Chapter 1: The Half-Blood Prince
July 1997
(present time)
Hermione Jean Granger had been pacing back and forth in the kitchen of her childhood home, thinking. She just could not rest for a while. It was past lunchtime, but she hadn't eaten anything yet since she woke up this morning. Her parents were at work, and she was left alone at home.
She was supposed to be enjoying her summer break. She was supposed to be looking forward to her seventh year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. She should be hanging out with her best friends, or at least meeting up with Ron to visit Harry since she and Ron had already gotten their Apparition licenses before the end of their sixth year. She could just Apparate to the Burrow right now and hang out with Ginny and Ron or visit Diagon Alley to check some books and pop into the shop of Fred and George, Ron's twin brothers.
This was not how she imagined the summer before her seventh year would be. But then again, she wasn't the only one. She was one hundred percent sure that her friends and classmates were also feeling the same way.
They hadn't imagined their lives would be in grave danger this year. These days, you couldn't be so sure if an acquaintance could be an ally or an enemy, especially since her best friend was a target of the darkest and most evil wizard of all time. Voldemort.
This morning, when Hermione woke up, she noticed a letter on her bedside table addressed to her. She searched the room for an owl, or for someone who could have delivered the letter, but she found herself alone in the house. She picked the letter up, and she felt her blood run cold when she saw the familiar handwriting – the elegant cursive handwriting that screamed 'Professor Snape'.
She could not be mistaken. She had spent six years under his teaching. Six years in his classroom. Six years' worth of essays with notes from him – either unsolicited advice, corrections, or simple remarks from the Potions Master, and later, Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor.
She opened the letter and read it.
Miss H. J. Granger,
Kindly expect a visit an hour after lunch. Make sure you are alone. Do not leave the house. It is imperative that we discuss the next steps to ensure your parents' safety.
The Half-Blood Prince
Hermione read the letter twice, making sure she read it correctly; that it really said they would discuss her parents' safety.
Her parents… She had to know they were safe. She grabbed her wand. She would check on them. She would Apparate to the storage room in her parents' dental clinic.
However, when she tried, nothing happened. Then, she heard a loud POP a house-elf appeared in front of her, dressed in a purple tutu. Its little hair was tied with a purple ribbon.
"Cherry is sorry, Missy Hermione! Cherry should tell Miss Hermione not to go! Master said it isn't safe for Missy to leave the house!" the house-elf squeaked.
"Cherry? Your name is Cherry, right?" she asked gently, kneeling on the floor to have eye-to-eye contact with the elf.
"Yes, Missy! I am Cherry."
Hermione noted that the house-elf spoke better than the others she had encountered in the past.
"Could you tell me who your master is?"
The house-elf shook her head. "No, Missy. Master will show himself to Missy later. Missy should not worry because Cherry's master is not bad. Master protects Missy's parents, too!" the elf said proudly.
"My parents?"
Cherry nodded. "Master cast protective charms at Missy's parents' workplace. Cherry watches them, too! Cherry will save Missy Hermione's parents if there is danger! Cherry should really go now and check on Missy Hermione's parents."
Hermione prayed that the house-elf was telling the truth. She could not afford to lose her parents. She nodded at Cherry kindly. "All right, Cherry. I'll stay here. Thank you. You may go."
Cherry nodded solemnly and disappeared with a loud crack.
And Hermione waited in her parents' kitchen, confused and worried.
Waiting. Confused. Worried.
"How long is he going to make me wait?" she asked herself, feeling annoyed now. She wasn't used to these kinds of feelings when it came to her parents. She was worried that something might have happened to them, or that the wizard who wrote to her was not Professor Snape. Although the handwriting screamed Professor Snape, she couldn't be so sure.
Perhaps he heard her and decided not to prolong her agony. A few seconds later, there was a faint crack of Apparition outside the kitchen. Hermione drew her wand and opened the door. She was greeted by the obsidian eyes and tall figure of Professor Snape, towering over her. He had this calm expression she used to see when it was just the two of them. His hands were inside the pockets of his robes.
"Miss Granger," he nodded curtly.
"The last words Severus Snape said to Hermione Granger the night Albus Dumbledore died," she inquired.
There was a glint in Professor Snape's eyes that made Hermione's heart flutter. Of all the one-on-one conversations they have had in the past, she chose that one because it wasn't academically related.
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June 1997
(one month ago)
Hermione was running towards Professor McGonagall in the sixth-floor corridor. She had just learnt from the other Gryffindors that there was a commotion on the seventh floor, and then Neville had seen Death Eaters going up to the Astronomy Tower with Malfoy.
"Professor! Death Eaters in the castle! Professor!" she panicked.
Professor McGonagall looked alarmed. "Miss Granger! Call Professor Snape immediately!"
She did not stop to confirm what her Head of House said. She dashed to the stairs, down to the dungeons, where Professor Snape had kept his office. She burst into his office without knocking. She did not have time to wonder why the door was not locked when the turned the knob. It had always been like that.
"Professor! Death Eaters in the castle!" she alerted him.
She found him pacing back and forth in front of his office desk, hands behind him, but when she entered the office, he stopped pacing. Their eyes met. He looked like he was contemplating for a moment. Then, he stepped forward until they were mere inches away from each other. Hermione's head barely reached his chin. She found herself eye-to-eye with the buttons of his navy-blue frock coat.
She felt his gentle hands on her shoulders. "Miss Granger," he whispered.
Hermione was forced to look up and meet his eyes.
"Be safe. If you need any help, simply call my name, and help will be given."
Before she could ask more questions, she felt his lips on her forehead, pressing a gentle kiss. Hermione inhaled his scent – sandalwood and something citrusy like soap.
Then, he was gone.
Hermione followed him, but the door slammed. When she turned the knob, it didn't budge. She drew her wand and tried opening the door with some unlocking charms, but nothing happened.
He had trapped her inside his office.
Hermione only made it out when the commotion was over, and she learnt that Professor Snape had fled with the other Death Eaters, including Draco Malfoy.
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July 1997
(present time)
Hermione drew her hand away from him when he uttered the words that he told her that night. She turned around and sat at the kitchen counter. She waved her hand across from him to do the same, and her former professor obliged.
"What can I do for you, Professor?" she asked, cutting to the chase.
"As stated in the letter, Miss Granger, we must discuss the safety of your parents."
She narrowed her eyes at him.
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June 1997
(one month ago)
They were gathered around Bill Weasley's bed. He was scarred for life by Greyback, but the good thing was, it was not a full moon. Greyback was in his human form. Therefore, Bill would only have werewolf tendencies, but he would not totally change on full moons.
That was a relief to the Weasleys.
But the relief was short-lived because of what Harry revealed.
After Hermione left Professor Snape's office, she ran to the Great Hall to see what was going on. Some students were injured, and Hermione did not hesitate to help them to the hospital wing. Madam Pomfrey was also glad for her help, especially in administering first aid.
She was already in the hospital wing when the Weasleys burst in, followed by the Order members: Remus, Tonks, and Professor McGonagall. Harry came in a little late, looking haggard and he had several scratches. Hermione instantly pulled him to a hospital bed beside Bill's and tended to his wounds.
Then, someone spoke and asked where Dumbledore was.
"Dumbledore's dead," Harry mumbled. "Snape killed him."
Several gasps could be heard in the hospital wing, including Hermione's.
Hermione's blood ran cold. She was tending to Harry's wounds, but his words froze her.
"No…" she whispered. She couldn't believe it.
"I saw him," Harry told them all. "I was there in the Astronomy Tower, under the cloak," Harry said mournfully. "Malfoy disarmed him, but he couldn't do it, so Snape did."
Hermione felt tears on her cheeks, and she hugged Harry. "Oh, Harry! I am so sorry! I was sent to Professor Snape's office to tell him about the Death Eaters, but he locked me there! I should have known!"
Harry pulled away gently to look at her. He shook his head. "No, Hermione. Don't apologize. You did nothing wrong," he assured her. "I'm just glad that he didn't hurt you. You're fine, right?"
She nodded. "I am fine."
"Good," Harry said.
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July 1997
(present time)
"Dumbledore was already dying last year, wasn't he, Professor?" she asked seriously.
"I killed him, Miss Granger. Hasn't Potter told you?" he asked nonchalantly.
"He did. He told every single detail of that night," she informed. "But why are you here, Professor, if it was really your intention to kill the headmaster? Why did you send an elf to watch over me and my family?"
"Because your precious friends, and the Order, haven't thought of doing so," he spat.
Hermione felt a pang of hurt. No one, indeed, had approached her and asked how her parents had been. But she didn't show him that she was hurt. "My parents are not the Order's responsibility."
"Bullshit!" he cursed. "You've been risking your life since you were 11 years old to help Harry Potter. You've been fighting this war even before you became an adult. They owe you," he spat, but she knew it was not directed at her.
Hermione sighed. "I've thought of sending my parents to Australia," she informed him.
Professor Snape met her eyes, giving her an inquiring look.
"I'll alter their memories. It should be temporary, of course. If I survive this war, I'll go back and restore their memories. If not, then, at least… they're safe," she replied flatly.
"Are you sure you could perform the spell?" he asked, looking concerned.
She huffed. "Please, Professor. Have faith in my abilities. As you said, I've been fighting this war since even before I was legal."
"I do not doubt your magical skills, Miss Granger. I am merely considering your feelings; your emotional state."
She did not respond immediately. Instead, she peered at him and noticed that he had this facial expression that she had seen on him on rare occasions— when he was lowering his Occlumency shields.
How could she not know? This was the man who taught her Occlumency and other things. However, this was also the man she was enamoured with, for unknown reasons.
Professor Snape had always been an enigma to Hermione ever since she met him for the first time. However, she paid no mind to it. Until her fifth year.
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July 1995
(two years ago)
Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place, is a depressing place. No wonder, Sirius doesn't like it here, Hermione thought as she was scrubbing the floors and walls of the drawing room on the first floor, just across the room she and Ginny were sharing. The drawing room, Hermione thought, used to be exquisite. It was spacious, with large windows overlooking the street in front of the house. There was also the Black family tapestry and a writing desk that no one dared to open. Remus – her former Professor Lupin – said that inside might be a Boggart. However, Mrs Weasley still wanted Mad-Eye Moody to take a look at it with his magical eye.
After just two weeks with her parents, Hermione and her parents were paid a visit by none other than the Hogwarts headmaster himself, Albus Dumbledore. The headmaster requested Hermione's assistance in brewing potions with Professor Snape for an organisation that helped those who could not afford special potions. It would be like an apprenticeship. Hermione, even though she was quite sure that Professor Dumbledore was not telling the truth because she knew that Professor Snape would not require his know-it-all student's assistance, pleaded with her parents to permit her to go. Her parents had always been very supportive of her education, so they let her go, with the condition that she write to them as often as she could. Professor Dumbledore assured Rose and Robert Granger that he would make sure someone delivered Hermione's letters and vice-versa.
She already missed her parents. They only got to see each other on holidays because she lived 10 months a year in a boarding school in Scotland which they were not allowed to visit. But then again, she knew that Harry would need her and Ron's support, given the events last month, on their last days as 4th-year students.
Yesterday, Remus collected her from her parents' house and brought her to this depressing place. Her only consolation was her friends were there.
"There you are, Kitten!"
Hermione turned around and saw Sirius Black at the doorway, leaning on the left door frame, smiling at her.
She rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "Stop calling me that, Sirius."
Upon arriving at Sirius's childhood home – that was now the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix, a secret organisation founded by Dumbledore to fight against Voldemort and his Death Eaters – Hermione learnt that the Weasley family had been staying there for a week now, and Ron accidentally told Sirius and Remus about her Polyjuice Potion incident in her second year; the time when she turned into a cat. Thus, the nickname Kitten.
"No way. It fits you," he chuckled.
"Stop winding her up, Padfoot," came Remus's voice from the doorway.
Her former professor looked tired, and she sent an empathetic smile at him. "Are you all right, Professor Lupin?"
"Hermione, I haven't been your professor for more than a year now. Remus is fine," he said kindly.
"But you didn't answer my question, Remus," she said with concern. "How are you?"
"I'm fine, Hermione. Just a bit edgy because the full moon is just around the corner," he replied.
"Don't you worry about our dear Moony, Kitten. I'll keep him entertained during his transformation," Sirius winked at her, but not in a flirtatious way. It was rather in a brotherly manner.
"You're still taking Wolfsbane Potion, then?" she asked cheerily.
Remus nodded with a smile. "Severus has been very kind in brewing the potion for me, and Padfoot has been funding it."
She turned to Sirius. "Wolfsbane ingredients are highly expensive! That's very kind of you, Sirius."
Sirius waved his hand dismissively. "This one's my brother. Besides, I don't need a lot of money. Why not put old Wally's money into good use?" he smirked. He was referring to his mother, of course - Walburga Black.
"If you are done chitchatting like first years," came a voice from behind Sirius and Remus that Hermione recognized as Professor Snape's, "you might want to join the rest of the Order in the kitchen."
Remus and Sirius exchanged looks and nodded at each other. "Well, Kitten, I just passed by to say that you are very much welcome to live in the library. I heard from Moony that you're such a swot," chuckled Sirius.
"I did not say that," Remus told her. "I said, you were the brightest witch of your age."
"Swot," Sirius grinned before leaving the drawing room.
Hermione saw Professor Snape still standing by the door, looking at her. He was wearing a long-sleeved white Oxford, black tailored trousers, and dragon-hide boots. His silky black hair was tied neatly behind his neck. By most people's standards, he was not easy in the eyes, but Hermione admired him for his brilliance, resourcefulness, and bravery.
This man, she thought, has been risking his life to help the light side. And for that, she would forever be grateful.
"Good day, Professor," Hermione smiled at him politely. She was half-expecting Professor Snape to ignore her or sneer at her, but her Potions professor nodded at her curtly.
"Miss Granger."
CRASH!
Professor Snape turned around and Hermione ran to his side to see what the commotion was about. She raised an eyebrow when she saw the youngest Auror member of the Order, Nymphadora Tonks, scrambling to her feet downstairs. She was a Metamorphmagus, and today the Auror was sporting pink bubble gum hair and brown eyes.
"Stupid, stupid umbrella stand!" Tonks cursed. It looked like she tripped over the severed leg of a troll for an umbrella stand. Hermione giggled at the clumsiness of the Auror, and Tonks turned around.
She smiled, seeing her and Professor Snape on top of the stairs. "Wotcher, Hermione, Professor Snape."
"Are you alright?" she asked with a chuckle.
"I'm golden, I'm golden. I just wasn't looking at where I was going."
"When have you, Miss Tonks?" drawled Professor Snape. Hermione looked at the wizard beside her. He was raising an eyebrow at his former student. "How you became an Auror is still a mystery to me."
Instead of looking offended, Tonks winked at Hermione. "'Cause I'm awesome."
Hermione giggled. "Have a great day, Tonks, Professor Snape." She returned to the drawing room and continued cleaning.
"Good day, Miss Granger," she heard Professor Snape say, but when she turned around, he was already descending the stairs, following Tonks to the kitchen.
Hermione sat on a clean sofa that was facing the window, overlooking the front of the house. She found herself thinking of her respected Potions professor.
He's serving two masters. Voldemort thinks he's a spy for him, but the truth is, he's a spy for the Order. How did Professor Snape become a Death Eater? Who were his cohorts when he was just a Slytherin student? Has he been single all this time? It must've been lonely, not having a family and coming home to an empty house.
Hermione came to the conclusion that Professor Snape had no family because she had not heard of anyone in the wizarding world with his surname. He was the only Snape she knew. He might be the last of his family line.
She could also remember a few good things he did for her.
When she had the Polyjuice Potion accident in her second year, Madam Pomfrey did not know how to cure her, but Professor Snape did. Madam Pomfrey immediately called the Potions Master, and Hermione was ready to hear insults from him or demand how she ended up brewing Polyjuice Potion, but instead, he ran diagnostics on her using his wand and left to prepare a counter-potion for her.
However, when he returned with the counter-potion, she heard from him.
"You just can't help yourself, can you, Miss Granger? Are you trying to prove that you are a know-it-all by brewing a potion that even a fifth-year could not perfectly brew?"
She stared at her lap from her sitting position in the hospital bed. "I was able to brew it perfectly, Professor. I just added the wrong hair…" she admitted in a low voice.
"The result is what matters," he said. "You'll make the same mistakes and eventually get poor results if you continue to hang out with Potter and Weasley." He did not sneer. He wasn't condescending. He said it like it was a mere fact.
When she regained her consciousness after being Petrified that same year, she learnt from Madam Pomfrey that Professor Snape brewed for 48 hours nonstop, as soon as the Mandrakes were matured enough to be used for the Restorative Draught.
.
"Severus, stay for dinner," Mrs Weasley said when Professor Snape entered the kitchen after speaking privately with Aurors Kingsley and Tonks in the drawing room upstairs. Hermione was standing at the table near the fireplace where he would be traveling back to Hogwarts by Floo.
"No offence, Molly, but I prefer Hogwarts food," came the silky voice of Professor Snape.
Hermione felt his presence behind her, and his cloak brushed against her legs. Even if she was wearing jeans, she felt electrified by the contact.
When Professor Snape was finally gone, Ron spoke. "It's a good thing Snape doesn't eat here. Or else I would've lost my appetite."
Before Mrs Weasley could chide her eldest son, Hermione beat her to it. "That man you've just insulted, Ronald, has been risking his life every day for you. For us! For Harry," she scolded. "The least you can do is respect him. You don't have to like him, but showing respect would be a great payback."
Even Ginny, who was sitting beside her, glared at Ron and murmured her agreement.
"She's right, Ronald," Mrs Weasley seconded. "He's still your professor and he's a member of the Order. Dumbledore trusts him, so respect him as much as you respect Minerva."
Ron was quiet and his ears turned pink.
Mr Weasley came downstairs with Kingsley and Tonks, so Mrs Weasley busied herself setting plates for them.
"Honestly, Mione… You look like you have a crush on Snape," Ron muttered, making Remus choke. He exchanged looks with Sirius. Hermione thought for a while that they were going to tease her, but they didn't. They wore forlorn looks.
Hermione huffed inwardly. What if I fancy Professor Snape? What is it to them? Hmph!
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July 1997
(present time)
"I could do it," Professor Snape muttered.
Hermione knew he was talking about altering her parents' memories.
"What if the Death Eaters still find them? We could alter their memories, but what if someone traces them?" she asked.
Professor Snape placed his elbows on the kitchen counter and clasped his hands together. "Miss Granger, tell me, do you believe that the Dark Lord and his minions have not thought of targeting you and your family before Albus died?"
She shrugged. "Nobody mentioned it; not even Remus."
"Ah, Lupin is your friend, but he doesn't tell you everything, does he?" he said knowingly.
"I've heard of the Advanced Guards."
"Yes. Albus sent Advanced guards to look after your parents," he replied solemnly.
"And after he died?" she asked.
"How would I know?" he snorted. "I've been defected from the Order because I killed its leader."
"Stop saying that," she chided. "he was already dying."
He quirked up an eyebrow at her. "And you know this because…"
"His blackened hand," she replied. "I can't tell you what I know."
He nodded. "Albus never put his eggs in one basket. Old, meddling, fool."
"Don't forget manipulative," she snorted. "He was a great wizard. God bless his soul, but he had the tendency to treat people like they were pawns in his game of chess."
"And you allowed yourself to be his pawn?" he raised an eyebrow.
She shrugged. "It's for a good reason. We could end this war. We're all pawns in this game for the entertainment of that bastard half-blood wizard who calls himself a lord. He's manipulative, too. Not that I want to join him, but if given the opportunity to choose between him and Dumbledore, I'd choose the latter. If I would be used, manipulated, and ruined for, it would be for a good cause."
"You said we could end this war. Not can," he said, eyeing her curiously.
She shook her head. "The late headmaster had left Harry a task with little clues," she admitted. "Ron and I are going to help him."
"Of course, you are," he nodded curtly.
"But who knows when we can finish the task," she said matter-of-factly.
"It's why we have to send your parents away."
She looked up and met his eyes. "You've been protecting us? For how long?"
"It doesn't matter how long. What matters is that you are your parents have always been safe."
"But why? I wasn't your favourite student. Not your favourite person, either."
"I couldn't be seen having favourites, other than my Slytherins, Miss Granger," he said plainly.
"Still doesn't answer why you're doing this. I don't remember you owing me a life debt. Surely my parents are strangers to you?" She raised an eyebrow. "So, did Professor Dumbledore ask you to do this?"
Professor Snape rose to his feet as if he were leaving. "One day, Miss Granger, you'd know. If we survive this war, you will know."
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July 1995
(two years ago)
One night, Hermione went to the Black family library on the second floor. It was already cleaner than the other parts of the house. There were still cobwebs in the corner, but most bookshelves and armchairs were free from dust, so she was able to enjoy perusing the different titles. She found something about forgotten curses, published in 1851. Despite being old and smelly, the book was still intact and readable. She cringed when she heard about the curses witches used to cast on others to be pregnant. "What a brutal way to ensure fertility," she groaned and shut the book.
She was just reaching for another book from the shelf when she heard noises outside the library. She stepped towards the door quietly and pressed her ear to the wooden door.
"What the hell, Padfoot?!"
That was Remus, Hermione recognized, and he was disappointed.
"You just told half of the Order members that Severus Snape was left by his fiancée because of his dour attitude!"
Fiancée? Hermione nearly gasped.
"But it's true," came Sirius's voice.
"But you did not have to announce it to everyone!" Remus almost shouted. "Now, everyone in attendance of the meeting knows that Severus was left by his fiancée for another man and her daughter was at Hogwarts. If Adee had seen the way you behaved, she would have punched you in the face."
Adee? Who's that?
"You should be grateful to Snape because he is doing his best to protect our best friend's son! Do not repay him by embarrassing him and acting as if you're still schoolyard enemies."
"I get it, Moony." Sirius's voice sounded resigned.
"Do you really?" snapped Remus.
"Of course. Now that you mention it… He's really doing it to protect Harry, even on Dumbledore's orders…"
"Damn right. You should apologize to him."
"Ha! In his dreams. I still haven't forgiven him for treating her badly."
"You don't know that."
"Why else would she leave him?"
The voices died down and Hermione heard descending footsteps.
She felt something different – an urge to cry and hold her broken heart.
Broken? Why would I have a broken heart?
Sure, she was harbouring a crush on Professor Snape. But that didn't mean she loved him.
Maybe I'm just sad because his fiancée left him? She told herself. Who's his former fiancée's child? I wonder…
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July 1997
(present time)
"My mother doesn't happen to be your former fiancée, does she?" she blurted.
Professor Snape whirled around, and Hermione swore that had he been wearing his teaching robes at that moment, they would have billowed. But instead, there was no swishing of clothing material because he was wearing a simple white Oxford shirt and black tailored trousers.
"What did you say?" he asked, but he didn't look angry. It was something else… He looked concerned.
Hermione looked away. "I'm sorry, Professor. I just… overheard two years ago, when I was staying at Grimmauld Place about your former fiancée."
"From Black?" he sneered.
All she could do was nod.
She heard him exhale. Hermione looked at him again and saw him close his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Remind me to murder Black when this is over. He's ungrateful and a swine."
Hermione waited for him to regain his composure and to her astonishment, he strolled around the kitchen counter, only to hoist her to her feet. Despite her increased height, she still had to tilt her head to meet his gaze as the crown of her head only reached his mouth. When he reached his hand to assist her in standing, it sent a flutter of butterflies to her stomach. His hands moved to her face and gently cradled it.
"Hermione," he whispered.
His voice had a mesmerizing quality that left Hermione weak in the knees, and it sent her heart aflutter.
"I apologize for how I have treated you and your friends for six years. It was on me. I had a reputation to maintain, and if the other Death Eaters heard about me treating Muggle-borns and other students outside my house nicely, I would have been killed in my sleep. I am a spy, and it is my job to maintain a bad image for those on the light side. However, that doesn't mean you can't come to me. I've told you before, if ever you need help, call my name and help will come."
"But why?" she asked, still confused. "Why are you being this kind to me?"
His hands traveled to her head gently. "What was Lupin's term? Ah. You, Hermione Granger, are the brightest witch of your age. Use this good head to answer your question, hmm?" His tone was not condescending but teasing.
Then, she felt it again, the gentle brush of his lips to her forehead.
"I'll be back tomorrow to help you with everything. Trust me, and don't hesitate to call me or Cherry if you need something."
With that, he stepped back, eyes lingering on her, before he left the kitchen and Disapparated under the bright summer sky.
