Hermione

When I emerged out of the bathroom an hour later, I found Snape sitting on the couch in deep thought. He was twirling a small wrapped box nervously, he kind of reminded me of a man about to purpose. My heart fluttered at the thought and I cleared my throat nervously. His head shot up to look at me and he put the box in his pocket.

"How was your bath?" He asked quietly.

"Something I definitely needed." I took a few steps closer to him, "I don't know if I can handle many visits with that man."

Snape nodded curtly, "I imagine not. Luckily you will not have to worry about him too much. You will be reporting to me and Lucius."

I sat down on the couch letting out a whoosh of breath. "Thank God. He gives me the serious creeps."

Snape snorted lightly, and then covered it with a cough. "He is a dark wizard who was resurrected, of course, he creeps you out."

"Resurrected?" I asked, interested. "I thought that was impossible."

Snape suddenly looked nervous, "I wasn't supposed to tell you that."

I gave him a small smile. "I won't tell anybody." I jumped up instantly, scaring the man. "I almost forgot!" I rushed upstairs and picked up the medium sized gift I wrapped the night before and bounded back down the stairs. I shoved the box into his face, my face flushed red. "This is for you."

"You got me a present?" He asked, shock clearly etched on his sullen features.

I nodded shyly, "Yes, I thought I would show my appreciation for all that you have done for me."

He grabbed the box hesitantly, staring at it transfixed. "Erm, thanks."

"Your welcome. Is it alright if I go visit my brother?" I asked.

He nodded. "Of course."

"I won't be long." I grabbed some floo powder and made my way into the fireplace. "Grimmauld Place." The fireplace lit up in green flames and then I was shot out of the fireplace, stumbling a few steps before I righted myself.

"Hermione?" I looked up to see Harry lounging on the couch.

"Hi, Harry."

"What are you doing here?" He asked, getting up. "Do you want something to drink?"

I nodded. "Sure, and I just thought I would come see you before school started again."

Harry led the way into the kitchen and started preparing the coffee. "Snape told us about your little visit today."

I grimaced at the thought. "It wasn't a very pleasant visit. He terrifies me, Harry."

"I imagine that's why he grew so powerful in the last war, everyone was too terrified to stand up and fight."

"Was that when our parents died?" I asked quietly, no one really told me what happened to them.

Harry cleared his throat, clearly uncomfortable. "I haven't gotten the whole story either. All I know is that Voldemort killed them because he thought I was part of some prophecy that was meant to stop him."

"Are you?"

Harry shrugged, "Everyone seems to think so."

"What do you think?"

Harry put the finished coffee on the table, handing me a cup and then sitting down on his own. He put a couple teaspoons of sugar in his coffee and started stirring, lost in thought. "I am not sure what to think. Yes, I want the evil psychopath dead for what he did to our parents and to countless others, but I don't think I am the person to do that. I am just a boy, I am not ready for a war Hermione. I am not ready to lead people into battle that could possibly be their last."

"So why does everyone think you are the boy who has to kill him?" I asked him curiously.

"I am the only person to have ever survived the killing curse." He shrugged again and took a sip of his coffee. "That isn't the greatest argument ever, but if Dumbledore declares something it must be true."

I wrinkled my nose in disgust. "You know, Dumbledore isn't all that prone to being on the light side. There was a time when he revelled in the darkness." I gave him a reassuring smile. "You just have to remember that magic is not evil, Harry, it is how one uses magic that makes it good or evil."

"How do you know that?"

I gave him a small smile. "Snape's library has become like a second home to me. The books he has collected over the years is truly astounding."

"Why does it seem that he likes you?" Harry asked suddenly.

"What?" I asked, confused. "He's my professor and Head of House, he has to like me."

"I don't think it's that kind of like, Hermione."

My face flushed and my heart skipped a beat. Could it be true? "Don't be ridiculous Harry. I am a Potter after all and his student."

"This is the wizarding world, Hermione. The rules are different here than they are in the Muggle world."

I rolled my eyes and stood up. "Thanks for the coffee Harry. I will see you soon."

Harry sighed, but followed me back into the lounge. "Just be careful, OK?"

I nodded and gave him a quick hug. "Of course." I stepped into the fireplace and disappeared with the green flame.

Harry Potter

Harry sighed as he watched his sister get engulfed in green flame. What if Snape really did like Hermione like that? How was he supposed to protect her from someone who she clearly admires? Harry shook his head and made his way back to the kitchen, giving a small yelp when he noticed Sirius sitting in a chair drinking Hermione's untouched coffee. Harry glared at his godfather.

"Were you here the whole time?"

Sirius grinned widely, "Of course I was pup."

Harry rolled his eyes and sat down, "Why?"

"Wanted to see how she was doing," Harry grunted and went back to his coffee. "Do you think she has a thing for Snape?"

Harry choked on his coffee at the question, spluttering as he glared at his godfather. "Why would you think that?"

Sirius shrugged innocently, "She just reminds me of a girl in love."

"You are imagining things." Harry snapped. "There is no way she would have feelings for that git."

"Whatever you say Harry." Sirius conceded, getting up and leaving the kitchen. He stopped abruptly and turned back towards Harry. "Just don't be too surprised if something happens between the two of them." With his words said, he exited the kitchen, leaving Harry to ponder his words.

Dumbledore

Dumbledore sat in his office, staring at the necklace the goblins just dropped it. It was finally ready, she would be more prepared this time. He put the necklace down on the desk and stared at the framed photograph on his desk. Sighing sadly, he stroked the frame lovingly.

"I will not let her die again, I promise."

"Do you really believe she is the one Albus?" Dumbledore turned towards the voice, surprised to see it was Salazar Slytherin who asked the question.

"I do. She is the only one who comes remotely close to it."

"And the boy?"

Dumbledore sighed heavily, "He knows nothing, and I am afraid to tell him. I know how hard it is to lose someone you love." His eyes drifted back to the photograph on his desk.

"Love?" Slytherin snorted. "That boy wouldn't know love if it slapped him in the face."

"He has known love before."

"With her?" Slytherin asked sarcastically. "That was not love Albus, that was an obsession. He clung to the first person who ever showed him any kindness."

"I am sure he will figure it out on his own," Dumbledore smirked up at the Slytherin. "Why so interested?"

"The girl intrigues me, almost makes me wish I was still alive."

"Heaven forbid that should ever happen." Dumbledore chuckled.

"I just hope you know what you are doing Albus, being wrong will have disastrous consequences."

"Trust me, I know." He replied solemnly. "I just hope she is ready for what is to come."

A/N: Here is chapter sixteen... Sorry it took so long. Post-secondary school is a lot harder than I thought it would be. Haven't had time to write. I will try to post sooner. Read and review, I love to hear your thoughts. Until next time…

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