Labyrinth

Chapter 4

Hermione had analysed all the properties in the cauldron recovered from Parkinson and found all the elements mentioned in her research regarding Azoth, but it still showed no apparent magic. It was strange. She identified high degrees of sulfur, mercury, and salt — which should inherently create magic when combined in a silver cauldron like this. Perhaps Pansy had added something else that had muted its effects?

Regardless, her analyses revealed no magical properties. If that was the case, then... adding it to Snape's bath should have no effect?

It wasn't the worst idea because it would either do something or absolutely nothing, which would help her by letting her know she needed to spend more time researching.

She walked to Snape's prone body, holding the cauldron nervously. Here went nothing... As she poured, the substance spread throughout the stasis liquid and turned it... clear? It was as if he were in a true bath now. Hermione's face tinged pink as she could see, well, everything.

Shaking herself, she told herself to be a professional despite being in the presence of a very naked Severus Snape.

The fact that something happened showed promise. Perhaps there were traces of magic left in the concoction that was said to be Azoth. She took a deep breath, steeled herself, preparing for anything as she pulled out her wand, pointed at the man's head and clearly said, "Legilimens."

Hermione's mind immediately felt ground as she prodded into his mind, and the first thing she noticed was the thorns had disappeared. Ecstatic, she approached the maze to inspect it closer. Given the size of the hedge and shape, it was clearly a maze, but she still found no immediate opening. Deciding she needed to circle the entire maze to determine that there was still no opening, she began walking.

Rounding the final corner of the maze, she spotted a figure. It was hunched over, shaking like a dog that had been kicked repeatedly. As she walked closer, more fog lifted, and she saw Severus Snape drenched in what could have been sweat, water, and blood. Who knew? He was extremely dishevelled, gasping for air.

"Prof—," she paused, thinking better of her words. "Snape, are you alright?"

His chin jerked up, and he whipped his entire body around, losing his balance and falling backwards as he did.

"Who are you? What is this?" his voice was hoarse, his face contorted in confusion.

She held her hands up, showing she meant no harm as she went closer. Beads of sweat dripped down his face, and she could see the blood smeared down his neck that drenched his cloak.

"It's me, Hermione Granger. We are... well, this is a device of your creation. We are in your mind, so to speak."

Crouching down to meet him on his level to appear less foreboding, she gave him a half smile.

"I'm here to help you."

He seemed to process this, nodding slowly. A hand reached down for his cloak; she presumed he was searching for his wand.

"I see. I must have been badly hurt... I think I prepared this scenario but can't remember why," his face was twisted in consternation, reminiscent of the professor she once knew.

"The scenario of this maze and the walls you built were likely to protect your memories from falling into the wrong hands, if I had to hazard a guess," it was the easiest conclusion to make, knowing the position he served in the war.

Suddenly, he stood, backing away from her in a guarded fashion.

"And how do I know you are not 'the wrong hands'?" he sneered.

Well, there was no doubt that this was certainly her old professor.

"Fair point. I can leave you to your own devices and see if you can escape. I do think it is prudent to inform you that you have been in this state for... a long time, though. It may be in your best interests to allow me to help."

"And where do your loyalties lie...?" he gave cautious pause, considering her words and must have found some honesty in them; he was always very perceptive.

She considered this question. A proper answer to him would depend on how much he remembered, but overall, she felt there was a large truth she could tell him.

"My loyalty lies with other muggleborns like me, with those who need a friend, and with all that is good in the world." Dropping all pretence, all of her own mental wards, in hopes he would see the truth in her words.

Finally, he relaxed.

"Very well... Hermione. I will allow you to help. Do you know much of my own history?" he carefully scrutinised her face, likely trying to piece together his memories to no avail.

It was her turn to be somewhat guarded, "Yes... some. But I fear laying it all out for you could be dangerous. It could damage the last vestiges you have left and drive you mad."

"Yes, yes. I am aware. Do not presume I am entirely ignorant. I am just lacking in some significant gaps in my memory, but I know if you were to tell me, it could do more harm than good. I was simply discerning how well you knew me, that is all."

That was fair. How well did she truly know the professor? Outside of what Harry had informed them and what little she found in reference to the Prince family, it was next to nothing.

"Well, then. Shall we begin?" she tipped her head toward the maze.

Snape acquiesced by straightening his robes and wiping his face and neck with his sleeve. He looked marginally more put together; at least he was not nearly as filthy.

"Yes, let's," he approached the maze, carefully laying a hand upon the thick tendrils of shrubbery and uttered a phrase that sounded like flos intus.

At his words, an opening began to appear in the overgrown hedge. It was just large enough for a human to fit.

"Are you an accomplished enough Legilimens to continue?" his question stung, but it was a logical query.

"I am said to be the most accomplished Legilimens since yourself, if that sates your concern," she could bite back if necessary. She was an adult and no longer feared the man's judgment before her.

The corners of his mouth twitched slightly, odd, but aside from this, he held no reaction.

"After you then, Hermione," he held his arm out to allow her entry before him. It was strange hearing her name on his lips. She was unsure he had ever said it; of course, he had no idea she was a former student so he would call an adult woman by her first name.

Walking in the maze revealed nothing initially. The light from the white emptiness behind them revealed a straightforward, narrow pathway with no obstacles. She felt Snape's breath fall in step behind her as she went further in when suddenly it was pitch black. The opening behind them had closed, leaving them in darkness.

Snape cursed under his breath. She assumed he was wracking his mind to recall what to do next. The logical part of her mind jumped into gear.

"Lumos," and with that, lights appeared above them. Turning, she saw Snape look up and then back at her.

"Ah, that was..."

She accepted his faux thanks with a curt nod and continued forward. This would be interesting, to say the least.