*Disclaimer- I do not own Harry Potter
The excruciating pain ripped through her body, her nerves exploding in agony. Her eyes filled to the brim with tears as her piercing scream rang through the foyer, echoing in the distance.
"Where did you get it, you disgusting piece of filth?!" hissed Bellatrix, while sending yet another Cruciatus Curse at the defenseless Gryffindor.
Hermione sobbed even louder, shaking her head. She wanted her life to end; she didn't want to endure this. She wanted Harry and Ron…oh how she missed them! She needed them- now more than ever.
"We—We found it! I swear! Please!" She cried. Bellatrix sneered, and the next thing Hermione knew, there was a dagger in her forearm. The screams of pain escalated to a whole new level, leaving the Gryffindor mentally lacking in her courage and bravery.
Hermione had always known Bellatrix was capable of such evils. She was well aware of just how dangerous this woman was, but after the past couple of weeks, she couldn't believe what was happening. If there was anything left of the nice woman inside of this Death Eater, she was long gone now.
As the blade cut deeper and deeper into Hermione's flesh, all of the horrible moments in her life flashed before her eyes. Her parents' brutal death at the hands of none other than Fenrir Greyback, leaving their cozy and beautiful home bloodied and cold. The night of Dumbledore's death, when almost all hope seemed to be lost at Hogwarts. And the most recent event- the most terrifying yet most cherished of all memories. She didn't really understand the connection she had with this, but it was stronger than anything she'd ever felt before. And with that thought in mind, she looked with tear-filled eyes up at him.
He couldn't bear to watch this. He'd come to know this girl, even if she didn't know it, and seeing this torture…he felt like he was hit with a Cruciatus curse as well. It wasn't every day that Draco Malfoy could say that.
His aunt has done many horrid things, and despite all of that, he'd always loved her. Bellatrix had been a mother figure to him in many ways, ever since Lucius murdered Narcissa in Draco's 5th year. Yes, that's right. Murder. Lucius Malfoy, nothing but a vile and malicious man, chose the Dark Lord over his own wife. Draco was disgusted with his father, but even more appalled at himself for looking up to this man his whole life. However, being the coward that Draco Malfoy was, he could never bring himself to confront his fears.
Bellatrix, despite her MANY flaws, was his shoulder to cry on. He never knew she had it in her to be the least bit loving, but she justified that thought quite easily. They both shared a bond- the feelings of loss when Narcissa died. Bellatrix was like his mother from then on, and Draco loved her.
Seeing Bellatrix torture Granger was something else. It was never easy for him to endure others being tortured, especially at the hands of his aunt, but this…this was excruciating. He combed back through the memories of the past few weeks, remembering what it was like for the Gryffindor. How much she went through. How brave she is.
His steel gray eyes met her sad and pained brown orbs. Hermione looked up to him hopefully, longing for the real Draco Malfoy to show himself and take her out of this torture. In that moment he decided what he was going to do. He took one last glance at her before he turned around and left the room.
Hermione sobbed louder in hysteria, as Bellatrix continued to crave the word "Mudblood" into her flesh forever. She felt his betrayal hit her like a ton of bricks, although she really had no reason to. She knew so much about him, experienced his pain and suffering, but never truly interacted with him. She had no reason to feel even more hurt when he walked away, but she did.
Guilt hung over his head as he walked down the dark hallways to the dungeons. That look she gave him…it was a look of betrayal. She thought he was leaving her to die. Why was he saving her again? They'd never even talked, yet he knew her like the back of his hand. There was a strong connection he felt towards her that he didn't understand, but he wasn't going to let her die. Not after everything he'd experienced.
And with that realization, he entered the dungeons. Her screams resonated into the cellar sending a chill up his spine. It was time he paid Saint Potter and Weaselbee a visit.
A/N: Confused yet? This was basically a flash-forward moment in the story. It will start from the beginning in the next chapter. Remember, reviews are greatly appreciated! :)