Chapter 4

The Headmaster opened the door to the hospital wing and ushered the younger men in. Madam Pomfrey was tending to a first year Ravenclaw, so shedidn't notice their entrance. Dumbledore quickly cast a 'Notice me not' charm on the area around Hermione's bed so they wouldn't be disturbed.

They had gone over the plan better on their way there, Sirius took the seat next to Hermione's bed. Severus went over precautions with Albus just in case.

Sirius smiled tucking her hair back behind her ear. "We're going to get you out Hermione, I owe you so much for helping me escape the dementors and being a friend. Its finally my turn to return the favor ."

Severus now clear on how this would work looked to Hermione once more. "What if after it all she refuses to come back Albus?"

"Lets hope it doesn't come to that, just tell her the truth, she should be having some doubts about that world being real which should help prove your point to her."

Severus walked up the bed, he placed his hand on her shoulder and concentrated on entering her mind.

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Sirius watched in horror as Snape shimmered for a moment and then completely disappeared. Dumbledore placed his hands on Sirius's shoulders bringing him back from his trance. "What the bloody hell was that? Why did he disappear?" he was staring blankly at the empty space where Snape had been moments before.

"Sirius remember what I told the both of you, Hermione has created herself her own little world in the Wizarding world that is meant quite literally. By using Legilimency and going into her mind Severus has entered that same world. That is why I cautioned you that it would be dangerous."

Sirius never thought it'd be like this, what if something went wrong? Snape could very well be injured or killed. He had never liked Snape but after he had helped Remus brewing his Wolfsbane potion every month not to mention saving Hermione now, he hoped they'd make it out safe.

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Severus appeared outside of the Burrow. He looked around and saw it was a perfect sunny day. He rolled his eyes, 'she should suspect this isn't real by now, days are never this perfect'. He could hear birds chirping happily in the trees nearby. He made his way to the door and he heard footsteps approaching and heard the giggles of a child. Ronald Weasley opened the door and was shocked at seeing his old potions professor there. Severus was surprised as well but by the child currently tugging on Weasleys pant leg. She looked just like Hermione apart from her hair. He felt sudden sadness knowing this was Hermiones lost baby.

"Um hello professor, what uh brings you here?" Ron stammered. He had always been uneasy around Professor Snape.

"I am here to see Miss Granger, Weasley." Severus sneered

Ron winced at this, he was an adult and still he was scared of his teacher. "Um sure, she's in the kitchen, come in I'll take you to her." He opened the door and Severuswalked inside. The little girl ran to catch up with his long strides. "I'm Jillian, are you my mummy's friend?" she said smiling and latching on to his hand. Severus looked down his nose at the small girl and found himself facing the same smart mischievous smile of Hermione Granger. Severus couldn't help it, he chuckled and nodded at her. Jillian seemed pleased enough with his reaction and so walked on.

Severus shook his head and followed.

Hermione was sitting down at the table drinking a cup of tea. "Hermione, professor Snape is here to see you." Ron told her."I'll take Jillian outside to play while you finish up here alright?" Hermione nodded and kissed his cheek. "Hermione got up from her chair as they left the kitchen, and served Severus a cup of tea andindicated for him to sit in the chair infront of her.

"Professor Snape." she took her seat once more. "How are you?"

"Quite well Miss Granger, its you however that we must discuss."

"What do you mean?"sheasked puzzled.

"This Isn't real Hermione." He said softly. There was no easy way to do this and the less time they were here the better.

"What on earth are you on about? This house is certainly real and we are certainly having a conversation, a weird one at that." she said smiling

"Hermione this world isn't real, this is something you created with your mind."

"Um ok did I fall asleep again? Is this one of those dreams that continue to plague me?" she said a bit angrily. But she felt this one was too real to let pass.

"Those dreams you mention are probably memories in fact. Haven't you wondered why you do not remember so many things leading up to this current scene. The birth of your daughter, your marriage?" He saw realization and grief on her face now.

"Oh god," she let out a sob "Please stop, it can't be the truth even if it is I don't want to go back..." she turned to the sink grabbing onto it for balance tears trickling down her face.

"You know you can't Hermione. You are in a coma everyone that cares about you is waiting for you to come back. They're sick with worry especially that dunderhead friend of yours, Harry. he smirked."

"We cant let the boy who lived be upset for long now can we." He said sarcastically. I'll let you have your goodbyes if you wish, just remember Hermione however hard it is to accept, they're gone, you don't belong here. It doesn't do to dwell on dreams and forget to live life."

He turned her around and looked at her with sadness."I'm sorry Hermione."

Hermione looked up into his eyes. She saw truth in the black pools. She also saw something that both scared and fascinated her, she saw love and compassion. She couldn't hold back any longer, she threw her arms around him and sobbed. She looked out through the kitchen window and saw Ron running after a giggling Jillian. Her sobs got louder. That's when she felt the rain surround her and Severus. And watched it begin outside as well.

"We need to leave." Severus said close to her ear.

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Ron and Jillian were surprised by the sudden storm and ran inside only to find a worse one surrounding Severus and a crying Hermione. Ron was just frozen in shock. Jillian yelled "Mummy, what's going on mummy? I'm scared!" Jillian ran forward through the storm tears running down her tiny face.

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Hermione looked up at Severus. "Take me home." before they disappeared Hermione felt arms latch on to her right leg.

TBC...

AN: So is it possible for someone from this strange world to tag along to The real one? You'll see in the next chapter.:-)

oh and please review.