A/N: Hello everyone. This is chapter 7 for you to read…and review :P. I wanted to stick to one chapter every week…but honestly, seeing how well everyone is responding to this story only makes me want to write faster, so I can read your reviews on it.

I have a question for all of you…I was thinking in having Hermione ask Lillith to bring Sirius back as a present for Harry for Christmas, seeing as he fell trough the veil and all…what do you think?

ChiffonShock: Thank you for pointing that out. I know my English is bad so I'm grateful. I intend in revising after I finish it, so it will definitely be fixed.

casper22: I'm glad you agree with me on the Ron situation. Honestly I was furious at the end when Hermione married him and Harry married Ginny. I mean…THERE WAS NO LINK BETWEEN THEM! Honestly. Ginny was absent in most of the years…actually being directly involved only in their second year…anyway, and Ron? He's the exact opposite of Hermione…opposites attract and all that doesn't apply here if you ask me. I will never understand what J.K.R. was thinking when she paired them.

Chapter 7: Dumbledore.

The first week of November greeted Hogwarts castle with howling cold winds, forcing the students to seek comfort in the oversized warm library, to madam Prince's annoyance, they weren't even studying, or the common rooms…every student besides Harry and Hermione that is.

Harry's Occulmency lessons were quickly becoming the best source of entertainment for Hermione. Seeing both Severus and Harry, eyeing the other trough narrowed eyes, words spoken trough gritted teeth and hands almost bound together to avoid wands being drawn.

Hermione remembered the first day of lessons, Severus had roared at Harry to control his emotions and discipline his mind again and again, before turning to Hermione.

''This is all your fault. You wanted him to learn…you teach him.''

''Professor…'' Hermione said calmly, ''…when I entered your mind, I didn't even notice your walls…what makes you think that I could see Harry's? Only a demon can oclude thoughts from me. It would be useless.''

Severus had pinched the bridge of his nose, sighed ant turned back at Harry. ''Potter…if you don't stop being an idiot, and start concentrating…so help me, Voldemort won't have what to kill when I'm done with you.''

Hermione had laughed, ignoring the two scowling men, and told them to get going if they wanted to start training properly any time soon.

Now, only one week later, Harry and Hermione's relationship with their potions professor had changed considerably. Trust was no longer an issue between them, not that Hermione had ever distrusted the potions master…Harry on the other hand still had doubts…until now that is. They had even started to crack jokes at one another.

Dumbledore had started noticing that his 'protégé' and one of his best friends started disappearing constantly, and he was trying very hard to catch them in the corridors, between classed, or after meals, to talk to them…with no luck though. Harry and Hermione were truly enjoying his frustration, when they knew he would seek them, they would either step into an empty classroom, or stay and watch under one of Hermione's disillusionment charms. The problem was that soon enough he would be noticing that his spy wasn't leaving the castle for his meetings with the Dark Lord. Severus had been summoned three times ever since the attack in the forest, but Hermione had managed to spell his mark not to hurt anymore. That didn't help though…they had to say something to the headmaster.

That's how, on the first day of the second week, at dinner, Severus had faked a summon, giving the headmaster a meaningful look. Dumbledore had sighed dramatically and gave Severus a sad smile. Fighting the urge to roll his eyes, Severus stood and exited the Great Hall, Harry and Hermione following moments later.

Making their way to the third floor, they had followed the passage hidden behind the one-eyed witch, meeting with Severus outside of Honeydukes.

''What now?'' Harry asked, pulling his cloak closer to his body.

''I had to leave the castle, Dumbledore can feel the wards shifting when I leave.''

''So now we're just going to wait here for a few hours, make him believe you're with Voldemort?''

Hermione scowled. ''Harry, weren't you listening when we talked about this?''

''Well, excuse me Miss Perfect, I was a bit out of my mind…literally…if you remember. Hell, I was so tired I didn't even know my name at the time.''

Hermione opened her mouth to speak, but Severus beat her to it. ''Stop it, both of you. Now let's go.'' he said, silently casting a disillusionment charm over the three oh them and making their way to the Shrinking Shack.

Albus was sitting at his desk, looking trough some paperwork some hours later, when his fireplace flashed green, revealing the head of a frantic looking Hermione Granger.

''Miss Granger?''

''Headmaster…come quickly…professor Snape…''

''Where is he?'' Dumbledore asked striding quickly towards the fireplace.

''His quarters sir.''

''Step away Miss Granger so I can come trough.''

A minute later, Dumbledore was staring in shock at the mangled body of his potions professor and spy, with Hermione hovering above him trying to clear away all the blood so she could heal his wounds.

''Dear Merlin Severus, what happened?''

''B…Bellatrix…found out…followed me…meeting with…Lupin…'' Severus' breathing was shallow, his eyes rolling back in his head with the pain.

''No matter…at least you're safe…I'll get Poppy…''

''No! You know how I feel…about Poppy…healing me…''

''Severus…'' Dumbledore scowled, ''…you're badly injured, you need proper care,'' he said eyeing Hermione curiously. He was actually surprised that the girl was helping Severus Snape. Dumbledore knew how the trio hated their potions professor, but never did he try to change that status.

''Miss Granger, how exactly did you come by professor Snape?''

''I…I was finishing my patrol sir…'' Hermione said, shaking, ''I was about to head up to the tower when I saw professor Snape enter the castle. I wanted to take him to the Hospital Wing but he refused…so I flooed you…I didn't know what else to do…''

''You did the proper thing Miss Granger. I would suggest though, that this…situation…remain within these quarters…''

''Of course professor…''

''Good. Now, I see you're doing a fine job with the healing…do you mind remaining here and continue? I have urgent matters to discuss with the Order…This situation is very disturbing, without Severus' information it will be twice as difficult to ensure the safety of those that need it…''

''But sir…''

''Now Miss Granger, I know you don't really like professor Snape, but he refuses to be treated by Poppy and I must go. I'm sure he would appreciate it.''

''Yes sir. I'll stay.'' Hermione said, looking down.

''Good girl. Keep going, and I shall return in the morning.'' Dumbledore walked out of the bedroom and stepped trough the fireplace.

Hermione calmly walked to the fireplace and warded it, blocking anyone who wanted to come trough, and returned to the bedroom.

''You know, I never thought I'd see the day Hermione Granger, know-it-all Gryffindor, would deceive the great Albus Dumbledore…the Slytherin way.'' Severus said, heading towards the bathroom, unwarding the door.

''Mione you were brilliant.'' Harry said as he stepped out of the bathroom.

''Why thank you kind sir…'' Hermione said bowing, ''…and I never thought I'd see the day I would be nauseous just looking at the old idiot. Honestly, he really sounded like he cared. He could have bloody well stayed and healed you, if he wanted to…but seeing as the lack of information from your part was more important, and just couldn't wait until morning, or at least a few hours…honestly…'' Hermione growled

''Maybe he does care…at some extent.'' Severus said, ''But Harry is not going to sacrifice himself for his own gain.'' Both Harry and Hermione shared a look. It was the first time Snape had used Harry's name, but he didn't seem to notice.

''Brilliant job on the charm Miss Granger.'' he said, looking in the mirror. ''I don't think I was ever this…maimed.''

''It's the same charm the demons placed on me after…after I was returned. Now, we're not finished. I'm supposed to heal you, but there should be scars.'' Severus nodded and stepped in front of Hermione. She removed the charm, leaving him the same he was before, and started touching his skin with one finger, leaving his skin marred with numerous scars. It was an illusion of course, but Dumbledore wouldn't be able to see it.

Severus on his part was having a battle with his self-control. The past week had been a nightmare for him. Every day he was fighting the urge to rest his jaw on his hand and stare at her like a love-struck hormonal teenager. As if seeing her in class three times a week wasn't enough, she had insisted in attending Potter's Occulmency lessons. She would laugh every time he threw a sarcastic remark at Potter, and the boy would respond with a similar remark. Her laugh had become music for his ears, her sparkling eyes were drowning him pulling him deeper and deeper, her plumb lips were mocking him, daring him to come closer and taste them…pure torture, honestly. And now, feeling her soft fingers tracing patterns over his torso like hot pokers, reminding him that she was a beautiful, warm, soft woman. Severus felt she was somehow marking him as hers at the moment. It was a long time since a woman had touched him, and his blood was boiling. He thanked any god that had allowed him to manage to somewhat hide his emotions from her, because her rejection would kill him.

He knew there was no chance in hell she would respond to his emotions the way he wished she would. Having Potter as a friend, handsome, charming smile, young…damn! Another Potter. Severus swallowed a sigh, looking at her approving smile over her work.

''That should do it…'' she said, ''…Dumbledore will never know. Now, Harry, you should get back to the tower, Dumbledore wants me to stay here until he gets back. He'll get suspicious if I don't.''

''Sure.'' Harry said, eyeing his potions professor. He understood the look in the older man's eyes…and he wasn't quite sure he liked it. ''Are you sure you're going to be ok?''

''Of course. I'll sit in the chair and read for a bit. There's nothing I have to do really. Other than watch over our injured professor that is.''she smiled sweetly.

Severus narrowed his eyes. ''We could always say I woke up and threw you out of my chambers, so you might as well join your friend.''

''But professor, you're supposed to be helpless, injured, exhausted and all that. Besides, I'd never go over the headmaster's orders…whatever you say.'' she smiled and battered her eyelashes at him.

'She's playing with me. Damn her!'

''Really Mione, there isn't a year we've spent in Hogwarts that we didn't break at least a dozen rules. Like in first year with Fluffy…or second year with the Polly…'' Harry stopped and gulped. Hermione had a crazed look in her eyes that shouted 'Harry James Potter…dead man walking'.

''Mr. Potter, I believe we have a few hours until the headmaster returns, why don't you join me for a cup of tea.'' It wasn't a question.

''I should probably head off to bed…''

''I insist.'' Severus said, his eyes narrowed.

After Dobby brought them tea, they settled comfortably in Severus' sitting room.

''Now, Mr. Potter, as you may know, the headmaster has never indulged us the knowledge of your…adventures…within these walls. Would you enlighten me?''

Harry shot a fearful look towards Hermione and gulped again. ''Do I have to?''

''If I didn't know better, I'd say you exchanged brains with Ron for a moment there.'' Hermione hissed, '' You may as well tell him. I don't quite know every detail of first year, and we were always together after that.''

Harry sighed. ''I believe you remember Fluffy sir?''

''Fluffy?'' Severus asked puzzled.

''The three-headed dog?''

Severus stared at him blankly. ''That…thing…was named Fluffy?''

Hermione snorted and nodded. ''Hagrid…'' she mumbled as an explanation.

''Yes, well, anyway. He was our first adventure as a trio…''

To his credit, Severus managed to hold a bored expression on his face, although he prayed Hermione wouldn't feel his anger. Sure he had been surprised to hear that she was the one to light his robes on fire and slightly in awe that a first year had managed to solve his potion puzzle. He always thought Quirrel had destroyed every room, and that that was why three eleven-year-old students had managed to pass trough. His anger though, was pointed towards Dumbledore. He had all but told the whole school where the stone was with his speech at the feast, and then allowed three children to venture on dangerous grounds, where even the simplest wards could have alerted him of their presence there even before they would have passed the threshold.

He had mostly ignored the rumors involving the trio in their second year, and to be fair, what he had heard was nothing compared to what they were telling him now. Yet again, another year where Lilly's son, the boy he had sworn to protect, had been in danger. He also felt a bit ashamed when Harry said Hermione had discovered the reason of the petrified students, yet none of the professors had. Hearing the real reason for which Hermione had spent two weeks in the Hospital Wing as an overgrown cat had been amusing, but he honestly dreaded what he suspected, was worse to come.

Severus glowered at them when they told him how Black had escaped exactly, he was also furious at Minerva for allowing a third year to use a Time-Turner, no matter how smart she was, as for Harry…he had argued with Dumbledore at the time for the Dementors, but of course his words had entered trough one ear and exited trough the other…yet again in mortal peril.

He was proud of Hermione for not abandoning Harry in his forth year as the redhead idiot had done, and understood that as usual, without her help Harry might have been dead before half of the year was over.

He hadn't been part of their battle at the Ministry, and no one had truly related to him what had happened. At this point the was angry with Harry, for not paying more attention in Occulmency when he was supposed to, and not following Hermione's advice and logic, causing her to be hit by a rather nasty curse that required a lot of potions on an extended period of time.

And yet again Dumbledore was nowhere in sight. Never helping them, or discouraging them…on the contrary, he had been the one to give Hermione the hint in third year…and he had disappeared in fifth year, only to reappear when it suited him…at Voldemort's revealing…naming himself their savior.

But there was no point anymore in getting angry on things that had already happened. The important mater now was that Harry knew the truth, and they could do something about it.

Stealing a glance at the clock on the wall, and seeing how late it was, he sent Harry on his way, after having him promise to head to the Chamber of Secrets together one day, and returned to his bedroom to retrieve a pillow and a blanket for the girl. She thanked him and settled on the couch with one of his books on potions. He had watched her reading for a bit, but quickly returned to the warmth of his blankets.

The problem was that sleep wouldn't claim him. Knowing that she was in the other room, sleeping on his couch…'or maybe not', he thought as he heard the bedroom door crack open and soft footsteps approaching his bed. His eyes were closed, but he certainly wasn't sleeping.

Severus couldn't quite understand the reason of her presence by his side, knowing that Dumbledore would come in the morning, there was no need for her to be there…but he didn't complain, he just shifted a little to have a better view of her as he heard her place a chair not far away, and he smelled her Jasmine fragrance as she walked pass him to sit.

Her soft breathing had somewhat lulled him into sleep, but it wasn't long before he heard the door crack open again. He tried with all his might not to sit up and hex the man that had just entered his bedroom. Slightly opening one eye, he saw Hermione cuddled in the chair, her hand holding the pillow to her head, and the blanket he had given her covering her. His actions being hidden by the darkness, he fully opened his eyes seeing Dumbledore shake the girl awake, not too gently, and ordering her to go to her room, seeing as he was there and he would keep watch over the 'tortured' professor.

Severus' eye twitched as he saw Dumbledore almost forcefully yank her out of the chair, when she wanted to protest, and give her a shove towards the door. He heard her sigh and the door click closed behind her and fought the urge to pull the covers off of himself and call her back, throwing Dumbledore out instead. Closing his eyes again, he waited for dawn, knowing that the headmaster would wake him up at one point…but he didn't have to wait long. Hermione was right…he didn't care.

''Severus…'' Dumbledore said, shaking his shoulder a bit roughly. Honestly what was wrong with the old man? Severus understood that he wasn't that important anymore, but he had supposedly been tortured within an inch of his life…

He faked a painful groan and slowly opened his eyes, pretending not to know where he was, he looked around until his eyes landed on the blue ones of Albus Dumbledore.

''Albus…'' he said hoarsely.

''Severus…I'm glad you're awake. How are you feeling?''

''Like a herd of Hipogrifs danced on me…but I'll live.''

''Good, good. I spoke with the Order, and the situation isn't that rosy. I've decided that now that you can't provide any information anymore, you will take the post of DADA professor come next term. At least you're a better choice than the professor we currently have. I've contacted Horace Slughorn to take your place as potions professor…''

Severus was livid. 'At least'? The current DADA professor was an idiot, not far from what Umbrige was trying to teach last year…meaning almost nothing. He had always craved the spot, and he would accept it, maybe that way the students might actually learn something.

''You will be working close with Remus on strategy for the Order…'' Dumbledore continued,''…it's the only position you'll be able to provide any help…''

Oh, he was going to kill Dumbledore himself…before he had a chance to hide and let the others fight for him, only to collect at the end.

''Of course headmaster…'' he heard himself say, ''…whatever you think is best.''

''Good. Now, I believe you can manage on your own, so I'll be off. Good night Severus.''

Severus's breathing was heavy as he glared and growled as the door closed behind the man that he had considered a friend, almost like a father for so many years. For twenty years he had put his life at risk to retrieve information for him, and yet, now he was thrown away like an overused rag. A smirk graced his lips minutes later, as he thought of the possibilities he would have as DADA professor. Yes, he would show him. Harry, Hermione and himself, were going to build a powerful army right under his nose. An army that would know what kind of man Dumbledore really was. An army that would fight for what was right, and would not bow in front of anyone.

An army that would be fearless, powerful, fierce and unstoppable.

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