The death of a git, the rise of a hero...

Hermione awoke a few hours later to the soft huffs of warm breath on her forehead. She had been extremely groggy and felt the strong form she was pressed against, it was warm and smelled delicious.

Where am I?

Blinking her eyes a moment she came to focus on the blurry chin in front of her a few inches. Slowly looking upwards came two lips she immediately recognized even though they weren't in the form of his trademark sneer.

How did I end up in Snape's bed? she wondered idly, noticing she was still in her school clothes. She also noticed that he was holding her to him, hugging her and this sent her heart speeding up a bit.

She felt her hand involuntarily go to his cheek; stroking it a moment before pulling back in fear that he'd wake up and catch her. She was quiet a moment, just watching him sleep across from her.

This was a strange feeling for her to have for Severus. It came to her every now and then, but never this powerful. She'd felt a bit of the drawing sensation back in the hall this early afternoon when she'd kissed him back when he wasn't expecting it.

She viewed that he was still wearing his robes as well and deciding that this had to have been a mistake of some kind Hermione tried to slide from his grasp without waking him up.

He probably had to put me in his bed. she thought dimly as his limp hands shifted from her body and onto to covers of the bed. Maybe Lucius came to check up on him or something.

She looked to the fireplace across the room and held in a groan. That explained it. Lucius had undoubtedly checked up on them or something and Snape had brought her into bed with him. She saw that her own cot was gone, only firming her belief.

He probably just fell asleep holding me... she rationalized, looking over to his sleeping frame a moment. He probably meant to put me back into my bed but fell asleep. It was quite warm.

She didn't deny feeling a bit downhearted at that knowledge as she slid off the bed softly, making sure she didn't wake Snape up. He'd probably be in a horrid mood when he did wake up. He'd be glad to see she was gone.

She slipped out the door as she looked to the clock on the wall. It was fairly late and she knew that Harry would be waiting for her on the Astronomy Tower. She debated going, for surely it would only lead to heartbreak on both ends.

Why did he want to see her? Why had he given her the necklace? She looked to the small gold lion pendant, her tears slipping down her cheeks. She was so very confused. Part of her wanted the whole war to be over so the marriage could be annulled, then she'd be with Harry and perhaps something would grow between them. She knew she felt something for him.

But there was also something within Hermione that she barely acknowledged for it frightened her. The feeling in her that wouldn't rest. The feeling and silent words that realized she cared for Severus and that she might not want to leave him. But surely the hateful man wouldn't want her.

That was the part that scared her.

* * *

Severus awoke a while later, his hooded eyes drowsily taking in his surroundings. It was dark, surely nightfall and he felt a bit of a chill, and noticed that he was alone in his large bed.

He gazed around the room, seeing the fireplace still out, the cot still gone and no note explaining her departure. Looking around it would seem as if she'd never existed in his life or bedroom.

Where did she go? he suddenly questioned crestfallen. He brought himself to a sitting position and swallowed thickly as he glanced around the room. She'd left without a word.

Probably horrified that she was in bed with me.

He looked to the small indent in the pillow and blankets that showed she'd been there. Lowering his face to the pillow she'd used he inhaled deeply. He didn't want to admit it, he didn't want to face it.

Somewhere along the way of yelling and kissing he'd started to develop feelings for her. Deep feelings. He wanted to hold her and protect her. He wanted her to be his in more than name. He was worried he might even love her. Worried because it would mean too much. Worried because she probably didn't feel the same.

How could he tell her that the kisses were no longer forced on his part? How could he tell her that holding her in his arms that afternoon meant more to him than a thousand sessions of lovemaking with faceless women? How could he tell her that he, of all people could hold such deep affection?

It was preposterous.

It was ridiculous because even though Severus was very aware of his feelings for Hermione had no idea of how she felt for him. Surely she couldn't feel much, why, she'd gone and left him without a word or a note.

He'd only recently come to terms with his affection for her. The moment straddled under her when she wore the enchanted outfit had brought that arousal into heavy realization. He'd wanted her.

Through the weeks of living with her, having her talk to him like a person, watching as she tried to explain things that Muggles did...every imprint she'd made on his life and once dark and quiet home had gotten under his skin. Slowly but surely -and he didn't know how or why- she'd gotten to him. Right where it hurt the most.

He still wanted her. Not just sexually, and not just for a night or two nights. He was fairly certain that he wanted Hermione Granger a lot longer than that.

But it was a stupid fancy. She'd made her choice all along. Potter. He could tell. The looks he gave her. The necklace of his she wore. And he knew she deserved him. What did he, Severus, have to offer her? A run down little flat?

Before he could move deeper into his self-loathing a sudden flicker went on in the fireplace. His stomach turned in knots as he looked to glo glowing face of Lucius.

"Ah, Severus." Lucius said with a supercilious smirk. "I tried to get into contact with you a while back."

"Oh?" Severus said, trying to look nonchalant on the bed, drawing the covers over him as he looked to the burning embers. Lucius sneered back at him, looking at his room in disgust.

"Yes."

"Whatever for?" Snape said rubbing his eyes lightly. He was still a bit groggy from waking up, and that coupled with the realization that he wn lon love with a woman who despised him only weakened his resolve.

He saw the face of Lucius was turning into a sickly smile, and his stomach dropped at the sight of it. When Lucius Malfoy smiled like that, it could only mean horrible news.

At that exact moment in his life, Severus wished he was wrong.

* * *

Albus lay in bed that night, rolling over in his sleep. Something was unsettling him. There was something going on, something that he knew meant severe trouble.

"Hello Fawkes." he muttered quietly as his bird floated into the room, soaring above the bed before landing on his nightstand. Seemed the phoenix knew exactly when he was down.

He lit the candle beside him, sitting up and moving from the bed. His long nightshirt trailed after him and he moved to the window, looking to the stars overhead. It was a peaceful night.

He hadn't talked to Severus of late, and that could only mean two things. Snape either hadn't heard anything from Voldemort, or he'd gotten some very bad news he didn't want to share at the present time.

Poor Severus. he thought glumly, shaking his head to himself. The poor man has been through so much.

Dumbledore's thoughts were also plagued with the knowledge that a war was oncoming. A war that he was going to have to steel himself and those of Hogwarts for. He felt his heart pounding strangely, and he blamed this on tonight's supper.

Harry. Hermione. Ron. Those three had been fated to go against Voldemort this since the beginning. So had Severus. Deep in his mind Albus was uncertain of Snape's future, finding it hard to see Severus doing anything but dying for his cause. What did he have to live for?

He loved them all, and he didn't want to see harm come to any of them. He was like the father of Hogwarts. How many times had he listened to the woes of others and offered advice? How many times had he saved lives? How many, many years he'd spent, opposing the force of evil...

I'm too old for this. Albus thought with a grim line of displeasure on his lips. "How can I possibly protect all of them from him and his army?" he uttered aloud, finding the pain in his heart growing. He didn't want to fail them; he wanted to see the fall of Voldemort.

"I will." he said darkly, his eyes trained on his sky above him. "I will see the fall of Voldemort."

Just as he said those words a strange jerking sensation went through his arm. He looked to it in confusion, feeling as it pulled and pained him. It was if it were connected to his heart that was now being pummeled within him.

"Oh....Gods...." He cried out, alone, in the dark room that night. Promptly he fell to his knees on the ground, gasping at the searing pain that went through the top of his body.

Clutching at his chest through his robes and letting out a howl of pain and terror that coursed through him he collapsed face first onto the floor and did not stir.

* * *

"Hey Hermione." Harry said jovially as she came up to him in the Astronomy Tower, looking out of sorts. He gave her a small grin. "You just wake up?"

"Actually, yes." Hermione said with a small yawn as she approached him, her heart pounding wildly. "I'm still quite a bit tired."

Harry nodded and motioned for her to sit next to him on the bench he'd saved for them. She looked to the seat, holding in a grimace. What she really wanted was a friend to confide in. She had hoped that she could talk tory, ry, to have him understand how she was torn. Looking at his hungry eyes she wasn't so sure.

She finally sat gently, looking to the starry night sky above them. She was a bit cold and shivered. Harry looked over and held her to him as she held in a sigh of disapproval.

They sat under the stars a while, talking about the various constellations above them. Hermione couldn't help but notice the way Harry's arm was kept protectively around her the entire time.

Her mind ded ted to Severus, as she looked to the stars, unaware that he too felt the same was as she. She imagined hee hae happy that she was gone when he woke up, and felt her chin trembling.

"You alright?" Harry suddenly asked.

"Fine." Hermione lied, choosing not to disclose her heartache. Harry couldn't possibly understand. She could see it in his eyes, the way he wanted her.

"How have you been Harry?"

"Fine." he lied, watching her face as she spoke. He found himself being so utterly drawn to her when he wasn't trying. He'd convinced himself that she couldn't be his now but hoped that somehow, just maybe in the future she could be.

"I'm glad." she finally said, looking back to the sky and having her thoughts roam back to Severus. She noticed as Harry kept rubbing at his head, trying to hide it from her.

"Is your scar hurting you?"

"No." Harry lied, forcing a smile. "It's just a bit itchy is all."

The two of them didn't hear the almost silent steps of Severus coming up the Astronomy Tower. He knew exactly what Potter planned on doing this evening. Seducing Hermione.

His Hermione.

"Come off it Harry." he heard Hermione say as his heart jumped. She sounded rather vexed with him. Snape hid in the shadows, looking to the two of them on the bench under the stars.

They looked at ends with each other. Harry looked as if he wanted to do nothing more than kiss her, and Hermione looked ready to pummel him if he tried.

"Just one kiss can't hurt." Harry insisted, looking to her with anguish in his eyes as he crawled closer to her. "I've tried to stay away but it’s impossible. My heart aches for you. Every time I see you with Snape makes me furious. I love you so much!"

"Then you'd understand that this can never be." Hermione insisted, standing from the bench and looking down to him. Her head was pounding and all she wanted was some comfort. She'd thought Harry could change, be more of a friend than a yearning lover. How simple she'd become.

"Why?" Harry demanded angrily, looking to Hermione with obvious confused agitation. He'd put his life and heart on the line for her, why was she doing this to him? Hadn't he been through enough?

"I'm married."

"By name only." Harry argued, feeling the tense fury building up within him. "He's Professor Snape. Don't be foolish! You won't be stuck with him forever. After this whole war is over we can get the marriage annulled."

"B-ut-" Hermione tried to speak, but found her despair overtook her too readily. She couldn't explain the feeling inside of her. She fell to her knees, sobbing into her hands as Harry looked on in wonder.

He hadn't been expecting this. In fact he'd be sure that Hermione would agree with him. He was sure she'd change her mind, come to him in her need. He'd protect her from the horrible Professor.

"Oh God...Hermione I-" he started; preparing to come over to her when a cutting voice startled them both. Harry looked up to see Snape towering over them, having stolen away from his place in the shadows.

"Get away from her, Potter." Snape hissed, looking down to Hermione with pity in his dark eyes. He saw as she looked up to him, her dark eyes overflowing with tears.

"Professor." she utterly lowly, her chin trembling as she saw him. Had he followed her? Was he looking for her? She suddenly wanted nothing more than to get away from Harry. To go with Snape back down to the flat and forget everything. She wanted Snape to stop hating her.

"Just leave us alone." Harry challenged, his light eyes blazing.

"Be quiet, Potter." Snape ordered sternly, not wanting him to upset Hermione further. She looked torn, looking from one man to the next as her lips trembled. “Come Hermione.”

"She wants to be here with me." Harry insisted as he glared at his Professor. "Just leave Hermione alone."

Snape looked over to Hermione, seeing in her eyes the truth. She wanted to leave but she didn't want to hurt Harry's feelings. The question was, would she want to leave with him? He knew that he'd have to make the decision for her, hoping she didn't struggle too much.

He leaned over, ignoring Harry's protests and hooking his arms under her knees and her neck, he gathered her up in his arms, finding she didn't protest as he'd expected.

Instead she was silent, leaning against his shoulders as he her her to him. She gave a look to Harry that said she was sorry, but said nothing as Snape turned on one heel and clutching Hermione to him, glided out of the tower with Harry watching in hatred.

She wasn't that heavy to carry, and he knew that the school halls would be fairly deserted. Her head was on his shoulder, and she noticed he smelled as lovely as he had when she'd left him hours earlier. She watched as the surroundings around them went by like a blur as he swiftly strode down the halls with her in his embrace.

"I didn't want to stay." Hermione uttered against his neck and taking him by surprise. He didn't say anything and this seemed to calm her. He felt as one arm went around his neck and she snuggled closer to him. He didn't realize she was hoping to feel him before he dropped her.

Enjoy it now Hermione. her mind raced. This is the first and last time he'll ever hold you like this.

He clutched her tighter to him, knowing that he'd made the right decision. He hoped she couldn't feel or hear the loud drumming of his heart so close to her ear.

“I know.”

They had almost reached the flat when he felt wetness slipping down his neck. He looked down, craning his neck to see her trying to stop her silent sobbing. How could she explain?

"Please." he uttered lowly, trying to hold her closer to him as they walked. He found it hard to breathe as he spoke to her. "Don't cry."

"I can't help it." She answered angrily, brushing her eyes angrily with her free hand as the continued to walk down the hall. She was sure he was getting angry with her for beingaby aby but she couldn't help it.

They rounded down the dungeon stairs and silently walked to their flat and Snape opened their door with his momentarily free hand. Shutting it behind him softly, he carried the silently weepHermHermione to the sofa in the living room.

He didn't want to let her go just then, but found it odd to stand there holding her in his arms. Resolutely he sat down himself, placing Hermione next to him.

She took her time leaving his embrace, and when she did he felt instantly cold. He saw she was still crying a bit, small tears zigzagging down her reddened cheeks as she tried to muffle the sound. Before he could help himself he'd brushed a strand of her hair from her face.

As he did so he saw her eyes widen as she looked to him, her eyes desperately searching his face as he pulled his hand away. She looked suddenly angry, pushing herself from the sofa and glaring at him.

"Why are you doing this?"

"Doing what?" Snape asked confused as Hermione felt a fresh onslaught of tears coming over her. With every touch she found herself becoming more and more disconcerted.

"I never know what you're thinking!" Hermione suddenly exclaimed furiously, almost trembling from her words as Snape watched her. "I can't tell if you hate me or can stand me." she didn't dare say, 'love me.' "I don't know if you're going to yell at me or hold me. It's too much."

"I apologize." Snape said stonily, feeling absolutely idiotic for holding her so long. He saw that she was holding in her tears, still gazing at him with that strange look on her face. Why did he still want to hold her? "It was foolish of me."

"I've tried so hard to understand you Professor." Hermione finally started again, ignoring him comment and coming to sit on the sofa beside him. He felt his pulse pumping vicariously through him as he gazed at her.

"I've tried to see things from your point of view. I've pushed myself to my limits of tolerance when you berated me, to the height of patience when you glared at me." she was breathing heavily as she looked to him, trying not to sob. He was looking at her with an inscrutable look on his face.

"I tried so much to be an aid, an asset of sorts as a repaying of your loyalty to Dumbledore and your saving of me.... all for nothing. You hate me. You find me utterly annoying and repulsive...and for that I can't apologize. I've tried my hardest."

Before Snape could answer, Hermione had thrown herself onto his knees. Her arms making some sort of cushion as she let her head rest on his lap, knowing that hugging him would be too much.

Snape was in shock, watching Hermione's dark head as she laid it despairingly onto his knees for comfort. He wanted to touch her, to roer oer over and kiss her senseless.

He viewed her shaking against him, trying to conceal the sobs that threatened to overthrow him. Severus then felt himself loose all prior anger as her small voice uttered softly.

"Why do you still hate me?"

Snape felt his own eyes falling shut as she spoke those words. How could he explain that getting close to her would only mean heartbreak for them both? How could she see that he was keeping her at a distance for both their sakes? He wasn't going to fool himself into thinking she'd want to stay with him once the war was over. Perhaps he wouldn’t want her to stay.

He finally allowed himself to stroke her hair, tracing down the side of her cheek that he could see as her sobs dimmed. He couldn't see her face, but imagined that the feel of his hands over her face and hair had soothed her.

Soon she was still lying on his lap with his hand carelessly seated on her waist. He felt her breathing had slowed to a normal rate. Now would be a better time to talk to her, to explain what had happened within him. Deciding it was either now or never, he spoke.

"I don't hate you Hermione."

He waited for her answer, waited for any sign that she'd heard and understood him. When it didn't come he gently nudged her, moving his knees until she'd rolled to face him. She was asleep.

He sighed deeply, looking to angelic face as she slept. He refused to feel this pain anymore. He had wanted to tell her of what transpired between Lucius and he today, the decision they were going to hao mao make.

He gathered her into the crook of his arms, rocking her gently in his arms as he watched her uneasily sleeping for the second time that day. She was so soft and sweet looking, so perfectly fit for his embrace. A brain to match his own and a temper as well.

Looking down at her sweet face surrounded in dark waves he felt a pang of injustice pass through him. He didn't want her to go through anymore and the thought of what he knew pained him. She didn't deserve it.

How could he ever explain to her that Voldemort demanded a child?