Disclaimer: I own nothing that JK Rowling created in association with the Harry Potter Universe.
A/N: I am new to writing fan fiction everyone! PLEASE read and review! I'd love to hear your thoughts and feedback! Hope you enjoy!
Chapter One- The Abyss
The fragrance of mint and jasmine overwhelm me. Darkness engulfs me but there is a distant drone, incessant and intruding. Trying to open my eyes, the darkness thwarts me and there is still nothing.
Foggily I fall back into my special place. It's summer and the warmth of the air cascades over me. The brilliant blue of the sky intermingles with the pinks and oranges that announce the impending sunset. Before me the calming hush of the waves flow towards me.
Edging closer and closer to the siren call of the ocean I feel at peace. My toes hit the freezing water but it feels right and I do not turn away. Wading deeper, the water takes over my body until I cannot stand.
Sinking beneath the surface the icy coolness of the water whooshes the air out of my lungs. Breathing becomes harder but I do not fight it. Down, down I sink yearning to discover the secrets of the deep.
Suddenly I am very aware of the beating pattern of my heart.
Thump, thump, thump, thump, thump, THUMP, THUMP, THUMP, THUMP, THUMP….thump.
As the rhythm slows I embrace this as my home, my eternal sanctuary.
"Hermione" the sound of the angels welcoming me.
"I need you" the sound of reassurance calming my nerves, telling me I am home.
"Please" the sound of the angels begging me to hurry and join them.
There is a blinding light and I can see him, my "him": the angel with blonde hair and grey eyes matching the exact shade of the ocean around me.
Suddenly there is nothing. I thrash wildly trying to get my angel back.
"Come back to me! I need you! You're mine!" I cry.
Reality dawns upon me as I open my eyes. The fluorescent light is harsh and a searing pain cuts through my temple.
"Ow." I whimper.
That one utterance induces a change so frenetic it's as if the entire world starts spinning around. Heads turn, people begin screaming and crying, someone runs out of the room and returns with even more people which adds to the confusion.
I search for him yet there is no sign, no trace of him anywhere. Another man, a different man bends down and moves my bushy brown hair aside moments before his lips brush my cheek.
"You've come back to me love. I knew you were strong enough. I've missed you."
"Wh-Who are you?" I stammer.
A hush falls over the room.
"Darling, don't you remember what happened? You were in an accident and we brought you here to St. Mungo's. You've been in a coma for nearly three weeks."
"I. I remember the ocean."
The strange man nods his head.
"Do you remember falling of the yacht?" he urges.
"N-n-n-no. Please. Who are you? Where are my mum and dad?" I am becoming hysterical.
"Hermione," a different man interjected, "what is the last thing you actually remember?"
"I was under water and the angel called me to him and I knew I was supposed to go to him."
"Do you remember anything before that?" The same man with the grey hair speckled with strands of black pushes.
"I-I-I was with my boyfriend, Draco."
Everyone smiles and the worry disappears. The blonde man who kissed my cheek smiles wider than all of them and he presses his lips against my hand that he happens to be clasping.
"Love, it's me," the mystery man coos.
"You can't be," I say, finally finding my voice, "You're at least ten years older than we are!"
Frown lines immediately form on every face in the room for the second time.
"Everyone, will you please leave me and the patient alone for a moment," the grey and black haired man requests.
Everyone silently leaves, looking back at me with pity. I don't know what they have to be sad about- it's this man next to me who's crazy and he isn't budging from my bedside.
"Sir," began the salt and pepper haired man, "I need to be alone with the patient to examine her. You can wait right outside and I will call you the second I am done,".
"Bollocks! I'm not going anywhere! She's been on death's door for long enough, Healer! I finally have her back and I'm not letting her go!" The man beside me clutched me harder.
Healer. The older man is a healer. He must be MY healer.
Mr. Healer appraises my protector wearily. "Sir, if you want her to get better I must insist that you let me do my job, and that includes allowing me my space to examine her fully."
The silence that followed is haunting. The men seem to be engaging in a staring contest. Finally I hear the rancid scraping of metal and the blonde haired man stands, still holding my hand. He leans down and wipes away the tears that had filled my eyes.
"I love you Hermione. I will be right outside if you need anything," he whispers and this time caresses his warm lips against my forehead while squeezing my hand, "Call me the second you are done,".
He punctuates the word 'second' with a threat that speeds my pulse.
"Oh, her skin is cold as ice too. Try and do something about that will you?" He entreats as he saunters out the door.
The healer watches him go and closes the door before turning back to me.
I gulp nervously.