Chapter 4 - These Are The Days Of Our Lives

Mum and Dad,

I know that I have written to you as recently as two nights ago, exclaiming the extent of my excitement in regards to returning home in a little over a week. But there has been a change in arrangements. My potions professor has requested that I stay at Hogwarts over the holidays to assist him with various potion-related tasks. I know what your initial reaction will be to this. It will probably involve a number of choice curse words. But I must tell you that this is a great opportunity. Professor Snape is one of Europe's most skilled potion master's and I believe that this will help me tremendously with my course load next year and give me a huge advantage.

Pretty please?

All my love,

Hermione.

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Dearest Hermione,

You were certainly correct with your prediction about our initial reaction. But we have calmed down and trust you to know what is best for your education. You may stay at school over the summer holidays but you must promise to keep in touch. We hope that you don't feel too lonely, with only relatively old teachers keeping you company in that supposedly huge castle.

Stay safe.

All our love back,

Mum and Dad.

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Hermione Granger had an extreme feeling of euphoria threatening to engulf her in the days leading up to her final exams. She was staying at Hogwarts during the holidays. And he would be spending almost every single day with Professor Snape, with whom she was beginning to form a surprising friendship of sorts.

Sunday morning saw Hermione curled up in one of Snape's armchairs by the fire. Her nose was buried in one of her Ancient Runes textbooks. Snape was seated behind his desk, marking a number of second year essays. Every now and then he read out-loud a particularly dim-witted or ignorant statement at which Hermione had a good chuckle.

She found herself surprisingly relaxed on the day before exams were due to begin. Spending revision time in Snape's peaceful and secluded room had helped her immensely. She quietly closed her book and her eyes followed suit. She felt so damn happy. Although she was most definitely well rested, Hermione gradually felt reality slip away as she drifted into the land of dreaming.

"A bezoar is found in the brain of a cow." Snape read aloud with a touch of humour in his voice. He had expected to hear a light giggle escape from Hermione's direction but there was silence. The professor gazed up from his corrections and cast his eyes in his companion's direction. The sixth year was sitting most comfortably in his favourite armchair. Her head rested on a green cushion, her eyes were closed and her mouth was slightly agape. The firelight flickered over her facial features. She looked completely peaceful and content. Snape had a sudden revelation. Hermione Granger was beautiful. He hastily closed his eyes and spoke internally. "Stop it Severus. You can't continue with these thoughts. Close your mind and think clearly." His eyes reopened and he stood up. He walked towards Hermione. "Miss Granger." She didn't stir. "Miss Granger wake up." Once again there was no reaction. He hesitantly placed his hands on her shoulders and gently shook her.

Hermione's eyes flickered open to witness a peculiar sight. Severus Snape's face was merely inches from her own and his hands were resting lightly on her shoulders. He quickly withdrew his hands as he had been burnt. There was something unfathomable in his eyes as he spoke. "I do apologise Miss Granger. But I assume that you wish to remain awake today to finalise your revision." Hermione was surprised at his thoughtfulness. "Thankyou Professor Snape." She looked at her watch. "I should really get going. I promised Harry and Ron that I would have lunch with them. We haven't had many chances to catch up lately." Snape nodded. "Sounds like fun." He said sarcastically. Hermione gave him a disapproving glare before standing and heading towards the door. "Good luck with your upcoming exams Miss Granger." The potions master sounded uncomfortable yet sincere. Without turning around Hermione replied. "Thankyou once again Professor." As she turned the door handle she felt a humongous smile materialize on her face.

"You're what?!" Ron Weasley could not believe what he was hearing. "As I've just said Ronald, I'm staying at Hogwarts over the course of the summer holidays." Ron's jaw seemed to be hanging off its hinges. "But why?" Interjected Harry somewhat more calmly than his best mate. Hermione sighed exasperatedly. "Because I'm assisting with preparations for next year." They both looked extremely confused. "Whose preparations?" Harry was smarter than she gave him credit for. "If you must know I'm helping Professor… McGonagall."

Oddly, she didn't want to tell them the truth. "But she asked me not to tell anybody. So please don't mention it to her or anyone else." They both still looked sceptical. Hermione tried to think of a way to get off the topic. "I promise I'll write to you heaps. Both of you." Ron nodded and Harry began to speak. "So is that where you've been all week? Helping McGonagall?" "Well yes. As well as revising for exams tomorrow. I hope you have both been doing the same." Her best friends rolled their eyes and said in unison "yes Hermione." Already starting to feel guilty about her deception Hermione stood up. "I've just remembered something that I forgot to revise in Arithmancy. We'll talk later." She bid her friends farewell and hurried from the Great Hall.

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Here's chapter four. I've altered my way of paragraphing in this and the previous three chapters. Hopefully that makes the story easier to read.

Some of you will undoubtedly have noticed that my story and chapter titles are songs by (in my opinion) the greatest rock band in history. Queen. Their music really speaks to me so I thought that it would be a good idea to get across the meaning of each chapter with one off their song titles. It's also good to have a theme going throughout the story.

I hope that you liked the chapter!