A/N:Hello again. Chapter six…for your reading…and reviewing of course. As always, I want to warn those that like Ron, to remember that I don't. He's too much of an jealous idiot for my liking. Sorry. By the way, don't look at the Hermione/Lillith display as a servant/master image. Hermione respects her since she is the queen of the underworld, and since Hermione has demon blood running trough her veins, she feels compelled to bow before her. You'll see later that they somewhat have a friendship relationship formed in the time Hermione was in hell. Hope you enjoy.

worrywart: thanks for the heads up…I didn't realize the mistake until you mentioned it. Anything else you see…and if you are willing of course…please enlighten me. Thank you again.

Chapter 6:Anger.

Severus thought she had given him just a brief explanation of her abilities and power, but seeing her explain to Potter, he understood better what 'long story short' meant. He honestly expected him to start fidgeting when she said she was part demon, but to his credit, he just stood and listened. Severus also understood why she chose not to tell him everything. Voldemort's connection with Potter was dangerous as it was, and giving the snake the ability to see trough the boy's eyes as Hermione explained, wouldn't have been good.

He quite expected the boy to get up and bolt out the door, but no. Harry Potter knew he had a trustful friend, and he cared about said friend. Severus had, at some point…if not still…envied the boy for this. He'd never had friends…Lucius had been some sort of friend to him, but you could never know with a Death Eater, when having a 'kill or be killed' motto, was difficult to label one as a true friend.

''So…basically I was sent to help you. Those three demons will be a big pain in the arse, but I'll deal with them so you can deal with Voldemort…if you want to…''

'Here it goes', Severus thought, 'if he didn't flip until now…he'll throw a fit now.'

''I understand what you are saying, I know you're still you…'' he said slowly, ''…what I don't understand is why you say 'if I want to'. You know I have to, the prophecy…''

''Is fake…'' Hermione interrupted. ''He had Trelawney under the Imperious Curse at the time. He knew there was a spy listening at the door. He wanted to give Voldemort something to distract him, and keep him busy trying to decipher the puzzle. Dumbledore needed time, I don't know for what, but he needed Voldemort to steer his attention on something else.''

Severus slowly eased his hand inside his pocket and gripped his wand, sending a strong locking and repelling charm at the door, silently. It wouldn't do for Potter to storm out of there and kill the headmaster…not that Severus would mind…but the boy would regret it afterwards.

Harry's breathing had stopped and his body was shaking. Hermione quickly stood and caught his face between her hands.

''Harry…look at me. You need to calm down. I know you want to kill him…hell, I felt the same when I found out…but if we want to end this you have to stay focused. Please.''

''Mione…'' Harry said, his voice hoarse, ''…you are basically telling me that I've been fighting that bastard for the past sixteen years…for nothing. That my parents were killed for nothing…that Sirius was killed for the same damn prophecy…and you want me to be calm? You're telling me that I'm living with an abusive aunt and uncle because he needed time for who knows what, and you want me to be calm? I lived in a cupboard for ten years…'' Harry's voice cracked with the emotions that threatened to burst after all those years, ''…Mione, you have no idea what that's been like…''

Hermione forced his face upwards, her own eyes watering as she locked them with his. ''What do you think you'll fix by storming out now? Will you get those years back? No! Will it bring your parents back? No! Will it bring Sirius back? No! Do you want to end up in Askaban? You need to control yourself. Dumbledore can't know, and you need to start training. Do I make myself clear?''

Harry closed his eyes, drew a deep breath and nodded once. Hermione sighed and pulled him to her chest…completely forgetting that she only had her bra on.

Severus' mind was darkening with rage. He hadn't known that the boy was treated bad…he doubted anyone knew…besides Dumbledore of course. Yet another evidence that the famous, gentle, loving Dumbledore didn't care about the presumed 'savior' of the wizarding world. He would have to do something about that. Potter wouldn't go back to Surrey come summer if he had something to say about it.

''So…'' Harry said, slowly removing himself out of her embrace, his cheeks red, ''…what do we do now? How are we going to win this? Because I intend to. I don't care what Dumbledore says anymore, he and his ideas can go to hell for all I care. I know I need to train, but I don't quite know what I need to know exactly…''

''What am I here for? I will train you in everything you need to know, and professor Snape will teach you Occulmency…'' they both groaned. ''Harry, you need to learn it either you want it or not.'' She admonished him, ''Now the question is…what do we do about Ron? You know what will happen if we tell him about this.''

''We could restart the DA, mostly as a pretext, set a meeting and discuss about training everyone that's willing.''

''Good point. Do you still have the coin?'' Harry nodded and handed it to Hermione. ''Professor, will you attend?''

Severus had felt a bit left out of their conversation, but didn't interrupt. He knew about their little club…and fully approved of it. ''I suggest the Room of Requirement after curfew on Sunday.'' Severus said, looking at the coin Hermione was twirling between her fingers. She nodded and tapped the coin with her wand. Raising an eyebrow he sent a questioning look towards her.

''Protean charm, that's how we communicate between us and no one knows.'' She smirked, and Severus shook his head. He should have expected it from her.

''So…what exactly happened last night?'' Harry asked, trying not to look directly at Hermione's chest.

''Remember I had a detention?'' Harry nodded. ''We were in the Forbidden Forest for some ingredients and we were attacked.''

''Mr. Potter, if you have any doubts that Miss Granger can train you they should be dispersed, she took on fifteen werewolfs…on her won…with a sword.''

Harry turned to her and gaped as her cheeks and neck started burning red. ''It was nothing, really. Not that difficult.''

Both Severus and Harry looked at her wide-eyed and threw their hands up in exasperation.

''Only Hermione Granger could be that modest…''

''Are you insane? Nothing?…''

''Fifteen werewolfs are not nothing…''

''Ten Aurors couldn't take them out…''

''Ok, ok…''Hermione shouted, '' I get it. I did injure my wing though, that's where the bruise came from.''

''Did you try opening it at all?'' Severus asked.

''No…I can't really spread my wings in the Great Hall now can I?''

Severus smirked and threw her shirt at her. ''Come with me. Besides, I believe Potter is just dying to see them.''

Hermione pulled her shirt on and followed behind Harry as they walked trough Snape's quarters and entered what seemed to be a secret passage.

''You showed him your wings, and I didn't even had the slightest idea of what you are?'' Harry asked, sending her a mock glare.

''Honestly Harry…he saw me without my knowing at Halloween. I had just received a short letter from a friend saying that Voldemort knows about me…thus the fight last night. And it wasn't that I didn't want to show you…it's just that I didn't know how you would react after…everything that happened.''

''Thank you. For everything Mione,'' he said throwing an arm around her shoulders and planting a kiss on her head. Hermione nodded and continued walking.

A few minutes later they exited the passage trough a tree trunk in the Forbidden Forest, just beside a clearing.

She smiled and quickly walked forward. Looking at Harry and giving him a wink, her appearance started fading, revealing a paler tone of skin, beautiful, shiny, black long hair, crimson eyes, black backless top and skinny black jeans. Her black wings were by far the most beautiful thing both men had ever seen.

Wincing a little, Hermione spread them out and tried moving them. Flashing a toothy grin at them, she shot in the air and started circling the clearing just below of the tree tops.

''One of a kind isn't she?'' Harry whispered from beside him.

Prying his eyes away from Hermione, Severus looked at the sixteen-year old boy. Lilly's eyes looking fondly from behind round eyeglasses towards the winged girl.

'Lilly' he thought to himself, his first and only love. The reason he protected the boy for so many years, and the reason he would fight tooth and nail to win the war. Dumbledore no longer had a say in his actions. If hiding his thoughts and secrets from Dumbledore meant that the boy lived…even if he himself didn't…it was all worth the effort. He may have lived his life until now between two masters, between lies and hidden truths…but Harry Potter was young and had a whole new life in front of him. He had to live. Severus would make damn sure that he did.

''She certainly is full of surprises.''

''You know, I've always thought she was beautiful, powerful, brilliant. Scary sometimes, but brilliant. Although the scary part is kind of shattered in front of the image I now have of her.''

Severus didn't quite like the way he said he found her beautiful, but couldn't stop himself from emitting an amused snort, making the boy look at him sharply, wide eyed. Severus ignored him and said, ''You see her like this now, after she told you what she was. Imagine the shock I had when I entered the Quidditch Pitch and saw her appearance and her power, or seeing her battle with a sword in the middle of fifteen enraged beasts. Scary doesn't even cover it…Terrifying might be a better word.''

He saw Harry blink once…twice…and then double over…laughing. Severus scowled.

Obviously hearing, or feeling, the commotion below, Hermione landed gracefully in front of them, looking questionably at Severus, crimson eyes boring into his. He shrugged and continued to look at the laughing teenager.

''Harry?''

''Oh God…'' Harry panted, ''…Mione, it seems that our potions professor finds you, and I quote, 'Terrifying'.''

Severus rolled his eyes. Does no one fear him anymore, did he loose his touch or something. Hearing a giggle starting to come out of her mouth, he glared at her, daring her to say something…with no effect of course. He sighed and shook his head, a small smile playing on his own lips as Hermione started laughing. He found curious…but also interesting at the same time, the fact that he simply just couldn't hold his mask in front of her. A perfect mask of cold indifference…shattered with only one look at her. Years of practice, years of struggle to control his emotions, gone down the drain when she was in his presence, looking at him, with her golden…or crimson…eyes.

Why? Why now and not before?

''Are your wings functioning properly Miss Granger?'' She nodded. ''Good. We should get back, Hagrid might be around here somewhere and he mustn't see us.''

Both students nodded and followed as he once again lead the way, back to his office. ''Miss Granger, I suggest you go by the Hospital Wing, so Poppy can look at you properly. Dumbledore now knows you were unconscious with the explosion, and he'll ask why you weren't transported there immediately. I will tell him I gave you some potions, left you to rest for a bit and then sent you away. Mr. Potter, I suggest you avoid the headmaster for the time being, Legilimency, afteral, is one of his strong points.''

''Thank you professor.'' Hermione said smiling.

''Don't mention it…to anyone. And Potter…be in my office tonight after dinner.''

Hermione squealed and clapped her hands. ''Sure thing professor, I'll make sure he's here. No worries.'' Then she pushed Potter out the door and closed it behind them.

Severus remained standing, looking at the closed door, his mind clouded with numerous thoughts. Just before exiting his office, Hermione Granger winked at him. WINKED! AT HIM! What was the world coming to? Three days ago he was cursing her mentally, seeing her hand waving to give the proper answer in class. Just three days ago he only saw her as the brains of the trio, his best student, but a student nonetheless. And now…he was losing the grasp on his emotions whenever she was around, the slight tingling in his stomach whenever she smiled at him…and she reminded him so much of Lilly. The same brilliant mind, if not even more, the same defying attitude, the same caring for the loved ones…no, more so, whatever her friends would do, she would forgive them…Lilly hadn't forgiven him…no matter how much he begged.

He closed his eyes and ranked a hand trough his long hair. He had long ago accepted that Lilly hadn't truly seen him as a true friend. She had forgiven Potter Sr. for every stupid thing he had done, but Severus got cast aside for one word said in anger. One damned word.

Granger wasn't like that. She could forgive, she would forgive no matter what…She was better than Lilly…in many ways…

''He isn't that bad you know. Once he lowers that snaky mask of his he is pretty different.'' Hermione said as she and Harry were climbing the stairs towards the Gryffindor Tower.

''I can't say the same. I can't feel what he feels, or see past the mask as you do, Mione, but I promise to try.''

''You do that Harry. You'll see I'm right.''

''That I don't doubt. I did once and Sirius got killed. And please, if I ever try to contradict you, please, give me a good kick in the backside.''

Hermione whispered the password still laughing, but stopped abruptly at the entrance, causing Harry to crash into her back.

''Mione wha…''

''Ron is pissed. He's incredibly angry right now. Have your wand in reach in case of anything.'' Harry nodded, and together stepped trough the portrait hole. Hermione wrapped an arm around Harry's waist and leaned her head on his shoulder. Afteral, she had supposedly been thrown across the room by the full blow of the explosion.

''Fancy seeing you two back here.'' Ron's voice was cold and accusatory.

''What are you talking about Ron?'' Harry asked furrowing his eyebrows.

''Are you two together?''

''What?''

''Why did Snape tell you to stay back, and not me?'' Ron yelled.

''For Merlin's sake Ron, you're the reason Hermione ended up like this in the first place. What did you expect…points for nearly killing her?'' Harry yelled back as he eased Hermione on the couch, making her gasp and then moan a little. Of course she was faking it…but Ron didn't know that.

''Bu…but that…that was a mistake…''

''Yes Ron, a mistake that could have killed us.'' Harry said as he glared at his friend. ''Besides, what if I am with Hermione? Is there a problem in that?''

Ron's face started reddening in anger, his breathing quickening, and his eyes narrowing. Hermione had kept an eye on Ron since the moment she stepped in the Gryffindor common room, and for good reason. She was in front of Harry in a flash, easily deflecting the severing hex he had sent, while yelling that Hermione was his.

''Ronald Weasley…'' Hermione hissed dangerously, ''…how dare you draw your wand on Harry…'' it wasn't a question. ''We've been friends for five and a half years…and yet I don't know you. Since when am I your girl? I never was, and never will be. I am not an object to have in your possession. You let us down in forth year, and I hoped you wouldn't do it again. Well, you just proved me wrong. You draw your wand on either of us again and I promise you, one month in the Hospital Wing won't be enough to heal you.''

Harry saw Hermione's eyes starting to turn red in anger, and he quickly pulled her down on the couch again, whispering in her ear to close her eyes. ''Mione, you should rest. It's obvious he isn't worth it.'' He saw Ron throw them another dirty look and stomp towards the boy's dormitory.

''And you were telling me to control my anger?'' Harry smirked.

''Shut up you prat. Ron has stepped on my nerves time and time again. I'm tired of it. Either he grows up, or I won't bother with him. 'His', who the hell does he think he is…I wonder how he's going to pass his classes now, because sure as hell I won't help him anymore.''

Harry laughed. ''Calm down Mione. We have other things to worry about now. Things more important than Ron.''

Hermione nodded. ''First thing first, you have to concentrate on your Occulmency. I can't start teaching you what I know before you've learned to protect your mind. I think about a month of mental training will be enough to start your physical training. And of course, there are the classes, homework and stuff…we'll need a timetable to plan everything out…''

''Of course…whatever you say…your wish is my command…'' Harry held a serious face as he nodded, his eyes closed and bowing his head slightly at the last sentence.

Hermione laughed and hugged him. ''We can do this Harry. I'm there with you all the way. Know that I'll never let you fight alone.''

''I know…'' he said, kissing her forehead and leaning back on the couch, Hermione held tightly in his arms. ''I know.''

A/N: Liked it? Hated it? Leave me your thoughts.