Disclaimer: I do not own the Harry Potter universe. It was created by J K Rowling. Any characters/places you recognise are just being borrowed. No profit is being made from this.

A/N This story will be removed soon as it will form part of Shattered Path. However for those who 'followed' the first chapter I am adding a preview of Chapter 2 so you receive an alert – in case you are still interested.

Hermione sat on the steps, tears in her eyes. Her feet were sore and she reached down to take off the heels she wore. She was not sure if her tears were because she was upset or frustrated, probably a combination of both. She began to rub her feet, as she heard the faint strains of music from the Great Hall come to an end.

Suddenly she was aware of a tall, dark presence above her and a handkerchief miraculously appeared in her lap. She looked up, a small smile on her face, expecting to see her date, Viktor Krum. Instead she met the dark, hard eyes of Professor Snape. His face was stern, and her smile faltered. She was sure that he was the source of the handkerchief, but his face most certainly suggested she should not make an issue of it.

Severus Snape looked around them, and seeing they were almost alone and no one within hearing distance he spoke quietly, "Miss Granger," he drawled, "do not ask questions, but I wish you to follow me...now." He wished he could offer her a hand to get up from the step, but it would arouse suspicions. He took a few steps up the stairs and could hear his student slipping on shoes and the sound of heels hitting the stairs as she followed.