The three appeared directly in front of Number 12 Grimmauld Place. Just looking at the ever familiar, shabby looking house squeezed in between two similar looking residences, made Hermione's stomach drop. Seeing as the two were not making their way inside the house, Severus impatiently waved his hand, and the door opened in front of them.

'In' was all he said, in a most deadly of voices.

And Harry and Hermione dare not argue and they need not have further instruction. They swiftly made their way back into the warm house, and as they walked into the kitchen, were surprised to find that most of the Order members had left. Remus Lupin had gone, for he was very much concerned for Hermione's safety, and had set out with Tonks to look for her. Minerva McGonagle had returned back to Hogwarts, in case the young witch had returned to the castle. To be entirely accurate, Mrs. Weasley and Ron were the only ones who still remained at Grimmauld Place, in case Hermione decided to rejoin the meeting.

Ron and Mrs. Weasley were in the parlor chatting quietly when Harry and Hermione arrived at Headquarters. Mrs. Weasley looked up at the sound of their footsteps, and with a most relieved look and with the warmest of hearts, gathered Hermione in her arms and hugged her tightly.

'Oh we were so worried, dear…So worried…' Mrs. Weasley said. 'Oh dear you are freezing…best to get a spot of tea, let me get you a cup-' but before Mrs. Weasley could finish, Severus Snape interrupted.

'Molly, I assure you that Miss Granger is competent enough to fetch her own tea in the kitchen. I believe I need to have a word with both Miss Granger and Potter while you inform the rest of the Order that the two -' he said, looking disdainfully at Harry and Hermione, '…are safe.'

Molly looked at Severus with eyes as blue as the sea, and nodded. She hurried off to the library to contact the other Order members regarding the news.

Severus made his way towards the kitchen, and Hermione followed suit. Harry gave one last look at Ron sitting on the sofa in the Livingroom, and Harry could have swore that Ron gave him a look of pity, knowing what lie ahead with Snape. Harry made his way into the kitchen, and closed the door behind him.

Severus, Harry, and Hermione stood silently in the now empty kitchen of Number 12 Grimmauld Place.

'Sit' was all he uttered from the opposite side of the table.

Harry and Hermione obliged, and sat down ever so slowly into two of the wooden seats that surrounded the giant kitchen table. Somehow Hermione knew that she would not be getting her cup of tea this evening.

Severus, still standing and towering over the young pair from the other side of the table, spoke first.

'I would say that it is completely out of character for you, Miss Granger, to act so impulsively and without any regard for your safety. However, as of late, you still manage to surprise me…' he said to Hermione, eyes black as night staring down at Hermione. Hermione forced herself to look at him, as painful as it was. He paused for a moment, looking directly at her tired eyes.

Severus then broke eye contact, and turned towards Harry.

'And you, Potter. Well, no surprises there. After all, your genetic makeup comes with the predisposed complex that you need to save anyone and anything from harm,' he said, the scarcasm unmistakable in his voice.

'Had I not been there tonight, the outcomes would have been less than desirable, I imagine…'

And as Severus continued to lecture the pair, Hermione gave a somewhat audible sigh. She took her eyes off of Severus and looked at the worn corner cabinet opposite where she was sitting. The cabinet held an array of mismatched plates and saucers, all different sizes, some broken and some completely intact. One dish in particular, a dish with ornate miniature blue roses was particularly striking to Hermione. It had reminded her of a set of dishes that she had at her home. A set that her mother was particularly fond of. And at this, Hermione's eyes welled up and she bent her head down to stare at the laces of her oxfords.

'Sir…' Harry interjected, '…I think we learned our lesson. I think Hermione really just needs to go back and get some sleep…she's had a pretty rough night…' he said, looking at a tired, worn out Hermione Granger.

After a brief moment of silence, Severus spoke.

'15 points from both of you…be grateful it isn't more…' he said in a long drawl, looking down again at Hermione. 'Use the fireplace in the study to floo back to Professor Flitwick's office.'

Harry and Hermione nodded silently, and made their way to stand up as Severus finally took a seat in the kitchen. Harry started out the kitchen door first, followed by Hermione. With her back to the Potions Master, she suddenly stopped in her tracks, for he had started to speak once again addressing her, and only her.

'Even without them, you are not alone, Miss Granger. Do your best not to forget it.'

And with that Hermione closed her eyes tightly, letting tears flow down her cheeks. She knew exactly what he had meant, and she knew that he saw her broken heart through her deep brown, tired and worn out eyes. Without any acknowledgement, with her back still turned towards the Professor, and without a single word, she silently exited the kitchen.