Chapter 18

She was mortified by the intrusion. She saw her dreams, played out before her. In the open they seemed all the more absurd and exceedingly embarrassing.

She knew, without a doubt, that he was watching them play out before her. Over and over again she saw the snake slither towards her, coil around her, and then transform into him. His arms held her, his touch gentle. His words in her ear, "…not for you…" and his kiss on her skin.

Hermione was holding herself up with the table and Severus stood, stoically before her. His wand was slowly falling and his eyes…oh his eyes deceived him. They were wide and flashing with some emotion she knew not as he lifted the spell.

They both breathed heavily for a time and said nothing. Indeed, what more could either one of them say? Severus had broken into her mind, against her will. She, had withheld a vital point in the dream, all in the name of saving face.

Both of them were exposed. Neither used to the light that was now set firmly upon them both. The were lucky that there was no audience to witness the events. Both of them uncomfortable, fearful and drained of all strength.

The awkward minutes passed slowly.

"You failed to mention some aspects of your dream Ms. Granger." So there it was. Severus couldn't understand anything at the moment. He had been shocked beyond belief by her dreams. Although he knew that she could not control them, he still wanted her to explain them. Did she harbor any feelings for him that were not in the scholastic sense? Was this dream a mere manifestation of her desire for him as a…no…he could not allow his thoughts to even consider the idea. He had to focus. He had to.

"Yes…yes Professor I did fail to mention them. I…wanted…I thought that it would be too much for you. I thought that…" she looked down at her shoes.

"You thought what? That I would think you desired me Ms. Granger? You thought I would run screaming like one of your little boyfriends? You thought I would not be able to discern the difference between a dream and a fantasy? For one who said she thinks me an intelligent wizard, you have gravely underestimated me and what is more, your immaturity shows." There. That was a better way to handle the situation. Cast aside the importance of the situation as mere immaturity and approach this like any other dilemma.

"You're not angry?" Her brown eyes met his, searching for acceptance.

"Angry? Yes. But not because of the dream. Now that I have seen it, I need to consult a few other references. My knowledge of Divination and dream interpretation is limited. However, I will be able to decide if this dream has…merit." Hermione's shoulders slumped and she hung her head.

"Professor?" she spoke to him while looking at he shoes. She was not able to see the look of boredom and distaste on his face. "Professor, I am sorry for the way I spoke too you. You were right. I should have had more confidence in you and your abilities. I was…embarrassed. I thought you might think that I…well, you know." He knew very well what she meant. He did not want to discuss that with her regardless.

"Perhaps it would be prudent that I leave for the evening. I will return tomorrow ." With those words, he left.

Hermone stood before the mirror. She saw, for the first time, how wretched she looked. Her hair was lank and dirty. Her face was pale and below each other her eyes were dark gray circles. Even her lips were pale.

"Oh Merlin above! Who died? Did you? You look it." Elmer's voice filled the room.

"No one died Elmer, though I feel as if I did."

"Do tell! What happened? Did someone break your heart?" Elmer's voice sounded excited at the prospect. Hermione frowned.

"No. My heart was not broken. Just my spirit. One of my best friends hates me now. And my new assistant…well…he is difficult. Painful even…" her voice trailed.

"Assistant? Why haven't I met this assistant yet? It pains me that you lock me away. Alone. Lonely…" Elmer gave a dramatic sigh and Hermione rolled her eyes.

"You're a mirror Elmer. In case you didn't know. It's your job to stay on the wall. You are supposed to be telling me some interesting facts on fashion and giving me beauty advice. But…you have a mind of your own."

"Indeed I do! But I do give you advice. I can't help it if you're a lost cause." When Hermione didn't respond, he continued. "Now…about your friend. You say you made this friend hate you? Why?"

"Because Elmer, he told me that he loves me and I...well…I told him that I didn't. That I couldn't."

"Why?" he asked in an almost disgusted tone.

"Why? Because I don't that's why! He's my friend you see-"

"OK so you don't love him. Who do you love, hmmm? Could it be the Professor?" Hermione's shocked face was evidence to her fears.

"No Elmer, he is my assistant…oh bloody hell." She heard Elmer's quick intake of a breath when she said the last part. Hermione had to stop talking now. She had been saying entirely too much tonight.

"The Professor was here? He is your new assistant? Oh…this is good! Rich even! Does he know? Does he know you dream of him? Does he know that-"

"Stop now Elmer, or so help me, you will be transformed into a bug right here and now! Then I will squash you!" The mirror went quiet. She had many times threatened him, but this time was different. In her psychosis, he believed her. It was a good thing, because she meant it.