This day had a potential to be one of her bad days. After the bath in the hot spring yesterday, Hermione hadn't slept well. She had dreamed about her scars, and how they came to be. It wasn't fun at all. She was pretty exhausted but tried not to show it.

In the morning she had tended her garden; it had come along very well. Professor Sprout and also Neville would be proud of her. After the plants and herbs had grown a bit she had to put a ward around it, so that no one could come near it and get hurt. The Venomous Tentacula was quite vicious even if she wasn't very big yet.

It was shortly before lunch time that she got up from her crouched position, stretched her back and wiped away the sweat from her forehead. It was early September, but it was still hot outside if you did manual labour. She cleaned her face and hands of the dirt that had found its way on her as best as possible and then looked to the sky. Being surprised by what she saw, she almost choked on her breath. She had to blink and look up again to believe it. Lord Sesshomaru was flying elegantly through the sky, slowly losing altitude to be able to land near the area. It was a magnificent sight, but one she preferred to see from the ground. She didn't like flying very much. On a plane it was okay, but flying on a broom, dragon or thestral was a big no, never again, if she had something to say.

Unfortunately, the demon lord wasn't alone. On his big and white fluffy-fur-thing she could see the toad-like demon, Jaken. She knew he wasn't a toad demon but an imp – she had asked Sango about him, but since he reminded her of toad, Hermione sometimes referred to is as such in her head. She really hoped that he wouldn't say anything that would trigger her memories again. She was already worn down; she didn't think she could stomach any more for today.

Hermione made her way slowly to Lady Kaede's hut since she presumed Lord Sesshomaru would be headed there to meet Rin.

When she arrived at the hut they were already seated around the fireplace. Lady Kaede was giving tea to Lord Sesshomaru and Jaken while Rin was already telling them stories. Hermione bowed to them in greeting and took a place between Rin and Lady Kaede. Lord Sesshomaru acknowledged her with a nod while his retainer ignored her.

After some time spent listening to Rin, the demon lord asked about her improvements with reading Chinese. Rin enthusiastic as always told him about them and also read him a page from one of the books he had brought her a month ago. When she was finished reading, Hermione addressed the demon lord.

"We will probably have finished with all the books you brought by the next time you will visit, could you bring new ones?"

Jaken immediately screeched: "You filthy human! How dare you address milord with such casualness! You are not worth the air he breaths, you filthy woman!"

Hermione's face went pale and her mind blank for a moment. She could hear Bellatrix screeching in her mind: "You filthy mudblood! You are lying! Where did you get it? Tell me the truth! Crucio!"

She had to get out of there, for she didn't want them to see her break down. She mumbled a fast 'please, excuse me' and stumbled outside, not even trying to get her shoes on. Tears started to run down her face and she couldn't see right, nor did she pay attention to what happened behind her in the hut. She thought of the well and apparated, realizing too late that someone had grabbed her arm.

HxS

Sesshomaru was listening to the improvements of his ward. It was only after she finished that the witch spoke to him. He had hoped to talk to her more, but she seemed quiet today. After she had made her request, he wanted to respond to her that he would bring new books at his next visit and also ask which ones she would like. However, before he could speak his follower started insulting the young woman. He could see the colour leaving her cheeks and a strange film cowering her eyes. He could also smell that she became more and more fearful. He had started picking up more nuances of her smell, being more accustomed to her strange smell that he suspected was the scent of magic. She mumbled an excuse and stumbled out the door. 'She wants to disappear again. We must go with her, protect her. She is terrified.' He didn't reply and just kicked Jaken while standing up and raced outside to grab the witch's arm.

Something strange happened, and he felt like he was pressed through a narrow space. When the strange feeling stopped he wasn't in the village anymore, but her was standing beside the old well in Inuyasha's forest. He was still holding the woman's arm. She was slumped down on the ground and he could see tears running from her eyes. She was rocking back and forth slightly and whimpering softly. He let go of her arm and she immediately brought her hands to her ears, trying to cover them. He kneeled beside her and saw that she had her eyes closed now.

"Please, stop! We were never inside your vault… It isn't the real sword! It's just a copy!" she began whispering, getting louder and louder until she screamed, lay flat to the ground and trashed around.

His beast demanded 'Comfort her!' She is afraid. Show her she is safe with us!'

He tried to grab her and hold her to him, but she struggled and was stronger than she seemed. He began to purr reassuringly at her, like his father had done when he was a pup. She slowly calmed down, and when she opened her eyes he could see that the strange film over her eyes had left, but tears were still running down her face. His beast wanted to lick them away and to nuzzle her, but he restrained himself and instead wiped away her tears whit his sleeve.

"L-lord S-Sesshomaru! I am so sorry, I…"

"Sch, little witch. It is this Sesshomaru that has to apologize to you, for his retainer has spoken out of place. What happened?"

She blushed lightly and turned her face away from his scrutinising eyes.

"I… suffer from nightmares sometimes."

"You were not sleeping."

"I really do suffer from nightmares. They… they are very bad memories that plague my sleep. Sometimes they also plague me when I am awake. Your… retainer said things similar to a woman who plays a major role in my nightmares."

Sesshomaru could sense that she did not want to talk more about it. 'Make her tell us! We want to kill that woman that hurt her so much!' 'Patience, she will when she trusts us more.'

He looked down at her, only to see that she had fallen asleep from exhaustion. He lifted her up and held her to his chest, flying back to the village.

'She is an interesting witch.' 'Yes, our witch.'

AN: Thank you for your support! I hope you continue liking the story! I am always thankful for your feedback. If everything works as planed I will post another chapter tomorrow or at least on Wednesday. So, look forward to it!

This story is now betaed by Pyo-Kiyo, I am very grateful for her help. Thank you so so much.

Thanks, and enjoy.