A/N: I don't own Harry Potter or any related characters
Word Count: 330
Like rabid dogs of war the horacrux ripped the memories from Hermione's mind, yanking them to the surface, every painful thought, every time she'd let her mind wander.
"No, no, that can't be, it's not possible," she whispered, watching her own mind unfold in front of her like a pop up book from her childhood.
Suddenly she was questioning them, the scenes replaying in her mind, distorting more and more each time, until she was no longer sure what was real and what had been planted to insure she'd stay in line.
"He wouldn't have, no? Yes? How could he!?" she howled, screaming, unable to tear her own fingers from the horacrux she was holding.
Relief finally came when someone took the horacrux from her and stabbed it. The ethereal scream filled the air and Hermione nearly collapsed from both exhaustion and sheer relief. Severus picked her up, carrying her carefully.
"I have you now, Hermione. It will be alright," he promised, laying her down in his, their, bed. She slept about two hours before seeking him out in the sitting area. He poured her a cup of tea.
"I should ask what you were thinking, fighting that thing alone."
"I thought I was strong enough. I mean, Harry and Ron have each destroyed one, the book and the locket.
"I did the best I could," Hermione whispered. "I had no idea what it would do to me, how it would make me question everything I thought I knew, everything I believed. I started thinking my own thoughts were put there by someone else, to keep me in line. I didn't know what was real, what wasn't."
"It made you question me?"
"No, I never questioned my love for you, only if we were the right side."
"And, after you destroyed it?"
"I knew neither side was right, each pushing their own agendas…the only thing I knew for certain was I loved you no matter who we pretend to serve."