Hermione was about to turn around after setting the canaries loose on Ron, when she felt someone come up behind her. She whirled around with her wand drawn.

"Good reflexes, Miss Granger. And I highly approve of setting vicious birds after Mr. Weasley, no matter what the reason." The deep tones of Severus Snape almost vibrated with mirth.

"I'm sorry Professor. I'm just so angry!" Hermione replied.

"Why, Miss Granger? Because he is seeing Miss Brown? Because he is not seeing you? Or because you are not being seen?" Professor Snape asked this without his usual level of disdain.

"I..I...I'm not sure, sir." She replied truthfully.

"Well, no matter, you will, I'm sure, analyze it from every angle and figure it out shortly. I needed to speak to you about a project given to us by Professor Dumbledore." Severus was quite sure that this would entice Miss Granger from her musings over the Weasley Twit. He turned and began to stride toward the dungeon.

"Yes, sir!" Hermione quickly turned and followed him. Of course, she was quite willing to help with any projects.

Severus and Hermione spent at least 2 nights a week and most weekends working on various war projects. Dumbledore wanted potions to help keep the Death Eaters on their guard while fighting, some for strength, some for mental acuity. Hermione had some good ideas, and Severus was quite impressed with her. They became quite friendly, building a rapport. Harry was pleased actually, because he could see that finally, things were being done to facilitate the war effort. Also, he could see Hermione was blossoming under the attention of the dour professor, and well, vice versa. So, he just kept his observations to himself.

Hermione for her part, had lost all interest in Ronald Weasley as a possible love interest after the second conversation she and Professor Snape had over a brewing cauldron. She realized she was quite happy to be with a man who didn't think books were stupid and that Quidditch was everything.

Severus was reminded of those heady early years of friendship with Lily Evans, before everything went pear-shaped.

When Dumbledore died of the effects of the curse on his hand, his memorial was quite the spectacle. Less of a spectacle, but notable in any case, was the figure of Severus Snape, his head bowed and his arms around Hermione Granger, who was sobbing into his chest.

This year, he didn't have to wait.