Touchstone

Hermione awoke the next morning feeling better than she had in ages. She lay in her warm bed with a gentle morning breeze coming through and stretched luxuriously; at her feet Crookshanks purred loudly. She sat up and yawned; slipped her feet into the pair of fuzzy slippers Cerelia had bought for her, and trudged into the bathroom to take a quick shower. As she stepped under the hot jets of water she let the steam melt away any remaining tension. Lazily she remembered her late night chat with...Severus. It still felt bizarre to call him that but it felt good nonetheless. As she worked the shampoo in her hair she thought about how they had kept staring into each other's eyes last night and she closed hers. He had still been in the brown shirt and slacks...the shower felt a lot hotter suddenly.

When she stepped out and finished her morning rituals she decided she would head down to breakfast. She felt much better, and her colouring even looked almost back to normal. Later she thought she might visit with Professor McGonagall if she wasn't busy. She pulled on a pair of white capris, a thin pale blue fitted shirt lined in antique lace, and a pair of white sandals and went to the door to go down to breakfast.

As Hermione walked through the halls and down the stairs she reminisced about her own days at Hogwarts. Her fingers slid lightly over the banister and automatically she stepped over the trick step Neville used to always get caught in. She smiled thinking back to the time Harry told her that he had gotten caught in that same step and was almost caught by Snape after he'd been out trying to discover the secret of that egg for the Triwizard Tournament; then she abruptly frowned remembering Harry. She quietly pushed open the large doors to the Great Hall and walked over to the breakfast table. Minerva, Cerelia, Gamula and Lenea were all sitting at the table chatting amiably. They all looked up and smiled as Hermione took a seat between Minerva and Lenea.

"You look much better this morning, my dear. Did you...get a good night's sleep?" the Transfiguration teacher asked with a wink. Hermione looked at her oddly, wondering why her former professor had winked, and slowly nodded.

"I did...thank you. I think that ceremony really did the trick. I was tired at first, but I have a lot more energy this morning," she replied. After buttering a pancake and grabbing a couple sausages she looked around. "Am I late for breakfast?"

"No," said Lenea. "In the summertime we come and go as we please. Usually we'll all have dinner together but that's about the extent of the 'schedule.'" Hermione nodded.

"Where did you get that dress from last night Hermione? You looked very nice in it," asked Gamula while she buttered a bit of toast.

"Thank you. Professors McGonagall and Sprout found it in Hogsmeade," she answered, blushing.

"Think nothing of it dear. Call me Cerelia, or better yet, Ceri," said Sprout adding another spoonful of sugar to her coffee. "I had fun last night as well. We must do that again. Minerva, do you think you could get the old man to make that a yearly event?" she implored, smiling.

"I'll see what I can do Ceri. By the way, I was thinking of going into Hogsmeade today as well, would anyone care to join me?" asked Minerva.

"Oh! I'm in Minnie!" squeaked Cerelia and she looked at Madam Hooch.

"That depends. How late are we coming back?"

"Not until well after nightfall," McGonagall said dryly.

"Well in that case, I'm in, too."

The Deputy-Headmistress looked at Lenea and Hermione. "And what about you two? You're invited as well."

Vector spoke up first, "You know I'd love to Minerva, but I'm meeting with Jack's lawyers today. We're finalizing everything. About damn time too." She added. She noticed Hermione's confused expression. "We're going through a divorce. I finally decided he was worthless and he could keep his other mistress'." The other women at the table giggled.

"Oh, I'm very sorry Professor."

"Don't be. He is though. But I'm not. Perhaps the next time we can celebrate ladies?"

Gamula laughed. "I'll bring you some of Rosemerta's finest when we get back for a late nightcap, Lenea." The women laughed again. Hermione could not get this image of her former professors out of her mind.

'Drunken and rowdy celebrating divorces....Merlin save us all,' she shook her head smiling.

"And?" replied Minerva looking at Hermione.

"Oh, I may have to pass tonight. I feel better, but Poppy told me not to push my luck." She really wasn't up to getting completely pissed just yet and somehow she didn't think they would just be having a "few drinks" tonight.

The women groaned and Hooch added that Poppy would be right there with them, but Lenea patted Hermione's hand. "Next time then, dear. We'll all go out."

"Deal."

"Alright then. But just this once." Minerva took a sip of her tea. "What do you plan on doing today?"

"I think I'm going to read a bit and relax. I thought about going for a walk later."

"Oh that sounds lovely!" squeaked Cerelia. "You should do it this evening when it's not so hot. The flowers will be in full bloom; that's my favourite time," she chirped.

"Yes we know about your evening rendezvous Ceri," prodded Hooch.

"Oh quiet Gam! I haven't done that in years," she giggled. Hermione barely kept her jaw from flying open, especially when Gam added that she had, as the women laughed. Vector patted her hand comfortingly again and winked.

~*~*~*~

Severus Snape woke with a start. The sheets were soaking wet, his hair was matted to his forehead and his pulse was racing. He shakily lay back down, ran his fingers through his damp hair and caught his breath. He hadn't had that severe of a nightmare for a couple of weeks now. This one was particularly vivid and it had exposed some of his more horrific memories...and his brother. He felt sick. Weakly he staggered to the bathroom and retched. The porcelain felt cool against his fevered skin while he rested. He hadn't been thinking about any of his past deeds so he didn't exactly know why that dream had visited him. In fact, he had felt calm and relatively peaceful before he went to bed last night. He supposed that it was a taste of his usual luck; the past coming back to remind him that he was and will always be worthless. He groaned, lifting himself to his feet and over to the sink to splash cold water on his face then brush his teeth.

When he was finished he slipped on a pair of black pyjama bottoms and flopped heavily onto the bed. Staring at the ceiling he wondered what time it was and dragged his gaze the clock above his small mantel. With a wave of his hand the faceplate illuminated so he could see the time in the dark. It glowed 5:34 am and, groaning, he rolled over and buried his face in his pillow. Soon the castle's occupants would be stirring and he would have to start another day. His dreams were coming back to him in little snippets and he blinked them away. He could hear random people in his life telling him he wouldn't amount to anything. Then he could hear the praises the Death-Eaters had given him telling him he could be anything he wanted. He had just wanted acceptance. He had never truly felt wanted, at least without some sort of cloud hanging above him.

Sighing he rolled back over and stood up. Walking to his wardrobe he grabbed a breezy black chamber robe and his wand and slipped out his front door into the hallway. The temperature in the halls felt very pleasant to his skin as he let his robes flap open. He didn't bother putting on a shirt underneath; he didn't think anyone would even be awake yet or at least be out in the halls. Silently he walked in shadows through the castle. Even though it was very quiet and solitary, he loved roaming the hallways while everyone was asleep. The castle had always felt like home to him and he was never bothered by it. As he continued on some of the portraits woke up and watched him. He knew they watched him. People took them for granted; the people in the portraits had been around long enough to watch others over the years and they were very good judges of character. They weren't fooled by his seemingly innocent early morning stroll. They had seen him up wandering about during all hours of the night and knew when he was having one of his bad nights. It was actually one of the ways Albus gathered information on Severus. He'd ask the portraits if Severus had been up walking about again and they would always tell him whether it was a serious night or just a casual stroll and Snape was none the wiser.

Tonight his wanderings were taking him up to the Astronomy Tower. He couldn't remember anything he had been thinking when he finally arrived at the top. He opened the wooden door to step out into the outside part of the turret and leaned against the wall folding his arms over his chest. The barest glimpse of light was just peeking over the horizon and the stars were slowly blinking out. Despite his dark mood the change of scenery soothed him. He could stand out on this tower and just stare at the grounds and the world around him for hours; in fact he'd done it several times, but mainly at night. There was a light breeze making the treetops of the Forbidden Forest sway rhythmically back and forth and play with the locks of Snape's hair. He inhaled deeply catching various scents of dew covered trees and grass, jasmine, and peppermint, probably from Albus' garden. His robe flapped open and he closed his eyes leaning his head against the cool stone of the tower. This was how he should live his life. He should stay alone and not drag anyone else into his miserable little pit of hell. Even though the war with Voldemort was over, it didn't mean his own personal war was. And besides, it would be dangerous to try to involve anyone else in his life. There were still Death -Eaters out there who had heard of Severus' return and his hand in the death of their leader. Those people would be out for Snape's blood and damn anyone who got in their way. He would spend the rest of his life looking over his shoulder- again. That was no way to live a life. He gazed back out over the landscape and sighed,

"Thus let me live, unheard, unknown;
Thus unlamented let me die;
Steal from the world, and not a stone
Tell where I lie."

~*~*~*~

"Thank you very much Madam Pince, that's very kind of you." Hermione smiled at the librarian.

The older woman smiled back. "Not at all. The library is all yours, not many people use it over the summer, except for Severus, but I'm sure you'll have no trouble. Feel free to do whatever you wish while I'm away. Oh, and have a lovely holiday Hermione," Madam Pince had always favoured Hermione over any of her other fellow students and was pleased to know her library would be getting some use while she was away for the summer. She turned and exited the room and left the castle, leaving Hermione alone.

Hermione had come in here after breakfast to look for a few books for some light reading. She inhaled and smiled. She missed the familiar scent of her old sanctuary. The smell of old books, or even new ones always calmed her down no matter what problem she faced.

She made her way over towards the Restricted Section and ran her fingers lovingly along some of the old spines. She glanced at the titles and selected Advanced Potions for Advanced Wizards then went back to her favourite table and began skimming through it. She had read about halfway through the book when a shadow suddenly loomed overhead and a deep voice spoke up.

"Do you know what the phrase 'Get some rest,' means Miss Granger?"

She calmly raised her head and smiled without looking behind her. "Hermione." The figure walked around her left and pulled out a chair.

"Is anyone sitting here?" he asked.

She grinned. "No, please sit down." She gestured to his chair. He sat and peered at the book she was reading.

"Plan on doing a bit of brewing Hermione?" Snape asked sarcastically. She pursed her lips.

"Maybe. I just came down here to do a little reading is all. What's it to you if I wanted to?" she mocked.

He raised his eyebrows in response. "I would have nothing against it. That is, if you're sure you are able to still properly brew. You may need professional supervision after such a long time away from a potions lab."

She straightened, "I am quite capable of brewing almost any potion you put before me Professor. Besides, every once and a while I am able to work with potions at my job. But even if I didn't I would still be able to do just as good, if not better, as I did when-" she stopped. He was grinning maliciously at her as realization dawned on her.

"You set me up." She accused.

He leaned back in his chair and crossed his fingers over his stomach. "Perhaps." She just shook her head.

"What about you Severus? I thought Poppy told you to 'Get some rest' as well. You don't appear to be lounging around your quarters either." She chided.

"I am not a prisoner of this castle. I come and go as I please." He thought for a moment then added, "Unless Albus tells me otherwise." Hermione giggled softly. "I too came in search of a book, although not just for 'light reading.'"

"Well, I'm sorry I held you up." She joked.

He sighed dramatically, "It happens." Then he abruptly stood and walked over to the Restricted Section as she had done earlier. He skimmed over the titles of a couple rows then deftly picked out a rather large and worn leather book then walked back over to Hermione's table. She looked at the book curiously then at him.

"Psychological Curses and How to Cure Them." He said flatly. Hermione stared at him for a moment before looking away.

"Do you think you can find a cure in there for him?" she asked quietly and went back to her own book.

"No. But maybe I can find clues to help me find or make a different cure they haven't tried." She nodded.

"You haven't told me what exactly is wrong with Harry." She said quietly.

"No one really knows. All I remember was Voldemort touching Harry's cheek and him crying out. I had heard that Voldemort was trying to make a new curse that would render a person completely insane without the use of Crucio...but I wasn't privy to any other information as I was already suspected of being disloyal," he said rather dejectedly. Hermione just nodded staring blankly at her book.

He sat studying her profile for a few minutes noticing her chewing her bottom lip and her eyes not moving over the pages before he made to get up when she spoke.

"Why are you trying to help him? He's not your responsibility."

He stayed quiet thinking about that before replying softly. "To repay a debt." Then he quietly got up and walked out of the library leaving Hermione to her thoughts.

~*~*~*~

Hermione spent the rest of the day wandering around the castle, poking her head in various classrooms she used to sit in. She went up to the Owlery, the Astronomy Tower, and made a point to avoid the North Tower where Professor Trelawny's room had been. She ran into Vector around lunch time and decided to eat with her before the teacher left for London, and listen to some of her classroom tales. After Hermione had left the number of students in her class had actually increased, much to the Arithmancy teacher's enjoyment. Afterwards as she was walking back to her rooms at Gryffindor Tower she noticed a huge shape walking by the lake. She smiled and turned to go back out the great front doors.

The sticky heat was almost unbearable as she made her way across the lawn. Hagrid was carrying two dead pheasants in his huge hand and Fang was playfully bounding at his heels. The dog then looked up, sniffed, and with a rumbling howl set off in Hermione's direction. She smiled and braced herself for the impending weight of the Boarhound. Hagrid's booming voice called out for Fang but the dog was too excited to care and he leapt up on Hermione licking her in the face. She struggled with the dog and turned her head left and right to escape the slobbery kisses until Hagrid came up and pulled the great beast off her.

"Hermione!" he cried pulling her into a bear hug. "Look at ya! Ya look jus' great you do. Bin wonderin' when you were gonna come down ter see me. Fang's happy to, as you can see." He said beaming down at her. She smiled up at the half-giant.

"Thanks Hagrid. Want some company?" The huge groundskeeper almost cried with happiness as he led her to his little hut on the centre of the grounds. It had been years since he'd been able to simply visit with any of "his kids" as he called them.

"Well o' course Hermione. Never too busy for you. How're you feelin' by the way?" and he opened the door to his hut, Fang wiggling happily by, and set out to make tea and some of his infamous "Rock Cakes."

~*~*~

By the time Hermione had left Hagrid's it was three o' clock. She had thoroughly enjoyed visiting with him. He was telling her about a new trio at Hogwarts who almost could have given her, Harry, and Ron a run for their money. The thought was painful but funny too and she had smiled. She noticed Hagrid was careful to keep the conversation to the school and Hermione's job without trying to lead it back to the past and she was very grateful.

As she was walking back up the hill she heard the faint sound of women cackling and she picked up her pace to see who it was. Minerva and company were all heading into Hogsmeade and apparently having fun already. She shook her head smiling and walked up the steps to the entrance. Looking off to the East she noticed dark clouds were gathering and hoped it would cool off soon. When she opened the front doors, she stood in the entrance hall wondering what do to next. It was still a bit too hot to take that walk she had planned on, and she wasn't in the right mood to read.

'That's a first,' she thought. So she turned left and headed down the stairs to the dungeons. It was a bit cooler down in these halls as she made her way to Snape's office. But as she approached his door she heard raised voices and slowed up a bit to listen.

"I can't believe you didn't owl us Severus! That was so inconsiderate. Even for you!" A man's voice. She couldn't tell if he was younger or older.

"What difference does it make? As you can see it is obviously not true then isn't it?" came Snape's harsher voice.

"Difference?! Amerigin was in tears last night when she heard! She burst through my front door asking if I'd heard. Then she went Mother's. You have no idea what state we were all in last night-"

"Well judging from the apparent fact that you're here today instead of last night, obviously it wasn't that big of a deal, Launce." Snape was losing his temper.

"Well, Gin and I wanted to, but the rest of them said Dumbledore probably would have sent word if something had happened to you...but still Severus. You should have told us what was going on. We didn't even know if you were hurt from the war." The other man ended quietly. Hermione edged closer to the doorway of Snape's classroom. She felt a bit childish at hiding and listening to Severus' conversation but she quickly set that thought aside.

"Again, something that could have easily been remedied had you honestly cared. Is there anything else? Or have you just come to yell at me and tell me what a prat I am?"

There was a pause before the other man began again. "For gods' sake Severus. We thought you were dead. We were worried, and before you protest your point of view, yes we were worried. I just wanted to come and see." The area of the other man's voice changed position, as if he was pacing. "And while I'm here, you bloody bat, you do realize Mother's birthday is coming up soon don't you?" There was a pause and he continued. "Lavinia has decided to throw her a little party back at home. You're invited you know." He ended jokingly.

"Oh thank the gods for that. I'm sure she'd be just thrilled to see me. Why on earth would I want to attend?" There was a scuffle sound and Hermione started. "Stop it. I thought you were an adult Launce..." the other man laughed at Snape's remark.

"Well, maybe we want you to come? You haven't seen the boys in over a year. You'll be surprised how much they've grown. And Vin's bringing her kids too. It'll be the first time since we've all been together-"

"This is asking for trouble Launce. You know exactly what will happen if we all get together. You'd be better off without me. I'll send a gift." Snape said flatly.

"How thoughtful," echoed the other man, and then sighed. "Well, at least promise me you'll consider it. Amerigin is actually staying with us for a bit and she's excited to see you. She's too embarrassed to come back here after what happened the last time..." Hermione thought she heard Snape chuckle.

"And she should be. Serves her right." said Snape. The other man chuckled as well.

"Well, old man. I think I had better get back home or Morgan will have my head. We're supposed to go 'birthday shopping,'" the other man presumably imitating his wife's voice.

"Whipped!" coughed Snape. Hermione almost burst out laughing at Snape's jibe. She had to bite her tongue to stifle the giggles. "And who are you calling old?" he scoffed.

"You. And whatever; she knows who's top dog." Launce said laughingly. "And don't you talk to me about relationships either Potions master," he said darkly. Hermione could just see Snape's raised eyebrow. Then she heard them walking towards the door. She quickly turned around and ran a few steps back the opposite way to appear as if she were just coming down the hall.

Snape and an almost double with short hair came out of the doorway. Hermione stopped wide-eyed. He looked almost exactly like Severus, only his appearance wasn't quite as dark, his skin was much tanner, and his eyes were blue. His hair was stylishly cropped shorter and he was a couple of inches shorter than him. It was definitely apparent that these two men were brothers. The younger sibling wore a white polo shirt and beige Dockers and raised his eyebrows at Hermione. Snape also mimicked his brother's expression and looked at Hermione.

"Oh, I'm sorry to bother you Severus. I didn't realize you had company." She nervously turned around as if to leave but he stopped her.

"It's fine. I'd like you to meet someone." She turned back around and politely smiled. "Hermione, this is my younger brother Launce. Launce, this is a friend and former student of mine, Hermione Granger. You remember me telling you about him Hermione?" he asked. She nodded and extended her hand as Launce raised an eyebrow at Snape and extended his in greeting.

"Hello," he said brightly. "Launce Snape. Pleasure to meet you Miss Granger."

"Oh, please call me Hermione."

"Very well," he said in a voice strikingly like his older brother, though not quite as deep. "Granger...not the Granger girl who works at the Ministry in the Magical Innovations Department?" he asked interestedly. Hermione blinked.

"Launce also works at the Ministry. If he's heard of you and he's not angry, then it's probably a good thing," Snape said. Launce grinned and narrowed his eyes at his brother.

"I can't help the fact that the Ministry is infested with idiots." He turned his attention back to Hermione. "But, he is right. I've heard many wonderful compliments about you Hermione. Very impressed I must say." Hermione blushed at the compliment and thanked him.

"I was just walking him to the gates. Would you care to join us?" Severus asked.

"Oh, I wouldn't want to bother you," she thought she might intrude and it looked like they were having a relatively peaceful conversation now. She remembered Severus telling her about their, "family differences," and she wanted them to have their time alone.

"Nonsense Miss Granger, I insist." Replied Launce. "I would be delighted to meet a former student of Severus'." He said as they walked towards the staircase to the main floor. "I've heard he's a real hard-ass." He smirked. Hermione noticed Severus cunningly trip Launce and stifled another giggle.

"So tactful of you Severus," growled Launce.

As they made their way to the oak front doors Albus called from above.

"Is that Launce Snape I see before me?" he called. Launce straightened and turned around smiling.

"It would be the one and only. Surely that's not the great Albus Dumbledore is it?" Severus whispered "Brown-noser," and winked at Hermione. She was really enjoying seeing this side of him.

Dumbledore reached out a hand as he was descending the marble staircase to the younger man. "Indeed it would be." They shook hands vigorously. "It has been a long time Mr. Snape. How is the family?"

"They're just fine Headmaster, thank you for asking."

"When will be seeing the boys then?" Launce's eyes gleamed.

"In about two more years. They're extremely excited. We all are. I've been filling their heads with tales of when I was a school-boy. Morgan is about to kill me," the group chuckled.

"You should send them up for a visit then," said Dumbledore. "I'm sure they'd enjoy seeing their Uncle Severus?" he said beaming at his Potions master. Snape quirked an eyebrow and Launce grinned evilly.

"Well, perhaps that can be arranged," he said turning towards Severus, who made a warning sound low in his throat.

Dumbledore smiled and turned back to Launce. "Well, I'll not keep you; I was just on my way to London." Severus looked at him questioningly.

"Oh, don't worry about it my boy, you enjoy your company." Severus blinked.

"I was just leaving Headmaster. Care to join my parting group?" Launce teased.

"Well, if it's no trouble. By the way, hello Miss Granger. You're looking excellent this afternoon," Albus smiled.

"Thank you Professor."

"I hope you haven't been ill Miss Granger," replied Launce turning to Hermione. Hermione absently wondered what it was with the Snape men that make them always call her 'Miss Granger.'

"It is passing I think. Thank you." Severus and Dumbledore both looked at Hermione and she suddenly studied her feet. Launce, sensing an awkward situation, turned the attention back to him.

"Well then, shall we? I mustn't be late for the wife," he said looking pointedly at the Headmaster.

"Oh, I see. Then let's not tarry. Lead the way Severus."

Snape did so, and the group talked pleasantly until they reached the gates, Snape not forgetting to leave out how insufferable a student Hermione was. She huffed, but Albus came to her rescue saying she was an absolute delight and an extraordinarily brilliant witch. They reached the gate and Albus bade goodbye and Apparated away. Launce again took Hermione's hand and grinning boyishly said it had been a pleasure. He turned back to Severus and offered his hand again.

"I do hope you'll seriously re-consider, Severus. I'll personally threaten the family into behaving," He said with a smile. Severus just looked at him.

"You shouldn't have to." Launce looked at him sadly. "Go on; give my love to Morgan and the children." The younger brother nodded and with a final glance Apparated as well.

They stood in silence for a few moments before Snape spoke up. "And that's Launce." Hermione grinned.

"I thought he was positively charming. A step up I'd say," she said playfully. He narrowed his eyes and gave her a mock-scowl.

"Then you can walk back alone," he said and turned to go back to the castle. She quickly caught up with him.

"I'm sorry, did you need something earlier?" he replied looking at the darkening clouds.

"Hm?" she said looking up also. "Oh, I was just bored killing time until I took a walk and wanted to see what you were doing. Nothing important, really," she replied.

"And now?" he said looking at her.

"Well, those clouds have certainly cooled the temperature. I think I'll take that walk." She said looking at him. "Would you care to join me?" He stopped and looked down at her, considering.

'It's just a harmless walk,' he thought, then "Very well." He offered his arm which she gladly took and they set off towards the edge of the Forbidden Forest. She asked Snape about his memories of his younger brother and laughed at some of them. Apparently, Launce was quite the charmer, which got him into some very sticky situations back in school. She decided she very much liked him so far. Then they talked about the book Hermione had been reading and about some of the potions she hadn't made in years, and she confessed her "accident" in her second year.

"Yes, I know all about that." He said smirking. "Poppy told me. I even snuck in to see you when you were asleep while Poppy was gone. It was very hard not to laugh so I had to leave quickly," he goaded. She slapped him on the arm.

"Then why didn't you take off points?" she asked.

"Well, two reasons. First, I was secretly impressed that a second year would even attempt, let alone be quite as successful as you were in making the Polyjuice Potion. Well, you weren't completely successful were you? And secondly, I think your mistake was punishment enough. And quite comical at that." He got another slap on the arm.

They slowly made their way to the gardens with the smell of roses and honeysuckle filling the air. The storm clouds were getting thicker and soon they would have to go in. They walked in companionable silence and stopped at the fountain. There were small goldfish swimming in the tiny pool and blooming purple blossomed lily pads covering half the small pond. Snape noticed her face was tinged pink from the sun and thought she must have spent more time outside than just now. It was almost cute, if he could have brought himself to think it. And if he admitted it, he had had a very nice time walking with her.

She smiled up at him. "What are you looking at?" she asked curiously. He blinked and looked away from her.

"Nothing."

She raised an eyebrow.

"You have a spot on your nose." She quickly wiped at her nose. After a second his lips quirked and he turned around looking upward smiling and said, "You're so easy to fool, Hermione." She tutted behind him.

"Is that all you do? Try to annoy people?" she asked haughtily.

"Most of the time," he said still gazing at the clouds. "Do you like the rain?"

Hermione blinked, caught off-guard. She looked upwards then at him and replied. "Yes actually. Do you?"

"Mm," he nodded. She studied his profile against the clouds. "When I was younger I used to go outside during thunderstorms and watch the rain. I loved it. My mother would get so angry at me," he chuckled. Whether it was out of his stupidity or worry he never knew. "Sometimes my father would sit on the porch outside with us and listen to the rain. It was very comforting." He then realized how sad that was. That such dreary weather made him happy. He furrowed his brows and looked back down to Hermione. It was starting to sprinkle and she looked around to see if there were rain drops or her imagination.

"We'd better get inside before we get soaked. Minerva will yell at me if I track mud in," he said sarcastically. She smiled at his joke and once again took up his arm. She was thinking about his comment about the rain. They walked back to the front of the castle, instead of taking the side door Severus knew was there, in silence. Once inside Severus rubbed his stomach.

"Are you hungry?" he asked.

"I could eat. Hagrid's cauldron cakes weren't the exact mid-afternoon snack I had hoped for," and Snape winced. He'd had the misfortune of trying some of Hagrid's cooking before at a Staff meeting once.

"Maybe someone will be there," and they turned right and went into the Great Hall. Rain drops were falling from the clouded ceiling stopping just a few feet above their heads as they made their way to the smaller dinner table. Snape pulled out her chair for her, common courtesy, and sat down beside her. No one else was in the Great Hall however, so they ordered their meals and chatted companionably during the rest of dinner.

After dinner they went back down to Snape's office and Hermione began asking him questions about Harry's condition and if he knew anything else about it. She wanted to do some research and try to help. Snape thought it could be the thing to perk her back up completely, but was worried that if it didn't work she'd go right back into depression, and nonetheless began telling her some libraries and people he knew of who could help her if she wanted. An hour later he was pouring them some brandy and sat back in the chairs Hermione had transfigured, (she said the ones he had were much too uncomfortable) and talked. He mentioned there was a new student last year who could have been Neville Longbottom's twin. He kept saying how fortunate his years had been once Hermione had graduated. But now not only was there a new walking Potions-disaster, there were "three more meddlesome young Gryffindor's who could very well have been the Wonder-Trio re-incarnated."

"Yes, Hagrid said something about that," she laughed.

Snape sat in the chair next to her, having chosen that one instead of the chair behind his desk, and thought. Hermione was staring into her glass. He knew he shouldn't be here with her like this. He knew she knew what he had said to her back in her mind when she was gone, but after thinking it over early that morning, it might be better just to help her start her life over- without him. And being here with her tonight was not helping his resolve at all. She kept running into him, and staying near him. It was very frustrating, but he couldn't help it. He enjoyed her company.

Hermione finally looked up from her glass of brandy, which was excellent, and noticed him staring off into space.

"Is everything all right Severus?" she asked worriedly.

He looked back at her and set his glass down. "Yes. I'm just tired." She nodded.

After a few more minutes of silence she decided she should probably leave. Thankfully she made to leave first and he got up to walk her back through the door of his office and through the classroom out to the hall. She stood awkwardly before him thinking of something to say.

"Well, goodnight," Severus said and not wanting to have to look at her any more than what he could take began closing the door.

"Wait," she called. He stopped and slowly looked back into her eyes. There was concern mixed with a little bit of hurt there.

"Yes?" he said dryly.

"I just...wanted to say thank you." He cocked his head to the side. "For spending the day with me. I enjoyed your company." 'Ugh, you're so bad at this Granger.' She thought.

He blinked at her and slowly nodded. "You're welcome." The urge to offer to walk her back to her rooms was almost overpowering, so it took all his willpower to tell her goodnight again and shut the door softly. He leaned back into the heavy wooden door and hung his head. She stood outside in the hall looking after the door for a moment before she turned and walked back up to her rooms.

"Well that was odd." She said once back in her rooms and walked over to the fireplace to call for Crookshanks' dinner. The cat hopped off his place at the seat in the bay window and twined about her ankles purring. She bent over and picked him up, hugging him. The cat jumped out of her arms when his food arrived and Hermione went into the bedroom to slip on her nightgown and slide into bed. The rain was gently pattering on her window and rolls of thunder sounded overhead. Sometime in the night Crookshanks began mewing loudly to get out, and Hermione got up to go to him. She was slightly miffed at his intrusion of her dreams (which had a certain tall, dark, and brooding figure in them) and quickly charmed an invisible cat door into the side of the wall and went back to sleep.

Fifteen minutes later found the ginger feline slipping through another, forgotten, cat door down in the dungeons. The man he had come to see was lying in a cold sweat, breathing irregularly in bed when the cat lightly jumped up and began kneading the man's shoulders with his paws, purring. This action unconsciously seemed to ease the troubled man's dreams and he slept a bit more peacefully that night with her familiar close beside him.