Occulemency and Beyond

Liars and Friends

Authors Note: This story will be AU, set in OotP. I've slightly changed the timeline... Instead of Harry snooping into Snape's pensieve after several months of lessons he does so during his second lesson. This is where it will deviate from canon. Eventually this will be a Snape/Hermione love story(I'm thinking a trilogy), but as of now they are only teacher and student. Nothing inappropriate will happen as long as she is a student, nor will Snape have inappropriate thoughts about her or vice-versa. I'm trying to create a believable story here and I don't think Snape would ever consider a student in any inappropriate way. PLEASE REVIEW! I am anxious to hear any readers opinions, ideas, and criticisms, though I ask not to bash my story just for bashings sake.

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Chapter 1. Liars and Friends

The Gryffindor common room was almost silent. Most younger years had gone to bed an hour before, only fifth and seventh years remained all deep in their revision for the upcoming exams. After the winter break everyone seemed to realize just how close January was to May and a sort of panic had erupted.

Hermione Granger sat in her regular seat; next to the fireplace, one of her best friends sat in the seat beside her. Ron Weasley had his fingers in his ears and was reading the History of Magic notes he had borrowed from her in a whispered voice. Hermione was starting to get a headache, she was seriously considering going to the hospital wing for a headache potion. After twenty more minutes the sound of pieces of parchment moving and quills scratching across paper was driving her mad. She couldn't focus on the potions notes she had in her lap.

Motioning quietly to Ron that she was leaving she stood up and walked away. It was getting late and Hermione didn't want to be a bother to Madame Pomfrey but she needed something for this awful pain. Just before she reached the exit the wall swung open and her other best friend, Harry Potter entered the tower.

"Hey Harry, how was you second lesson with Professor Snape?" she asked cautiously noting the odd look on his face.

"Erm... Great actually, he said I've made unbelievable progress, so much he reckons I can continue on my own." Harry replied, not quite meeting her eyes.

"What are you talking about? You said your first lesson was awful and now a week later your skilled enough to learn on your own? What happened Harry?!" she whispered furiously.

Harry took a moment to glare at his friend.

"You think your smarter than everyone don't you Hermione? You don't reckon I'm clever enough to learn something quickly?" Harry yelled angrily.

"Harry.. I just..." she started.

"I don't want to hear it Hermione! I'm tired and haven't done any revision today!"

At that Harry stormed off, leaving Hermione quite alone again. She hadn't meant to make him angry... He told her himself he was rubbish at Occulmency. She knew he was lying, they had been friends for long enough she could tell. He couldn't hide his feelings from her, she could tell he was upset about something. Her throbbing temple disrupted her train of thought and she decided to think more about it tomorrow.

Instead of going to the hospital wing she turned and went back through the common room and up the stairs to the girls dormitory. Hermione didn't bother changing into pajamas her eyes were closed before her head hit the pillow. Within minutes she was asleep.

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The next morning her headache was gone, yet frustration lingered on. Hermione knew it was important for Harry to block his mind. He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named would eventually use the connection to his advantage. Then there was the matter with Harry, she was sure he was lying. Something had happened. Something that upset Harry... But what could it be? Hermione tried to imagine the possibilities as she readied herself for the day ahead. Was it just too hard? Had Harry done something to upset Professor Snape? Had the professor upset Harry?