Okay, so some of you weren't happy about Hermione using the Cruciatus Curse. Sorry about that. (Well, not really! *wink) Hopefully this chapter will explain some things better. One guest reviewer, did guess the reason to some extent. Applauses, from me.
Some of you feel the story is similar to the Fifty Shades book. I'll be lying if I denied that the book was what inspired me for the story in the first place. Although, Severus isn't going to turn Christian Grey on Hermione, and by that I mean there won't be any Dom/Sub or BDSM parts involved here.
Her first thoughts were, What have I done?
Hermione looked at her trembling hand, which was still holding her vine wood wand. The panic was settling in now, and she felt disoriented.
"What have I done? What's happened to me?" Hermione said, aloud this time, looking at the shaking form of Ted. Only his back was visible to her, and yet she could tell that he was still suffering from the effects of the Cruciatus Curse.
Mr. Prince had bent down at Ted's side, and had his wand pointed at him. After a minute, he turned to her again.
What was she going to do now? How could she possibly explain this? Exactly what had possessed her to use the Unforgivable in the first place?
Hermione was expecting a condescending lecture and even some angry and disappointed remarks, certainly not the quiet soothing tone directed at her.
"Easy, Miss Granger. My aurors will be here momentarily to take care of this problem." Mr. Prince stated.
"What?" Hermione raised her brow in confusion, he misread her.
"My security personnel contains some highly trained aurors, Miss Granger. They can take care of the situation easily." He pointed to the unconscious forms of the men.
"How?… I meant, how can you be so calm about all this? After what I've just done?" Hermione managed to ask, almost hysterically.
"We should talk about this elsewhere." Mr. Prince stated as he accioed her purse, before taking her arm and apparating with her.
When Hermione's feet hit the floor again, she stumbled into the arms of Mr. Prince. He helped her into a chair, and summoned a potion vial.
"Here, drink this, Miss Granger. It is a Calming Draught. It'll help you recover." He said, comfortingly.
After drinking the potion, Hermione felt a bit clearer. Still, her guilt was weighing down on her. "How could I do that? I can not even believe I did..."
"There is no need to panic, Miss Granger. You are quite now safe."
"Safe? I should probably be bound and kept confided in a prison. I lost control. I totally lost my control!" Hermione argued.
"That wasn't an unnatural thing to happen, Miss Granger. You are being too hard on yourself!"
"Too hard! I performed the Cruciatus Curse on an unarmed muggle, sir. I do know what is required for the curse to take effect: intention. In fact, I was reveling in his pain. I tortured him for my own pleasure! I can't even..." Hermione broke down.
She felt a strong arm comforting her and she leaned into her boss's shoulder, crying her eyes out. He stiffened at the sudden closeness but didn't pull away. She felt his other hand move hesitantly over her hair. All the while she cried, she felt his hand caressing her head gently.
Hermione leaned out of the half embrace and looked guiltily over his ruined black shirt. "Sorry about that." She said, meekly.
"Don't worry about my shirt, I have plenty of them around, Miss Granger." Mr. Prince assured her. She even detected some relief in his voice.
After a moment, Hermione composed herself enough to ask hesitantly, "Do you… um, do you know why that happened?"
"Tell me, Miss Granger. How much sleep have you been getting in the last few days?" Mr. Prince demanded.
Hermione looked away sheepishly at being caught. She had hardly slept for the last two days. Last night, she'd been practicing mindscapes for hours.
"I thought so. What have I been telling you about the importance of resting your mind? You can be incredibly thick sometimes, Miss Granger. Your well being is far more important than any lesson or any of those stealing employees. Do you understand?" Mr. Prince reprimanded, and then sighed.
"That, Miss Granger, was a case of mental and emotional exhaustion. From what I can tell, you have been practicing Occlumency without giving proper rest to your mind, much needed for it to recover. In fact, I myself am guilty for being too hard on you during yesterday's lesson. I sincerely apologize for that." He looked truly apologetic.
"You must've been concentrating on your mental shield when you lost control, am I correct?" At Hermione's nod, he continued.
"The mind arts are a very complex part of magic, not to be taken lightly in any case. If you don't take proper precautions while practicing them, in extreme situations, you may even lose your sanity. I'm sure you've read all about that in the books you read on the subject. As for the dark curses, they provide a channel of release for an emotionally deprived mind. I am bound to think you have been keeping your emotions buried inside your mind for too long. Of course, I should be the last person to tell you about dealing with your emotions in the right way."
"The addictive euphoria which you probably have experienced was a direct result of that. It was what had turned me towards the Dark Arts in the first place, Miss Granger and I would advise you not to follow that path."
Hermione shivered at the implication. She had no desire to be practicing dark curses, much less deriving pleasure from torturing someone. She was relieved at the explanation, none the less.
"Thank you for explaining that to me, Mr. Prince."
Hermione merely stared at the white marbled floor.
"Miss Granger, look at me. Your health is more important than any of this. Do. You. Understand?"
Hermione felt like a schoolgirl getting rebuked again. "Yes, sir."
"Very good. Today is Friday, you have the next two days off before you are required to return to your usual work. If you want any more time, that can be arranged too."
Hermione had opened her mouth to argue, before Mr. Prince had shut her off.
"Tell me, Miss Granger. How long has it been since you spent some time with your friends?"
"Um.."
"You have been through so much in your short life already. Surely, you of all people understand the importance of friends in your life. They are the only ones who can help you ease your emotional state." Mr. Prince explained.
Hermione thought about how best to answer this. She went with the truth. "It's been five years since the war, sir. And many things have changed since then. My friends and me have grown up to become completely different individuals than we were as children. I will admit that I have some trouble concerning my emotional state, but it's nothing that won't heal with time. Surely, yours healed the same way."
Mr. Prince closed his eyes at her words. Hermione couldn't really tell what had caused him to do that.
"When there is an easy way available, why would you intentionally choose the harder one?" He sighed.
Hermione felt like she was being a bit obstinate, concerning what the man had done for her. "I am making some good friends here, Mr. Prince. You really don't need to worry about me. I feel bad for monopolizing so much of your time already."
He looked at her skeptically. "Good to hear about your new friends, Miss Granger. I hope you've made better choices this time. As for my own time, let me decide how I choose to spend it."
Mr. Prince moved back to his own chair, and said "You should go and rest now, Miss Granger. And try to connect with your friends. When you are feeling better, you can give me your report about your assignment. And one more thing, NO Occlumency practice till I tell you to."
Hermione nodded her head in submission, and apparated back to her apartment. That night, she cried herself to sleep.
She felt a bit light headed when she woke up the next day. It was almost noon. After a hasty breakfast, she thought about talking to Lizzy, but then recalled that she would be at work. Then, hesitantly she dialed Harry's number.
"Hermione?" came Harry's eager voice.
"Harry! It's so good to hear your voice." Hermione replied, quite truthfully.
"I miss you too, 'Mione."
"Is that why you always keep the phone on you?"
"Well, you know Ginny. She doesn't really get how the smartphones work!"
"Hah, have you even tried to teach her?"
"Can you really imagine me teaching her anything?"
Hermione couldn't help but chuckle at his words. It was true enough, Ginny did always boss Harry around.
"So, everything good in the States there, 'Mione?"
Hermione stiffened at that. "Um yeah. I think I may be losing my mind though."
Harry thought she had been joking, because he chuckled and said, "Your mind is too precious to be lost, 'Mione. But seriously, are you alright?"
"Honestly, I don't even know."
"I know how that feels like. I feel really bad about what happened with Ron, you know. You didn't need to deal with all of that on your own."
Ah, yes. The heart break. The betrayal. But then, she had never really dealt with that. She had simply put it behind her, just like everything else.
"'Mione, are you there?" Harry's voice brought her back to the present.
"Yeah, yeah. I was just caught up in the past, I guess."
"You have to let that go now. You deserve so much better than that git, you know."
"So you are finally taking my side?"
"I never took any side when I needed to, I guess. I didn't want to lose my only two best friends, and I ended up losing both of them."
"Wait, what happened to Ron?"
"Not to him, exactly. It's just that he isn't the same Ron that was once my best friend, you know. Sometimes, I look at him and have trouble even recognizing him." Harry sounded sad.
After a beat of silence, Hermione said, "I was heart broken at the time. When I caught Ron cheating on me; it just sprung up on me like a nightmare. I never talked about it with anyone."
"I blamed myself first. That maybe I was being too uptight with him, that it was somehow my fault. And then, he comes and says that he never wanted to date me in the first place. That it was his mother's wish to include me as a family member that he had to endure this drama of relationship. He said that I was never for any relationship..." And she broke down into sobs.
Harry waited for her sobs to subside, before he spoke. "I'm sorry, Hermione. I am so sorry. That was all utter bullshit Ron told you. In fact, you were always so much better than him that it probably made him feel inferior, not unlike his resentment of my fame. Don't believe his words, 'Mione. You know they aren't true at all."
Hermione felt a bit warmed at Harry's words.
"You know, even Molly is fed up of Ron's antics by now. And she gave him an earful when she heard about your breakup, and also for using her as an excuse. She does remember you fondly, even now."
Hermione's heart warmed at that. Mrs. Weasley may have been overprotective of her children but she had come to include Harry and her as her own over all those years.
"So, it is Molly now, is it Harry?"
"Huh, you had to catch that, didn't you? Yes, she has forced me to call her Molly now. I still feel somewhat uncomfortable with it though."
Hermione chuckled, which came out as a dry cough.
"Well, don't you have some Auror duties to attend to or are you just going to waste your time talking to me for hours?"
"I do enjoy some perks of being the Savior, Hermione!" Harry laughed.
"You always hated being called that, didn't you?"
"I still do. All that for killing a man!"
"Do you feel bad? For killing him?"
"I did for some time. But then, if I hadn't, he would've definitely killed me and worse, everyone I cared about. So, no. I don't feel bad for wiping him out from existence."
"Such wise words, coming from you, Harry!"
"Hey, that almost sounded like Snape! But, he would've called me 'Potter', not 'Harry'." Harry's voice turned sad.
"So Harry, the esteemed Auror! How's your work going?" Hermione decided to change the subject.
"Nothing much interesting. How's yours? You're working in a muggle company right?"
"Well, both muggle and magical! And yeah, I'm managing all right."
"Is there something the matter, 'Mione? You know you can tell me and we can sort it out together. Just like old times." Harry's voice had turned hopeful.
"Harry, everything's fine. You don't need to worry about me. You have enough on your plate already."
"Hermione please. I know I've never been quick to understand emotional things but I do know you. And I can tell by your voice that something is bothering you. Now, do I need to arrange an international portkey to come visit you?"
Hermione smiled at the sincerity in his words. "You could do that?"
"Well, didn't I tell you being a Savior means having some benefits? The question is, do I need one?"
"No. Of course, not." Even to herself, Hermione's words sounded reluctant.
"Well, if you say so. And please, don't hesitate to call me anytime you want. Even in the middle of the night. Though, Ginny would probably come over there and hex you for that!"
And they shared a laugh one last time, before disconnecting the call.
There was a new e-mail in her phone. It might've arrived while she was talking to Harry.
From: S. Prince
Subject: Inquiring about your health
Date: July 28 2012 11:59
To: H. Granger
I hope you took my advice this time, Miss Granger. If you didn't, remember that I am responsible for paying you your salary.
If you are well rested by tomorrow, and only if you feel comfortable enough, you can apparate by my office tomorrow at 5.
S. Prince
CEO, Prince Pharmaceuticals
She typed up a reply.
From: H. Granger
Subject: 'Sweet' of you to care
Date: July 28 2012 12:15
To: S. Prince
It's really sweet of you to care so much about my well-being (in case you missed the subject).
And yes, I did do exactly everything you ordered me to do. Please don't withhold my salary!
Hermione Granger
Junior Scientist, Prince Pharmaceuticals
There was no reply. Hermione figured he might've been busy at his office.
That evening, she called Lizzy who was only too happy to invite her to her house that night.
"There is something changed with you. And I can't just place my finger on it yet!" Lizzy had exclaimed after they had spent an hour making dinner together.
Hermione was confused at first, but soon her lips turned into a smirk. "Can't read my thoughts now, can you Lizzy?"
"Yeah. That's it!" If Hermione had expected an outburst or even dissatisfaction from her friend, she was disappointed.
Instead Lizzy was happy. She had wrapped her arms around her, and excitedly exclaimed, "Finally! I have a friend who doesn't cause me a constant headache!"
Hermione rolled her eyes but returned her hug anyway.
After they were done eating, Lizzy took out some wine. Hermione then told her about some of her past. She had started crying by the time she explained about what had happened with her parents. Lizzy had listened to all of her story patiently and comforted her. Hermione ended up spending the night on Lizzy's floor where they had performed a Cushioning Charm.
The next morning, Hermione woke up to the sound of her phone. She wondered sleepily who had decided to call her at this hour. It was Harry.
"Hello." She said, groggily.
"Hey, Hermione. Woke you up nice and early on a Sunday, didn't I?" He didn't sound regretful at all, rather oddly cheery.
"It's alright. So, what happened?"
"Well, the thing is. I don't know your address."
"What?"
"I am in New York, 'Mione. And I need you to tell me your address so that I can come and meet you. It's Sunday and I know it's your day off."
Hermione was stunned into silence.
"'Mione, you there?"
"Yeah. You came here, Harry?" She was wide awake now.
"Of course, I thought it was about time I apologized to you. In person." He answered meekly.
"Okay. Where are you now?"
"MACUSA headquarters. You know the address, right?"
"Of course, just wait for five to ten minutes, okay? I'll be there."
Hermione still couldn't believe that Harry had come all the way here, simply to meet her. She explained to a sleepy Lizzy why she had to leave and she hastily apparated to her own apartment to get ready.
Harry looked mostly like he was when she had last seen her. Except, he had gained some weight, and some muscles, making him look a bit older. Auror training had done him some good, it was bound to since he did take his training seriously unlike Ron.
Hermione apparated her friend to her apartment and showed him her place.
"It's not much. But then, I live alone and it's only been about two months since I got here." She explained about the bare walls of her flat.
"Not that I have any right to tell you, but you seem to have forgotten how to live. But certainly not how to read." Harry said, eyeing the books lying around her couch.
"I'll make some tea." Hermione said.
"Hey, don't bother for me. I've only taken a portkey and I don't think my stomach can handle anything right now."
"Relax, Harry. I was making tea for myself. You only just woke me up straight from my bed moments ago." Hermione teased before going over to her kitchen.
When she was back with her tea, she found Harry reading one of her books.
"Occlumency? Never got the hang of it when Snape tried to teach me!" Harry exclaimed.
Hermione felt suddenly guilty for having to keep the fact that he was still alive to herself, but then it wasn't really her secret to share.
"Yes, I had been reading up on it. One of my friends here, is a natural Legillimens."
"Wow, that must be… well, not too good for the rest of you, I think?" Harry seemed confused.
"It's not bad, really. Lizzy is a very good person at heart, she herself feels burdened by her capability sometimes. She kind of, reminds me of Luna. Well, except her crazy imaginary creatures."
Both of them were then lost in reminiscing about their good old memories.
"So, are you going to show me around New York or are we going to stay here all day?" Harry asked during the evening.
"Well, that depends on how much time do you have?" Hermione asked.
"I… I wasn't exactly sure if I could take up so much of your time and since I was coming here totally unanncounced…" Harry began.
"Harry. How much time?" Hermione interrupted his mutterings.
"I'll be leaving tonight. I know, I'm sorry. I should've stayed longer. But then I thought you'd have to go for your work tomorrow and all..."
"Harry? Harry, it is alright. And I do have to go to work tomorrow. You did come all the way here for me, and that's what matters." Hermione replied.
They spent the evening enjoying a little picnic in the Central Park, talking about what was happening in their lives and also about what had happened during the last three years they had lost contact.
"Shit." Hermione muttered, when she heard the familiar buzz of her phone.
"Is there some thing wrong, 'Mione?" Harry asked.
Hermione was busy reading the e-mail she had just received.
From: S. Prince
Subject: Forgetful Employees
Date: July 29 2012 17:27
To: H. Granger
I'm assuming here, that you forgot about our scheduled meeting this evening. Just this once, I am willing to overlook your forgetfulness. But do remember, I am not a patient man, and I detest waiting.
Write back a reply as soon as you can. If I don't hear from you within an hour, I'll have to send my aurors to check on you, even if you are merely sleeping. I still can't think of a proper reason for you to forget about something like this.
S. Prince
CEO, Prince Pharmaceuticals
Bad, but then. It could've been much worse!
From: H. Granger
Subject: Extremely Apologetic Employee
Date: July 29 2012 17:28
To: S. Prince
I am really very sorry for having overlooked our appointment today evening, and more so for testing your patience.
Harry decided to drop by for a surprise visit today, and I lost track of time. I'll make sure never to repeat this mistake again.
Hermione Granger
Junior Scientist, Prince Pharmaceuticals
From: S. Prince
Subject: Trust Potter to be the reason
Date: July 29 2012 17:30
To: H. Granger
I'm happy that Potter decided to visit, Miss Granger. It will be good for you to spend some time with him. I apologize for interrupting your pleasant evening. We can meet at the same time tomorrow.
S. Prince
CEO, Prince Pharmaceuticals
Hermione couldn't help but smile in relief. Well, the man was renowned for his temper, wasn't he?
"So, who was it that's got you so happy, 'Mione?" Harry teased.
"What? It's not what you're thinking, Harry!" Hermione shot back. That was just so inappropriate in so many ways!
"Hey, I'm merely stating my observation, here! So, care to share what just happened?" Harry asked.
"Just that I forgot about the appointment I had with my boss today. All thanks to you!" She glared at him.
"So, it was your boss or are you trying to hide something or someone from me, 'Mione?" He raised his brow.
Hermione smacked him on the head, playfully.
"So, was your boss mad at you for missing the appointment?" Harry asked, suddenly turning serious.
"No, he was just concerned. It's out of my character to forget these things, so." Hermione explained.
"Ooh." Harry sounded as if he had hit some jackpot. "Two things, 'Mione. One, it's a he. And second and more importantly, he knows you enough to be concerned when you don't show up on time. I think this time you finally made the right choice. My Auror training says so. Trust me, bosses are usually angry when you don't show up unless you are a 'Savior' or they really like you."
"Harry, he's my boss! Shut up now, before I start hexing you, Auror or not." Hermione threatened, but couldn't stop his sniggers.
"Oh come on, that's a lame excuse and you know it. Besides, I know you. You would never be satisfied by the boys your age, they would eventually bore you."
Finally, he yielded under her glare and sighed, "Fine, fine. I won't say anything else."
Harry took the portkey back to the British Ministry of Magic that very night. But, somehow spending just a day with him had filled Hermione with joy and a positive energy.
Always happy to read about your opinions... Go on, write them!
