Love even in the Darkness

What if Hermione wasn't the only one Bellatrix tortured at Malfoy manor that night, what if the one person Hermione loved more than anyone had been captured too?
Follows books for the most part, epilogue didn't happen, Hermione never kissed Ron and she wasn't the only one tortured at Malfoy manor.
F/F HG/MG

Hermione sat in the destroyed court yard, the rubble surrounded her like a blanket, dust and grime covered every inch of skin and clothing. Dry and fresh blood caked her neck and arm, but she felt no pain, only exhaustion and sorrow. They had won but the cost was high, the innocent lives that had been taken, the bodies of friends and foes alike lay in long lines awaiting collection. Hermione's eyes were staring unseeing into the distance and she was too caught up in her thoughts to hear the cheers of victory from the surviving students, professors and order members just inside the broken doors of the damaged but still powerful school.

The slim figure of Minerva Mcgonagall stood on the steps a few feet behind the small form of her former student, she had stepped away from the grieving and celebrating witches and wizards inside the broken halls, looking for the one witch that wasn't there but should be. As she took in the destruction surrounding them and finally to Hermione's delicate profile, smudged with dirt and blood but still the most beautiful sight she could ever remember seeing. Minerva was broken from her admiration of the strong witch in front of her by the heavy footfall of Ron and Harry.

'Have you seen-' Harry's quiet question was interrupted by Minerva's gesture towards the form a few feet from where they stood. The two boys started to move towards the figure of their friend, elation could be seen in both Ron and Harry's eyes and Minerva moved away to let them enjoy these precious moments, before the world would once again be focused on the three young Gryffindor's.

'Hermione, we've been looking for you' Harry's simple words eased Hermione back into the moment and she turned to her two friends and used the last of her strength to pull a smile to her face and embraced the two boys, who were more than brothers to her. The three of them stayed like that for several moments before they stepped back and looked at each other with relief, they had done the undo-able.

They made their way back into the castle, families crowded together with medi witches and wizards running between the makeshift beds, but the atmosphere was one of celebration. Slowly the castle emptied as remaining death eaters were taken to Azkaban, the seriously injured were transferred to St Mungo's and others to the hospital wing, families collected their members survivors and fallen alike. The clear up from the battle and the scars from this time of turmoil would take a long time to heal, but the wizarding world had a fresh start ahead.

Soon Hermione found herself curled on a sofa next to a crackling fire inside the Burrow, the rest of the Weasley's and Harry were asleep. She sipped her tea and stared into the flames, she was exhausted but her mind would not let her sleep. Next to her on the sofa lay a dreamless draft which Minerva had slipped into her hand wordlessly as the Weasley's had lead her away from the castle a few hours ago. The look in her mentors eyes had been of deep concern, but Hermione could not hold the gaze, nor answer the questions that lay in them. She knew she would have to talk to her, but she was too tired, too raw from the battle and the last year. Questions and answers were for another day. Hermione finally swallowed the potion and let the empty darkness take her away for a while.

The next day was spent in quite relaxation for most; just enjoying being together enjoying that simple pleasure was enough. Hermione allowed herself the day to feel the comfort of the people around her, but the cold ache in her chest would not ease and the dark thoughts she felt crowded in and she felt she might drown. They had been joined at the Burrow by the remaining order members and they ate and toasted to the fallen members of their group and conversation moved towards the rebuilding of the school and the wizarding world.
Hermione stepped outside, taking deep breaths of cold air she allowed herself to let the mask of strength drop and let the silent tear flow down her cheeks. She walked to the edge of the corn field that circled the burrow, she knew she only had a few minutes before her absence was noted and she would have to get herself together before someone came looking.

'I will return in a moment' she said in firmest voice she could manage, as she felt her magic slick across her skin telling her she wasn't alone.

'I was not going to hurry you, more implore you not to freeze yourself out here' came the soft Scottish burr of Minerva.

Hermione took another deep fortifying breath, turned and made her way past her mentor and the woman she had lost her heart to long ago, but who now she couldn't bring herself to meet the eye of.

'Please Hermione, I know you do not wish to speak of what happened, but please don't shut me out. Not now, not after-'

'Don't!' The anger in Hermione's voice was not a surprise, but the darkness in her eyes stopped Minerva short, her heart broke again for the strong witch in front of her, so selfless in her protection of those she loved, she was scared she would lose herself to the darkness that had touched her.

Hermione eyes still ablaze turned to the older witch 'I can't. I just can't.'

'I wish you hadn't, I wish it had been me, I wish you had let it be me!' Minerva's emerald eyes sparked with quite fury and she implored the young witch to listen to her.

The anger that had burn bright in Hermione died and she broke away to look at the ground, before turning to walk away she said quietly 'I don't, I would make the same choice again and again. Because I love you'.

Minerva caught up with her, taking her arm to try and prevent Hermione from walking away from their conversation. At the touch Hermione's magic lashed out and surrounded Minerva pinning her at her in place. Hermione quickly released her, concern now etched into her beautiful features. 'I'm sorry I didn't mean to, it's getting harder to control' Hermione supplied, eyes flicking over Minerva.

'No I am sorry I shouldn't have pushed you to talk to me, till you were ready. Your raw magic is strong Hermione' Minerva's calm tone, tried to pass her regret to the younger witch.

'We should be getting back' Minerva gestured to the house, filled with the light and love of their friends. Nodding Hermione lead the way back into the warm. She would talk to Minerva soon, she knew the older witch deserved so much better than her, someone not damaged. She would gather the last of her Gryffindor bravery and tomorrow, she would deal with it tomorrow.

A/N- Reviews are always appreciated :)