Labyrinth

Chapter 10

As they delved further into the maze, the hedges grew wilder in their growth, vines were rising across the paths, and they had to push and break them to get through. Hermione's hand stayed interlaced with his the entire walk. While walking, Hermione told him of her experiences since the war. She described how she rose into the position of Unspeakable and her many travels to uncover historical magic objects. He was interested in her discoveries, but mostly, she could tell he was simply fascinated by her. It made her insides twist in a way she couldn't put into words.

"Your mental walls were so thick and difficult to bring down that the only way the department could bring them down was by using magical objects to ease you into that state of relaxation."

He considered this, "That is understandable; my unconscious self would be unable to determine friend or foe, so the walls would have continued to harden over time. Magical solutions outside one's power would be the best way to soften those barriers. What did you use?"

"Azoth. I had actually never heard of it — Har— a friend of mine, mentioned they had arrested someone in possession of it, but the department had deemed it non-magical. I suspected otherwise despite the evidence proving their point. I took a chance in dousing you in it, and here we are..."

Severus had stopped walking at the mention of Azoth, and Hermione also paused.

"You used animated spirit?"

She nodded, worried at the expression etched on his face.

"I see... Well, this complicates matters some. It has been rumoured to save spirits, but only in exchange for the spirit of another; at least, that has always been my understanding."

He turned to face her, grabbing each of her hands.

"Hermione, you need to leave. If we face the end of this maze together, Azoth could decide to take your spirit in exchange for saving my own."

She shook her head, "I won't."

"Hermione, please."

"Severus, I have hope that this will work out in both our favours. Let's just keep going..."

Severus looked as if he was in fierce consternation, his eyes tightly shut. She couldn't tell what he was doing but felt a light tug pull at her middle, and she realised he was trying to push her out of his mind. He wasn't strong enough, though. His body was weakened, technically unconscious. There was no power to be wielded to push her out.

Stepping closer to him, she cupped his face in her hands. "You won't get rid of me, Severus. I'm with you until the end."

He looked down at the ground, unable to form words. She decided to pull him along the path despite the dismay he held. She wouldn't let him lock his mind away for the rest of the time on the off chance it would hurt her. They had been safe so far.

As their conversation ebbed, a new ball of light emerged from the hedge to their right, floating directly to them.

"I'm not leaving, Severus." She said it before he could even get the words out, and she reached for the ball of light with her free hand, the other gripping his hand tightly.

The memory enveloped them as Hermione found them once again faced with Voldemort and Severus, this time alone. Based on where they stood, she guessed they were on the edges of Hogsmeade. She could see the castle in the distance, lights glittering from the darkness.

"You have done excellent work, Severus. I summoned you here today to reward you for the prophecy you overheard."

A teenage Severus knelt before Voldemort; she could tell he was shaking beneath the robes and mask.