Hermione watched as Harry came out of the pensive, seeming in a daze. She didn't blame him; she hadn't known what to say or do after her trip through Severus' memories.

That seemed like forever ago.

Severus had refused to be present while "Potter plunders through my memories," as he so eloquently put it, and disappeared out of the office and down the stairs before anyone could protest. Hermione figured maybe it would be better, easier, that way anyways; Harry would be able to concentrate if Severus wasn't there with a sarcastic comment at every turn.

Harry looked around at McGonagall and Hermione, still with the same look on his face as if he wasn't quite sure of what he had just seen, yet at the same time, acceptance was very much present in his eyes.

This was something Hermione was certainly grateful for. Perhaps this would be ok after all.

"I think I shall leave you two to discuss," McGonagall said finally, beginning to make her way towards the staircase. "I trust you know where to find me should anything go amiss?"

Hermione nodded and with that, she was gone and out of site, leaving Harry to ask every burning question he had within him.

"I 'spose this changes everything, doesn't it," Harry asked as he sat down heavily into a chair, staring at the floor beneath his feet. Hermione felt herself nodding. If only he knew just how much it had changed for her.

"I just can't believe that all this time he...Dumbledore...it was all planned," Harry trailed off, shaking his head to himself. "Why wouldn't he just tell me?"

"Harry, think about it, how could he?" Harry gave her a puzzling look. She sighed and sat down next to him in the other chair, placing a hand on his knee.

"If he had told you of the plans, surely you would have seen fit to take drastic measures to save him...and Severus needed to keep up appearances; had you known and actually, heaven forbid, trusted him at all, Voldemort would have been suspicious."

Harry started nodding, apparently agreeing with her when something clicked in his mind and he stopped. "Severus?" he asked suddenly, looking at her even more questioningly. Hermione silently cursed herself for not catching that. Harry didn't know yet.

Now she was going to have to do some very quick thinking.

Miraculously, she managed to wave it off nonchalantly. "I've been here for over two and a half months, Harry," she said waving her hand dismissively. "Things have changed."

Harry didn't appear entirely convinced, but seemed to drop it in any case.

"I just still can't believe, I mean, my mum...and him...it just doesn't seem right. But then again, it makes all the bloody sense in the world...no wonder he hates me so much."

"He doesn't hate you." Harry gave her a skeptical look.

She continued, "He hates the idea of you. How would you feel if you had to see the eyes of the woman you loved sitting in the face of a man you hated?" Harry's expression was first one of mild disgust, then more acceptance, proof as he began nodding his head slowly.

"Now it's time for him to move on," she said. "Time for both of you to move on. We have a war to win, and that isn't going to get done if we're holding on to silly grudges from the past." She tilted her head down to look at him as he kept his eyes to the floor.

"Please," she said quietly. "Please, just tell me you'll try. I know it's not easy, but—"

"I will," he interrupted, looking up to meet her gaze, clearly not entirely thrilled about making friends with Snape, but the look in his eyes told Hermione he was at least willing to try...and that was plenty good reason for her to smile at him.

He half-heartedly grinned back. "So then, what's it been like being here with the bat of the dungeons?"

Hermione laughed. "You can't call him that anymore; if you haven't previously noticed, he no longer lives in the dungeons."

"True. But he's still a greasy git..."

Hermione contacted McGonagall after an hour or so of talking with Harry, trying to find a suitable place for him to, technically speaking, hide. His intentions, of course, had been to storm in, get his justice for Dumbledore, and get out. That had obviously changed now.

He couldn't simply lounge around the castle, even if the protective wards were back in place now. There were still children of Death Eaters, although most of them had already left the school to join their parents at Voldemort's side.

It, in short, was just not safe.

After Harry had gone off with McGonagall to some other part of the castle, Hermione found herself feeling suddenly very guilty; she had not once asked where Ron was, if he was safe. She had just been so preoccupied with trying to calm Harry down and whatnot, the thought just hadn't occurred to her at the moment.

Of course, she was sure that there was nothing to worry about. If anything bad had happened to Ron, Harry would have told her straight away...right?

She decided to calm her mind down by reading, at least until Severus came back...whenever that was going to be.

When a few hours passed and he had not returned, she sighed and placing down her book on the couch, got up and proceeded to leave to find him.

She first tried the kitchen. It was devoid of any human beings, and so continued onwards, being cautious all the while as not to attract any unwanted attention to herself.

The library, she knew would hold no promises either—it was far too student-populated for Severus to sulk in—so she didn't even bother looking there. After a while, she simply began to wander the quiet hallways; it was a beautiful, sunny afternoon and nearly everyone was outside enjoying it, so she had next to no worries about being discovered. Nevertheless, she kept to the shadowy parts of the hall as much as possible, just in case.

She was about to give it up and go back when she realized that she recognized where she was. It was the same corridor Severus had taken her down the day he'd shown her the garden, and sure enough, as she rounded a corner, there it was. The light peeked out in a gentle sliver from the hidden doorway, and she was sure that had someone happened to walk by it they wouldn't have noticed at all.

Sure she was going to find him there, Hermione slipped in and walked the length of the tunnel until the light of the sun hit her face. There was the beautiful, perfect garden just as she remembered it...but no Severus to be seen.

Letting out somewhat of a disappointed sigh, Hermione began to stroll forward a bit, taking in the fresh air and the sunshine, knowing she didn't get many opportunities to do so.

After spending so much time in the blasted woods, she thought, it was odd to think that now that was what she craved the most, what she missed about not being in hiding.

"So it's done then," came a grudging voice from behind her. Hermione jumped and turned, only to start again as Severus was barely inches away, looking down at her with a disgruntled expression. "When should I expect the sympathy card?"

Hermione rolled her eyes discretely, but cracked a gentle, reassuring smile at him. She reached up with her hand and rested it on his forearm. "I know that was hard," she said, ignoring his question and smiling again at his trademark eyebrow raise. In response, she slid her arms around his middle, leaning into him, resting her head against his chest. She closed her eyes happily when she felt him relax into her and wrap his own arms around her, pulling her closer yet, resting his chin on her head and breathing out in a long sigh.

"Thank you," she murmured quietly, still holding him; holding him so he knew she really meant it.

She loved the feeling of his chin on the top of her head as he spoke. "Don't get used too it," he said silkily, but in the same quiet tone she had used. "That is the last little friend of yours who even gets within breathing distance of that Pensive."

"Oh really?" She smiled up at him.

Severus scowled. "Perhaps I should just sell tickets to whomever wishes to see the pathetic memories of Severus Snape," he droned in a sarcastically irritated voice.

"Yes, I can see it now," mused Hermione, but dared not go any further into her vision of what it would be like because of the death glare she was now receiving. Not that it intimidated her anymore; on the contrary, they made her laugh at times like these. She couldn't help it.

His still-serious expression caused hers to soften back to understanding. She felt as if he was worried she wasn't taking it seriously, that she would parade a whole group of people in there if she could.

"You know I would never allow anyone access to that who didn't need to see it." She pulled back from him a little bit to fully look up at him. Severus wouldn't meet her gaze though; he suddenly found a spot to the left of her very fascinating indeed.

Hermione brought a gentle hand up to his cheek, not needing to use much effort to make him look at her. "I only mean that it is yours to tell, not mine. Harry needed to see it because he has to trust you...whether or not you two like it, you're going to be needing each other in the near future." Severus raised a disbelieving eyebrow at her statement, which she only returned. It was the truth, and they would both have to admit it sometime. Harry needed Severus to teach him how to fight a Death Eater. Severus needed Harry to win, to rid him (and the rest of the world, for that matter) of Voldemort's plaguing presence...Severus' personal Hell that was Voldemort's existence. It would all be over when Harry triumphed.

To do that, though, Harry was going to require all of the help he could get, starting with learning how to fight properly and keep his mind closed.

That help, Severus could provide.

Now all Hermione had to do was get both of them to agree to it.

No one ever said life was easy.

It didn't take long for things to become yet, more complicated, if that was even possible. Once Harry found out that Draco Malfoy was also hiding out in Hogwarts, he went ballistic; it took nearly everything Hermione, Neville, and McGonagall had combined to make him calm down again.

Professor McGonagall had thought it safest (and was backed up on the matter by Severus) to give Harry somewhat of a safe room that was not in the Headmaster's quarters. The room allowed him access, and recognized Hermione as well.

Harry had, of course, protested, seeing as he wanted to see Ginny as soon as possible, and inquired why he couldn't just stay in Gryffindor Tower with everyone else.

"You couldn't possibly be more ignorant, could you Potter," Severus sneered earning a well-aimed glare from Harry as well as a small one from Hermione, warning him not to push it again.

Ignoring them, Severus went on, "don't think for one moment that there aren't any informants in this castle. The miniature Death Eaters are running around everywhere; an attack on the school is as sure as daytime if you are seen here. But by all means, Potter," he leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms and shrugging indifferently, "cause a mass attack. It wouldn't be the first time your resounding selfishness has caused an uproar."

"I believe," said Hermione, raising her voice with a bit of exasperation, "that what Severus is trying to say, is that you're better off staying away from people for the time being." She eyed Severus carefully for any sign he was about to start up again, but he merely sat there, watching her explain, an eyebrow slightly raised.

Looking slightly unnerved at Hermione using Snape's first name, Harry starting shaking his head. "Yeah, well what about all your other little friends then, huh?" Harry asked harshly to Severus. "How do you plan to 'hide' me here when here is the first place they'll be looking?"

Severus didn't answer immediately. He seemed to contemplate his answer as he carefully looked at Harry, tracing his mouth thoughtfully with his index finger.

"You think you're awfully smart, don't you, Potter," he started quietly after a few moments, but Hermione interrupted him.

"Stop it," she said in an even tone, trying not to lose her temper at the two of them, yet again. And besides, neither one could take any more provoking. After the duel with the Death Eaters, this poor office couldn't take any more beatings just yet.

"Harry, look, I know how you feel, I do, but this is the safest way. The castle might be secure, yes, but it's like we've said before, not everyone here is on our side anymore. Worse still, we don't even know how to weed out the bad from the good, only a good idea. Nothing good can come of you being captured, Harry." Severus discretely snorted his disagreement.

Harry nodded a few times in thought, knowing she was probably right. He then suddenly looked up. "And what about you," he asked in somewhat of a concerned voice.

Hermione gave him a questioning look. "What about me, Harry?"

She noticed him give a sideways glare at Severus before continuing. "Are you sure it's safe for you to be up here? With him?"

Both Hermione and Severus opened their mouths to answer; Severus more to retort angrily than answer, but McGonagall stepped up to field this one.

"Potter," she said sternly, but quietly, "I believe Hermione has been quite safe during the time she's been here. I think you will find her testimony on that to be the same as mine, am I correct?" She looked sharply at Hermione who nodded quickly. That would have been a difficult discussion indeed. She was thankful McGonagall had been there and they had sidestepped a very awkward conversation.

"Well what if they come looking for me, Professor," Harry asked, leaving the previous topic to rest for now. "Once they learned I've left searching the countryside, they'll know I'm here, so won't they come anyways?"

"Again, Potter, your lack of intelligence ceases to amaze me," Severus said almost casually causing the glare on Harry's face to come back. Hermione and McGonagall exchanged knowing glances.

"Oh, and what do you propose will happen, sir?"

Severus returned the glare as he slowly sat up again fully in his chair. He rested his chin on his hands and looked almost thoughtfully at Harry, although Hermione knew it was more of a calming method so as Severus wouldn't lash out and curse him right then and there.

"If I had my way, Potter," he sneered, "the fate of our world wouldn't be resting on your shoulders. No, it would be someone far more capable and slightly less big-headed than yourself. However, this is not the case and although I cringe at the thought of you standing up to the Dark Lord, he and his Death Eaters will wait for the opportune moment to strike, meaning the time after they've realized where you are and have time to plan their attack. It is inevitable."

"Alright now," said McGonagall a tad warningly but finding the two men were barely listening whilst glaring daggers at one another. "Shall we move on from such a topic? Harry, I'm sure you would like to retire for the d—"

"Potter, you will never be able to duel with the Dark Lord, I am sure of it," Severus continued unceremoniously, ignoring McGonagall who looked as though she wanted very much to slap her colleague right there. Hermione wasn't feeling very differently either.

Harry rose slightly. "Oh, you don't think I have it in me to fight? To kill?" He nearly shouted.

"I know so, Potter," Severus spat, slowly standing up, pushing on the desk to lean over and tower down on Harry. "You won't last one—minute, you selfish little—"

"—Teach him," Hermione blurted out before she even knew what was happening. All three pairs of eyes immediately turned in her direction, all wearing the same confused expression.

"Teach Harry, Severus. Teach him how to control his mind, how to fight properly against Death Eaters. Teach him how to win."

Harry was the first to protest. "No way, Hermione," he said vehemently, shaking his head and crossing his arms. "If you think for one minute I'm going to let him anywhere near me with a wand again to teach me...yeah, I've been there already, so no thanks. I'll pass on that one."

Hermione gave him an exasperated look, before turning to McGonagall, hoping she could be the voice of reason.

"It could really help," she pointed out in an obvious tone while watching McGonagall's expression to see if it was one of acceptance or rejection. Fortunately, it seemed to be the former.

"She does have a point, you know, Severus," McGonagall finally said, still looking like she was contemplating the situation.

"And what is it, Minerva, that makes you think I would agree to...train him to fight?" Severus sat back down into his chair, leaning back and waving a lazy hand questioningly, resting his other under his chin, awaiting an answer.

"Better still," Severus continued, not allowing her to answer him, "do you realize the manner in which I will have to teach him? This will not be some afternoon dueling club. I will not be nice."

"Oh, you're never nice," McGonagall sigh with an exasperated wave of her hand. "Yes, I think this will be a good idea. Potter, I'm sure you have no objections." Not a question, a statement.

Harry eyed Severus wearily before shrugging slightly and nodding, resigned.

"Severus?"

Severus' expression showed exactly how he felt about it.

Satisfied, McGonagall rose from her seat. "Come, Potter," she said, placing a quick, reassuring hand on his shoulder. "I'll escort you back to your new quarters."

Harry nodded, muttering a quick goodbye to Hermione, before walking to the door with McGonagall.

Pausing at the door, McGonagall turned and addressed Severus. "I'll be in touch later in the week to discuss his training schedule," she said, giving him a pointed look over the top of her glasses, daring him to argue.

"If you must."

With one more piercing look, McGonagall turned and left, leaving the office quiet once again.

"Well done, Hermione..." Severus grumbled, fixing her with what he must have thought was a menacing glare. However, to his dismay, she laughed. He tried to ignore how beautiful she looked.

"Oh Severus, do you honestly think you're brooding is going to get you out of this one?"

"Well it damn well is worth a try!"

She laughed even more. Setting a glare on his face and slowly rising from his seat slowed her laughing abruptly to small, poorly contained fits of giggles. He noticed that she couldn't manage to keep a smile off of her face, though.

"Are you trying to intimidate me," she asked innocently, gazing up as he rounded the desk towards her.

He nodded.

"And do you think that it's working?"

Another nod. He was right next to her. She fought the feeling of how fast her heart had started beating, pounding like crazy the second McGonagall and Harry had left the room, knowing they were alone again.

Trying to annoy him, Hermione scrunched up her face, shaking her head. "I don't think it is..."

Without time for another thought, Severus took her by the hands, pulling her up to a stand faster than she could breathe. She gasped in surprise as she was all but crushed up against him. He pressed one hand to the small of her back, pulling her close to him while the other still had a firm hold on her wrist.

"You know," she swallowed, seeming to almost lose her nerve with every second they were this close. "You do seem to be very well-versed in this art of intimidation..."

His raised eyebrow was all she saw before he kissed her; she was completely breathless before she even knew what had happened.

Locked there they were as Severus leaned into her with no sign of stopping. Hermione wrapped a lose arm around his neck, holding him right where he was, urging him on with each one of her returned kisses until she could barely breath anymore.

Reluctantly, they broke apart, lips lingering centimeters from one another as they tried to catch their breath.

"You were saying..." Severus offered, looking down at her, still just as close to her face. He could feel her sweet, warm breath washing over his own.

All Hermione seemed to be able to do was swallow several times, clearly still trying to regain some sense, not to mention breath properly.

"Forgetting, are we," he offered when she didn't answer.

At this, she met his gaze and smiled, whispering, "kiss me like that again and maybe I'll remember."

Severus allowed a smirk to grace his features as he reached out to graze a gentle hand against her cheek as he began to lean in again.

"Indeed."

A/N: Well, I'm now back at school (with decent internet service) so hopefully that'll mean more updates sooner! Thanks to you all for being patient as I juggle work and writer's block. I'll try to get chapter 20 up soon!