DISCLAIMER. None of the characters used are a creation of mine. They belong solely to JK Rowling.

Hermione followed Sirius to the Hospital Wing. It was mid October and Remus lay in bed with a nasty cut on his calf from the transformation two days ago.

He ran his hands tiredly over his ashen face and sighed heavily, 'You don't have to come see me every day. I'll be out of here by tonight.'

Sirius scoffed, 'Not come see you and miss out on seeing your pretty face first thing in the morning? NEVER!'

Hermione rolled her eyes and dropped a bag full of chocolates in Remus' lap which made him visibly brigthen up.

'Courtesy of the house eleves that adore you more than any student in the castle.' Hermione explained.

Remus nodded, 'They do it every month. Although Peter is always ready with a batch at my bedside but one of the elves will always come see me, you know?'

Sirius laughed, 'I think they're in love with you, Moony. Must be your dreamy eyes.' He made a lovestruck face and teased, 'I find find myself distracted oh so often by the glorious amber that you keep carrying around.'

Moony hit him in the chest and grumbled, 'Shut your trap. You're embarrassing me.'

Hermione laughed at their playfulnes.

'Where are James and Peter?' Remus asked.

Hermione shrugged, 'They'll come fetch you in the evening. Peter was still asleep and James got caught up with Professor Sprout who was very upset at his recent lack of attention in her class.'

Sirius motioned for Remus to make space as he slid in beside the boy and made himself comfortable.

'I'd say it's Pomona's fault, really. She shouldn't expect poor Prongsie to not slack off in class if she goes on and partners him with Lily.'

Hermione observed, 'But I thought he was no longer hellbent on asking her out.'

Remus snorted, 'There is a difference between getting over someone and deciding not to annoy them to maybe make them realise that you might just be a reasonable bloke.'

'Is that what he's trying to do?' Hermione did have an idea but she could never be entirely certain.

Sirius sighed, 'Little git won't be getting over her anytime soon. I think he's in it for the long haul.' He sighed dramatically, 'I pity him.'

Hermione frowned, 'Not everyone is an uncaring flirt such as yourself.'

Sirius smirked, 'Do I sense jealousy, love?'

Getting all flustered, Hermione replied, 'Why would you reach a conclusion like that? All I'm saying is that sometimes you really do meet someone who's worth the wait.'

Sirius leaned on his elbows, 'You really do have a bloke picked out, don't you?' He whined, 'Why won't you just tell me?'

'That's neither here nor there. Why do you care anyway? Don't you have some bird to run after?'

'I would if I wasn't being hounded on by a certain witch. You keep chastising me for my boyish whims. I feel very insulted, if you must know. Always doubting my honour.'

'Feeling guilty, are we?' She inquired.

Sirius put his hands up in the air, 'Why would I feel guilty? Girls love me. Ask Marlene!'

'I wouldn't need to. She worships the ground you walk on and I'd go as far as saying she genuinely cares about you. But you? You can be so insensitive.'

Sirius looked aghast. 'It's not my fault she has a crush on me.'

Hermione hissed, 'You could be a little more considerate and refrain from chatting up any girl who comes across you when she's right there beside you. Do you know how degrading it must feel for her to be so blatantly ignored by the boy she likes so much?'

Sirius bristled, 'What's got your knickers in a twist?' He winked, 'Although I must say you're a right little minx when you decide to go all fiesty on me.'

Hermione glared, 'You're an arse!'

She stormed away after bidding goodbye to Remus who had been looking on at the two with curiosity. He had obviously noticed how Hermione's fists would curl in annoyance anytime Sirius played around with a bird. He also noticed how Sirius would sometimes just stare at her when she wasn't looking with a look of ardent longing in his eyes.

But what really confused Remus was the sudden switch in Hermione's mood everytime she found herself craving for Sirius'attention. He saw how she would quickly catch herself, shake her head and look away with guilt.

He never ceased to wonder what could cause such a reaction but chose to remain silent. He knew his friends would have to reach the realisation of finally admitting their feelings for each other by themselves. Although sometimes he did wonder if they already had and merely lacked the guts to face each other.

Only time would tell.

Paying no mind to her surroundings, Hermione made her way to the Great Hall all the while grumbling about tactless prats.

Fuming, she slipped into a seat at the Slytherin table and loaded her plate with breakfast.

Severus, seated beside her, raised his brows, 'It was that bunch of baboons, wasn't it?'

Hermione snarked, 'No need to resort to petty name-calling.'

Severus was taken aback at the hostility. 'You seem especially ticked off for some reason. Which one was it?'

Hermione sighed, 'Sirius.'

Severus scoffed, 'That idiot is the worst one. I wonder why you hang out with them.' He spat, 'Those boys are nothing but bullies.'

'You shouldn't be saying that when you keep retaliating with equal fervour.'

'How can you say that?' He grumbled. 'They have it against Slytherins.'

Rookwood, a sixth year who was seated right across them commented, 'They prank each house, if you hadn't noticed. They haven't ever spared their own housemates. You do have a tendency to go picking fights with those boys, Snape.'

'Keep your nose out of my business.' Severus glared at the boy. 'They are nothing but pests.'

Rookwood sneered and looked away.

Severus and Hermione stood up and walked out of the Great Hall and towards the Astronomy Tower.

Hermione had had enough, 'Severus, half the times its you who starts the stupid spats. Don't go around blaming them when you're equally guilty. Stop playing the victim.'

Severus looked horrified, 'Look at yourself, Hermione. You're taking their side. You're defending them. I knew nothing good come out of your relationship with them.'

Hermione began to speak but Severus cut her to it.

'One day when we get out in the real life you'll see how quickly they'll turn their backs on you. For all their bravery they are the real cowards. You belong to an important family. I know you're well aware of the war that's brewing and if you think for a second that they will go easy on you by virtue of this fickle thing you call friendship, you are grievously mistaken.'

Hermione stopped dead in her tracks and looked around herself to ensure the corridor was empty. 'How presumptious of you to so quickly assume I'd be supporting Voldemort.'

Severus visibly winced, 'You dare take his name?' He laughed without any trace of humour, 'You may not spend a lot of time in the company of your own house but rest assured the entirety of the Slytherin student body is quite appreciative of your brother's activities.

When the day comes you will be recruited, Hermione. You're a clever witch and don't forget the Dark Lord knows everything to do with you and your brother Rabastan. If what I've heard is to be trusted, Rodolphus if full of praises when it comes to you.'

'And you got all that from petty gossip that goes aorund in the Common Room?' Hermione scoffed, now truly unsettled.

He whispered furiously, 'I may not be at par with the royalty you are but I have my sources. And when my chance comes I will gladly sign up to aid the Dark Lord.'

Hermione pitied the boy in front of her, 'You speak so proudly of your dreams of ridding the world of muggleborns when your best friend is one.'

Severus looked like someone had slapped him. 'I shall protect her. I am certain my services will be rewarded and she will be spared.'

Hermione smiled ruefully, 'How childish of you to think that monster is capable of such mercy.' She looked deep into his eyes, 'If you think being his servant will grant you immunity from his rage, you are wrong. He takes immense pleasure in hurting those beneath him regardless of the side they're on.'

Severus felt the seeds of doubt grow in his mind but hid it well.

Hermione shook her head and turned to leave, 'If you truly want to look after Lily then fight for the right side. Fight beside her. Don't give up your life for that deranged creature, Severus or you will lose everything.'