The Change

Thanks to all those who have reviewed. I really appreciate it.


I am sorry this chapter took so long to get out but I was having issues with getting it straight in my head.

Chapter 3

Severus was still thinking back to the way that Ron and Harry had acted at the Order meeting. To him it seemed the two had no remorse for what they had done to Hermione or they just didn't care. That made Hermione's story more true, to those who didn't believe it before. He rose up from his chair in the study and looked at the clock. It wasn't too late to check on Hermione so he gathered up his cloak and walked out the door.

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At the Burrow, Ron and Harry sat upstairs with the dark haired boy looking out the window. "Ron?"

"Yeah?"

"You don't think she told anyone do you? I mean about that last night in the Room of Requirement?"


Ron sat on his bed and shrugged. "Wouldn't matter if she did. I mean come on Harry, no one would really believe her. She went back on her word to us, her promise of help with the things we need and in the final battle. How could someone who promised us as well as promised to fight in the final battle, just suddenly change their minds? She waited till now to tell us, as far as I am concerned, she deserved it. We'll find her, give a sob story about being upset, apologize and she will come back. She always does."


Harry looked over at his friend. "I'm not so sure about that Ron. She was very upset when you punched her."


Ron looked up again. "She has to come back, we are getting married, remember?"
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Severus lowered the wards on the room that Hermione was staying in. The lights were already out for the night and as he made his way across the room, he saw that she was sweating and thrashing in her sleep. As he laid down his cloak, she sat straight up on the bed, her eyes wide and staring around, her breath coming in pants.


"Miss Granger? Are you alright?", he asked, not wanting to frighten the witch more.


Hermione closed her eyes then opened them again. "Sir? Oh yes, I am..no..I was having a nightmare."


Severus nodded and sat down in the chair, the lights still out. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"It was that last night at Hogwart's.", she sighed.

"I see."


The room was silent for a few minutes when her voice spoke out again. "Sir? I know this is not right or even within reason but could you just lay here and hold me? I don't want to be alone."


Severus could hear the fright in her voice and he bent over, untying his shoes. He then stood and walked over to the bed, lifting the covers and sheets. He then slipped between the covers and laid there, waiting on her to make the next move.

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Slowly she slid over and he felt her curl up into his side. "Your shirt, sir."

"My shirt?"

"I can't sleep with it on you. It feels strange."


Severus sighed and sat up, quickly taking off his shirt. He then laid back down, feeling her hand lay on his chest. "Is that better?"

"Yes, thank you."
Severus then felt her hand start stroking his chest gently. He slowly slid his arm up to surround her shoulders. She stiffened but then relaxed shortly afterwards.

"Feeling better, Miss Granger?"

"Yes sir. Thank you for this."

"Of course. It is my pleasure."


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After a few more minutes of silence, Severus thought she had went to sleep. Slowly her head slid over to rest on his chest, her cheek supported with her hand.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"Are you here because he ordered it?"

"No.", Severus responded.

"Are you here because the of the Order?"

"No.", was his instant response.


Hermione sighed. "Then why are you here, Sir?"


Severus gently tightened his arm that was holding her. "Because I choose to be, Hermione."

Hermione looked up suddenly. "You called me, Hermione."

"I did. You are no longer my student and friends do use their names. You are my friend, correct? I am yours."


Hermione giggled and laid her head back down. "Of course, I am your friend, Severus.", she whispered and closed her eyes again. "I feel so safe with you."

Severus smiled. "I hoped you would. Sleep now, Hermione. I'll protect you."


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Hermione woke the next morning to find herself alone in bed. She rolled over on her back, her hands behind her head. "He was here because he wanted to be. I wonder what that means. I slept really good last night. I hope he comes back again. What? Where did that come from?" She scrambled out of bed and ran to the shower, wondering why her thoughts had went that way.


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Severus had apperated straight into Malfoy Manor, after going home for a quick shower. All heads turned to him and he arched an eyebrow. "What?"

"It's just I went to see you last night and you weren't home. Where were you Severus?", Lucius questioned with a smile.

"I was needed elsewhere. Besides, why should it matter to you?", Severus growled back, causing his friend to laugh.


Voldermort chuckled. "It's just the reports I just received said that you were seen going into Miss Granger's room and didn't leave till thirty minutes ago."


Severus turned looking at him. "I went to see her, she had a nightmare and asked me to hold her. I feel asleep, that's it."


Draco chuckled behind his napkin. "Does she snore?"


"No, Hermione, doesn't snore.", Severus spat, taking a seat at the table.

Narcissa looked up. "Hermione, you call her Hermione now?"


Severus instantly noticed his mistake. "I..well.."
Voldermort smiled. "That's what friends do. Leave Severus alone and let him eat. I am sure he has much to tell us."


"You got it bad.", Draco whispered while staring at Severus. "You really do."


"Draco, leave him alone.", Narcissa ordered.

"Yes, Mother.", Draco responded with a smirk.


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Hermione heard knocking on her door and thought maybe Severus had returned. Instead of questioning who it was, she opened the door, only to come face to face with a very mad Ronald Weasley.

"What do you want?", she hissed.


Ron pushed his way inside. "Knockturn Alley huh? Didn't think we would find you?"

Hermione crossed her arms over her chest. "Like it should matter to you. What do you want anyways? How did you find me?"


Ron smirked. "It was easy. I saw Snape leaving here this morning. After a few questions and money exchanging hands, it was easy to find you. That and all I had to do was look and see the numerous Death Eaters milling around. So, your Snape's whore now are you?"


"I think you need to leave, Ronald. You are not welcome here."


Ron slammed the door and smirked, walking over. "Oh, I think we can find some way to pass the time."


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Narcissa was shocked whenever a loud pop of apperation sounded and a thud was heard in the foyer. She ran out to see a form laying crumbled over, their shoulders shaking with sobs. "Excuse me?", Narcissa questioned.


"I..am..sorry...Madame...He..found...me...I.."


Narcissa kneeled beside the woman. "Oh dear heaven's. What happened? DRACO! GET SEVERUS!", she screamed and took Hermione in her arms, holding her close as the young witch cried.



A/N: Sorry it took me so long to update. I have a chest cold and if this chapter sucks, forgive me ahead of time. I will try to type a longer chapter later on. My updates might be once a week. If you want to be notified of an update, leave the request in the review and hopefully I can get the email from it. If you have it hidden, well, I don't know what to do about that.