Unconsciousness closes. A fog rolls. Is someone speaking?
There may be water. Somewhere, an island bobs.
This looks like a mirror. That should be the reflection, but it's not, not really.
Wait
wait
Does my hair look like that?
My hair isn't like that.
What did They do?
They must have done it.
I'm not...her, did they think?
I'm not anyone, really.
I can't be her, not just yet.
I'm not anyone but myself.
No, it's just a new world, new mythos, just a new paycheck, and my job is done.
I have only two worlds. I'm not going back to the old one, and I will forge a new trail for others to follow in the new.
Any of an infinite combination of characters. None are real.
I know what I am. I am me, and I have always been. I am.
Well. That's settled.
Yes. Indubitably.
Should it be talking back like that?
Maybe you should shut your mouth, if you don't like what you hear. Are you my animus?
Not that I know of. I could be a leopard in here, though.
And not the unconscious manifestation of Ron, perhaps?
I'm not dreaming of being Rupert!
Pity. I thought this dream could use a little spice.
And you're not...anyone?
Just me, really. You look a bit familiar. Did I dream you on the fifth? I never remembered that one.
I know who you're supposed to be.
Really? Am I dressed like Morgan la Fey? I thought my parents had that taken care of last year.
I must have turned stupid when I was dreaming. You know who you are.
Hermione Granger.
Yeah. Exactly! You're here to mock me again, aren't you?
I might have been her on the fifth. And you are?
Emma.
Hmm. Don't know any Emmas.
Don't get smart with me. You're a figment of my psyche.
Sorry, you're a figment of mine. It's hard to deal with, I know, but try to keep the coming realization down the rest of the night, shall we?
Fine, figment.
Fine, Ronniekins.
Fine.
FINE!
The focus must have turned elsewhere. There was a clearing of the fog. Images settled and reflected, maybe the first time since there was a mirror.
Someone turned to their side. Far away, someone else lay on their stomach.