A/N: Hello everyone, here's another chapter for you and hope you enjoy it as you did the previous ones. With the next one, I'll start with their trainings, the truth being told to the DA members, Dumbledore's meddling, and maybe some Ron bashing. Thank you everyone for your reviews, I'm amazed and very pleased to see the amount of positive reactions has had on all those that read it so far. I can only hope I'll be able to give you what you are expecting of this, and don't disappoint.

Thank you again.

By the way, I found myself unable to find a name for this chapter, so if anyone has any suggestions, I'll be happy to consider them.

Chapter 9:

'Foolish Gryffindor.' Severus thought to himself as he cast another warming charm over her. 'Idiot bravery…didn't she know it would be dangerous in the forest alone? What if Voldemort had sent more than he'd sent the last time? What if she'd been alone when Draco took her? What if she were injured beyond help? What if…Never mind, now she's safe.'

Severus had been livid when he'd reached the clearing and saw Hermione in a fierce battle with the demon. Both he and Harry had ignored everything else and rushed head first to help her, only to be thrown several feet away by Hermione's force field. He had quickly started working on disarming it, or even weaken it, but it was too strong for them. He'd yelled at her, cursed at her…but nothing. Hermione either ignored them, or she couldn't hear them.

He'd seen the three Slytherins staring at the battle with wide, frightened eyes and smirked. No one besides himself had seen her fight. But that didn't mean he ignored the anger he felt for the three idiots. Especially for his godson. He was his father trough and trough. A proud bigot that only saw his gain in everything.

Returning his eyes to the battle, he saw the other demon manage a strike at her thigh and closed his eyes. It may be her 'job' to send them back, but that didn't mean Severus would be staying on the sides, observing. And, damn it all, that is exactly what he was doing. It pained him. Not being there with her…not being able to protect her…he felt useless.

Severus had been her teacher for five years and he never looked at her a second time. He couldn't understand for the life of him how she managed to get to him in no longer than two weeks. Two weeks, for Merlin's sake.

At one point the thought that maybe something related to her demon blood, somehow made him attracted to her, but she'd been like this all of her fifth year. So that wasn't it. What was it then?

He snapped out of his thoughts as he heard the demon's pained cry, to see Hermione in all her glory, with the bloodied sword in her hands, panting, and with the demon's arm at her feet. Even so, ruffled, dirtied and bloody he only saw her as a beautiful goddess. A goddess of war.

As soon as he saw the red flames erupt from beneath, both he and Harry started shouting again, sending different spells towards the dome, begging her to let them in. Pleading with her to let them help her, and it almost killed him when she fell unconscious to the ground, returning to her other appearance.

Severus yelled at Harry to transfigure a bathtub and fill it with hot water as he rushed to her side and picked her up. He made quick in removing her cloak and most of her school uniform, leaving her only with her shirt, and didn't even think as he jumped in the hot water with her, paying no mind at the shocked boy beside him.

Seven hours had passed since then, and she was still unconscious.

A knock at his door woke him out of his memories of the day, and he stood to answer. There was only one person that could be knocking at that time.

''How is she?'' Harry asked, as he stepped in Severus' sitting room.

''The same…''

''She didn't wake up at all?'' Severus just shook his head and sat back in his armchair beside the couch.

''Did you try waking her up with magic?''

''I don't want to risk something going wrong…but I have thought of it. It's been too long.'' Severus sighed. ''She should be awake by now.''

Harry's emerald eyes raked over his professor's tired form a few moments, wondering when had Snape changed so much in his eyes. Ever since he'd met the man, he'd felt frightened at first. Every time his tall dark frame would tower over him and his friends Harry would shudder…but not anymore. He used to come up with names for him with Ron…and Hermione always chastised them. Remembering them that he was a professor, and he deserved their respect, no matter what he had done in the past.

He clearly remembered his Occulmency lessons last year with him, and of course, what he saw in the man's Pensive. That had started the change. He'd always defend his father in front of Snape, every time Snape would insult his father, he would always jump ahead and defend him…but not after that. Not after he saw Snape being bullied by his father and his friends. That had been the time Harry had lost pretty much every bit of respect and adoration Remus and Sirius had managed to create in him. Sure, Snape still had a snide remark or a sarcastic answer in each sentence addressed to Harry, but he could understand him much better. Maybe if it hadn't been for the game of 'Harry hunting' that Dudley had forced him to 'play' almost every summer, he wouldn't have…but anyway, Snape was not the same man he had hated ever since he had started at Hogwarts. He'd seen the rage in his eyes and the way he dealt with the Slytherins early that day, and Harry shuddered at the memory. And all that for Hermione. Hermione was his best friend, no matter what anyone said. He didn't have any siblings, but if what he felt for her could be compared to the love a brother feels for a sister, then that is what Hermione was for him. His sister, in everything but blood. And he could see it in Snape's eyes, every time he looked at her…the concern, the protectiveness, the tenderness…the love? He wasn't sure, but he would be sticking around to find out for sure.

''Tell you what…why don't we try it the muggle way? It can't be harmful in any way.'' Harry suggested.

''The muggle way?'' Severus enquired, he truly couldn't think of any muggle way that Hermione could be awaken with.

''Yeah, you know, strong scents, aromatic salts, or alcohol. I don't know if it will work, but it's worth a try…''

Severus was looking at Harry as if he'd just grown another head. 'Why didn't I think of that?' he scowled himself. ''Dobby.'' he said at once.

With a small pop the elf appeared beside the couch. ''Potions master called. Dobby is most pleased to help. Oh, Harry Potter, sir, what can Dobby help with?''

''Dobby, we need some cotton balls and alcohol. Bring everything to the bedroom.'' Dobby nodded once and disappeared.

Severus stood from the armchair and beckoned Harry to follow him to the bedroom. Everything was already on the bedside table.

Harry watched, with mild amusement, as Severus struggled not to be too excited with the idea that she might just wake up after being out for so many hours. He watched him, slowly walking towards the bed and sitting on the edge by her hip, reaching for the bottle of alcohol and a cotton ball, pouring a tad bit more than necessary and waving it beneath her nose.

For about 40 seconds or so, nothing happened. Severus was about to give up when she started stirring, with a grimace on her face.

''Are you trying to set me on fire or something? Get that damn thing out of my face.'' Hermione groaned.

''If I did want that, don't you think a simple Incendio would have done the job, Miss Granger? Honestly, I'm a Slytherin.'' Severus smirked, and Harry laughed.

''Well, we've seen Slytherin subtlety at work today haven't we? By the way, what time is it?''

''Almost time for dinner.'' Harry answered. ''You should make an appearance though, I told everyone you weren't feeling well and you stayed in your room. I kind of implied that it was your time of the month…and we all know how…difficult…you are then.'' Harry said and blushed, Severus was almost ready to burst out laughing, and Hermione was embarrassed beyond belief.

''Harry James Potter, how the hell would you know that?'' Hermione shrieked throwing a pillow at him and folding her arms over her chest. ''Since when do you pay so much attention anyway? Besides, you told them that, and now you expect me to go to dinner…in the Great Hall…with all Griffindor house? Well, tough luck buddy…you're going to bring me dinner in my room, because there's no way in hell I'm going in there.''

''Oh, that's Hermione alright. If she can yell at me, she's fine.'' Harry laughed.

''Git.'' Hermione muttered and swung her feet off the bed. ''So, Voldemort isn't learning his lesson. We've got to be ready for him, we don't know when he'll strike again, and what he'll be throwing our way. I think it's time for part two of our plan.'' Both Severus and Harry quickly nodded in agreement. ''Almost forgot, what happened with the Slytherins anyway?''

Both Severus and Harry smirked and exchanged a mischievous look. ''Let's just say that the three will never try to grab you again, and leave it at that.'' Harry answered.

Hermione eyed them suspiciously for a few moments and rolled her eyes. 'And to think they used to hate each other. Boys.'

Albus Dumbledore, headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, was furiously pacing his office with Fawks watching him intently. That morning had been quite a mystery for him. There had been a powerful surge of magic somewhere close to the castle, but he hadn't been able to identify the location. The same had been felt on Halloween night, but again, he couldn't, at the time, identify the source. As he was used to have everything under control, that mystery didn't bode well with him. Not to mention his plans that were slowly flying out the window. First Harry was ignoring him, and spending as much time as he could with Miss Granger. Albus felt that somehow the girl was keeping him away, but he couldn't understand why. If they were having a relationship, and weren't willing to show it in front of the others, he could understand, although he didn't particularly like the girl, she was a reason for Harry to win the war. She was a muggle-born afterall. That could also be the reason for the Weasley boy to stop being around them, the boy was too jealous, too thickheaded to comprehend some more important things beside who had the girl. But why the avoiding and the disappearances? He wasn't quite sure he knew the answer to that, and he needed to find out what was happening.

Then there was Severus. He was now useless to him. Yes, the boy was brilliant in potions, and strategy…but the most important, he was an extraordinary spy…a spy that now was as useless as any Order member. Now he was just that…an Order member. How the hell does a spy even gets himself caught anyway? He's said he was seen and heard with Remus…Had Remus had a slip of the tongue? Where were they seen? What were they talking about at the time?

''Bugger.'' he swore loudly. He hated not being in control. Afteral, he wasn't holding Potter in his clutches for nothing. The boy was his easiest way out of the war, and he needed to tighten his grasp on him. Harry Potter was the perfect tool in his plan, in his way to greatness. He would allow the boy to duel with Tom, weaken him and die in the process, and then Albus Dumbledore could sweep right in and save the day…It worked with Grindewald anyway.

There was a bit of a problem though, with Tom's Horcruxes, but he was working on it…maybe Potter could help? Preferably. That way the boy could make an idea of being helpful with something towards the Order, give him a reason to trust the powerful Dumbledore even more, yes.

Well, planning could wait. Dinner couldn't.

''My Lord, there was no one in the clearing. I checked the surrounding area, but I couldn't find anything. No evidence of any struggle, or that the snow had even been stepped on. Nothing.'' the kneeling Death Eater said. He knew that wasn't the answer his master was waiting for, so he braced himself for the curse he knew would follow.

He didn't wait long before a cold voice hissed 'Crucio'.

''Of course not you idiot. It's been snowing all day. Did you even think in looking at what was beneath? Crucio!''

The Death Eaters present were trembling in fear. They've seen the Dark Lord angry before, but they'd never seen him this angry. First there was Snape's betrayal, Bellatrix had almost been killed that day, she had still to recover. Voldemort had cursed her for her idiocy in not being more careful, and loosing him fifteen of his best werewolfs in the process, besides returning without the girl…or Snape. Now he'd ordered Draco Malfoy to get her here, with the aid of one of the strange new companions…and they were yet to come back.

Some of them found it strange actually that the Dark Lord wanted the girl. The ones that had participated at the battle in the Department of Mysteries didn't find her something to consider as useful, maybe adequate, but just that, but seeing as two parties had been sent for her and never returned…they were silently praying they weren't the next ones.

''Out! All of you. OUT!'' Voldemort roared. Within seconds, no one but himself and other two cloaked figures were standing in the dark room.

''Tezrian…'' he spoke softly, ''…what do you say?''

Said female walked gracefully towards the throne, removing her mask and revealing a beauty of a woman. Anyone could tell she wasn't of this world, but seeing as she was always covered, no one understood the actual…danger. Her pale skin was smooth as marble, her fiery red hair was fine as silk, her plumb red lips would make any man fall at her feet, not to mention her curvy body that would have any woman boil in jealousy.

''My Lord…Arioch was a test, if you wish. He was weak, a good duelist, but weak. We don't know exactly at what level is the girl, but I believe that in a battle with Alastor, she won't have a chance. However, it might be better to wait a while, train your men better, with our aid. When we hit them it has to be for the last time. These attempts lead us nowhere. You're just loosing men. I believe a few months would do just fine, your men would be trained and ready, and we would have the best battle plan there ever was. Your win would be quick and without difficulty.''

''My faithful Tezrian. Only you can bring to me the peace I need.'' Voldemort said, caressing her cheek. ''Do as you see fit. You have my permission in anything you wish to do. Only you can bring me victory.''

''My Lord..'' Tezrian smiled and bowed her head. ''You will not be disappointed.''

''Think it, don't speak it. Silent spells will save your life in battle. If the enemy doesn't know what you are throwing at him you have the advantage. Concentrate. Will it to succeed it…'' Severus continued his speech while looking each and every one of the students in the eye.

The week had passed quite quietly. The charm Hermione had cast on his mark was still active, so he knew when Voldemort was summoning his followers, but he didn't feel the pain. Also he was grateful Albus had taken in ignoring him now. If it weren't for the lessons with the reinstated DA club, and the private lessons with Potter, Severus Snape could say he was a free man. A normal potions professor, living his life as any other professor. But there were those lessons that reminded him what they were expecting. The darkness that was threatening to swallow them if they didn't react.

He had had a pleasant surprise when he stepped for the first time in the Room of Requirement to find about thirty students waiting patiently and silently for him. He had expected disgust, fear, disbelief, rejection in their eyes…but there was nothing but curiosity and determination. It seemed that any student that trembled in fear in his class, when faced with the true severity of the situation, was willing to bury any other feelings and keep a clear head. For that he was thankful.

''Voldemort will not hesitate in killing you, of that you can be sure of. I assure you, I will do everything in my power to help avoid such a situation. I will train you in everything I know, everything I can, for you to be able to defend yourselves and your loved ones. If any of you think they're not capable of following my orders, be my guest and leave. This new 'club' will be different of the previous one. In here every single one of you will know the truth. Every single one of you will be treated as an equal. You deserve it. What you will learn in here, and what awaits you outside of these walls will change your lives. But if you want to live…you will have to fight….''

Severus could see the determination in his students eyes, and his heart swelled with pride. They were young, yes, but they would fight for what they believed. These children were the ones that would truly fight for the greater good of the wizarding world. They were the future of the wizarding world. Not any wizard that was summoned in the heat of the battle, maybe not even the Order of the Phoenix, and certainly not Albus Dumbledore.

Severus Snape had been a servant of both sides for too long. He would see justice done if it was the last thing he did.

''No one will lead you to victory. You will lead yourselves. But for that you have much to learn. And I am willing to teach you…if you are willing to listen…''

There had been an uproar of appreciative claps and voiced approvals, that brought a smile on his face. He would teach them everything he knew to be useful for their cause…and he welcomed the day that they would go out there and fight for their rights. For he knew…Voldemort would be blown away with their attack in mere minutes. Yes, both Voldemort and Dumbledore will curse the day that they decided to mess with muggle-borns and half-bloods.

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