A/N I am soooo sorry this update took so long! Pleaasseee forgive me you guys; I was very busy, and just didn't find time! I promise I will make up for it. I actually could update every other day if I wanted, but I just don't have that time!

And by the way, this chapter is interesting, to say the least. I know you are wanting some Hermione/Severus parts, so I tried the best I could here. I hope this wasn't taking it too fast. I just hope its not too... romantic for such an early chapter. It should be fine though. Again, I'm sorry this took so long to come. I feel really bad, so could you help me get the next chapter faster with some reviews? Thanks, and enjoy!

"Today, as I already said, is a free day. You will be allowed half an hour to fly where you like, as long as I can see you. Am I understood?" Nods. "Good. Now, take to the skies!" Professor Lupin ducked rapidly as twenty or so brooms whizzed over his head and zipped through the air, whoops of elation reaching his ears.

As Hermione swooped through the air, she realized the Siriz was indeed perfectly balanced and she had no trouble at all staying upright. She turned in circles and loops, laughing hysterically. She marveled at how fast she could go, the wind whipping her hair in her face and stinging her half-closed eyes. She guessed that, while she wouldn't like flying enough to play Quidditch, she would still enjoy it quite a bit.

"Watch this!" Ginny suddenly called from her left. Hermione turned her head to see the redhead drifting alongside her, upside down. Her face was twisted in a frenzied expression of mirth. Hermione grinned and also flipped her broom, griping the handle until her knuckles turned white. The blood rushed to her head, making her lightheaded, but she ignored it. Her mind was so occupied with the excitement of the moment, she didn't notice her broom start quivering. What happened next happened so fast, she didn't have time to process it in her mind until it was too late.

Her broom suddenly jerked against her and bucked wildly, knocking her around ruthlessly. Terrified, she tried desperately to regain control of the broom, but to no avail. The Siriz started whirling around and it was all she could to do to maintain her grip as she spiraled through the air. When she finally managed to right it, it had its final blow. A mighty jolt, a massive heave, and she was flying through the air, with no support beneath her. By that time, the entire class had noticed and was rushing forward on their brooms to help, but she was going too fast for them to do much. She couldn't even scream as she plummeted to the earth, the hard ground rushing up to meet her.

Suddenly, she was jolted to a sudden, painful halt as someone grabbed her around the waist and she was suddenly being pulled onto their broom. Her breath came in ragged gasps as she tried to make sense of what had just happened. Her broom had gone out of control, it had bucked her off, she was falling, and someone caught her, and now…

"Are you alright?" a concerned voice spoke close to her ear. "That was an awful fall." Hermione's mind was still fuzzy, and she didn't recognize the voice, but she managed a nod as she slowed her breathing. The broom tilted downward and not long before they alighted on the ground.

Professor Lupin hurried over. "Thank you, Fred; I'll take it from here." She was helped off the broom and lowered onto a soft chair conjured by Ginny. As she hunched over, whispers could be heard all around her.

"What happened? Was it the broom?"

"No, they're checked and double checked for jinxes."

"Maybe that one was overlooked."

"I doubt it."

"Hermione? Hermione, are you alright? Please answer me!"

She suddenly realized someone was shaking her shoulders, and as her vision cleared a bit, she saw desperate green eyes gazing at her with concern. She gasped as she recognized those eyes, the same ones she thought she'd never see again. "Ron?" she managed in a hoarse whisper.

"No, Hermione," Ginny's voice sounded next to her. "It's just Fred. How are you feeling?" Hermione opened her mouth to answer, but at that moment, an all too familiar voice spoke from behind them.

"Remus, why in the world have you brought your class here?"

Professor Lupin glanced up in surprise. "Professor Snape," he greeted the dark Potions Master. "I just wanted to… test my students' capabilities. They thought this was a leisure trip; a break, you could say. I wanted to know how cautious they were. Not a one of them checked their brooms for jinxes." He paused, his eyes sweeping over the gathering. "As you can see, Miss Granger here found that hers was jinxed."

"I see." Professor Snape narrowed his black eyes suspiciously. "Did Albus give you permission to bring them here?"

"As a matter of fact, he did." Lupin lifted his head. "Why might you be here?"

"That is none of your business. However," Snape added drily, "I shall tell you, because I was told to find you as well. I am delivering some healing potions to St. Mungos. Professor Dumbledore wanted me to tell you to meet him in his office in an hour. He would not tell me why."

Lupin seemed very surprised at this. "What are they supposed to do until then?" he asked, gesturing weakly at the curious students who were watching.

Professor Snape cast him a withering look. "That is not my responsibility." He turned and, without a word, swept gracefully away, his black robes fanning out behind him. Hermione was confused. He always had a short temper, but never like this. What was wrong? She hoped she would find out tomorrow after Potions, when Snape had promised to let her research the spell he had used to… to bring her back.

"Hermione, come on," Ginny helped her to her feet, if a little unsteadily. "We need to get going." Hermione allowed herself to be guided through the streets behind the class as they headed back to the castle. She was still a bit shaky after her incident.

They arrived at their next class, Transfiguration, just as the clock struck the hour. Professor McGonagall was nowhere to be seen and whispers could be heard from around the room. What was with all the teachers being late today? Hermione wondered. After a while, the door burst open and to everyone's surprise, Professor Dumbledore himself walked in and smiled warmly. "You are probably wondering where Professor McGonagall is," he began. "She will not be here today, so may I suggest you return to your dormitories and study for your OWL's." Groans met his words but quickly subsided at his stern look.

"Miss Granger, Miss Weasley, please stay for a moment." Dumbledore's soft voice caused Hermione to freeze as she was walking out. She turned and returned to her seat, confused. She was always confused these days it seemed.

Eventually, the room emptied of everyone but the Twins, who were talking about something that seemed important, based on their unusually serious facial expressions. After a moment, Dumbledore nodded and Fred, obviously pleased, beamed at him. George on the other hand was furious with his brother, and Hermione caught a bit of his arguments:

"…you explained it, but now you're turning back! You promised if I let you, I could have whoever I wanted! Now, you just…"

His voice lowered as Fred gaped at him. After a moment, Dumbledore cut in with assuring words and the two brothers and they glared one last tie at each other before storming from the room. Dumbledore stared after them sadly, with a hint of amusement, then beckoned the two girls over.

"Miss Weasley," he addressed Ginny. "I assume you have heard about you father?"

"Yes sir," Ginny replied, her face darkening at the memory. Hermione didn't have a clue what was going on, or what they were talking about.

"Well, I have just been informed that he has been released and taken back to the Burrow." Ginny's face glimmered with hope until the Headmasters' next words. "He wanted to say his farewells properly. He asked if you could leave Hogwarts a time to see him."

At this, Ginny shook her head miserably. "No, no, he—he can't be… Sir, isn't there anything you can do for him?" Her voice took on a higher pitch. "Anything?"

Dumbledore shook his head sadly. "No, I'm afraid not."

Hermione tried to comfort her friend, but the redhead just shrugged her off and turned around to dash from the classroom, tears streaming down her face. Hermione started after her, then remembered Dumbledore and turned back to gaze helplessly at him. "Sir, what—"

"I think she can tell you herself, when she's ready," he replied. She winced slightly. That was the second time he had told her that in as many days. "Miss Granger, I have been putting this off as long as I could, but I think the time has come for me to tell you about something the Ministry of Magic has put out. Please realize that this is your choice. If you do not with to participate, please tell me. But if you don't it could mean Harry's life. Will you listen?"

Hermione was stunned to speechlessness. What was he talking about? What could she possibly do to save Harry's life, and why did he say it was her choice? Was it something she might not want to do? Before she could ask herself any more questions, she lifted her head. "Yes, I will listen."

Relief was obvious on the Headmasters' face as he began talking. "About a month ago, the family of a Muggleborn student here at Hogwarts was ruthlessly murdered by Death Eaters caused by inadequate protection due to lack of magic in their blood. Shocked by this discovery, the ministry has found a solution, though there is only a fifty percent chance of it succeeding. They thought that is Muggleborn students were to… marry, say, pureblood or even half-blood students, it would create stronger protection for their family. The Ministry has informed me that as Headmaster, it was my job to… select the appropriate students to pair. Since you are not born from magical parents, I thought that if you so desired, you could join this agreement." Dumbledore waited patiently for her response.

Hermione's thought were whirling faster than Apparation. She would be forced to marry someone against her will! If she agreed to this, of course. Why wouldn't she? It would mean stronger protection for her parents, but what about her? She wasn't even out of school, and already she was offered matrimony. It didn't make sense; why couldn't the Ministry put wards on the Muggle families?

"It would require an immense deal of magic to ward so many households; they scarcely considered it." Dumbledore seemed to read her thoughts and she gaped at him. Was he an Occlumencer? "I've been asked that question countless times," he assured her, amused.

She shook her head and stared at him with wide eyes. "What will happen if I agree to… this?" she asked, her voice quivering derisorily. "Will my parents be safer?"

Dumbledore thought a moment. "It isn't guaranteed, but it is likely," he finally replied, slowly.

"Who—who have you paired me with?"

"I have asked the person in question, and he has agreed, if a bit earnestly. I believe it was Fred Weasley." Dumbledore turned his gaze to stare outside through a small window. "Or it could have been George; I'll never know the two of them apart." He chuckled.

Hermione was aghast. Fred? Then she remembered what Ginny had told her recently.

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

"Um, you got him to allow you to look in the store?" Hermione had guessed feebly.

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

"What?" Hermione had stared at her friend in disbelief. At first she had not believed Ginny; now, she knew it was true. And if she agreed to this matter, she would be married to him. She couldn't fathom it. She needed a while. "Professor, sir, would it be alright if I had a few days to think this over? I want to be sure before I answer."

"Of course, Miss Granger." Dumbledore suddenly looked a lot more cheerful. "That was not the only reason I wanted to speak with you. As of yesterday, I have found someone willing to fulfill your… request."

Hermione gaped at him. "Really?" she asked incredulously. "Who?"

Dumbledore explained the entire situation, and Hermione just grew more excited by the minute. When he finished, she was speechless. When she finally found her voice, she said, "Thank you, Professor! Thank you so much! When do I start?"

"Next Monday, and every Monday and Wednesday until you have mastered the art." Dumbledore chuckled at her ecstasy. "For now, I think you had better find your friend. She has need of your ever caring comfort." With that, the Headmaster swept gracefully from the room, leaving Hermione standing there, filled with anticipation. She couldn't wait to tell Harry and Ginny.

That evening, Hermione decided to take a short walk around the lake. As she took slow, measured steps through the rocky shore, a faint rustle sounded behind her, but she barely noticed the dark figure coming up behind her as her thoughts were elsewhere until a soft cough sounded next to her. Whipping her head up, she stared in astonishment at him, shock registering on her features. "Professor! What—what are you doing here?" she inquired.

"I could ask you the same thing," Professor Snape smirked as he fell in step beside her. It floored her; not that morning, he was getting on to her for who knew what reason, and now he was, of his own free will, walking next to her, with hardly a hint of hauteur. It disconcerted her greatly, and she had a sinking feeling about how this night would end. She knew this attitude couldn't last, so she resolved to remain silent as long as permitted. Snape noted her silence and rolled his eyes. "I asked you a question, Granger," he snapped impatiently.

Hermione sighed. Technically, he hadn't asked her a question; he had just stated. But who was she to argue with the formidable Slytherin Head? She directed her eyes downward and replied, "I just wanted to take a short walk, sir." She didn't want to see Snape's reaction, but he remained silent as they continued on in awkward silence by the waters' edge. After a moment, Hermione risked a glance at his face, but it was as unfathomable as ever. She returned to staring at her shoes when a sharp bark suddenly sounded from the lengthening shadows.

To Hermione's surprise, Safire bounded out from the bushes nearby towards them, her golden fur ruffled. She let out another short yelp, then glanced up at Hermione shamefacedly. Hermione whisked her wand out with a smile and flicked it at the Frences. "Translacio," she said clearly, and she noticed Snape's eyebrows rise at the unfamiliar spell. "I made it up," she explained, her excitement at seeing Safire never diminishing, even in the face of Professor Snape. She turned back to the golden creature before her. "How are you Safire? I haven't seen you in so long!"

"It's good to see you, Hermione," she replied. "And you too, Professor Snape. It's good to see you looking so much better." She narrowed her eyes playfully as she stepped up to the dark man and held her paw out. Snape seemed appalled and pointedly refused to respond to the gesture. Safire shrugged it off.

"Where have you been?" Hermione asked curiously as she continued walking down the shore with Safire; Snape grudgingly followed at a distance, though Hermione wasn't sure why he didn't just go back to the castle.

"Here and there," Safire replied. "I stayed with Hagrid for a few days. He is so kind; do you know what he did for me…?"

Snape listened idly to their conversation, also wondering why he wouldn't return to the castle. He needed to speak with Granger, but she was obviously too preoccupied for him, the 'bat of the dungeons', as Gryffindors so colorfully called him. She was the sole exception; he had never, in her seven years here at Hogwarts, heard of anything that she had called him anything but 'Professor'. He shook the thought; he needed to concentrate on what he was going to say to her. After going through his books that morning, he had found that the chapter he was going to have Granger read had too much detail on the matter for him; knowing her, she would feel way too much sympathy for his lack of magic.

Snape winced. Every time his mind flashed back to that night, an empty feeling wrenched inside him as he remembered painfully he was now without his magic.

"Professor?" Hermione's concerned sounded far ahead of Snape and he realized he had stopped walking and was staring blankly at the horizon. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," he snapped harshly, as he resumed walking at a brisker pace. When he caught up, Hermione and Safire continued walking, still immersed in conversation.

"So what happened when you went out to see what it was?" the Frences asked.

Hermione got a faraway look in her eyes as she recalled the memory. "Well, we went outside and Ron started worrying it might be a trap, but we all doubted him. I wish I hadn't." Snape was shocked to see tears glimmering in the Gryffindors' eyes. "As we went deeper into the forest, two Death Eaters jumped out and started to attack us with all kinds of spells and hexes I'd never heard of. Ron and Ginny were knocked out almost immediately, but Harry and I started fighting the Death Eaters. I got hit by a hex and was knocked unconscious for a few moments. When I came to, Harry—" Hermione choked on her words before continuing. "—Harry was fighting them both. I wanted to help, but I couldn't move.

"Then, Professor Snape showed up and chased the Death Eaters off. But one of them cast the killing curse at me, and I was suddenly at Kings Cross station." Safire was watching the girl wide-eyed as she absentmindedly told her story. "I was very confused, until Snape suddenly came up behind me and told me I was dead, very curtly, I might add." She seemed to forget where she was and who she was talking to, for she flashed a mischievous grin at her professor, who sneered and turned away. "If it weren't for Professor Snape, I wouldn't be here right now. He saved my life, twice now. I owe him everything." After voicing her true thoughts, she instantly averted her gaze lest he berate her for her words. She had no doubt the insecure, isolated professor wouldn't appreciate her praise. But she meant it; she truly did.

But, when he didn't say anything, Safire spoke up. "I never knew that… what happened after that?" At Hermione's uncomfortable silence, she quickly said, "you don't have to tell me if you don't want to."

Hermione smiled but said, "It's fine; I started telling you, I'm sure you want to hear the rest?" Safire nodded enthusiastically and Hermione continued. "Well, after Snape brought me back, I woke and saw him next to me, though he seemed dead. I admit, I was terrified. I thought everyone would think I killed him or something. But then he stirred. When he started back to Hogwarts, I still couldn't move." She snickered as the memories rushed back. "He snapped at me for not coming, but when I told him I couldn't move, he got really agitated." Snape assumed she had forgotten he was there and was listening to every word she said, and a snort escaped his throat. For being the brightest witch her age, she sure was scatterbrained. He would have been pressed to even think about. As she continued airily, he couldn't help but admire how freely she was telling this account. "So he had to, I confess languidly, help me to the dungeons, where I promptly fell asleep. When I woke, he was brewing a very complex looking potion." She almost said, 'I was reading in his office', but quickly caught herself. She would tell the actual story. Instead, she said, "when he finished, he administered the potion and I again fell asleep. When I awoke, I was back in my dormitory." Hermione was now lost in her story. As she trailed off, she eventually stopped walking and stood motionless at the waters edge.

"Hermione?" Safire took a tentative step towards her, but at Snape's glare she paused. After a moment, and with a meaningful glance at the Potions Master, the golden creature turned and whisked away with a purr of amusement, leaving the Slytherin head and Gryffindor student alone.

Snape stood unmoving, watching nothing in particular. After a moment, he heard a faint rustle behind him. He turned to see Granger had kneeled down on the smooth stones with her head in her hands. Her long, disheveled hair had fallen so Snape wouldn't see her face, but he could tell she was desperately trying to choke down sobs. He sighed, unsure what to do. Usually he would berate students for showing emotions other than fear or shame in his presence, but for some reason he couldn't bring himself to snap at the now vulnerable Gryffindor. He hoped he wasn't going soft.

"I'm sorry, Professor," Hermione suddenly whispered. "I—I don't know what got into me." She raised her head and gazed up at him apologetically as she stood shakily. "I should be going back," she finished, starting towards the castle, which seemed very far away. She couldn't believe herself. She had just cried in from of her professor, and Snape at that! He was probably thinking something cruel or mocking about her for it. But she couldn't help it. Relaying those painful memories to Safire had aroused her grief for Ron, and her emotions just took over. She remembered all those days with him, going to classes, laughing at his dry humor, and fighting the Death Eaters by his side. She hastily wiped her tears away when she noticed Snape was once again keeping pace with her, even though her walk was slower than usual. It confused her; why was he insisting on being with her right now? She considered asking outright, but she was anxious for his response.

"Miss Granger, I need to speak with you."

Professor Snape's voice cut through the air unexpectedly, causing Hermione to start in surprise and glance at him quickly. "Why, sir?" she questioned curiously. "Why—why do you need to speak with me?"

Snape sighed, exasperated, and retorted, "Why don't we see if you can use that clever mind of yours to figure that out yourself."

After a moment, the answer became painfully clear to Hermione, and she instantly knew why he had sought her out. "Because of that first night in my detention," she stated heavily and Snape nodded without looking at her. "Professor, sir, I can explain, but—"

"Do not start with your excuses Miss Granger," he snapped in a scathing tone. "They are not worth my time."

Hermione ducked her head, her cheeks flaming. "I'm sorry, sir. It's not like myself to make excuses, I'm just not…" she trailed as he cast her a warning glare.

"I'm sure you could prattle on all day, Miss Granger," he sneered, "but in case you haven't noticed, I am very busy and still have not explained to you why I am here." He raised his hand to halt her confused protest. "Yes, it is because of that night while I attempted to teach you Occlumency. However, I would like an explanation." He flashed her a glance to show he was waiting.

Hermione took a deep breath and said, "Well, I'm not sure why I had the dream, it just kind of… came." She proceeded to tell him every aspect of the reverie, although her face burned as he listened to her recount those vivid details. When she finished, she realized they had stopped and were now facing out towards the lake. She embarrassedly turned away to lower herself slowly onto a low boulder and stared at her feet. Snape remained standing with his back to her, so she couldn't read his expression, for which the Potions Master was glad.

His mind whirled. What had provoked this... nightmare, as she put it, to surface?

"I'm sorry sir," she suddenly apologized shamefully. "I tried to keep you out, I'm sure you didn't want to see that, but…" to Snape's surprise, when he caught her eyes, he saw tears threatening to spill. He quickly glanced away. After a moment she started back towards Hogwarts without a word. Snape watched, inert, as she crested a hill and vanished from his sight.

What was that all about? he wondered, thunderstruck. He should have done something, made her stay, so he could finish questioning her. But he hadn't. And that surprised him greatly. Was he going soft?

As Snape sat there, alone in the biting night air, he vaguely reflected on the past week. He was on the verge of going insane without his magic. Every day as he taught Potions to all those blithering idiots, he was noticing every little thing he had to do manually that he used to do mindlessly with magic. When a student ruined their potion, he made them clean it up themselves, and trying to do so without arousing their suspicions. But it was obvious some were starting to notice. One of his students had already asked him about it. Snape had just barely gotten out of it by saying he didn't care for that 'foolish wand waving' and docked twenty points for irritating questions.

The day after the Dark Forest incident Severus had gone to Albus seeking advice, but to his horror, he only got another piece of information that completely wiped every chance of regaining his magic.

"Severus," the Headmaster had spoken softly and sympathetically. "I have forgotten to inform you of something concerning that spell you used."

"And what might that be?" he had replied, his voice betraying his boredom.

Albus hesitated before replying. "Well, Severus, I have researched more on that spell, and it seems to me that in order to regain your magic, you must love and be loved by someone."

"I already knew that!" Severus had snapped impatiently.

"Ah, but just not anyone," he had added with a twinkle in his eyes. Severus hated when he did that. "You would have to fall in love with the individual who acquired your magic. In this situation, that would be Hermione Granger."

Severus had frozen, shocked, as his mind struggled to process this information. After a moment of startled silence, in which Dumbledore watched Severus curiously for a reaction, the Potions Master finally managed a weak, "So you're saying for my magic to return…" he trailed off, speechless.

"I had a feeling you wouldn't like that," Albus said. "However, it is the only way."

Severus shook his head. "It can't be…"

"But it is."

Silence ensued and after a moment, Albus stood from his desk and walked over to Fawkes' perch, watching the bird intently. "But I can tell that is not why you came here," he said. "Tell me, Severus, how do Phoenixes' die?"

Severus was caught off guard by the unexpected question, but he nonetheless answered, "They burst into flames. But sir—"

"And why do they die in that method, Severus?" Albus had urged gently.

"So they may be reborn from the ashes. But what does that have to do—"

"Exactly," he cut the dark man off. "You must be as a Phoenix, Severus. You need to let go of your worries, doubts, and most of all, your past. Those things are not important right now. You can be reborn as a new man, with a new life bursting from the ashes." Albus had torn his gaze from Fawkes and was gazing at Severus seriously.

The Slytherin head snorted at Albus' metaphor. "I must be as a Phoenix," he repeated disdainfully. "Yeah, sure."

Albus had shrugged. "Well, Severus, I have told you all I found need to. Is there anything you wanted to ask me?"

As Severus stared blankly at the Headmaster, his thoughts suddenly registered what he had said earlier about his magic. But… Hermione Granger? Why did it have to be her? "No… no, I didn't need anything else, Headmaster." Severus turned and started towards the door slowly, his steps unsteady and unsure as he tried to comprehend what he learned in less than ten minutes.

"Severus, remember: it is the only way to retain your magic. You are a Phoenix."

Severus turned to stare at him, but the old wizard had already turned back to Fawkes. With a small sigh, Severus left.

Snape jolted back to the present and saw the stars had begun to fade. With a jolt, he realized he had been out all night. He quickly stood and glanced around, seeing the faintest glimmer of sunlight on the horizon. A slight breeze carried through the long, sweeping grass and across the surface of the lake, tiny ripples dancing across the water. Wondering how his life had gotten so turned around, Snape started back towards the castle, deep in thought.

Hermione Granger.

He shook the thought, disturbed. Dumbledore hadn't said it out loud, but what he meant was there was no chance Snape could regain his magic. Not when the woman—girl—he had to love was so hateful to him, and was so much younger than he was! He could be her father, for Merlin's sake! And he was the most hated Professor in the school. There was no way she would fall in love with him.

He walked silently, wondering why he was the one with all these problems in his life. He hated it! Why couldn't he live a normal life, without having to deal with Death Eaters trying to kill him, the Dark Lord torturing him, and playing his role as double spy. It was infuriating, and he intended bring it all to an end soon. He couldn't live with it anymore.

As the sun peaked above the horizon and he reached Hogwarts' grounds, that's when he heard it. A high, agonizing shriek coming from the Dark Forest.

A/N Is that ok for a cliff hanger? XD Hope you like it enough to review!

And, just a heads up, come summer time, I might not be updating as often. I am currently in an online homeschooling program, K12, and they sent me a computer to use for my classes. If I don't stay in this program, there are some things that will happen. 1) I will not get on the computer near as often, thus be unable to write, 2) I will be at public school, have absolutly no free time, and thus not update, and 3) I will have no access to FanFiction, because the computer is ALWAYS occupied by someone in the house. So, I'm sorry for any inconveniance. XD I sound like a company manager lol. 'Sorry for any inconveniance' what am I thinking. Anywho, please review and let me know if there are any grammetical errors or confusing parts, so I can update faster. XD Thanks for reading!