Hey everyone here's another chapter. I don't own anybody. Thank you all for the reviews and your support it's appreciated as I've said before. Oh there's a slight change. In an earlier chapter I said Hermione and the gang were in their 4th year. To incorporate this dream I had to move them up 2yrs so this is their 6th year. Enjoy!

Chapter 9: Dream from the Beyond

Bile rose in her throat when they neared the dungeons her steps slowed but Dobby kept hold of her hand as he pulled her towards Snape's private quarters. Dobby glanced up at Hermione and smiled.

"Don't be scared Miss Hermione, Dobby will stay with Miss Hermione." He said reassuringly squeezing her hand.

Hermione smiled faintly her eyes wandering back to the floor. She couldn't lie; she was terrified of what Snape would do to her.

Dobby opened the door for her and led the way into the chambers where Snape stood facing a tall narrow bookshelf, hands clasped behind his back. He didn't move when the door opened and the two came into the room.

"That will do Dobby." Snape said coolly without turning around.

Trembling Dobby let go of Hermione's hand. "Yes Professor Snape, sir." He whispered.

The little house-elf disappeared from sight with a pop but Hermione new he was there somewhere to support her.

Silence once again claimed the room, a silence that was cold and eerie. Hermione's fear grew standing near the door waiting for the potions master to move or say something, anything. This was far worse then a good tongue lashing.

"Professor…" She whispered.

Snape's back went rigid at the girl's voice behind him. Bowing his head he breathed deeply.

"Miss Granger sit down." He ordered coolly.

He turned to face the girl glaring down at her. He held the little black journal in his hand; his knuckles were white from his tight grip.

"Miss Granger what were you thinking?" He hissed "This is my personal property you had no right to read this."

Hermione gulped eyes to the floor. "Professor…I'm…I'm sorry." She whispered softly.

A tear slid down her cheek Hermione was frightened. If looks could kill Snape's definitely would.

"I thought I told you that you were not to invade my privacy more then you already are? He questioned folding his arms across his chest. "I am very disappointed Miss Granger."

Hermione choked back tears desperately not wanting to show the potions master any emotion. "I'm sorry." She whispered again

Getting up from the couch she fled the room as quickly as possible slamming the door behind her. Collapsing on the bed she let loose the torrent of emotion and began to sob.

------- Dream ------

She felt cold so cold. Hermione opened her eyes and looked around. The snow crunched beneath her but she didn't get wet. It registered in her mind that she was outside which confused her, the last thing she remembered was crying herself to sleep.

Rising to her feet she hugged herself tightly warding of the cold. Trees surrounded where she woke up. As far as she knew she was alone. The icy wind nipped at her heels as she began to walk in the direction she thought was in the direction the castle was in.

There was a rustling in the bushes to her right. Hermione froze staring into the darkness trying to find the source of the noise but couldn't. A wet dog nose appeared through shrubs. A big black dog came out and sat in front of her. It's big brown eyes looked up at her knowingly

'Hello there.' Hermione whispered squatting down in front of the dog.

The dog seemed to smile at her lifting his paw and placing it on her knee. Hermione looked at the dog closer and recognition came to her mind.

'Sirius…Sirius Black?' She asked

Nodding the dog stepped back and began to transform. A man appeared before her. His shaggy brown hair fell into his eyes as he leaned on his hands. He looked up at her and smiled.

'Sirius, I'm so glad to see you.' Hermione smiled hugging the man in front of her.

Sirius hugged her back then holding out at arms length he looked at her. 'Hermione…I know what you are doing to yourself.' He whispered softly.

Hermione glared at Black and tried to step away. She crossed her arms in front of her chest and turned away from him.

'Hermione please listen to me.' Sirius whispered. 'I care about you and so do many others at Hogwarts. You are hurting Hermione, you can't keep this all in or you will destroy yourself.'

Tears formed in Hermione's eyes as she looked up at Sirius. 'I feel so alone Sirius. After your death it nearly destroyed Harry. I couldn't tell him about what was going on or Ron for the matter.'

'You're not alone Hermione.' He said. 'Believe it or not Severus Snape wants to help you.'

'I'm sad to say everything you read in Snape's journal was true. He knows things that most don't understand. Hermione he can help you through this. Turn to him Hermione he can help you.' Sirius whispered.

'Are you kidding?' She cried. 'I invaded his privacy, he hates me now. Why would he help me?' She asked her voice softening to a whisper.

'Yes you were wrong in reading Snape's journal, but he is not as cold as you think. Give him time. You will find away to gain trust. Please take care of yourself Hermione, my godson needs your friendship.' He replied.

The damn broke and Hermione began to sob. Sirius took the girl into his arms and held her close to him. Hermione clenched her fists in his coat pressing her face into his chest. After a few moments Sirius drew her out of the hug and looked at her at arms length. He smiled softly, gently wiping the tears from her face.

'Good bye Hermione.' Sirius said turning toward the forest to leave. 'And for Merlin's sake tell the Weasley your feelings.' He smirked turning away, transforming back into the big black dog and ran into the forest.

Hermione stared after him sadly and sighed. Sitting down in the snow she leaned against the tree behind her and thought about what Sirius had said. She began to feel drowsy and soon fell asleep where she sat.

------End Dream------

Waking with a start Hermione sat up and looked around. She found herself in her bedroom in Snape's chambers. Was that real? She thought wondering about seeing Sirius in front of her.

Getting out of bed she went to the door and slowly opened it. There was a fire going in the fireplace and she could see the shadowy figure of Severus Snape in the black leather high backed chair reading. Closing her eyes she took a deep breath and tiptoed out of her room into the common room.

On approaching the man Hermione noticed what he was reading, the journal. Guilt came into her mind as she came to stand next to his chair.

"Professor Snape…" She whispered softly.

"What do you want Miss Granger?" He drawled coldly. "Wish to humiliate me more?" He looked up at her closing the journal.

Hermione thought a moment before she answered. "Professor I wanted to apologize and to thank you for taking me in for the rest of the break." She whispered wringing her hands in front of her.

"If it wasn't for you professor I would be dead right now." She said.

Snape looked at her then gestured for her to sit down next to him. "As you know from reading my private journal…" He emphasized. "I know what you are dealing with on the terms of what you are doing to yourself."

Hermione looked down at her hands shame crossing her face.

"Miss Granger this self destructive behavior will kill you someday." He whispered leaning forward placing his hand on her shoulder. "I may not like you or your Gryffindor friends but no one deserves to go through this. I want to help you, but you have to help yourself first Miss Granger."

Hey guys it took awhile there but I hoped you liked R&R!