Hello, everyone! I'm sorry it's been so long. I started this chapter months ago, however I haven't had time to work on it until recently. To say work is constantly crazy is an understatement. I'm currently on vacation. Unfortunately, given my work schedule, there will likely be quite a bit of time in between chapters. I apologize for this, however it is unavoidable and is unlikley to change. Anyway, there's a summary of what has happened so far in the story since it's been so long since I posted a chapter. Have a great week!

Hermione's parents died the summer after her first year and Snape was assigned as her legal guardian. Hermione is quite upset about this fact, and decides to try to have the Muggle courts declare him an inept guardian. She decides to make them think that she is abusing her, and brews a Blood Replenishing Potion in his private lab (which she is not allowed in). However, although the potion makes the necessary bruises, she takes too much of it and passes out near Hagrid's house. She needed to take a Blood Clotting Potion to keep her blood from becoming too thin. Snape finds her outside Hagrid's and rushes her to the Hospital Wing. After administering the necessary potions, Madame Pomfrey sends them back to Snape's quarters. The next day, after receiving a clean bill of health from Madame Pomfrey, she and Snape discuss what happened. The discussion does not go well, and he finds himself outside Professor McGonagall's door. It is revealed that she was his guardian while he was a student, and that she still has much of a parental role in his life. Snape and Hermione discuss her recent behavior and their changing roles before Snape assigns her a punishment; she is grounded for two weeks without books, she will perform the charm to make books unreadable to her, and she is assigned to write an essay detailing why she was wrong. After writing the essay, she successfully performs the charm, but is still greatly upset. After Professor McGonagall speaks with her, Professor McGonagall realizes it is because Snape did not tell her she was forgiven. Snape tells Hermione that she is forgiven, and they bond further over hot chocolate. In the next couple of days, Snape and Hermione travel to London to finalize Snape's custody of her. However, they learn that custody will not be finalized until the social worker, Mrs. Salk, performs some home visits. Snape realizes that he many need to use legilimancy to keep Mrs. Salk from discovering magic while still believing that Snape is a fit guardian for Hermione. Hermione discovers this when Mrs. Salk acts oddly during a home visit. Ron makes a surprise visit to Snape's quarters, afraid that Snape is hurting Hermione. Hermione convinces Ron that she is fine, while Snape calls Mrs. Weasley to pick up Ron. Mrs. Weasley invites Hermione over at some point in the future. Although Hermione is still grounded, including from books, she is allowed to help Professor McGonagall organize her books. Professor McGonagall then tells her some stories about Snape as he was growing up. Start current chapter:

"I think she would quite like that, Mrs. Weasley," Snape said to the head in the fire a week later.

"Wonderful!" Mrs. Weasley exclaimed, smiling. "When should we expect her?"

"How about I send her over at ten and she can come back just before dinner?"

"She's welcome to stay for dinner."

Snape nodded slowly. "I appreciate that, but I would rather not put you out."

"I have five children at home, Professor Snape. One more won't make a difference."

"Let's see how the day goes and we'll judge from there?"

"All right. Thank you very much, Professor Snape. I know Ron is looking forward to seeing her." Her head disappeared and Snape sighed and rubbed a hand over his face. He couldn't believe that he was actually encouraging her friendship with the youngest Weasley boy.

"Uncle Sev!" Hermione called from the door. "I'm back!"

"That is quite obvious," he sneered.

Hermione ignored his sarcasm, launching into her trip to the library. "Madame Pince showed me a series called 'The Young Founders.' She let me check out the first one. It's about Godric Gryffindor and Helga Hufflepuff when they were kids! Have you ever heard of them?"

"Gryffindor and Hufflepuff?" he drawled. "I should think so."

Hermione rolled her eyes, smiling. "Uncle Sev!"

"I used to read them when I was your age."

"Did you like them?"

"Very much." He paused. "Come, dinner's just about ready."

Hermione followed him into the kitchen and sat down at the table. "Madame Pince says I read too much non-fiction," she said, frowning as she helped herself to some peas. "But she doesn't know how much I like muggle fiction." Snape nodded. "Besides, she only sees what I check out during the school year. I'm supposed to be learning then anyway." She pouted slightly.

Snape almost smiled at the slight whine in her voice. "She just wants to make sure you're well-rounded," he replied. "She used to tell me the same thing."

Hermione nodded slowly. "Right then, more fiction," she said cheekily.

"Watch it, Little Girl," he warned teasingly, "or I won't let you go to your friend's tomorrow."

"What?" she gasped. "I'm going to Ron's?"

Snape nodded. "Tomorrow morning. Mrs. Weasley Floo-called just before you got back."

A wide grin split Hermione's face. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" She jumped out of her chair and hugged him.

"Yes, well..." he stumbled. "That's enough. Eat your dinner." He gave her a gentle shove toward her chair, pushing away the pleasant feeling that had just bubbled up. "If you don't behave, you won't be going."

"Yes, sir," Hermione replied, taking a large bite of peas.

oOo

"Oh," Hermione said softly, as she woke up to a throbbing pain in her head the next morning. She looked over at her clock; 8:45. Eight forty-five? she thought to herself. I hardly ever sleep past eight. She groaned softly as she swung her legs over the side of the bed. They seemed unusually heavy this morning.

"Hermione, breakfast will be ready in about fifteen minutes," Snape said, opening the door to her room, surprised that she wasn't already dressed and reading.

"All right, Uncle Sev," she replied weakly.

Concern edged Snape's eyes. "Are you feeling all right?"

"I'm fine. Just a little sleepy still." She forced a smile.

He gave her an appraising look. "All right. Go ahead and get dressed. I'll see you in the kitchen shortly. Don't forget to brush your teeth."

Fifteen minutes later, Hermione dragged herself into the kitchen, the smell of bacon and eggs making her stomach turn. Usually it was one of her favorite meals. Snape placed a large plate in front of her along with a glass of orange juice. "Thank you," she said softly, resigning herself to eating lest he wouldn't let her go to Ron's. She began forcing her breakfast down, her stomach protesting the whole time.

oOo

"Do you know how to use the Floo?" Snape asked her, drying his hands on a dish towel. Hermione shook her head. "Come with me." Hermione followed him into the living room. He took a small urn off of the mantle. He opened it to reveal an ash-like powder. "This is Floo Powder. You take a pinch of it and throw it into the fire. Then you step in and say where you are going and the Floo will take you there. Do you understand?"

Hermione bit back a scowl. I'm not an idiot, she thought. "Yes," she replied, rolling her eyes.

He raised an eyebrow at her. "Do you want me to take you this first time or do you think you can go on your own?"

"I can go myself."

"All right. Your destination is 'The Burrow.' That's the name of the Weasleys' house. If Mrs. Weasley invites you for dinner and you would like to stay, just ask her to call me and let me know."

"Yes, Uncle Sev."

"Off you go then. Enjoy your day." He held out the urn. "Keep your elbows tucked in," he added as an afterthought.

"Thank you." Hermione took a handful of Floo Powder and tossed it into the fire before stepping in and shouting, "The Burrow!" She whirled away in green smoke and ash, the spinning doing nothing to help the churning in her stomach.

oOo

Hermione stumbled out of the Floo and into the Weasleys' kitchen, falling on to her hands and knees.

"Oh, Hermione, dear!" Mrs. Weasley exclaimed. She wiped her hands on her apron, and helped her up, dusting off the ash. She looked hard at Hermione as she took out her wand to remove the ash. "Was that your first time in the Floo?" Hermione nodded, still a bit dazed. "Are you all right? I know the first time can be quite rough on your stomach."

"I'm fine, thank you, Mrs. Weasley," Hermione said, plastering a fake, reassuring smile on her face.

"All right, but sit down and have some tea anyway. You look a bit peaky."

As she sat down, Mrs. Weasley sent a cup of tea to the table. Hermione took a sip, the tea soothing her stomach the slightest bit. "Thank you."

"You're welcome, dear. I'll go ahead and call Ron." Mrs. Weasley took a breath. "Ron!" she shouted. "Hermione's here!"

A few moments later, she heard thundering on the stairs just before Ron came into the kitchen. "Hey, Hermione. Want to come see my room?"

"Ron, let Hermione finish her tea," Mrs. Weasley chided.

"It's all right, Mrs. Weasley," Hermione said. "I'm finished."

"I'll call you down for lunch."

Hermione and Ron nodded, and she followed Ron up to his room. "Wow, this is really...bright," she said, looking for a word to describe the orange assault on her eyes.

Ron grinned. "It's all right. I know quidditch isn't your thing. Want to play Exploding Snap?"

"Sure."

Ron dealt the cards. After the second explosion, Hermione began feeling dizzy. She leaned back against Ron's bed as the orange spun around her.

"Hermione?" Ron said. "Are you okay?" He crept closer to her when she didn't answer. "Hermione?"

All of a sudden, the contents of Hermione's stomach reversed themselves on to Ron's bedroom floor. "I'm going to go get Mum," he said, disappearing out the door, unable to hide the horrified look on his face. "Mum!" Hermione heard him call. "Mum!"

A few minutes later, Hermione felt a cool hand on her head. "Oh dear, you're burning up," Mrs. Weasley's voice said.

"I'm sorry," Hermione whimpered, trying not to cry.

"Sh, sh," Mrs. Weasley said soothingly. "There's nothing to apologize for." She turned to Ron, who was standing behind her, looking concerned. "Ron, go Floo Professor Snape and tell him that Hermione's sick." Ron ran off. Mrs. Weasley pointed her wand at the vomit on the floor, "Scourgify." She looked back at Hermione. "Do you think you can walk, dear?" Hermione shook her head, a few tears leaking out. Mrs. Weasley pointed her wand at Hermione again before lifting her easily on to her hip as if she was a toddler. Mrs. Weasley carried her downstairs and set her down on the sofa. "Lay down, dear. I'll be back in just a moment." Hermione rested her head on one of the arms of the sofa, dozing off almost immediately.

Mrs. Weasley came back almost immediately. "Hermione," she said, shaking the girl awake gently.

Hermione opened her eyes slowly. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Weasley. I didn't mean to get sick."

"I know you didn't, dear. You don't need to apologize. But I want you to take this." She held out a vial containing a bright pink potion.

"What is it?" she asked, taking the vial from her.

"It's a stomach soothing potion. It'll make your stomach feel better."

Hermione looked at the vial suspiciously, but pulled the cork out and choked it down. It had a chalky, vaguely cherry flavor to it. "I think that's the only potion I've ever taken that didn't taste awful." Her stomach slowly stopped churning.

"Feeling a bit better?" Hermione nodded. Mrs. Weasley handed her a vial with a dark blue potion. "It's a fever reducing potion. It'll probably make you a little sleepy too." Hermione swallowed the potion, grimacing at the taste. She immediately felt sleepy. "Lay down, dear. Professor Snape should be here soon." Hermione laid her head on the sofa's arm again, and Mrs. Weasley covered her with a blanket. "I want my mum," she murmured.

"I know, dear," Mrs. Weasley said with tears in her eyes, as she rubbed Hermione's arm soothingly. But Hermione didn't hear her; she had already fallen asleep.

oOo

"Professor Snape!" Snape heard from the fireplace. "Professor Snape!"

He left his potion's lab and saw Ron Weasley's head in his fire. "Mr. Weasley," he drawled. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Hermione's sick. She threw up all over the place and Mum says she has a fever."

Snape paled. "Let me change my clothes and I'll step through, Mr. Weasley."

"Yes, sir. I'll let Mum know." Weasley's head disappeared.

Snape went into his bedroom and changed out of his brewing robes. It wouldn't do to have the child vomiting again from the acrid smell of the potions he had been brewing. He went back to the living room and threw some Floo Powder into the fire. "The Burrow," he stated clearly before being whisked away.

oOo

Snape stepped out of the fireplace and cleaned the ash off himself.

"Professor Snape," Ron Weasley said, standing awkwardly in the doorway.

"Hello, Mr. Weasley," Snape replied silkily. When Ron didn't respond, Snape asked impatiently, "Where's Hermione?"

"She's on the couch in the living room. Mum's with her." He paused. "If you follow me, I can take you there."

Snape followed Ron down the hall to the living room. "Mrs. Weasley," he said, "thank you for having Ronald call me."

"Hello, Professor," Mrs. Weasley said softly, standing up. "I'm glad you came. Hermione's a bit ill." She looked hard at Snape, as if trying to determine if he had known she was sick before sending her over.

"I heard she vomited and has a fever?"

"Yes. I gave her a stomach soother and a fever reducer."

"Thank you for taking care of her. I didn't realize she was sick."

"She seemed a bit peaky when she first got here, but she swore she was fine."

"I see." He paused. "Well, thank you." He went to gather her up to take her home, but was stopped by Mrs. Weasley's hand on his arm.

"Professor, do you need any potions? I know you're not used to having children around."

"I keep some of the basics around and what I don't have either the infirmary has it or I can brew it. Thank you though."

"Then I won't keep you any longer. She's probably still feather-light from earlier."

"All right." He picked Hermione up, settling her on to his hip. Hermione instinctively put her arms around his neck and buried her face in his shoulder. He carried her back to the kitchen. "Thank you again," he said to Mrs. Weasley.

"Maybe when she's feeling better we can try again for she and Ron to get together."

"I think that's a possibility."

"Let me know if you need any help. I've been through it all with my brood."

"Thank you." He took some Floo Powder and said, "Severus Snape's Hogwarts Quarters," before whirling away with Hermione in his arms.

oOo

Snape laid Hermione down on her bed, transfiguring her clothes into pajamas. He covered her with her quilt before laying his hand on her forehead. It was cool; the fever reducer was still working it's magic. He went into his bathroom to check his supply of potions. He had a couple of vials of stomach soother and fever reducer. Hopefully, they would be enough. He went back to his lab and put his potions under a stasis spell, before settling down in the living room with a book.

oOo

An hour later, he checked on Hermione. She was just waking up. "How are you feeling, Little One?" he asked her gently, placing a hand on her forehead. The fever had returned.

"I feel awful, Uncle Sev," she moaned. She sat up quickly and ran to the bathroom, before emptying the rest of her stomach contents. Snape followed behind her, holding her hair away from her face and rubbing her back. "I'm sorry," she whimpered, a few tears running down her cheeks.

"Sh, Little One," he soothed, awkwardly pulling her close and wiping away her tears with his thumbs. "There's nothing to apologize for." He hugged her for a moment before standing up. "Let's rinse your mouth and get you back in bed." He helped her off of the floor and handed her a cup with water.

Hermione rinsed her mouth. She looked up at him when she was finished. "I need to use the toilet, Uncle Sev."

"All right. I'm going to get you a couple of potions. I'll be right back."

When he got back to her room, she was already back in bed, shivering violently.

"Here," he said, handing her a vial of Stomach Soother, "take this. It'll help your stomach." She swallowed the potion. "Drink," he said, passing her a glass of water a few minutes later.

"I'm cold, Uncle Sev," she whined, shaking underneath her quilt.

"I know, but I need you to drink something before I give you the Fever Reducer since it makes you sleepy." Hermione made a face, but drank the glass of water. He handed her the Fever Reducer, which she downed, shuddering at the taste. She laid back down, curling on to her side. Snape gently pulled her quilt back over her as she fell asleep. They would repeat this pattern many times throughout that day and the next.

oOo

Hermione opened her eyes slowly when she felt something cool on her forehead. As she blinked, Professor McGonagall came into view. "Aunt Min?" she asked, confused by her presence.

"How are you feeling, Cub Junior?"

Hermione raised an eyebrow at the nickname, looking uncannily like Snape. "Better, thanks. But what are you doing here? Where's Uncle Sev?"

"I sent him to get some sleep. You've been needing potions every few hours for the past day or so."

Past day or so? Hermione thought. "How long have I been sick?"

"About two days. But your fever seems to be gone now. Is your stomach better?"

Hermione nodded. "I'm kind of hungry."

"Why don't you start with some tea and soup and see how that does?"

"All right."

"Do you think you can come into the kitchen or do you need to eat in bed?"

"I can come into the kitchen." She sat up on the side of her bed. Professor McGonagall held out a hand and helped her stand up. Hermione took the offered hand gratefully, her legs feeling a bit wobbly.

"Mitzy!" Professor McGonagall called when they went to the kitchen.

"Yes, Professor McGonagall, ma'am?" the elf asked in her squeaky voice.

"Would you please get Hermione a bowl of chicken soup and some tea?"

"Of course, Professor McGonagall, ma'am. What would you be wanting for yourself?"

"Just some tea please. And if you could bring some coffee for Severus for when he wakes up?"

"Yes, Professor McGonagall, ma'am. I be right back." Mitzy disappeared with a pop, reappearing a few minutes later.

"Thank you, Mitzy."

Professor McGonagall set the bowl of soup and a cup of tea in front of Hermione who began eating eagerly. "Thank you!" Hermione said, smiling through a mouthful of soup.

"You is welcome," Mitzy replied before disappearing.

"What are you doing out of bed?" Snape said gruffly to Hermione as he came into the kitchen. Her face fell.

"Severus!" Professor McGonagall scolded lightly. "She's feeling better, even hungry."

"Oh," he said. "I'm sorry, Hermione."

"It's all right," she replied. "Aunt Min got you some coffee."

Snape took a long sip of his coffee as he sat down, considering his words. "Why didn't you tell me you were feeling sick?" he asked, setting his mug down and holding it between his hands.

"I thought you wouldn't let me go to Ron's," Hermione said sheepishly.

Snape nodded. "You're right. I wouldn't have let you go." Tears pricked at Hermione's eyes as she looked down at the table; she'd lost her chance to see her friend for the summer. "But I would've done everything I could've to reschedule," he continued.

Hermione glanced up. "So I can still go to Ron's?"

Snape nodded slowly. "When you're better, I will talk to Mrs. Weasley about it again."

Hermione grinned. "Thanks, Uncle Sev." She paused. "And thank you for taking care of me."

"There's nothing to thank me for, Little One. I'm glad you're feeling better."

Again, I apologize for the most recent long wait, and the one that is coming. But I promise I will post again as soon as I can. Also, if you have any ideas for the story, please let me know! Thanks!