Finally Chapter 2! Sorry it took so long. School started and I didn't realize I'd have quite so much work right at the beginning! lol Here are some shout outs to the awesome people who were so kind as to support me! I was so encouraged by your feedback, follows, and favorites! 3 the dragon and the rose, musicality7437, jadely31, Gottaluvfanfic01, Luna de Papel, One Red Shoe, KerrolynWolf, Auroras Jenkins, grumbleasaurus, Sleepisfortheweak16, Slam2k, Sirina Blackwolf, RetroJen, KendallAnn17, Jodz88, Jazmine Cruz, Inklingandstuff, Immortal Muffins, DutchGirl01, AnimeHuntress, bianca-lupin-snape, Spidey Legend, Pat17 S, and Alegra Damiante, I love you guys sooo much! 3 Hope you like the chapter! :)

Hermione rummaged through the various cabinets in the infirmary. Madam Pomfrey had taken much of her stocks with her into the Great Hall as there was not enough room for every patient upstairs. Still, there was ample supply available. It was finding a method to the madness that was difficult. If I were a blood replenishing potion, where would I be? Hermione mused. At long last she found several bottles next to the Skele-Gro. She supposed all internal repair potions were located here.

Turning she found Ron standing listlessly in the doorway. Maybe she had made a mistake taking him with her. "Ron, are you alright?" She asked tentatively.

Ron gave a mirthless laugh. "Sure. I'm bloody fantastic."

"I just meant…" Hermione recoiled as though stung. "Did you want to be with your brother? I'm glad to have you here, but if you're needing to go back…"

"I'm fine, 'Mione." He said acidly.

Trying not to take it personally, Hermione took the blankets and pillow off of one of the cots and folded them, placing them in her enchanted bag. It was slightly annoying that she already possessed these items, but they were in the tent Bill had lent them which would need to be erected before she could take them out. It was much easier to do it this way. Carefully, she also placed the blood replenishing potion as well as calming draught and potion for dreamless sleep (just in case Snape had residual emotions when he woke that would make it difficult for him to rest) in the bag as well.

"I suppose that's all for now." She sighed, then led the way hastily back to the Headmaster's office. "How is he?" Hermione asked as soon as she opened the door.

"As well as can be expected." Dumbledore replied.

Hermione nodded and checked her patient. His breathing was still shallow and pulse weak, but he was alive. Quickly she administered the blood replenishing potion and watched in awe as color came back to Snape's lips. Of course he had always had a pallid complexion so Hermione had not realized just how much blood he must have lost. Seeing, now, the slight tinge of pink along his cheek bones, she found herself intrigued. What else did she not previously notice about her professor? The thought reminded her of what Harry had said. What could Professor Snape have wanted to share with her?

"Ron, I'm going to put these blankets on the mattress before I go." Hermione said, taking the items out of the beaded bag. "Will you watch Professor Snape while I'm away? I'm going to look into his memories."

"He's not a professor anymore." Ron grumbled, but came over all the same to lend a hand.

Hermione gave him a look. "Would you prefer it if I called him Severus?"

Ron's face contorted in horror. "You could call him Snape!"

"He's still Professor Snape to me." Hermione insisted.

Ron shook his head. "Whatever you say." Casting Mobilicorpus, Ron held Snape up while Hermione put the sheets and pillow on the bed. She had Ron lower Snape onto the more comfortable arrangement and stood with the blanket for a moment.

Well, the bed is more comfortable. Hermione thought. But he won't be in that cloak and over shirt. "We need to undress him." She said aloud.

"Hermione, are you loony?" Ron all but yelled.

Hermione spared him a withering look. "Are you worried he'll give us detention? He needs to breathe easier and be able to rest." Ron merely scoffed at her logic. Hermione was quickly losing her patience with him. Did he have no care for human life? She recalled the time just after Bill and Fluer's wedding when they had stupefied Dolohov. Ron had wanted to kill him. It had disturbed her, but she had not thought of it again until he had started acting so coldly towards their dying professor.

Kneeling at Snape's side, Hermione lifted her hands, hovering hesitantly over the clasp of her Professor's cloak. "I'm sorry, sir, but it must be done." She whispered respectfully before prying the silver clasp open with nimble fingers. She handed the heavy cloak to Ron, before returning to her task. "Lay that carefully over a chair, would you?"

Ron's foul mood was palpable, but Hermione fought to ignore it. Instead she focused on the task at hand. She was rather clumsy with the dark buttons that lined Professor Snape's front. They were reversed from women's clothing and the unfamiliar position caused her to fumble with them longer than she would have liked. She found herself blushing as her hands worked down mere centimeters at a time. She began noticing how broad his chest was, and how slim his waist. He had a scholar's thinness, but there were muscles lurking under the layers of clothing. Hermione suddenly felt as she reached the button at his navel that she was trespassing on secrets long buried beneath the surface. As more of his physical features became exposed, she felt she was getting close to solving some sort of mystery about the cold man. If he was so in shape, what did he do when he was not teaching classes? There was more to Snape than he let on.

Becoming more eager to see what Snape could have possibly revealed through his memories, Hermione hastened her task. When, at last, the black over shirt was off, Hermione moved to take off his shoes and socks gaining her a grimace from Ron. "I'm not touching those." He objected as she tried to have him put them by Snape's other clothes. Hermione rolled her eyes and did it herself before looking back at her handiwork. Her potions teacher was now in a thin, white button up that was tucked into black slacks. She daren't un-tuck his shirt.

Nodding her head in satisfaction, she spread the blanket over Snape's still form and made her way to the pensieve. "Take good care of him, Ron. Ask Professor Dumbledore if you need any help." She then spoke to the portrait to which she referred. "Do you know what Harry saw?"

Dumbledore looked weary with sorrow. "I do, my dear."

Hermione bit her lip and took a breath to brace herself for the sadness she knew awaited her.

In the pensieve Hermione witnessed Snape's life. His boyhood wrought with pain and insecurity, lightened only by the girl he had come to love. As he grew into adolescence, his insecurities and shyness festered. Lily betrayed him by befriending Potter, the very boy who sought to make his days living hell. Was it a cruel joke? Why would she do this to him? And then guilt. He called her a Mudblood. It was harsh and hasty. He hadn't truly meant it, Hermione could tell by his expression an instant after he had spoken the terrible words.

His guilt led him to become a Death Eater. It was all he was good for anyway. If he disappointed everyone else, perhaps he wouldn't disappoint his friends and family. He could become a great wizard, feared and admired.

Soon he realized that his isolated existence caused harm regardless of his precautions. By revealing the prophecy to the Dark Lord, he had inadvertently put Lily in danger. He begged the cruel wizard to spare her life, and though Voldemort agreed, he knew not to trust him. But who else could he turn to? Who had the power to change the course of events he had set in motion? Who would have a chance against the Dark Lord?

"You told me you would save her!" Severus wept. "You promised me!"

Dumbledore's expression grew haggard and worn. "No one is more sorry than I, Severus. The Potters put their faith in the wrong man." Tears clouded the wise, twinkling eyes.

Severus motioned hopelessly, leaning heavily against the wall.

"Her child survived." Dumbledore added gently. "He needs protection."

"From what?" Severus scoffed. "The Dork Lord was defeated."

Dumbledore shook his head sadly. "You are not a fool, Severus. Surely you know as well as I that he will return. And when he does, the boy will need to be ready."

"I couldn't. I have no claim on him. What is he to me?" Severus was disgusted at the very idea of taking any position of guardianship over James Potter's spawn.

"He has his mother's eyes." Dumbledore mentioned almost casually.

Severus could very happily have strangled the meddling old wizard by the look on his face. He knew exactly how to manipulate everyone to his advantage. Not wanting to give him the satisfaction, Severus hesitated, though in truth the moment Dumbledore mentioned it he knew he would give in. "Very well. But no one must know. You cannot reveal anything."

Dumbledore was surprised at Snape's determination to pursue this endeavor thanklessly. "You will guard the boy from the shadows? No one is to know of your best qualities? This won't be easy, Severus. Are you certain?"

"Tell no one." Severus insisted adamantly.

The scene changed and various comments about Harry's arrogance and fool hardiness came in and out of focus. Years of observing and anonymous guidance and protection floated by until a certain memory surfaced.

"You have kept the boy alive so he might be sacrificed at the right moment." Severus said in disbelief. "A pig you've bred for the slaughter."

"Don't tell me that you've come to care for the boy." Dumbledore replied in his infuriatingly insightful way, though this time he didn't take quite so much pleasure from it.

Severus stiffened before casting his Patronus; an elegant and silvery doe bound about the room before vanishing. Dumbledore let out a breath he had been holding. "Lily? After all this time?"

"Always." Severus replied, the gravity of the sentiment making the word sound choked and heavy on his tongue.

The word 'always' echoed through the memories as thoughts were sifted through. A new vein of guilt was opened up.

"Severus, you could do with some attentiveness towards your students." Professor McGonagall was saying. "Most of them are afraid to even ask a question during your class."

Severus' lips formed a thin line. "Perhaps if they would use their heads every now and again they wouldn't find it quite so important to ask needless questions."

Again the scene changed and Dumbledore was interrogating him now. "I believe you play your part a little too well, Severus. Is it not possible to allow any of your students in? Must you be so cold and distant?"

Severus' expression remained impassive. "Let me do my job, sir. My methods may seem… harsh, but they are necessary. If the Dark Lord were to find any hint of deception, I needn't remind you of the consequences. I am adept at Occlumency, Albus, but I cannot keep him away from everything. My favoritism towards the Slytherin house prevents rumors beyond my control, and fortifies the evidence the Dark Lord needs to believe I am still his loyal servant."

Dumbledore sighed. "I understand, Severus, but perhaps you could try not to enjoy it quite so much?"

"I don't enjoy torturing my students." Severus said indignantly.

"Of course not." Dumbledore smiled at him in a manner which closely resembled a smirk.

Suddenly, it was second year and Snape witnessed Hermione cast Finite Incantatum on the Bludger attacking Harry. "In all of his blunders, Potter has at least done one thing right." Severus was saying in Dumbledore's office later that day.

"And what is that, my boy?" The old wizard asked in amusement.

"He has befriended Miss Granger. Considering how foolhardy he and the Weasley boy are, it is fortunate they have one in their number that has some sense." Severus replied thoughtfully.

"Am I to understand," Remarked Dumbledore. "that you have paid a Gryffindor a compliment?"

Snape's lip curled in something akin to a snarl. "It would be witless not to acknowledge Miss Granger's aptitude. She seems more than happy to brag about her abilities in class. One cannot help but realize her potential as she will never let you forget it."

Dumbledore laughed outright. "I wouldn't mistake her eagerness for pride, Severus. She is a young muggle born trying to hold her own in a wizarding world. I believe, at times, her excitement over the novelty of magic goes unchecked. This is no fault in her. I like to think of it as an exemplary quality."

Snape seemed taken aback. It was clear he had not considered Hermione would be trying to keep up with her classmates rather than beat them down to be ahead of them. He soon resumed his stoic expression, however. "Regardless of her reasons for studying so avidly, she is of some use to me."

"In what way?" Dumbledore probed, lacing his fingers together.

"At times when I am unable to attend Potter, I can be sure that Miss Granger will be capable of providing some measure of protection to him." Severus explained.

The scene shifted. Still the two professors were in Dumbledore's office, though this time Snape appeared agitated and was standing next to the fireplace.

"Do you have any proof, Severus?" Dumbledore was asking almost wearily.

Snape grimaced. "Other than the Filibuster Firework and the missing ingredients, no. Still, you must see that it is Potter and his friends."

Dumbledore stared at the younger man for a moment before conceding. "Indeed, Miss Granger is brewing Polyjuice Potion just as you suspect."

"Whatever for?" Severus snapped. "Albus, they are up to something. We need to put a stop to it before one of them gets killed."

Dumbledore's eyes glistened with mirth. "If Miss Granger is smart enough to successfully brew such a complex potion, I think it only right that they be able to do what they wish with it."

Snape huffed exasperatedly and began pacing. "You were the one who charged me with protecting Potter in the first place. Why is it that you go out of your way to make the task that much more difficult?"

"Remember that I told you he needed to be ready when Tom returned. He may have to do dangerous things in order to prepare. He did prove himself capable of overcoming obstacles beyond his years by confronting Professor Quirrell." Dumbledore pointed out.

"You believe the Dark Lord may attempt to come back again? How could he?" Severus asked suspiciously.

Dumbledore leaned forward to rest his elbows on his desk. "Yes, he may yet come back. But how, I can hardly tell you. Suffice it to say, it is possible and Harry must be ready."

Sighing heavily in resignation, Snape stopped his pacing. "You said Miss Granger was brewing the potion. Where?"

"In the girl's lavatory." Dumbledore answered. "The one Moaning Myrtle haunts."

"Clever." Snape said begrudgingly. "If Miss Granger somehow manages to create a true Polyjuice Potion at her age you may consider me impressed."

Dumbledore smiled. "I will be sure to hold you to that."

Late one night Severus was patrolling the corridors. He seemed to have purpose in his stride and Hermione was surprised to see him turn into the girl's lavatory where she had been brewing the potion second year. And there it sat, bubbling away.

Snape looked about himself, probably for signs of Moaning Myrtle, and, seeing none, he stooped to examine the little cauldron she had worked so hard on. He peered down at the contents for a long while, examining, most likely, the color, texture, scent, and stage it was in. Eventually, he got back to his feet, still looking at the simmering potion. "Truly amazing." He admitted softly aloud.

"Severus, I told you we could trust Remus as a professor at this school. How can you expect others to believe me when I claim your innocence when you will not put your faith in me yourself?" Dumbledore looked slightly hurt.

"I don't expect anyone to believe that I'm innocent. That's why I'm a spy, Albus. I'd prefer everyone to be uncertain. And besides, this is another matter entirely. He is a danger to the school."

Dumbledore looked at Severus with a sage expression. "And it has nothing to do with your grudge against James and his friends?"

A look of fury and pain shot through Snape's features. "Why I continue to tell you personal secrets when you use them to manipulate me is beyond my comprehension. Yes, if you must know, it has something to do with my past with that drove of swine. Black lured me to the Whomping Willow, telling me I would discover why Lupin often disappeared. Eager to know, I took the bait and was almost killed by that beast."

"How did you survive?" Asked Dumbledore, his brow furrowed.

Snape's jaw clenched. "James Potter intervened."

"He saved your life." Dumbledore stated.

"One of many wrongs he should have corrected." Severus spat. "He may not have been a murderer but he was not the saint everyone makes him out to be. I have no reason to think well of him, so don't waste your breath trying to convince me otherwise."

Dumbledore opened his mouth once as though to say something and thought better of it. Instead he returned to the previous subject. "So you let slip the secret of Professor Lupin's Lycanthropy because you truly believed the students were in danger?"

"I did, though I would not have had to do anything if Miss Granger had warned Potter of it in the first place." Snape elaborated. "He's such an alarmist; he could have had half the school in a frenzy by dinner."

"What does Miss Granger have to do with any of this?" Dumbledore looked puzzled.

Severus clasped his wrist behind his back and straightened his back. "It was my original intention that the students figure it out for themselves. One student in particular I though would be most likely to see Lupin for what he was."

"Hermione Granger." Dumbledore supplied.

Snape nodded his head in concession. "All she needed was a nudge in the right direction, so I set an essay on werewolves: their characteristics and emphasis on recognizing them."

"Inventive." The old wizard commented dryly.

Severus ignored him and continued. "She was aware of Lupin's condition, but rather than share her knowledge as usual, she kept it to herself, choosing to trust the man."

Dumbledore could not stop the slight quirk of his lips. "Miss Granger has a kind heart that few could rival. I suppose you thought her mind would outweigh her spirit."

"I did not believe her capable of loyalty of that kind to a man she barely knew. It was foolish." Snape argued.

"Still, it is done. I suppose I must resign myself to hiring a new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor every year." Dumbledore lamented causing Snape to look ever so slightly contrite.

The contrite expression remained as the next scene began to play, only now it seemed intensified. "There are rumors around the school," Dumbledore began. "That you have insulted Miss Granger quite grievously. And, judging by your guilty countenance, I can only assume it's true."

"It is." Snape confirmed shortly, his face contorted in pain.

Dumbledore sighed tiredly. "Why do you always do things that will later torment you, Severus? If you cannot apologize for fear of losing the reputation you've struggled to keep, and you cannot let go of the mistakes you make, why don't you try not to make them in the first place?"

"Perhaps things are not always as easy as you seem to think they are." Snape replied acidly.

Dumbledore gave Snape a look that reminded him how he was behaving.

Snape closed his eyes briefly and took a breath before opening them again. "Forgive me, Albus, I have been under a lot of strain lately from the threat of the Dark Lord returning and of course Potter being in the Triwizard Tournament.

"I am short of patience with no outlet. You could say Miss Granger was at the wrong place at the wrong time."

"I understand." Dumbledore said soothingly. "Perhaps, when wrong places and wrong times arise, you could remember how it felt when James Potter bullied you. It may help you reign in some of your anger."

The scene shifted a final time. Harry's green eyes blended with Lily's. Next, Lily was walking away from Severus, holding James' hand. Fury was plain on his face… and hurt.

Hermione resurfaced from the pensieve, tears staining her cheeks. Mixed emotions rioted within her. She had disliked this man. He had hurt her on so many occasions. But he had also hurt for her. In the end he recognized her talents. He cared for his students. He cared very much what happened to Harry. And he loved a Mudblood like her once. He was not heartless. He had to play his part to get by, to avoid suspicion. He was caught in the middle of a dangerous game between two of the most powerful wizards this world had ever seen. It was a wonder he had not been nearly killed like this before. He had survived by doing what needed to be done, and not always what was right. He was capable of doing the hard thing in order to help good triumph. He was the strongest and bravest man she had ever known. He was brilliant. And he had to live.

"What'd you see?" Ron asked, getting to his feet. As he approached her, he suddenly realized she was crying. "Hermione, what's the matter?"

Hermione fought for control, wiping her eyes. She could cry later. Now she had things to do. "You can look if you like. I don't know if I could explain it all."

Ron stared at her a moment before going to the pensieve and peering down at it. "Are you sure? Is it alright, I mean?"

Hermione nodded, still chocking back sobs. "I would tell you myself if I thought I could give you all of the details. You'll be better informed this way."

"Right, then." Ron said, giving her a feeble half smile. "Here goes."

As Ron submerged himself in Snape's memories, Hermione went to her patient's side. "How is he?" She asked the portrait of Dumbledore.

"He seems to be doing better, thanks to you." Dumbledore answered fondly before growing serious. "My dear, I am so sorry."

Hermione gave the portrait a watery attempt at a smile, her tears forcing their way past her defenses. "Thank you, Professor. But… if you don't mind… I don't think I can talk about it at present. Might we… later?"

"Of course, Miss Granger, whenever you are ready." Dumbledore answered sadly. He then directed her to some tissues that were behind his old desk which she took gratefully. While she was still across the room, Ron lifted his head from the pensieve.

"That bloody git." He said irritably. "So now I expect we're all supposed to believe he's some sort of hero? After all the time he spent making potions a living hell?"

Hermione was completely flabbergasted by Ron's reaction. "That's exactly what you should believe!"

Ron gaped at her. "And after all he did to you? None of that excuses what he did, 'Mione!"

"It does to me!" Hermione retorted. "And it should to you! He's put his life on the line for us every day of his life! Never asking thanks and never letting on even when people accused him of such awful things. Things he didn't have the power to stop!"

"What, like killing Dumbledore?" Ron spat.

"Under Dumbledore's own orders!" Hermione fired back.

Ron scoffed. "You know he's good at Occlumency. Maybe he's tampered with his memories. Maybe he's leading Harry on so You-Know-Who will win. What if he's just messing with our heads, Hermione?"

"If memories are tampered with there's evidence." Hermione argued. "The memory will be muffled or fuzzy, not ever completely false. Maybe you just need some time to think on it. If you work through your first reaction-"

"I'm pretty sure I'll still think he's a greasy git." Ron interrupted stubbornly.

Hermione simply stared at him. She didn't know what to say to him. How could he be this short-sighted?

"Just forget it." Ron muttered. "You think whatever you want. I'm going to see if my brother needs help or find something useful to do."

As Ron stormed out of the room, Hermione stood frozen in total shock.