As wizards and witches alike were celebrating Voldemorts defeat nobody noticed Bellatrix's body unaccounted for or Hermione missing…
Fresh air was sucked greedily into her lungs while the sun gently warmed her face. Her mind producing only one single coherent thought "Freedom", then a soft noise escaped her lips. A quiet chuckle which was slowly getting louder and louder until a clear high-pitched laugh could be heard.
That was how Minerva McGonagall and Luna found her, laughing like a mad men, sounding almost identical to Bellatrix's blood curdling laugh. It only missed the pure unadulterated hating tone hiding underneath. It was frightening as if Bellatrix Lestrange was standing right before their very eyes.
Luna was the first to recover and recognize the pale and thin woman in front of her. "Hermione" she gasped. No response, for a moment Luna looked uncertain. She thought for a moment that maybe Wrackspurts had invaded her brains. "Is that really you 'mione?" she tried again.
Slowly the woman turned around, another gasp could be heard this time from Minerva McGonagall. Hermione's face was full of angry black and purple bruises, one eye half closed because of the swelling and to add to this all a few cuts were still bleeding. Suddenly it dawned on both women just how bad Hermione was looking. She was skinny and ashen, her hair unwashed and full of knots. Yet her eyes were the most frightening. Once sparkling and full of adventure and knowledge, now they were pit black. Not even holding the slightest trace of hope, full of despair and an immense pain.
It seemed like ages before Minerva had managed to find her voice, "Hermione" she whispered ever so softly in order not to frighten her. However, Luna was utterly lost unable to keep her tears at bay. Not even thinking about Wrackspurts or Nargles anymore… Meanwhile the women, Hermione or the shell that was left of her, just stared at her. As if she was some sort of puzzle piece that she couldn't place...
Finally Minerva continued "Your safe now" and taking a slow yet deliberate step towards her, extending her hand and waiting for Hermione to grab it. "Hermione, your safe" yet still no reaction. She tried again "Miss Granger" suddenly her eyes shot up and held a spark of recognition then grabbed the headmistress's hand.
As soon as she had touched McGonagall's hand Luna wanted to apparate them to St Mungo's. However, McGonagall stopped her. "Professor?" "Luna, it might be better to bring her to Hogwarts and let Poppy look after her." Luna didn't understand why though surely at S' they know how to treat her better? They probably have more experience right? Her musings were stopped short by Minerva as her questioning look was caught. "I understand your hesitation, but it would gather a lot of unwanted attention" Luna grimaced. She remembered Rita Skeeter and her ridiculous stories about Hermione during the Tri-Wizard Cup and those horrible rumors after she disappeared. She nodded to let the headmistress know that she understood and agreed.
A soft 'Plop' was heard and they were gone. The only evidence they were ever there was a tiny trial off blood drops where Hermione had stood.
A/N: Should I continue? Let me know what you think so far :)