A/N; Hope that changing around of chapters didnt annoy you lot too much, I did want to put this chap up yesterday, but I was workin on my other stories so unfortunatly I didnt have time.

Anyhoo, here it is...and dont forget to Review :D

Hermione ran her hand through her hair and sighed. She was exhausted; since Remus had left she had remained in the library. She had been thinking, trying to discover some way in which this whole sticky situation could be avoided.

Surely there was something that could be done to ensure that Professor Snape could stay alive and remain a spy.

She probably should forget about it and leave it for Dumbledore to sort out, she probably should but she couldn't.

It was driving her mad.

Part of her wanted to go back to the common room and discuss the whole thing with Harry, Ron and Ginny, but there were two things stopping her. For one she had promised professor Lupin that she wouldn't mention it again, and for another, she really didn't want a confrontation right now.

With another exasperated sigh, she put her head down and decided that she would stay put, at least until she got kicked out that was.

IIIII

He could see her sleeping there, sure he could pretend that he hadn't noticed, but he had, and now he couldn't tear his eyes away.

It was driving him insane, why had he suddenly become obsessed with the little witch. She was proving to be a problem. Firstly there was the whole issue that she was a nosey little so and so and now she knew too much. And, being the goody, goody two shoes she was she just had to go and try and be all moral about the whole situation. Worrying about him indeed!

Secondly, and possibly more importantly, he was actually touched that she cared. Merlin only knew why, and he wasn't telling anytime soon. Why he even felt anything was beyond him, he wasn't supposed to feel things. Especially not for self important Gryffindor's.

Remus had been to see him just moments before; there was another Gryffindor who stuck his nose where it didn't belong. The self righteous idiot. How dare he tell him how he was supposed to behave.

"You have to understand Severus she just wants to help, go easy on her ok?" he had said.

"I do not think it is any of your concern" he had warned the wolf.

"Just don't bite her head off that's all, she's a smart witch, she might even be able to find a way to help you" Remus said enthusiastically.

"I don't need her help Lupin, as much as I do not need your advice" Severus snarled.

"Suit yourself Severus" he had said, "just don't let whatever feeling you have for the girl cloud your judgement".

Well that had left him in a right state. What did Remus mean feelings for the girl? He had positively no feeling what-so-ever for the agonizing little nuisance. None that was but the utter most dislike.

It was ridiculous.

Suddenly the sight of a certain blond haired boy brought Severus from his thoughts.

What was the little pest up to now? Dumbledore had disciplined the boy surely? But then why was he here?

Realising that Draco's hunger and urge for revenge was probably as sick and twisted as his fathers, Severus knew that nothing good could come of this.

He watched as Draco made his way over to Miss Granger, this wasn't good. His breathing had started to hitch and he was taking short fast breaths again. Against his better judgement he had to admit he was close to having a damn panic attack.

'The insufferable witch' he thought with a sigh.

Careful not to be seen or heard he made his way over to near where Miss Granger lay sleeping and Draco was headed.

"Mudblood" the boy sneered. He really was like his father.

Hermione just stirred.

"MUDBLOOD" he said again a little bid louder and more demanding.

Hermione half opened one eye, "Urgh, Malfoy what do you want?" she said exasperated.

Draco bent down so that he was level with her, "you have no idea what is about to happen you filthy, pathetic excuse for a witch. And when it comes…" he said in a whisper so low Severus had to strain to her, "…I'm going to make sure you get yours".

Hermione narrowed her eyes at him as he stood up and turned to leave, arrogant little sod, she thought idly.

She had a damn good idea what was about to come and if and when it did, she knew she would be ready. Malfoy could talk all he liked but in a fair fight she would triumph every time and she knew it. She also knew, she thought with a sigh, that Malfoy didn't fight fair, and if he really was seeking some sort of twisted revenge for Professor Snape punishing him, then she should probably watch her back.

Speaking of professor Snape…

"Miss Granger" he said as he emerged from behind the bookshelf.

Hermione startled and edged back in her chair. Where did he come from?

"Sir" she acknowledged him with a curt nod. She wasn't really in the mood for pleasantries and considering their past meeting, she didn't feel the need to be polite.

"May I sit?" he asked indicating to the chair opposite her.

She really didn't want to have him threaten her again, but what could she do, say no to the most feared teacher in Hogwarts? I think not.

She nodded her reply.

Slowly he took a seat in front of her and pressed his fingers together under his chin in concentration. He studies her face for a moment. Fear and maybe uncertainty she was feeling, it was written all over her features.

Fear of him? He didn't know why but he felt ashamed that he could make her feel like that, and on the other hand, excited he could do that to her at the same time.

"Miss Granger" he began, "I am aware of your knowledge to my situation" he said slowly and carefully, "and Professor Lupin has informed me that you will not repeat anything that you heard, am I correct in assuming so?"

"Yes Sir" she said quietly.

Severus nodded, "I appreciate your digression".

He stood to leave and had turned before Hermione spoke again, "Sir I just don't understand".

Instead of being angry as she expected he would be he looked solemn, like the whole situation upset him, "what don't you understand Miss Granger?" he said with half the usual malice in his voice.

Concerned Hermione looked at him, she was biting her bottom lip, "Why you would sacrifice yourself, surely it wouldn't help at all?"

She could tell he was slightly annoyed, "it really is not your concern" he warned.

She didn't say anything but continued to look at him in a way that made it hard to look away; she looked so troubled by the whole situation.

"Do you know what I don't understand Miss Granger?" he asked her.

She shook her head slightly.

"Why you are so concerned by all this? Why you feel the need to interfere in other peoples business? Why you think that you deserve an explanation when the whole situation clearly has nothing to do with you?"

Though his words and tone were harsh she knew there was no threat behind them. If anything this worried her more, had he completely given up hope?

"Sir if you don't take anyone with you, if you don't sacrifice… If you can't take a student then you will die" she said boldly, "and if you die", she was almost crying, "then Hogwarts has no chance anyway, and more than one student will die".

"Do you not think I know this?" he said, his anger rising, "do you not think I have played every scenario over and over in my head looking for a possible solution? You have no idea Miss Granger as to what lengths I have searched as to what inner torment I face, so do not presume, this time Miss Granger to have all the answers, for there will be no points awarded."

A/N; Huge Thank you to everyone who Reviews, it really makes my day, so on tell me what you think. Flame me if you like its all good!