A/N: Many thanks to both RenitaLeandra and Keladry Lupin for all their help and to everyone who has reviewed.

Chapter 16

As it turned out, Hermione did not return to Grimmauld Place. As disturbing as it was to see Hogwarts in such a state, it allowed her more freedom of movement than she would have otherwise had. Although most of the castle was no longer safe, she could travel the halls from Gryffindor Tower down to the kitchen which they had purposely repaired, both so people would have somewhere to eat and to give the house-elves a place to stay.

Ginny, Tonks, Susan and Luna were all staying there, and their company was both comforting and enjoyable. Remus was spending most of his nights there, along with Neville, Dean, Seamus and Harry. Severus seemed to be splitting his time between the Grimmauld Place and Hogwarts, although Hermione had not had the chance to speak privately with him since that first night she spent in Hogwarts. They were both busy, both with meetings and, for Hermione, long sessions with Susan and Madam Pomfrey as they continued to try to heal her leg. It had improved some, but the limp still had not gone away. They had both suggested to Hermione that she go to St. Mungo's, but Hermione did not feel that it was serious enough to detract the Healers away from other patients.

For the rest of the Order, things had been equally busy. They had been correct in believing that there would be an increase in Death Eater attacks. There had been a devastating attack on Diagon Alley and an assassination attempt on the Minister of Magic.As a result, Aurors and Order members alike were away at all hours of the day and night, trying to anticipate Voldemort's next move.

Finally, nearly a month after Hermione had been rescued, Remus and Severus both announced that their plans were finalized, and the attack was set for the next day. This announcement was made at an Order meeting that was held in the Hogwarts kitchen. Hermione felt a rush of nervousness and anticipation, that finally the day that they had been anticipating for years was upon them. Severus began explaining the plan of attack and the roles everyone would be playing.

"Potter," he said pointing to a magical replica of Riddle Manor that was sitting on a large table, "you and I will Apparate first. No one knows the layout of the Manor better than I, and I will need to get down as many of the wards as possible. Once we have entered the grounds, Remus will lead the first attack which will include the older Order members."

He heard sounds of protest coming from several of the younger members. He looked up at them. "I don't want to hear any arguments. The older members have more experience and are better trained. So, Remus will lead Sturgis, Elphias, Dedelus, Hagrid, Charlie and Arthur along with Hagrid's… friends."

Hermione leaned over and patted Hagrid's hand. He had just returned a few days earlier with two giants in tow, in addition to Grawp. Hagrid looked over at her and smiled.

"We anticipate that the newer Death Eater recruits will be the first to attack and they should be easily disposed of," Severus continued. "You will then head into the Manor to search out the more senior members. We would prefer that there be as little use of the Killing Curse as possible; we would like to have prisoners rather than bodies. However, I am more than aware that some of his more loyal subjects will die before they allow themselves to be taken prisoner. Tonks has obtained permission from the Ministry to use Unforgivables if necessary."

There was a quiet murmur around the room as everyone discussed this. Severus waited for the room to quiet again before resuming his speech.

"Then Tonks will lead the second attack. Luna, Ginny, Fred, George, Dean, Angelina, Lee, Neville and Seamus; you all will follow her. It will be your job to maintain control of the grounds while the others are in the Manor. We do not want any Death Eaters getting the chance to escape." He paused for a moment, taking a sip of water and Hermione noticed how tired he seemed to be. "I realize, of course, that during the course of the battle events may not go as planned. In fact, they probably will not. I am also aware that for the past year, everyone here has had extensive training in fighting against the Dark Arts. I trust that you will do whatever you can to aid Potter in his attempt to defeat the Dark Lord."

"And what happens if he doesn't?" Elphias asked, voicing the one thought that no one else dared. "What if he is defeated? Then what do we do?"

Everyone in the room shifted uncomfortably and Severus seemed to stare at the wall behind them rather than look directly at them. "In the event that Potter is unsuccessful, I will attempt to defeat the Dark Lord myself. If I, too, am defeated, then it is up to each person in this room to make a decision. Do you run? Or do you continue fighting to the end? That is something that you can only answer for yourself. In such an event, however, any survivors should return to Grimmauld Place. It will be the only safe place if the Dark Lord is victorious. From there you must regroup and attempt to continue on."

Any discussions in the room ceased with his words as everyone contemplated such a thing happening. It was nearly unthinkable to imagine Voldemort winning the war. Again Severus took another sip of water before continuing.

"Aberforth will remain at Grimmauld Place and Molly will be here at Hogwarts in order to relay messages. Madam Pomfrey and Susan will also be here to deal with any minor injuries that do not require the services of the Healers at St. Mungo's. Does anyone have any questions?"

"I do," Hermione said feeling a sudden wave of anger wash over her, overriding all her other emotions. "Exactly what is my role to be?"

Remus glanced nervously at Severus. They had argued the night before, and Severus said there was no way Hermione was to participate in the attack. Finally Remus had washed his hands of it and told Severus if that was his decision, he would have to be the one to break it to her. Severus fixed Hermione with a hard stare.

"Your role will be to remain here. You may help Molly, Susan and Madam Pomfrey if they so choose."

"I don't accept that," Hermione said rising out of her chair. She could feel everyone's eyes on her. "I have as much right to be there as anyone."

"You are in no condition to be fighting, Miss Granger. Your leg still has not healed."

"Do you think that would have stopped Mad-Eye?" she said, her voice rising dangerously close to a yell. "I'm not going to just stay behind and let everyone else fight in my place!"

"You'll do whatever I say!" Severus's face was now turning a dark shade of red.

"I don't have to do anything you say! That's not how we work here! We don't serve a Dark Lord!" As soon as the words were out of Hermione's mouth she heard several people around her gasp and she knew she had gone too far. Severus stalked over to her, grabbing a hold of her arm.

"Hey!" Harry said jumping out his chair. Tonks reached for him to hold him back but he was too fast. "You let go of her!"

Severus dropped her arm as if it had burned him, but he looked no less furious. "You will stay behind. I will say nothing more on the subject."

He turned to leave the room but Hermione could not let him get the last word. "I will do what I must. I am not asking your permission."

Severus stopped and turned back to look at her. His eyes were blazing with fury.

"We will discuss this later, Miss Granger," he said. His voice was calm but he was clearly furious. He then turned back around and stormed out of the room.

Hermione turned back around, and all the eyes in the room were on her. She just sighed and sat back down in her chair, refusing to look at anyone. After a long, uncomfortable silence, Remus continued where Severus left off. The rest of the meeting was kept brief as he discussed the procedures that would be followed to take the Death Eaters into custody after Voldemort's defeat. When Remus finally dismissed them, they all left the room quietly, leaving Hermione still sitting and staring down at her hands. She had been trying to force tears back ever since her argument with Severus and now she finally let them fall.

"He's just trying to protect you, you know," she heard a voice say. She looked up with surprise and saw Remus looking back at her.

"Well, he has a strange way of showing it," Hermione said brushing away the tears from her cheeks. "I am not some little minion to be told what to do. Remus, I still want to fight."

"I know," Remus said heaving a sigh. "I told him as much last night when he told me his plans. Hermione, you know we will welcome your help in whatever form it takes, but I strongly suggest you tell him your plans before tomorrow. It would be an unwelcome distraction for him if you show up at Riddle Manor when he's not expecting it."

Hermione nodded, and Remus patted her on the shoulder before leaving. She sat in the kitchen for a long time, thinking of both the past and the future. As much as she dreaded the thought of ever setting foot in Riddle Manor again, she knew she had to do her part and she refused to be told that she had to stay behind. She had never backed down before and she wasn't about to start now. Ever since her first year at Hogwarts, she had helped Harry on his quest to destroy Voldemort and now, when it was within his grasp, she planned to be with him every step of the way.

There was a sound behind her and she turned, rising suddenly to her feet to see the dark-haired man, standing and looking at her.

"Hi, Harry," she said sitting back down with a sigh. "What are you doing here?"

"Remus thought you might need someone to talk to," he said coming to sit across from her. "Besides, who else would I spend today with?"

"Ginny," Hermione said with a smile and Harry smiled back.

"Okay, you're right. But she went back to Grimmauld Place for a while with the rest of her family. She's furious they can't go back to the Burrow but with security…." He shrugged his shoulders helplessly.

"How are Molly and Arthur doing? I haven't seen much of them lately."

Again Harry shrugged his shoulders. "I think it's hard for them to mourn right now. Once it's all over and they have a chance to grieve, perhaps they can begin to move on."

Hermione nodded and they sat in silence for a while. Harry opened his mouth to speak a couple of times, but then seemed to think better of it and closed it again. Finally Hermione couldn't stand it any longer.

"Why are you here, Harry?" she said looking up at him. His face flushed.

"I don't know what is going on with you and Snape," he began. Hermione started to protest but he continued, "but today is the last day that we all know we're going to be alive. I mean, we know that there will be some casualties tomorrow and no one knows if they will still be alive at the end of the day. I know you plan to fight tomorrow, regardless of what he said earlier."

"Harry…"

"No, let me finish. I'm glad you'll fight. I want you there with me. But I don't want you to have any regrets. Maybe there are things that need to be said now." Harry rose from his chair and paused next to her. "If there is anything I have learned in this fight against Voldemort, it's that you shouldn't leave things unsaid. I wish with Sirius…" He paused and seemed unable to continue. "Go talk to him, Hermione. Merlin knows, I never thought I'd be giving that advice, but I think you'll feel better if you do."

Hermione also stood. "All right, Harry," she said, giving him a hug, They walked towards the door.

"I looked on my map. He's down by the entrance to the dungeons." Although the dungeons themselves had been destroyed, it was still possible to get partway down the stairs, even thoughthey were not generally considered safe.

Hermione gave him another hug and they parted, Harry heading back towards Gryffindor Tower and Hermione in the direction of the dungeons. She saw Severus, sitting on the lowest stair, staring at the ruins.

She walked down towards him. As he heard the footsteps he stood and turned to look at her, his expression wary. When it was clear she wasn't going to yell at him, he turned and sat back down. She joined him, sitting on the stairs as well.

"I'm going to fight tomorrow," she said after a lengthy silence.

"I know," he said, continuing to stare ahead at nothing. "Remus told me I'd never get you to stay behind."

Hermione felt a jolt of surprise. She had expected more of an argument out of him. They sat for a while longer, neither of them speaking.

"I don't suppose I can convince you to wait and go with the younger Order members?" he finally asked.

"No. I want to be with Harry. Since Ron can't…" Hermione broke off suddenly as unexpected tears rose to her eyes. She had been through so much since Ron's funeral that sometimes it seemed he had been gone for years, not just a couple of months.

"I thought that's what you would want," Severus finally said, once Hermione had once again regained control of her emotions. "I will not argue with you about it any longer. I am not… I am not like the Dark Lord. You have your free will to decide what to do."

Hermione felt a flash of guilt. "I'm sorry," she said quietly. "I never should have implied such a thing. It was uncalled for."

Severus accepted her apology with a nod. She thought he was done speaking so she rose to leave, but he reached out and grabbed her hand.

"Don't go," he said, his voice sounding choked. "If we don't get the chance to speak again…"

Hermione sat back down and leaned against him, resting her head on his shoulder.

"Do be careful, Hermione," he said finally. "I don't want this to be our last conversation."

Hermione lifted her head to look at him. His face seemed impossibly close and his dark eyes were swirling with emotion. He lifted a hand to smooth back her hair.

"I feared for you when you were a prisoner, but I fear for you much more now," he said as he cupped her face in his hand

"You be careful as well," she said with a sad smile, a tear leaking out of her eyes. She could feel him brush it away with his thumb. They stayed that way for a long moment before he bent his head to kiss her.

As it had the previous time, what was meant to be a gentle kiss, perhaps even a farewell kiss, was suddenly something much more. Hermione felt his tongue run against her bottom lip and she opened up to him, clutching his hair in her fists. He groaned and pulled her to him until she was on his lap, straddling him, his hands also running through her hair and down her back. Hermione gasped as his hands slid under her clothes, running against her skin, and she arched against him as he pressed a kiss at the base of her neck. As he opened his eyes to glance at her, however, he noticed her cheeks were streaked with tears. He removed his hands and she opened her eyes to look at him.

"Don't cry, Hermione," he said gently. It seemed this was all she needed and she broke down into great heaving sobs, burying her head into his shoulder as he helplessly patted her back. When she was finally still, he gently pulled her away from him. She moved off his lap and back to his side on the step, wiping her face with her sleeve.

"Should we head back?" she asked after taking several steadying breaths. Severus gave a curt nod. He did not look back to her when he spoke.

"Yes, that would be best."

She stood up and waited for him to follow. For a moment she thought he was going to continue sitting there, but then he stood and followed her to the top of the stairs. They walked in silence until they reached the seventh floor at which point Severus stopped her. He pulled her into his arms and Hermione looked up at him with confusion. Severus had never been affectionate and his behaviour was unusual in the extreme. She was even more shocked to realize that his hands were shaking and his face was even more pale than usual as he looked down on her.

"Severus? What…"

She was unable to continue as his mouth crushed against hers, kissing her fiercely. He broke away just as quickly and spoke to her in a harsh voice.

"You will stay safe tomorrow." He said it as a statement, rather than a question, as if the force of his will was enough to affect future events.

Hermione smiled at him. "Yes, I will."

A little of the colour seemed to return to Severus's face as she spoke and his hands seemed to have steadied themselves.

"I am a difficult person, I know," he said, refusing to loosen his grip on her. "But you should know that I am rather… fond of you."

"I've surmised as much," she said with another smile. "I suppose that I'm fond of you as well; even if you are frustrating and hard headed."

Severus allowed something close to a smirk to cross his lips. "I could say the same for you, you know. I've never met someone as obstinate as me before."

Hermione couldn't help but laugh and he pressed a kiss to her forehead before leading her back to the Gryffindor common room.

Severus sat by the fire of the common room, trying his hardest to stare at the book in his hand. Yet, no matter how hard he tried to concentrate on the infernal thing, his eyes kept drifting upwards. On the other side of the room sat Hermione with Potter, Longbottom and the Weasley girl. They appeared to be having a light-hearted conversation, but the smiles looked forced and the laughter was a little too loud to be genuine.

He returned his eyes to the page, but hewas unable to read. All he could think about were these strange feelings that kept welling up inside of him. Why were his eyes continually drawn to Hermione? Why was it that every time he closed his eyes all he could see was her, lying on the floor, covered in blood? And why did that send a jolt of fear through him greater than anything he had experienced before?

The sound of her laughter again forced his eyes up. This time her eyes drifted towards him and he saw that, indeed, this was all an act for her. He had never seen such disturbed eyes on a laughing face before. He resisted the urge to go over and take her away, but it would never do to draw that kind of attention to their situation.

Finally the hour grew late enough that he felt it was only his duty as a leader to intervene. He snapped his book shut, left it on the nearby table and walked over to the small group. He saw Potter look up at him with suspicious eyes. Slowly the rest of the group turned to see what he was looking at. He ignored the blush that was faintly creeping up Hermione's face.

"I would think, Potter, that you would better spend this time resting and preparing for tomorrow," he said, keeping his voice cold. "In fact, I would advise it for everyone. Especially you, Miss Granger." He looked down at her and fixed her with as hard a stare as he could manage. She looked unfazed. "If you insist on accompanying us tomorrow, you should at least have the courtesy to rest and be as prepared as possible. You may also want to see Madam Pomfrey for any bone-strengthening potions she might have."

Severus was sure she would argue with him; he could not remember a time when she followed an order of his. Instead she just smiled and said, "What an excellent idea, Professor. I'll go see her right now." As she walked by her hand brushed his.

Impertinent girl, he thought to himself, but somehow his heart seemed a little lighter. The rest of the group broke up and headed towards the dormitories. Everyone, that is, except Harry, who continued to stare at him.

"Is there something you needed, Potter?" he asked impatiently.

Harry rose slowly. "Nothing, sir. Just noting the unusual concern you seem to have developed for my best friend."

"I just don't want her ruining our chances tomorrow," Severus said shortly. "And I trust you will keep your nose out of everyone else's business."

"Of course, and I trust you will keep in mind that Hermione is my business."

"Fine, Potter. Just keep your mind on tomorrow's mission," Severus snapped. He walked away to get some rest himself.

Bloody Gryffindors, he thought, right before sleep claimed him. It's a good thing they're so damn brave, or they wouldn't be good for anything.