A/N I'm sorry this took so long! I have een very busy with school and every other thingthat would delay me in this. I hope you like this chappter. There isn't much HG/SS action here, but it's still good. Enjoy!

Hermione was taken aback. Why had she remained here at Kings Cross? Hadn't she gone back with Snape? Then she realized she must have lost her grip on his hand. Horrified, she glanced frantically around, hoping, for the first time in her life, to see his billowing robes. But she saw nothing and her feeling of emptiness only increased as she realized she was completely alone. What would she do? Did she have to remain here the rest of her existence?

What would Ginny and Harry think of her dead?

Just the thought of them made her shudder with regret. There was so much she hadn't told them, hadn't said to her best friends. Then her thoughts turned to Snape. Would he appreciate her saving his life? He sure hadn't acted like it when she first showed up here. He had sneered and berated her for using Dark Magic. She snorted. He would hate her for what she'd done. He didn't deserve this. He didn't deserve to die. She knew that; that's why she'd done what she did. For him. Her most hated teacher. She still couldn't believe she had actually done it. But she'd known it would happen. She recalled Safire's exact words before she'd done it.

"You have never done this kind of advanced magic before," the Frences had warned. "If you do this, the chances of you surviving are diminutive. There is a small chance of you returning, but no guarantee. Are you sure?"

Hermione had paused a moment before answering decidedly. "Yes, I am positive." Then she remembered the promise she had made Safire make.

"If—if I don't come back with him, please, tell him I'm sorry."

Hermione was brought back to the future by a distant whistling. For a moment, she thought it was the Hogwarts Express come to get her, but she shook the thought. There was no way. She sighed and sat down on a nearby bench. Tears stung her eyes, and a moment later, she buried her head in his hands, sobbing uncontrollably. She would never see any of her friends again, never tell Harry she was sorry for all she had done to hurt him, never laugh and talk with Ginny, never attend her classes with her classmates, or express her thanks to Professor Snape for saving her…

She lifted her head abruptly, for at that moment, she sensed a presence. A presence she thought she'd never feel again. She dried her tear stained cheeks and glanced around, hoping to see someone, but nothing was there.

Then something caught her eye. A strange, silvery substance was curling through the air towards her. She stood and watched it, enthralled by the shifting, pulsing colors. As it reached her, the shimmering mass—or, lack of mass—stopped to hover in front of her, inches from her face. Her hand lifted, unbidden, towards the magic, she had assumed it to be, and her fingers were suddenly immersed in the liquid like aura as she watched. The pulsing magic twisted around her body, engulfing her in its touch, and she gasped at how cold it was. It slowly increased in accumulation until she felt smothered by it, yet in a pleasing way. Hermione shivered excitedly at the unmistakable… aura… about the magics presence and she sighed.

Suddenly, she felt her feet lifting gradually off the ground as it carried her upwards, up to the bright sky, and she felt herself shifting through time and space, and swiftly the magic released its hold, sending her plunging down, down, towards the earth…

Hermione blinked her eyes open and gasped in shock. She was in Dumbledore's office, and the Headmaster himself was staring down at her with a peculiar look of shock, as if he couldn't believe what he was seeing. Then she saw why.

Professor Snape was sitting near her, his head bowed and his hands clenched. He seemed distant, and at a loss for… something. As she watched, he lifted his head slowly and glanced up at her, eyes unusually blank and sad. When he saw her looking at him, he lowered his head again, not caring he was showing weakness in front of a student. That worried her deeply. She glanced up at Dumbledore. "Sir, wh—what happened?"

Dumbledore smiled gently at her. "I think Professor Snape can tell you," he said with a glance at the Potions Master, who glanced at the Headmaster and stood shakily.

"I think you can explain it, yourself, sir," he said in a weak sneer, leaning heavily against the wooden desk. "I see no need of it being myself."

"I do though." Dumbledore flashed Snape a glance showing that argument was over. "Are you both alright?" he asked, abruptly changing the subject with the customary twinkle in his ice blue eyes. "Do you need anything?"

Snape snorted drily. "I am fine, sir, apart from one small thing…" Dumbledore waited curiously and Snape growled. "I need not answer that."

"Ah, I see now. And you, Miss Granger? Are you well enough to travel?"

Hermione nodded slowly, wondering what Snape meant by 'one small thing.' Before she could ask, though, Professor Dumbledore was helping her to her feet and good-naturedly shooing her and Snape from the office. "You two need sleep, now. Severus, you too," he added when Snape rolled his dark eyes. "While you escort Miss Granger to the Gryffindor tower, you can explain what happened."

"Fine," Snape growled in a low tone. As he closed the door and they started down the spiral stairs, Hermione had the good sense to remain silent. They stepped into the hall and started towards the Gryffindor tower in silence. Finally Snape spoke up. "I can tell you are dying for an explanation," he drawled in his usual expressionless voice. She nodded and he continued without looking at her. "Before I tell you, I want you to know I did not do it because I felt sorry for you, or any similar reason. Understand?"

Hermione nodded again. He would not have done anything for her readily, that much she knew. Why he did it, though, was what she wanted to know.

"As you obviously know, in your bringing me back, you thus lost your own life. I would have gone about the same means to bring you back, as you are needed for… reasons you need not know about, but casting or being subject to the Soul Binding spell more than once could result in death for both sides. So, that was not an option. However, upon arriving at Professor Dumbledore's office, he explained an alternative that could be used." Snapes voice, to Hermione's surprise, quavered the slightest bit as he continued, so slight, hardly noticeable, but there. "He suggested the Eternal Renewal spell."

Hermione stared up at her professor, dumbfounded. "Sir, what…"

"Does the spell do?" She nodded assenting and he smirked most unpleasantly. "You will have to find that out on your own. However, I will allow you to study a book that might aid you in your… research. The day after tomorrow, stay after class; you may read it then." He paused and flashed her a fleeting look before stopping abruptly. They had arrived at the Fat Lady's portrait. He turned and began stalking away.

"Professor?" Hermione suddenly stepped towards him then lowered her eyes as he turned to stare at her. "Tha—thank you, sir." She quickly turned and prepared to enter the portrait hole when a low, reluctant voice spoke.

"You're welcome, Miss Granger." She whipped around as he swiftly swept away, his black robes billowing out behind him as he vanished around the corner. She gaped, shocked to speechlessness he had responded to her. After a moment, the Fat Lady huffed impatiently and she hurried into the Gryffindor common room, where she collapsed on an armchair, exhausted.

Hermione stared at the dying flames in the mantel and realized that she just wanted to sleep for the next week, without any disturbance. But there was just one problem. She had to drag herself up to her bed if she was going to sleep. With a cringe at the throbbing in her head, she hauled herself back to her feet and started up the stairs. Upon reaching her four-poster, she collapsed on top of the sheets without changing into clean clothes and was instantly comatose.

Golden fur flashed from the bushes and unblinking eyes gleamed out, staring at the robed man striding across the courtyard. As the man passed by the obscuring bushes, the creature leaped out to land in front of him, eyes flaring and tail lashing.

"You brought her back?" the golden creature demanded, the spell not quite worn off yet.

Stumbling to a halt, the man glared down at the insistent creature. "Yes, but it is none of your concern. I agreed to take you along, now it is your own fault if you are caught." He continued walking, steering to go around the creature, but she just shifted to sit in front of him again. "What do you want?" He snapped.

"I want to see her," she replied simply. He started. "Will you take me to her?" She cocked her head at him, her eyes pleading mildly.

He sighed. "Fine, but I'm not going in the Gryffindor tower. You do that yourself." He turned sharply and headed back to the castle, the creature with gold fur close behind. He swept silently through the deserted halls and up the Shifting Stairs. Upon arriving at their destination, the man stopped as someone yawned and said, impatiently, "What might you be doing up her, sir, at this time?"

"I am… taking this persistent creature to visit someone." The man stepped back to let the individual at his feet to show herself. The portrait that spoke gasped and quickly swung outward, admitting her inside. The man vanished without a trace.

When Hermione woke the next morning, sunlight was streaming in through the gap in the curtains, flooding the room with light. A glance at her watch told her it was almost noon. With a sigh, she sat up and instantly froze in surprise. Safire was at the foot of her bed, curled up sleeping with her head tucked between her golden paws. As Hermione watched, the young Frences blinked her eyes open and yawned before turning her head to look at her. She let out a short bark and narrowed her eyes confusedly.

Hermione laughed and reached for her wand, which she had set on her dresser before going to sleep the night before. To her surprise, it wasn't there. Safire, noticing her pause, leaped down and sniffed around. After a moment she slipped her paw under the low dresser and pulled the wand out, flipping it towards Hermione. She smiled gratefully and caught the wand neatly.

"Translacio," she flicked her wand at Safire, who shook her fur as the magic hit her.

"Thanks," she half purred half growled. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine thanks." Hermione glanced at the Frences curiously. "How did you get in here? I thought you didn't want to be seen?" As she watched Safire, Hermione realized her ears were flicking uncomfortably, and she was avoiding direct eye contact.

"Well, Professor Snape got me in, but…" Safire trailed off, clearly not wanting to discuss the subject. "I wanted to know how you were doing, especially after last night."

Hermione was desperate for an explanation, but she respected Safire and didn't ask. Instead, she stared out the window. "How did I come back? What was that… substance that brought me back?"

Safire cocked her head curiously. "I don't know what spell was used to revive you; otherwise, I could tell you."

Hermione, disappointed, nodded. "Tomorrow Professor Snape said he would let me look at a book that would explain the spell; if you like, you can come with me. It's right after Potions class."

"That would be great! Would he let me though?" Safire's excitement dimmed as she considered the fact Snape might not allow her to help. He hadn't taken well to her wanting to visit Gryffindor tower the night before, and she was sure he had not forgotten.

"I'm sure he'll be fine with it," Hermione assured her. "I don't see why—" She broke off as the dormitory door was flung open and Ginny burst into the room, her eyes wide. When she spotted Hermione, her face broke into a huge grin that quickly turned to confusion.

"Hermione! But I thought… you were—"

"Dead, I know," Hermione laughed at her friends' confusion. "Snape brought me back."

Ginny gaped at her friend with disbelief. "Wait, Snape brought you back? But why… how?" Ginny shook her head in incredulity. "You are a strange person, 'Mione."

"I know," Hermione tossed her hair jokingly. "But so is everyone else in this school. It's to be expected of us magic people."

Ginny sighed and sat on her bed, staring blankly at the floor. "We thought you were gone. Harry was distraught; he told me about your arguments, and said he wished he'd apologized. I tried to talk to him, but he remained hidden in his misery." She paused and stared at Hermione sneakily. "I can't wait to see what he does when you show up in Defense against the Dark Arts."

Hermione snickered and rose from her bed. "Yeah, really. I wonder if he'll go back to ignoring me."

"I doubt it."

Hermione swung her head around to face her friend, surprised at how convinced she sounded. "You think so? What makes you so sure?"

"Why wouldn't he? He told me himself he was sorry, so why should he ignore you now you're alive again? That wouldn't make sense," Ginny pointed out smoothly. She smiled and suddenly froze. "What is that?" She suddenly said, staring at something behind Hermione with wide eyes.

Hermione turned to see what Ginny was looking at and laughed again. "Ginny, this is Safire," she introduced as Safire stepped into view. "She's a Frences. But you can't tell anyone she's here."

"Who? She's a what? Why can't I tell anyone?" The questions tumbled from the redheads' mouth faster than magic from a wand. "Where did you find her?"

Hermione held her hands up. "One question at a time! She lives in the Dark Forest, and you can't tell anyone because she asked me not to." She stroked the Frences' fur, and Ginny stared. "She really is brilliant. She helped me—" Hermione broke off a Crookshanks leaped up on the bed and froze as he caught sight of Safire. He arched his back and hissed, but at that moment Safire emitted a low, soothing purr that made pause the orange cat. Hermione and Ginny watched in surprise as Crookshanks relaxed and settled down comfortably on the bed sheets, purring softly.

Safire turned triumphantly to Hermione. "Where were we?"

The two girls laughed and Ginny asked, "You can speak to cats?"

"Yes and also foxes, dogs, and, as you can see, humans." Safire glanced at Crookshanks, who was now sleeping peacefully. She shook her shaggy golden head and sighed. "He just needed reminding of his place, which was easy enough, seeing as how he is alone most of the time with no feline company."

Ginny smiled and turned back to Hermione. "So, what do you mean that Snape brought you back? Explain from the beginning, and don't leave anything out."

So Hermione explained. From the moment she left the Great Hall, when Snape told her to bring her wand and traveling cloak, to him explaining the Frences. When she got to the part when they split up, Ginny couldn't help but break in. "I may not like Snape, but I would defiantly rather you be with Snape that alone. I mean honestly, all the things that could attack you!" Hermione laughed and continued to when she met Hagrid, then when they found Aragog biting Professor Snape. Hermione explained how she had gone to find Safire for the cure. Ginny looked horrified but didn't say anything as Hermione explained when she had performed the Soul Binding spell and what had happened while doing so.

Safire took over after that, as Hermione had not been present in the next scenes. The young Frences told the story well, and Hermione was surprised at all that had occurred while she had been… absent. Finally, Safire told of the professors' conversation in Dumbledore's office. When she got to the part when Snape revived her, she refused to say anything but the littlest amount. "So, Professor Dumbledore told Professor Snape a spell he could use, and after a bit of thought, Snape used it," she explained, clearly avoiding the subject. When Hermione pressed for detail, her only reply was "I'm sure he would rather tell you himself." She ended her story after telling how she persuaded Snape to bring her here.

"So, Snape is going to tell you the spell he used after Potions tomorrow?" Ginny inquired. "I wonder why they wanted to keep it secret. It must be either really rare or really bad."

"I don't know either," Hermione replied, her voice trailing as her mind wandered. "Anyway, whatever it was, I'll know by tomorrow. He said he would let me look through a book from his library that has it in it, so…" Her head suddenly snapped up and her eyes widened.

"What is it, Hermione?" Ginny and Safire spoke unanimity.

She shook her head relaxing a bit. "Nothing, I just thought… never mind." Her mind was whirling; she had suddenly remembered something from when she used the Soul Binding spell on Snape. When she had learned she had used Dark Magic, her subconscious mind had seen someone behind him. Someone she never thought to see again. So pale, almost invisible, but there all the same. His transparent expression was one of shock, ecstasy, and relief, but she had ignored him. The one person she missed dearly, she ignored him. His red hair had been unmistakable, and he had tried vainly to capture her attention, but she was too focused on Snape to notice.

Ginny noticed her lack of concentration, but instead of urging her to explain, she quietly stood from the bed and went downstairs to the common room, leaving Hermione alone with her thoughts. As the redhead collapsed on the sofa, she wondered why Hermione was acting so strange. Whenever the subject of Snape came up, she started to look uncomfortable, even afraid. What had the Head of Slytherin done to make her like that? She remembered that day on their way to the Great Hall, when Hermione had, for the first time, run from a teacher and in return received her first detention since arriving at Hogwarts. That really worried Ginny. Hermione never had detention, yet here she was with a week full of them. Then she also remembered the dream Hermione had had and told Ginny about. That must be the cause of the problem; she could be afraid it might really happen. But why would she be worried? There was no possible way that could happen; it was absurd. Anyway, Snape was teacher, for Merlin sake; he couldn't do anything like that if he wanted to. It was specifically said by the Ministry of Magic that no affairs between a teacher and student could be existent.

While Ginny had been lost in thought, she didn't notice Hermione descending the stairs unhurriedly and stop in front of the fire, mesmerized by the flickering flames. After a moment, the bushy haired girl turned to look at the redhead and sighed. "I'm sorry I got you involved in my terrible life," she said miserably. "I wasn't thinking about your feelings."

Ginny, when Hermione had spoken, glanced up in surprise and said, "No, it's my fault I'm in this mess. I want to help you with it, Hermione. Will you allow me to?"

Hermione was surprised at this, but nodded slowly. "But, how could you help me? I mean, this is my battle, you might not understand it completely. When I told you about my dream, you comforted me, yes, but you didn't offer to help. I'm not saying you're a bad friend; no way! You're one of my best friends here as well as Harry. But… I just don't see how you can help me." Hermione regretted her words and ducked her head in embarrassment. "I'm sorry—"

"Don't be," Ginny said, "I understand, but I still want to try and help you."

Hermione nodded again and a smirk formed on her face. "Well then, maybe you could help me down to the Great Hall; I'm starving!" Ginny shook her head, glad that her friend was at least a little happier, and the two girls set off together.

Upon arriving at the Great Hall, Hermione immediately spotted Harry; his shoulders were slumped as he chatted half-heartedly with Fred and George. As Hermione and Ginny started towards them, Fred looked up and his face broke out in a huge grin. "Hermione! Harry told us about you but didn't say you'd come back!" George also glanced up and smiled broadly. Harry ignored them, which hurt Hermione greatly.

Instead of letting his bitterness ruin her day, she hurried over to sit by the twins and across from Harry. "I'm fine now," she said. "How are you, Harry?" she glanced pointedly at him and frowned when his gaze remained down, deaf to her presence. She sighed as Ginny took the seat next to her. "He still won't talk to me," she muttered to her friend.

"Here, allow me to help you with that," Ginny said with a smirk. She stood and walked around to sit by Harry. Leaning over, she whispered hurriedly in his ear while the other three watched on. After a moment, Harry sighed and, to everyone's surprise, cast a quick glance at Hermione. "I'm fine," he said grudgingly.

As Ginny retook her seat, Hermione gaped at her. "What did you do?" she asked in disbelief.

"I know a way with boys," she replied haughtily. George just snickered at her and Fred leaned over to whisper something in Hermione's ear. She stared at him with mock astonishment and shook her head with disbelief as he snorted amusedly.

At that moment, the noon bell rang and the Great Hall echoed with groans as everyone got ready to go to their first classes of the day. Harry was up and gone before Hermione even stood. As she rose from her seat, she wondered if he was in any of her classes, and if he was, hopefully she could get him to talk to her. She suddenly realized the others were staring at her curiously.

"Are you alright?" Ginny asked. "You look a little pale." She and her brothers were already a few paces down the aisle.

"I'm fine," Hermione said with a weak smile. As the continued on, the four of them, Ginny matched her pace to Hermione's.

"Hermione, guess what I found out about Fred?" she whispered excitedly. "Go on, guess!"

"Um, you got him to allow you to look in the store?" she guessed confusedly.

Ginny snorted. "Nice try; I wish. No, actually, I think it is very obvious he fancies you!"

"What?" Hermione stared at her friend in disbelief. "What in the world would make you think that? Anyway, he knew I was with Ron." But as she glanced at Ginny's brother out of the corner of her eye, she saw him whisper something in George's ear and flash a glance her direction. Turning back, Ginny gave her a smug look. "Yeah, well, what do you expect me to do?" she rolled her eyes. "Go up to him and say 'sorry, but you cant like me'?"

Ginny shook her head. "No, tell him you like him."

Hermione's eyes were open wide as she gaped. "What, you want to me to lie?" She cut off as she realized the twins had caught up to them and were listening intently. She cast Ginny a look of disbelief and hurried ahead of them, ignoring the snickers that met her ears. She arrived at the Defense classroom as everyone was just getting seated. She noticed their teacher hadn't arrived yet.

"Hey, Hermione! Come sit with us!" Hermione turned to see the twins already seated at a long table with Ginny, Percy, Neville, and Luna. She stared, shocked. How did they get here before she had? She made her way over and sat in the only vacant place, between Luna and Fred. Had it been set up this way on purpose? she wondered. Ginny cast her a mischievous look and Hermione knew it had.

"Where is the Professor?" Hermione asked. "Who is he, for that matter?"

"Professor Lupin is taking over for today," Ginny explained. "He said he would be a bit late."

"It already ten minutes after class was supposed to start." Luna glanced at a nearby clock. "He should be here about now…"

"Good morning class! Sorry I'm not on time, meeting ended late…" Professor Lupin swept into the room and stood in font of his desk, his eyes scanning the class. "First off, has anyone here been to Hogsmeade?"

Curious murmurs echoed through the room as every hand went up. "Good!" Lupin grinned. "Because that is where we are going today. I know you're excited," he added as the room filled with excited applause and cheers. "And the only reason we are going will be made clear soon. Now, if you will kindly follow me…" He stood and started towards the door while everyone followed him. The only people that didn't seem very excited at going to Hogsmeade were the Slytherins. Actually, that included only Draco Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyle, and three first years that seemed to be holding their excitement in to look like apposite Slytherins. Hermione snickered at that. Malfoy was already having an influence on the others.

"What do you think we are doing there?" Ginny asked curiously.

"Hopefully going to Zonkos," George suddenly appeared right beside them and Hermione jumped. "We need to restock on supplies."

"I doubt Professor Lupin would give us time fore that," Hermione pointed out. "He said we were going for a reason." She, as was every member in the class, was very curious as to what Lupin had in mind for them. Never before has a class left Hogwarts' boundaries for any reason. This was definitely a first.

As Hermione and Ginny filed out through the doors, someone slammed into her side, hard. She whipped around to see Malfoy sneer at her as he pushed past her. "Watch where you're going, Mudblood." She cast him a withering look and advanced on him but an arm held her back. Ginny was too far behind for it to be her; she was surprised to see Fred attempting to restrain her as she struggled against his strong grasp. "Leave him, Hermione," the redhead advised, though through gritted teeth. She relented after a moment and he released her as Ginny caught up.

"What's going on?" She fell in step with Hermione as the irate girl explained. When she finished, Ginny laughed, much to Hermione's displeasure. "Oh, 'Mione, you let everything get to you! He's just a spiteful git; ignore him."

Hermione scowled but was silent as they hurried through the castle.

They arrived at Hogsmeade about ten minutes later. As they walked through the cobblestone streets, Hermione realized they were walking right by all the logical shops for a Defense class. Growing more confused by the moment, she was shocked when they stopped in front of the Quidditch supplies shop. With a smug grin, Professor Lupin turned around to face the class. "Thought we were coming for a lesson, did you? No! Today is going to be the day we take a break. Go inside, grab a broom, any broom, and come back out here. Don't worry," he added at the dubious glances. "I've gotten permission."

"Any broom, sir?" Malfoy spoke up suspiciously. "Any one?"

"Yes, Draco, any broom." Lupin had a strange expression on his face that Hermione couldn't quite read.

"Come on," Ginny tugged her sleeve impatiently. "I've always wanted to try out the new Siriz!" Hermione remembered that a few weeks ago, she and Ginny had been reading The Daily Prophet and they had seen the advertisement for the Siriz, the new trademark broom that was faster and more accurate than any other, even the Firebolt. They had been dying to try it out ever since it was released to Quidditch Supplies.

Hermione laughed as Ginny pulled her swiftly into the shop, straight for the window display where the Siriz was displayed. Its deep mahogany wood gleamed in the sunlight streaming through the window. The tail was perfectly clipped and the entire thing was quivering with energy. Underneath the display was one long, narrow box containing the very last Siriz. Ginny quickly grabbed it, then seeing Hermione didn't have one, she sheepishly tried to offer it to her.

Hermione was disappointed, but she tried not to let it show. "You keep it," she said. "You want it more than I do."

"Are you sure?" Ginny asked. "If you want it, then—"

"I said you keep it. I can get a Firebolt." Hermione turned to grab a Firebolt, smiling at her friend. "I'm fine."

Ginny looked partly relieved and she and Hermione hurried towards the door. Abruptly, Fred and George stepped in front of them. They were both holding Siriz's. Fred noticed instantly the two girls held different brooms. He grinned mischievously. "Did you want a Siriz, Hermione?" he offered his own broom while George stared incredulously. "Trade you for that Firebolt."

Hermione couldn't help the excitement at the prospect of being able to use a Siriz after all. She usually hated flying, but the ads on the Siriz made it sound easy, and she wanted to try it. Fred must have noticed, because he pushed the Siriz into her hand before she could say a word. She gaped at him. "Are you sure?"

"Never surer," he replied with wink. Hermione felt her face burning with embarrassment as she handed him her Firebolt. He grinned and he and George continued on their way.

"I told you he fancies you," Ginny said smugly. "Need any more proof than that?"

"Oh, shut up," Hermione muttered, turning away as Ginny snickered in amusement. "I already knew it. Let's go now." She stalked away and Ginny followed, still laughing at her embarrassment. They exited Quidditch Supplies and joined the rest of their classmates outside.

A/N And, there is it. Hope you liked it. Please review!

"To the well organized mind, death is but the next greatest adventure." ~Albus Dumbledore