First in my new series, "Aftermath". This series of one shots takes place immediately after the Final Battle of Hogwarts. We begin with Hermione.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Harry Potter or any other affiliates. The only thing I own is this idea and series.
Aftermath, Part One- Hermione
Hermione Granger stared at herself in the bathroom mirror. She barely recognized the young woman she saw. The woman in the mirror looked tired, aged beyond her eighteen years.
Her once sharp, sparkling eyes had dulled to a muddy brown. These were the eyes that had known pain, had watched friends and loved ones die before them.
Her hair, once unmanageable springy curls, was matted, hanging down to her waist and weighed down by dirt.
Hermione could see telltale lines beginning around her slack mouth, the result of frowning too much over a book... Or Ron.
Her face was caked with mud, as her clothes and the rest of her skin.
The hands that had clutched a quill so enthusiastically yet elegantly were crusted with blood and earth.
And to think, she hadn't even taken her clothes off yet.
Inhaling deeply, she closed her eyes for a brief moment as she lifted her baggy shirt away from her body.
As she raised her arms over her head, Hermione groaned at the joints in her back and shoulders popping. This shower would help her aching body nicely.
She hesitantly opened her eyes, and took in the ghastly sight before her. There were no tears as she took in her body, no emotion whatsoever.
Her formally lean, toned body had wasted away from lack of food. Her ribs were clearly defined, her breasts minimal, and her arms bony and jutting awkwardly. Her head appeared to be too big for her body.
Hermione's eyes traced the numerous scars inflicted by Bellatrix and Greyback.
The thin scar on her neck, from Bellatrix's blade.
Claw marks on her shoulders.
The long purple scar crossing her stomach from the Department of Mysteries.
Numerous others from the Cruciatus.
Hermione closed her eyes. As she looked at each scar, she felt the pain from each one magnify tenfold in her brilliant head. A small tear leaked out her left eye, leaving a clean trail of flesh in its wake.
War changes people. Although you celebrate the ending of it, the Aftermath stays with you forever. All you can do is try to move on and continue with your life.
And Hermione Granger did just that.
Please tell me what you thought! I would love feedback on my return to writing! If I'm encouraged to continue, the next in the series will be Ron.
xoxo, Your Singing Telegram