Minerva led Hermione to the bed and sat down beside her. "Alright sweetheart, now, tell me what happened."

"I...I" Hermione started but couldn't get anything out. She hardly knew herself why she had done it.

"Hermione look at me child" she said reaching out and tipping Hermione's head up. "I'm not upset, you can tell me"

"mum I… I don't know. I just couldn't handle it anymore. What he did to me… I couldn't get away from it, that's the only way I know how to..." her voice was ashamed, almost a whisper.

Minerva wrapped her arms around her and rocked back forth whispering soothingly to her now sobbing child. She wasn't sure how to help her. All she knew to do was be there for her and talk to her. She was going to have to keep a much closer watch on her…

Hermione managed to stop her crying and pull away from her mother "I'm sorry mum" she said in a low voice, head down. "Hermione don't apologize." Minerva replied gently "you were never taught to cope properly, child. This isn't your fault. We are going to get you through this." Hermione gave a her mother a small smile and wiped a single tear from her cheek "thank you mum." Minerva smiled down at her "come on kitten, let's get you something to eat" Hermione grimaced at this idea. She wasn't used to being allowed to eat, much less invited to. "I'm alright mum, thank you though" she never knew how to respond to this… "Hermione..." Minerva let out a sigh "It wasn't a question. You need to eat. It will make you feel better" she took Hermione's hand and led her to the table. "Winky!" Minerva called.

"Mistress called for Winky" came the house elf's squeaky voice

"Yes Winky, could you please bring some food up for myself and Hermione?"

"Yes Miss, Winky will be right back!" she squeaked enthusiastically and with a pop, she was gone.

"really mum, I'm not hungry" Hermione tried to assure her mother

Minerva sighed at her "Hermione, you will eat or I will take you to Poppy" Hermione's eyes widened at her mother's threat. She answered in a rather defeated tone "Alright… I'll try."

"that's all I ask sweetie" Minerva said with a smile

They were interrupted by the pop of Winky's apparition. "Winky has brought food for Mistress and Little Miss!" the house elf said excitedly. Minerva smiled and thanked the elf. Winky blushed and was gone as quickly as she'd come.

Minerva set a plate in front of Hermione and then sat down to eat herself. She hoped that seeing her eat would encourage Hermione to do the same. She watched as Hermione pushed the food around on her plate and occasionally took a small bite. Hermione… I'm going to need you to do a bit better than that if you want to avoid a trip to Aunt Poppy" Minerva told her gently. Hermione nodded and ate a bit more.

When she'd eaten about half she looked up to her mother "Mum…? I-I don't think I can eat anymore and keep it down" she whispered sadly. Minerva frowned, she was worried about where it would go if she couldn't get some weight on her daughter. However she was satisfied with her efforts. "thank you sweetheart, you did well" she said with a smile. Hermione smiled seeing that her mother was pleased. At least I've managed something right Hermione thought to herself.

Minerva broke her from her thoughts by placing a hand on her shoulder. She had an idea she wanted to try, something to raise Hermione's spirits. "Hermione, how do you feel about some boating or maybe a swim?"

Hermione's eyes lit up at the idea "R-really? Boats? Swimming?" Minerva laughed at her enthusiasm "Yes, boats and swimming" she replied with a smile

HPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHP

an hour later Hermione and her mother were stepping into a small canoe and heading out on the great lake.

Hermione had a wonderful time, she loved watching the fish and the giant squid under the water, though they made her change her mind about swimming… they laughed and talked for well over two hours. Hermione couldn't remember when she'd had a nicer time. She had a family again, a real one!

"Mum?" Hermione asked from the opposite side of the boat "yes dear" came the kind reply "I-I… never mind. Sorry"

"No dear, what is it?" Minerva prodded gently.

"I just… I'm really tired. I don't think I can stay out here much longer..." she said in a meek voice. Minerva wanted to kick herself. What had she been thinking? The poor girl was malnourished, hardly out of the hospital wing after being beaten and raped, and was generally very weak. Why on earth had she thought this would be a good idea?

"Oh Hermione dear I'm sorry"

"Oh no! I've loved it. I haven't had this much fun in forever! I just got sort of tired… I'm sorry mum"

"No dear, I'm glad you had fun. Lets get you back and get you rested"

HPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHP

back in their rooms Minerva helped Hermione into some comfy clothes and sat with her on the couch. She could tell the poor thing was absolutely exhausted, she wasn't sure how she'd missed it before…

"Hermione are you alright?" Minerva asked with concern

"Yes mum, just tired." Hermione said snuggling into her mother's robes

Minerva wasn't sure about her response, but she would see how she was after she had rested. It didn't take long before Hermione was asleep. Minerva picked her up and laid her in bed and left her to rest.

okay, so tbh I feel like this story sucks and I may not write anymore, I'm losing my touch...