CHAPTER 10

Hermione drove back to Hogwarts with the Potter's. She could only think about finding Snape. At last they arrived.

Harry: Well it's about time.

Lily: Sorry, icy road, didn't want to drive fast.

Harry: I don't see why we didn't just apparate.

Lily: You know I can't stand it.

Harry: Whatever Mum.

Lily: Mind your manners dear boy.

They smirked at each other.

They all stepped out of the car. Harry and James began unloading the trunk. Hermione started to help.

Lily: Ah Hermione, may I speak with you over here for a moment?

Hermione: If you don't mind I would really like to go unpack.

Lily: This will only take a moment.

Hermione walked over to Lily.

Lily: Don't toy with him.

Hermione: I beg your pardon.

Lily: He is a broken man. Don't break him further.

Hermione: What are you talking about?

Lily: He has much to die for, but not much to live for. Don't be the cause of his pain.

Lily gave Hermione an intense look before walking away to help her family unload. Hermione didn't know what to think. Lily had stayed with Severus over the break, he must have told her. They all finished unpacking. Harry and Hermione said their goodbyes and proceeded to hop on the carriage. They arrived in the Gryffindor common room.

Harry: I'll see you later. I'm gonna go unpack a bit then head to lunch. Meet you there? Do you know when Ron and Ginny are coming back?

Hermione: I don't think they are coming back until tomorrow. I'm not sure I will make it to lunch, you go on ahead without me. Bye.

Hermione scurried to her room.

Lavender: Hey, you're back!

Hermione: Your observation is correct. Hi.

Lavender: How was your Christmas?

Hermione: I'm just glad to be back.

Lavender: That bad?

Hermione: No. That boring.

Lavender: That's too bad. Here, I saw this in Dufftown and though you might like it.

Lavender took a gift wrapped object off her nightstand and handed it to Hermione. She unwrapped it. It was a small mirror, gold outline with crystals. Very beautiful. It sparkled in her eyes.

Hermione: It's beautiful, thank you Lav.

Lavender: Look in it again.

Hermione: What?

Lavender: Just look.

Hermione looked into the mirror again. She only saw her reflection. But then images began to appear.

Lavender: What do you see?

Hermione: I see you. And me. We're talking. Smiling. It just looks like we're having a friendly conversation, a happy conversation. There's a lot of laughter. What is this?

Lavender: Its called a "Mist Mirror". It shows you how you truly feel about a person standing near you. You like me, we're friends….so that's what it showed you.

Hermione: Curious. I've never heard of it.

Lavender: Well to be honest I didn't get it in Dufftown. My mum made it. I just didn't want to ruin the surprise. See, I have one too.

Lavender held up her own Mist Mirror.

Lavender: They are prototypes. She means to sell them at her shop soon.

Hermione: It's remarkable. Definitely going to be popular.

Lavender: I'll share your approval with her.

She laughed

Hermione: I think I will keep it in my bag at all times. Never know when it could give someone a good laugh! I'm going to go to the library.

Lavender: Yes, I keep mine with me too. And ok I'll see you later!

Hermione walked out and made her way down the stairs and past the library. She turned and took more stairs down another four flights until it became damp and cold. She had reached the dungeons. She walked to Snape's office and knocked on the door.

Hermione: Hello?

Snape: Enter.

Hermione: Hi Severus.

Snape stood up and walked over to Hermione without saying anything and hugged her. She wrapped her arms around him and put her head on his chest. She could feel his heart beating fast. Snape pulled away and held Hermione by her shoulders, he looked into her eyes.

Snape: I missed you.

Hermione smiled.

Snape: Come, sit down.

Hermione and Snape sat down on opposite couches.

Snape: How are you doing? Did you get all your work done? As I said before I do not want to be a distraction to you.

Hermione: Yes I got everything done including your work. I hope it is to your liking.

Snape: I'm sure it will be, it has been since you were a first year. Now shall we talk about what to do next?

Hermione nodded.

Snape: I do not want to rush. You need to decide if this is what you truly want. I will be open and honest with you. I will be myself.

Hermione: I want you to be yourself. That's the only way

Snape: My worry is that we are too different. We have nothing to talk about. We have no common interests.

Hermione: We will figure it out. Let's not pressure ourselves. Let's be smart and "go with the flow" as my parents say.

Snape stood up and sat next to Hermione on the couch. He put his arm around her, pulling her inward. She leaned over and set her head on his chest. He reached up with his other hand, swung his legs up and pulled her between them while reclining. Her back now on his chest, head under his chin. He set his elbows on her shoulders and held her hands.

Snape: I like holding you.

Hermione: You are so cold, yet I feel so warm and safe.

Snape grinned. He kissed her head. Hermione smiled.