This is rated M for a reason, there is violence and cursing and rape in this chapter. If any of the above offends you please do not read.

Coping

Hermione Granger looked at her figure in the mirror in disgust. She had filled out considerably during the summer months, but she was positive it was not for the better. The bruises were finally fading from her body and the cuts were nearly healed.

It was nearly time for school to start again and Hermione was more anxious than ever to get to Hogwarts and the slight safety it held for her. At least at Hogwarts she could defend herself a little better.

Hermione sighed and grabbed the clothes she had left out on her bed for after her shower. She put on her size 36 C bra and a pair of boy short underwear. Even though the weather was still balmy and warm she felt a chill run through her body and she quickly pulled on her long sleeve tee-shirt and jeans. She slid on her tennis shoes and grabbed a brush from her vanity and hurried down the stairs of her home to be around her parents.

"How are you doing, dear?" Jane Granger forced a smile to her lips. It was hard to look at her daughter and not feel guilty for not being able to protect her better.

"I'm okay, mum," Hermione sat down on the couch slowly. She brushed her hair out and then braided it in a single braid down her back. "We need to go to Diagon Alley tomorrow, mum."

"I know, dear," Jane Granger sighed and looked at her husband. "We will leave early and try to get back quickly. I don't fancy being out late."

"Me either," Hermione smiled slightly and kissed her mother on the cheek before turning to her father and kissing him on the forehead. "I'm going to go outside for a bit."

"Don't go too far, Hermione," her father called after her.

"Don't worry," Hermione spoke very softly. "I won't."

Hermione stepped out into the fall sunshine. She lived with her parents in a secluded meadow outside of London. It was beautiful. In the summer flowers of all colors bloomed and the small pond was host to fish and ducks. She smiled at the different colored leaves on the trees.

Hermione tried not to be alone if she could help it because when she did the memories of that night came back to her with a force that took her breath away.

"Don't you even think about screaming," the man slapped her hard across the face. "I'll cut your bloody tongue out of that pretty little mouth of yours."

Hermione clamped her mouth and eyes shut and turned her face away from her attacked. His breath smelled of alcohol and his body was much to heavy to allow her any movement.

The man ripped her clothes off of her and whipped her with a leather riding whip he pulled off of his belt. When she was limp from the pain, he began to beat her with his fists and kick her, "Are you ready now, you slut?" Hermione curled upon herself and tried desperately to move away.

"Get back here you bloody whore," the man grabbed her by the hair and yanked her backwards towards him, while he unfastened his trousers. "I'll show you to tell me no!"

Hermione let the tears fall freely down her face, but kept her mouth and eyes shut tightly. She felt her hymen tear and she nearly cried out in pain. Once the man had finished he pulled himself out and off of her and pulled up his trousers.

"You were a pretty good fuck, whore," he chuckled to himself as he walked away leaving Hermione alone in a dark alley.

Hermione jerked herself back into reality with a gasp. Tears were streaming down her face and the sun no longer held any warmth for her. Hermione hurried back to her house.

When she arrived her breathing was erratic. She gasped to get her breathing under control as well as the tears to stop falling. Her parents worried about her enough as it was.

Hermione held herself poised and walked back into the house with her head held high. She walked to the kitchen where her mother was making tea.

"Would you like some tea, darling?" Jane asked not yet turning around to face her daughter.

"I would love some, mum," Hermione's voice was still slightly choked, which caused Jane to turn around.

"Oh sweetheart! What happened?"

"Nothing, I just started remembering," Hermione laid her head on the table with a sigh. "It's just so hard to cope with it, mum."

"I know it is, love," Jane stroked her daughters hair. "I'm sorry."

So here is the first chapter. I wanted to try something a little different. Let me know what you think. Any constructive criticism is greatly appreciated!