Hermione nearly spat out her toast when Harry plonked himself down next to her at breakfast. "Trouble in paradise?" She quipped playfully, her eyes fixed on Ronald. "You could say that. He's not talking to me, I had a row with Ginny over something stupid.. she got upset and now he is playing the protective older brother." Harry groaned, "he's not worth it Harry, don't let him get to you." Hermione insisted.

"How's Professor Snape?" He asked, while pouring his cereal. "Not talking to me, he chucked me out the other night after you spoke with him." Hermione told Harry sadly. "Aah...." Harry blushed awkwardly. Hermione looked at him with narrowed eyes. "Harry...?" "I... I might have told him that you were the one who saved him..?" Harry forced a smile. "YOU DID WHAT?" Hermione raged, picking up get sachel and glaring at Harry before leaving the hall quickly.

Hermione stormed towards Snape's bed in the infirmary, he glared at her as she approached. "Professor, I need to talk to you, I know why you aren't talking to me and i need to put this right!" Hermione pleaded, "I'm sure you do... what the hell were you thinking?" He snapped angrily. "I was thinking that you deserved to be saved. Dumbledore gave me the potion and told me to use it on the right person... and i felt that you were the right person ok? And I'm not sorry for doing so!" Hermione explained seriously.

"Why me? You could have chosen someone more deserving! Fred Weasley was just a boy! A small child now has no parents and it's all because you chose to save a broken, bitter old man!" Snape seethed.
"How could I choose between Remus and Tonks? HOW? Do you think that I don't miss Fred? He was my friend! but although he lived a short life, it was a full life, he was happy, but you... you have only ever suffered, as a child, as a student and as a man, you gave your own life to protect Harry and save us all... I thought that you deserved a second chance, a chance to find happiness, and I don't regret my choice for a moment." Hermione cried.

"Hermione....." Snape sighed sadly, pained by her tears. "I don't know what to say..." his eyes met hers desperately.
"I don't want you to say anything, all I want is for you to accept my help. So that you can get better, else I fear my choice would have been wasted which would not only make me feel guilty but would also be an insult to Fred, Remus and Tonks."

Snape was lost for words, the young and incredibly beautiful witch was right as always. "Why do you always have to be such an insufferable know it all?" He smirked playfully. Hermione's face softened into a small smile. A smile he found as stunning as a that of a girl he once adored... Lily.

"Thank you... Hermione. I apologise for being so..." "Snapelike?" Hermione cut in before laughing. "Indeed." He grinned with a naughty look in his eyes.