-1Saving Granger

By - Keshia Kay Mansell

Chapter 1 : She Lives

The ally way reeked with the smell of dead rats and urine where Hermione Jean Granger sat rocking back and forth. She didn't mind the smell; she was used to the place. But She never could get used to the ache for food that her stomach had long been deprived of. Her small figure proved it too. She barely had any flesh left to cover her ribs and her shape was bony and unsettling.

A thick film of dirt seemed to cover her body, making her skin appear darker then it's actual pigment. Her clothes were nothing but tattered rags. She smelt just as bad, if not worse then were she sat. But what do you expect if you live in Piss Ally, right?

She groaned to herself as she felt the pain return. It was the one thing she hated most. Every time she felt it, she was reminded of the past, the torture she had once endured, and the deep scar that ran down her back. But worst of all, she was reminded of him. He was the reason she was here today, instead of living her life and it was his fault that she was now a worthless piece of shit.

She hugged herself, preparing for the tremors that were sure to follow. She closed her eyes and allowed the pain to take over without bothering to fight it. It always won anyway.

The pain subsided ten minutes later and her breathing returned to normal. She sighed wiping her tears away. The pain usually lasted longer then it had so she was a little grateful for that. She weakly fumbled around until she found her wand. She needed something to stop these horrid pains.

"Scorgify." she whispered, cleaning her pitiful excuse for clothing. Then with the wave of her wand she apparated to Knockturn Ally in hopes of finding Mundigus for some much needed 'medicine.'

Yes, sad as it may seem, Hermione Granger depended on narcotics to push her through life. Mundigus had been the one who got her started on it and she gladly took each potion he was willing to give her, knowing that for at least an hour or so she could forget. The numbness was soothing to her.

She never questioned him about what was in the vials he seemed to have ready in fear of what it might be. It was bad enough that the stuff was most likely illegal, she didn't need to worry about the harm it really caused or how many years she'd probably spend in Askaban if she was ever caught.

She walked stiffly and quickly through the darkness, passing other zombie-like people as she went. She stopped in front of a small pub called the 'Witch Hazel' and knocked on the door three times. A eye could be seen through the peephole and she heard the guard's gruff voice from the other side. "Here again, Mudblood?"

"I'm here to see Fletcher." she replied tiredly, ignoring the man's cruelness.

"Whatever." The guard said opening the door for her. She entered slowly making sure that no one would attack her; though uncommon, it had happened to her before. She normally wouldn't have much to about though, considering she looked poorer then a house elf.

"This way." the large guard commanded coldly. To Hermione he looked to be half troll, but she was smart enough to keep comments like that to herself. Contrary to popular belief, she would rather live then die.

The two continued walking until he led her to a door on the far corner of the building. "In there." the guard said before stomping away. Hermione opened the door, which contained a small suit once inside. This place made the 'Leaky Cauldron' seem like a resort vacation. There was dirt and dust literally everywhere.

"Ah, Hermione, what can I do for you?" Mundigus greeted with fake enthusiasm.

"I need more 'medicine,' Mundigus." she said smoothly.

"And what, may I ask, do you have to trade?" he asked with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"I have nothing for you. I figured that since I gave you my old engagement ring last time, you'd go easy on me this time." she explained.

Mundigus frowned and studied her a moment before answering, "No can do."

"What!? But Fletcher, I'm your best customer!" Hermione shouted, ignoring the ringing in her ears that it caused.

"Sorry, but if I do you the favor of letting you off the hook, other customers will expect the same treatment. It's bad for business." he said shaking his head.

"Fine! See if I care! Fuck off and die Fletcher!" she screamed in his face.

"The feeling is oh, so mutual." he said with a sneer.

With that, Hermione angrily marched out of the room, slamming the door. When she was about to exit the pub, she heard the guard call her a bitch under his breath. She snarled at him and went on her way.

It had grown colder outside. Hermione fast-walked in the direction that of the spot she normally apparated at. She was to aggravated to realize that she was about to collide with the man in front of her. "Oof!" she groaned as they both hit the pavement. "I'm dreadfully sorry, I hadn't meant to-" she froze at the sight of whitish blond hair and liquid silver eyes.

"G-Granger?" Draco Malfoy stuttered in disbelief as he stared into her caramel eyes. How could this be possible? The Ministry had told the Wizarding World that she was dead well over three years ago.

As if jolted into reality, Hermione quickly grabbed her wand to apparate, but just before she disappeared he grabbed her wrist causing a side along apparation. Once they reached their destination, Draco was appalled by Hermione's current living conditions.

"Don't touch me!" Hermione flinched, terror evident in her eyes as he still held her wrist. When he let go, she slowly backed away from him. "Leave, Malfoy. Just go."

"I'm not going anywhere, Granger. Most of the Wizarding World believes you to be dead, including your precious friends. They even held a funeral for you. I know, I was there. Why are you living like this? What are you hiding from?" he interrogated her.

"My life is non of you concern, Draco Malfoy. I can assure you that I'm quite fine where I am."

"Don't kid yourself, Granger. That's a load of shit and you know it. You can't tell me that I'm lying either." he scoffed at her. "You look as if you haven't eaten in months and your clothing barley covers you. Please correct me if I'm wrong."

"Malfoy, I'm warning you." she threatened as she pointed her wand at him.

"Accio Wand." he said in a strong voice. In Hermione's weakened state, she was unable to deflect the spell and her wand landed firmly in his hand. "No, I'm warning you. Your coming with me whether you like it or not." he said coldly. Before she could utter a word of protest, he grabbed her and apparated to the Manor.

A/N: So, Whatcha' think so far? I'm not sure if any of you realize this but I got the idea of Piss Ally from the book, You Can't Get There From Here. It's a book that really gets you thinking about what it's like to live on the streets. I really recommend that you all should read it.

I don't own the Characters or Knockturn All. They belong to JK Rowling.