Another Chance

Summary: Hermione travels back in time to right the many wrongs after the Final Battle. She enlists Snape's help.

AN: Although this story was really wanting to be written, it still took me a bit to do so due to watching Mr. Ballen on YouTube. :) "If you're a fan of the strange, dark and mysterious…" He is an excellent storyteller and I absolutely love listening to him tell stories of actual happenings, whether long past or recently past. I have read many stories where various means shoots Hermione to the past but I can't recall any using Hogwarts as the catalyst. :) So, this is my take on it, hope you like it. Thanks for checking it out! Love to you all and, please, stay safe in our extremely crazy and dangerous world. :)

Also, I moved October 31st to Friday instead of the Thursday it really was on. :) Poetic license and all that stuff.

Disclaimer: I make no monies with this.

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Hermione stood and looked around her in every direction and all she could see was death and destruction. She sighed deeply, weary and sad, as she slowly made her way to the great castle that had been her home for six years. How could one being's actions result with so much ruined?

It amazed her just how far some would go to achieve their goals without consideration to the end result. She couldn't understand what the draw was to rule over dead bodies, sycophants and the downtrodden. How could that be appealing? How could someone wish to live in a world where there were no true differences, no free thought, no wish to elevate themselves? Hermione tried to wrap her mind around these thoughts as she trudged towards the half destroyed castle.

After entering, she stood in the doorway to the once Great Hall. The ceiling had pieces missing. The long house tables had been moved for the dead or injured since the medical wing became full shortly after the Battle started. Her eyes filled with tears as she saw how many had died or wouldn't make it. She noticed just how many she knew lying on the floor and her heart clinched.

The Weasleys were gathered around several bodies; Fred and Percy had been killed by a wall falling on them from the giants, Charlie had lost both legs from a slicing hex and Ron had burns over a third of his body. Next to them lay Remus Lupin and Nymphadora Tonks, their hands clutched together, dead. As Hermione scanned the Hall many more registered. Seamus Finnegan, Dean Thomas and Neville Longbottom were being seen to; she wasn't sure if they would survive their injuries or not. Then there was Lavender Brown and the Patil twins who were mauled by werewolves; if they survived their lives would be forever changed and not for the better either. She noticed several Professors amongst the dead; Septima Vector, Pomona Sprout, Severus Snape and Aurora Hooch.

Everyone still alive was injured to some degree or another. Shaking her head, Hermione turned and walked back out of the castle. She leaned on Hogwarts as she laid a hand against the ancient structure, wondering if it was all worth it. She knew it was but, at the moment, her mind couldn't see past the damage done and lives lost. As she allowed her body to slide down one of the few undamaged walls, she felt warmth encapsulate her. Allowing a small smile to cross her lips, Hermione closed her eyes and welcomed the warm and comforting feeling. It was as if Hogwarts, herself, was giving her a hug, reassuring that everything would be okay. A bit confused over the feelings but welcoming them anyway, Hermione allowed herself to fall into a fugue like state, neither awake nor asleep.

The next thing the worn out and traumatized witch knew, she was waking to the sounds of children screaming and a loud voice calling out for silence. She shook herself and looked around: the castle was whole, the green was as beautiful as ever; no dead bodies, no moans of the injured or dying, no debris…nothing. Confused about what was happening, Hermione disillusioned herself and stood as she walked slowly to the entrance doors and let herself in. She then stood to just the side of the Great Hall doors and looked around the corner just in time to flatten herself against the wall as Prefects led the houses out to their common rooms.

What in Merlin's beard was going on? Was she dreaming? Why was she reliving this time? This was when she had spent the afternoon and early evening in a girl's bathroom, crying her eyes out due to Ron being a wanker towards her and hurting her feelings…again. To make sure she was correct, Hermione followed behind the Gryffindors until she saw Harry and Ron break off and run towards where she had been. She followed them to the bathroom and stood just outside the door and listened as her younger self screamed before calling out for help from the boys.

However, while Hermione was listening to the happenings inside the bathroom, she wondered what took the teachers so long to appear. Why had enough time lapsed for Harry and Ron to render the mountain troll unconscious? When the Professors had shown up, it was just Minerva, Severus and Quirrell, where was the Headmaster? Why hadn't he come to take care of the situation? It wasn't that Hermione thought Severus or Minerva weren't powerful enough to handle the troll but one would think the Headmaster would be leading the way. Then, as she leaned against the wall listening, Hermione felt the same warmth encompass her and a mental image appeared in her mind. What she saw had her blood boiling.

"How in Merlin's underthings did a troll get into Hogwarts?" the Deputy Headmistress wondered aloud, a bit of accusation tinged her voice.

"I do not know." Dumbledore commented as he sat behind his desk, his eyes, at least, had lost some of their twinkle.

"Then you better figure it out. The last thing a school full of dunderheads needs is bloody creatures waltzing in whenever they want." Snape stated.

"Calm yourself, Severus. Minerva, you and Severus go contain the troll." Albus stated.

"Of course." Minerva automatically replied.

"Why the bloody hell are we going instead of you?" Severus grumped.

"I have other matters to attend to." Dumbledore answered with a pointed look at the Potions Master.

"Where is the damnable thing then?" Severus demanded.

"In the dungeons is what Professor Quirrell said. I suggest you start there." Albus dismissed them.

"I-I-I w-w-will assist." Quirrell stuttered which caused Severus to roll his eyes and Minerva to make a noncommittal sound as they left the Headmaster's office.

As the professors quickly made their way towards the dungeons, they heard a crashing sound and ran in the direction it came from. When they arrived, they saw an unconscious mountain troll and two students looking completely dumbfounded.

The scene then switched back to the Headmaster's office.

Dumbledore was sitting behind his desk with his fingers steepled, looking as if nothing was wrong. Then he stood and walked to a wall where he could lay his hand on it and listened. When he gave a small nod before returning to his desk, Hermione knew then that the troll had been a setup, but for what reason? Why would Dumbledore allow a troll into Hogwarts?

Then the scenes overlapped and she knew, without a doubt, the Headmaster had set them up. His head nod had happened as the three of them had departed the bathroom and headed to their common room. It was when she had viewed the two boys differently, especially Ron. She had lied so neither wizard would get into trouble for coming to find her. Ron had actually complimented her on their walk to the dorms and had said she might not be so bad after all. Dumbledore had wanted Ron and her to become friends with each other and not just with Harry; forming the 'Golden Trio' to pass the many tests he would give them over the next six years! Why? Why would it matter if Ron and she were friends? Why wouldn't being friends with Harry be enough? What was he playing at?

The scene faded and Hermione realized she was alone in the hall.

She needed to find someone she could trust with the information she had. She needed someone who would help her figure out how she had gotten thrown back in time and the only person to come to mind was… Severus Snape, but how to approach him? He wouldn't take kindly to her just ambushing him; he'd hex first and ask questions later but she really saw no other way.

Hermione kept herself disillusioned as she made her way to his classroom, knowing his quarters were just off of them. When she entered, she moved to the back of the room to wait…and to cast a shield, constant vigilance she thought with a warm smile as she remembered the cranky and paranoid Auror. After what felt like an eternity, Snape finally made his way to his classroom. As soon as he entered, he paused at the door, shut it, warded it and then flung a spell in her direction which made Hermione glad she had put a shield up.

"Who are you madam and what are you doing in my classroom?" Severus demanded with his wand still pointed at her.

Hermione held her hands up in surrender and lowered her shield. "I am here to speak with you, Professor Snape." She answered evenly.

Severus looked her over before raising a brow, "What would you have to speak with me about? You are not a student and I don't recall anyone being invited to visit Hogwarts."

Hermione noted the brief flash of concern in his eyes before she remembered her state of being. She had been in the Battle not that long ago and she still wore the torn, tattered, singed and dirty clothes she had been fighting in. It also registered with her that she was quite underweight and had various injuries he could see. She took a deep breath to center herself, "If you would allow me to correct my appearance I will gladly answer your questions."

Severus thought it over and gave her a slight nod. He then watched as she cleaned and mended her clothes before she vanished the dirt and whatever else had been on her. What had she been through? Who was she? Why did she want to speak with him? Too many questions flowed through his mind and he was anxious to get answers.

"First, my name is Hermione." She answered and watched his face tick a bit at her not-so-common name. Smiling, she nodded her head, "Yes, that Hermione."

Severus couldn't believe what he was hearing. There was no way the young woman standing in front of him was the same hand waving know-it-all swot in his first year Potions class. He raised his wand (when had he lowered it?) and demanded, "Tell me the truth, madam, or it will be your life."

Hermione's smile never wavered; it was nice to see her favorite professor still alive and well. She knew he would be suspicious and hadn't been disappointed.

"I really am Hermione Granger, Professor Snape, just not the Hermione Granger you know." Hermione answered as she took a step forward, watching his face and wand for any reaction. She knew he was struggling so she decided to tell him more.

"I am not from this time. I am actually from nineteen hundred and ninety eight." She shared and almost laughed at his shocked expression. "Although I have no idea how I got here or why. Well, I might know the why but definitely don't know the how which is why I am here to speak with you."

"I see. Tell me, Miss Granger, why I should believe you?" Severus pondered aloud.

"Because…I know the truth…about you." Hermione hedged, ready to throw up a shield if she needed to.

Severus spun towards her and was in her face before she could blink, holding his wand to her throat. "What, truth, do you think you know about me?" he hissed.

Hermione took a breath then answered, "I know you are a double spy. I know you are truly on the Light side and I know…you loved Harry's mum, Lily." Hermione managed to get out.

She worried for a moment when she saw fire in his eyes then, to her amazement, her Potions Professor spun around and stalked to his desk. When he sat, he motioned for her to sit at the front desk, since she dared not provoke him any, Hermione quickly made her way and sat down.

It was a bit unnerving being scrutinized by the dour man but Hermione held her ground. She knew if she flinched or fidgeted then Severus Snape would send her, well, maybe not to her death but definitely to St. Mungo's; so she sat and waited.

"How do you know these things? Did I tell you?" Severus asked in a too quiet voice, setting Hermione on edge. She didn't have time to tread lightly and only hoped he wouldn't react badly.

"Not directly, no, but you did share some memories with Harry, memories to help him end the War." She stated calmly while keeping eye contact.

Severus scoffed. "Why would I tell that entitled brat anything? Who do you work for?" he asked as he raised his wand to her again.

"I know this is hard to believe, Professor, but it is true." Hermione stated as she closed her eyes to hide the pain of seeing him dying on the boathouse floor and nothing she could do about it.

"You did not answer my question…why would I share such things with Harry Potter?" He asked as he spat Harry's name.

Hermione sighed and opened her eyes to make full contact with him, "Why don't you see for yourself. I know you are a Master Legilimens."

Severus was actually taken aback by her words. How could she know such a thing? How could she know anything she had stated? Could she really be from the future and if so, what sort of future would have her carry such sadness? Instead of just diving into her mind, Severus did a cursory sweep to make sure no traps had been set to cause him harm of any kind.

"I have no traps or triggers hidden, Professor. I trust you to see only that which I want to show you." Hermione smiled wryly at his raised brows.

"Very well, Legilimens!" He said as he entered her mind and what he saw almost had him falling out of her mind unceremoniously.

He saw himself laying on the floor of the Shrieking Shack with a large gash on his neck and an older Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger, the one he was talking to, gathered around him. He saw himself tell the Potter brat to take them, the tears that were streaming down his cheek and Severus knew he was giving the boy some memories within those tears. Then he saw the light leave his eyes as his body went limp. Gently pulling out of her mind, Severus sat back hard in his chair. When he looked to his visitor, he saw tears flowing down her cheeks.

After a few minutes of digesting what he saw, Severus found his voice. "Why? Why come to me with this? Why not Albus or Minerva? Why not law enforcement?" he asked, desperately wanting to know her reasons.

Hermione took a moment to wipe the tears from her cheeks before she started to answer when she suddenly doubled over and slumped out of the chair to the floor. Severus was out of his chair and by her side in an instant.

"What's wrong? Can you tell me?" He asked.

"I, I don't know." Was all she could say, her breathing was labored and her body felt weak.

"Lie still, I'll get Poppy here." Severus said as he rose only to be stopped by her hand on his arm, she had a strong grip for someone so small.

"Please, Professor, you're the one who needs to heal me. No one else needs to know I am here." Hermione pleaded.

Severus debated a moment before he rushed to his potions stores and grabbed a few he might need. When he got back, he ran a simple diagnostic spell to see what was wrong. When he saw the results, he paled and immediately started singing a spell as his wand did very complicated movements. After ten minutes of singing, Severus opened, smelled and then poured four different potions down Hermione's throat. When her body went limp and she slipped into a light sleep, Severus relaxed to the floor in relief. He then gently scooped the sleeping witch up and carried her to his quarters. It would do neither any good for anyone to find her there. However, Severus' concern skyrocketed after picking her up; she weighed no more than a feather. What had she been through? Why was she nothing but skin and bones? How many more injuries was she concealing? Did she even know? As the questions burned through his mind, he reviewed his initial meeting of the future Miss Granger and realized something profound…she had come from a battle, was it THE battle? Frowning down at his unexpected guest, Severus placed an alarm charm on her and went back to his office; sadly, there were still essays to grade.

Everything was quiet for about an hour or so when Severus about killed himself getting to Hermione when he heard her scream as if she was being tortured. When he slammed the door open, he was saddened to see her in the throes of a nightmare or memory, he sincerely hoped it was the first but figured it was most likely the latter. Walking over to the thrashing and screaming young witch made Severus' heart clinch, it was definitely a memory of a time she had been tortured. Shaking off the sadness, he carefully, cautiously, laid a hand on her shoulder and gently started shaking her as he quietly called her name, prepared to defend himself if needed. When she sat straight up with her wand at the ready, Severus stayed quiet until she got her bearings. After a few moments, her eyes finally cleared and she practically wilted back onto the couch.

"I'm so sorry, Professor." Hermione quietly apologized.

"For what? Testing how strong my silencing wards are?" Severus snarked but no heat or venom was behind it.

Hermione raised her eyes to meet his and gave him a small smile, "Yeah."

"You were reliving a traumatic memory." He stated.

"Yes." Hermione answered.

Severus regarded her a few moments, "I have some Dreamless Sleep if you want it. When was the last time you slept a decent amount of time or ate a full meal for that matter?"

"Thank you, but…no, I need to learn how to deal with my memories without adding an addiction to it." Hermione told him. "And, um, over a year, I guess."

"Over a year?! What the hell? Why?!" Severus exclaimed, leaning forward in his chair.

Hermione released a deep and weary sigh before answering, "Do you have a pensieve, Professor?"

"Severus."

"Pardon?"

"My name is Severus and I am not your Professor. It would seem I haven't been your professor for over a year in your timeline." He told her with a pointed look.

"Alright, Severus, then call me Hermione. Do you have access to a pensieve?" Hermione asked.

"I do, why?" Severus wanted to know.

"Because it would be easier, and quicker, to show you rather than telling it all to you." Hermione explained.

"Fair enough, give me a moment." Severus answered as he rose to retrieve his pensieve. When he returned he watched Hermione pull another memory out and place it in a vial, she already had several vials for him. When he cocked a brow at her, she gave him a wan smile and nodded her head towards the vials. Severus picked the first one up and poured it in then stuck his finger into the liquid. When he came out, Hermione held her hand up and pointed to the next vial. He knew then she wouldn't talk about what he was seeing until he had seen them all. The memories weren't completely fluid; she had pieced together events that were important, leaving out the everyday details which he was grateful for.

After viewing the last vial, Severus sat back and wandlessly accio'ed his bottle of Ogden's Finest and poured them both a drink. He rarely drank, afraid to end up like his father, but after everything he had just seen he needed one badly and knew she did as well. They sat in silence for a bit after downing their drinks; him taking in everything he had learned and her allowing him. She had shown him her memories from the 'Troll Incident' to the end of the Second Wizarding War.

Just as he was about to start the conversation about what she had shared with him, she spoke up, "Severus, what was that spell you sang?"

"It was abscede tenebrae, discede ut nunquam redeas." He told her.

"Darkness be gone, leave to never return, interesting." Was all Hermione said.

"From the many dark curses that were cast at and on you, it caused a backlog of sorts and now that you are not running or fighting for your life, that backlog was able to be release into your body with no outlet." Severus explained.

Hermione ran her hand over her chest and paused, it no longer hurt. She quickly pulled her shirt over to expose her collarbone and shoulder and stared. Where Dolohov's spell had hit her finally looked like an old wound where it had been still raw and tender before. Her eyes snapped to Severus' before a genuine smile graced her face. She jumped off the couch and flung her arms around his neck catching Severus off guard.

"Thank you, Severus, thank you so very much!" She whispered with conviction. Severus' arms had automatically wrapped around her small frame out of instinct and he held her to him a moment before his brain caught up. He then gently pushed her away before he said, "You are most welcome, Hermione."

When she sat down, she slowly pulled her sleeve up and tears filled her eyes when the scar Bellatrix had given her looked finally like a scar instead of something she had just received. As her eyes slowly met Severus', her heart swelled at the look of pure anger at what had been carved into her. "Bellatrix." Was all she said and he gave a sharp nod in return. It took them a few minutes to get their emotions under control. She hadn't shared her time at Malfoy Manor because it wasn't integral to the timeline in her opinion.

"Will you tell me what happened?" Severus asked her softly.

"No, but…" Hermione answered as she pulled a memory string out and placed it in the pensieve before she leaned back and closed her eyes. She still had nightmares from that night at Malfoy Manor and wasn't sure she would ever be free from them.

Severus pulled out of the memory looking paler than before. He looked to the young witch with newfound respect. She had handled the torture better than most seasoned adults. She was a survivor and a fighter and he hoped it never changed. When she opened her eyes, Hermione saw respect and awe as well as understanding in they onyx eyes staring back at her. She smiled, "Well, now that you've healed my body, thank you very much, shall we discuss what you learned?"

"No, not before you have something to eat." Severus told her.

"Okay, but, I probably won't eat much, just…don't be surprised." Hermione commented.

Severus gave her a small nod and called for a house elf to bring some tea and biscuits for them. He figured starting her off slow would be the best way; she had so much weight to put on. The quiet in the room as they ate was a somewhat comfortable one much to Severus' surprise. It was nice that Hermione didn't feel the need to fill the silence with idle chatter. Once two cups had been consumed and several biscuits, more than he expected but not as much as he had hoped she would eat, Severus came to a decision.

"As much as my curiosity is trying to boil over, I suggest we speak in the morning. Tomorrow is Saturday and we should be able to have the time necessary to sort much out as I do not have rounds until Sunday night." Severus suggested but his tone said nothing else would be considered.

"Alright, but, where will I sleep? I don't wish to impose on you or make you feel uncomfortable. Perhaps I should make my way to the Room of Requirement." Hermione made her own suggestion.

"There is no need; I do not mind you sleeping on my couch, Hermione. I will transfigure it to a bed if you wish." Severus countered.

"Not necessary, it's quite comfortable as it is actually." She assured him.

"Very well." Was said as Severus disappeared for a moment only to return with a pillow and quilt. "Sleep well, Hermione."

"Same to you, Severus." Hermione returned then, "Severus?" when he paused and looked back at her, she continued, "Thank you." She said softly. She knew she would never say it enough to the snarky professor and she knew, with him, she didn't have to list the reasons for her thanks as he gave her a slight smile and nod before disappearing to his own room.

Both slept fitfully that night, wondering about the other. Would he believe her story? Why had she chosen him to confide in? Would he run to the Headmaster with the information she had shared? How could she still smile after everything she had seen, and he knew she hadn't shared all of her drama and trauma in the memories she allowed him to view? Why was she back here? How did she get here? Who or what had sent her back in time? With their minds running around in circles with questions upon questions, Severus and Hermione managed to get a few hours of sleep each, both having put silencing charms around their sleeping area so not to bother the other.

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When Severus rose for the day, he found Hermione sitting on the couch reading through the essays he had yet to finish grading the night before. After studying her a moment he realized she had corrections hovering above the parchments. Curious to what she had "corrected" Severus sat in his chair and pulled the top essay over to read as he drank his first cup of tea. He was pleasantly surprised by her corrections, she knew what he looked for and mostly the comment or comments he would make on the paper. He added a correction and comment before changing her writing to his then he allowed the hovering to land on the parchment. This continued through two more cups of tea and munching through the breakfast offerings on the tray. By the time he had finished the remaining essays, he was impressed. It would seem that Hermione had learned to think outside of books to form her own informed thoughts. Severus had only had to add a comment or two to the essays before placing the final grade.

A thought occurred to him then, he knew how her sudden appearance could be explained.

"Hermione, impressive corrections you made on the essays." Severus started and almost laughed at her shocked look. Yes, he wasn't known for giving a compliment but she had earned it. He then thought of how he had been treating her and wondered if he had continued to be that way towards her her entire school career and if so, then how in Merlin's balls was she able to sit in the same room as him and not want to hex him to Hades and back!

"Thank you, Severus." Hermione finally managed to say in a somewhat steady voice; her mind still whirling over the freely given compliment.

He gave her a small smile and nod, "I believe I have a way to conceal your true identity and allow you to become my assistant." He did smile genuinely when she perked up and gave him her undivided attention. Severus then reached into a desk drawer and pulled out a bracelet, waved his wand over it a few times before he handed it to her. When she cocked a brow, he chuckled which made her raise both brows.

"I am not a complete bastard, Hermione." He stated and enjoyed watching her skin turn a light pink. "We all have our roles we have to play and mine is being a bastard to most around me, especially now." He gave her a pointed look and she nodded in agreement.

"So, what does this bracelet do and how does it help me to hide?" Hermione wanted to know, it felt good to be curious about something.

"It will change your appearance. I would suggest polyjuice or a glamour but Albus would know something was amiss almost immediately. This way, no finite can cancel it and it won't give off an unusual signature." He explained.

"Okay, but how will you explain my becoming your assistant?" Hermione was intrigued.

"Did you take your N.E.W.T.s?" Severus asked, fairly certain her answer would be a no.

"No, Harry, Ron and I were on the run for our seventh year and then the Final Battle happened. We were just starting to gather the…bodies…when I leaned against a wall, closed my eyes for a moment then I was here." Hermione answered.

"Well, then, I will tell Albus that a friend of mine in America asked me if I could take you on so you could finish your schooling." Severus told her.

"Will Dumbledore accept that?" Hermione worried.

"He will. Oh, he'll want to know who my friend is and I will tell him." Severus explained.

"Do you have a friend in an American school?" Hermione pondered.

"Yes and I will floo call him shortly." He told her. When the worried look didn't leave her face, Severus clarified.

"I will inform him of what I need and he will back me, Hermione, do not worry." Severus assured her.

"Alright, what will my name be?" Hermione trusted Severus and if he said this friend would back their play then she believed him.

Severus studied her a moment, surprised at her easy acceptance of his plans. Then he rubbed his chin as he thought of a name she could go by. He didn't want something too far off her actual name so it would be easy for her to remember and answer to. "How about…Hermionen Bellator?"

"Hermione the warrior? Really?" Hermione's voice was full of disbelief and amusement.

"Why not? You are a warrior, are you not?" At her slow nod, Severus continued, "and Hermione is your name, so it should be easy for you to remember it."

Hermione thought about it and gave a nod as a slow smile stretched her lips. How many people really thought about a person's name? Most would just think her parents were eccentric or down right strange.

"How will my appearance change?"

"Why don't you see for yourself?" Severus told her as he pointed to the bathroom mirror. Hermione rose and walked into the room and gasped. She had long straight hair a shade darker than her younger self's hair, her face was more oval instead of heart shaped, her eyes were a dark blue and her skin tone was a lovely shade of tan, as if she had actually spent some time outside. When she turned to her former professor, he gave her a nod of approval. She looked nothing like herself and it was weird, crazy and perfect.

"How or why did I become your assistant?" Hermione asked then squeaked when her voice came out a bit lower than she was used to with an American Midwest accent.

"Since Hogwarts doesn't accept transfers, my friend asked if you could become my assistant so you could finish your schooling because you lost your parents in an accident and your only living relatives live in England." Severus paused when he saw a flash of pain cross her features. "Hermione?" he questioned lightly.

Hermione sighed, "It's not far from the truth." She shared as she walked to the couch and sat. "Before we went on the run, I Obliviated my parents of any memories of me and planted the idea for them to close up their business, sell their home and move to Australia with new names."

Severus stared at her for a moment before he took a deep breath. "I'm sorry."

"Me too, but it was worth it, it kept them safe from Riddle and his DeathEaters." She laid her head back and breathed deeply, trying to keep the tears at bay.

"Well, hopefully, we will be able to keep that from being a necessity." Severus tried to comfort her.

"Yeah, hopefully." Hermione agreed.

Severus sorted through the memories she had shared with him before asking his next question. "Didn't anyone from the Order help you? Surely they would have moved them into a safe house." He inquired.

Hermione's eyes turned cold when she answered, "No. I was told that there was no way to protect them, they were so sorry."

Severus couldn't believe she had been told such a bold faced lie. The Order had safe houses everywhere from the First Wizarding War. Why wouldn't they help her? Why take a chance…then it hit him, Albus bloody Dumbledore. The meddling old man wanted to hold all the cards and if she lost her parents then she would have nothing to hold her back from helping Harry sodding Potter and his quest! His anger roiled in his veins as he kept his face impassive for her benefit. It would do no good to get riled up over that at the moment. However, Severus vowed then and there to make sure she wouldn't be put in that situation. They had a chance to correct so many mistakes because one old man thought it best to treat everyone around him as chess pieces for his "greater good".

~Fin~

AN: I might add to this at a later time but, at the moment, this is all I have; hope you enjoyed it, it was fun to write.