HERMIONE
Shortly after Harry had left the room, Bellatrix came to find me. I moved myself further into the room, hoping I would be unseen. I wasn't so lucky. Ron watched in horror as the witch kicked me in the gut several times. I whimpered but did not scream. The more strength I showed, the more she would attack. After five minutes of the vicious beating, Bellatrix dragged me from the room down to her quarters. Have you ever been dragged by your foot down a flight of stairs? I don't personally recommend it. I quite nearly blacked out, but the only thing that was definite was a concussion. She shut the door, hitting me with it as it closed. She let go of my foot, leaving me sprawled out on the hardwood floor, blood pouring from my nose and a concussion that was making the room spin.
"You're an adorable little mudblood aren't you?" The witch sneered, kicking me again. I made a small noise and closed my eyes, bracing myself for the next blow.
"You know what this is? This is revenge for stealing that sword from my vault; also, for being a mudblood. Your type all deserves to punished in my opinion. I don't know why the Dark Lord insists on keeping you alive, but I can tell you now it will be a miserable life for you." She yanked me to my feet, dislocating my fragile shoulder. She threw a pair of old black robes at me.
"Put these on. They're the only set you'll get." I expected her to leave, but she just stood there watching me. I changed, uncomfortable with the fact that someone was watching me. The robes hung off of me like loose blankets. I was terribly underweight from the weeks in the dungeon. Luckily, I still had my sneakers. That was the only thing on me that actually fit.
"Follow me, girl. I need to talk with my sister, and I don't trust you alone." She ordered. I followed behind Bellatrix, pondering my options here. I could be an obedient girl like they all wanted me to be, or I could be Harry and defy everything they say. If being like Harry wouldn't get me killed, I would probably try it. If I stayed quiet like I was supposed to, I would be in less pain for sure. Not that the torture would stop.
"Girl, pay attention, did you even hear me?" Bellatrix shouted, interrupting my thoughts. It was as though I had just appeared in this room. Draco and Narcissa Malfoy were staring at me, like I had done something wrong. For the first time in my life, I was confused.
"I'm sorry, what did you say, Madame Lestrange?" I formulated the Madame part quickly, so that she would feel respected. Bellatrix actually smiled a bit. Her face returned to a scowl within seconds.
"I said tell them your name." She repeated.
"Oh, I'm sorry Madame Lestrange. My name is Hermione Granger." Draco went pale; looking at me like he had the day I had punched him in our third year.
"Is something wrong, Draco?" Narcissa asked. He shook his head slowly still staring at me. We made eye contact briefly, but I returned my eyes to the ground very quickly. The three began small talk. I stood behind Bellatrix's chair, not daring to sneak out. Draco was looking at me again. I looked up into his eyes.
"What do you want?" I mouthed. He didn't mouth anything back. Instead, he discreetly dropped a piece of paper over the back of the chair. As quietly as I could, I bent over and picked it up. I unfolded it. It said:
I'll be showing up at your room tonight after midnight. Make sure Ron and Harry are NOT asleep. We are going to plan your escape. I want you out of here safely. Make sure they boys know I'm coming to help.
Draco
I re-read the note several times before meeting his eyes again. I flashed him a curious look. He half smiled mischievously. After about another hour of listening to boring conversation, Bellatrix finally stood up to leave. I followed her out, wishing midnight could come sooner.
"Go back to your room. I don't require you right now." Bellatrix said haughtily. Grateful for the escape to safety, I dashed off to the little closet of a room. I opened the door to find Ron holding an unconscious Harry.
"Good God Ron, what happened?" I asked, kneeling down next to him, examining Harry.
"I-I don't know. Amycus threw him in here like this. Luckily, I caught him before he hit the floor. I wrapped his torso. It looked the curse that Draco hit me with. What happened to you?" I self-consciously touched the dried blood underneath my nose.
"Bellatrix dragged me downstairs by the foot. I know I have a concussion and a broken nose. But I have even more interesting news. Episkey." My nose cracked back into place.
"What is it?" Ron asked.
"Draco's going to help us get out of here." Ron rolled his eyes. Knowing he wouldn't believe me until he saw proof, I pulled out the note and handed it to him. He read it ten times before handing it back to me.
"What the bloody hell is that supposed to mean?" Ron picked up Harry's lolling head as he looked at me with so many questions in his eyes.
"I really don't know, Ron. I think we should trust him. It'll help us get Harry back to safety, and us too for that matter." He stayed silent for a while. We took turns holding Harry until he came around at 11:00 pm. Just one hour till Draco was going to help us. Shockingly, I couldn't wait. I never thought I would be waiting for Draco. As the minutes ticked by slowly, I leaned back against the wall, waiting, and waiting, and waiting. Finally, it was time.