Everyone was preoccupied with something over the next several days. Harry had to worry about the upcoming Quiddich match, Ron his Potion's homework, and Hermione about everything else. She still couldn't get Snape's words of warning out of her head. He didn't trust Lupin, but he wouldn't say why. Ideas flew through Hermione's brain at the speed of light, but she couldn't come up with a reasonable conclusion. It wasn't until the next day in Defense class that she got her answer.

Muggle studies had run over, and she knew that she'd be late for Defense. Knowing that Professor Lupin wouldn't be too harsh about it, she didn't run to the classroom like she wanted to. Taking a deep breath to calm her frantic nerves, she pushed her hair behind her ear and opened the door. A startling but familiar sound met her ears.

Professor Snape was at the front of the class, lowering a slide projector screen. She quickly shuffled towards her seat, hoping she could make it before he turned around. Silently as possible she slid into her chair, letting out a breath and quietly pulling her Defense book out of her bag.

"As I was saying before Potter interrupted, Professor Lupin has not left any record of the topics you have covered so far – "

"Please, sir, we've done boggarts, Red Caps, kappas, and grindylows," said Hermione quickly, "and we're just about to start – "

"Be quiet," said Snape coldly. "I did not ask for information. I was merely commenting on Professor Lupin's lack of organization."

A general uproar arose from the class in defense of Lupin's excellent teaching. Hermione knew this wouldn't end well. She watched the little color in Snape's face quickly drain out of it. Snape looked more menacing than ever.

"You are easily satisfied. Lupin is hardly overtaxing you – I would expect first years to be able to deal with Red Caps and grindylows. Today we shall discuss werewolves," said Snape.

"But sir," said Hermione, seemingly unable to restrain herself, "we're not supposed to do werewolves yet, we're due to start hinky punks – "

"Miss Granger," said Snape in a voice of deadly calm, "I was under the impression that I am teaching this lesson, not you. And I am telling you all to turn to page 394."

Murmurs rent throughout the class, but Hermione knew there was nothing for it. She, along with the rest of the class turned to the designated page as Snape began to lecture. He asked many questions, but deliberately ignored Hermione's arm waving in the air.

He had told her several times to not take it personally, but it was very difficult. Many if not all of the rest of her professors appreciated and encouraged her academic enthusiasm, yet Snape tried to snuff it out, and now she was his ward. It still bothered her that he treated her so in class, even though she knew he had to…it still bothered her. Her Gryffindor headstrong-ness kicked in and she raised her hand once again. Snape ignored her so she spoke out of turn.

"Please, sir," said Hermione, whose hand was still in the air, "the werewolf differs from the true wolf in several small ways. The snout of the werewolf – "

"That is the second time you have spoken out of turn, Miss Granger," said Snape coolly. "Five more points from Gryffindor for being an insufferable know-it-all."

Hermione went very red, put down her hand, and stared at the floor with her eyes full of tears. She didn't know why she was reacting this way, but it was uncomfortable to be in class. The entire room was silent while Snape lectured, then paced the isles as everyone began to take notes. He seemed to sneer at her as he stalked by, and she felt a rock form in the pit of her stomach. The tears in her eyes were close to spilling down her cheeks, but she wouldn't give Snape the satisfaction. She wasn't even that mad at him, more than she was mad at herself for reacting this way.

She sat through the rest of the lesson, trying to understand what was going on. Snape didn't just choose werewolves to teach them. There was a reason for it. What would be important about werewolves on this particular day? Was it a message for the class, or for Hermione personally? Surely not. However, it would be like Snape to try and pass on a message in this way. No one else in the class would comprehend it's meaning…but Hermione now did.

She thought back to her first lesson with Professor Lupin, then to Harry recounting Lupin's run in with Snape, then Snape's warning to Dumbledore in the Great Hall and finally to this lesson. Could it be possible? Was this what Snape was trying to tell her, that Professor Lupin was a –

"Mione, come on, class is over!" Students were scurrying out of their seats and towards the door at record pace, desperate to get away from Snape. He had already given them a ridiculous homework assignment, but since it was the last lesson of the week, everyone was frantic to start the weekend. Ron was pushing at Hermione to get out of her seat so that he could follow. She absently pushed her book and quill back into her bag, desperate for a look at Snape's face. For she knew now that if she was correct in her assumption, the answer would be evident in his eyes. Those black eyes that could convey or withhold so much. But he did not look back at the class. He sat at the desk at the front of the room scratching away at the parchment in front of him. Had it not been for Ron and Harry pushing her towards the door she would have gone to speak with him. However, it would have to wait until this evening.

Hermione had almost forgotten herself that today was her birthday, but her friends were all too eager to remind her. Normally she would be overjoyed with presents and hugs and chats with friends, but she was desperate to get down to the dungeons to speak to Snape about Professor Lupin. However, that would not be happening for a while yet.

After dinner in the Great Hall, Harry, Ron and Ginny dragged her back to the Gryffindor common room for cake and presents. Nearly the whole house turned out for the celebration, though only her close friends got her gifts. Ron got her a sweater (which was no doubt made by Molly Weasley) but he claimed that he picked out the colors. Ginny got her set of pajamas that consisted of a pink tank top and matching pink and black boxer shorts. They were soft and comfy. Harry got her a subscription to Transfiguration Quarterly. She genuinely appreciated all of the gifts, but was extremely antsy to get away.

Finally she used the excuse of wanting to get a head start on her homework to finally get away from the crowd. Ginny wanted her to stay and chat, and Ron wanted help with his essay, since she was going to work on hers, but she was able to escape alone. Once she was out of the common room and away from Gryffindor tower, she started running towards the stairs that would take her down to the dungeons.

She was panting when she reached Snape's private chambers, and though she'd run into Filch on the way, she was lucky enough to still be close to the library, so she was able to convince him that that was her destination. He reprimanded her for running in the corridors, but then a howl from Mrs. Norris took him towards the Hufflepuff tower.

Hermione was just about to knock when the door opened, her potion's master standing before her. He looked shocked to see her, her hand poised to rap on the door.

"Good evening, Miss Granger." He grinned down lightly at her. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?" He immediately moved to the side to let her enter, then closed the door gently behind her.

Hermione turned to face him. "I wanted to talk to you about class today." Her brow furrowed questioningly as she tried to read the expression on his face. Was it…anticipation?

"Alright, but first, I have a bit of a surprise for you." He actually held out his hand to her, and she took it questioningly, again surprised at the warmth and comfort that she felt there. "Follow me, but close your eyes." She was absolutely stymied, but did as she was told.

Trusting his lead she followed him into what she figured was his sitting room. She felt the couch behind her knees and he pressed her shoulders gently. "Sit down, right here." Again, she complied, totally baffled as to what was going on. She was thinking of Lupin and werewolves and full moons and needing to talk about all of it right this moment.

"Alright, open your eyes." His voice was low, but filled with a quality that sounded foreign to her. He sounded excited.

She took a breath and opened her eyes. The sight in front of her left her speechless.

On his coffee table were several presents wrapped in crimson and gold paper, and a red banner hung across the room, reading "Happy Birthday Hermione" in gold print. There was a small cake in the shape of a book on the table next to the presents, and two plates and forks sat next to it. Hermione looked up at Snape's eager face…and burst into tears.

TBC

Ahhhhh, sorry for the lame ending. The next chapter will pick up right after this, but I just REALLY wanted to get this chapter posted tonight! Thanks as always for the reviews! I can't believe I almost have 100…that's so amazing, and I have you to thank for it!

wintersong1954 – Thanks for the review! Glad you're liking it so far!

Snapy90 – I'm really glad you found my story! Thanks for the comment!

LM Ryder – Thanks so much. I hope you continue to enjoy!

BlueWater5 – Wow! Thanks for the in depth review…I can't tell you how much I appreciate it! I'm sure the other characters will come into it at some point, I just really like writing the SS/HG relationship. I think the summers (in between the books) will be easier to incorporate the other characters because I have more free range to let my imagination go crazy! Thanks for the note on my error. I appreciate it!

LK-HoGwArTs-hEaDgIrL – Thanks!

cosmosalone200 – It'll get better, I promise!

Mira SeverusSirius Black-Snape – Thanks!

Ceralyn – Thanks, and thanks for noticing the error…it's been fixed =)

TBug – Thanks! I'm glad you like it!

Snow – I did, but thanks for mentioning…it's been fixed!

Proudmudbloodlion – Hope I got all the kinks out…I'm glad you like my story! I'm sorry your mom thinks you're crazy. I'm sure mine would think the same of me if she were reading it LOL. I do think it will be interesting how Snape will react next book when Viktor comes into the picture…hee hee

Arsha Clarek – You're so sweet…thanks for the review! I hope you liked this chapter too!

Caya M Richards – Thanks for the review…I'm sure she really wouldn't have been able to get around the castle as it was so heavily guarded…but I just bend the rules when I see fit =)

Twilighter – sorry this update took so long. Thanks for your comments…I really appreciate it!

dracosluvr4eva20 – You're so sweet! Thanks so much for your lovely words…I'm glad you found my story and that you are enjoying it…it's gonna be a long one, but I think (or hope) that it will be worth it!

sharNZ – Thanks! I love the way Snape can let his guard down around Hermione…I don't think he would be the same with any of the other characters…though she is much younger, she really is intellectually equal (or respectively) to Snape.

Almightyswot – Comedy gold for sure…I can see Snape making a total dunderhead of himself, but Hermione is so headstrong that she'll call him on it…but she's also sweet enough that she won't be mad, and he can't be mad at her…it's going to be fun!

TheTV-Junkie – Ahhhh, my friend, as always, thank you so much for your review. I treasure your thoughts more than you'll know. I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and the ones that follow. Hugs!

Kstar101 – I'm glad you like it…her pain just didn't follow the story anymore…I was going to incorporate it into Snape wanting to help her as well…but I decided to keep it one sided for now. Thanks for the comment!

Beautiful-Liar13 – Thanks for the review. I plan to go through the books in their entirety, but really only stick to the parts that include anything having to do with Snape and Hermione, or how my imagination can twist the story a bit to make it so. You should see my copies of the books…they are STUFFED with post it notes!

KraZiiePyrozHavemoreFun – Thanks, and here you go!

Reivyndawn – Thank you so much. I'm glad you found it and that you're liking it so much. It makes me all warm and fuzzy!

SilverMoonPanther – I know…who'd have thought it possible. =) Thanks for the review!

Alright everyone…I'm up WAY too late and have to work WAY too early in the morning, but I promise that another chapter won't be too far behind this one…PROMISE!

Until next time, my lovelies!

xoxoxo

TG