Chapter 10: Why is this happening?

"Lucifer!" Severus called to the black cat and waited next to the bowl of milk. As he watched the feline walk slowly into the room he smiled. "You know Luc, the way you hold your nose in the air that way reminds me of Granger... I mean Hermione." He practiced saying her first name in his head. It would take some getting used to, he decided. "She, too, thinks she's better. Eat Lucifer." As the cat lapped daintily at the milk, Snape gazed into the distance. His private chambers were not what a normal person would claim as 'inviting' but it was home to him. It had been decorated by himself: deep blacks and Slytherin greens.

No matter how long ago a person graduated from Hogwarts, their old house still defined them. He would never really outgrow his Slytherin ways. He may be a tad more kind, but he'd always be sneaky, and discriminating towards those unworthy. Just because his definition of 'unworthy' had wavered, hadn't changed a thing. Just as Hermione would always be brave and self-righteous. The bravery wasn't what bothered Severus. However, Gryffindor's always seemed to think themselves so... impressive.

Maybe, he chanced, Hermione wasn't like that.

IIII

"A penny for your thoughts, Love."

Hermione shot her head up from her relaxed hand. She had been studying in the common room alone when her mind began to drift away.

"Oh! Harry, how are you?" She asked looking at the man who had interrupted her.

"I'm fine. How are you?" Harry asked, cocking his head to the side.

"Oh, I'm great. Just a bit tired I suppose." She closed the book she'd been reading and motioned for Harry to sit down.

"What were you thinking about?" Harry asked, genuinely concerned.

"Just.. things," Hermione said.

Harry watched her face. She didn't seem to be worried or frightened, so he let his heart get lighter. In the bit of his stomach he knew that she wasn't telling him her problems. It made Harry sad to know that Hermione, one of his best friends, would not tell him something.

"Okay." He stated in surrender. "But Hermione..."

"Yes, Harry?" She asked looking into his eyes.

"If you ever need to talk, I'll be here to listen. Always..." He gave her a half smile before walking away.

Hermione sat there for a long time wondering. This dreamscape was not only consuming her time and thoughts, but affecting her friendships. She could not think of a time recently, when her and Ginny weren't alking about the dreamscape.

And Harry? He could tell something was wrong and was worried about her. She felt awful keeping secrets from him, but not even Harry would understand her dreams.

Then there was Ron. Often she felt his eyes on her, but he never approached her otherwise. Hermione feared the realization that their friendship would only last until graduation.

Now what?

Hermione decided then and there... she had to speak to Snape.

IIII

"You want to borrow my invisibility cloak?" Harry gaped at her. First she ignored his pleas to talk about her problems, and now she needed his cloak and wouldn't tell him why?

"I'll explain later Harry. Its just kind of... important." Hermione's eyes were begging him not to make her explain.

"Okay... but remember, you're telling me why need it later." Harry felt that this was a vast improvement. At least she had promised to tell him.

IIII

She snuck down the quiet, dark halls like a criminal. Although she was invisible she hid in the shadows fearing being noticed. As she walked down to the dungeons Hermione's heart began to race.

She approached the door with the giant silver serpent and knocked quietly. Pressing her ear to the door she listened. She heard rapid footsteps approaching and moved away in time to see it swing open.

There stood Professor Snape, looking from side to side before slowly moving to shut the door. Hermione remembered she wore the invisiblity clak and quickly tugged it away.

he looked at her as the cloak pooled at her feet.

"Granger?" He was shocked to see the petite brunette standing nervously in front of his private chambers.

"Professor, I need to speak to you." She stuttered out.

"You should not be here. Its late. Go back to your dormitory immediately." Snape went to close the door again. The shock of seeing her had yet to wear off.

She placed her hand on the serpent, exerting effort to hold the door open.

"Please," she whispered. She needed to see him.. to talk to him about everything outside of the dreamscape. He had never seen her so determined and unmoving. The image intrigued him and against all of his inner warnings he opened the door again.

All the while her heart pounded furiously in her chest, Her knees shook, and her stomach flipped in agony.