Chapter 10
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Ron took it as a good sign when he saw that Owen was making this odd but cheerful gesture by tapping his hand. Not only that, but Owen was smiling while hitting his hand against Ron's, which Ron also took as a good sign, at least a that frightened look wasn't there anymore. He edged closer under the table so he could take his reaction a bit better. Ron slowly lifted Owen up in his arms and brought him out from underneath the table. Owens' eyes narrowed onto Ron's shoulder, but he did not flinch once, just wrapped his arms around his neck and relaxed. Hermione smiled proudly at Ron,
"I think he's alright now," she told him. Ron cheekily smiled at her, looks like he had just made a new unexpected friend. He was happy that Owen was too little to understand what the penalty was for theft in Hogwarts, he didn't want him to feel sad or scared, and because Ron knew he would never cause himself to do something like that to a little child.
The front door to the room opened, Abby and Jonathan stepped in and were surprised, as well, to see little Owen within castle walls; not only within the castle walls, but also in Ron's arm.
"Owen!" Abby exclaimed. Owen hadn't heard his head was still resting on Ron's shoulder. Jonathan did not like this sight one bit, he stepped forward looking at him strictly,
"Why have you brought him here, boy! Have you hurt him?!" he asked furiously. Not that Ron wasn't getting tired of Jonathan always snapping at him like that, but at the same time couldn't blame him. After all he had done to Hermione in the past and what he had almost done to Owen, which he didn't want repeated to anyone any further.
"Jonathan, please stop yelling at him," Hermione pleaded, "Ron did not bring him here, nor did he hurt him. Some of his guards had caught Owen trying to steal from the merchants in the town, so they brought him here. Ron allowed me to keep him here for the night and in the morning we'll take him back to his mother." At that Jonathan had backed off now silent, not brining himself to apologize to Ron. Owen had turned his head and squealed in delight when he saw both Abby and Jonathan standing there. He outstretched his hand towards them, Ron took that as a cue to put him down, when he did, Owen ran over to Abby's now outstretched arms and hugged her. Jonathan cleared his throat, and made his way to his room he was staying in, without saying anything. Ron looked back worriedly at Hermione and Abby,
"Do I make him uncomfortable?" he asked, "I'm sorry if I do." Abby sighed still holding Owen,
"Just give him time, dear," she said, "Jonathan isn't used to living in a life like this. He just doesn't want to see anything bad happen to anyone he cares for." Owens' eye started to get weary; he started gently sucking his thumb, which was his gesture for being tired, even though uncommonly for a seven-year-old. "Right, well the sun's going down, why don't I take Owen for the night, he can stay with me." Hermione nodded, she leaned in and kissed Owen on his cheek, Owen did the same for her and patted her face. He stared over at Ron, who just stood there smiling at him; Owen choked a sound out of his mouth trying to say something, Ron walked over to him, curious to see what he wanted. When he got close enough, Owen patted his cheek like his did his hand just now. Ron chuckled and ruffled up his hair slightly. In the past when he saw children looking at him or playing outside, he would just ignore them or shoot them evil looks just to scare them. But ever since he had met Hermione, it was like she changed him in way. The way he thought, did things, reacted to things, and changed the way he saw things, like himself. Abby then walked off, with Owen in her arms, he waved his hand one last time at Ron before going out the door. Ron sighed, looking over at Hermione who had a smile on her face.
"You amaze me, Prince Ronald," she said. Ron gave a snort shrugging his shoulders.
"What can I say? I'm a natural with him," Ron remarked as if boasting at her.
"Oh, now, what's this? Prince Ronald now has a gift with young ones in Hogwarts," Hermione joked, she shook her head, she was about to walk away, until Ron pulled her back against by the waist, he laughed,
"You don't think I can't be peaceful and pleasant like you, Hermione?" he asked. Hermione's jaw dropped in a mock of offense.
"Come on, now, Ron why would I think that?" she asked him, "of course you can be peaceful and pleasant." Ron folded his arms in triumph, and then said,
"But I doubt you, Hermione, can be anything like me," he playfully sneered. Hermione glared at him, she went over and picked up on of the gold shaft that was leaning against the wall and point it towards Ron,
"Come then, my Prince, leap upon thy horse, when sun up arises, thee and I shall joust," Hermione wisely said, "more light more light our woes. Victory shall me thine." Ron raised his eyes looking very impressed; he started to applause at her. Hermione giggled placing the gold shaft down.
"Very well done! Hermione Granger, the lady knight," Ron complied, "never thought I'd see the day." Hermione just winked at him, Ron blushed, he smiled took her by the hand and pulled her closer to him again. He connected his lips with hers; Hermione cupped his face with both her hands and kissed him back. Ron pulled back, braced his forehead against hers, and sighed hard. "I don't know how you have such a strong effect on me…-y-you're so beautiful." Now it was Hermione's turn to blush scarlet. To be honest, she still hadn't known what Ron saw in her, but she couldn't resist now, he was so loving, loyal and caring to her. Characteristics she'd never imagine any royal of Hogwarts to have, until now. Ron slid his hands around her waist and pulled her into another kiss, but then, again let go, "-wait-one second." Ron hurried over, looked out the door and then quickly closed it and locked it with one of the keys he had in his robes. Hermione stood there as if in a trance, she nervously ran a hand through her hair, as she watched Ron. Ron came back, roughly grabbed her by the waist and passionately kissed her. Hermione moaned as he started backing her up against the bed, when she felt her legs hit, Ron slowly laid her on her back and gently lied on top of her. She flinched a bit, causing Ron to pull away, he pulled her up into a sitting position of the bed, "We…we don't have to do anything you don't want to, Hermione, I don't want you to feel forced--
"My apologies, I-I'm just nervous," she nervously said. "I guess, I-I'm still shaken up from-…that night." Ron nodded knowing that she still hadn't regained her memory, but from the pain she first experienced waking up, she couldn't help but feel effected. Ron took her hand in his, and kissed it. "I just wish I could remember."
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Harrius was galloping along the cobblestone streets of Hogwarts, he had done his duties for the day, he decided to leave Ron and Hermione alone for a while and just get some fresh air. Sometimes he couldn't help but feel a little jealous at times when he saw how happy those two were together and wished that he were in the same position that Ron was in with a girl like Hermione. Being his junior Lordship, Harrius hardly had time for things like that. Sometimes he thought his job around Hogwarts was more important than Ron's as prince.
"Cedric!!" he called out. Cedric turned and raised his hand; he finished off his conversation with one of the nobles. Harrius walked over to him. "Any news about Hermione Granger?"
"Nothing yet, my Lordship," Cedric answered, "The nobles said they haven't seen anyone the least bit suspicious." Harrius heavily sighed, running his hands through his hair.
"We've got to keep tracing! There could be someone out there out to get Hermione!" Harrius shouted, "Start doubling the searches, gather up some of the peasants and find some more news." With that Harrius walked away back to his horse.
Hermione went for a walk out in the market place to get some fresh air, before the sun went down completely. She held a weaved basket in her hands in case of gathering up any goods. Ron wasn't all that thrilled letting her go out at night by herself, but he didn't want to clamp in all her space. He knew Hermione was used to the idea of being out in the fields and markets anyways. She stopped at one of the stands with a man selling spices and herbs. The man gave her a light smile and held up one of the cylinder like containers.
"One powdered spice for 50 pence?" he asked. Hermione giggled, but shook her head. The man now took five different spices plus one herb and held it in front of her.
"A bunch of my finest for only 3 duckets?" Hermione took one of the spices that were inside a little brown sac, tied with a little string. She untied it and sniffed inside, she flinched a little from the strong scent. "That's what makes it so valuable, lass, it's the scent. It could be used in any style of cooking." Hermione nodded, she bargained with the seller and pulled out 3 gold duckets from her carry on sac and handed them to him. She put her spices and herb inside her basket, but just before she could carry on, she felt a pair of big hands snake around her waist. Seeing as Hermione was at the moment a nervous wreck, she gasped, and looked up at the person.
"Oh, God," she thought, "not again." Hermione easily recognized Julian's face. She'd never forget that day when he cornered her in the middle of the corridors drunk in rage.
"My, my, what is the peasant girl doing out so late?" he slyly whispered into her ear. "..On her own?" Hermione's eyes were the only thing that she had moving. Her whole body was now rigid and still, she was afraid if she made a run for it, he'd just grab her again. Julian started playing with her brown curls from behind. "You didn't think I'd stay locked up in that cell forever did you?" Hermione's eyes now filled up with tears.
"Please, just release me," she managed to say.
"Shut up!" Julian snapped, tightening his grip on her waist. He looked up at the man who just stood there not knowing what to say.
"This young girl has done nothing to you, sir knight," he pleaded, "please let her go." Julian took out his short sword held it from the blade and hit the man out unconscious, using the end. Hermione muffled a scream into Julian's hand. He then started to move her away from all the people, who unfortunately for Hermione hadn't seen anything. Julian now had Hermione behind one of the pillars, so they couldn't be seen. She bit his finger, which was covering her mouth. Julian groaned out in pain.
"Bitch!" he yelped and slapped her across the face. "You think having Prince Ronald fuck you, will make you next princess of Hogwarts? Hmm?" Hermione was now breathing heavily, shaking uncontrollably. "I have to admit I enjoy fucking useless whores like you." Julian smirked and gave her puppy eyes. "Oh, I see you don't remember." He took his hand, and pinched her thigh, where a scar happened to be. Hermione whimpered in pain, and as if it was magic her memory came back to her. Flashes went swimming through her head, she gasped as tears flew down her cheeks.
"It…It was you?"
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Ron was pacing his common room, with Harrius looking out the window.
"I don't see her, Ronald," he said.
"Bloody hell, Harrius, I think we should go look for her," said Ron, "It's making me nervous waiting like this." Harrius took off his armor and slipped on his silk robes. "If we don't find her I'll blame myself for letting her go out there alone. And then Roger is going to have my head."
Without the aid of their horses, Ron and Harrius went searching the market place for Hermione. They stumbled upon the man who had sold the spices and herbs to Hermione. He had been regained conscious and was now coughing out in pain on the ground. They ran over to him. Ron yanked him up by the arm.
"What's happened to you?" he asked.
"I was selling some spices to a young girl when--
"A young girl? Did this girl have brown eyes, and brown curly hair?" Harris asked. The man nodded, he was sweaty and out of breath.
"But then a knight…a big and strong knight came and held a grudge up against her," the man panted, "He presumed to had been locked up in a cell." Ron's head swiftly turned to look at Harrius.
"Julian," he muttered, "--GUARDS!!" A bunch of Hogwarts' strongest guards came galloping forward, causing the peasants to run out of the way. "Check the cells! Julian has escaped! Sweep the castle and the town! So all the guards obeyed and rode through the town, half went back to the castle and the other half into the town. "Come on, Harrius."
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"That's right," Julian slithered, "You remember me now don't you?" Hermione was now crying uncontrollably. She was relieved that he Julian hadn't hurt her yet. His face now became serious, he held her against the wall with more force. "Now you listen to me, peasant girl, if you tell anyone about this, I'll kill you. If you tell Prince Ronald about me, I'll kill you slow." Julian then heard a thundering like sound. Horses were galloping his way, it startled him. Hermione now took her chance and kneed him in his private. Julian groaned out in pain, Hermione ran off into the open.
"RON!!"
"Over there!" one of the guards yelled, pointing to where Hermione was standing. Julian had already started making a run for it; the guards went riding after him. Hermione stood there, standing with her back against the pillar. She buried her face in her hands and wept into them. Ron stopped in the middle of the road when he noticed her. He let out a deep sigh of relief and ran over to her.
"Hermione!" Hermione removed her hands away and flung her arms around Ron's neck. He let her cry on his shoulder, "shh, it's alright, I'm here now." Ron softly said, trying to comfort her. He released her only to lightly kiss her cheek. He looked into her tear-strained eyes and saw that she was scared out of her whit. "Oh, God, are you alright? Did he hurt you again?" Hermione shook her head, sliding her hands on Ron's chest.
"Ron, I…I remember what happened th-that night," she whispered, "while you and Harrius were in Romania." Ron nodded and grabbed her hands in his.
"We shall be getting back to the castle," he said, "you can tell me then."
Hermione rode back to the castle with Ron on his horse. Ron only hoped that Abby and Roger hadn't found out that Hermione nearly went missing. Specifically Roger, he would be furious and want to take Hermione away from the castle and from him.
Ron quickly got Hermione safely back to his common room without Abby or Roger seeing them. Harrius brought back Hermione's basket of goods she had bought earlier.
"Abby and Roger are still asleep, my prince," Cedric said to Ron, bowing his head. Ron nodded, and waved his hand for Cedric to be dismissed. Hermione shook her head at Ron.
"You know, Ron, they aren't that bad." Ron had thought he'd given her the wrong impression, but when he saw her give a lopsided smile, he smiled.
"I know, it's just that-…if they were to find out-specifically Roger--
"-I know, he would take me away from the castle," Hermione said, "I know you care a lot, Ron." Ron shifted closer to her on the bed; he took both her hands in his and kissed her. Hermione pulled away blushing, Ron's face had also gone red.
"Right, Hermione will you please tell me what Julian said to you?"
"Ron…it was him, it was Julian that-…" Ron already knew what Hermione was going to say, when she started sobbing again.Ron couldn't believe it, it was Julian that raped Hermione that night. He should have killed him in the cell when he had the chance. It was Julian that had put his hands all over her. Ron was shaking with fury, his teeth and hands were clenched tightly together.
"I'm going to kill him! Julian dies now!" he yelled. Hermione grabbed him by the collar and pulled him back down.
"Ron, please listen to me! D-Don't go and do anything drastic yet-..." said Hermione, "Julian wasn't the only one who was involved." Ron sat still and listened closely. "Julian had dragged me into the fields afterwards. The last thing I remembered seeing was a black horse running towards me."
"Did you see who was riding it?" Ron intensively asked. Hermione sighed; she scrunched up her face and said,
"His face was covered…all I could remember were a pair of dark brown eyes--
"-And then you were hit with a skull flail," Ron said nodding his head. He ran a hand through Hermione's hair, "when I saw you in the hospital wing I could immediately tell that the scar on your head came from a flail." The two sat in silence for a while; Ron just sat there thinking of certain possibilities of who that knight could have been. He had remembered Julian telling him and Harrius the same story when they had him locked up in the cell. "Could have been another guardor even worse a foreigner." He thought to himself.
"Julian said he'd kill me if I told anyone, especially you," Hermione saidturning her head away from Ron. Before Ron could say anything, Hermione just held up her hand, "-Ron, I-I don't want to discuss this any further, please? I'm really exhausted." Ron sighed, unbuttoned the button on his robes. He kissed her on her forehead.
"I'm sorry; you should probably get some sleep," Ron was a bit disappointed, but he understood that Hermione was under a lot of stress at the moment. Hermione took his hand.
"Ron, will you please…s-stay with me tonight? I don't want to be alone." Ron couldn't pick a worse time to blush. His face was as red as his hair. He opened his mouth, but nothing came out, Hermione sighed, she put her hand on his shoulder.
"-It's alright, Ronald, I understand that you would probably feel uncomfortable being with a peasant," Ron shook his head, he cupped her face in his hand and softly rubbed it.
"-No, no, of course I'll stay with you," he stuttered, "I was just a bit nervous that I would make you uncomfortable." Hermione giggled, like she only did when she was around Ron. She pecked him on his cheek. She always found it some how amusing on how nervous Ron now was of her. When she had first met him, he was all controlling and strong. It was as if he had a weak spot for her.
"Thank you," she said.
As Ron changed into his white under shorts, he couldn't help but stare at Hermione at other end of the room. He watched as she combed her hair, with one of the combs she had brought with her from the fields. He stood there just looking at her with interest. Just as she turned around, he turned his head away. He quickly turned to lie on the bed, but stumped his foot at the end corner and tripped.
"Ow!" he grunted. Hermione jumped, she came over to where he was.
"Oh, Ron, are you alright? What were you doing?" she asked helping up.
"S-Sorry, I-I just…erm…hit my foot at the end foot of the bed," he said, blushing again. Hermione nodded, she got into his bed and pulled the sheets over her legs. She looked at Ron, who was unsurely standing there, rubbing his arm nervously.
"Are…you going to get in?"
"Oh-right." Ron moved in to the spot next to her. Hermione smiled and pulled some covers over Ron. Ron sat there so close to Hermione, thinking that there was too much tension. Hermione turned to blow out the candle next to her, but Ron grabbed her arm. She looked at him a bit worriedly, Ron roughly kissed her. Hermione whimpered against his mouth, but found his tongue and kissed back. Ron snaked his hands around her bare waist, the clothing she was wearing was a two piece. Ron moaned he suddenly became hard, not only from kissing Hermione, but also from having her this close to him. Ron kissed her like there was no knight in care; he leaned into her so she could lie on her back. They didn't break the kiss as Ron settled himself gently on top of her. He groaned as she wrapped her legs around his waist. He broke the kiss, the two were breathing rather heavily. "We don't have to do this if you're not ready." Hermione shook her head, and pulled him back down on top of her, making him moan.
"I want to, Ron, I'm not scared anymore," she whispered. Ron smiled, and leaned down to kiss her again, pulling the curtains closed around his bed. He then wrapping the red silk bed sheet around their lower halves.
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A/N- there's your 10th chappie. Sorry it took soooo long, my com has been having problems, plus I'm really busy in school with exams coming up. Read/Review- Danielle (dandin)