Hi everybody! Glad to see y'all are still with me. Apologies for the lateness in getting you another chapter, with all this Covid-19 stuff going on life has been a little weird, for all of us.

As always, everything Harry Potter related belongs to the talented JK Rowling. I make no money from this story, absolutely no copyright infringement is intended.

Chapter Three

The Occlumency didn't last long this time, a week of constant attack had left Harry exhausted and in agony. A headache thundered behind his eyes, his vision blurring, and his pulse was too fast. Snape thrust a potion under his nose with a grunt and sat back until Harry could focus again.

"I am aware that this week has taken its toll on you, but you must try harder, Potter."

Harry opened his mouth to protest but it snapped shut again quickly. "I know. I'm sorry, sir. It's too much though, and I'm scared for Hermione."

Snape pinched the bridge of his nose. "Mr. Potter, there is the simplest of solutions there. Marry her yourself and you will know that she will be safe. For all the qualities you possess that are much like your father's, you would protect her and ensure that no one else would be able to take advantage of her."

"But she's my best friend! I'd have to... well, you know. We'd be expected to sleep together and have a child!" Harry shivered a little, and not in disgust. It was just…weird.

The Potions Master shrugged and rose. "It is your choice, Potter. But what would you rather, having intercourse with your friend or leaving her to the mercy of the likes of Mr. Malfoy, who I am sure has made his intentions clear?"

That brought Harry up short and he shuddered at the thought of Malfoy getting his ferret hands on Hermione. And in all honesty, it wasn't like Hermione was bad looking, she'd grown pretty over the years they'd known each other, her legs were lithe, she'd grown quite the chest and Harry hadn't been able to help but notice the way her body had curves in places that were just perfect. And he did love her in a way already.

"Would you do it, if she came and asked you" Harry asked suddenly.

Snape gave it a moment's thought. "Yes, if Miss Granger asked me to help her I would. However, I do not believe she will."

"Why not?"

"Because Miss Granger would not wish to burden herself on someone," he said, an almost sad smile on his lips. "She would rather suffer the consequences. Which is why I suggested you asking her to marry you. If you wait for her to ask you, she will be shackled to Mr. Malfoy and I'm sure you have guessed her fate if that should happen."

He decided to at least give the idea some thought. If it came to the deadline and she hadn't found someone, he would step in and keep her safe. Not because he had a hero complex, but because if nothing else, he never wanted to see that delighted spark in her eyes when she found something new she could learn, die out.

Snape told him to work on his Potions homework for the remainder of the detention, giving him a rest from the brutal attacks he'd put Harry through the last four days. He might be a foul tempered beast, but he knew Harry's mind would break if he pushed him too far. Better not have Dumbledore's lamb in tatters before he could fulfil his duty. A sneer twisted Snape's face and he withdrew to his storage room to sort through his ingredients and restock.

Once Harry had completed the time of his detention he called out to Snape that he was going. He didn't get an answer other than a snarl as something fell to the floor and shattered. Harry ran out of the room faster than a Niffler on the trail of gold before Snape could come out and murder him.

-oo0oo-

That night was the first time Harry dreamed of Hermione. They were out by the Black Lake watching the Giant Squid as he lazily flicked his tentacles at the water and sprayed students who walked nearby.

Harry noticed how the sunlight glinted in her hair, making the subtle tones of blonde stand out amongst the frizzy brown. The way her freckles were only dusted very lightly across her nose and nowhere else, and how her cheeks were slightly pink, lips quirked in a tiny smile, one hand pulling at the blades of grass.

Hazel eyes lit up in laughter at something he said, hand going to her mouth as she chuckled. He took hold of the hand, laced his fingers with hers and brought the hand to his lips and brushed a kiss over her knuckles. Hermione smiled shyly, tucking some hair behind her ear, cheeks going from pink to red.

Unable to stand it anymore, Harry leaned over and cupped her cheek with the hand not holding hers. His thumb stroked the soft skin and he gently tugged her closer. Hermione inhaled sharply just as their lips met. The kiss was soft, sweet, unhurried and amazing. Harry pressed his lips a little harder against hers, and Hermione yielded with a sigh of approval, lips parting and tongues just meeting in the barest of brushes.

Harry groaned and desperately wanted to take the kiss deeper, his other hand untangling from Hermione's and cupping her other cheek. He made to slide his tongue into her mouth but a buzzing noise in his ear distracted him. Bee, he thought, just as his eyes opened and he stared at the dark red curtains that were around his bed in Gryffindor Tower. The buzzing was the alarm he had set on his wand, the vibrating from under his pillow had woken him.

Realising it a dream, Harry rubbed his eyes and frowned deeply, willing the tent in his pyjama trousers to go away. He was shocked at himself, and a little frightened. Hermione was his best friend, there had never been any romantic feelings before. It was all Snape's fault with what he'd said last night. Harry chalked it up to an overactive imagination and got up to shower, his mind already moving on from the strange, but very delightful dream.