Captured for love.
She glanced up and saw his eyes. The last pare she would probably ever see in her life. They were staring into hers, cold, and dark, empty. He sneered at her. His eyes giving nothing away.
"You really want to fight him, Mud Blood? Would you really be that stupid? He'll kill you as soon as look at you."
"Like you care, Malfoy," she answered, trying to keep fear out of her voice.
Harry stepped forward. The ground was covered in dead bodies. Both on their side and Voldemort's. He turned to look at Hermione.
"Is that it? We're the only ones left?"
"Yes," Hermione said faintly, struggling to her feet. She was finding it very hard to get up, Harry gently took her hand.
"Harry, this sickens me, look at all those bodies. So many deaths, Neville, Fred, George, they fought like heroes. As for Luna, well…"
"I know, Hermione, but this is war. We always knew some day it would come to this."
"Yeah, but the Weasley's, everyone seems to be gone but us."
"It's not all bad, Hermione," Harry managed a faint smile. "It's just me, you, Draco and Voldemort. Two against two, seems fair to me."
"Harry, this is it, isn't it? It's time for the Prophecy."
"Yes, this is it."
Malfoy was standing there. He was trying to sneer at both of them and not doing a very good job. Ever since, and even before his father had been taken to Azkaban, there was a very small, but persistent part of Draco's heart that was saying he didn't want to be in stuff like this. He'd never wanted to join Voldemort in the first place; his father had ordered him to sign up. He still hated Mud Blood's, wanted them dead, (well, maybe not, one.)
Very quietly, Hermione tried to start removing some of the bodies.
"Don't bother, Hermione," Harry said gently, "there's too many."
"Where is he, Harry?" Hermione asked, unable to keep the fear out of her voice.
"Oh believe me he'll be here. He probably already is, we just can't see him. Mister Tom Riddle."
Harry glanced at Malfoy.
"What is it with you, Draco? Why have you not tried to kill us yet?"
"Killing you is my master's job Potter, but as for you Granger, don't assume you're safe yet. You know how easily I could kill you?"
"Don't big yourself up anymore Malfoy; you're heads already way too big for your body."
"Don't you dare get smart with me, Granger." Malfoy raised his wand.
"Don't think I'm going to die as a coward, I'll fight you to the end, Malfoy! Where's your master to protect you, eh? Where's the one you've shown all that loyalty too? Not very good at repaying it, is he?"
Draco rested his wand on Hermione's heart. Harry had already raised his own. However, as Draco's wand rested there, his own heart was screaming.
Stop, stop! Like it or not, you're in love with this Mud Blood! You can deny it all you want, but how are you going to feel if she's dead knowing you killed her? You want her, love her, you know you do! You've wanted her all this time, now you're about to kill her? One curse, it would all be over. Your father made you sign up to Voldemort, you didn't do it willingly and you know it! Don't kill her, at least, not yet. Try and find a way of telling her how you feel, even if you kill her in the end for simply being a Mud Blood!
Draco Malfoy, the prince of Slytherin was trying to keep his hard edge, his power, but as he looked into Hermione's brown eyes and that gorgeous brown hair he'd always loved, he was finding that harder and harder to do.
Hermione meanwhile was going through a struggle of her own. Ever since first year, something had attracted her to Draco Malfoy. She had no idea what it was, but it was there. She couldn't deny it. Even in third year when she'd hit him across the face, her feelings were going mad. She'd touched him!
Draco lowered his wand slightly, keeping his eyes fixed on Hermione's. Her eyes were on him too. In short, their eyes were locked.
Draco had never used any unforgivable curses during his time as a Death Eater as yet and he really didn't want to start now. Particularly not on the gorgeous young woman in front of him. Especially her, but Draco Malfoy, once so hard and ruthless, now wasn't sure he could curse anyone at all in such a horrible way anymore.
Harry suddenly raised his wand and took a step towards Draco. Draco's eyes were locked on Hermione's and hers on his.
"I hate you, Draco Malfoy! I hate you!"
"Do you, Granger?" He hissed softly into her ear. Was Hermione imagining it, or had Draco Malfoy been struggling to keep sadness and tenderness from his voice?
"No!" Hermione hissed in Harry's ear. "Don't try to fight him; your battle hasn't even started!"
Draco kept Hermione fixed at wand point. She knew he knew way more magic than her, so she didn't dare move.
Suddenly, as if rite on cue, there was a pop. There, in his black robes stood the tall, hooded, Lord Voldemort.
He looked around at all the bodies and smirked. Then his eyes fell on the three in front of him.
"Only ones left alive, huh?" He sneered. "Well, not for much longer. Potter, how honoured I am that you stayed alive just for me to finish you off."
"You wish, Voldemort," Harry murmured under his breath.
Voldemort's eyes suddenly fixed on Hermione. Automatically, without thinking, Hermione stepped closer to Draco. Hermione knew, just by the way Voldemort was looking at her, he was facing a Mud Blood. Hermione had always wondered if she would ever have to fight Voldemort, was the answer going to be yes?
"Draco, thank you for standing guard over Potter for me until I could get here to kill him. But first, I have this other little matter to attend too. I really want to duel with this Mud Blood, just for pure fun!"
Suddenly, Hermione remembered something Harry had said to her and Ron in their fifth year.
"You think it's just memorising a bunch of spells and throwing them at him like you're in class? The whole time you know there's nothing between you and dying except your own brain or guts or whatever."
Now, Hermione realised he'd been rite. No book could help her now. Voldemort faced her. Draco took a step backwards. His heart, as much as he tried to stop it, was filling with concern and fear for Granger, the one he was supposed to hate with a passion. He didn't want her to die…
Harry had also raised his wand. It looked like Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy, worst enemies, were going to team up, work together, to try and save Hermione's life.
"Why do you care?" Harry snarled at Malfoy.
"What makes you think I do Potter? How do you know I'm not standing here to curse her if I need too?"
"Your eyes, Malfoy. You may think I can't tell, but it's written all over your face. Also, if you're as confident in your Master as all his other servants were, I don't think he'll need your help, do you?
"Shut up, Potter! What would you know? God I wish I could kill you myself!"
"That task is not assigned to you, Malfoy. You know it. It's assigned to your master, but I'm going to try my best to insure he won't succeed."
"Best is all you can do, Potter."
In front of them, Hermione and Voldemort had done the gesture of respect just before a duel, done between a witch and wizard. Two witches or two wizards would bow to each other, but a witch and Wizard shake hands. Hermione and Voldemort shook.
Quickly, as if it knew she was going to die, her mind began whizzing back to moments in her family. The 5 year old Hermione riding a bike. Skipping with a rope, sleepovers with her friends from Muggle school, rite up to when she'd got the letter from Hogwarts. She thought of her poor, Muggle parents, who would be defenceless if even a first year wizard came after them... Hermione felt tears burn in the back of her eyes. Harry and Draco both suddenly stepped up beside her.
"Hermione," Harry whispered, "I'm your second. He suddenly leant in and kissed her cheek. "Love ya, Hermione, I'll read a book for you."
Hermione managed a faint smile.
"Make sure it's Hogwarts a History," she whispered unsteadily. Harry also managed a faint smile. This was a scary situation alright, a Death Eater and the Dark Lord himself, and them. Very probably, their ends.
Voldemort and Hermione stepped away a little. Voldemort instantly raised his wand.
"Crucio!"
The sight nearly broke both Harry's and Draco's hearts. Hermione writhed on the floor in agony and screamed her heart out. Very tenderly, Draco lifted Hermione's
head slightly off the cold ground and held it in his hands. Harry gently held her arms up, so she wouldn't hit them on the hard earth. Eventually, Voldemort
lifted the curse. He was smirking. Hermione struggled to her feet. She was shaking uncontrollably. She raised her wand and used a none verbal spell.
Suddenly, a bright light enclosed the two duellers. It was solid light. Neither Draco nor Harry could touch Hermione.
"This is between you and I, Riddle, not them. You want to fight a, quote, Mud Blood, here I am. Leave them out of it. This is you, Lord Voldemort and I."
Voldemort smirked. "You got yourself a deal, Mud Blood. Crucio!"
For the second time, Hermione hit the ground. This time however, the boys could not get in to help her. She wanted it that way, so they stood outside the
wall of light, glaring at each other. Both sets of eyes displaying hatred. They could see what was happening through the light, but couldn't reach the
Duellers.
Voldemort hit Hermione with a lot of complex and painful curses. Hermione did manage to strike Voldemort a couple of times with some very clever none verbal
spells, but she'd been into studying, not duelling practice and sadly, at the time she needed it most, it showed.
Eventually, Hermione was down on the ground and the solid light broke. Instantly, Draco was on one side, Harry the other.
"Do you want me to say it, Granger?" Voldemort hissed. "Two words, Mud Blood and you would be dead. Do you not wish to try anymore of your nonverbal spells on me? Nice try, pretty one, but it doesn't work against me."
Hermione tried to get up, but couldn't. She was too badly hurt.
"Master," said Draco softly. "Do I have your permission to take the Mud Blood and kill her myself? It would be so much fun."
Voldemort smirked.
"I don't care whether you kill her or not Draco. The one, who absolutely has to die, is here! He jabbed his wand in Harry's chest. "That was just my warm
up exercise."
Draco smirked and gathered Hermione gently up in his arms. Hermione gasped with pain. She was in a bad state. Voldemort's curses had been very advanced and she wasn't far off dead. Harry looked at Hermione, emotion filling his eyes.
"Hermione, I am so sorry this had to happen to you. Of all the people to kill you, it would be him!"
Hermione couldn't answer. She could hardly breathe.
Draco kept his wand on Hermione as he held her. He could feel her racing heart, as it fought to stay alive. Beating. He turned away from Harry and Voldemort, then with a loud crack, vanished.
About a second later, Hermione felt herself gently being lowered onto something. It was a few seconds later, when she realized it was a bed. Her breathing was unsteady and shallow. She was almost unconscious. Her vision was blurry and she couldn't see anything. She felt a tender hand brush her hair lightly back from her face. She tried to move her eyes, but couldn't. She knew she was going to black out.
She managed to weekly raise her hand and lay it on the hand now gently touching her cheek. The fingers gently tightened around Hermione's. Then, she felt tender and gentle lips brush hers. It was such a tender kiss and Hermione held on to that hand with all she had.
Then, she felt the man next to her move slightly. It was Draco Malfoy, rite? By this point she couldn't think straight. She felt two gentle arms close around her. They tenderly helped her in to a comfortable lying position. Hermione couldn't believe this. The man holding her was Draco Malfoy! He was being so tender, so gentle, why wasn't she dead by now? She tried to raise her head to look into Draco's eyes, but the pain was terrible.
Draco saw this and tenderly and protectively held her tight against him. He lowered his head to her level, so she could see his eyes.
Draco Malfoy held Hermione Granger close and his heart was brimming with concern. He didn't want this girl to die. This, woman. He wanted her. He loved her. Draco Malfoy had fallen in love with a Mud Blood! He would do whatever he could, to save her life. He knew Voldemort would kill him for this, if Harry didn't get there first. He hoped Harry would kill Voldemort this night.
Hermione's eyes were glazed over, dazed and dying. Draco knew Voldemort had done some bad damage to Hermione's chance of survival. He kissed her again. He quietly stood up and began to walk towards the door. His heart was breaking.
"Draco, stop. Please?"
Draco did. Hermione tried to stand up. Draco, seeing what she was trying to do, quickly ran back to her and tenderly put his arms around her to keep her on the bed.
"Don't, d d don't leave me."
Hermione was very scared for Harry; she was scared of the whole thing. This was crazy, but right now, she needed Draco Malfoy! She needed him to hold her, protect her. Hermione Granger, the cleverest witch in their year, could not do this alone. This was something a book couldn't teach her. She clung to Draco as hard as she could. Painfully, but also full of determination, she sought his lips. The kiss was electrifying and seemed to give Hermione a bit of strength.
She didn't know why Draco wasn't saying anything to her, but they didn't seem to need dialogue. If he was going to kill her she knew she was powerless to stop him.
But why was he being so gentle? Hermione knew he was in total control. He knew dark magic after all and while she knew advanced spells off by heart, she didn't and didn't want to know, any dark stuff. She hoped against hope that Draco wasn't going to leave her after tonight was over. Was she in love with him? She wasn't sure, but her heart was telling her she very probably was. She felt her head hit Draco's shoulder. His left arm remained securely around her, while his right hand gently stroked her hair.
Hermione had no idea how this had happened. This was crazy. She was alone with Draco Malfoy, after a horrific battle and yet she felt so so safe!
She suddenly felt her hand knock against something in her pocket. She looked and realized it was her wand! Had Draco put it there? Her left hand tightened weakly around it. She pulled it out of her pocket and conjured up a glass of water.
Oh crap! She suddenly thought. She'd realized there was no way she was strong enough to even hold the glass. However, before she could do anything, Draco had gently taken it from her. He raised her head gently and bought the glass to her lips. She drank slowly and painfully.
As she finished, Draco lowered her head back to the pillow. Suddenly, he drew out his own wand. Hermione flinched. Fear was obvious in her eyes. Draco looked and saw this. Hermione expected him to smirk. But he didn't. He leant down so his head was at her level. Hermione looked straight into his dark grey eyes, that she found herself fast falling in love with, if she wasn't already! Those eyes seemed to say to her, I'm here, I'm right here. I'm not going to hurt you. Trust me?
She hoped like anything he wasn't about to call her Mud Blood.
Suddenly, Hermione felt a numbness hit her body. It was bliss. The pain stopped. Draco held her tight against his side, as the numbing curse he'd used took effect. At last, Hermione was able to close her eyes. She clung to Draco, as hard as she could. She was afraid to sleep; terrified he would go if she did.
"Draco, please don't leave me?"
Hermione had perspiration all over her face and forehead. She felt Draco gently wipe it away. Hermione was very very hot. She was sure her temperature had gone up. Suddenly, Draco must have used a none verbal spell, because Hermione was naked except for her under clothes. Draco tenderly lifted her up and pulled the bed covers back. He laid her gently into bed, and then put the covers back over her. The numbing curse was powerful, Hermione couldn't feel a thing.
Meanwhile, Draco was thinking he must have changed. He had Hermione under a numbing spell, almost naked and in a bed. Also, they were alone. He could rape her, or anything. But, his heart was so tender towards her, he only wanted her safety. Draco Malfoy couldn't deny it; he'd fallen for a Mud Blood. He also suddenly knew he was never going to use that word again. Hermione was a damn clever witch, not to mention sexy and gorgeous. Draco just sat on the edge of the bed and held her close in his arms. He leant in and kissed her.
"Shh," he said gently. Man he'd said that so kindly. Hermione relaxed into him.
Draco lowered his head to her ear and whispered tenderly to her.
"Hush, Hermione. You're hurt. I'm right here, just sleep now."
There was still however, a little part of Hermione's heart that was afraid to sleep encase Draco killed her. He was after all sly, (but was he, anymore?
Hermione really was starting to doubt this,) but she wanted to trust him. The way he'd been to her etc, but part of her was still a little afraid. Draco held her tenderly close, as she slowly began to realize she couldn't fight it. She was exhausted and the numbing spell was making it easy to sleep. She felt her head hit the pillow again.
But before she slept, she wanted to feel one more tender kiss. She tried to raise her head, but couldn't. Draco leant his head towards her and placed his lips on hers. Even though her body was numb, she just knew by the electrifying feel she seemed to be getting through her very nerves. She raised her arms as best she could, and wrapped them around his neck. Draco continued to tenderly kiss her, as she fell into a deep and in spite of all that had happened and was still happening, peaceful sleep.
Back in the Hogwarts grounds, Harry and Voldemort was still duelling. They had been fighting for 2 hours. Harry didn't know how a duel could last so long, but this one was heavy! Both Wizards were hurt, but Harry way more so.
"Stubborn, aren't you Harry?" Said Voldemort quietly.
"No, that's you you bastard, for not dying!" Harry spat.
"Aah, Potter, why would I take your place? Why would I take your job? It's your job to die! Crucio!"
For the millionth time that night, Harry hit the ground under the curse.
"Don't you know anything better?" He spat as he struggled to his feet.
Harry had disarmed Voldemort a few times, but the evillest Wizard of all time knew how to use spells without a wand. Harry knew he was a lot less powerful, but he had one force Voldemort didn't and he knew it.
"If there is one thing Voldemort cannot understand, it is love."
"Prepare to die, Potter! Meet your parents who I had great pleasure in taking their miserable lives."
"In your dreams, it's you who's going to die tonight, Mister Riddle, not me!"
Harry had no idea what problems actually saying Mister Riddle to Voldemort's face would cause.
About 15 minutes later, Hermione stirred. She suddenly realized why. Draco was gone. She got out of the bed as best she could. Draco had obviously removed the numbing spell, as Hermione could now feel all the pain of what she'd gone through that night. She looked to see if he'd left her a note, but there was nothing.
She didn't know if she dared risk this, but she was determined to find Draco. She was sure she knew where he was. With Harry and Voldemort. Since Dumbledore's death, a lot of the security around the castle had been unable to be kept up, as only Dumbledore knew how to keep it strong. One of the results of this was that you could now apporated inside Hogwarts buildings and grounds. Hermione quickly dressed as best she could due to the pain, then disapporated out into the dark of the Hogwarts grounds.
*Harry heard the pop and glanced round quickly. Voldemort too also seemed momentarily shocked by the apparition. Hermione quickly looked round; she was unsteady on her feet. Harry put a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"Where's Draco?" He whispered quietly.
"I don't know," Hermione whispered back. "He left while I was sleeping."
That was when it happened. Voldemort looked into Hermione's eyes. That was when his whole physical aspect began to change. Harry stared at him and gasped.
There, in front of them, was 21 year old Tom Riddle! He looked straight into Hermione's brown eyes with his eyes that were no longer red, but a dark and exceptionally hansom grey. Hermione instantly found herself drawn to him. She knew without question that she loved Draco Malfoy, but jeez Tom Riddle was so damn gorgeous!
Riddle raised his wand, and Hermione suddenly forgot everything. Her mind went blank. She forgot where she was, who she loved, and the battle, all she could think of, was Tom Riddle! Harry stared, in absolute horror. Hermione walked quickly over to the handsome young man. She'd always liked the idea of an older man; her parents after all, had a four year age difference between her mum and her dad. Her dad was 4 years older, just like in this case.
Hermione reached Riddle uncertainly. Harry suddenly noticed another awful thing. Riddle was completely healed. He'd obviously been able to heal his wounds with a very advanced spell. He wasn't hurt at all!
Riddle looked into Hermione's eyes. His eyes seemed as cold as ice. AS Hermione reached him, Riddle held out his arms and gently took Hermione's body close to his own. Hermione was gazing into his eyes, oblivious to everything but him. Harry knew if he spoke, she wouldn't hear him. What was this? The Imperious curse, what? Harry also knew he could run for it, but that would make him out to be a coward, he wanted this thing finished this night!
Riddle leant in and met his lips with Hermione's. Their kiss was tentative at first, but then it grew more passionate. Harry stared, not believing what he was seeing. Suddenly, there was a pop and Draco apporated at his side. He suddenly saw Hermione in the arms of the Dark Lord.
Harry grabbed his arm to stop him moving.
"What the…"
"Draco, what the hell is going on with you? You obviously didn't kill her; she said you left while she was sleeping. You better not have done anything to her or…"
Draco was staring at Hermione and Voldemort. He wanted to shed tears, except he knew he probably never would. He was supposed to be a Malfoy, after all, but he was finding out recently that that really didn't matter anymore.
"Shut it, Potter!" Draco pulled out his wand.
Harry expected Draco to point it at him, and sure enough, the wand was pointing straight at his heart.
"Draco, please stop! Whether we like it or not, we need to work together on this one. Please, Draco, you've got to help me. I hate saying this to you, when
I hate your guts, but I'm hurt. I can't do much right now. Draco, what happened back there?"
Draco was still staring at Riddle.
"What the hell has happened to him, Potter? He's hansom Tom Riddle all over again!"
"Draco, please, lower your wand. I know about as much as you right now, please, don't curse me. I'm nearly dead as it is. I'm still standing, sure, but I'm weak. Please, don't. I can't fight for much longer."
"You're pleading with me, Potter?"
"I guess you could say I am, much as I fucking hate it!" Harry spat at him.
Slowly, Draco lowered his wand.
"So, what the hell is happening?"
"I don't know. Hermione appeared back here, even though she was in no state to perform an apparition, she risked it, stupid if you ask me, but anyway, she appeared here while Voldemort and I were still fighting. Voldemort took one look into her eyes and instantly, he changed."
"Into Riddle?"
"Yes. Hermione's eyes are all glazed over. Don't bother trying to talk to her Draco, she can't hear us. The only voice she can hear is his."
"Riddle's?"
"Yes."
"When I get my hands on her, I'll kill her!"
"You might not need too," Harry said bitterly. "Riddle might do it for you! I thought you were going to kill her anyway. Anyone would think you were in love with her or something."
"Maybe I was, but not anymore! I keep her safe, she disapporates when she's so weak and now she's in the arms of Riddle! She can forget my love! I get to her, she's dead!"
"Draco, stop. This, I don't think is her fault. You wouldn't kill her; I can see it in your face. I might not like you what so ever, but you have fallen in love with Hermione, haven't you? It's all over your face. Please don't talk of killing her; I think she's going to be killed by someone else. After he's had his fun with her."
"What is it, some kind of imperious curse, or what?"
"I told you, I know about as much as you do."
The two men stood there, helpless. Neither knowing what to do. Hermione was completely in Riddle's control, however. That much, they knew for certain.
Hermione stared into the hansom dark grey eyes of the man who was tenderly holding her close. Was this really the man she'd just been fighting only a little while ago? Again, he kissed her.
"Draco, listen. Please don't hurt her, this is not her fault. I don't know what he's doing, but it's not her. If you have fallen in love with her, please don't turn away from her? She's going to need you when this is over."
Draco fixed his eyes on Harry, and then slowly nodded. He did actually look near tears.
"What about you, Harry?" Harry registered that this was the first time in seven years that Draco had used his first name.
"As soon as I get a chance, I'm going to try my utmost to kill that bastard!"
"Good for you, Harry, I hope you succeed!"
"Thank you, Draco. Hey, let's say we stop all this enemy stuff, eh? It looks like we're going to be working together for a while, so what do you say?"
Harry extended his hand.
Draco nodded. "You're right, Harry, you're right." They shook.
"I don't think Ron would be too pleased if he knew you loved Hermione, so out of respect for his memory, treat her rite, will you?"
"If I see her again, yes."
Meanwhile, Riddle was holding Hermione close against him. His grip was so tender, and Hermione was finding it harder and harder not to trust him. He held her tight against him, as both of them suddenly disapporated.
Hermione suddenly found herself on the same bed she was sure she'd been in only minutes before. Where was she, the hospital wing? Riddle used a none verbal spell, and this time, Hermione was totally naked. She was completely drawn to those hansom grey eyes. Riddle helped her into the bed then got in beside her. Riddle had not used any voice dialogue; it had all been in Hermione's mind. It was as if she could hear his gentle voice, but not aloud. Now, she did hear him speak.
"You can trust me, Hermione. I won't hurt you. Draco doesn't really love you, it's all lies. But I do. I want you Hermione, I need you."
There was nothing Hermione could do. Riddle took her close. He also was naked. Unknown to Hermione, before they'd left, Riddle had cast a very powerful spell, that had bound and gagged Harry. Draco was supposed to be standing guard over him, but right now, was setting him free.
Riddle put his lips against hers and gently forced her mouth open. She felt the warmth of his tongue entered her mouth. It was warm and gentle. Hermione's tongue entered his and they kissed, deeply and passionately.
Little did Hermione know that Riddle had used a very clever spell on her mind, to bewitch her. Basically a stronger version of the imperious curse. Hermione trusted him, loved him, but it was all in her mind.
Riddle suddenly began to touch her breasts, gently and forceful enough to make his point. He wanted her and he was going to have her.
"Give into me, Hermione," he said quietly. "You know you want to; you don't have a choice. Just surrender to me."
Hermione knew he was rite. Under the mind charm she was, she couldn't do anything to defend herself. The mind charm he'd used was so advanced, that Hermione didn't even know she was under one. She thought it was real love she was feeling and she'd truly forgotten everything but him.
Riddle suddenly climbed on top of Hermione, gently kissing her. If Hermione had known who he was, in other words, if she'd been in her rite mind, she would have been fighting against this like anything. He was about to rape her and she wasn't even aware of it.
He gently bit on her lower lip then pushed his tongue back into her mouth. Hermione was holding on to him as tight as she could. Again, the effects of the mind charm. Even under the charm however, Hermione did suddenly try to pull back. She wasn't sure why, but something in the very back of her mind, (her in the rite mind,) was telling her she didn't want to do this! That it was rape. Riddle however, was too strong for her. He held her tighter, so she couldn't get away from him.
"Don't do this Hermione, I want you, you know you want me, you couldn't get away anyhow, I won't let you. Why would you want to pull away from something we both want so bad? Give in to me Hermione, just do it."
He lowered his mouth to her breasts and gently sucked her nipples. Hermione could not deny him much longer.
He was slowly but surely working his way towards his goal, and he knew that Hermione couldn't stop him, because of the charm she was under. He raised his mouth up again and once more kissed her so their tongues were entwined. As he did, she felt him gently push into her.
His thrusts were slow at first, and then they became faster. All the while, he was kissing her passionately.
Another thing the charm he'd placed her under had done was to remove the pain. This was only going to last while she was under his control, the rest of it once Hermione came around, was living hell!
After it was over, Riddle lay on top of Hermione, not saying anything. Again, he forced her mouth open with his lips, to allow his tongue to enter. Hermione could almost taste his lust.
He held her close for a few more minutes, making it obvious he was in control, then conjured them both back into their clothes.
"Harry, are you sure this will work?"
"I'm not sure of anything right now, Draco, but I'm willing to try. It's always been my destiny to kill him and he's probably just raped one of my best friends. Don't you think that just makes me madder? As soon as they appear, I will try my best to do it. He's going to come back for me, so I'll just wait."
"Is he any weaker when he's showing as the young, hansom Tom Riddle?"
"Oh, Draco, don't even think that for a second. He's just as strong as he is as Voldemort. Don't be fooled, whatever you do."
Harry could not believe this; he and Draco Malfoy were actually talking to each other. If the situation hadn't been so sad, serious and scary, Harry could have laughed.
"What if he doesn't bring Hermione back, but kills her right there?"
"I don't think he'll do that; I think he'll do it to torture me even more. Voldemort loves control."
"So I've noticed."
"Was he the same when… ya know?"
"Hell yeah! You didn't do what he asked, you're dead!"
Harry suddenly remembered something Sirius, (his heart squeezed in pain,) had said to him in his fifth year, at the headquarters of the order of the Phoenix.
"It's a lifetime of service, or death."
"I'm sorry, Draco," Harry said quietly.
"Don't be, Harry. Not your fault."
Suddenly, there was a small crack and Hermione and Riddle appeared.
Riddle was still holding Hermione tightly against him. He began to kiss her again. Rite in front of Harry and Draco.
At this point, Draco couldn't help himself. He broke down. Draco Malfoy was actually crying!
Harry suddenly did something he thought he never would've have done in his life. He stepped forward and put an arm round Malfoy's shoulders!
"I've got a plan, Draco. If this works, it'll all be over soon."
Harry suddenly found himself leaning into Draco 's shoulder. He himself was hurt and it did help, (whether he cared to admit it or not,) to have Draco's shoulder there. Draco's arm tightened.
"Are you alright?"
"Very weak, but I'll be ok once that git is dead!"
Suddenly, Riddle, still holding Hermione tight against him, walked over to where Harry and Draco stood.
"Let her go you bastard! I bet you've had your fun with her, rite?"
"Wouldn't you like to know, Potter? I see you and Draco have become friends, so I will have no problems what so ever with killing all 3 of you. This Mud Blood is worth nothing to me, well, she's good looking, but that's all."
"You git! She's actually damn clever. She did injure you during your duel and you know it."
"Didn't last very long though, did it? I'm not injured now, am I?"
"You will be!" Harry snarled at him. "Just you wait!"
Harry knew that while he was holding Hermione so close to him, it was a huge risk to attempt any kind of curse, encase it hit her.
"You've got some damn nerve, Riddle! Trying to act out an emotion you don't even understand! You don't even know what love is!"
Riddle sneered at Harry. Harry expected any minute he'd change back into Lord Voldemort. The odd thing was though, he didn't. He stayed as the young Tom Riddle, in appearance at least.
Harry looked at Hermione. Her eyes were still glazed and he had the weirdest feeling that she hadn't even heard the conversation. Her eyes were still fixed on Riddle.
"What have you done to her, exactly?"
"Oh just a simple temporary numbing curse and memory modification so all she can think of is me. Soon as I lift it, she'll know what's happened and she won't be too pleased," he smirked.
"No, neither will you, when you're a dead man!"
"Ah Harry, what have I told you before? That's your job to die."
Suddenly, Riddle gave Hermione one last kiss, then released her. He then flicked his wand upwards in a brief uncomplicated flick.
It was horrible to watch. Harry and Draco stared in horror, as Hermione's memory and feeling were completely restored. She knew what had just happened between her and Riddle. They watched as Hermione's face went white as a sheet.
"Well, Mud Blood, I will say this for you. I've found one thing you are certainly good at." Riddle smirked.
Hermione didn't dare meet Draco's eyes. She looked absolutely terrified. As well as the memories, pain had fully returned to her. She grabbed her wand from her pocket. She shot a none verbal spell at Riddle, which caught him off guard. Harry raised his wand in a flash.
"Avada Kedavra!" He yelled at the top of his voice.
The flash of green light seemed to leave his wand in slow motion. As Harry, Hermione and Draco watched, the fatal curse whizzed through the air and hit Riddle square in the heart. He fell to the ground on his knees. Hermione couldn't stop herself. She moved forward and kicked Riddle smartly in the back of the head.
Harry watched, almost stunned, as the most feared evil Wizard of all time, passed from this world.
Hermione, even though she was so weak, she managed to cast a spell which healed some of her wounds. Then, she disapporated.
"Didn't think it'd be that easy," Harry muttered dazedly to Draco.
Draco's eyes were fixed on the place where Hermione had been standing.
"Nice one, Harry. You just picked the right moment. But I thought you said he wasn't weaker as Riddle."
"Believe me Draco, he wasn't. Hermione's curse just caught him off guard and gave me the chance I needed. Look, Draco, if I were you, I'd go after Hermione.
She's probably absolutely terrified of you now, you need to go after her and tell her how you feel, if you don't do it quickly, it'll be too late.
But by the time Harry had finished his last sentence, Draco had disapporated.
Hermione staggered through Hogwarts, the pain she was feeling was almost unbearable. Not just the physical pain, the mental pain. By this point, she was pretty sure that she'd fallen in love with Draco Malfoy and he'd just seen her kissing Riddle! Mind charm or no, the fact remained that it had happened and there was nothing she could do about it. She was certain whatever her and Draco had started to develop, was gone.
Eventually, she had to stop. She was in a lot of pain. She sank to the floor in the entrance hall and just let the tears come. Hogwarts was so still, so quiet, an awful battle had taken place and Hermione knew she was probably all alone in the world now. She struggled to her feet and headed for one of the few places in Hogwarts she could hide. The library.
However, just as she reached the library and was about to open the doors, she felt something pin her against the wall. She looked up, but couldn't see anything or anyone. It was like she had been pinned there with a spell. She tried to move, but it was no use. Suddenly, she felt a hand grab her collar.
Hermione couldn't struggle because of the spell pinning her face first to the library wall. She tried to pull her wand out, but couldn't.
Just then, she felt herself being spun to face the person holding her collar. As soon as she was facing the other way, the grip became so gentle. As Hermione tried to pull back, she felt lips gently touch hers. The hand left her collar and she felt two strong arms around her. Hermione knew it wasn't Riddle, that was crazy as he was dead. Never the less, she was a little nervous. She was released from the pinning spell. She would have hit the wall as she staggered backwards, had it not been for the arms holding her close. The kiss was released and Hermione felt her hair being gently and lovingly brushed back from her face. The touch made her tingle. She knew that touch.
"Speak to me," she begged the silent stranger. "Won't you?"
In answer, he lowered his head slightly so she could see his eyes. It was Draco!
As soon as she realized this, Hermione clung to him with all she had.
Draco tenderly began to kiss her. His kiss was nothing what so ever like Riddle's! Whereas his had been tender, it was all a pretence. Hermione remembered what he'd said to her.
"Draco doesn't really love you. I do, I need you." Total crap!
Hermione could feel love and tenderness in every one of Draco's kisses.
He tenderly lifted her up in his arms and carried her along the corridor.
They entered the quiet and deserted hospital wing. Draco lowered her onto the bed by the door. Before she had a chance to look over at the bed where first
Draco had held her then Riddle had used her, Draco was lying next to her with his arms tight around her.
Hermione couldn't stop herself. Her tears came thick and fast. Draco held her tight against him.
"Oh Draco, I'm so, so sorry, I don't know what happened to me, please, don't kill me, don't torture me, it wasn't my fault! If you're going to break my heart, won't you do it quick? I… I love you Draco Malfoy! I really really do; I know that now. I don't know if you love me, or what? But why were you so gentle to me earlier? What was all that about? Are you just doing that now? Trying to give me comfort, or…"
Hermione was cut off as Draco put his lips to hers. Hermione could feel true love in that kiss, she couldn't deny it. She returned his kiss with all the love in her. Draco did not force the kiss at all. He knew what Hermione had just been through, so he didn't want to hurt her even more. It was Hermione who pushed her tongue gently against Draco's lips, requesting entrance to his mouth. Draco allowed it.
When the kiss ended, Draco held her tightly and longingly against his side.
"Stop, Hermione, stop. Don't ever talk like that again. You hear me? I would never torture you, never kill you! I was protecting you earlier, for one reason alone." With that, he again conjured her out of her clothes and into bed. As he did so, he suddenly made the bed where Riddle had used her, vanish.
"What reason, Draco?"
"This reason," he answered, getting in beside her and enfolding her gently into his arms.
"I don't want to hurt you; I'm so so sorry about what happened to you. I love you, Hermione Granger."
Hermione stared at him, thinking she'd probably miss heard.
"What?"
Draco moved slightly, until Hermione's head was resting on his shoulder. Hermione just lay there, savouring his warmth and tenderness.
He tenderly began to kiss her again.
"I'm here for you, Hermione. I'm here to be all you want me to be, forever. I'm not in the least the Draco Malfoy you used to know and hate. If you'll just give me this chance, you'll realize it's true."
Hermione cut him off by raising her head up to place her lips on his.
A few seconds later, there was a crack and Harry, Scrimgeour and a Healer from St. Mungo's apporated into the room. They supported Harry into another of the beds.
Scrimgeour smiled as he saw Hermione in the safety of Draco's arms.
"Didn't think you were ever truly a Death Eater, Mr. Malfoy."
"No, Minister."
The Healer came over to Hermione and raised her wand. Hermione clung to Draco as the spell hit her, but a few seconds later, she looked up and smiled.
The Healer had managed to heal her completely, using highly advanced magic.
"Thank you," Hermione said weakly.
The Healer smiled at her and proceeded to Harry.
"I would shake your hand, Harry," Scrimgeour was saying.
"I don't think there's any need for that, Minister," Harry said coldly.
Harry had never been able to forgive Scrimgeour for his words and actions during the war against Voldemort. Now, rite at the end, Harry had killed Voldemort all by himself, Scrimgeour had not even been there. Yes, he'd sent all his Aurors to the fight, but in Harry's eyes, that didn't count for much as far as he personally and the Minister of Magic were concerned.
The Healer raised her wand and began working on Harry's battle scars.
"Harry, you have destroyed the evillest dark wizard of all time, at least allow me a handshake as a thanks from the Wizarding community?"
"Yeah and I say thanks for nothing. You did nothing to help me during the fight, not even before it, Minister. You just want to look good in front of the public. That's all you're after. Minister, we've lost a hell of a lot of Witches and Wizards in this fight, both good and bad. Where were you? I notice you didn't come to the fight, what were you doing, sitting in your splendid luxury castle? You and Fudge are exactly the same, you know."
Scrimgeour just stood there and stared at Harry for what seemed like ages.
"If it wasn't for me, Potter, Clara would not be here now, healing you."
Harry smiled at the beautiful young Healer.
"Believe me, your work is appreciated. Sorry about your boss, though."
The Healer smiled nervously.
Meanwhile, Draco had gently helped Hermione out of bed and they were standing in their clothes by the door.
"Draco?" Harry called out weakly.
Draco stopped.
"Come here, please?"
Draco walked over to Harry's bed. Harry stuck out his hand and took Draco's. He squeezed it tightly.
"Thank you for keeping us safe, Draco. I know I need to swallow my pride and say if it hadn't been for you, we'd probably both have been dead. Hermione and I. You kept her safe, then me. You could have easily killed both of us."
Draco smiled; the first time Harry had seen a genuine kind smile on his face. Then, he actually leant down and gently hugged Harry.
"You're more than welcome, Harry. So is Hermione."
"Yeah," Harry smiled. "I expect you'll be giving her a fair few hugs."
Draco smiled back.
Hermione walked over to Harry and also hugged him. She then gently kissed his cheek.
They both knew Harry was going to have to stay in bed for longer than they were, as his injuries were a lot worse, they could leave rite then.
Draco gently took Hermione into his arms. Scrimgeour held out his hand as they passed and Hermione and Draco reluctantly shook it.
"You get out soon, Harry, you hear? We want you to get better." Draco nodded.
"I'll do my best to be as quick as I can," Harry smiled weakly, as the couple headed out the door.
Harry lay back against his pillows, thinking.
Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger. Whoever would have believed it? Malfoy must have changed big time. Well, good luck to them. Hope it works out well for them. We've lost so many people, it's unreal.
Just goes to show I guess, even though a lot of people have died, true love survives."
Over the next few days, however, Hermione was desperately trying to avoid Draco Malfoy. She'd dodge him as hard as she could all around Hogwarts. She spent a lot of time in the hospital wing visiting Harry, but if Draco came in she'd quickly leave.
Draco tried to catch her a few times to ask what was wrong, but she wouldn't come near him.
A week later, Harry came out of the hospital wing. He too, was worried about Hermione. One morning, he saw her in the Library. He walked through the doors and to the back where she was sitting.
"Hermione?" He said quietly.
She looked up from her book instantly.
"Harry, it's you." She hugged him tightly. "How are you?"
"I'm fine, thanks Hermione. But I want to talk to you."
"Say whatever you need too Harry. You know you can always talk to me."
"Thanks. Well, rite now, it's about you and Draco."
Instantly, Hermione tensed.
"What about us?" She asked as emotionlessly as possible.
"Well you're avoiding him like anything. He's worried, Hermione. He loves you and he wants you to talk to him about what's troubling you."
Hermione stiffened.
"Did he send you here to talk to me?"
"No Hermione. I came of my own will. I'm worried about you too; I want to know what's up."
Hermione laughed sarcastically.
"Yeah. You're probably thinking the war's over, Voldemort's dead; Death Eaters back in prison, so what's up with her? Miserable as ever?"
"No, Hermione, no. There's no way I'd think that about you."
Hermione threw her book against the wall. It screamed loudly.
"Don't bloody kid me Harry! I bet you are you just won't admit it. Why are you still here anyway? Why are you not going back to Grim old place? I can't go anywhere but here, my parents are gone, everyone's gone damn it! It's all because of him!"
Harry sat down next to her and put an arm around her shoulders. He held her tight against him.
"Hermione, you know I'll always be here for you right? Always."
Hermione did not try to pull back, as Harry gently stroked her hair.
"Hermione, you do realize that Draco could easily go back to Malfoy Manor now? Everything in there is his now. But he's not. He's staying here to try and talk to you. Find out what's wrong."
"Then you can just tell him to leave!"
Hermione jumped to her feet.
"Hermione, he loves you so much. I know that from just seeing his face. This is breaking his heart."
"Get stuffed, Harry! This is Draco Malfoy we're talking about! He doesn't give a damn about me! You know it! He didn't care all the rest of the time, why now? Remember me, Harry? The Mud Blood?"
"Hermione, stop."
"Give me one bloody reason!" Hermione raged at Harry. Her eyes were flashing.
Harry gently put an arm around her shoulders and held her against him once more as they stood there. Once again, Hermione didn't resist. Something about
Harry's grip seemed to calm her a little.
"OK. One, he kept you safe during the battle. If I'm right, he even held you in his arms and kissed you. His only intention was keeping you safe. Hermione, when you apporated to where Voldemort and I were, he was furious. Because you'd apporated when you were so weak. It was his love that made him angry. He wanted to keep you safe. He could so easily have killed you, killed us. Even though it was destiny for Voldemort to finish me off, he could have cursed me, killed you. But instead, he kissed you."
"Have you spoken to him?"
"Not about this, no. I don't have to Hermione; I can see his love and worry in his eyes."
"Harry, for goodness sake get out of it! This is Draco Malfoy, remember? You're making him out to be so damn soft!"
At that moment, Draco entered the Library. Hermione instantly grabbed another book. Not caring which one it was. Harry kept an arm around her shoulders.
"Look at him, Hermione," he whispered. "Look at his face."
Hermione quickly glanced at Draco. There were dark shadows under his grey eyes as if he hadn't slept for ages. He was a lot paler than usual, he seemed to be looking around for something, or someone. Quickly Hermione glanced away before he looked at her.
Harry quietly led her out through a secret door which led straight into the grounds. The Ministry had sent in some Healers the night of the battle, to clear up. Now the grounds looked as beautiful as ever, though filled with just as much loss. Harry gently helped her sit down on a bench then sat beside her.
"Talk to me Hermione, please. Tell me what's wrong?"
Suddenly, as Harry held her gently to him, Hermione broke down completely. She sobbed unrestrained into his shoulder.
Harry held her tighter and stroked her hair once more. "Hermione please, what is it?"
"It's him." Hermione sobbed into his shoulder. "I can't get over what he did to me. Left me feeling so unworthy, so dirty, so impure. I'd hoped with all my heart to wait till my marriage bed and thanks to him that's now impossible!"
Harry gently passed her some tissues.
"Shh," "he said gently. Hermione tried with all she could to pull herself together, but it was proving very difficult.
"Is this because of Riddle? Are you avoiding Draco so hard because of what Riddle did to you?"
"I can't stand this!" Hermione sobbed. "I love Draco Malfoy with all my heart Harry. I do, but I don't deserve him now. I've been used, abused; I can't go to my husband a virgin, even though that's what I've always desired. It's like he damn knew it! I can never marry now Harry, Riddle's seen to that! He's wrecked the dream of my life! Not only did he kill my parents so they'd never see it, he took away from me the one thing I was saving for my husband alone!"
Harry tenderly held her close. He lightly kissed her cheek.
"Oh dearest Hermione, listen. I know what Riddle did to you was absolutely awful, unbelievable, but Draco really does love you. I know it. He's not going to turn away from you because of this! If anything, it'll want to make him protect you more than he already does, which is a lot! Stop running from him
Hermione let him give you what you and he both want. Please? You're running from something so precious here, don't! Let him hold you, kiss you, love you!"
All the while he was saying this, Harry was thinking hard. He was sure he'd read somewhere that there was a very powerful spell that would restore your virginity, but only if it had been taken from you in unwilling circumstances. E.G, rape. If you'd had sex with someone you thought you'd loved then split up, it wouldn't work. This was definitely in the first category! Instantly, Harry knew he had to contact ST. Mungo's. This had been Hermione's dream, it may seem small to some, but to her it was huge and he wanted to see it happen for her.
"Hermione," he said gently. "I'll be back in a bit. OK? I promise I'm not leaving you, or anything."
"Do what you need too Harry," Hermione was still trying to wipe the tears from her eyes.
Harry quickly walked away and headed up to the owlery. His beloved owl, Hedwig was on a perch near the ceiling. Gently he coaxed her down onto his arm. Stroking her with one hand, he sat on a pile of straw and quickly wrote a short letter.
Dear Minister,
If it's OK with you, could you please send one of the female Healers to Hogwarts? Literally as soon as you get this? This isn't for me; this is for Hermione.
Please do it Minister, this is really important to her. I'll do whatever you ask in return.
Gratefully yours,
Harry.
As soon as the letter was done, he attached it to Hedwig's leg.
"Be as quick as you can, OK?" He whispered gently to her.
With an understanding hoot and a gentle nip in his ear, Hedwig flew out of the window.
Harry stood there for a few seconds, and then hurried down to the gates. About a minute later, there was a pop and a young woman apporated outside the gates.
"Hello, Mr. Potter, I'm Gina, the Minister said you needed a Healer?"
Harry smiled gratefully at the young woman and let her in to the castle.
"Miss?"
"No, no. It's Gina. OK?"
"Thank you, Gina. It's Harry."
They shook hands.
"Gina, please can we go somewhere to talk?"
"Of course," Gina smiled at him.
They headed into one of the many empty classrooms. It occurred to Harry then that this place would probably always be empty now and would end up knocked down.
"So, what can I do for you, Harry? The boy who lived twice?"
Harry smiled slightly. "You might want to sit for this."
"That long?" Gina smiled, and then took a seat across from him.
"Well, basically, as you know, Lord Voldemort is dead. But on the night of the battle, something happened. One of the supposed Death Eaters fell in love with my best friend, Hermione granger. He was desperate to protect her during the battle, even asked Voldemort if he could take her and kill her himself. All under the false pretence of getting her somewhere safe to comfort her hold her. Anyway, for a while she was safe, and then she foolishly decided to try and apporate back to Voldemort and I, who were still duelling. This infuriated the man who loves Hermione so deeply, she loves him back, by the way. It infuriated him because it was risky. Hermione had already had a duel with Voldemort, so she was hurt and weak. This was why it was dangerous for her to apporate. Anyway, Hermione reached Voldemort and I. Voldemort took one look at her and instantly changed into his young hansom self. Tom Riddle. Then, he performed some sort of complex mind charm on her, sort of like a mind version of the love potion?"
Gina nodded sympathetically and full of understanding.
"This mind charm caused her to go running to him. He held her in his arms and kissed her. All she could think of was Riddle. He took her somewhere and raped her. Well, Hermione's dream has always been to be a virgin until her marriage bed and now Riddle has taken that from her. She's avoiding the man who loves her so much, because her dream has been wrecked, so she doesn't feel worthy to marry now. She wanted to marry a virgin, but because of Riddle, she now can't."
Gina looked very touched.
"I think I know where this is going, you're thinking of the virgin restoration spell, right?"
"Yes. AS Hermione did not do it willingly."
"Oh dear Harry, have you considered that part of her did? She was under a mind charm you say? So because of the charm, some of it may have been unwillingly willing."
"Oh no, you're kidding! That never even crossed my mind!"
"Harry, seen as all of the death eaters guilty of any crimes have been caught, I can safely say the man you speak of is innocent. It really would help if you told me his name, would make it a lot easier."
"Ok, his name is Draco Malfoy."
Gina was suddenly business like.
"Does he know her dream?"
"No. She's so scared of him now, she's avoiding him because of what Riddle did, and she doesn't want them to get close, because she feels she can't. She's always wanted to marry. She never dates casually."
Gina nodded.
"Does he need too?"
Gina hesitated, thinking hard.
"Gina, please be honest with me, is this actually possible?"
Gina nodded. Harry's heart leapt.
"Yes, it's possible, seen as she was raped, I'm just trying to think of a way around the willing yet unwilling part because of the mind charm."
"Does the man the woman truly loves need to be there? I've never looked at this spell in detail, I just know it exists. That's why I called for help."
"Believe me Harry; I will do whatever I can."
"I know that and thank you. I did contemplate memory modification, but that almost doesn't seem right."
Gina frowned, thinking hard. Harry didn't speak.
"No, I know what you mean. Harry, this is what we need to do. We need you, Hermione, Draco and I in one room. Give her whatever you need to do to make her be able to look at and be near Draco, in spite of her fear of him, but we really need them together."
Gina, you're in control here, I'll do whatever you ask."
"Ok, well I need you to get Draco and Hermione in the same room with us. You did the right thing asking for a female Healer, Hermione will trust me, which is the first step."
"That's what I thought. Gina, will Draco need to know the dream she's got? Her desire?"
"I'm not sure right now, we just need them together. If we're lucky and do this right, by the end, Hermione will run to Draco's arms. That's what we need to happen really."
"Shall I go and get them?"
"If you would, yes."
Harry figured the best way would be Draco first. That way Hermione couldn't run away. He found him in the back of the Library. Harry walked over and gently touched Draco's shoulder. Draco looked up.
"Draco, listen. You really need to trust me here ok? I know why Hermione is avoiding you. Please, will you trust me? I think it's close to being resolved."
Without a word, Draco nodded. Harry gently helped him up and into the classroom where Gina was waiting.
"I'll be back," Harry said simply.
He found Hermione still sitting on the bench he'd left her on.
"Hermione, would you come with me, please? I think I can help you out. Please, don't ask any questions, will you just trust me?"
Hermione hesitated, but then stood up. Harry led her back into the school, then into the classroom where Draco and Gina were waiting.
As Harry and Hermione entered the classroom, the first thing Hermione saw was Draco. Her fear was obvious on her face. Harry shut the door and magically locked it. Gina stepped up to Hermione.
"Hi Hermione, I'm Gina. I'm a Healer from St. Mungo's. Harry here called me; I think I can help you out. Hermione, I know your situation, and there is very probably a way out for you.
Hermione's eyes scanned the room, as if looking for a way out.
"Hermione," said Gina gently. "Don't run from this, I really can help, if you'll let me."
Gina motioned to the two men for them to sit. They did.
Gina stepped forward and put a tender arm around Hermione's shoulders. She then motion to the men to be completely silent.
"Hermione, will you let me do this? I really think I can help you."
Slowly, Hermione nodded. Her head hit Gina's shoulder and she completely broke down. Her defences shattered. Gina gently held her tight in a motherly embrace.
