A/N: This fic is rated M to be on the safe side. I'm unsure as to whether it'll really earn this rating yet. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: JK is a genius, these are her characters - I'm just playing with them!
Prologue
She was running as fast as she possibly could, winding between trees, beneath low-hanging branches and over twisted roots.
Her eyes were clouded with unshed tears and her lungs burned with exhaustion, but she couldn't stop. Stopping would result in a far worse consequence than aching lungs. It was safe to say that Hermione Granger had never been so afraid before. Never.
Not when being tortured by Bellatrix, not when facing Voldemort in the final battle – or the times before that, for that matter. No, with those, death would always be the end result. Her pain would eventually be ended because, at the end of the day, she was just another mudblood to them. She knew what to expect.
Hermione Granger was so terrified at that moment, because she was well aware the man behind her would not grant her death.
She was well aware that he would ravage her in everyway possible if he caught her, but rather than end her suffering when he grew bored, he would simply leave - a sick smirk plastered on his face - and she would be found, healed, and have to live the rest of her life with the memory. She knew it would happen because she had seen it occur before.
Lavender Brown had been driven so insane by her own thoughts after her attack that she had been permanently admitted to St Mungo's, though only after she had gouged out her own eyes to try and stop the images that felt as though they were burnt onto the inside of her eyelids. Of course, that had done nothing to help, and Lavender spent her days under the constant influence of calming draughts, whimpering quietly at any noise she heard within the Janus Thickey Ward.
Hermione pushed on, the sound of pounding feet behind her driving her forward.
She cursed herself for agreeing to this godforsaken trip. She should have listened to her gut when Ron suggested they revisit the Forest of Dean one last time and just said no. She shouldn't have allowed herself to become sentimental and agree to such a stupid idea. She shouldn't have simply laughed when Harry and Ron plied themselves with firewhiskey and fell into bed, snoring loudly. She definitely shouldn't have wandered out of their warded clearing alone for some fresh air, and at the dead of night of all times.
It was almost as though he had been waiting for her, as within seconds of stepping through the wards, Fenrir Greyback had appeared to her left, a feral grin displaying his stained teeth. It was as though time stood still, each pairs of eyes locked on the other. There hadn't seemed to be enough air reaching her lungs as her breathing quickened; she choked. Then Hermione had made one of the most foolish decisions of her life. Instead of stepping back into the warded area before he reached her, she began to run. With a barked laugh, he had quickly followed – the wolf inside him rejoicing at the chase. She imagined this was some sort of game to him, chasing her further and further away from safety. She feared the steady pace he had worked up was simply to toy with her, he didn't sound nearly as tired as she felt. She could make out his even breathing, loud but decidedly un-laboured.
Concentrating on trying to work out his location purely from his footsteps, Hermione failed to notice the sudden decline in the forest floor. She stumbled and tripped over a tree root; launching herself headfirst down the steep bank. On and on she rolled, until coming to an abrupt stop lying on her front. She made to scramble to her feet, but was halted when a heavy foot pushed her back down into the mossy earth. She struggled; frantically trying to crawl away as he chuckled at her.
'Game's over, girly. I win, you lose,' he told her, voice hoarse from lack of use. Being on the run didn't really present many opportunities for idle chitchat. Hermione clawed at the ground beneath her, her movements more and more desperate as he dropped to his knees, one either side of her hips, keeping her pinned in place. The tears flowed thick and fast as he grabbed her hair in one hand and brought his face down to her ear.
'Keep struggling, sweet. I like 'em feisty.' At her cry of panic and constant wriggling, he threw back his head and laughed, the sound echoing through the trees. Greyback finally had the prize he'd set his eye on months ago, back at Malfoy Manor when Bellatrix had threatened to let him have her. It had taken a lot more work than he was used to, to find her, but he never gave up on a challenge.
Yes, Fenrir Greyback smiled as the small, young woman below him continued to fight – the sobs wracking her body sent tingles down his spine.
'Victory is sweet,' he whispered, before setting about claiming his prize.
The Daily Prophet - September
by Rita Skeeter
GRYFFINDOR GOLDEN GIRL ATTACKED
It has been reported that Hermione Granger (19), the brains behind the Golden Trio, was admitted to St Mungo's early this morning in a critical state. Details about the attack and Miss Granger's status are unknown, though an extremely unsettled Harry Potter was seen emerging from the hospital, only to return with the Weasley matriarch, Molly Weasley, and her daughter and youngest child, Ginevra Weasley. When asked for information, Mr Potter became very anxious and repeatedly questioned our reporters' presence at the scene, before being led away by a tearful Miss Weasley. Is Mr Potter feeling guilty perhaps? Did he and the final member of the Golden Trio have something to do with the attack? Stay tuned for more details. When we know it, you'll know it!
The Daily Prophet - September
by Rita Skeeter
GOLDEN TRIO DIVIDED?
Only a week since Miss Hermione Granger's discharge from St Mungo's, we are already hearing rumours that the famous Golden Trio may have split for good. An inside source, who wished to remain anonymous, told us; 'Potter and Weasley are deeply regretful. They feel responsible for Granger's attack, as they weren't able to help her. Rumour has it that she hasn't seen them in person since she was first admitted to the hospital.' It must also be noted that it would appear no one in the magical community, not just Potter and Weasley, has seen Miss Granger since her release. One must wonder whether she has decided to leave purely to recover from her attack, or perhaps to avoid the friends that failed to protect her. Either way, this reporter suspects Miss Granger won't be back any time soon.
The Daily Prophet - November
by Rita Skeeter
SNAPE AWAKENS!
Potions Master and spy extraordinaire, Severus Snape has awoken from his coma after six months since an attempt on his life was made. School matron Poppy Pomfrey found Snape after the final battle, barely alive and severely injured due to Tom Riddle's snake, Nagini. Thanks to quick thinking on Madame Pomfrey's part, the mysterious Mr Snape's life was spared. One wonders whether he will return to Hogwarts after his recovery, or if the site of his near-death will prove too much. You heard it here first, readers!
The Daily Prophet - January
by Rita Skeeter
NEVER FEAR, POTTER IS HERE!
Harry Potter, saviour of the wizarding world, has been welcomed with open arms into the Auror programme at the Ministry of Magic. He has successfully passed his training and will be presented as full Auror at a small ceremony this week. Head of the Auror Department, Gawain Robards, stated he had no doubt Potter would pass with flying colours; 'That boy was born to be an Auror.' As for the other members of the disbanded Golden Trio – Ronald Weasley currently works at Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes with his brother, George, due to the opening left by their deceased brother, Fred. There have still been no sightings of Hermione Granger in the past four months, though Mr Potter assures us she is safe and well. Who knows what's really going on? Stay tuned for more updates on the famous three.
A/N: Well I certainly hoped you liked it! I haven't completely planned this fic out yet, but I have a general idea as to where it's going. I've already written the first draft of the next chapter, but I think I'll wait and see how this chapter is received before I post it - so go review and tell me what you think!
Maddison x