A/N- Wow, so many reviews, so little time. I just love you guys. Talk about motivation… Lol. I wasn't planning on writing this for a few more days, but you all talked me into it. Hope you enjoy. :)

Disclaimer- this belongs to Snape. -Snape looks down at the fan fiction author with a raised eyebrow.- You do know that I am fictional, do you not?

Chapter 3- Waiting

Snape arrived at the Three Broomsticks a half an hour early, and sat on the bench outside. He sat for about five minutes, stood back up and started to pace. Had there been anybody out on the streets at this time, they would have though him crazy. Maybe he was. He just accepted one of the 'golden ones' as his apprentice, and was now sitting in front of the Three Broomsticks in the middle of the night.

What precisely was he thinking anyway? What if he was wrong about her? What if she couldn't handle it? What if she killed herself, or went insane like that idiotic uncle of Weasley's?

Oh yes, he knew about him. Duncan Weasley, the reason that most Potions apprenticeships had been declined within the last decade or so. It was the reason most looked upon the Masters as if they were either insane, or monsters. They were maybe callous, but most were not insane, nor were they monsters. Though, on the account of himself, some may have a plausible argument.

He flopped back down onto the bench and pinched the bridge of his nose. The fact that Duncan had studied under one of the kindest men he knew in Potions, proved how weak the man's resolve had been. Duncan must have been sensitive. Which made him wonder on Miss Granger. Would she be able to handle the full extent of it?

With a deep sigh, he forced his mind to become blank. No, she would handle it, if only for the fact of getting a higher education. He knew that much about her, otherwise the stupid girl would have given up that stupid time turner earlier than she had done in her third year.

He idly watched the time. 2:45 now. She had fifteen minutes yet to arrive. If she were late, he would have to yell at her… Later of coarse, after the document was signed. IF she even came at all. After all, he had not specified the PRECISE time, he had just written three o'clock. He meant the nearest Three, and that would indicate 3am by his standards. He wondered if she would decipher it, and actually come on time. If not, then he need not worry about that little mind of hers. That is unless she was just playing a joke on him, and then it was he that was the fool.

Not that it really mattered to him anyway. After all, it WAS only an hour from his life, a life he felt he did not really deserve to live. He recalled Albus' words. Redemption through a mutual defeat of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named on your behalf, and the ministry will find it even. Ha. What a laugh. Redemption? It was simply not possible; his soul was too far-gone to begin with.

……………………………………………………………………………………………..

Hermione's jaw dropped open. WHAT? Did he just… No… "Pardon?"

Ron repeated his question. "Will you marry me?"

She simply stared at him, her eyes wide. What was he thinking? "I… I don't know Ron, I mean… Its just… Its just that…" She started to panic. What if he never spoke to her again if she refused? "I have my apprenticeship interview today and… Wait a moment…" She looked around frantically for a clock. "What time is it? Last time I looked, it was slightly past twelve."

"Will you forget the time? Give up being Snape's apprentice, and marry me."

She stared at him. "Are you mad?" Give up her education? Honestly. "You knew I was planning on going to university. Would have you still asked me then?"

He nodded. "Well… Yes. I mean… you don't really need to keep going to school, do you? I received that scholarship for the Chudley Canons, and I could provide for the both of us. Don't you see 'Mione, I… I love you." He took hold of her hands.

"I can't believe you, Ronald." She jerked her hands free of his. "I would never sacrifice my education for anything. Do you have any idea how hard it was to even stay in school after… After…" She trailed off and bit her lip. "Listen Ron, I care for you… I do care for you, it's just… I can't, Ron. I just can't right now." She sighed, grabbed her things, and quickly left the room. She wasn't able to see Ron fall to his knees and hit the floor, sobbing, after she left.

She took two stairs at a time. What time was it? Finally when she reached the bottom step, she noticed. She squeaked as she noticed the time. 2:50; how had the time gone by so quickly? She had only played a few card games with Harry… She sighed and went to leave. Harry stopped her.

"Hermione? Where are you going? Its nearly 3am."

She rolled her eyes. "Thank you for stating the obvious, Harry. Snape said for me to meet him at three o'clock, and I plan to be there on time. Well, attempt to."

His brows furrowed. "But its three AM, Hermione. As in the middle of the night."

"I know, Harry, but we are also talking about Snape. I would rather be safe than sorry, and I need this apprenticeship."

Harry let go of her, shrugging his shoulders. "You're right, it IS Snape you are dealing with. Um, I guess I should say good luck." He gave her a quick hug. "If you get it, write often. If he tries to murder you, I want to be the first one to avenge you."

"HARRY!" She looked at the time again. Blast, and blast again. "I need to go, and don't worry, I will either return, or write you." With that, she ran out the door, and was suddenly gone.

………………………………………………………………………………………………

Snape watched the time. She had five minutes. This was highly unlike the girl. She was usually the first student in his classroom, shortly followed by Malfoy. Perhaps she didn't realize what time he wrote after all… He snorted to himself. It would figure. Actually decide to put ones hopes into something, and it not turn out. Just like the rest of his bloody life. He should have known. Perhaps he should have shown up late…

Just as he was about to give his hopes up he heard a rather audible 'pop'. He raised his eyebrow slightly, but as he heard movement, he forced his expression to that of being bored. Time for his charade to begin, providing that, in fact, it was Miss Granger.

She slowly looked around. Was she wrong about the time? She carefully made her way to the Three Broomsticks. How in the bloody hell was she to see? It must have been cloudy out for there was hardly any light to see with. As she neared what she was hoping to be the door, she thought she saw something move. Quietly she neared it, her curiosity taking over her mind. She could tell she was getting closer, she knew she had to be…

And then she tripped. Falling directly into something soft, which offered a bit of a long groan, followed by, "You do know Miss Granger, there is such a thing called the 'lumos charm', and as interesting as it is to see you fumbling you way over here, I do suggest that you use it."