"Hermione, I'm going to need to break into your mind, to see the scene where it happened. OK?" Hermione gulped. She began to shake uncontrollably. Gina held her tightly.
"Dearest, I know this is going to be hard and scary for you, but we're all here for you ok? All 3 of us. Hermione, will you focus your eyes on the man you love? Please?"
Hermione slowly looked up into Draco's dark grey eyes. He looked back at her so kindly, so lovingly! Hermione didn't know how long she could take that look.
"Keep your eyes focused on Draco, Hermione," Gena was whispering gently. "Don't look away from him."
Again, Hermione nodded.
Harry raised a questioning eye brow, asking Gina if he was needed in any way. Gina shook her head. Not for now, she mouthed.
"Here, Hermione, you have the option. Do you wish Mr. Malfoy to know your dream? Your desire?"
Again, Hermione looked terrified, and Gina held her tight.
"I I I don't know. Does, does he have to?"
"No sweet heart, he doesn't. But it may help you both.
"No, no! Forget it. It's so stupid, so unimportant, so," Gina cut her off.
"No it's not! To you sweet heart, it's very important. That's why I'm here. We want to see this come true for you."
"I I can't tell him!" Hermione let Gina hold her close again, as tears once more came from her eyes.
"Even if I wanted him to know, I can't tell him! Damn it I'm such a coward!"
"Hermione, would you like me to tell him for you?" Harry stood up and stood beside his dearest friend.
"No, NO!" Hermione's terror was still obvious.
"It's ok darling, it's ok. Don't be afraid, none of us are against you here ok? Hermione, would you like Mr. Malfoy to also be able to see the scene in question?"
Hermione shivered. Gina raised her wand and conjured up a bed, big enough for Hermione and Draco both to lie on.
"Sweet heart, it may help if he did and if you were lying down. If you'll let him, while the scene is going through your mind, you can have Draco holding you close. Don't worry; you'll know it's him, not riddle. I'm sure he'll even kiss you. Please, Hermione, we need to do this for you, will you let me? It's not small to you, to you it's huge that's why we want to do it so bad."
Slowly, Hermione lay down on the bed.
"This shouldn't hurt at all, if it does; I'm rite here for you after it's over. OK?"
Hermione nodded and even managed a weak smile at the kind Healer.
"You'll only have to see it once in your whole life, that's a promise. If you want, once it's over, I will modify it out of your memory."
Again, Hermione nodded.
"Would you like Draco to hold you?" Gina said gently into Hermione's ear.
Hermione sadly shook her head. Gina knew why, because they were going to witness her rape again, Hermione did not want a man near her at the moment, because of fear.
"No problem, sweet heart. I'm here." Gina sat on the edge of the bed and held Hermione tight.
"Hermione, do you want Draco to see this as you do?"
At last, Hermione slowly nodded.
"Keep your eyes fixed on him Hermione, don't look away from him."
Hermione again kept her eyes on Draco's.
"It's vital to the spell, you need to know you're loved, you're safe."
Draco suddenly spoke from beside Harry.
"Hermione, I love you. I have no idea what's going on, but I love you so much. Please, please, know that. I don't know why you're so afraid of me, but please, don't be. I love you so so much. When this is over, I will be here for you, just as you want me to be. No more, no less."
Gina smiled at Draco, as if to say good words, and then raised her wand.
"1. 2. 3!"
As clear as anything, Hermione, Draco and Gina could all see the young hansom Tom Riddle in their minds eyes. They watched as Hermione approached him as he raised his wand and placed her under mind charm. Gina concentrated hard on that. Hermione could feel it in her mind. Riddle began to kiss her as he held her close. They watched as Hermione and Riddle disapporated.
Hermione and Riddle lay down on the bed in the hospital wing and began passionately kissing. Gina held her close. Soon, Riddle had her and him undressed and was gently helping Hermione into bed. Gina held her tight. Draco held his hand up so Hermione could see it, indicating to her that he was not far away at all. They began kissing again once in the bed and Riddle began to touch Hermione.
Hermione could feel Gina's concentration building and Hermione knew why. They were almost there.
"Nearly there, sweetheart, nearly there."
They could see Hermione and Riddle kissing deeply. It looked so tender and gentle, but it made Gina flinch. Suddenly, Riddle climbed on top of Hermione. He began to touch her and suck her breasts. Just as he lifted his head back up for another long kiss, Gina stopped the scene. Riddle was just about to enter Hermione.
"Virginity Restoratious!" She said at the top of her voice.
Hermione felt a stabbing pain in her head. So did Gina and Draco. Hermione fell back against Gina's shoulder. The scene faded. But the last part they saw, Hermione knew had been completely different to what really happened. In the scene, Harry burst in just as it was about to happen and killed Riddle.
Gina cheered.
"It worked! I know it did because, Hermione wasn't the end bit different?"
"Yes, yes it was." Hermione said weakly.
"Hermione, you are where you dream to be! You've done it!"
Hermione leapt up and hugged the Healer tightly.
"I, I don't believe it!" Suddenly, just as Gina had predicted to Harry, Hermione ran over to Draco. He stood and she threw herself into his arms. Draco gently and tenderly held her tight. He tenderly kissed her, lovingly and passionately.
Gina headed quietly for the door. Harry also leapt up.
Once they were outside, Harry turned to Gina.
"How much do you want? Please, please, just name it."
"Harry, I don't want anything." She raised a hand as Harry started to interrupt.
"Harry, after such a horrific battle, I'm so glad to see someone so happy. That's all the money I need."
"Did you lose anyone?" Harry asked quietly.
"Yes, my whole family."
"I'm so so sorry!"
"Thank you. That's why I want to continue helping people. For them. I don't want any money Harry; her happiness is my pay."
"Thank you, Gina. Will you stay for a drink?"
"No, thank you. I need to get going. There are a lot of battle affected areas I haven't been too yet. I'm needed up there."
"Ok, and thank you again."
"It's completely fine. You're all more than welcome.
Harry walked her down to the gates. As soon as Gina was on the other side, she waved to him a final time, then disapporated.
Back in the classroom, Draco was holding Hermione gently, but tightly against him. He lowered his lips to hers and kissed her gently. Hermione felt she could die under that very kiss. She closed her eyes. She still felt weak and her head hit Draco's shoulder. She was trembling slightly. Draco tenderly helped her back onto the bed, which was still there. Hermione still looked a little pale, but happy at the same time. Suddenly, there was a gentle knock on the door and Harry stuck his head round.
"You can come in Harry, it's ok."
Harry entered the room.
"How are you, Hermione?" He smiled at Malfoy holding her so close to him.
"Still a little weak, but getting there, thank you. Harry, I'm in debt to you big time!"
"Hey, that's enough of that talk. You're my best friend. It was my delight to do it. Well, looks like you're in good hands, so I'll be getting out of here."
"Harry?"
"Yeah?"
"Did Gina leave?"
"Yeah, why? Oh Hermione! I'm so sorry I forgot. Your memory!"
"Yeah. I can't live with, with, him in my damn mind! Harry, could, could you do it?"
"Hermione, I'm not advanced enough I…"
"Sod off Harry! This is the man who's just defeated the Dark Lord! Please?"
Harry glanced at Draco. Draco met his eyes steadily.
"I really don't want to do it wrong, I…"
"Harry, I trust you. Please, would you? I can't get his face out of my mind. It makes me want to puke!"
"Hermione, can I call Gina back, please? I really don't want to do it wrong."
"Fine, but make it quick, will ya?"
"I'll be as quick as I can. I promise!"
He walked over to her and tenderly kissed her cheek.
As soon as he'd left the room, Hermione fought back the tears. She couldn't stand the thought; the memory of what Riddle had done to her. Even though she knew she was a virgin once more, it didn't make it any easier. The true memory was underneath that spell.
Draco gently raised her head to him and kissed her. He could see the tears in her eyes, but didn't want to upset her even more by asking. She would tell him if and when she was ready.
He tenderly began to kiss her once more. There was true love in that kiss, Hermione could feel it.
Draco reached up and tenderly brushed her hair away from her face. Hermione recalled him doing that while she was in bed hurt. His touch made her tingle.
She remembered how easily she could have died. How easily he could have killed her. She shivered slightly. She could smell his expensive aftershave and it smelt so nice. She cuddled close into him.
Draco felt her shiver and held her tight.
Meanwhile, Harry was in the owlery, once again writing a letter. This time, to Gina.
Dear Gina,
First I just want to say thank you so so much for your help, I will pay you back some day.
The only thing is, Hermione's memory was not modified and she's still really struggling. I'm not expecting you to come back to Hogwarts, but is there a chance Hermione could come into the Ministry and talk with you at the same time? Also, if you don't mind, I have one more favour to ask you.
Half an hour later, Harry went back to the classroom. He knocked, but there was no answer. He opened the door slowly. He saw Draco on the edge of the bed, his face filled with concern. He closed the door quietly and went looking for Hermione.
He reached the Head boy and girls private Quarters, but knew he couldn't get in. He didn't know the password. However, just as he was wondering what to do, the portrait whole opened. Hermione stuck her head out.
"Harry, thank God. It's you. Come in." She stood back to let him through.
"Hermione, what's up? Draco's still in that classroom. I think he's waiting for you."
Hermione sat on the couch and motioned for Harry to sit. She looked like she'd been crying a lot.
"What happened?" Harry sat beside her.
"I couldn't stand seeing Riddle's face. Every time Draco kissed me; his face would swim into focus. I tried to ignore it, but couldn't. In the end, I just had to run for it.
"You ran away from him? From Draco?"
"Yes."
"Hermione, your dream has come true. Why are you still scared of him?"
"Harry, this is going to sound so stupid, but is he really dead?"
"Who, Riddle?"
"Yes."
"He's dead alright Hermione, I really did kill him. Remember? You caught him off guard, I killed him."
"So it wasn't just my mind's vision? He really is gone?"
"Yes Hermione, he's gone. Really gone."
Harry put a tender arm around her shoulders. Never the less, Hermione did not feel comforted at all.
"Draco really does care for you Hermione, he really does. Don't keep running from him, it's hurting you both."
"But Harry, Draco doesn't know what that was all about. I can't just tell him! You know I don't date casually, what if he doesn't want marriage? What if this whole thing is a joke for him? Harry, you know I want to find my man and marry. I don't want to just date."
"I know that Hermione, I don't think Draco would fool with your heart."
"I wish I was so sure. We never speak Harry; he just holds me."
"Hermione, I'm not great on romance, but I'd say that's the best thing he can do for you right now. You need comfort, you need support. Maybe he's waiting for you to open up to him."
"Harry, I know this is strange, but I just feel so safe in Draco's arms. So wanted, so loved. That's what I can't take at the moment. I keep thinking about what happened and how I want to be married so badly. I dare not get close to Draco; encase he doesn't want the same. He protected me, a Muggle Born no less, during the battle and all throughout this year at school, he's erm… been nice to me."
"Hermione, how are you going to know how he feels if you don't talk to him? As for feeling safe, you won't if you keep running from him. He wants to keep you safe and can't if you don't let him."
"You think I don't know that? I think what I need right now though, is a chat with Gina."
At that moment, rite on cue, an owl tapped on the window. Hermione stood up and opened the window. The owl dropped a letter at her feet, and then flew off.
Hermione glanced at the parchment. It was addressed to her. Slowly, she unrolled it.
Dearest Hermione,
How are you feeling now?
Harry wrote to me this evening. Hermione, I'm so sorry, I forgot, (if you'll excuse the word play,) to perform memory modification on you after casting the spell.
I don't expect you to sleep well tonight, for that I am so so sorry, but I sure hope you do. So, tomorrow morning at 10, would you like to meet me in the
Ministry? The Minister has kindly lent us a room for this purpose.
I will gladly modify your memory and also I thought it would be nice if we had a chat. I'd like to get to know you better.
If you're ok with this, please feel free to apporate to outside the Ministry, where I will be waiting for you at 10.
I hope and look forward to seeing you tomorrow morning. As for tonight, I'm not just saying this; I strongly strongly recommend you go to Draco. Let him hold you, comfort you.
If the memory of you know what tries to come to the front of your mind, allow Draco to kiss you. You don't have to tell him if you don't wish too, but just let him love you. That he does, Hermione, I can see it in his eyes.
Please, please don't sleep alone, that would not work for you this evening. Please, let the man you love and who loves you, hold you and comfort you. Don't run from him Hermione if the memory gets too strong, that's the last thing you can afford to do. You need love right now, love, support and tenderness.
If you get so scared you need to cry, don't stop yourself. Whatever you do.
Sleep well and I'll see you tomorrow, I really really hope.
Please, go to Draco. Don't sleep alone.
Gentle Hugs,
Gina.
Hermione tried to wipe the tears back. She passed Harry the letter. Harry read it quickly.
"See, Hermione? Gina's right, I'm right. Go to him, let him be with you."
"Can you call him Harry? I dare not, encase he's furious or something. Please, don't argue, please, will you do it?"
"Do you want him to read that letter?"
"No."
Harry handed it back to her.
Quietly, Harry stood up and headed back to the classroom.
Ten minutes later, Hermione heard a gentle knock on her door. Fear was making her heart pound. She was sure not looking forward to tonight! She hoped against hope that Harry had not told Draco anything she'd said. Quickly, she opened the door.
Without a word, Draco entered the room. The door quietly swung shut. Still saying nothing, Draco held out his arms. Hermione walked slowly forward and Draco took her close against him.
Gently, he helped her into bed, all the while tenderly kissing her. He climbed in beside her and took her close to his side.
Unknown to Hermione, Gina had also sent letters to Draco and Harry. Draco's envelope contained two small vials.
Dear Mr. Malfoy,
Please do not worry about Hermione, she'll be absolutely fine.
I cannot tell you what happened tonight, that's Hermione's job. Please, please be close to her tonight Mr. Malfoy, she needs you to be.
Enclosed with this letter are two small vials of sleep potion. Please don't use them on her unless you absolutely have too. She may suddenly start to speak aloud, please, listen to her.
Mr. Malfoy, I know about your father, I'm not exactly sure where you stand, although you are certainly treating a Muggle Born kinder than you should if you know what is the case.
This is why I am addressing you formally; I do not know how you wish to be addressed.
Please, keep Hermione safe tonight, she needs you.
Yours faithfully,
Gina.
Harry's letter said the following.
Dear Harry,
I have sent Mr. Malfoy two small vials of sleep potion. I have, however, asked him not to use them on Hermione unless he absolutely has too.
I am calling him Mr. Malfoy because of his family name. I'm sure he's not a Death Eater, if he is; he's never done anything for the Dark Side. He's certainly treating a Muggle Born kinder than the rest of them would, if that is the case, which is great to see.
I have a lot of confidence that Draco will not hurt her and that he is the man to fulfil her dreams. It's always going to be Hermione's job to tell him what tonight was about, however.
I have asked her to meet me in the Ministry for a chat and I will certainly do what you asked me to do, if you can do your part on your end with Mr. Malfoy.
It's my pleasure to help her. You don't owe me anything. Except perhaps, that little slip of paper. You know what I mean.
Stay safe, Harry.
Gina.
Hermione laid her head against Draco's shoulder and felt him tenderly stroke her hair. He held her tight against his side as Hermione tried to drift into sleep with no magical aid.
At 1 in the morning, Hermione woke up fully. She'd once more just seen his face. Riddle's face. Draco kissed her tenderly. He could feel her heart beating fast with fear.
"Shh," he said gently, holding her close to his chest.
Hermione began to cry and let the tears fall. Draco gently wiped them away.
"I'm here, Hermione. I'm here. Please, talk to me."
Hermione clung to Draco as hard as she could.
"I love you, Draco Malfoy," she sobbed. "Please, don't tell me you love me too?"
Draco kissed her.
"Dearest dearest Hermione Granger, I love you so much. I've already tried to tell you this, but I don't mind saying it again and again and again. I love you so so much. Every time I've tried to show you this, you've run away from me. What are you afraid of? Do you think I just want some fun? Do you think
I'm going to kill you in the end? The answer to both those, dearest one, is no. I'm not. Hermione, please, talk to me. Why are you so afraid? What do I need to do, not do, say, not say to make you trust me? Why can't I tell you I love you? Because it's the truth."
Hermione gulped. She knew what she wanted to say, marry me. But she couldn't. She'd lost her dream wedding. Her parents would not be there and she also had to lose a horrific memory of her other dream shattered. No. She couldn't tell him that. She almost wanted to tell him to forget it. Forget her. Them. She cried into his shoulder.
Eventually, she managed to find words for what she was trying to say.
"Draco," she sobbed.
"It's over. All of it. My dreams, my ambitions, everything. It's over. I only had one dream, one desire in my whole life and that'll never come true. Please, don't ask me what it is! All I will say, is you hold the key to this desire, but it'll never happen. It's not your fault, it's just life. Draco, you may as well let go. Forget anything ever happened. Forget it. Forget me. You can't love me. No one can. My dreams are shattered; it's all over for me. I don't see what I've got to live for! Don't love me Draco Malfoy, just don't! I can't be loved anymore, ever again. My desire has been shattered. My dream, gone.
Part of it may have been tried to be put back together today, but it'll never be whole again. Ever! Please, Draco, let go of me. Get me out of your life. It'll never work. I love you so much, but it'll never work!"
Draco held her tight against him.
"Hermione, please no! Don't say that to me. I don't want to hear that! It will work, we can make it work!"
She cried harder and pulled away from him.
"No it won't, Draco. It's all lost. All because of him, I've lost my life's desire. My dream. He's taken it away from me in every way he could. No spell, no potion, and no love can mend what he stole!"
"Hermione, please, talk to me. Tell me what you mean?"
"There's no point, Draco. No point at all. It's too late, it's gone."
Hermione picked up her wand.
Instantly, Draco caught her arm.
"Hermione, no!"
"I can't go on," she sobbed. "I just can't. Draco, let me go."
Draco could feel tears in the back of his eyes. He gently pushed Hermione's wand arm down to her side.
"Do you want me to leave?" He whispered, tears starting to slide down his face.
"Yes," Hermione said quietly, in tears herself. "Please, Draco, leave."
"Hermione, if you want to talk to me, I'm only next door. My password is Quidditch. Hermione, I love you so much, please don't do this to me."
"Don't do that to me! You're the one saying you love me so much; don't say that Malfoy, it's useless! It's no good to me anymore, love. Forget it! I know can't go on with it, Riddle's seen to that!"
Draco didn't know what to say. He just continued to hold Hermione close. Hermione remembered Gina's letter to please go to Draco. But Gina only knew half of it.
"Hermione, will you please at least take one of these for me?" Draco held out one of the vials of dreamless sleep potion.
"It came from Gina."
Hermione recognized it instantly and took the little vile.
"Hermione, I'll leave if you really want me too, but I really really don't want too."
"Please Draco, go."
Draco got up and headed for the door just as Hermione swallowed down the potion.
She'd already made her decision. Her little chat with Gina in the Ministry tomorrow was going to be her last day alive. After that, what was the point of living? Riddle had pretty much killed her. Sure, she was happy about what had happened, but what was the point if she was never going to marry? Never have her dream wedding? None of it.
Draco opened the door and was about to step out, when Hermione spoke again, just before drifting off to sleep.
"Don't be fooled, Draco. He's not dead. Tom Riddle is not dead. I just know it in my heart. He'll be back for me. He's practically killed my heart, so he might as well kill my body.
Hermione didn't know how she knew this, but she did. Maybe she'd even allow Riddle one last kiss and maybe not even under mind charm this time. She'd lost everything to him, she had nothing to gain, she may as well give him her body and her life. Tomorrow night, she decided, she would.
The next morning, Hermione woke early. She dressed in her smartest robes, seen as one she was going to the Ministry and two; she was going to die that night.
As soon as she was dressed, she pulled out a piece of parchment and began to write.
Mr. Riddle,
Don't take this as a letter of respect, trust, nothing warm.
You know as well as I do you're still alive. I'm sorry if addressing you by your old name instead of your new provokes you, but it's what you deserve.
I can't move on with my life. You've stolen my dreams, my desire, my main heart's desire and love.
Please, don't flatter yourself thinking I'm telling you this to confide. I'm telling you this because I hate you so much.
Meet me in the Hogwarts grounds, tonight, if you want to finish me off. You've taken everything else from me, what do I have to live for, thanks to you?
There's only so much spells and charms can do to repair damage. I thought I'd be able to go on, but no.
By the way, if you want to kiss me or whatever this time, don't bother with the Mind Charm. You won't need it.
See you at 10PM, Hogwarts Grounds. Don't worry; we can disapporate somewhere else for it, that's just a meeting point.
This is your last chance, Mr. Riddle. If you don't show up, I'll just take myself. This is no trap, either. I'll wait for you for fifteen minutes, before I'm dead at my own hand.
Signed, as you'd put it, from a filthy Mud Blood,
Hermione Granger.
As soon as she'd written the letter, she left to use one of the school owls. On her way, however, Harry intercepted her.
"You've done it again, Hermione. This is getting stupid. You're slowly breaking Draco's heart."
Hermione pushed past Harry, this was the last thing she needed to hear right now.
"Where do you think you're going?" Harry caught her arm. She struggled as hard as she could against him.
"Alright, you bloody want to know where I'm going? Fine! I'm going to send this!" She handed him the letter.
Harry read it quickly, a mixture of disgust and anger on his face.
"Hermione, how many times do I have to fucking tell you? He's dead!"
"Harry, you're so bloody stupid! You really think he was killed that easy? But of course, you're the boy who lived, you can kill anyone easily!"
"Hermione quit that! I didn't ask for any of this! OK then, let's just say for a moment he's alive! You're asking him to kill you, basically. You're taking what's left of your life, which could actually be quite a bit if you'd let it, and allowing yourself to die. If he doesn't show up, which he won't as he's dead, you're just going to kill yourself anyway! Hermione, I'm surprised you'd go that low!"
"You wouldn't understand, I knew you wouldn't. How can I possibly explain this to you? Simple answer, I can't. You won't listen to me. I can't say this to Draco because I love him and don't want to hurt his feelings and…"
Harry cut her off.
"That's a bloody laugh Hermione! You don't want to hurt his feelings? Now that really is funny! You asked him to leave last night, when all he wanted to do was comfort you and now you want to die, so he'll lose you! That's not hurting him, now is it?"
"You cruel, uncaring bastard! You're not even giving me the chance to explain."
"There's no need, I've heard it all already. Hermione Granger is going to let her depression and sadness get the better of her. She's going to write to Voldemort, asking him to kill her, when he's already dead! So, she's writing to a dead man! Also, she's breaking the heart of the man who loves her. Sure, there's my explanation!"
He slammed the letter back into Hermione's hands.
"I hope Gina can talk some sense into you Hermione, because I sure can't! Enjoy your meeting with Riddle, won't you, because it won't happen!"
Harry stormed away, leaving Hermione to cry silently, as she headed up to the owlery.
When she got there, she found one of the owl's capable of long flights. Seen as she had no idea where Riddle was at this moment. As soon as the letter was attached, the owl flew out of the window. It was now 5 to 10, so Hermione headed down to the gates, then let herself out, ready to disapporate to the Ministry. She knew, as this was her last day alive, that she wouldn't hide anything from Gina. What was the point? Whatever the healer asked her, Hermione would answer truthfully.
Unknown to her, as she was getting ready to leave, Harry had written a quick note to Gina, which would get there before Hermione would.
Gina,
I'm sorry this note is so quickly written, but something is seriously wrong with Hermione. She didn't stay with Draco last night, she told him to leave.
I know, because I was watching through my invisibility cloak. Draco was devastated. Then, I saw Hermione this morning and she'd written a letter to Riddle.
Basically, Hermione is convinced he's not dead and has arranged to meet him at 10 in the Hogwarts grounds. She's so depressed, she's says he's shattered all her dreams, so he might as well kill her now. As he's taken everything else. One of the lines of the letter was something like, if you want to kiss me, don't bother with the Mind Charm, you won't need it.
Gina, I had a rite go at Hermione today, but that's only because we're so close and I want to see things work for her. Draco is so upset, she's breaking his heart.
Please, please would you still do the thing I asked? I'll try my best to do my part with Draco. Please, please stop her from doing this, if you can. I don't know why she's convinced Riddle's still alive; I killed him, after all. I'm sure of it.
Is there a spell to defy the killing curse if you're powerful enough?
Anyway, I'd better send this quickly before Hermione gets there.
Thank you for your help.
Gratefully,
Harry.
As soon as Gina finished reading the note, she looked heart broken. She glanced at her watch and saw it was 30 seconds to 10. Quickly, she put the note in her office draw and headed out to meet Hermione. Just as she got there, Hermione apporated in front of her.
"Aah, good morning Hermione, how did you sleep?"
"Fine, thanks," Hermione lied instantly. Gina decided not to mention Harry's note. At least, not yet.
"Come in, dear. I will be happy to modify your memory for you."
"Don't bother, there's no need to do that now."
"Really? Why is that?"
"I… I think I'll be able to get over it on my own, thanks."
Only a few more hours to live, she thought, so it's going to be fine.
"OK, no problem. Are you still up for our chat?"
"Sure."
They walked into a comfortable office. Tea and biscuits lay on the table. Hermione frowned at the biscuits. They were Muggle ones.
"Aah, I see what you've spotted Hermione. Muggle biscuits. Well you see that is because I like you, am Muggle Born."
"Really? Cool."
"Hermione, do you mind if I take notes as we talk? It'll make life easier for me."
"Sure." They'll only be valid for a few short hours, she thought.
Gina pulled out quill and parchment, and then faced Hermione as she poured the tea.
So, how was it with Draco last night?"
"Fine, thank you."
Whatever Gina asked she'd answer truthfully? Well there was the first lie.
"Ok, good. Well, Hermione, do you mind if I ask you your dreams? What's your main desire in life?"
OK, this was it. Truth time. No more lies.
"To marry," she said simply. Gina began writing. Hermione couldn't see what she was writing.
"What would your dream wedding be like?"
"Well, it would take place on a boat. Me and the man I was marrying. I'd want it to be a real big ceremony, all my closest friends and family. Then, once we were married, the boat would cruise for the reception, and then everyone would get off except the bride and groom. The boat would go all the way to Australia, where we'd have an amazing honeymoon. Then, we'd catch a first class plane back. I'd have been dressed in a beautiful wedding dress, white, with gold in it. I wouldn't where a vale, I don't like the idea of that."
Gina was scribbling furiously.
"What about Brides Maids?"
"Heck yeah. I'd have two of my friends as my Brides Maids and they'd stand beside me and my husband to be, during the service."
"How about walking down the aisle?"
"I'd walk from the front of the boat to the back. The bow to the stern if you like. My husband would have been standing at the back. The wedding march would somehow be played."
"Would you want the boat moving as you were married?"
"No, it would start as we were pronounced husband and wife."
"Who would give you away? Let's say you were to marry now."
Again, Gina didn't mention the note, that she was aware of the whole situation.
"If I were to marry now?"
"Yes. Who would you want to give you away?"
Hermione hesitated then finally said, "Harry."
"OK, let's just say for a moment, this wedding was really going to happen. In the present situation."
"Well, you would have definitely got an invite. I may even have asked you to be one of my Brides Maids. Harry would have given me away, I'd ask a few of the Ministry witches to help me dress up on the day, it wouldn't be anything fancy though, but it would be as near my dream as possible. Why are you asking though? It's not going to happen."
Gina was still furiously writing.
"Just curious, that's all dear. Thank you for saying I'd be a Brides Maid if it was, though. I'm touched."
"Well, you've been a heck of a lot nicer to me than other people have lately."
"If I was to marry now, I wouldn't want a lot of plans. I'd literally want to marry as soon as he asked. I don't see the point of big plans now."
"I understand," Gina smiled. Who would you want to marry you?"
"My parents knew this lovely Muggle Minister named Mark. He had a heart of gold. He was always nice to me. I promised him I'd ask him to marry me and my husband someday. Shame that'll never happen."
Again, Gina was still writing. She was bent over in such a way, that Hermione could not see the writing.
"Do you know the name of the church Mark worked at?"
"Love of Christ's church. It was near my house."
"I see."
"Hermione, if you could, would you marry now? Even without your parents? Would you still want a wedding resembling your dream?"
Hermione's eyes filled with tears.
"Yes, but I know it's not possible."
"Why is that?"
"One, he'd have to ask, which he won't', two," she hesitated, thinking of Riddle and that night. "Just wouldn't happen."
"You wouldn't think it'd happen now you're a virgin once more?"
"No. It's just too good to be true. No chance of it happening."
Now Hermione's eyes were filling up faster. She looked away.
"Dad's last words to me the last time I saw him were, so, you found yourself a nice man yet? He's desperate for me to get married, Gina; I know he'd want that so much, even though he wouldn't be there to see it. I almost wish it could happen, just to make Dad proud."
Hermione now had tears rolling down her face. Gena put an arm around her and held her tight. At the same time, unnoticed by Hermione, she put her notes into the beak of a silently waiting owl, who carried them off into the morning air.
"So, Hermione, you're definitely sure this will never happen for you?"
"Yep, no chance."
"How?"
Gina sat up straight and looked at Hermione.
"So why is that? Could it be because you're letting your sadness get the better of you? Could it be because you're throwing away your life? Could it be because you're shattering all your dreams? Could it be because you're pushing away the man you love and want to marry? Is it because tonight, you want to die at someone else's hand?"
Hermione was staring at the Healer.
"Harry," she said softly.
"Yes, Harry. He sent me a note just before you arrived. Hermione, even if Riddle isn't dead, what you're doing is so stupid. Draco loves you so much, I can see that. Hell a blind man could see it! He won't ask you, because you're not giving him the chance. I bet he's desperate to ask you, but you're not letting him! You're throwing it all away with your asking to meet Riddle."
Hermione's tears were becoming faster.
"What do I have to live for? Parents gone, I'll never be able to get rid of that memory, I love Draco so much but we'll never be able to marry, fulfil my dream, it's over. Why do I need to stay alive now?"
"Hermione, do you honestly think Draco and Harry are going to let you do this? Or I, for that matter. Hermione, this is so crazy. You do realize, I could call the remaining Aurors right now and they could stop this?"
"Yeah, but please don't. If I said one true thing to Riddle in my letter it was this. It's not a trap. Which, it's not."
"Hermione, I can't say I'll be able to stop Draco and Harry, in fact, I'm sure I won't."
Hermione was crying so hard, she couldn't see. Gena leant in and held her tightly.
"Sweetheart, in the short time I've known you, you already feel like a daughter to me. Do you know how much this is hurting me? Speak to me, darling. Tell me why you feel it's all over, why you feel you have to die. Your virginity was restored last night, why can't you live on?"
"He'll never ask me to marry him, Gina!" Hermione sobbed into the older woman's shoulder, as she held Hermione close. The embrace was so tender, she felt already like Hermione's second mother.
"I pushed him away, it's too late!"
"How do you know that?"
"Besides, I've already written to Riddle, I don't care what Harry says, he's not dead and he'll be at Hogwarts tonight! There's no going back now! Tonight, I'm dead. I've got no chance against Riddle and he knows it!"
"We'll see about that," Gina muttered, but quietly.
"Gina, I stick to what I said before. It's not a trap. As much as I hate him, I don't trick people."
"Very noble."
"So, I want no Aurors near us tonight, seen as you know. No traps of any kind. This is me, and him. Understood?"
Gina nodded, though she very strongly doubted that Harry and Draco would not show up.
"Well, thank you for your time; I need to get back to Hogwarts."
"You're welcome, Hermione." Gena hugged her tight.
"Please, if I can say nothing else to you about tonight, can I at least say be careful?"
"Thank you, you've said it."
Gina had a hard time letting go of Hermione, but finally she did and saw her out to the gates. She silently wondered if Harry had got her notes yet and how it was going with him and Draco.
"Take care, Hermione please?"
"I will. Thanks, Gina. It's been nice knowing you."
"You too Hermione."
Hermione disapporated back to Hogwarts. She couldn't find Draco or Harry anywhere, which was fine by her seen as she hadn't been looking too hard. She headed into the Library for a while, and then grabbed a little food. The House Elves were still in the kitchens and were delighted to help her out.
After her food, she went to try and get a little sleep. She set her alarm for ten to ten, as it was quite a long walk down to the gates from Gryffindor Tower.
Considering it was going to be the last sleep of her life, Hermione slept well and dreamt nothing.
At ten to ten, her alarm woke her. Hermione got up, feeling brave considering what lay ahead. She put her robes back on, and then grabbed her wand. She set off down to the gates. Just as a clock nearby struck 10, Hermione was walking the last few yards. Just then, she could have sworn she heard a faint pop.
Sure enough, as she reached the gates, she saw him. She knew she had been right. Tom Marvolo Riddle had not been dead. He was still his young hansom self.
Taking a deep breath, knowing there was no way back now, knowing now she'd made the wrong decision, Hermione opened the gates and walked out towards where
Riddle and certain death were waiting.
"Good evening, Miss Granger," came Riddle's cold voice. Hermione stared into his eyes; they were like chips of ice.
"Good evening, Mr. Riddle," she said quietly.
She was determined not to show him any fear. Though, as she drew nearer to him, this was proving harder and harder not to do.
"Shall we do as your note suggested and do this somewhere else?" Riddle asked with a smirk on his lips.
Hermione nodded.
Quickly, she stepped out of the gates. Riddle took her arm and they disapporated to a deserted wood. Hermione was concentrating so hard on not showing fear, that she didn't see that her and Riddle were being closely followed.
They reached the wood and Hermione turned to Riddle.
"I won't put up a fight, I have no energy. Please, just do it. My life is so low now thanks to you, I've got nothing left to live for."
"Aah, but you could, Granger, you could join my side."
"You think I'd sink that low? You've got to be kidding! Join the side of a man who kills innocent people? No chance! I'm only asking you to kill me because
you've taken almost everything of worth out of my life and what I do still have left, you've shattered in some way or other."
Riddle smirked.
"What was that part about me not needing to use a mind charm on you for some passion?" He smirked broadly.
"Yeah well seen as you're going to kill me anyway, I figured I couldn't exactly stop you. One thing I am true to my word on Mr. Riddle is that this is not a trap. I don't lie to people. Unlike some," she spat.
Riddle slowly approached her. Hermione couldn't deny, however much she tried, that actually, he was pretty damn gorgeous! Even if he was Tom Riddle. In other words Lord Voldemort. He suddenly put his arms around her and kissed her passionately. Hermione did not try to pull back.
"Shame you're a Mud Blood," he said quietly into her ear, in between kissing her. "Because you're damn attractive."
"Do I take that as a compliment?"
"Take it as you like, Granger."
He kissed her again, harder and with more passion. Hermione had to admit he was a damn good kisser. It was nothing like Draco's kiss, however, His was gentle and loving, while Riddle's contained only lust. Might as well not think about that, she thought. Seen as I'll never feel it again. This is my death, tonight.
Hermione made no move to resist him. What was the point? Finally, Riddle broke a deep kiss and let go of her. This is it, she thought, now he's going to pull out his wand and kill me. That was what she expected. What she did not expect however, was what Riddle said next.
"You know what, Granger? I'm not going to kill you. Your letter was so truthful; I think it's better for me as you are. It will certainly cause me a great deal of amusement knowing a Mud Blood will die at her own hand, because of me. That's almost better than killing you myself. Shame your dreams are wrecked, shame you're a Mud Blood, as stated before, you're damn attractive. Shame you didn't join me. We could have been so happy. Go and try to rebuild your life, Granger. Although," he smirked. "That probably won't be possible for you. If you have anyone left who cares about you, which I doubt, seen as I will soon be ending Potter's life, then you had better go and find them. Or, if you wish, you can take your life with me watching. Good entertainment if nothing else."
"You're not going to kill me?"
"No, there's no point. What would I gain from just killing one Mud Blood? You're all alone in the world, no one cares about you, seen as I've killed, or am going to kill all that do, it's much more fun for me to watch you try and rebuild your miserable life, that I've shattered." He smirked broadly once more.
"Give it a try, Granger. Try living. I promise you, you'll kill yourself before long. Call me merciful though, because I could have easily done it. It's way more fun this way. You will have nothing what so ever left soon, and then you'll kill yourself. Do let me know when you do; I want a first-hand view. Oh and by the way," he leant in close to her. "You're great in bed."
Hermione was crying freely now. Riddle leant in and kissed her passionately once more. Hermione had neither strength nor desire to pull back. His answer, though surprising, she knew was also true. In a way, this was even crueller than death and she knew Riddle knew it. Riddle gently pinned Hermione to the floor, knelt beside her and continued to passionately kiss her.
"Shame you've lost your boyfriend, isn't it? I'm sure he'd have been only too willing to kiss you this way. You have one more chance. Join me, Hermione and I can kiss you like this all your life."
For the briefest of seconds, Hermione was almost tempted. Then she thought of Harry and Draco.
Draco.
Forget that, she thought. Draco and I are over. There's no way he'll take me back now. Absolutely no chance.
"Forget it, Riddle," she said softly. "You're full of lies. All of you is lies. I should have known you'd answer like this. I don't know why I find it a surprising answer, but I guess I was stupid enough to think you'd just kill me and get it over with. Instead, you're torturing me to live with no life."
"It's more fun that way," Riddle sneered, gently forcing his tongue back into her mouth.
The memory was too painful. Now, she wished she had asked Gina to modify it. The fact that she and Riddle were kissing like this, just confirmed Hermione's fears. Draco and she were completely over. She'd blown it. He'd never ever take her back after this. She couldn't face him to pluck up enough courage to look him in the eyes, let alone ask his forgiveness.
Eventually, Riddle released her and stood up.
"Have fun trying to rebuild your life, Mud Blood," he spat. The hatred in his voice was only too obvious.
Hermione couldn't stand. She just lay there and let the tears come. Riddle turned and in a flash, had disapporated. She knew she had two options now. She could try and go on, or end it here and now. She pulled out her wand with a shaking hand.
No. She couldn't do this. Her parents would not be proud of her. It was her dad after all, who wanted her to marry.
Marry? Now that was impossible. But maybe she should at least try and live for them.
Hermione placed her wand back in her pocket and just lay there and cried. This was the worst she'd ever felt. She'd lost her parents, Harry's friendship, and Draco.
