Minerva stood in the kitchen looking solemnly out the garden window. She felt as if she had said too much. Too personal. She feared her words would threaten to push the man even farther away from both of them. She knew his privacy was his utmost treasure. It was what had kept him alive for so long. She had realized that though the war was finally over, it had never truly left him.

She took a deep breath pursing her lips, "Albus you are a most unbelievably cruel man." She narrowed her eyes at the frame that appeared to be empty. Though she knew, he was there, lurking. She knew he wouldn't deny it but that thought brought her little comfort. She turned her eyes to the counter. What had he been preparing? She made a bit of a face as she realized all the man had left was vegetables from the garden. With a small wave of her wand, she summoned Tinie.

"Yes, Headmistress? How can Tinie be of service?"

"I'd like you to bring me food stock from the kitchens, a good balance of meat and vegetables if you please. Oh, and some pumpkin juice. A small pitcher will do. " She suspected that Hermione had had nothing but water since her wake as the man didn't seem to have anything else left. "Some of my personal tea as well please." The house elf bowed her head popping out.

As she waited for the elf to return she turned her eyes toward the ceiling. He was dreadfully quiet. She hoped that he was resting. He couldn't hide the fatigue in his shoulders though best he tried. She sighed softly and pulled off her layers of teaching robes setting them over the chair. It had been a long while since she had cooked anything by hand. She was quite looking forward to it. A small smile came to her face as she rolled up her sleeves washing her hands.

oOOo

A soft smell wafted through the entire house, a heart warming smell of a meal cooked with love and care. Hermione stirred first, her arms wrapped tight around something, at first her sleep clogged brain thought it to be his head but that had faded out long before she fell back into a thankfully dreamless sleep.

She slowly pushed herself up, using her hand to examine what it was. A teddy bear? She made a bit of a face, she wondered who it belonged to, it wasn't hers, she could tell by the smell, and it most certainly wasn't his. She set it gently on the floor abd she turned carefully to her back stretching herself out. Oh how wonderfully warm she felt.

The fire in the hearth was still going strong and her new clothes added to the layer the blanket over her had provided. It was a nice feeling. She smiled and rolled back onto her side pulling the blanket up to her nose.

"Hermione, dear?"

Footsteps moved slowly toward her and she mumbled not wanting to leave the warmth of her blanket and so, she hid her face down rather childishly. Maybe if she feigned sleep they would go away. Her stomach had other ideas as it let out a traitorous growl making her squirm.

Minerva smiled warmly at the sight. It took her back to those days when she would find the very same girl curled up in an alcove of the library having studied herself into exhaustion.

"I know you've woken. Would you like something to eat? I've managed to make a hardy beef stew with a nice apple bread for desert." Minerva's smile grew as she watched the girl slowly pull back the blanket.

"Would you like to sit in a chair? I can't imagine laying down all day to be all that comfortable."

Hermione paused slightly before nodding her head. She had managed a few meager steps, though to be fair Snape had been holding up most of her weight. Her hand lightly touched the bruise on her bicep.

It wasn't all that painful, she knew it would fade away quickly. She heard the matron move closer to her and she dragged her legs over the side of the lounge. She flexed them slowly as Minerva moved in closer. Unknown to her, the witch had transformed the entire sitting area.

Minerva had moved all the research books onto a shelf she had created from the old coffee table that had been pushed aside. She had expanded his side table into a nice table set for three. His chair sat nearest the lounge untouched, the other chair sat opposite the table while a third, the one from the kitchen, nicely modified into a similar style sat in the open space nearest the fire. Plates sat at each setting waiting to be filled with the prepared food.

"There we go," Minerva may have been old but she still had a bit of strength in her. She wrapped her arm around and under, pulling gently. Hermione helped the best she could, her legs shaking under the pressure causing her to hold on a bit tighter as she didn't want to fall. The first experience had felt most unpleasant.

"Just three steps...there we go..."

The elder witch's voice was comforting as she dragged her foot ahead of her. They both paused as she settled it, making sure she could keep her stance.

They made it to Snape's chair completely unharmed. Hermione let herself sink into it happily. "Who knew walking was so challenging." Moving inside her mind had left her with a different perception of movement she realized. She had felt everything under foot, heard every sound. It wasn't as disorienting as she thought it should have been and she found herself greatly relieved.

Minerva smiled slightly, straightening herself up. She couldn't help but notice how much smaller Hermione was compared to the chair. It could have easily swallowed her up. She shook the thought free when a soft creak over head drew her attention.

"I'll be right back dear, need to lure a snake from its hole." She patted Hermione's hand as she passed. The young woman smiling just a bit from the quip.

Minerva stepped lightly up the stairs, she heard the creaking of an old wooden frame and suspected that he was sat upon his bed. Remembering it too far from the door she felt safe enough to open it.

She rapped her knuckles against the wood before taking the handle, "Severus?"

There was a small shuffling noise but no bid to enter. Minerva pursed her lips, "You can't survive in there forever."

She swore she heard him mutter something to the contrary before she pushed open the door letting it swing open. Her eyes snapped to the man who quickly stood from the bed. His hair was a tousled mess, it completely undid any attempt at intimidation.

"I made food." Her lips quirked a bit as she tried to keep her amusement hidden. "Real food." She pressed when his eyes narrowed. When he didn't make a move to follow her as she turned. "We would appreciate your haste as I don't believe the stew will taste very well should it grow cold." She walked through the door then leaving it open as she descended the stairs.

Severus frowned deeply at her, however, his own stomach was starting to react to the smell wafting up. He sighed heavily through his nose, his hand moving to smooth out his hair. His thoughts lingered over the dream, of her coming to him, he was sure it was a dream, there was no way she could have entered his thoughts. No, it was just an image his subconscious had conjured. He tightened his jaw, but why could he still feel her hands wrapped so protectively around his head? He grumbled and ran his hands through his hair again trying to dispel the feeling as he made for the stairs.

He could hear Minerva moving about bringing the food from the kitchen to the sitting area made dining room. He lingered at the stairs, his eyes moving to the empty lounge.

He came in further moving toward his chair, though as he rounded the edge he felt himself grow still once again. She was in his chair. An image that normally set him on edge brought an odd sort of comfort inside him. She was leaned forward just running her fingers over the utensils that winged her bowl. Her head turned as if she could sense him near her. Her eyes drifted slowly up before stopping somewhere near his heart.

Her mouth opened to speak, "I'm sorry..." She felt him tense and hurried to clarify herself, "For taking your chair..." She winced as it wasn't what she had truly meant to say. She heard him grunt and start to pull away. Her hand moved quickly, fumbling slightly before wrapping around his wrist gently. "And...for striking you..."

His eyes snapped to her hand as soon as she'd touched him, a jolt of lament rolling through their connection. As the true apology passed her lips, he felt her tense just so. "I've had worse." He moved to pull his wrist from her when she suddenly tightened, he paused.

"I know...I-I'm sorry..." She gave his wrist a squeeze before slowly pulling her hand back, her soft fingers grazing over the top of his knuckles. His eyes narrowed dangerously as she curled back into the chair lowering her head.

Where was the fierce girl who had stood before him that morning? She looked nothing if not defeated. He was about to inquire before Minerva came around holding a large pot. He suspected that she had something to do with it.

"Take your seat then." She didn't look to him but he knew, she knew, what had just happened. He made no comment as he took the chair next to Hermione's leaving Minerva with the transfigured kitchen chair.

What a happy little family they made, his mind sneered as he watched the woman who had taught him even during his time at Hogwarts. He thanked her under his breath and he started to fill Hermione's bowl first. The girl to her credit did lean forward again raising her head as he gently described the place everything sat.

They ate in relative silence; Severus had only risen once to retrieve three potions for Hermione while, Minerva just watched the two of them closely. She wanted very much to speak about what she'd over heard but knew better if it. She knew the man despised small talk and senseless prattle and she wasn't sure Hermione would have any interest in the goings-on at Hogwarts.

Severus kept his eyes down at his plate, he'd never admit but the food was exceedingly delicious. More delicious than something the elves of Hogwarts could have produced. He supposed that the witch did really make it herself. The intent and attention to detail was easily noticeable to him.

Hermione was staring off just between her two former professors her mind replaying her brief conversation with Snape as well as what she could remember of his mind. The voice, she could still hear it clearly as it asked her not to go. She wanted to know more of the man who had taken to her care. She wanted to see just what lied behind all those doors. Her distraction led to her miss placement of her spoon and she squeaked as a bit of potato rolled down her chin.

"Miss Granger?" His voice was sharp but not ascetic as he reached towards her.

"I'm fine!" She urged sitting back, "Just a bit distracted," she hurried as she felt along the table for her misplaced bite.

She heard him lean toward her. When her fingers met his, she twitched a little before he picked up the fallen potato. She heard his breath leave his nose as he set it aside. She thanked him shyly sitting back a bit.

Minerva watched the entire exchange from behind her teacup a smile hidden behind the rim. Oh yes, these two were in so much trouble. The good sort for sure, but so much of it.

Hermione managed more than half of her stew before setting down her spoon, her stomach feeling deliciously warm. She thanked Minerva kindly and promised to give the apple bread a taste at a later time. Severus had managed all of his portion but also declined to eat the desert. She was sure, he would eat it with the younger witch at a later time.

Severus stood to help clear the table while Hermione curled herself up in his chair. She'd asked if there was anything to listen to mentioning the box she had found in her bag. Minerva acquiesced finding the small wizarding radio in her bag and tuned it to a soft classical station as she and Severus moved to the kitchen.

They said nothing as they worked on cleaning and storing away the left over food. He did take notice that his ice box was filled with more than he'd asked for. He uncharacteristically thanked the elder witch again as she dried the last plate with a wave of her wand sending it into the cupboard.

"Tomorrow then?" She asked picking up her cloak. She'd turned the room to rights in between their cleaning and was sure the man was ready to be rid of her.

"Tomorrow." He said with a weight to his face as he pushed the returned chair under the table. He inclined his head to her as she made her goodbyes to Hermione. She spoke very little to the girl and supposed it was up to him to prepare the young woman for what was to come. He opened the door for her when she returned to take her leave. He didn't miss the caring look she held in her eyes as she gave him one last glance before disappearing into the darkness of the back garden.

With a heavy sigh, he returned to the sitting room. The music was soft and slow as he came around the edge of his chair. Her eyes were closed but he could tell she was simply listening and enjoying the sound. He took the chair opposite her and simply watched her for a long while as if the mere force of his glare would unravel all her secrets.

She felt more than heard him return to her. She wanted to say so many things to him, but couldn't find the strength in her tongue. She sighed softly as the music shift to a more morose tone.

Severus sighed heavily, the tension in the room was heavy and distracting. Their nap would likely leave them awake for at least a few hours. He glanced to the new shelf that held the research he'd managed. He frowned. He had taken note of everything he could possibly think of. No, he needed her to give him answers now. He turned his eyes back to her.

"We will be expecting company tomorrow." His voice was meticulously neutral.

Hermione raised her brows, she could feel his unease despite his tone. "Draco?" She shifted in the chair curling her legs under her.

"No." His tone was short but he carefully reigned himself in, "They are friends of yours actually."

She leaned forward a bit curiosity falling over her features. "Who?"

"That would be Messer's Potter and Weasley." He watched her intently.

Her brows furrowed a bit, "Harry Potter?" The name felt familiar on her lips and she jolted slightly as a mirage of images assaulted her senses. They were nothing she hadn't already seen. She hissed slightly as she forced them back.

She felt a flicker of pride as she forced them into their book once again. That's who they had been looking for at Malfoy manor too; she recalled carefully, pushing back unnecessary feelings. "Ron...Ron Weasley." Her voice sounded pinched as something new flickered through her mind. She went still as she tried to reach for it but as so many times before it was gone before she could reach it. She growled deeply rubbing her face. They were so important! She let her growl raise with her temper from before surfacing again.

"Enough." His voice was stronger as he put both hands over her clenched fists. "Don't force it."

He was so close, she felt him, his breath gently wafting over the crown of her head. Her fingers twitched under his before slowly relaxing. She took a slow deep breath closing her eyes.

"Show me...show me how you do it..." Her voice was gentle, soft under the tones of the wizarding radio.

Severus' eye twitched just a bit at her request. Despite reservations he bent to down to heed her request. His hands slowly raised up leaving her hands in her lap, his fingers lightly pressing against her temples. "Relax..." He breathed against her cheek.

Hermione felt caught in his voice's hypnotic spell. She leaned forward just a bit as she straightened her body. Her hands moving up to rest over his. She didn't put any weight on them but rather wanted to strengthen their connection. She felt him brushing against the surface of her mind and gradually let him inside.

As the outer world melted away she found herself standing in the center of her personal library. She turned slowly, the music from the outside was still filtering into her mind space and it left an eerie feeling to the empty shelves. She turned slowly as she watched him appear out of the darkness, his cracked visage bringing light to his path. She raised her head and squared her shoulders as he approached.

"Your mind, is a collection of tomes." He stated obviously, "Access to any of them is easy and readily available." He continued his voice in perfect lecture mode, no patience for questions as he made his observations. "I want you to imagine a trunk." He said slowly moving around her. "This trunk need not be large, but it should be strong." He continued his wide arch impressed that she had managed to keep herself silent so long during his instruction.

Hermione nodded her head, closing her eyes in concentration and tried to imagine what he requested. It hurt, it more than hurt, it was searingly painful. She gasped softly leaning over as she held her head.

Severus paused in his path noticing her reaction. "Miss Granger?" It wasn't supposed to hurt, she wasn't supposed to feel anything.

"I can't..." She gasped holding her head, "It hurts... something... something is stopping me..." She held her head tighter baring her teeth.

Severus' eyes widened as his mind clicked, "Stop!" He took a step towards her as a loud crash sounded off somewhere in the darkness. He moved quickly taking her shoulders roughly into his hands shaking her slightly to break her concentration, but his eyes weren't on her, they were inspecting the darkness.

She gasped softly letting the thought go, he hadn't needed to shake her, she had stopped immediately on his command. She felt something warm down her face and gently touched but found nothing on her hand, she swallowed thickly her hands lightly resting on his chest as he scanned the surrounding area.

"Can it see us?" He whispered softly mostly to himself. However, inside the mind, it was hard to keep one's inner monologues from coming out. He tilted his head as he listened for anymore sign that it was present.

Hermione nodded her head fractionally, "It can...I think..." She whispered softly, "It can't hear us though..." She licked her lips slowly lightly tapping his chest to get his attention. She waited for him to look down at her before speaking even more softly, "When I was alone...I could hear it moving...but I was too afraid to go searching for it on my own..." She took a careful breath glancing to the sides, "But...I realized...that if I was still...it wouldn't come near me..." There was a small scratch of nails to their right and they both turned their heads, "The more I thought about it..." A slow unbridled fear started to wash over them as the creature moved closer, "The faster it came..." Her words were filled with the awe inspired fear. She could see its tongue slowly slipping out from the darkness. It wasn't approaching them however, it still seemed wary of coming near her when Snape was present.

Severus could see nothing in the darkness, but he could feel it's approach. His eyes had looked towards the girl clinging to him for answers. Her hands tightened and it was clear by the pure look of terror on her face that it was near them.

"What happens when you leave this space?" His voice was just as soft as hers knowing that they were being watched.

"I don't know really..." Her eyes flicked just a bit as she watched the tongue sway back and forth, "I know it's there, but I don't feel as trapped by it..." Her entire frame trembled as a tear rolled down her cheek.

A light appeared over the mantle where the first memory she had been left with had started to glow. The cover opened abruptly and Hermione screamed as its deep red light shot out towards them. She felt it's immense pull wrapping around her, creating a space between them.

"No! I don't want to go!" Her voice shattered the silence around them exposing their location as her soul let out a bright light of fear only the creature could see. Her arms wrapped tightly around Snape in a vain attempt to stay with him. Her eyes wide in terror as the tornadic vortex pulled her closer.

Snape hissed as he felt the sudden lurch of power. The creature couldn't handle them together. It was trying to separate them and the only way it could was by pulling her back into its torturous realm. His arms tightened around her and he felt himself being pulled towards it with her.