Thanks everyone who has reviewed or added this story to your favorites.
It makes me endlessly happy to see that people are actually reading this story and that they seem to think it is worth something.
Hope you enjoy this chapter it kind of flew out with a mind of it's own.
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Hermione kept moving making sure she didn't walk to fast for Snape to keep pace; but refusing to slow down or even stop.
She turned sharply and entered her haven.
The library.
Hermione preceded to ignore Snape and sink into the leather bound world of her most trustworthy friends.
Snape seemed to get the point that she was not acknowledging him or talking to him. She watched out of the corner of her eye as he sat down at one of the mahogany tables.
Hermione continued to read for the rest of the afternoon; finishing two small books and getting a good hundred pages into a rather large tome so originally named, The Effect of Hallucinogenic Herbs on the Mental States of Residents of the British Isles during the 17th century by Polonius Thicknesse.
Hermione rubbed her eyes and set down the heavy book. She couldn't help but peek over at Snape.
Hermione almost giggled at the sight of him. Poor man kept nodding off, every time his head hit the back of the chair he'd jerk awake and the process would start over.
"We can skip dinner you know?" As she spoke Snape's head spun toward her his eyes making a valiant effort to focus on her. She could still see that sleep was trying to creep back into his lids and will them closed.
He shook his head though and stumbled to his feet.
Hermione stood up also setting her book back into it's proper place.
"Can't miss dinner. Judging by the way you devoured your breakfast, I'd say you would be ready to turn cannibalistic by tomorrow if i denied you food." His mouth attempted a sneer but a yawn got in the way ruining the effect.
Hermione knew she should be at least a little mad at his comment on her ravenous appetite; but his tiredness was too cute to stay mad at.
"I think i'll manage," She smiled at him. "I do have you in the next room if i need a midnight snack."
Hermione's face heated, but the look of shock on his face was worth all the embarrassment in the world.
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Bellatrix's twisted face snarled at Hermione, "Where did you get it!"
Her shrill scream filled Hermione's already ringing ears.
"Tell me you stupid mudblood." Her voice sounded directly by her ear as she leaned down to stare into Hermione's wide glazed eyes.
"I..I don't know!" Hermione was trying to keep her composure, "I honestly don't."
Hermione's composure broke though as soon as Bellatrix wielded her tiny dagger.
"No!" Hermione screamed, "Please don't...DON'T!"
Of course she didn't listen to Hermione's pleas though. Instead she started to carve letters into her arm. Each stroke was made slowly and meticulously Hermione screaming and thrashing the whole time.
"Stop moving mudblood!" Bellatrix growled concentrating on her masterpiece.
Hermione continued her thrashing.
"Crucio!"
Hermione's thrashing took on a whole new intensity.
Hermione bolted upright in her bed her whole being on fire. She threw her legs over the edge and got out of bed. She needed air and she needed it now.
Hermione slipped a robe over her bed clothes and toed on a pair of rather ragged looking slippers.
She quietly stepped out into the hall. She knew she couldn't leave her rooms without Snape.
This created within Hermione a battle of sorts. Wake Snape up and take him with her to witness her moment of weakness or leave him be and continue to suffocate as she was.
Hermione turned and walked towards the door, her thoughts were that perhaps she could reach a window out in the corridor near enough to his room that it didn't disturb anything.
Hermione opened the door and took a step out, and nearly jumped out of her own skin as Snape shouted in apparent pain.
Hermione hurried up and stepped back into the room shutting the door. She heard Snape's door open and him stumble out. She couldn't help but look down at her feet ashamed of herself.
"Granger? What the hell was that about?" He sounded more confused than mad, though she anger was definitely flashing in his eyes.
Hermione kept her eyes on her slipper clad feet as tears built behind her lashes. She still desperately craved the fresh night air.
"Just decided to take a pleasant midnight stroll without me? I am quite offended." Snape snarled at her causing her to jump a little and duck her head farther.
Eventually she found her voice and was able to whisper.
"I need air." She gulped quietly trying to reign in her tears.
Hermione felt her hair move and looked up quickly surprised. Snape had silently crossed the space between them and was now standing right in front of her.
"What's wrong?" His voice wasn't necessarily kind but it held no malice.
"Nightmare," She whispered back.
Snape then stepped around her opening the door and holding it for her motioning her through.
"After you, Granger."
