It's June, Pride month :) I wrote this little thing in honor of it. Just to make a point that we're not going anywhere and no matter what, we won't stop being who we are.
Hermione Granger has always been different. From the days when she was young and spent more time inside with a book than outside like the other children, to the day she recieved a letter from Hogwarts, to the day she began dating Ginny Weasley. She was always different.
Now, a regular person might be bothered by this, but not Hermione. Many strides had been made in the past several years for gay rights. Things weren't so bad anymore, and Hermione was never ashamed, although sometimes secretive about who she loved. Sometimes, it had to be done, mostly however, she was quiet unless asked, and she was graceful enough to never be bothered by people filled with hatred. Hermione lived a good, comfortable life.
A late night out with Ginny left Hermione walking home by herself in a well known witch village. The people there normally rather nice had never bothered her or anyone else for that matter. The night was warm, with an ocassional cool breeze blowing by, rustling her hair. When she heard a noise behind her, she never paid much attention. She continued on her walk, enjoying the quiet moment she had, and the beauty of the night.
Before she realized what happened, two men were in front of her. "Excuse me", she said in an attempt to walk around them, but they just followed, not allowing her to pass. "What is going on?" she asked confused. Before she knew it, a spell that she didn't quite hear was muttered and her wand was gone, held in the hand of the taller, darker looking man.
"You won't be needing this,"he said and Hermione felt pain. A pain so great, it brought her to her knees. A split second glance allowed her to see it was the smaller man on the left held his wand directly at her.
"Why are you doing this?" She asked again as her body was hit with seering pain again.
"Your kind isn't needed here. Your kind isn't welcome. Evil! As bad as him you are! Gay witches! Who has heard of such a thing!"
And that's all she heard as a fist slammed into her face, knocking her out cold. They left her there on that sidewalk. Alone.
When she awoke some several hours later, and her eyes adjusted, she realized she wasn't outside, her body was sore, and she wasn't alone.
Ginny sat by her beside, holding her hand, head lowered as if in careful contemplation. "G-Ginny," She said, barely forming the word.
"Hermione! Oh Hermione!" She said,"I was so worried!"
"What's going on?" She asked the red head.
"You were beaten love, bruises, a broken bone in your face that was magically set. You'll be sore a few days, but you'll be out of here soon. I don't know why anyone would do this." Ginny said with a sigh,"Why you?"
WIth a pause, Hermione answered,"I know. And it won't change a thing. I love you. I love being with you and I will spend the rest of my life with you no matter how much hate they throw my way. They cannot stop me, cannot stop something as simple, and as pure as love, because love is not evil or dirty. It is not a sin when you love and the love is returned, no matter who it is. I love you and they cannot stop me."
"I love you Hermione."
No matter how many times they wounded her, no matter how many cuts or bruises she had, or the number of broken bones, Hermione would always love Ginny and she'd always be proud of that.