A/N Oh my gosh, guys! I am so sorry that it took this long to get this chapter out! First, I discovered (and finished all 6 1/2 seasons of) Doctor Who and Sherlock (Johnlock FTW!) and I was on winter break for three weeks and when you get time to do nothing, you really just want to do nothing... So, now that I am back in school, I am a bit more motivated to do stuff, so hopefully there won't be like two months in between each chapter...

Anyways, hope you like this chapter...it took several attempts to get something I liked... Ugh writing...

As always, characters belong to JK Rowling

and thanks for reading! You are awesome and wonderful! :D


The next week rushed by in a flash. Hermione was unsure of when Professor Snape would be coming back to speak with her, but everyday she waited for the familiar feeling in her mind. The feeling that proved that she wasn't alone in this and that there are people out there fighting for her. She pushed back the nagging thoughts that he had forgotten her again and tried to remember what he said before.

Time is progressing faster for me… Professor Snape didn't tell me much about that. I wonder what that means for the real me. Could I be aging faster too? It's possible… I suppose. The Time Turner has had some weird side effects in wizards, although most of them sounded like horror stories that wizard parents told their child to keep them from meddling in time.


Severus had fallen so far, so fast. Hermione worried for him more than she worried for herself and the worst part was she could do nothing but watch and wait until she was rescued. She tried not to feel so helpless, but when each part of her new life was controlled by someone else, it was hard not to feel like a puppet. Severus seemed to have given up on Lily. She hardly even looked at him anymore, her eyes only for one boy, the one who threatened Severus anytime he moved. Severus had grown conflicted with the constant threat of violence, not only filled with sadness and fear, but terrifying rage. Hermione could feel it boiling, just below the surface, ready at anytime to explode. Everyday she tried to push her way into Severus' mind to contact him or just provide him some comfort, although Professor Snape had told her that it would never work, she still tried, not like she had much else to do anyways. That was what drove her mad the most, the constant boredom, the constant stream of angry thoughts and longing desire for a certain red-haired girl. Severus spent a lot of time in the library and for this, Hermione was so grateful especially since James Potter hardly ever set foot inside. It was a sanctuary for them both.

The headmaster of the school was not as ignorant as he looked whenever Severus glanced his way, wishing he would step in and stop all this. Severus felt forgotten by the old man, dumped in an unfriendly environment after losing his sad excuse for a family. He burned with anger, watching Dumbledore sitting and laughing heartily with his colleagues. He decided he would go to him after dinner was finished and tell him exactly what he thought of him. He waited until one by one, the students walked out. Severus sat fuming, impatiently drumming his fingers on the wood table and absent-mindedly charming the candle on the table to light and go out. The headmaster, now silent and alone at the Head Table, stood and began strolling towards the distraught young Slytherin. Severus looked up when he felt someone sitting beside him on the bench.

"Well, my boy, I suppose now that you are ready, we must talk." His blue eyes glittered with a deep sadness, the candle's fire dancing in his vision. He looked down at Severus who was looking down at his pants, unwilling to meet the elderly man's knowing gaze. "Would you like to come to my office, Mister Snape? I have something that I want to give you that may help you."

Severus looked up as Dumbledore stood and began walking to the doorway, already shrouded in the darkness of the night. Severus shivered and jumped to run after him.

This was when he gave me the journal.

Hermione gasped. How had he gotten in without me knowing?

Miss Granger, I am a Master Legilimens. I think that I could slip into your mind undetected. I didn't mean to startle you though, force of habit, I suppose.

Even through his familiar drawl, she could hear a hint of satisfaction. 'He may not have meant to startle me, but he sure was enjoying it.' She sighed, still happy to hear his voice, to once again have someone to talk to, at least someone who will respond. She never thought that she would be so happy to hear Professor Snape's voice, granted that was probably because usually the only time she did hear his voice was because he was taking points away. She giggled quietly.

Miss Granger, are you finished reminiscing now?

Sorry, sir. It's just funny that before this, each time you spoke, it was usually taking points away from me, but now I can't wait to hear you.

Yes… well you and your little Golden Trio, he sneered, did cause quite the commotion and I felt it quite necessary to knock you three down a peg. I would assume I was the only Professor to ever dare to take away your precious points.

Hermione laughed uncomfortably, obviously straining to remember something. Professor Snape felt her thoughts racing around.

Miss Granger, are you alright?

Her thoughts froze and she hesitated before answering. Professor… I think I have a problem… Her voice wavered and her thoughts grew cold and fearful. Professor Snape could feel her worry in his bones, pulling him down into her dark depression.

Miss Granger? His voice was cautious and low, as though he was trying not to break her, a fragile child scared in the corner.

Professor… I… I can't remember them… The two boys… I know I should, I can feel it deep inside, but all I can see is you! Her voice grew from a whisper to a terrified screech. Aah! What is happening to me! She screamed and sobbed, all the pent-up feelings from her ordeal boiling to the surface. Her emotions burned inside Professor Snape's mind. He could feel the journal in his hand, back in the Hospital Wing, flaring and scorching his hand.

Miss Granger! Miss Granger, please, you have to try to control your emotions! This situation is very unstable! Your mind is going to burn itself out! Please! Hermione, stop!

Professor! Please help me! I can't stop! Please help me! Aaaah! It's burning! I can't… Aaah! Professor Snape was panicked, for once in his life, he had no clue what to do.

'Damn it, damn it, damn it! What do I do?! Damn it!'

Suddenly, he had an idea, a bloody mad idea, but it just might work.

Hermione! I need you to stop thinking and focus. You need to picture yourself in your mind surrounded by the fire and I need you to picture a room around you, protecting yourself from the fire! Okay!? Just focus on that! Can you do that!?

Aaah! I… think...so! Her words were restrained, filled with pain and fear. She pushed everything away. The fire, still burning in her thoughts was forced outside the walls she constructed. She imagined a small room, simple and white, with four walls and a door. Professor Snape stood next to her. Hermione gasped and put her hand over her mouth.

How…? Wha-…? This can't be real. She touched the wall. Solid and warm. She could still feel the fire, licking at the outside of her walls, begging to be let in.

It isn't real, Miss Granger. I need you to remember that. Hermione. Look at me. He bent down to look into her eyes. This isn't real. It will keep you safe for a while, but you can't get comfortable. There have been stories of wizards caught in dreams...those that escape...never do so for long.

Professor? Is this a dream, then?

No. It is just a method that is used in dreams and I thought it may work for you, considering that you are trapped in your mind and a dream occurs in the mind. Interesting, isn't it? He gave her a small smile, hiding the worry he felt at her earlier realization. 'Had she truly forgotten her friends? She had only been unconscious a week and a few days… What else had she forgotten?'

Miss Granger? The girl was studying the door that held back the fear and anger she had been overcome by only moments ago. She looked up at the sound of her name, smiling and soaking in her newfound freedom.

I think you may benefit from some memory triggers in your new room. She scrunched up her face in confusion. The exhausted man sighed and walked over to her. You remember what you told me before...He motioned to the door. Well before that? That you couldn't remember Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley? Her eyes brightened at the names.

Harry and Ron! Oh my goodness! How could I forget them!? They heard a strange noise behind them and when they turned to look, a photograph had appeared on the wall. Hermione walked over and stared at the familiar faces. The Golden Trio laughing together in the snow. Hermione smiled sadly and looked up at her teacher. I miss them, Professor. I really do. She turned back to the photo, running her finger over their smiling faces. A tear fell from her face and she sniffled before turning back to Professor Snape, who was trying not to look like he had seen anything.

You remember them now? He asked cautiously. No need for another episode. He'd had enough burns for today.

Yes. I suppose their names jogged my memory… Is that what you meant by memory triggers? Things to help me remember? Photos and items and things?

You always were the brightest witch of your age… He smiled lightly. That is basically what memory triggers are. Try to find certain memories and items from your life, your bed at home, a photograph of your parents, a book you've memorized perhaps; and then add them to your room. Just don't try to recreate an exact replica of a room you remember. Small details, but nothing major. Like I said before, it makes it very difficult to go back.

Professor? What about you? I mean, the you whose mind I'm in. If I could feel everything before then what is going to happen in here?

I apologize, Miss Granger, but I do not know. I suppose we will just have to find out together, won't we?

Her smile broke through the worry on her face again before she suddenly shut her eyes.

Miss Granger? Wha-?

Shhh! I'm working on something. Give me a moment. Her face was scrunched up and sweat was forming on her brow. She stood still for a good three minutes before she opened her eyes and grinned at the confused man in front of her.

Close your eyes. Hermione's eyes were glittering with amusement. Professor, please. Just trust me for one second.

He sighed and shut his eyes. Now what?

Now, open them.

He opened his eyes slowly. The small white room had disappeared and was replaced by a cozy parlor, a small fireplace on the opposite wall, a cozy sofa covered in soft pillows, photographs littering the walls, and a hallway to his right filled with three new doors. The door that kept the fire out was bright red now instead of its original brown wood. The girl sat on her sofa, grinning up at him with pride.

What? No books? He was impressed with the room that only took her three minutes to construct, but there was no way that he would let her know that.

She laughed and pointed to the hallway. Try the second door on the left.

The professor walked through the hallway which was filled also with photographs, some Muggle, her parents, he assumed, and some Wizard, but one photograph stuck out. The movement of the Wizard photo was just familiar enough that he gave it a second glance.

Miss Granger? Could you come here for a moment? He heard her footsteps as she jumped off the sofa and skipped to his side.

Yes, Professor?

Why do you have this photograph here? His mother's smiling face turned to him again before looking down at the child in her arms.

Hermione's smile vanished at his tone. I'm sorry, Professor. It's just that...you looked at it a lot and you were always so happy when you looked at it and you know I feel everything you feel… well, you felt because this is the past you, but anyways, I just… I guess I kind of, sort of… well I mean…

What!? Spit it out! He didn't mean to shout at her, but he'd had enough rambling children earlier. She shrunk back and mumbled something incoherent.

Miss Granger, I can't understand mumbling. Speak up, please. He put considerable effort into keeping his voice low and calm. He bent to her level. Why do you have this photograph?

Well, whenever I see it now, it makes me happy. I guess because you were happy whenever you saw it, now it has the same effect on me. I just… I like it. I'm sorry. I can take it down if you would prefer it.

A sigh escaped his mouth. No. It's alright, Miss Granger. I apologize for shouting at you. I was simply surprised to see that photograph intact again. He paused, trying to think of a way to change the subject. Would you like to show me your books now?

She looked up at him again, her eyes ever hopeful. Of course! She smiled.

He pushed open the door and she raced in, her bushy hair bouncing as she skipped to the towering shelves.

This is a lot of books, Miss Granger. You've memorized all of these? Her blush brightened her face and she continued pulling books from the shelves.

Absolutely! I do my homework, Professor. He chuckled at her playful remark. She continued piling her favorite books beside an armchair which the exhausted professor decided to rest in for a moment.


After what felt like hours, Hermione awoke in her library, surrounded by a pile of books and, to her surprise, Professor Snape reading in the armchair. She smiled softly and began to stand up when a wave of pain hit her and she fell to the floor, clutching her head.

Hermione!? Professor Snape jumped to her side in an instant. She rolled over moaning.

Aaugh. I can feel it, Professor. In my head. The journal. I can feel it again! Ugh. Why does it hurt?

Albus must have just given me the journal. Bastard didn't explain how the journal's bond works until afterwards. He rolled his eyes at the memory of the old man. It's going to be uncomfortable for a few hours, but the pain should recede soon. Here, let me help you to the sofa. He reached down awkwardly, obviously uncomfortable with the physical contact, but still gently placed his arms underneath her and picked her up. Hermione groaned and shook her head.

No? The professor asked, confused once again by the girl.

No. Uuugh. Door across the hall. Her eyes were shut tight and her hands covered her face, like she was attempting to hide from the pain. Professor Snape carried her across the hall and used wordless magic to open the door, as to not disturb her. A small bed sat in the center of the room where he laid her down, careful not to cause her anymore pain.

I suppose I should depart now, Miss Granger. I have been here for hours. He stood in the doorway to her bedroom. He didn't desire to be in a student's bedroom for more than was necessary, even if it was only a bedroom in her mind. She groaned again before mumbling something he couldn't hear.

What? I didn't catch that. He took a step closer to her, her hands still over her face, her chest rising and falling slower as she drifted to sleep.

Mumbling again, but clear enough that he understood, she replied, I said, Hermione. Call me Hermione.

The tired man in black sighed as he watched her finally fall asleep and then he left, pulling out of her mind and waking in the Hospital Wing, the only light being a candle at her bedside. He sat up and blinked a few times before pausing to gaze at the statue-like girl whose hand he was grasping. Severus shook his head, removed his hand and stalked off into the darkness of the castle.

The woman who had woken to check on the girl and her protector, simply smiled and walked over to her empty bedside.


A/N Again, I apologize for the wait...Also after reading over this chapter, I found it's starting to sound almost Inception-y...so yeah.

Anyways, Review and Favorite! PM me if you want! Or just read it! I love coming on here and seeing that people like my story because I always think it's terrible! Haha! I guess that's part of writing!