Wolfram and Hart's New Guest

By jessebelle

Chapter 17

A/N: Sorry it took so long. Hope you had a happy Easter. Enjoy!

When Hermione entered Angel's office, it took her a moment to take in the scene. Standing head to head in the middle of the office stood Severus Snape and Xander, and from what she could hear, they were arguing about her.

"What's the problem Bat Boy? If Mione wants to come stay with Spike and I, it shouldn't be your concern."

"I've known Miss Granger for six years and as a student of mine she is definitely my concern. She is here to receive protection from Mr. O'Connell under the request from her cousin, not go gallivanting off with some young men she met yesterday. And her name is Hermione."

Said girl in question stared at her professor's back in awe. He always gave the impression he didn't care about any students other then his Slytherins. This was the first time he gave any inclination otherwise. However, she knew if he knew she was there, he wouldn't have said the tings he did. Therefore, she waited a minute before noisily announcing her presence.

As soon as she cleared her throat, everyone in the office turned to her. When her professor saw her, his scowl deepened. Resisting the urge to roll her eyes, she stepped into the office.

"Hello Professor Snape. If I may ask, what are you doing here? Did something happen?" Once she said it the reality of the situation, why she was in LA, hit her hard. What if something really did happen? They were in a war after all! Panic set in on her features.

"Ron? Harry? My parents? The Weasleys?" Her voice rose higher and higher in pitch.

"Are all fine, breathe!" Tonks took a step behind her and rested a hand on her shoulder to calm her down. She shot a dirty look at Snape. He glared at the megamorphmagus' return. Xander walked over to Hermione's other side and the two of them walked her over to one of the couches. Wesley brought her a glass of water. Everyone watched on a little nervously.

Hermione took a sip of the water and visibly calmed down. She gave a smile of thanks to everyone before giving her attention to her professor.

Severus Snape looked down at his former student. As much as he loathed to say it, Hogwarts was a lot different since she had left. And what was worse was that Potter and Weasley spent most of their time moping around. And when they weren't moping, they were causing trouble. Miss Granger had been the voice of reason and with her gone, well; the terrible two were even more insufferable. Therefore, he tried to reign in his temper as he explained the situation.

"Miss Granger, the headmaster has heard of the situation. Besides wanting to make sure you were," He shot a look at everyone in the room, "taken care of. He wanted to make it clear that you are to stay in Mr. O'Connell's care. Keep in mind you were sent here for a reason."

Hermione turned and glared at Angel. "You called my headmaster! How could you?"

Angel put his hands up in surrender. "I didn't call anyone."

"Then how did he know?"

At this both Tonks and Snape gave her a look. As soon as she said this even Hermione realized what a stupid question it was. "Never mind the headmaster knows everything." She took a deep breath. "So you came all the way to America to tell me I have to stay here, is that it?"

Tonks nodded. "Pretty much. But I gotta ask, what's the big deal staying here? I mean, you're surrounded by hotties. You should be in your element."

At this, all the men in the room perked up sans Snape. He rolled his eyes. "There's no time for anymore idle chit chat, Nymphandora, we need to get back."

Tonks turned towards him slowly. Hermione had already winced. Everyone else watched a bit scared. "What did you call me?" the megamorphmagus' voice was low and cold.

But Severus was used to cold. "I called you Nymphandora, it is your name, is it not?" His lips curled into a smirk.

Tonks' hand went for her wand, but seeing her intention Hermione grabbed the girls' hand. "No." She pulled the young auror down to her level. "Remember where we are. You can kill him later for all I care."

Of course, she didn't know it, but she was in the room with two vampires who heard every word she said. Angel and Spike shared a look.

Tonks calmed down a bit and settled for a glare in the big bat's direction. Then she turned to Hermione. "As I was saying Mione, you're here in America, with quite a few hot men. Live a little. Just because you can't move in with two of them," She shot Spike and Xander a grin, "doesn't mean you still can't have fun. Now, I need to go tend to a little, bat problem. I'll try to come check up on you, okay? Your tutors should be arriving in a day or so, and believe me, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by who they are."

"Who?"

Tonks grinned. "I'm not saying a word. Now, the boys asked me to give you these. They're going nuts without you and it's only been two days." She pulled out a stack of letters from her pocket. "And Mrs. Weasley said to take care of yourself, okay?"

Hermione nodded. "Thank you. Tell them I love them and that I'm okay."

"Will do." The auror and Hermione shared a hug. "See you. Come on, bat boy."

Severus' glare definitely became more pronounced. "You will stay here Miss Granger?"

Hermione nodded. "Yes professor."

"Good." He sent his glare over all of the men in the room. "Take care of her." It was said as a threat. With a curt nod to the surprised Hermione, he left, his leather jacket billowing behind him in place of robes. Hermione cracked a grin and turned to the rest of the room's occupants, her protectors. They stared at her, curious expressions on their faces. She began to get worried. Xander cracked first.

"So, you think I'm cute?"