AN: I am so so so sorry for how long it's taken for me to update! I promise you got it as soon as it was ready. I hope this installment is worth the wait.

Severus opened the door to his office and greeted the red-head awaiting him. "Good evening, Mr Weasley."

Ron entered without acknowledgment and sat down without invitation.

"Mr Weasley?" As Snape sat opposite him, Weasley finally made eye contact with a glare.

Severus was a little surprised by the open hostility. Though Weasley had chosen to remain silent in his previous meetings, he had always been pleasant and amicable nonetheless.

"Is something wrong?"

Ron crossed his arms.

Severus sighed. "Have I done something to upset you?"

The glare intensified.

"Ronald, I do not often do this. In fact, I do not believe I have ever done this. However, I am giving you a free pass." The glare weakened to a frown of bewilderment and then suspicion. "You may say whatever you wish to me without consequence. You may swear and curse at me, insult my appearance and personality, or call me the foulest names you can think of; there will be no repercussions."

An eyebrow raised.

"You have my word." Severus assured.

"I think you're a miserable, old git." Ron burst with honesty and anger, then waited for a reaction.

"Is that all?"

"No," Ron huffed. "You're also a complete and utter arse."

"Okay," Severus hedged. "Would you like to elaborate on that?"

"You can't just go around treating people like shit just because you're in a snit."

"Ah, this is about Mr Potter."

"Yes, because you were a complete prat and hurt Harry, when he'd done nothing wrong and all he wants is your good opinion." Ron growled.

"I have apologised to Harry. I believe we are now back on good terms."

"Well that's because Harry's ridiculously forgiving." Severus had to agree with that. "It doesn't mean you're not a right bastard for saying all that stuff to him in the first place."

"I cannot disagree with you." Severus conceded. "I am truly sorry for how I treated Harry. Both this week and before the war. I realise that's not enough for you. You are incredibly loyal and protective of your friends and that is very admirable."

Ron nodded. "Can we go back to the whole 'sitting in silence' thing now?"

Severus sighed. "Yes, we can." He agreed to Weasley's delight. "Consider your free pass over. And if I ever hear you call me an arse outside of this room, the consequences will be severe."

With Harry gone to visit Teddy again on Saturday, Ron and Hermione were left to amuse themselves. Weekends without a third of their trio were tense for the young couple left behind. They all found it hard to be separated from the others, and with Harry's penchant for finding trouble, it was difficult not knowing exactly where he was or if he was safe. On these weekends, Hermione found it was best to keep busy. Fortunately, with her excessive NEWT load, Hermione was desperately in need of a long library session.

"So let's do the Transfiguration essay first, then the research for Potions, and then you can do the reading for Defence while I start on my Arithmancy project, since I did the Defence reading last night."

"Urgh, yeah, I suppose that's a good plan." Her boyfriend agreed reluctantly.

"Er Ron," Ginny intruded on their plans. "You're not going to the library, we've got Quidditch practice."

"Oh crap." Ron realised he'd double booked himself. "Well you don't need me, Gin. Just run some drills or somin'."

"No, Ronald. I cannot just 'run some drills.' Our first match is in a few weeks and it's against Hufflepuff, who now have an intimidatingly good Chaser trio. How are we supposed to prepare to defend ourselves if our Keeper doesn't show up for practice?"

Ron huffed, honestly, they thought Wood had been bad; Gryffindor had seriously underestimated Ginny's devotion to Quidditch.

"Well, Ginevra, you'll just have to cope without me. I've agreed to go to the library with Hermione."

Ginny came back with renewed fire. "You appear to be under the mistaken impression that you have a choice. I am the Captain. If I say you have to come to practice, then you'd better go grab your broom!"

The older Weasley glared back, ready to retort when Hermione's gentle hand rested over his. "It's alright, Ron. You should go to your Quidditch practice."

"But-"

"She's the captain, Ron; it's not fair to undermine her just because she's your sister."

Ron groaned, "Urgh, fine."

Ginny flashed a victorious smile and nodded her thanks to Hermione before she departed with a cheerful, "See you in the air, Ron!"

Ron looked at his girlfriend. "Come sit in the stands then, yeah?" He said, not wanting to leave her alone while Harry was away.

Hermione pulled a face. "I've got so much to do. I really need to spend some time in the library so I can get started on my Arithmancy project."

Hermione wanted to kiss away the worry lines in Ron's forehead. Instead, she settled for reassuring him. "I'll be fine, Ron. And so will you. Besides, it'll be easier if we're both kept busy."

"Hm, I suppose you're right. Just make sure you've got your Galleon on you, yeah? And you can always send me a patronus of you need me too."

"Of course." She leaned in for a chaste kiss on the cheek as she got up. "See you later."

In the library, Hermione discovered, not only a rare copy of The Spectacular Semantics of Seven annotated by Bridget Wenlock herself, but also Luna Lovegood.

Luna, she told Hermione, was researching the magical properties of wallabies. And Hermione, now used to her friend's bizarre habits, shook her head in good-natured bemusement and pulled out her own books, working next to Luna in studious silence.

Before long, Hermione needed a new text to progress in her research. She rose from her chair and set off down a long aisle of dusty volumes in the vast library, pleased to break for a while from relentless note-taking.

The library was fairly quiet still, Hermione knew from many years' experience that it would be far busier the next afternoon when everyone rushed to finish the homework they had put off all weekend. No doubt Harry and Ron would be amongst them.

Hermione went further, towards the back of the library where it got darker as the shelves got higher. Though these aisles were rarely wandered, Hermione heard muffled voices on the other side of a book shelf she was perusing.

"He gave me a Poor on that last essay." The first voice explained bitterly.

"Urgh, he's a right bastard these days."

"He's a traitor. I reckon he only turned when he saw our side was going to lose. Now there's not a single teacher here with any sense."

"It's only going to get worse, and all. Give it a couple of years, I reckon, and this place'll be drawling with scum. Filthy Mudbloods."

The word could have been a portkey for it transported Hermione to another place entirely. In the new place Hermione could smell silver polish and juniper. A plush carpet held her head, and with a start Hermione realised she was lying down. Her eyes were shut tight and absently she recognised a burning pain in her arm. Hermione was more distracted by the fire in her spine, and the screaming. It was close and incredibly loud in her ears. And through it all that word permeated her consciousness in vile shrieks.

"Mudblood. Filthy Mudblood. Where is it? Mudblood whore."

The darkness moved, shifted and Hermione realised that her eyes were not closed anymore. Light peeked through as dark tangled hair stroked across her face. A twisted expression appeared above her, made more horrific by the shadowed light. Beneath heavy brows, Hermione recognized familiar grey eyes. They were warm and didn't match the face they were set in. When the face spoke the voice was wrong too, but Hermione listened to it through the screams.

"Hermione. Hermione, you're safe now. Come back, Hermione, Ron will be here soon."

Yes, thought Hermione. Ron was good. She loved Ron. But Ron was already here. Her mind retreated back into the old house. Yes, Ron was here, and Harry. They took them away and Hermione couldn't keep them safe anymore.

Back in the library Luna frowned at Hermione's pale face, her open, unseeing eyes. She had used her coin to inform Ron and had sent a 2nd year Ravenclaw off to find Professor Snape. Until they arrived there wasn't a great deal she could do but watch over Hermione as silent tears rolled down her face.

"Hermione," she called softly. "It's Luna. You're in the library. You're at Hogwarts. You're safe."

"Miss Lovegood." The 2nd Year bought a bewildered Professor Snape between the dust-ridden shelves. "Why on Earth did you have Mr Twerth drag me out here?" He dismissed the young Ravenclaw with a wave of his hand. "Miss Granger." He suddenly acknowledged as though he had only just noticed her standing there. Then, taking in her appearance as he moved closer, Severus frowned with concern. "Miss Granger?"

"She's not here, Professor. Hermione is somewhere else right now."

Severus gave her a look. "She's having a flashback?" Luna nodded.

"Miss Granger." He approached the unmoving Gryffindor. "Hermione. It's Professor Snape, Hermione. Can you hear me? You're at Hogwarts."

He waved a hand in front of her face and got no reaction.

"Shit." He hissed.

"Don't worry, Professor. I've messaged Ron. He'll know what to do."

"You've messaged?" Severus spared her a confused glance before turning back to Granger. He hesitated to touch her without knowing what was happening in her head.

"Hermione?" Weasley appeared in full Quidditch gear and broom. His still windswept hair suggested he'd flown from the pitch to the castle in his haste to be here. He pushed past Snape to get to his unresponsive girlfriend and the Professor, acknowledging the boy's better experience in this regard, allowed him the room to do what he could.

"'Mione?" Ron stroked down her arms. "It's Ron, Mione. Yeah? I'm here." With a gentle hand he cupped her face and brushed away the falling tears. "Come on, darling, come back to us."

Severus noticed the almost imperceptible leaning of Hermione's face into Weasley's hands, one cupped around her neck while the other ran through her hair.

"It's alright, 'Mione, I'm here. The war's over; we're at Hogwarts. We're safe." He inched towards her and one hand reached around her to rub her back, drawing her closer. "Come on, 'Mione. Come back to me."

The girl in his arms stirred. It was small, barely there, but Ron felt the change. "That's it, darling. There you go." He didn't let up his gentle reassurances.

Ron wrapped both arms around Hermione's rigid frame and held her tight as she slowly leaned her weight against his chest. "I've got you."

"Ron?" Hermione's raw throat broke on his name and Severus breathed a long sigh of relief.

"I'm here." Ron assured softly, holding her securely in his arms and rubbing her back.

Severus gave the pair a moment before intruding as discreetly as possible. "Mr Weasley, would now be a good time to move Miss Granger to somewhere more private?" He murmured, conscious of the public space they were in.

Weasley nodded. "Yeah. We should go to the dorm. She's always tired after."

"Is she able to floo? I'd rather not exhibit her throughout the corridors."

"No," Ron agreed. "Where's the nearest fireplace."

"Madam Pince has a connection in her office. This way." He led the pair out through the shelves. "Miss Lovegood, would you please collect Miss Granger's belongings for her."

"Of course." The fair girl flounced away, apparently unconcerned with the brevity of the situation.

Slowly, Ron guided Hermione in Severus' path towards the librarian's office.

At the fireplace, Severus threw in Floo powder and stepped back allowing Weasley to step in first, arms still wrapped tight around Hermione.

Snape followed them out of the fireplace in the 8th Year dorms. Ron led Hermione gently to her room and set her down on the bed, sliding in next to her without once taking his hands off her.

Snape followed them into the room, raising an eyebrow at their intimate position but not commenting.

Hermione was crying and leaning into Ron's shoulder. He stroked her hair, tucking a stray strand behind her ear, and murmured gently, "I'm just getting up a second, okay? I'm not going anywhere. I'm just going to message Harry."

"No, don't tell Harry." Hermione whispered brokenly.

"'Mione, you can' got through this without him here as well. We need him here."

"But it's a Teddy weekend."

"Okay, okay, don't worry about it." Ron placated, standing. He gestured Snape into the hallway where they could talk, door open so he was still able to keep an eye on the room's occupant.

"Is this typical afterward?" Snape asked and Ron nodded, taking his wand out.

"Just a second, I need to get Harry. Expecto Patronum." A silvery Jack Russell emerged from his wand tip and bounded around them, bouncing off the walls in the narrow corridor. "Nuntius Patronum: Harry, 'Mione's had a flashback. She's fine, just shaken up. Come back early if you can."

With a flick of his wand, Ron sent the Patronus dog off to Harry. He turned back to Snape who had a slightly stunned look on his face.

"When did you learn to do that?"

"What, the Nuntius? We learnt it over summer."

Severus noted absently the use of the 'royal we' that was part of the Golden Trio joint vernacular.

"Look," Ron went on. "This doesn't mean I've forgiven you for what you did to Harry, but I'd appreciate it if you'd stick around for a bit. Hermione starts shaking after a flashback, you might be able to give her something if you see it?"

"Of course." Severus agreed readily, having expected to be thrown out. "I will assist in any way I can."

"Ron?" Hermione's wavering voice reached them and the red-head rushed back in to the room.

Severus followed him in and sat unobtrusively at the desk from where he could observe Granger who was now more alert but had, as Weasley predicted, begun to shiver violently.

Weasley wrapped her in a blanket and put his arm around her, drawing her into his body.

Hermione, who was no longer crying, gave the Professor a shaky smile. "Don't look so worried Professor, the memory can't actually hurt me."

Severus frowned, unable to agree with that statement. "What did you see in your flashback, Miss Granger?" He asked instead, ignoring Weasley's murderous glare.

Granger, on the other hand, avoided eye contact, looking into her lap as she spoke reluctantly. "The usual."

"Malfoy Manor?"

She nodded.

"Would you like to discuss it? I believe it would help."

"No."

Severus sighed. "I really do think you should talk to someone about what happened, and what you see when you are caught in a flashback."

"She said no." Weasley growled, and Severus held a hand up in surrender, hoping that his questioning wouldn't get him thrown out.

20 minutes later and with Granger still shaking, Potter arrived. He burst into the room, hair disheveled and slightly dampened by sweat as though he had run from the Hogwarts gates, which, Severus supposed, he probably had.

"'Mione!" He rushed over to the bed, stood on the opposite side to where Weasley sat, and leaned down to embrace Granger, kissing her on the head.

"No, I told you not to call him!" She hit her boyfriend weakly but accepted Potter's kiss with a smile. "I'm fine." She told the bespectacled boy. "There was no need for Ron to call you away from Teddy."

"Don't be stupid." Harry admonished kindly. "Ron was right to send for me, we three stick together. And no offense, Hermione, but you're not fine."

Hermione went to retort but an increased bout of shaking brought her up short. "Sit with us." She said instead.

"I will." Harry promised. "But first we need some music."

He came to where Severus was sat, finally acknowledging his presence. "Hi Professor."

He pulled a decorated box from under Granger's desk and opened it to reveal a collection of old records. He shuffled through for a minute but seemed to know what he was looking for. Severus read the sleeve as Potter placed the black disk on the player; Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. The music began, a simple melody with a lazy beat.

Potter went back to the bed and squeezed on. They stayed that way, silently reassuring Hermione until her shaking began to subside. Only when she had been still for at least 10 minutes did Harry speak.

"D'you know what triggered it?" He asked Hermione. Severus' interest was piqued, he hadn't realized her flashbacks were triggered by external factors.

Hermione nodded. "There were people talking in the library. I could hear them. One of them said that word." She swallowed. "He said 'mudblood.'"

Weasley was nearly growling in his fierce protectiveness. "Who was it? I'll bloody kill them."

"I didn't recognise their voices." Hermione shrugged.

Harry turned to their Professor. "Is there anything you can do?"

Severus sighed. "All hate speech, including the use of that word is banned at Hogwarts and the headmistress wishes to come down hard on this sort of thing. Unfortunately, if we are unable to identify the individuals involved, there is not a great deal we can do."

"Well we can narrow it down." Ron's frustration exhibited as anger. "I'd start with the Slytherins."

"Ron." Harry admonished his friend's prejudice before Severus could respond. "It won't have been a Slytherin. Most of the blood purists from there have already left the school and no true Slytherin would be reckless enough to spout that nonsense in a public place."

Severus nodded agreeing with Potter's reasoning and pleased that he had come to that conclusion.

Eventually, Hermione succumbed to her exhaustion and fell asleep in Ron's arms. Harry eased off the bed and went to turn off the music. He nodded to the Professor, gesturing him out of the room and closing the door behind them.

As if a spell had been lifted, Harry's appearance suddenly went from calm and composed to completely stressed.

"She'll stay asleep for a while." Potter explained. "The emotional stress of the flashbacks and then the shaking really takes it out of her. She'll be alright when she wakes up."

Severus nodded. "Let's go to my office."

Once they were sat at Snape's desk, both with a mug of Moroccan mint tea, Severus gave the boy a concerned look.

"Are you alright?"

"Me? Yeah, I'm fine." Harry replied dismissively.

"Harry." Severus gave him a pointed look. "You look like hell."

Potter held up for a moment longer before allowing his façade to crumple. His shoulders slumped and he ran a hand through his hair, disheveling it further. "Okay, so I'm not fine."

"It is hard seeing a loved one suffering. Your reaction is perfectly normal."

"I should've been here." Harry dropped his head into his hands, un-soothed by Snape's reassurances.

"Do you think you could have prevented this from happening?"

"No, but I could have been there for her afterwards. I've always been there." He said despairingly. "We deal with it together."

"But you came back. You were here. You did help." The Professor reasoned.

Harry shrugged.

Severus sipped his tea. "I was originally concerned about you taking so much time out of Hogwarts to visit Teddy, however I have begun to see that it will be quite good for you."

"Oh?"

"The three of you find it hard to be apart from each other."

"I guess." Harry said, though he knew it to be true.

"You fear something will happen if you're not there?"

"If something is going to happen, then it will happen whether I'm there or not." Harry shrugged. "It's more that I'm not there to help. I don't know whether they're safe or not."

"That's understandable, Ron and Hermione mean a lot to you."

"They're my family." Harry explained simply.

Severus nodded, recalling that Albus had mentioned on occasion that Harry had a somewhat strained relationship with his own relatives.

"You know that things cannot go on as they were." Severus broached cautiously. "We agreed to leave Miss Granger be when she did not appear to be having any more flashbacks, but that isn't the case anymore. She needs to see someone."

"No."

"Then she needs to start talking to me, or someone, about what happened to her."

"It's not up to me. I can't say what she feels ready to discuss."

"We both know that's not strictly true." Severus countered. "Hermione won't say anything without your approval. Only you can convince her to open up."

Harry was quiet for a moment, thoughtful. Severus wished he could know what the boy was thinking and was sorely tempted to use Legilimency to get a glimpse. Not that he would dare. He and Harry had a particularly bad history when it came to Legilimency, an attempt now could end their amicable relationship for good.

Finally, Harry spoke. "I'll talk to Hermione." Potter's mask of indifference was back. "I'm not making any promises; we'll have to discuss some things first."

"Very well." Severus accepted that it was the best he was going to get.

"I need to get back to Hermione." Harry patted his knees as he prepared to leave.

Severus frowned deeply, he had hoped that Potter would stay for bit longer. He still felt like he had only scratched the surface of Potter's inner turmoil.

"Is that necessary? Surely Granger will still be resting? And Mr Weasley is with her."

Harry shook his head as he stood. "I need to be there. As much for me as for her." He admitted.

Severus accepted this reluctantly, nodding slowly. "Very well. I will speak with Miss Granger tomorrow, and I will see you in Potions."

"Sure." Harry agreed. "See you, Professor."

Potter left quietly and Severus was left feeling frustratingly helpless once more. The deputy felt momentarily nostalgic for the days when his relationship with Harry Potter was simple. When he hated the boy and the boy hated him, so he didn't have to care if the teen was eating well, or sleeping alright or mentally dealing with his spectacularly crappy life. Back then Severus need only worry if the boy was in mortal danger or not. He cared nothing for Potter's emotions.

But now he did care. More than he ever thought he could. And with caring came an awful lot of worry.

Past Potter's mask of calm, Severus could see the trouble within. Hermione would have to talk now, in order to keep herself safe. But Severus knew Harry would resist for much longer. Nonetheless, the Professor would keep trying. He owed Potter that much at least.