A/N: This glimpse takes place when Hermione was in her 6th year, of course before she and Severus got together. Severus is still doing work against Voldemort for Dumbledore in secret. As I have said before, Hermione helps Snape for "extra credit" in potions class. This takes place during one of those times. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own HP or "When You're Gone." J.K. and Avril Lavigne do.

When you walk away

I count the steps that you take

Hermione sighed as she mixed some wormwood into the potion she was brewing for Professor Snape. She wasn't even doing this potion for class; she had sort of become his apprentice within the last year, for extra credit. Hermione Granger, doing extra credit for a class she already had full marks in. Why? Because she was in love with the Potions Master.

Yes, Hermione Granger was head over heels in love with Severus Snape and there was nothing she could do about it. If she were in love with Ron or Neville or someone like that, she could tell them in an instant. And she would tell Severus too… except for that little problem of him being her professor.

Yes, that was a problem, she thought as her eyes drifted to the dark figure bent over his desk, grading papers.

But being his apprentice, she could spend lots of time with him and no one would be any the wiser.

He must have felt her looking at him, because he glanced up and caught her eye.

"Do you need something, Miss Granger?" he asked sarcastically.

"N-no, sir," she stuttered, looking back down at the potion at hand. Those sarcastic comments just make me want to jump him, she thought.

They sat in silence for a few moments more, Hermione's yawns being the only sound in the room. It was nearing midnight, and she had been working on the potion for over three hours. It was very complicated, and she could feel her eyes drooping shut. But she was determined to finish it; she would not disappoint Professor Snape.

The silence was looming until Severus jumped a little in his chair, made a sound in his throat, and gripped his left forearm in pain.

Hermione looked at him instantly.

"Professor, are you…" she stopped talking when she realized which arm he was holding. She swallowed and locked eyes with him.

All of her friends had their theories about Snape, but she had spent enough time with him to know that he was working in secret for Dumbledore. Every time his Dark Mark burned, he had to go to the Death Eater meeting, but not for any gain of his own. He was doing it to help defeat the Dark Lord. He was a terrific double agent; most of the students were convinced he was a true Death Eater. But not Hermione. She knew he was good.

This wasn't the first time his Dark Mark had burned with her in the room. She was in his office many late nights and early mornings, and those were the times Voldemort called the most.

And every time he left, every time he walked out the door, her heart ached.

"Miss Granger, I-" he said, but she cut him off.

"I know, Professor. You have to go," she said, her voice cracking before she could stop it. He looked at her confusedly.

"Miss Granger, are you quite alright?" he asked, standing up to get his mask out of the cupboard behind him.

"Yes, Professor, I- I just think I'm getting a cold," she said, clearing her throat unnecessarily.

He didn't quite believe her, but he didn't have time to press the issue. He didn't put the mask on in her presence; he never did.

She was looking at him painfully, her brown eyes wide with fright. He walked over to her, on an impulse. It was as if he weren't controlling the actions his body was taking. He reached a hand out and put it on top of hers.

"I'll be back shortly, Miss Granger," he said, squeezing her hand reassuringly. She gulped, getting goosebumps on her hand under his touch. She nodded.

"Please, be careful, Professor," she managed, fighting back tears.

"Always," he said, removing his hand from hers and walking out the door.

No sooner than the door clicked shut, she dropped her head on the table and let the tears flow. When would this nightmare be over? She hoped Voldemort would fall before something happened to Severus. What if he found out Severus was working against him? She didn't even want to think about it.

She didn't know if anything would ever come of her feelings toward Professor Snape. Probably not, but she'd like to at least have a chance.

She raised her head from the desk, tears sliding down her cheeks. She wasn't tired anymore. She was going to finish that potion and be waiting here for Professor Snape when he returned. She had to know he was okay.

When you're gone

The pieces of my heart are missing you

I heard this song and this little glimpse just popped into my head! Hope you liked it! Please review! Love, love!

-r