Disclaimer: All things Harry Potter belong to J.K. Rowling.

Thanks goes to Snapebbwlover for beta reading and creating the title!

Also be warned this is WIP! Though I do have it completely outlined. I cannot say when I will update but I will try for once a week.

It will be rated NC-17 for aff.net and whisper, while edited down for ff.net with a rating of R.

Chapter 1: A New Year

Hermione Granger, the new Head Girl of Hogwarts Witchcraft and Wizardary, was on her way to school for her 7th and final year. Her friends, Harry Potter and Ron Weasley sat across from her playing wizard's chess while the train they were on, Hogwarts Express, roared to Hogwarts itself.

Hermione didn't know what came over her. But during her 6th year she realized she was in love with the most unlikely person. Her friends would call her delusional and crazy. After all she fell in love with their most hated professor. But she knew of his true loyalties, as did her friends but some still despised him, they each had their own reasons.

Many things changed over their 6th year. Draco Malfoy turned against his father openly and sided with Albus Dumbledore, the Headmaster. It was arranged at school for the new year that Hermione and Draco would have their own common room and bedrooms since Draco was the new Head Boy himself. He was sitting next to her even now, he had befriended Harry, Ron and Hermione during their 6th year. He was currently trying to help Harry defeat Ron at chess.

It was a rough start for the three Gryffindors to accept the new Draco but over time they realized he was different. It took months for them to build a tentative friendship. By Christmas the four started to hang out more together, enjoying each other's company. Draco's previous 'friends' abandoned him when he discarded his father's beliefs. The new friendship started one day when Draco went up to Harry, with no cronies behind him, and said, "Harry, you made the right choice in friends." Draco simply left after that, leaving the three Gryffindors speechless.

But it worked out in the end. The boys had a new Quidditch partner, while, Hermione found some one she could talk to about academics. Though Ginny Weasley, Ron's sister, was intelligent she wasn't in the same classes as Hermione therefore they couldn't talk about the classes she was in. With Draco she was able to.

Hermione just stared out the window considering what the new year would bring. They were at war with Voldemort still, though everyone suspected this would be the year for the 'final' battle most were calling it. Dumbledore was doing his best to prepare the students of Hogwarts for the eventual war that would break out upon the wizarding world.

But Hermione wasn't worried about that, there was nothing she could do about it currently, time would only tell. She was mostly thinking about her love though, Severus Snape, the Potions Master at Hogwarts. Hermione knew the chances of her feelings being returned were as good as hell freezing over.

When the train arrived at the Hogsmeade station, a small wizarding town nearby Hogwarts, everyone disembarked and headed for the carriages. The first years followed Hagrid to the boats to cross the lake, it was tradition for first years.

----------

Severus Snape watched as the students filed into the Great Hall and took their seats at the appropriate tables. He watched closely for two students though, Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger. Malfoy because he was in danger from his fellow Slytherins and several Ravenclaws, who were aspiring Death Eaters. Hermi... Granger had his attention for a totally different reason. The unthinkable happened to the sarcastic, sharp tongue, acidic, temperamental Severus Snape, he fell in love. But even more strange he fell in love with a Gryffindor, let alone her being a best friend to the 'famous' Harry Potter.

Severus appreciated Hermi.. Gran... Severus gave up trying to think of her as Granger and thought of her as what he would like to in person. Severus appreciated Hermione for her wit, courage, logic, and thirst for knowledge. It wasn't uncommon for teachers to fall in love with their students, though it rarely happened it wasn't forbidden or frowned upon as long as the relationship was consensual. Though Severus knew nothing was going to happen between them, for his feelings were never likely to be returned.

The scowling wizard spotted his two subjects in the company of Harry Potter and Ron Weasley. The four had become unseperateable during their 6th year. Though, the Gryffindors sat at their table while Malfoy went to go sit alone at the Slytherin table. Severus noted the looks of hatred that were directed at Malfoy from both Slytherin and a few Ravenclaw students discreetly. After he was sure Malfoy would be safe at the Slytherin table, Severus turned his attention back to Hermione.

She currently sat next to another Weasley, Ginny Weasley, while Potter and side-kick Weasley sat across from them. Most would think Potter and female Weasley would be together but they weren't. And side-kick Weasley, who used to drool over Hermione, finally realized his best friend didn't return his crush and he grew up, surprisingly.

Severus stopped pondering and continued to scowl over the students as the first years were called and sorted. Throughout dinner Severus took glances at both Malfoy and Hermione. He knew later Malfoy would be sitting with the Gryffindors, Dumbledore had wanted to change the tables among the houses to allow them to interact. This was in hope to dissolve some of the house rivalry. Severus wasn't against it, in fact he hoped it would work. It would allow some of his Slytherins to escape those who were future Death Eaters. It would ease some of the peer pressure, he considered.

At the end of dinner, the Head Boy and Head Girl were announced. It wasn't a surprise to anyone. As everyone left, the Prefects of each house led the first years to their common rooms. Malfoy and Hermione were walking toward Minerva McGonagall, Deputy Headmistress and Head of Gryffindor House. When they were all gathered together they approached Severus, Malfoy knew of Severus's true loyalties and Severus had started to mentor the young man in private.

"Professor Snape, would you direct our Head Girl and Boy to the Head Suite please? I have a meeting with the Headmaster that cannot be deterred," McGonagall asked.

Severus scowl deepened but he nodded and started to walk leaving the two students to follow him.

Hermione and Draco looked at each other but kept silent as they followed their teacher. He was leading them to the forth floor and to a picture of a lion and serpent battling against a dark cloud. It was chosen for the new Head Girl and Boy. The portrait was the entrance to the Head Suite - the Head Boy and Girl's dorm rooms.

"The password is 'pax pacis inter hotis'. You may change it if you wish," Snape explained.

"Peace among enemies," Hermione muttered and she realized Snape was looking at her with a look she had never seen but if she had to name it, it would be pride almost.

"I see the Gryffindor Know-it-all is familiar with Latin," he sneered.

Hermione blushed but kept eye contact with him, "Yes, sir."

"Why did you learn the language?" Snape asked.

"I've always been interested in history and old languages, sir," Hermione answered but was curious as to why Snape would ask such a question, it was out of character for him.

"Teach Mr. Malfoy then," Snape ordered before he left.

Hermione and Draco watched in silence as their professor left. The two entered their new residence and took the moderate size common room in. It had an elegant, tall stone fireplace. There were two desks facing each other in the back of the room, with a table next to the desks. A few feet away their were two couches facing each other in front of the fire place and two comfortable looking chairs facing the fireplace. The colors in the room were mixed of scarlet, gold, silver and green tastefully done. To the right and left there was a small corridor that led to two different doors, each had their names on it. Hermione had her name on the right door and Draco on the left.

"It'll be nice to have this to ourselves," Hermione said with a smile.

Draco smiled, "Yes it will. We can have Harry, Ron and Ginny up here to study whenever we want and not have to worry about nosy students."

Hermione quite agreed.

----------

The next morning in the Great Hall the four house tables were gone and in there places were several dozen circular tables. Harry, Ron and Ginny were already seated at one table and Hermione and Draco joined them. When everyone was seated the Prefects, and Head Boy and Girl helped pass out class schedules. Within 10 minutes all the students had their schedules as Ron and Ginny (Prefects) and Hermione and Draco sat back down with Harry.

Hermione's schedule was packed as usual. She did well enough on her O.W.L.s that she was able to take all the N.E.W.T.s classes she wanted. The class she was looking forward to the most was Potions. She enjoyed the exactness, logic and art of potion making. Harry, Ron, and Draco were also in the class. Harry and Ron wanted to be Aurors and you needed Potion N.E.W.T.s for the career. Draco was taking the class because he enjoyed Potions similar to Hermione. Draco was a brilliant student the trio found out, but Hermione appreciated it more because her and Draco had become fast friends on a more intellectual level. While Harry and Ron befriended Draco more on the Quidditch level. Draco and Harry were still rival Seekers on opposing houses but they kept that for the field only and enjoyed the challenge and competition it gave them.

With breakfast over the students went to their classes. Draco and Hermione had Advanced Ancient Runes. The class consisted of all four houses as there weren't many 7th year students taking it to warrant only two houses at a time. Draco was the only Slytherin taking the Advanced class, Hermione was the only Gryffindor. From the 7th year Ravenclaw Terry Boot, Padma Patil, Mandy Brucklehurst, and Lisa Turpin; from Hufflepuff Justin Finch-Fletchley, Susan Bones, and Hannah Abbott.

After Advanced Ancient Runes class Hermione and Draco headed down to the dungeons to meet up with Harry and Ron for Advanced Potions. When they entered the class Draco sat with Hermione while Harry and Ron sat together. Several other Slytherins were in the class but they ignored Draco as Draco ignored them. Hermione was relieved she didn't have to keep watch on Neville Longbottom anymore, now, she was able to pay more attention to Snape, which she took advantage of.

Severus watched over his class. Last year when he received the list of students who wished to take Advanced Potions he was surprised that Harry Potter and Ron Weasley both wanted the class. But after conversations with McGonagall he learned that the boys wanted to be Aurors and a Potions N.E.W.T. was required. When he saw Hermione Granger's name on the list he was pleased, he admitted to himself last year. She was his best student next to Draco Malfoy.

As the class continued, Severus prowled around the room making sure the dunderheads didn't mess up their potions too much. While he hated teaching, the 7th year N.E.W.T.s class were the least of hated of all his classes, they 'wanted' to be here to learn the art of potion making or at least become competent enough for the N.E.W.T.s.

Severus had watched Hermione and Malfoy work perfectly together, he wished he could step into Malfoy's position and work with Mia. Severus stopped in the back of the classroom. Mia? he thought. God, he's created a damn nickname for the girl even. Severus scowled at himself and continued to prowl. He's turning into a damn love sick puppy dog!

Draco watched Hermione during class, he noticed she was looking at Snape more. He thought about it and she was doing that more, even at the end of last year. He would have to keep watching her and see what she was up to.

----------

A week passed and classes were running smoothly. It was time for the clubs to start. Harry was leader of the club, Defense Association (D.A.) a.k.a. Dumbledore's Army. It was an active club with permission and encouraged among the staff. Remus Lupin, the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, was overseeing the group but let Harry lead it, Remus was only there to help if need be.

"All right, this is the first meeting for the Defense Association." Harry started. "Most of you know what this club is about, to prepare us for the fight against Voldemort eventually."

Most students winced at the name, Hermione didn't she got over it in her 5th year. Ron finally overcame his fear and was even speaking the name in his 6th and Draco was in the same boat with them. Harry continued giving his 'welcome' lecture, though it was extremely short and they started with minor curses. Harry and Remus worked out it would be best to go over simple things first as a quick review and let the new members catch up with the old members before moving onto new material.

Hermione looked around and noticed Luna Lovegood and Ron talking in a corner. Hermione smiled, it was about time they started seeing each other, Ron told Harry, Hermione, Ginny and Draco last night that Luna and him were officially dating now. Though Luna was a bit odd she was a good combination with Ron Weasley's temperament. Hermione wanted to see her friends happy. Hermione looked over at Ginny, she was watching another person the room before she looked away with a blush. Hermione couldn't tell if the person was Harry or a few other male students, she would have to pry it out of her. Ginny had a reputation of late of keeping her mouth shut on certain things and who she liked was one of them.

----------

Draco continued to watch Hermione closely, at meals, in potions class, and around campus. It was time for him to approach her with his idea. They were both in their common room studying for potions, Harry and Ron vetoed the idea of studying with them and chose to play wizards chess in the Gryffindor common room.

"Hermione, do you like Snape?" Draco asked boldly, he learned with Hermione to find out the truth you had to ask direct and not be sly about it.

Hermione looked up from her potions book and to Draco. "Why do you say that?"

Draco stared at his friend, "Because I've noticed you staring at him several times over the past week."

Hermione gazed at her friend for a moment before deciding to tell him the truth. "If I tell you Draco you can't tell anyone."

Draco nodded.

"I don't just like him... I'm in love with him." Hermione admitted.

Draco was surprised but hid his reaction well and he supported his friend. "I promise not tell anyone."

"Thank you," and Hermione avoided eye contact and went back to reading.

Draco looked back down at his book and thought things over. He could see the similarities between Snape and Hermione. Intelligent, sarcastic, tempers to make most cringe in fear - though it wasn't commonly known for Hermione. Draco knew her temper could make goblins tremble in fear if she wanted to. He knew Snape loved to read and learn just like Hermione, Draco had that similarity between them. Draco wondered if there would ever be away to get them together, he would have to think more about it. Perhaps watching Snape more would give him any hints as to if Snape felt anything for Hermione.

Draco decided the next 'mentor' meeting he had with his Head of House would be good to watch him a bit closer.

----------

To be continued...