A/n: This is my second story on fanfiction, my first wasn't planned out and didn't have very good writing, and it was more of a rushed little thing that I didn't even finish. This story however I put a lot more thought into and have an outline for. I'm still getting used to fanfictions format though.

Pairing: Severus Snape, Hermione Granger.

Rating: I thin I'll rate it M the whole way through, just in case.

WARNING: THIS STORY IS POST HALF-BLOOD PRICE, there for there will be tons and tons of spoilers during this story. I suggest you read the newest book before you even think about looking at this story. Thank you.

Summary: When Hermione chose finishing school over her two best friends things seem to get a bit tense between them. Between finishing her seventh year and realizing that because Voldemort is now back in power, prejudice now stands out more then ever and she meets someone she never thought she'd see again.

I suck at Summaries.

I also need a beta reader for this story, if anyone is interested, notify me in a review.


We do what we have to

Prologue

Professor Albus Dumbledore was positive that there would be a hole in his rug next time he looked.

Pacing back and forth, over top of said rug, was a very angry and distressed Severus Snape. Folding His hands together neatly on his desk, Albus studied the young man in front of him calmly. In the Wizarding world, age was something you rarely worried about and technically Severus Snape was still young. His experiences and stony expressions could tell you otherwise however. No, this man was anything but young. In fact, it seemed as if he had lived longer then anyone.

"You knew that it would come to this, Severus." The older wizard stated calmly.

"No." Snape replied stiffly. "Damn Albus, this isn't the only way. There has to be a loophole." He dumped himself in the chair across the desk, tapping his had repeatedly on the arm of the chair. He was tense.

"You know very well that we have been over and over all possible ways, Severus." Albus said. Snape looked up; meeting the other mans eyes. His shoulder length lank black hair framed a face that no longer bothered to hide the emotions he was feeling. He looked tired and worn out, sorrow; regret and loneliness filled his eyes.

"I will not kill you, Albus." He began shakily. "I won't be able to do it. I will fail when the time comes and we will be in a worse position then we were before. I can't do it."

Silence. It covered them like a blanket as Dumbledore watched Severus. If anyone had failed it was he. He had failed the young man in front of him. He hadn't been able to protect him when he was a boy, from joining Voldemort's ranks in the first place. When he returned to him, he had sent him back into the ranks time and time again as a spy for information. Voldemort had fallen, and fourteen years latter he had once again sent Snape back into Voldemort's clutches, and for what? He had been tortured and information rarely came to Snape. And now the one fatal piece of information they received meant he had to ask Snape to kill one of their own. He had truly failed the man in front of him.

"Severus," he began. "We are in a war. War is much like chess, as you know, I recall you beating me once or twice at the game-"

"Twelve times."

"-So you very well know that chess is similar to war. Sometimes you have to sacrifice the weaker pieces, such as a pawn, for the stronger pieces, like the bishop and the queen. That way they will have a better chance at checking the king." Albus finished

"For Potter." Snape spat.

"Yes for Harry. And for young Mr. Malfoy as well."

"I should have never taken the oath." Snape lowered his head into his hands. Breathing heavily. "Even if Bella expected me to be a traitor."

"That's exactly it Severus. Bellatrix Lestrange expected you and if you had not taken the unbreakable oath so would have Narcissa. Draco needs your protection; he is only sixteen and is trying to protect his family from Voldemort. You can get Draco off the path to Darkness Severus. You can save him from making the same mistake that you did." Dumbledore paused briefly.

"I have no doubt you will be able to help Draco and if you do he will not be able to complete his task. You will have to do it for him Severus, as the oath states, or you will die-"

"I don't see the problem with that, Albus." Dumbledore shook his head sadly.

"There are many problems with that Severus. We will no longer have a spy; Harry's chances against Voldemort will diminish. Draco will follow in his father's footsteps. All will be lost." Dumbledore straightened himself. "Promise me Severus, that when the time comes, you will do what you must."

Snape said nothing.

"Promise me, Severus. This is the only way." Dumbledore's voice was pleading.

"I promise."

"Good," Dumbledore smiled. "Now I think it is time for a Lemon Drop." But as Dumbledore reached into the ever-filled bowl of candy, both men realized that the bowl was empty.


READ, REVIEW!

All right that was my Prologue to the story.

I know it was short! I'm sorry I'm sorry. The chapters will get longer.. Or I'll try to make them longer. I promise!

Tender, loving care kids!

Will work on a new chapter as soon as possible.