I skipped the welcoming dinner that night. I felt too sick from the memories of the day to eat or be around people. Entering my dorm, I laid down on my bed and sighed. What is with me lately? Viktor hasn't affected me this much… has he? I roused myself from my thoughts and sat down in front of the fire. I had suddenly gotten violent cold chills that I couldn't shake off. I had wrapped myself up in numerous blankets and was at last warm when a nauseous feeling overcame me.
a
She lay there shaking violently as her queasiness began to subside. She felt something cool and wet trickle down the corner of her mouth. She pressed the back of her hand to it and pulled it away, revealing blood on a pale limb. She groaned as the sickness overtook her again. She gazed longingly at the bathroom door, wishing she could get up and go there. But she couldn't. She knew her legs wouldn't support her. What have I done to deserve this? she wondered silently.
She knew she had to make an attempt to get there. She struggled with sluggish limbs, willing them to move. She placed a foot on the cold stone floor and recoiled slightly. She forced her other foot down beside the first and pushed herself up off of the bed. It hurt, badly. It felt like someone was hitting her with every step she took. Her legs were stiff and sore, her head was pounding and she was aching in places she didn't even know existed. She took another feeble step and almost lost her balance. She held her breath and took another step, fighting the sick feelings in her stomach until she reached her destination. She was only a few steps from her haven. As she lowered her foot she lost her balance and crumpled to a heap. She raised her head looking at the light. She tried to move and found she couldn't. He hurt me so badly, she thought.
True enough, he had. He had forced her more roughly then ever before. He had put her through a living hell, by coming at her in his drunken rage. Hate and revulsion filled his eyes when he looked at her, when he forced himself upon her, cursing the woman below him with every thrust. He finally left her in the early hours of dawn, sobbing from the pain. She winced as she made her arm move towards a grip hold. She held her hand lightly on the door handle and took a deep breath. She held it as firmly as she could and pulled herself into the bathroom. Finally after many painstaking minutes she reached her goal and was able to let the nausea and sickness overtake her.
When the convulsions had passed she grasped the sides of the sink and hauled herself up. She stared at her reflection. What she saw repulsed her. She was gaunt and pale, with a red line running from the corner of her lip down her chin. Dried blood. Her eyes were hollow and black, not only from lack of sleep but also from abuse. Her hair was mated and greasy from lack of strength to shower. She had lost weight, being now a mere ninety pounds.
She turned on the faucet and rinsed her mouth out, then cupped her hands and let the water gather in them. She poured the cool water down her face and neck, relishing in its cold comfort. She tilted her head back and moaned. Looking back into the mirror, she glowered at herself. Hermione felt lightheaded and so very, very confused, as the world turned around on her. She sank to the cold flagstone floor and slipped into blissful darkness once more.
a
I drew in a rattled breath and stood up. I walked over to the entrance of my rooms as I heard a knock on the portrait. I slid the portrait aside to reveal Harry and Ron. I turned and walked back to my nest, which I'd made of blankets. Both boys had worried looks on their faces as they sat in front of me. I burrowed deeper into my nest. After many long silent minutes Ron cleared his throat and Harry leaned closer to me.
"Herm, what's wrong? You haven't acted like yourself all day." Harry tone was concerned but I held back. I looked into his warm emerald eyes with my cold brown ones. He sighed and laid a hand on my arm. My breath caught quickly. He must have noticed my discomfort and withdrew his warm hand. It wasn't that I didn't trust them, I did. They were my best friends but… How could I tell them? They wouldn't understand. No one would. No one could ever understand. I shook my head and silently made my way towards the bed and curled up. I still clutched the blankets to my body. Ron and Harry walked over and looked down at me. Harry placed a hand on my side as Ron cupped my cheek.
"We're here for you Hermione. Remember that." They turned and walked out. I felt silent tears course down my face as I drifted off into a fitful sleep.
A/N: I know these chapters have been short and I'm sorry. I thought I would at least post this chapter before my internet privileges get revoked. If I can write another chapter in a day (which is very doubtful) it might be a while before another chapter gets posted. But never fear! I won't let you down with this story. Well I hope not anyway. ^_~
Kelpiemonkey- I'm glad you think it's interesting! Thanks!
Krismichelle10- You'll get your turn soon! I promise! ^_^
Treachery89- Yes, poor, poor Hermione. :D I'm glad you love it!
Coby Dicks Gurl- =D Shhh! You tell my secrets! Bad! Bad! =P Hehe, I gotsta tell you what happened! It's very funny! I'll email it to you if you don't get on msn soon. Yeah, you're one of my betas!
Verico- Evil meanie! =P I added some more on here!
Erilyn Rose- =D Thanks for the review! Here's the next chapter! If I don't get the fourth on posted I'll print it out and bring it to you!
Mel Adrienne- Thank you so much for adding me onto your favorites list! Here's the next chapter!
Thanks to Vireco for beta-ing for me!