Hermione turned slowly holding herself a bit tighter as a small flicker of pain reached her. She could still feel her body but it was odd like everything was dulled. She took in all that was around her. It was the first time she had been in someone else's mind. It felt, weird. She could feel his presence all around her. Though she could see him standing just to her side; it was more than just feeling someone standing next to you. It was like he was completely wrapped around her entire being. It felt...nice.
The place in which they stood slowly grew in depth. A soft blue light coming down from above illuminating door after door. She turned as each one appeared in the layered circles around them. Were these his walls? The things he used to keep others out? She felt an itch to try and open one but quickly stopped herself. She was quite sure, that her lust for information would have been grievously unappreciated given the circumstances. As she turned full circle her eyes landing back on him she felt him speak.
"The pain?"
"Better...it's fading away..." She rubbed her sides a bit.
"You will need to remain strong." The visage in front of her didn't move but a row of doors behind her turned silently in their circle.
"I know..." She felt slightly offended at the statement and even gave him a mild glare. Her focused wavered and she felt herself slipping back into her own mind.
He could have stopped her, but a lesson needed to be learned. He sighed slowly and opened his eyes pulling his hands back from her temples.
The first thing she realized was the fingers on her temples slowly pulling back; the next was that her body felt stronger than before; like it was filled with an energy that wasn't hers, then a very faint headache. She rubbed her head a little pushing herself up more in the lounge.
"That was weird..." She felt him rather than saw him smile just the faintest bit.
"There is a reason skills such as mine are rare and highly sought after." His voice was flat with almost a hint of resentment as he pushed himself up; he took hold of her plate making for the kitchen leaving her with her thoughts.
Hermione couldn't help but pout and rub at her forehead. The final potion he had given her made her feel extremely relaxed; however, after her brief trip, she felt tense again. Was it possibly his tension she was feeling? If it was he seriously needed to relax. She wanted very much to tell him but she had a feeling that would make the already wound man tighter. She sighed softly as she tried to remember the pull between them. Hearing his thoughts had proven a rather easy endeavor in comparison to being in his mind and actually seeing into it. His mind was exhausting. She tried to picture the small thread that joined them since he had saved her from herself. She listened to him wash up their breakfast dishes from the kitchen and sighed facing toward the window more; she chewed her thumbnail as she let her mind drift.
Severus finished in no time, pulling his sleeves back and buttoning them up after having dried his hands. He turned towards his china cabinet and pulled the small pensive from the shelf. He took a deep breath and pulled out the three memories the hospital had given him. It was a small step, but he needed to be sure the girl was strong enough to face what was to come. He turned the vials slowly in his palm before slipping all but one into his pocket. He took a breath as he moved to return to the sitting area.
She was resting, her eyes were closed but he could tell she was awake. Her hair was splayed everywhere over the edge, her arms curled gently around her stomach. She had managed to pull her knees up somewhat to her chest, but they leaned heavily to the side propped against the arm rest on the one side. She sighed heavily and slowly rolled her head towards his presence.
Severus said nothing as he sat down in his chair, he sat the pensive down carefully on the floor before moving the books off the side table. Once he was satisfied with the new space he pulled it around to sit between them. He placed the pensive on top and set the vial down beside it.
"We're going to view some memories, that are neither mine nor yours." He explained as he poured the glowing grey liquid into the bowl. "Your goal, through this exercise, is to take in as much detail as possible, and repeat it back to me as best as you can." He needed to test her mental retention and strength if they were to have even a small chance at seeing the creature from her dream. If she was unable to retain new memories, or keep herself focused long enough then he would have to seek a different route. She appeared to have some recollection of her past self and her mannerisms. He wondered if there was a way to weaken the hold on her captured memories. He still was unsure if the memories were simply gone, or hidden away somewhere. He hoped with what they were about to do he was going to get his answers.
"How am I going to see them, if they're not yours or mine?" She asked innocently enough shifting herself carefully to face where she now knew him to sit.
"We're going to use a pensive." He said simply watching the colors swirl over the top, "You'll understand well enough when we start." He didn't want to waste time on explaining something he was sure she already knew, as it didn't matter what she understood in the present as long as in the long run he had his answers. "Come closer." He reached out his fingers gently touching the top of her knuckles. There was no hesitation as she wrapped her fingers around his. "Remember to breathe." He said finally as he pulled her forward just a bit, releasing her hand to cup the back of her head dipping it beneath the surface of the pensive. He leaned in next, pulling the both of them down into its swirling depths.
The feeling of sinking underwater hit Hermione and she couldn't stop herself from holding her breath for a few short moments before heeding his words. She took a deep and very loud breath as they landed into the memory. He still held her head as she tried her best to start taking account of everything she was seeing.
Severus released her head as soon as he felt aware. The memory was faded around the edges and a bit blurry, he could hazard a guess that his Godson had attempted to erase the memory from his mind at some point or occlude it in some way. He turned his head as the sounds of hard shoes on harder stones echoed into the hall.
Hermione turned her head as well taking in the black clothed, blond headed figure. She furrowed her brows as something inside her own mind was pushing to the surface. She was sure, as sure as she could be, that she knew him. She knew his name, she knew of him, more than that she had seen him that day. She had saved him that day.
"Draco." She breathed feeling proud of herself for recalling the sight with the name as the boy walked briskly past them. "His name is Draco." She said looking to Severus puffing up with confidence at his minute nod, "I saved him. " She said softly as she turned to follow him. Severus smirked slightly as he followed after her. Her eyes shone with a fire as she did what he had asked, he could hear her muttering to herself, describing different things that were visible against the walls.
"Ah, Draco." Purred Narcissa her voice cold and hollow. She took the boy hard by the waist as she led him towards the drawing room. "Your father requests your presence." She pushed them through the large double doors of the brightly lit, deep purple room. They walked over to the chairs by the fire, Draco's father was seated calmly staring deeply into the flames, but smiled softly as Draco rounded the other chair taking a seat opposite him. He felt his mother leave them alone and turned slowly to face his father.
"Draco, my son, how are your studies?" He asked kindly, though his voice held a waiver to it, a sense of unease. Draco turned his eyes up turning his focus to the fire.
Hermione moved closer to the fire, unaware of just what day this was, she noticed the large crystal chandelier and even the mirror over the fire place, the portraits on the walls were black in the memory but she counted each one, taking note of their size and frame color. Severus felt rather than saw, understanding the boy's feelings and fears in the memory.
"They're going well. Severus has been taking the time to help with my occlumancy." He said softly keeping his eyes away from his father's. He looked defeated and terrified.
"He is an excellent teacher. You'll do well to mind your lessons with him." Lucius took a sip of his wine as he crossed his legs. "And your other tasks?" His eyes turned sideways knowing his son was very much the target of the man he had once loyally served.
"They're-" He paused as they both felt the wards around the house become disturbed.
Both albino haired men watched the doors to the drawing room. There was some sound but the memory's distorted nature kept it from being clear.
Hermione herself had turned as well, she had moved in front of Severus as if she could see through something that wasn't even there. As the doors burst open she stilled, her eyes growing wide as she recognized herself bound to the other prisoners that were being dragged in. She felt a sudden churning in her stomach and on instinct grabbed her forearm as her brain was trying to remember something that simply wasn't there. Severus moved closer, becoming her dark shadow as he watched the memory play out. His focus was less on the scene and rather on Hermione's reaction.
"Harry Potter..." She whispered taking in that name, she closed her eyes tightly the missing pages from her only memory were making it difficult to place the boy that stood before them next to the boy she could remember.
Bellatrix moved into the room and though Snape saw her Hermione hadn't her gaze locked on the scene Harry being pulled from Draco, the blond looked as if he was going to be ill as he was moved in close to examine the boy. He opened his mouth to warn her to move but he was a few seconds too late as the mirage of the insane witch passed through Hermione's body.
Hermione went rigid as an icy cold passed through her. Her breath caught in her throat as flashes of memory formed over her eyes. They were too quick for her to make out but as they ended she felt a searing pain in her arm. She gasped and looked down holding her arm tightly. She hadn't been able to see what was there as such she hadn't been able to create the memory of it. So, therefore, it didn't exist on the image she had inside the pensive. Carefully she took a few steps back as the woman started her assault. She backed straight into Snape, letting out the faintest of squeaks but she didn't move away from him. if anything she pressed more into him. She had felt incredibly cold when the woman passed through her. There was something on the edge as well; akin to when she was talking to Professor McGonagall. Same as that time, the thought blew away before she had a chance to register its secrets. She watched them pull her from the rest and swallowed hard pressing more into Snape. She could feel his hands coming up to keep her in place. The pressure was oddly cathartic as her heart pounded in her ears.
Severus couldn't stop himself from taking hold of her biceps. Though he wasn't sure if he was pulling her closer or moving her away from him. He watched the scene unfold a deep anger welling in his chest. They were mere children, thrust into the middle of something they couldn't possibly comprehend. As he watched the others get taken to the cellars that he knew to be made into a prison he could taste foul words in his mouth for the mad man who had sent Harry and his friends on a fool's errand. Those same words quickly rounded on himself as he realized; he had sent them the sword, it was he who sent the patronus to guide Harry to its hidden location, it was his fault that Bellatrix had lost her mind in this moment. He had been the one to make the copy and hide it away into the vault. He was directly responsible for the horror he was no doubt about to witness.
Bellatrix had Hermione by her hair, to the younger's credit she was clawing at the hand putting her feet down as she pulled against the taller woman.
"On your knees you filthy mudblood!" Bellatrix sounded completely unhinged as Hermione continued to push back against her. Bellatrix snarled and turned her hand pulling Hermione awkwardly to her side Bellatrix pressed her wand into the flesh of her lower stomach, "Crucio!" The shot of red light bolted through Hermione and her mouth let through a most painful scream as one of her knees buckled. Bellatrix finished her fall for her releasing her hair with an arch of her arm. Hermione fell awkwardly sideways as she tried to hold back her scream her body tense with pain.
Severus grew instantly pale, his grip on Hermione growing tight. He risked a glance to his Godson who was cautiously hiding behind his mother his eyes wide with his own terror as he watched his classmate fight one of the most painful curses.
Bellatrix cackled darkly as she circled Hermione like a wolf circling it's kill, "Now then," she purred tapping her knife against her chin as she watched the girl struggle for breath. Hermione's breathing was ragged tears streaming down her face. Her eyes turned towards Draco hiding behind his mother, the piercing look going straight into the boy's soul. "How did you get this sword?" Hermione turned her eyes slowly away from Draco narrowing them at Bellatrix. She didn't speak. Bellatrix's face snarled and she raised her wand making a hard slashing motion. Hermione's back came off the floor as the bolt of red hit her square in the chest. Her scream echoed around the drawing room as her body convulsed under the witch's curse. "Tell me! How did you get it!?" The crazy witch stopped the curse waiting for the girl to answer. Hermione pant heavily shaking her head letting out a hard sob.
Bellatrix snarled and moved over her straddling the girl's awkward pose, she leaned down closer putting the knife against her neck. "Tell me, or I'll spill your filthy blood all over this floor." Her face was inches from Hermione's. Still, the girl swallowed and closed her eyes tight tilting her head back to avoid the press of the blade. Bellatrix growled and pressed her wand into the girls hip, "Crucio!" Her body arched back filling the room once more with her agony the blade against her neck pressed in tighter cutting her flesh slightly.
Hermione herself was barely breathing, her jaw and face set tight refusing to look away. She could feel the bruising grip on her arms but the feeling only kept her mind sharp as the dark haired witch leaned over her screaming and spitting onto her pain warped body.
The memory started to grow dark as Draco had only paused for so long, not wanting to hear her screams, he went to his task of taking the snatchers out of the room. His wand hand shook as he moved the snatchers out. His back to the scene as Hermione's voice echoed in his ears.
"No." Hermione felt a welling panic as she watched the room grow dim. "No, I need to see!" She said urgently turning in Severus' hold to look at him. Her voice was mixed with her own scream as the scene started to melt away.
Severus' jaw clenched tightly between pain and sorrow for her loss of innocence. He no more wanted to stay there and watch than his Godson had. He just shook his head a little as he felt them lift from the pensive.
As reality came around them Severus released her back into the lounge. Hermione resisted slightly as her sudden loss of vision left her disoriented. "I need to see...I need to know..." She reached for him clumsily finally wrapping her hands over his forearms.
Severus pulled all his strength to not bend to her plea and kept his voice level and calm as he spoke, "What can you recall?"
Hermione pressed her lips slowly releasing him. She took a shuddering breath her fingers lightly running over the scar on her forearm, "She did this to me... didn't she?"
It wasn't exactly the answer Severus was looking for, his own brow furrowed as he watched a series of emotions cloud her face, there was a long silence between them, "Yes. Yes, she did."
"I can feel it..." Her voice haunted as a single tear fell from her eye. "I can... remember..." A page fluttered over her consciousness, she closed her eyes as she tried to focus on the single page fluttering in the void.
"Reach for it... touch it... make if yours..." His words were slow and hypnotic.
"I...I can't... reach it..." Her breath shuddered slightly.
"Focus..." His voice was closer now stronger, coming from all around her.
Hermione pulled all the strength she had pushing herself to see what was lost. Blackness swirled around her licking at her ankles, she had returned, returned to the shelves of empty books. She let her fear push her forward as she searched, a page laid on the floor between rows it's memory glowing brightly like a beacon. A low snarl caught the corner of her eye and she knew she wasn't alone. Her body refused to look; the same fear as before, keeping her from turning her head to peer at the creature. She turned her focus back to the page. It was two rows ahead of her. She took a slow breath then jolted forward, her legs quick and strong as she ran for the page. She heard the scraping of claws on stone as the creature pushed off as well.
She held nothing back as she dived for it; her hand stretched out she felt the creature directly above her as her hand curled around the page. Her body turned just in time to see it stopped mid-jump just above her, its claws extended jowls open wide. A bright flash surrounded her forcing the creature back into the darkness as the memory glowed a deep red. She felt herself being thrust from the void her head throbbing as the memory placed itself into its proper place.
Severus had watched over the girl for any sign of distress, aside from her heavy breathing and her pinched face nothing spurred him to invade her thoughts. He was testing her he knew. He also knew it to be unbelievably cruel. Though as her eyes slowly opened and her body relaxed before him he couldn't suppress the swell of pride and awe at her raw power. Instantly, he knew she had done it. She had taken hold of what was hers.
"Miss Granger?" His hand moved of its own accord to cup her cheek.
"I... did it..." She swallowed slowly tilting her face to meet his eyes, two silent tears rolling onto his hand. "It's mine..." She smiled sadly at him before closing her eyes. She was unbelievably exhausted. She started to pitch forward, Severus moved quickly, catching her by her shoulders, cradling her head as he carefully laid her back to rest.
Severus stood carefully after watching her for a long moment. She was strong. Stronger than he ever could have imagined. She wasn't just a mouthy know-it-all, no, she was a witch to be reckoned with. He felt an odd pressure in his chest. A feeling so unfamiliar rising up to the surface. He pursed his lips as he turned away trying to decipher its hidden meaning. He was impressed sure, but there was something else. Something deeper. He let his brain cycle through its thoughts as he moved to the kitchen, he always thought best when he was working. He needed to busy his hands to clear his mind.
Morning turned to afternoon as Severus allowed her to rest. He was cleaning away his latest batch of muscle growth potion when he heard her stir. She made a soft mewling whine that raised his brow. He moved just enough to peer into the room. Her hands were over her head draped over the backrest, bent at the elbows and hung at odd angles. She had one leg dangled over the edge the other bent resting against the arm. She looked so uncomfortable Severus couldn't imagine being able to sleep like that. She arched her back a bit letting out another soft noise a soft smile on her face. Severus shook his head and returned to his task. He supposed a lunch would be in order and moved to his ice box. He hadn't much left, he pursed his lips as he pulled out some bread and a bit of turkey. She had managed the eggs and toast that morning he surmised that a bit more protein wouldn't hurt and set to work making them sandwiches.
Hermione was in a very peaceful place. Her mind floating as if she was on a cloud. It was the first time since she had become self-aware that she had felt so wonderful. Her eyes in the dream were staring up at beautiful blue skies and soft moving clouds. She could feel someone near her, with her. Their presence brought immeasurable comfort. She could feel a smile on her face as the person with her ran their hands gently over her sides, it was a gentle calming touch, that made her feel even more at ease. She didn't want to leave this place, not ever. It was perfect. She turned her head trying to find the source of those hands. Her brain saw but didn't register a face moving over hers. The image of their body near hers was darkly outlined, their face too blurry to recognize. Her dream-self didn't mind, as though her heart already knew. She sighed happily as those wandering hands pulled her in close, the feel of their body pressed against hers melted all fears, all worries into nothingness. Her body reciprocated wrapping around their broad shoulders. She never wanted this feeling to end. She pulled them in closer hiding her face into their neck. A gentle smell came to her senses and just as she was sure to identify it, the dream dissolved leaving her with only a lingering feeling.
Hermione came to with a whine, she sighed heavily through her nose as the world around her started to come into focus. Her ears picked up small sounds from the kitchen and knew where her care taker had been. She made another soft noise as she stretched herself out just a bit. Her muscles ached slightly from the odd position she had moved into from sleep. She let out a gentle yawn and pulled her hands down into her lap flexing her fingers.
Severus took hold of the plates turning towards the sitting area, he took note of her change of position gratified that his suspicions of her waking up had been valid. "Lunch." He rumbled watching as she jumped just a bit before smiling sheepishly at him. She managed to push herself up but struggled with the leg that had fallen over the edge. It trembled before she leaned over using her arms to pull it back onto the lounge. Severus sat down in his chair resting their plates on the arms. "I have something that will aid in that." He pulled the vial from his pocket taking out the stopper, he placed it into her already outstretched hand.
"Thank you." Her voice was airy and light, no sign of the weight she was carrying before. She wafted it under her nose, she hadn't known why she'd done it but she had. She paused before leaning her head back taking it down in three large swallows. She made a face sticking out her tongue, "Ugh...cherry..." She gasped as the bolts of dull lightning ran through her limbs. She didn't cry out but held her breath as she waited for them to subside. They took much less time this round and her relief showed instantly on her face. She leaned back rubbing her thigh gently as she felt the tingle of growing muscle.
Severus watched her with a keen eye, he had been able to decipher the feeling he had felt from before to be admiration. Admiration for her strength and perseverance despite quite literally everything having been taken from her. Any lesser man or woman would have surely succumbed to the pressure of the darkness. Not her, no, she had continued to fight on.
He took the offered vial from her fingers, placing a plate in them in return. "A simple turkey and lettuce sandwich. It's cut into halves, though I expect you to finish it all." His voice had returned to its normal deep and lightly edged tone. "After which I wish to attempt something with you that I myself have only read about." He leaned back into his chair letting her take in the information picking lightly at his own meal. He hadn't felt all that hungry in recent days.
"What... would that be?" Hermione was chewing and covered her mouth with her hand to speak between bites.
"It's been aptly called the 'second sight'. There is a theory, that if two minds can connect on a mutual plane, then one could perhaps, 'see' through the other's eyes, not just in the form of memories but rather, see what the other is actually experiencing in real time." He paused finally taking a bite of his own lunch. He had little doubt that had she had her memories she would have mentioned never seeing it in any text she had ever read. In fact, the magic was only written down in one place. An old tome, still in its original Latin. Luckily for him, that Lucius had a bibliophile for a mother. He had gotten his hands on it when he had first been studying his legilimency and had made that one of his requests from Draco. When he'd first learned she was blind he had dedicated some time to retouching on the subject, out of his own interests, and it was time now that he felt she was strong enough to try it.
He could sense her taking in the information as she set down her sandwich. Her pensive look turning towards him. The idea of being back into his mind excited something in her stomach. She was keen to try again, though hopefully, she'd manage much longer. It had been a head rush the first time, so much to process. Though she felt herself growing accustomed to all these new experiences suspiciously quickly. She wondered if she possessed the powers in herself all along, and that she simply couldn't remember possessing them. It felt like muscle memory in a way. She just let her body take control at times, always feeling that it was leading her in the proper direction or path.
"What do I have to do?" Her voice felt a little stronger now as she came to the decision that she was ready to try what he was suggesting. She had already felt a strong connection with him. Though she did have the slightest of fears that it wasn't nearly strong as it needed to be.
"You will need to follow my instructions carefully."
"Of course." Hermione's voice was cordial as she took another small bite of her sandwich. She kept her body turned slightly towards him.
"Once you are in my mind I will instruct you further. For now, finish your meal."
Hermione nodded her head and leaned back towards her plate. They ate in silence, it felt odd to Hermione, there was so little conversation between them and yet, she felt that they were having full conversations constantly between them. The buzzing in her mind kept turning as she readied herself for her next task. The potion was doing wonders as she ate, she could already feel her limbs becoming lighter as they started to be able to fully support their weight. She wondered if she'd be able to walk soon. She felt the need for a nice long bath, the very idea made her sigh happily. She didn't notice the attention, nor the raised brow from the dark haired wizard beside her.
Severus took his time with his sandwich. He too needed to be ready. With the faint connection constantly running between them, he'd felt it much more difficult to keep his thoughts neat and orderly. Tight and confined as he always liked them to be. Every change of the girl beside him tickled his senses. It was mildly irritating. Although, he was growing accustomed to feeling her inside his mind, he wasn't sure if he was ready to have her feelings on full blast. He had felt the peacefulness of her dream wash over him while he had been working. It was an unheard of feeling in his own recesses and he had lingered on it for some time nearly ruining his work in the process. He shook his head a bit as he brought himself back into focus. He wouldn't let this slip of a girl undo his years of hard work with fleeting thoughts. He was stronger than that. He was more disciplined than that, or so he told himself.
"Finished." She chirped brightly holding out the empty plate. She had managed much easier this time around, though her stomach felt full and swollen, it didn't bother her so much. She was very proud of herself too, and it showed in her smile as she held the plate towards him.
"Quite." Severus took her plate tucking it under his and stood, though he had managed half of his sandwich he found that he no longer desired food. He desired answers. He placed them on the table and returned to clear the space in the sitting area. He moved the stacks of books from their morning session farther off on a coffee table that was pressed against the corner. He picked up the pensive setting it along the mantle for safe keeping. Finally, he moved the side table from between them and paused. For their connection to work, they'd need to remain in contact, he wasn't sure how long she was going to manage this time but his back was starting to protest leaning over her so much. He turned his lips as he took in the chair she lounged on. He didn't want to, really, didn't want to, but he needed to. His jaw twitched a bit as he breathed slowly.
"Miss Granger, for this to work, I'm afraid that we'll need to be in physical contact with each other for an elongated amount of time." He paused as he waited for her protests. Instead, the girl just nod a bit and pushed herself over into the arm of the chair, the space she'd cleared would hardly be enough to fit his full frame, but a simple charm would fix the problem. He turned slowly pulling his wand from his pocket. He eyed the wood disdainfully. He had never wanted it in his hands again. Though here he was pretending like it was business as usual. He gripped the darkened wood tightly before moving it in the required motions. The chair widened considerably and as he sat the wand aside on the side table he noticed her smile. Was she enjoying this? He sneered slightly at the very idea that she would actually enjoy his presence let alone entertain the idea that touching him in any regard was an enjoyable experience.
The girl for her part just waited patiently for the exceptionally prudent man to take his place beside her. Her heart was thumping a bit louder as the feeling from her dream decided to make a reappearance. She tried to push it aside but when she felt his warmth near to her she couldn't help but want to reach out to him more. She waited for him to sit back on the lounge before very slowly sitting her self up. She bit her lip a bit as she dared to do as she did. She felt him hold his breath as she turned slightly resting her back to his chest. Their hips touched as she remained beside him but did her best to make sure her upper body was rested comfortably against him. She could feel the hard buttons of his coat against her spine but made no protest as she adjusted so that the crease of her scar wasn't pressed over them. Her hands hovered a little as she decided where the best place to put them would be. She could feel the tension wafting off of him in waves and decided to gently wrap them around her own stomach. She turned her head just a bit, feeling his collar at the top of her head. She hoped her hair wasn't all over his face as she nuzzled just a bit into his collar bone before going still. She was glad in that moment she wasn't able to see the rejection in his face, the tension in him only increased when she stilled and she the sudden urge to pull away again hit her. She swallowed down a breath and awaited the verdict her eyes rounded with sadness at the idea of being pushed away from him.
Severus was doing his best to keep himself from doing just as she feared. When he had sat on the chair he hadn't expected her to so easily press herself against him. The feeling of her frail form against his own made his stomach turn. Not with disgust from her touch but concern about her well being. She was still very light and he could feel her ribs pressing against his buttons into his own. Her hip was almost as painful as it pressed against his waist. A very fleeting thought graced his thoughts, the wonder of what she'd feel like against him would she have been healthy. It had been so many years since he had felt anyone as peacefully as that movement friend or foe, touching him as much as she was right now. Sure he had touched her before this, but it had always been with strict purpose, never for himself. He had carried her against him too, though again it had felt nothing but clinical, cold and distant just another task to be completed. This though, brought a pain to his soul, he had forgotten the feeling of warmth that another person could bring. Whether it be a hug, or simply sitting as they were. He nearly growled aloud as he very violently pushed the thought aside. He had a job to do, nothing more, nothing less. As he felt her settle he closed his own eyes taking a cleansing breath, his arm came up from behind her wrapping around her shoulder, his hand gently coming up to wrap under her chin. It was the most comfortable way to hold her in their current position and as he only needed one hand to make the connection he rest the other over his own waist his fingertips just barely touching her folded arms. He thanked whatever gods were listening for small miracles that the girl hadn't splayed herself completely over him. She seemed to be just as reserved as he was in their endeavor and for that, he was immensely grateful.
"Here we go."
Hermione let out the faintest of gasps as she felt his pull against her soul. She kept her eyes open allowing him to look into their white murky depths. She felt her body spinning down into the void. It took seconds before she found herself where she had stood before. A blue light coming to life as she slowly turned taking in the layered circles of doors. She swallowed thickly as she kept her mind on task. As everything started to come into focus she felt him form behind her and turned to take his command.
He took a few slow steps closing the distance between them, his head leaned down to remain his eye contact, "I want you to put your hands on my temples." He said gently as he took hold of her wrists raising them up, "I want you to try and see the image I sent you this morning, the one you had seen from my eyes." He bent himself down just a bit so she wouldn't have to stretch as far. "I want you to focus just on that, and nothing else." He felt her fingers twitch near his temples before resting very gently against them. Her fingers felt warm, and he could feel the connection between them growing stronger, just as it had when he'd pressed against her against the door in her mind.
Hermione took a slow breath as she felt the connection grow, a thin wisp of a thread weaving around forming a strong iron like chain. She looked deep into his eyes before letting her own loose focus as she tried to pull the memory to the front of her mind.
It felt like hours, days even as the world around her started to go dark, she felt a small panic well inside but the feeling of his hands tightening on her wrists calmed her fears. She wasn't falling into a void, she was being gently lead through it. She felt her hesitation slowly drip away as she allowed herself to be led into its blackness. A light started to emerge along the horizon and she allowed herself to be pulled towards it. She narrowed her eyes from the brightness, everything felt blurry and out of focus. The world was starting to wrap itself around, the rows of doors disappeared showing a mass of deep brown curls, a face, her face, coming into view. She narrowed her own eyes as to force it into focus. As her own visage came to view she couldn't help but smirk feeling a swell of pride in her chest. She could see it, she could see it all. The lounge chair they were laying on was a deep burgundy, its cushions looking as plush as they felt. The floor was dark, but there was sun coming in from a window just to her physical bodies right. The way her face fit perfectly into his palm. She smiled ever just so.
"I'm going to move my head." He warned her as he very carefully straightened his head, breaking their eye contact. He felt her mind waver just slightly before coming to center again. He kept his hand on her cheek, knowing that the connection worked best with a physical touch. Severus was watching his own vision through his inner mind, just behind Hermione. Like an odd sort of out of body experience. It made becoming accustomed to his left and right a bit awkward but he managed well enough.
Hermione gasped softly at the vertigo type of sensation of watching something move but not actually feeling it hit her. She kept her hands stilled on his temples however, as she took it all in. It still felt like she was looking through the bottom of a glass bottle at times, but the central image was clear enough to make out specific things. She held her breath as he turned his gaze to his left. She took in the large over stuffed book shelves lining the walls of the sitting area they appeared to be in. A large stack sat near what she presumed to be his chair, a side table cleared away, she could only surmise that had been where he had been taking notes while he read to her.
"This is...it's amazing..." she breathed out as she cataloged everything away.
"Indeed." He gently gave her wrists a tug, "Enough for now..." He said gently as he closed his eyes bringing her back into the darkness. He felt her more than heard her whine at the loss as he lowered her hands back down. He kept their connection open, hoping to test the length her ability to retain their joined consciousness.
"You had said you saw the creature...I believe with this connection you and I will be able to identify it and finally put an end to this." He watched a light die out of her eyes, the smile that had grown slowly falling away, she pulled back from him before he was able to discover just what had lowered her down.
Hermione nodded her head just a bit stepping back from him as he released her wrists. She wrapped her freed arms around her waist and looked away from him, she could feel the chain they had created slowly forming back into a tiny sewing thread.
"Miss Granger?"
It wasn't that she didn't want to get better, she very much wanted that with every bit of fight she had in her, but the way he had said, 'end' had bothered her. She backed herself up a bit more wrapping her arms tighter around herself. He was the first to have come to her, the first who had spoken to her in so long, the pit of loneliness that he filled so perfectly in that time had been something she hadn't even known she was missing until that moment. A deep seated feeling, she could feel it inside him too. Eating away slowly at him. She would be a liar if she said she didn't want to fill that void like he had filled hers. Even in the short time after he had come to her, she craved his presence inside her mind more and more. Like he was the missing puzzle piece after all this time. Like she had been waiting her entire life, just to feel something akin to what she felt at that very moment. She closed her eyes tight as she felt a solid surface at her back. She didn't want it to end. She didn't want their connection to end.
"Hermione." Her voice rolled through his mind stronger now, "My name." She clarified as he raised his brow at her change, "Please, just say it." She had her eyes locked on him now, a hand having pushed back the hair that had fallen down to shield her face as she went through her own feelings. She lifted herself up straighter her arms tightening down at her sides as she waited. Waited for him to recognize her.
His brows furrowed as deep as his lips as he just stared at her. Trying to figure out just what she was playing at. What on earth was she looking for from him? What would saying her name accomplish? More importantly, why was he so hesitant to say it? Why did he get a very strong feeling that abiding by her request would change everything not just for her, but for himself as well. His eyes pierced through her as he searched for anything he could find to keep him from saying it. Any reason at all, why it would be dangerous. He of course, had a laundry list of paper thin excuses that he knew she would have blasted straight through. He could feel her anger and desperation coming up around her as she stared him down. It reminded him of the girl he'd seen face Bellatrix. Strong, confident and unwilling to relent. She didn't fear him, she was ready to fight him on the issue. Ready to pry it from his mouth herself if she had to. He took a breath and straightened himself.
"No."
Hermione felt a coldness wash over her as if someone had dumped a bucket of ice water on her. "Why...?" She breathed.
Severus straightened himself up preparing his tirade, "I will not fall prey to the illusions you have built around yourself regarding my purpose for being here." His words were strict and hard as if he were teaching a class.
"You are ill Miss Granger." He took a step toward her making sure she was reminded of whom she was dealing with. "You can no more remember your mother's name let alone who I truly am." He watched her wince with his every word. "I was your professor, you were my student and in so much time that you can fully remember exactly every lesson I had taught you." He stopped a few steps in front of her. "This dilusion of yours will remain."
Hermione's face pinched as she tried to hold back all the hurt. She looked up at him her brow furrowed with a fierceness. Her jaw twitched as she stared him down. Neither one of them willing to give an inch.
"I think..." Her voice was low but strong as she took a step forward bringing herself right inside his personal bubble, her head tilted back just a bit. "You're the one, who has found themselves in a dilusion." She watched his eyes narrow and a tick in his jaw as he prepared himself for rebuttal. She didn't give him the chance. "I think..." She continued squaring herself up to him now knowing he'd have to step back should he want to keep his space. "You've surrounded yourself with these locked doors; because you're terrified," Her voice was a dangerous whisper now, "Terrified that maybe, just maybe, there is something human inside of you." She could see fire burning in his eyes, "I can feel it." She tapped her own heart with her fingers her words seething furiously through her teeth. His anger at his vulnerability rose up weighing down his tongue. "You're the one, putting weight on my name." She raised her hand placing it over his heart, she felt his flinch but he didn't pull back. "I know you didn't ask for this..." The edge in her voice softened as she spread her fingers out over his chest, "No one ever would... you're caught in the middle of this dysfunction...I know this is not your legacy...nor who you're meant to be..." She let her hand fall between them, "Yesterday does not define you, Severus Snape." His name left her lips filled with so many things for him to process. The fury that had grown inside him quickly doused as he watched her disappear from his space.
Snape sneered as he looked down at her. When Hermione had felt the return to her body she immediately pushed his hand from her cheek turning her back on him as she curled her arms to her chest glaring a hole in the side of the chair. Now he sat up one foot on the floor as he glared at her turned back. She might as well had just called him a 'Jack ass', he could still feel the proverbial slap to his head when his name had left her lips. He wanted nothing more than to tear her down. To use every single one of his reasons to cut her to the core. Force her into a trembling mess. However, as it was, he knew doing so would just further prove her point. He had been placing weight upon her name and his poor excuses were nothing but complete bullshit. He was also learning very quickly, that the girl in front of him had a very low tolerance for it, despite who her friends had been.