Because of You
Chapter Nine
By: Alexandra Warkel
Once upon a time there was a girl
In her early years she had to learn
How to grow up living in a war that she called home
Never knew just where to turn for shelter from the storm
It hurt me to see the pain across my mother's face
Every time my father's fist would put her in her place
Hearing all the yelling I would cry up in my room
Hoping it would be over soon
It was a rainy day. Perfect in my opinion for His funeral. The rain shedding the tears I refused to shed. I almost didn't come to His funeral. I wouldn't have if it wasn't for Fred. He claimed I needed closure from my…. Him. The Weasley family was all there along with Harry, David and Scott. Professor Dumbledore was there too. He was the one giving the eulogy. No one else came. I suppose that shows you the kind of man… my father… was.
Bruises fade father, but the pain remains the same
And I still remember how you kept me so afraid
Strength is my mother for all the love she gave
And every morning that I wake I look back at yesterday
And I'm OK
"Hermione?" I was brought out of my thoughts by Fred. Dumbledore was lowering His casket into the ground. Only then did it really hit me that both my parents were dead and that they were never coming back. I was sad to think that I didn't have my mother anymore due to my own father… but at the same time, I was happy, because I would not have to endure what my father put me through day after day, year after year.
Dumbledore interrupted my thoughts. "Before placing the dirt on the casket and laying Robert Granger to rest, is there anyone who would like to say some last words?" Everyone looked at me.
I often wonder why I carry all this guilt
When it's you that helped me put up all these walls I've built
Shadows stir at night through a crack in the door
Echoes of a broken child screaming please no more
Daddy don't you understand the damage you have done
For you it's just a memory, but for me it still lives on
I didn't know what to say. I froze up staring at my father's casket. What would I have said to a man who raped me? I had never thought about it. Before I could make a move, Fred stepped forward.
"I don't know if I can ever forgive you for what you did to my Hermione. But at the same time, because of what you did to her, I realized how much I loved her. So I guess in some twisted way, I want to thank you. I just wish that, in time, Hermione can forgive you. You were her father." When Fred finished, I had tears in my eyes. He picked up a handful of dirt and gently dropped it onto the casket.
Bruises fade father but the pain remains the same
And I still remember how you kept me so afraid
The strength is my mother for all the love she gave
Every morning that I pray, I look back at yesterday
"Fred?" I looked at him. He just smiled at me reassuringly and gazed back at the casket.
"It's okay 'Mione. You don't have to say anything. No one is pressuring you to. I'm proud of you for just showing up." I knew right then what I was going to say.
It's not so easy to forget, all the marks you left along her neck
When I was thrown against cold stairs
And everyday afraid to come home in fear of, what I might see, next
"Why? I just want to know why. I mean, I was your daughter. No one should hurt anyone the way you hurt me, especially your own child. Right now, I can't forgive you, but maybe down the road, after I recover, maybe then I can."
Bruises fade father, but the pain remains the same
And I still remember how you kept me so afraid
Strength is my mother for all the love she gave
And every morning that I wake I look back at yesterday
I picked up a handful of dirt and dropped it onto the casket. "I'm okay," I whispered. I turned and left, Fred leaving with me, his arm wrapped around my waist.
I'm okay...
AN: Hey guys. It was great writing this story and I am glad to say I have finished a story. I'm not sure if I will put an epilouge on here or not, but I know I will not write a sequel to this. I do however have another idea for a Hermione/Fred story. Anyway, thanks to all who have reviewed. Thanks guys.
Alex