Redemption

The Gryfindor common room had been a tense mess the last few days.

Between James and his gang and Lily, things were still heated.

Constantly James would beseech Lily to talk to him, to know that he didn’t think of her like that, and each time it seemed to get worse.

If it wasn’t for the fact that Lily now constantly wanted Hermione by her side instead of Severus, she was certain she would have gotten the full force of James and Sirius’s anger.

Instead, the last few days of the year were spent studying for the last remaining exam, and listening to Lily gripe about James and Severus and boys in particular.

Strange how she missed the days of being ignored by her own best friend.

At least then she could listen to silence versus the constant barrage of how boys sucked, especially Handsome boys like James Potter.

Personally, Hermione could understand finding James handsome, he had a sort of charm to him, most girls found him that way. He had looks, even though he kept his hair unkept and wild. He was also intelligent, which made him more attractive, at least in Hermione’s opinion.

The problem came when he opened his mouth.

Though Hermione knew he was intelligent, one would never think that having listened to him speak. All the boy ever talked about was quidditch and girls. Well, one girl. Lily Evans.

The same girl who was currently prattling on about Potter’s stupid face and hair.

Honestly, the two of them were ridiculous. Potter was constantly talking about impressing Lily, and Lily was constantly telling him how she was not impressed.

If the boy was so smart, wouldn’t he realize that Lily had a crush on him, and was trying to spell it out to him on how to get on her good side?

Even Hermione had caught on to it, and socially she was a little lacking.

“Hermione, are you listening?” Lily asked, her voice shriller than normal, strange how that seemed to be the one characteristic she shared with her sister Petunia.

“Sorry Lily, I space out” Hermione admitted, getting a firm scolding look from her friend “I’m just looking forward to seeing mum and dad.” she bit out the excuse that she heard so many other students around them say over and over today. After all, they were sitting in the train now, on their way to London.

To home.

Honestly, the last few days had been a nightmare; between Severus leaving their little group and the constant negative attention that James and his rag tag group of goons had been giving her. Well, it would be put mildly that she was going to enjoy the summer break.

The summer was just long enough for Lily to forgive Severus, for James and Sirius to forget about Hermione defending Snape.

She was certain that things would cool down and they would go back to their normal routine.

“Ah, I understand” Lily responded, looking out the window of the car they were in, watching the scenery go by them “ I miss my parents too, though i’m sure Petunia won’t be happy i returned” she commented giving her friend a wry smile “I swear she hates me sometimes”

Hermione nodded, having heard this almost every year. Sometimes talking to Lily was tiring, the same things over and over again, most recently she had been complaining about James. Hermione longed for more in depth conversations, for someone to understand the true her and treat her like an equal. Lily was a good person, but sometimes she treated Hermione like she was less than.

Yet, she tolerated Lily, for they had been close friends since they were 3 years old. It had been a coincidence that they both were born with magical powers, that they both were accepted into the school of witchcraft and wizardry. Now that they were 16, things were different. They weren;t all that close anymore, each of them growing apart, though Hermione wasn’t sure that Lily truly got that yet, and honestly Hermione wasn’t ready to be completely alone at school. If bearing with Lily’s repetitions was what it took, Hermione was accepting of it.

Lily was about to continue talking, most certainly about Potter and friends, when the devil himself opened the compartment door. Lily looked at him, rolling her eyes.

“What do you want, James?” she asked, crossing her arms over her chest, her body language stating that she wanted nothing to do with him.

James looked at Lily then at Hermione, “Can we speak in private?” he asked. Hermione started to get up, ready to leave so that Lily could speak to James in private but Lily held out her hand and stopped her.

“Whatever you have to say can be said in front of my friend” she replied glaring at him. Hermione frowned at her friend.

“I don’t mind leaving..” she told Lily, who sent her a seething look. Hermione decided it was best to be quiet and she sat down, scooching towards the window so James could take the seat beside her, across from Lily.

James gave her a thankful look as he sat down across from Lily, Hermione deciding to pull out a book from her bag, not wanting to interrupt or eavesdrop on the conversation.

“I wanted to apologize to you for the other day” James started “I shouldn’t have been so cruel to Snape.” he started.

Lily frowned at him “No you shouldn't have” she replied stiffly “but you shouldn’t be asking me for my forgiveness, you should be asking him for his” she looked at Hermione, who was desperately trying to mind her own business “ Right ‘mione?”

She really had hoped to remain out of this conversation “I don’t think my opinion really matters” she commented, getting another look from Lily.

“I’d like to hear it” James replied, turning to look at Hermione “I’ve thought a lot about what you said the other day”

Hermione raised her eyebrows at him, not really expecting that admission, She waited for him to continue on, to tell her she was a know it all that needed to mind her own business, to her surprise he did no such thing.

Instead he looked sincere ,”i won't be bullying Snape anymore” he told them both, looking back at Lily hopefully “ or anyone for that matter”
Hermione found that hard to believe but she didn’t say anything, instead she tried to return to her book.

“Mione and I don’t believe you” Lily apparently had a different idea on how this conversation was going to go.

“‘Mione should mind her own business for once” Hermione frowned, looking up from her book, surprised by the hostility, yet it didn't come from James but Sirius who had come into the car silently.

Lily glared at Sirius but said nothing to defend her, a trait Hermione had to admit was infuriating. After all, she hadn’t voiced her opinion, hadn’t even wanted to be a part of this conversation.

James looked at Sirius “What are you doing in here Padfoot?” he asked.

“Just wanted to let you know we found Snivellus and taught him not to say such nasty things, especially what he said to Evans and Granger.” he looked at the girls, locking eyes with Hermione in particular “ Not that you'd be grateful huh Granger”

Hermione sighed, closing her book. She obviously wasn’t going to be able to read on the way home, now that she had been pulled into this mindless drama. Part of her hoped that Severus was alright, she could only imagine what exactly they had done to the boy.

“I don’t need you to fight my battles black” she said, packing her book back into her bag and closing the beaded purse before she got up from her seat.

“Where are you going?” Lily asked, looking a little regretful, though if it was because of her leaving, or the fact that Lily put her into a conversation she didn’t want to be in, she was unsure.

“To find a quiet place to read,” she replied, stepping out of the cart and brushing passed Siriusm who stopped her quietly, placing a hand on her arm.

“Better watch yourself Granger, I haven;t forgotten what you did.” Hermione sighed, shrugging off his hand.

“Believe it or not Black, but I'm not afraid of you.” she replied back before she walked down the hallways of the cars, intent on finding a quiet cabin, but instead she found Severus snape on the ground in a cabin, foaming at the mouth.

Hermione leapt into action, quickly examining him, realizing they had cast scourgify on the poor boy's mouth. Without hesitation she cast the counter curse, watching as Severus coughed up soap bubbles, coughing and gagging. Quietly she knelt in front of him, daring to reach out and rub his back, trying to help.

She didn't know how long she knelt there over Severus, promising him he’d be alright, all the while her anger growing. How dare black do this to him. He could have suffocated and died. Only when it seemed that Severus was breathing well again did she step from the cabin, going to the one that Lily was in. She heard the laughter of her friend and James and it just made her see red. She burst into the cabin, surprising the three of them. She ignored Lily and James, her eyes on Sirius Black.

In retrospect, she didn’t know what she was thinking as she drew her wand, pointing it at the boy who had bullied her most of her school career, who thought he could get away with it. The no one would ever stand up to him. She was tired of it, tired of being bullied. Not to mention what he had done to Snape was unforgivable. Without thinking she pointed her wand at his face, not giving him time to react.

“Scourgify” she growled the word, watching in satisfaction as he started to gag on bubbles much like Snape had been.

“Hermione!” Lily said, looking surprised and mortified. James had pulled out his own wand, pointing it at her but Hermione paid him no attention.

“How’s it feel Black, being left alone while choking on suds. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it as much as Snape.” she hissed. She turned to James who was ready to curse her “Go ahead, try something. Your friend just proved that you aren’t regretful in the least, he could have killed him.”

Hermione cast the counter curse on Sirius, watching the boy cough and gag, much like Severus had.

“Hermione, what is the meaning of this?” Lily asked, shocked and appalled” this isn’t like you at all.”

“I went to find a cabin to read in, only to find Snape coughing up bubbles from the same spell i just cast on black. Don’t worry, I was only washing out his mouth like he so kindly did to severus.”

“Since when did you care about severus?” Lily asked, her annoyance clear through her tone. “You two never got along before”

“When did you stop, because he called you a mudblood?” she asked, watching James cringe “Do you even know how often i get called that? Daily. Severus being your friend, that is the only reason you never were referred to as such. “ she said “It's a slur, nothing more, he said it in anger, at these two, not at us. It's time to forgive him.”

Lily was outright glaring at her now, “I won't ever forgive him!” she shouted at her “and you shouldn’t either.”
Hermione took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. It was the first time she actually wanted to slap some sense into her friend. “Fine, don’t forgive him, instead hang out with the group of boys who constantly bullied your two best friends. Show us how much you truly care about us and our feelings.” She looked at James, disappointment in her eyes “I actually had hoped you would change, that maybe some sense got knocked into you, but I guess not” she commented before she took a backward step out the door. Sirius had stopped coughing up bubbles at this point and was scrambling to his feet, wand in his hand.

To her surprise James actually stopped him “ stop you’ve done enough damage today” he snapped at his friend. He turned to lily “ I didn’t know that he was doing that, I swear “ he looked at hermione “ I promise”

He sounded sincere but she couldn’t believe him. She has a hard time believing that he didn’t put Sirius up to it. Instead of voicing her opinion she kept silent. Her eyes on Sirius who was glowering at her.

The silence stretched between them for what felt like an eternity until finally Lily spoke up. “ you should go hermione”

Hermione found herself frowning, Lily's message clear. She had just lost her only friend. She could see the murderous look Sirius was giving her, a smirk on his face. She heard his message loud and clear as well. She would have to watch her back in the future. Without saying anything she grabbed her trunk and left, distinctly aware of three different sets of eyes on her

Hermione didn’t really have anywhere to go, her heart hurting a little at Lily’s dismissal of their friendship, all because of a boy. Honestly she should have seen it coming. With Lily’s constant prattling about Potter, she had known that eventually the girl would get together with him.

Wandering aimlessly down the halls she caught sight of one open cabin, the only person inside being severus snape. Her relationship with Severus had never been a good one, the boy barely tolerated her, it was Hermione's suspicion that it was because she had been friends with lily much longer then he had. She wasn’t sure what he would say or do if she tried to sit with him, but she would.

Quietly she opened the compartment door, watching as Snape stood up from his seated position, wand at the ready. Hermione said nothing as she walked into the room, placing her trunk on the luggage rack before sitting down across from him, pulling out a book to read.

Eventually Severus put his wand away, though she could still feel his eyes on her as she read.

It was only after an hour that Hermione got fed up with his eyes on her. “What is it?” she asked finally, snapping her books hut “Is there something on my face?”

Severus merely looked at her for a minute longer before answering “Why aren’t you with Lily?”
“She chose Potter and friends over us” she replied with a shrug

Severus made a sound of what she could only assume was disgust. “That doesn’t explain why you are here, you could sit with your friends” he commented

“I don’t feel like getting into a conversation centered around rubber ducks, I’m perfectly content to sit here and read “ she responded “unless you want to carry on a conversation with someone like me.”

Severus said nothing, his attention going out the window. Satisfied that they were done with this particular conversation, Hermone opened up her book again, concentrating on the words.

Soon enough the train arrived in London, and Hermione couldn’t help but feel excited to finally be back home. Sure things were going to be different this summer, but at least for a little while she could escape her bullies and just focus on being home.

Once the train stopped Hermione got up, gathering her things. She noticed Severus looking at her again, a thoughtful expression on his face.

“Did you have something to say Snape?” she asked him as she struggled with her trunk. It was one thing being able to carry a trunk on the train with magic, it's a completely different thing to carry a trunk without magic.

“Let me help,” he said, coming to her and picking up her trunk effortlessly. Hermione frowned at him, concerned as to why he was being kind to her, but decided not to ask. The last thing she needed was to upset yet another person today.

“Thank you “ she replied, “What about your trunk though?” she asked him, looking at the rather heavy looking piece of luggage.

“I’ll come back for it.” he replied as he waited for her to open the door of the cabin and car. She did so, hopping off the train quickly and grabbed a dolly, going to Severus and watching him place her luggage on it. She waited for him to get his own luggage. As she waited she noticed that Lily was getting off the train with a group of girls from Ravenclaw that she tended to spend time with. She had been so caught up watching her now former friend that she almost didn't catch the sound of multiple feet headed her way. It was the familiar laugh of James Potter that alerted her that the group of boys were headed her way.

Sirius was the first one to spot her, an angry grin on his face. He looked delighted to find her alone and unarmed. She noticed he took out his wand, obviously ready to curse her.

“Please do, “she goaded him, “i would love to see you expelled for doing magic off of school grounds and property while underage”

That stopped him in his tracks, and Hermione gave him a sweet smile “Too bad” she said, turning her attention back to the car in front of her.

“Who are you waiting for?” James asked as they approached her, Sirius still livid and looked like he wanted to punch her in the face.

Hermione was about to tell them it was none of their business when Snape emerged from the car, carrying his own things this time. He stopped when he saw Potter and friends, looking like he was ready to drop his trunk and grab his wand.

“Don’t looks so nervous snivilous” Sirius crowed, a smirk on his face “We’re just talking to your little girlfriend”

“Oi, Mate, don’t start, he’s not worth it” James said, Remus nodding in agreement. Peter however was egging Sirius on, likely happy he was on the right side of the bullying.

“I disagree, These two have been nothing but trouble the last couple of weeks. He’s constantly swaying Evans from dating you, and Granger is no better. You heard Lily today, she holds Hermione’s opinion above all else. The two of them have probably been whispering in her ears this whole time.” he glared at Hermione “not to mention Granger’s little stunt earlier.”

Hermione returned his glare “I am not the type to whisper in anyones ear Black” she commented “I let my opinion be known if it should be, otherwise I mind my own business” she looked at severus “They can’t use magic, and they aren't stupid enough to try to beat you in front of everyone here and their parents.” she gestured for him to put the trunk on the cart, which after hesitating for a moment, he did. Still he gripped his wand tightly in his hand, expecting them to attack at any moment.

Hermione started to turn the cart away from the boys, “Well it was nice chatting with you, have a great summer” she called over her shoulder, making sure Severus was beside her.

“Hey Hermione,” James called after her, making her pause. Severus took the cart from her grasp and continued forward. Hermione however stopped, surprised as James walked forwards, away from his friends group and towards her.

“Let's have it Potter” she said, casting an eye back to Snape, who was a few yards away, waiting on her.

James looked between her and Severus “are you two together?” he asked, looking more than slightly put off.

“No. Is that all you wanted?” she asked, annoyed. Didn’t he know she wanted to see her family. It was wrong keeping them waiting.

“No, uh.. I wanted to owl you this summer” he supplied, rubbing the back of his neck nervously “If that’ll be alright”

Hermione raised her eyebrow at him, uncertain exactly what he was playing at. “Why would you want to owl me?” she asked incredulously.

James looked at her sheepishly “Well, i’ve been thinking about what you said the other day, and I think you’re right, I need to change, for the better” he responded “I just thought perhaps we could start over, become friends even”

Hermione opened her mouth to say something smart then closed it again, any quip she had being swallowed by her confusion. It didn’t make sense why He would want to become friends with her.

She paused for a minute, not sure how to respond, instead taking in his body language. He certainly seemed to be genuine. “Alright” she finally said “You can owl me this summer” she took out a scroll and quill, jotting her address down for him before she placed it back in her bag. “See you Potter” she said before running to catch up with Severus, Unaware of the seething look the boy was giving her as she raced to the other boy's side.

“What was that all about?” Severus asked, casting a look behind them, seeing the glare Potter was sending his way.

“He said he wants to owl me this summer” she responded walking in step beside him as they stood in line to exit the platform. “Says he wants to be friends”

Severus sent her a sneer “ and you believed him?” he asked, his dark eyes showing disgust.

“Not really” she admitted “There is a higher chance you and I would become friends then he and I” she replied with a soft laugh. Both scenarios were equally unlikely.

Severus said nothing as they made it to the front of the line, Severus Crossing first, followed by Hermione.

It didn’t take Hermione long to find her parents, both of which were waving her down with bright smiles on their faces “My parents are over there” she said pointing to them, “where are yours?” she asked,

Severus said nothing, but Hermione realized he didn’t need to. She remembered how once Lily had mentioned she had never met his parents, that Severus never went home for the holidays either. Hermione knew he wasn’t an orphan, but that didn’t mean he had doting parents.

“Right then, how are you getting home?” she asked, guiding him towards her parents.

“I was going to take the knight bus,” he admitted.

Hermione paled “I did that once to go shopping at Diagonally by myself. That was a nightmare” she admitted “ You live close to the park right?” she asked knowing they were from the same town, after all, she and lily had met him at the park before.

“Yes… why?” he asked only for Hermione to flash him a smile.

It didn’t take long for them to fight through the crowd to her parents, who both pulled her into a hug as soon as she got into reach.

“Welcome back darling” Jean Granger said, giving her daughter a kiss on the forehead “ Who is your friend?” she asked, curiously “Is this the boy arthur, the one you said is obsessed with rubber ducks?” she whispered the words to Hermione, though Hermione was certain that Snape could hear the words.

“No, Mum, Dad, this is Severus Snape, a schoolmate. “ she said “ he lives on the other side of the park, do you think it would be any trouble to give him a lift?” she asked.

“Of course ‘mione” Frank Granger said, patting his daughter on the back “it's no trouble”

Severus stood in what Hermione could only describe as shock, perhaps not having expected that she would ask her parents to take him home.

Hermione’s dad took the trolley from Severus, and he and his wife walked towards the car, Severus and Hermione following them at a distance.

“Why did you do that?” he asked “We aren;t friends”

“No, we aren’t but it didn’t hurt either one of us to be kind to the other, did it?” she asked, giving him an amused smile.

“It’s no trouble at all, really” she assured him as they walked to the car” It's not like i ask them to take you to another town. We live close enough that it doesn’t matter”

Severus said nothing, merely looked at her thoughtfully for a minute.

The ride back to town wasn't very eventful. Her parents asked her how the school year went and she told them, leaving out the bullying and common mistreatment she received. They didn’t need to know that she was lonely at school. Especially now that she and Lily were no longer friends.

“How has Lily been this year dear?” Jean asked her daughter, turning around in her seat to look back at her, “Normally she's with you to say goodbye.”
“We are having a rowe mum” Hermione said, deciding not to tell the woman exactly what happened. She knew her mother would be disappointed in her if she knew she attacked another student, even if it was in retaliation of another student.

“What about honey?”

Hermione frowned to herself, not really wanting them or Severus to know it was over him. So instead she just shrugged her shoulders “Boys” she answered nondescriptly.

“You shouldn’t let boys come between your friendship ‘mione” he father said gruffly “you two have been friends since you were in diapers, it's best to apologize and get it over with”

Hermione nodded “Yes Dad, i’ll give her a ring tomorrow and apologize”

Hermione turned her attention back to Severus who was looking at her curiously. He looked like he had a question he wanted to ask, but for some reason decided against it. She felt her stomach flip at the idea that he knew that she and Lily weren’t friends because of him. She honestly didn’t want to hear it from him, knowing he would say something crude about not needing her to fight his battles. Maybe he’d even call her a mudblood again.

She didn’t know for sure, so it was better to keep it quiet. Tomorrow she would ring Lily and apologize for her actions and see if the other girl would give her a second chance.

Soon enough they were outside of Severus’s home, it looked to be run down, but neither of her parents mentioned it, after all, they wouldn;t be rude to a teenager and make him feel bad for something he couldn't control.

“See you Snape” Hermione said as he got out the car, her father getting his trunk from the boot.

“See you Granger,” he replied. Again he looked like he was going to say something, but decided in the end to keep it to himself.

It left her curious the rest of the drive home.