An impression of déjà-vu startled Severus as he wandered down an unending passageway, before reaching two massive doors. Though, this time, they were both identical. He could hear mumbled voices coming from the two, unable to discern the words. He felt tormented, unsure which one to pick. Almost instantly, one of the doors slowly crept open, engulfing him into its vault.

He peered around, frantic, his eyes seeking a way out. Although he is one of the strongest wizards known, this strange rêve éveillé startled him. His eyes gradually adjusted to the dazzling light encircling him until he found himself in Dumbledore's office. He rose a disoriented eyebrow as, this time, he was watching the scene before his eyes and not participating.

Only a few feet away, he could see himself pacing in front of the Headmaster's desk, his hands held in a tight fist. "I need to find a way to protect her Albus! If they were to find out about us, they would murder her."

Through his moon-shaped spectacles, Dumbledore seemed as concerned as the Potion Master. Severus noticed his dark hand, decaying under the Dark Lord's Horcrux. As he looked around the room, searching for any indication of the date, he found the Muggle paper agenda Arthur Weasley had offered to Dumbledore.

Like a heartless-stringent-sharp whip, Severus found himself staring at the exact same date he was living in - in his timeline. At that same moment, he realised those memories weren't his, but Hermione's husband. How was that even possible?

"Severus, you have been involved with Ms Granger for little more than two months. Are you sure you're ready to spend the rest of your life with her?" Asked the Headmaster as he pulled out his wand from his mantle's pocket, "don't take me wrong, I'm more than happy that you found comfort in her arms, but war is approaching. Horace's party is in two days and we both know what Mr Malfoy will attempt to do. Either way, I wouldn't want you to lose focus on what you've vowed to accomplish."

The man flicked his dark hair to the side, his nose flaring extensively, "I have done everything you've asked of me, Albus! My sympathies for Ms Granger were like a thunderbolt, striking my heart - her flamboyant soul reaching for mine. I tried to shrug those feelings away, but she's quite the persuasive woman. I came to you, not for one of your lessons personally perfected for Ms Potter, but for you to help me find a way to save her from Riddle's grip!"

Standing up, the Headmaster reached the desperate man he grown to feel a strong fondness for. Although Severus had willingly during his younger years joined the dark side, his love and devotion for Lily Evans had touched him. Dumbledore would never admit it to himself, but he had been using to his liking Severus - turning himself into a Puppet Master. He had known from the get-go how to control Severus and those around him, just like a game of chess, moving his pawns around the board, ready to get the queen - Voldemort. Yet at that moment, looking through Severus' usual cold gaze, the wizard could see the anguish and devotion he felt for the young cub.

"Do you love her more than you've ever loved a woman Severus?"

"My teenage infatuation with Lily is long gone. I keep my part of the deal because I felt the need to seek redemption for my traitorous words." Explained the Potion Master. Reaching for his chest, Severus fisted his cloak right beneath his heart, "Hermione is all for me. She lit up something within me I thought long gone - eternally doomed to darkness. I love her Albus."

The invisible man on the other side of the office watched in utter shock at the exchange that stood before him. He had never seen himself so desolated, enslaved by the fear and love of his growing relationship with Ms Granger.

"My dear Severus" smiled the Headmaster, placing a hand on his shoulder, "if you two cherish each other, you can always bind your soul together eternally. This way, your mutual protection will permit you to live happily ever after."

"You mean..."

Dumbledore nodded, walking towards his Phoenix, now grown through the years, "it can be dangerous, you mustn't be far away from her for too long - especially during the war. The Anima Victum Vow, like any dark magic, has a catch. 'Separate the two bonded souls physically from the other and they will slowly meet their death if they aren't reconnected in time.'"

Before he could hear anything more, Severus's vision seemed to blur, causing his head to spin, pulling him back to his reality.

As he opened his eyes, a small tear splattered on his cheek. "Severus" cried the curly haired woman on top of him, her cold hands shaking on his face, "can you hear me?"

Trying to sit up, he nearly screamed at the throbbing pain in his head. "What happened?" He asked before his memories rejoined him, reviewing everything he had seen.

Another vision, just like last time.

"You were screaming, Severus are you hurt anywhere?" Responded Hermione sitting on his lap, her legs thrown behind him, "I tried to wake you up but....."

"Hermione" he managed to speak, his eyes seemingly searching behind her for an answer, "I need you to tell me more about the vow you decided to exchange with...myself."

"Are you referring to the Anima Victum vow or what we promised each other?"

Carefully placing his hands on her hips, he brought her closer to him, closing the gap between them. "Everything."

▽ϟ▽

A/N: I didn't know how to illustrate visually the vision, italic or not. But as last time I didn't and simply left the regular type of writing I did the same thing in this chapter. Hope it made sense. 🧐🌹⭐️

More coming up really soon, I just need to check the next chapter again. 💞💋❤️

XOXO