Heads walk out he sighed and gave a small chuckle before reaching for a note that had been delivered that morning from one of his sources.

'Muggle-born? With that hair? HA!'

It seemed Miss Granger was starting to attract attention. Of course there were many distinct features that wizarding families carried that were just a little unusual. To most it was completely unnoticeable, but some of the old families were more likely to notice traits like that. The Weasley hair for instance, no other family had hair that same shade of red, it was very unique. So too was the particular white silver blond of the Malfoy's. Hermione had inherited her great grandmothers hair. For hundreds of years certain witches had passed those honey coloured eyes and curly hair down one generation after another. The only reason no one had noticed before now was because her mother's hair had been blond and a little more manageable. But any older wizards that remembered Hermione Guardbright would, if they came close enough, see the family resemblance. If he could just wait another year or two before telling her, he thought. He resolved to play things by ear and taking up his quill, replied to the sender.

"I don't know what you mean old friend. Keep your suspicions to yourself lest you cause trouble!'

Attaching it to a small barn owl, he resolved to give himself a holiday when it was all over.

Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Hermione's P.O.V

I was so relieved when I boarded the train; I had thought that I might end up finding my parents waiting for me. That would have been very bad. The three weeks I had spent at the Weasley's had done me the world of good. I managed to complete all my summer homework and even had time to review and evaluate my progress on my potions project. Having managed to make a successful nightmare-blocking potion I had moved on to test another potion and try varying it. Mr Weasley had got tickets to the Quidditch World Cup. Although I'm not a huge fan myself, I went to support the boys and also to experience such a large gathering of the Magical community. I was sharing a compartment with Harry and Ron when Draco came past, boasting about how he would have been better off at Durmstrang. Seeing his blond hair, so much like his fathers, had reminded me of how we had bumped into them at the world cup. Lucius Malfoy had looked at me for a few moments his lips curled in an elegant sneer; never one to back down, I had stared back defiantly. It made me shiver just thinking about it, his eyes were so sharp and cold, but for an instant I was certain that something else had flickered in their depths, surprise, I was sure he had been surprised, probably because I'd not looked away. Which brought me again to thoughts of the Death Eater activity at the Cup; something told me that this year would be just as eventful as the past three.

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

The Great Hall.

The Hall was silent. Harry Potter, boy wonder, Golden Gryffindor, had just been chosen as the fourth Triwizard Champion. Professor McGonagall was whispering furiously to Dumbledore and alternately glaring at Snape. There was angry muttering washing through the hall. Harry was ushered into the room with all the other champions and the teachers followed. Snape caught McGonagall's arm and raised his eyebrow knowingly. Lips pressed in a thin line, eyes flashing with anger she simply nodded her head. He'd been right again. That boy just couldn't seem to stay out of trouble.

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Draco's Journal

I can't believe it! Bloody, perfect Potter's went and done it again, how the hell did he manage to get his name into the cup? Is it so wrong for me to want someone to give me a little attention? It's so fucking stupid; all the other Slytherin's are sneering behind my back. Bloody Potter and his bloody friends, he should have been my friend, he's family for goddess' sake! You'd think from the way he acts that he has no idea, why does he hate me so much? From the first day I met him, I was ready to be his friend, his cousin. But no, that little prat Weasley had to turn him against me, probably laughs at how easy it was to turn The Boy Who Lived against his own family!

Now he's turned against Potter, just because he's jealous. So much for Gryffindor Loyalty, his friend has just been entered into a competition that could get him killed! Even Granger is avoiding them; she's been up to something down in the Dungeons. The worst is I can't change how things have turned out. After all I'm a Malfoy and a Slytherin, can't let the side down can I? Why do I have to do what's expected? Why is there no one I can trust? I hate being a Malfoy; it's never brought me anything but bitter disappointment and pain.

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Hermione's P.O.V.

I was walking through the entrance hall on my way to potions when the doors opened. I was surprised the see Ollivander, the wand maker.

"Miss Granger, a pleasure to see you again my dear. How is that wand working for you?" He asked me with a wink, and a twinkle in his eye. I smiled widely and nodded my head.

"Wonderful thank you, it's very good with fine control in charms and my transfiguration is much stronger than it probably should be. You were right about divination though, I hated it! I've dropped that class."

"Well, if you ever have any questions or have any problems with your wand, you know where to find me."

"Thank you Mr. Ollivander, there is one thing," I said thinking back to Crookshanks mysterious first owner. "The girl you told me about that you had so much trouble finding a wand for, what was her last name?" I asked him.

Ollivander stopped and gazed, assessing me, them smiled. "Guardbright, a very old and distinguished family. She did great things with her life, great things; killed by death eaters when she was only one hundred and forty, such a shame." He nodded good-bye and headed to the Headmasters office. I waited, and then continued on my way. What an odd coincidence. Storing the information away for another time, I went to potions.

oooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Severus' P.O.V

I have seldom felt as angry as I do right now. The Headmaster has ignored my suggestion that all the adults in the school be questioned under Veritaserum. He said it would strain magical relations. As far as I can tell, it's the height of stupidity. Whoever put Potter's name in that Goblet could only have done it with ill intention. I don't give a rat's ass who did it, only their motives. I was late for a class; my robes were whipping about me as I sped down the corridors towards the dungeons. I could hear voices raised in anger and see bright wand flashes, hurrying even more I was unsurprised to find Malfoy and Potter facing off one another. The idiots had managed to curse each other's friends. Imbeciles!

"What is all this noise about?" I asked softly, my anger straining to get out. "Explain!"

While they tried passing blame I examined Goyle's face, it looked like a particularly poisonous tree fungus.

"Hospital wing Goyle." It wasn't until Weasley pointed out that Miss Granger had been hit too that I noticed her teeth.

My heart went cold. What I had to do now would be cruel and vicious, but unfortunately the corridor was packed with the poisonous offspring of Death Eaters and this was an opportunity I couldn't ignore. Trying to push away the guilt, which was tearing my conscience to pieces, I looked at her coldly.

"I see no difference."

The look in her eyes nearly had me undone, but I couldn't let my cover slip for even a moment. There was no hope that she would continue with her work in the potions lab now. I had succeeded in pushing away the most promising student I had ever encountered.

Somewhere deep down inside what was left of Severus Snape's heart, the small candle of hope flickered out. The only person who could possibly hope to reignite it, now lost to him, perhaps forever. Despair entered his mind, clouding his judgment and pushing him back closer to the dark.

Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Hermione's P.O.V.

"I'll write you a note dear. Why not go back to your dorm right now?" Madam Pomfrey said kindly.

Hermione nodded her head silently. She felt totally humiliated. But worse she felt hurt by his words. In a way she had come to regard him almost as a friend. Ever since she had come back to school she had been down in her lab, working. Snape constantly checked on her progress and wrote her his thoughts and suggestions. With Ron and Harry's feud she had spent much time working there, avoiding the constant complaining about each other. Although she knew he didn't know her identity, it had wounded her more than it should have when he had said those hateful words this morning. It rang in her head again, 'I see no difference'. Just thinking on it made her feel sick, her heart hurt and she felt so angry!

Slipping into the dorm she decided to go down to the lab now, to clear all her notes away, she couldn't continue to work with him feeling like this. She didn't want to be seen, Harry wouldn't mind if she borrowed his cloak for a while. She crept up to his dorm and took the invisibility cloak from his trunk.

As she made her way to the lab she stopped, there was someone behind her. She whipped around; Draco Malfoy had just come from a hidden alcove. Pressing her back against the cold stone she watched as he walked past. His face was filled with self-loathing and dried tears tracked over his cheeks. She frowned inwardly; he'd never looked more human to her than at that moment, compassion rose in her breast. If she could have, she would have comforted him. He clutched a leather bound book in his hand, it looked suspiciously like a diary, and ink was smudged over his fingers. When he had gone she continued on. Reaching the room she drew her wand to let down the wards. A noise inside the room stopped her. Realizing the door was open she stopped, and then slipped inside, no one could see her.

Professor Snape stood at the workbench staring blankly at her notes; his hands were white where he gripped the table. His face was completely unguarded. His dark eyes were filled with pain and anger. Hermione jumped as his fist slammed down on the table, "Damn!" He began pacing the small confines of the room. Feeling confused and helpless, Hermione stood rooted to the spot.

He picked up one of her cauldrons and hurled it towards the wall not far from where she was standing.

"Damn Malfoy to the seventh circle of hell!" He shouted with rage. Striding towards the door he stopped one last time, looking around the room. Sadness etched into every line of his face.

"Oh Hermione, what have I done?" He whispered before he turned and left.

I stood still listening to his footfalls echo through the dungeons. I couldn't think, I couldn't make sense of any of it. Leaving the room, I made way back to Gryffindor tower. When I reached my desk, I took the one thing that helped me make sense of things and opened it. Pulling a quill from beneath Crookshanks paws, I dipped it in ink and began to write.

Dear Diary,

I don't know where to start. I'm so confused. He knew all along it was me he was helping! Why didn't he say anything? What does it all mean? All I have is questions. Why is he so horrible to me in class when all those notes he's written have been so easy and friendly? Of course they still held mocking and sarcasm but if felt more that he was teasing me with them than trying to hurt me. What the hell is going on? I have to figure this out. Why was he so upset thinking that I'd stop our experiments? I'm going to continue with the project, I'll write a note asking about a new experiment. I wonder if he will respond?

Crookshanks sat on the desk reading the open diary. His eyes narrowed and his head tilted as though he were thinking about the words. Seemingly coming to a decision he jumped from the desk and made his way to the depths of the castle.

Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Chapter Seven, part II. Correspondence.

Over the next months the inhabitants of the castle seemed each to be caught up in their own little worlds. Everyone was keeping secrets, all were tense and as they bickered and sniped at each other, different, darker events were unfolding. None realised just how close the darkness was creeping, soon it would be too late. As prophecy's strived to be fulfilled and innocents strained at the bonds chaining them to their destinies, fate weaved on, trying to hold the tapestry of life together. The maiden spun the flax, as information wove back and forth under the nimble fingers of the mother and the crone herself, with weary sadness, held up one bright silvery thread, ready to cut it, severing a life forever, and sealing the fate of all who's life he had touched.

00000000000000000000000000000

The Letters.

Albus,

Polyjuice ingredients are going missing from my stores. I know it's not Granger, so it can only mean one thing, someone in this school may not be who they appear to be. Please advise.

S.S.

Severus,

To quote Mad Eye, 'constant vigilance'. It is all we can do at the moment. Our enemies could be anywhere.

A.D.

P.S. How are you faring with Miss Granger?

Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Professor Snape,

I've decided to experiment with Strengthening Solution, but with the focus on increasing for short periods the subject's magical ability. Do you think combining it in some way with the ingredients in Polyjuice, which harness a person's magic, and the ingredients in the Invigorating Draught that give a magically charged boost might work?

A Humble Brewer.

Snape looked at the note with amazement. He had been sure the girl would want no contact with him after his unforgivable words three weeks ago. Perhaps she had decided it was more useful to continue learning even if she hated him and also perhaps thought he might become suspicious if she ended their association.

Deep inside him, the little candle of hope flickered into life once more, its light cautiously reaching out to fill the darkness. Drawing new parchment to him, he wrote to Dumbledore.

Nosey Old Coot,

Extra curricular work going well. Granger shows real inventive ability.

S.S

Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Headmasters Office.

Albus sat as his desk, his aged fingers clasping a piece of parchment. Relief was washing through him, the note from Severus had reassured him that all was progressing well. Memories or no, somehow his cold Potions Master was starting to regard Miss Granger in a favourable light. Twinkling with mischief he wrote his response.

Severus,

Miss Granger forgave you for your hurtful words then?

Nosey Old Coot.

ooooooooooooooooooooooo

Hermione.

Crookshanks watched as his mistress stormed over to her desk and began to write in her little book. Watching her words unfold, he purred happily. Crookshanks had prowled the castle in search of the dark man and had decided that the smell of power and strength that came from him made him perfect to protect his wonderful mistress. Soon enough she would need a mate and he could tolerate the dark man more than he could the red one.

Dear Diary,

Ron finally noticed I was Girl! The stupid prat actually thought I would go with him to the Yule Ball, he had the cheek to say I was lying about having a partner! Victor Krum asked me the other day, he said he liked that I didn't go all starry-eyed at him the way all the other girls did, I said yes. He seems really nice. Got to go now, I'm late for some potions work. The professor's notes have been really encouraging, I almost feel as though I'm getting to know him. He has a brilliant mind; his suggestions and ideas are nothing short of genius. I'm so lucky to be learning from him, I hope he'll continue to let me work next year.

Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

The Second Task.

Severus stood by the waters edge. If something went wrong in all this he'd kill the headmaster. The champions had to retrieve something that was dear to them and the judges in their infinite wisdom had taken Hermione Granger as one of them. The Oaf, Victor Krum, had to rescue her from the merpeople. He told himself he was only worried about his prize students safety, the loss of such a brilliant mind would be devastating. A breath he had not known he was holding suddenly left his lungs. Krum had just surfaced, bringing a bedraggled Hermione to the surface. He cut through crowd, and then wading through the water he pulled the wet girl into his arms. Krum finally managed to reverse his transfiguration and looked wildly for Hermione, spotting Snape his shoulders relaxed a notch, then Karkaroff pulled him over, wrapping a blanket around him. Severus made his way to shore, grabbing a warmed blanket from Pomfrey; Hermione still seemed a little dazed. He forced a vial of Pepper-Up potion to her mouth and she took it gratefully.

"Thank you professor." She said quietly, her eyes shining with an emotion he couldn't identify.

"Nonsense Miss Granger, I'm a teacher, it's my job see that my students don't get hurt." With those parting words he turned and left the girl looking after him in contemplation.

Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

The Third Task.

"Headmaster, there's no sign of Potter or Diggory. They're gone." Snape told him.

Dumbledore's eyes were somber, the twinkle gone. They had first noticed the disappearances about twenty minutes ago. Snape had organized some of the wizards and they had just finished the search of the maze.

Severus suddenly dropped to his knees; eyes closed tight, lips thinned in pain as he let out a startled hiss.

Fear flashed briefly in Albus' eyes. Severus clutched his left arm, the arm that bore Voldemort's dark mark. Moments later, Harry Potter and the body of Cedric Diggory appeared.

oooooooooooooooooooooooo

Hermione's P.O.V.

I sat on my bed; the stillness in Gryffindor tower was unnerving. Lavender and Parvati were sound asleep thanks to the dreamless sleep potion everyone had been given. Mine sat on my bedside table glowing purple in the moonlight. So much had happened tonight. I was worried about Harry; he looked awful when I left the Hospital wing. Mrs Weasley was comforting him and trying to reassure him, but I can see the guilt in his eyes. He blames himself for Cedric. Ron in unusual fashion tried to awkwardly put his arm around me as I cried. As ever in times of need, I took out my diary and began to write.

Dear Diary,

What every witch and wizard has feared for the last thirteen years has happened. Tonight, Harry and Cedric were portkeyed out of the maze. Moody, was polyjuiced; he was really one of Voldemort's servants, a man named Barty Crouch Jr. He was the one that made sure Harry was in the tournament, made sure he won tonight, made sure he was taken to the Dark Lord so that he could use his blood to restore Voldemort to his body. The Darkest Wizard to walk the earth has returned, more terrible and stronger than before. Dumbledore must have known something, surely must at least have had suspicions! Why didn't he do anything? Minister Fudge wasn't for believing it, he argued with Dumbledore, then Professor Snape... He came forward and pulled his left sleeve up and showed his arm to Fudge. The Dark Mark is branded into his skin, it looks horrible. He said it had been getting clearer all year, he proved it was true; Fudge just didn't want to listen. We all just stood there in shock; I can't describe how frightening it all was. When Fudge left, the Headmaster started organizing everyone, then he turned to Snape. He, I can't believe what he's asked him to do! He said 'Severus, you know what I must ask you to do... If you are ready... If you are prepared' Snape stood there, pale and calm and brave and nodded, 'I am'. Two little words, then he left. It's all so obvious now, Professor Snape is a spy for Dumbledore that's why he acts the way does, to maintain his cover, and now he's been sent back to that monster, he could be killed, I might never see him again! I think that's when it hit me, I care about him. I admire him. What if he doesn't come back? I stood at the window in the hospital wing, watching him as he crossed the grounds, once outside the wards he apparated. That's when I saw it, the same little bug that kept buzzing around all year; I knew now how all the stories got leaked to the press. Rita Skeeter is now trapped inside a jam jar on my writing desk. As I end this entry I will say one last thing. I'll find the answers to all my questions about my life, so much doesn't add up any more. I think my parents are in for a surprise when they see me. I'm not a little girl anymore, I've grown up. It's time for the truth and I'll get it. Come hell, high water or dark wizards, I'm ending my uncertainty now."

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