A/N: I wrote this… today. Pretty much all of it. I just sat down and said, "I'm going to write this. If it's crap, I'll start again, but I'm going to try." Lol, but I guess I succeeded, since you're reading it!

I am speechless. People keep recommending this fic to other people, so I'm STILL getting reviews, even though I haven't updated in forever! I have 90 reviews! I love you people!

Okay, so I apologize so much for not updating for more than two weeks! I'd already started this chapter, too! Of course, I ended up ditching it and starting from scratch…Ah well. Still no excuse.

For anyone who is reading my other stories, I apologize for not updating. I'm having problems. Not with my home life, but with writing. I'll get through it, don't worry.

If anyone wants to me to e-mail them when the new chapters come up, TELL ME, AND LEAVE YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS (or, if you're a member, sign in).

Rating: R (I'm sorry, it's another attempted rape. I hate this! I didn't think I would write another one, I swear, but they fit with the darkness of the plot. I swear I never know what I'm going to write when I sit down. I just…write.)

Pairings: Hermione/Harry, Hermione/Draco

Disclaimer: *silence; a loud cough is heard from the back of the auditorium and then all is silent again after that person leaves*

**********

Chapter 7

Hermione stirred in her bed, slowly gaining consciousness. She'd had a late night, that was for certain. She had gotten to bed at—what had it been?—around four in the morning. She thanked the gods that her father had given her permission to have breakfast in her room whenever she didn't feel like taking it in the Great Hall. At least he understood her need for privacy.

Honestly, she didn't feel as though she could survive being subject to the gaze of dozens of Death Eaters and their underprivileged wives. Dra—Malfoy she wasn't as concerned about anymore, but the rest of them… Well, she just knew that she would never fully understand why her father even wanted to have them as servants. They made pretty pitiful ones in her opinion.

The young woman slowly opened her eyes, silently begging them to adjust to the light. It hurt, damn it! She didn't even care that she was swearing, albeit internally. She shook her head. Hanging around all these Death Eaters was really going to have a bad influence on her.

Hermione shuddered, thinking of Flint again. She knew that some would question why it was that she had turned him over to her father, despite the fact that she didn't understand it. Of course, she'd always had a gift for knowing what other people would say to try and discredit her. She supposed it came from reading so much. Then again, now that she knew what she did about her genetics, she could have inherited it.

She shook her head. Flint deserved whatever her father had in store for him. He had brutally assaulted and raped a 14-year-old girl. Laura Madley had been a good friend of Hermione's, despite the difference in their ages. And Laura and her little sister Amanda had been very close. Hermione felt responsible for what had happened to Laura's little sister, and she felt beyond horrible that she had forgotten about Amanda, and that the girl had been raped. There really were no words to describe it. What she was feeling, that is.

Surprisingly, she wasn't crying. She supposed it was because she'd cried herself out the night before, in D—Malfoy's arms. A wry chuckle escaped her mouth. What a strange thing to say. Or think, even. She had felt so very…safe, in his arms. It scared her, that she would depend on another person like that, even if it had been for only an hour or so. She'd always considered herself completely independent. She'd never let her guard down like that for Harry even.

And that scared her. Harry was supposed to be her best friend. And there was a large possibility that they would become lovers in the near future.

So why had she opened up to him, of all people? He had been her enemy for so many years, and now…

Oh, she knew she was repeating herself. She'd gone through these same arguments countless times, never reaching any conclusions, only drawing out more questions and becoming more and more frustrated. It was exceedingly strange, his behavior. She supposed it must have something to do with her recent elevation in status. It really seemed to be the only thing that made sense.

After all, whoever married her would have unimaginable power. She was the daughter of Voldemort himself, as well as Albus Dumbledore. She was relatively certain she was related to Snape in some way as well. She couldn't remember precisely. She had been researching her family tree for a few quick minutes. They had been all she could spare, and Hermione suddenly realized how little time she had been spending in the library lately.

The place had been her haven for so long, and then when Voldemort had come, she'd been unable to go there unless it was for a book for one of the Slytherins. Now, of course, she could do anything she liked.

Except leave, of course. But that was a given.

With that thought in mind, Hermione dressed quickly in one of her new robes, a plain (but at the same time feminine) black one, and pulled her hair into a haphazard bun at back of her head. She smiled at her reflection. She didn't look particularly beautiful, but she'd learned long ago to accept it.

The witch grinned to herself before dropping into her Dark Lady mask and exiting the room.

***

Draco walked aimlessly around the halls, trying to calm his anger. So what she'd seen Potter the night before? She'd cried in his arms! That should have been worth a lot, but all he could think about was the fact that she would rather be with Potter than with him. Of course, he supposed he really shouldn't be surprised, what with the way he had treated her—abominably—for five years.

It had changed, of course, in sixth year, but she didn't know that. She probably never would. After all, he'd been eavesdropping.

But he didn't feel like thinking about that now. He needed to focus on something else. But what? It seemed like most of his life had begun to revolve around Hermione, especially since Voldemort had taken over Hogwarts. He'd spent most of his time making sure that she wouldn't be attacked. Flint's habits were widely known. At least now, thanks to Hermione, he wouldn't be able to do it again.

But it was too late for the Madley girl. She was a Hufflepuff, a house that was repeatedly mocked for having not-so-many brains, but Hermione hadn't cared. And that was the thing. Hermione cared about her. He could tell that it had eaten her up, what Flint had done to the girl. After all, hadn't she cried for nearly an hour in his arms? His arms? He knew that her feelings for him hadn't changed. Yes, she'd smiled at him, but he had a feeling that overall, how she treated him, it wouldn't change.

It … hurt, really. But maybe he deserved it. He'd been an ass for so long, who would really expect him to change?

***

Parvati Patil walked down the corridor, anxious to get to the library and find the book Snape wanted. He was one of the nicer Death Eaters at least. He never tried to hurt her, he was just gruff and slightly rude at times. But overall, he was probably the best one of them out there. Her face darkened as she thought of Hermione. Oh, the bitch really knew how to do it didn't she? The traitor.

She probably helped her father get in. If it weren't for that… She clamped her mouth shut in an unsuccessful attempt to hold back a sob. Ron wouldn't be dead.

"Oh, is the little Gryffindor scared?" A voice came out from the shadows. Parvati stopped in her tracks, unable to move. She started shaking as a man came out of the shadows. It was Lucius Malfoy. The bastard. Oh, she might have been scared, but her inner cursing didn't have any reason to die down or stop.

She drew herself up and said solidly, "No," then forced her knees to unlock and walk towards the library again.

"Stop." The command in itself shouldn't have forced her, but she knew that he was using some form of magic, because it was not of her own will that she obeyed him. She had no idea what was happening. It wasn't the Imperious Curse, she knew that much. She remembered it from fourth year. That had been rather pleasant at least. This…

Lucius Malfoy strode forward and pushed her roughly against the wall, and started unbuttoning her robe. "You're going to like this, aren't you?" he whispered maliciously, his lips against her ear.

"Why…" she whispered, finally regaining control of her voice. "Why me? Why not your wife?" she spat.

"My wife," he said, shoving her against the wall once more, harder this time—Parvati was certain she would break something, maybe her head—"Is no fun at all. She doesn't even respond anymore. You however," he grinned, leering at her, his hand making its way down her side, "You will most likely be very fun." His hand was on her thigh now, and Parvati closed her eyes, wishing she were a thousand miles away.

"Stupefy!" a voice shouted. The curse hit Lucius just seconds before he got to the elastic of her underwear, and Parvati had never been more grateful. He slumped against her, and Parvati pushed him away, falling against the wall, the tears she had been holding in streaking down her cheeks.

She felt Lucius being dragged away, and another curse being muttered, before the person ran up to her and started re-buttoning her robe. "Oh, gods, Parvati, are you all right?"

Parvati's eyes shot open. "Hermione?" she asked, shocked. Her mind worked to catch up with what was happening, and suddenly she glared at the daughter of Voldemort. "You bitch."

Hermione jerked back as though she had been slapped. "Wha—What?"

"I can't believe you," Parvati whispered, her eyes narrowing until they were mere slits. She stood up, stepping back, putting distance between herself and her former roommate. "You put Lucius up to this, didn't you? Just so you could save me and look like a hero? To get back on my good side? You are a bitch. You are the daughter of a bitch and a snake."

Hermione finally gathered herself and glared at Parvati, standing up as well. "Don't you dare call my mother a bitch!"

"She had to be, to sleep with that bastard!"

"You don't know what you're talking about," Hermione whispered menacingly. "My mother was a good person. She was a Gryffindor!"

Parvati shook her head. "So were you. And you fooled us all as well."

"I never fooled you! I fought against Voldemort for six years alongside Harry, and now you think all that doesn't matter!"

"You don't deserve to call him Harry. You don't deserve to call him anything. It was you who helped Voldemort to take Hogwarts, it was you! It's your fault that Ron died!" Parvati yelled, more tears making their way over her already damp cheeks.

"Ah, so the real reason finally comes out," Hermione said quietly. In a more forceful voice, she continued, "And I did not help Voldemort come take over Hogwarts! He didn't even know who I was until just a few days ago! And it is not my fault that Ron died! It never was!"

"Yes it is, you bitch! I can't believe I ever called you my friend. I can't believe I ever called you my roommate. I can't believe I ever called you my housemate!"

"Parvati, please—"

"No," she stated forcefully. "I've heard enough. You deserve to rot in hell, alongside your mother and father, and I hope I never have to see your traitorous ass ever again."

And with that, Parvati took her leave of her former roommate, heading back to Snape's dungeon rooms, without the books. Not that she noticed, of course. She was too busy fuming about traitorous friends who were worse than enemies.

Hermione didn't notice any of this however.

It's all my fault. All my fault.

It's my fault Amanda was raped.

It's my fault Parvati hates me.

It's my fault Ron was killed.

It's my fault Harry is going to die, all because of a stupid prophesy.

It's my fault. It's all my fault.

And with that, she fainted.

***************

A/N: That was so hard to write. But so much fun as well! I'm running on full-speed here! I'm sorry I wrote another almost-rape! But I needed something to get Hermione and Parvati to bitch at each other. You'll see exactly what happened to Hermione in the next chapter…

cathy: Why won't she tell Harry? Well, she's not sure yet. Have you ever felt that you just shouldn't do something, for whatever reason? Well, that's what she feels like.

Crystalline Lily: Um, wow! You really like this story, don't you? Well, truthfully this is reminding me of when I wrote another story, "Mirror Image." It was a "Gilmore Girls" fanfic, and there was another question as to who the girl would end up with. And it started out looking like it would be one guy, 'cause that was how it really looked, and I just seemed to be concentrating on that romance, and the other guy's brooding. But it turned out to be the other guy. So don't worry too much. And if you like D/He, try "Last Will and Testament." (by me, of course ^^)

kiki-0303: I love it when you ask questions! It's much better than thoughtless "I love your story" reviews (even though I DO like those as well, lol). As for what you brought up… Well, Harry didn't explode because I think he's rather a calm person—plus he doesn't want to lose Hermione. He's already lost Ron, losing Hermione would really hurt him. So I guess I see him as a little blind that way as well. Voldemort is letting Harry stay alive for reasons I will not disclose yet. And yes, Draco knew, but he's not going to tell because, if you remember, Draco noted in the last chapter that Voldemort was almost as all-seeing a Dumbledore. Voldemort no doubt already knows about the meeting in the tower. I'm glad you like the Voldemort/Rhianna tragedy-romance! There will be more of them, don't worry. :)

Lovely Little Muse: I'm glad you think I'm doing a good job writing it. I'm very sensitive about my writing, although I like to think I can take a flame or two. I don't think I've gotten any for this fic yet though…

Avri: I know! I feel so sorry for Draco as well. Don't despair yet, dear.

Aragorn Rox: Yup, I updated. ^^

Rya: Worship me? Wow, no one's ever said that to me before… And thanks for recommending this story to Atomic Babe. ^^

Lozzie: Glad you liked Harry's reaction. I was a little unsure of it.

Eevya: I will definitely write more. Thanks!

Gryffindor Chik: Thanks, and I will.

Granutec12: Actually, it was the Philosopher's Stone in England. They changed it to the Sorcerer's Stone in the U.S. I don't know why. But I figured that since this takes place in England, the characters would probably call it the Philosopher's Stone. And I will definitely continue this "AWESOME FANFIC" as you so nicely put it. ^^

I-LOVE-DRACO: Glad you're sticking with it. There probably won't be too much of the Ha/He kissing-stuff. I can't write it. Seriously. You can't write about something you've never done.

sparklingmoon585: Well, I didn't include more of the interaction between Harry and Hermione because… I don't know. I really have no excuse. Maybe I should go back and write some of their thoughts in. Or maybe I'll just have them interact a little more or something…No wait, scratch that for reasons I cannot reveal to you yet. So maybe I'll go back and write in some more. We'll see.

Kristin Malfoy: Glad you love it! I will definitely continue writing. This is one of my most favorite stories to write, which is lucky for all you peoples because I'm writing four of them! This one gets updated the most.

FredNGeorgeRule: Thanks! I'm glad you like the Voldemort/Rhianna thing, and I'm very, very sorry I haven't been updating! I hope this chapter somewhat makes up for it. The next one (chapter, that is) should come sooner.

FlowingRiver: Really? I'm touched! Very glad you like it. :)

Forever Draco: I'm glad you like it! Sorry this update took so long, this was a hard chapter to write.

tommygurl: I did receive your e-mail, and I'm sorry I didn't respond to it on here! I usually just check the review alerts I receive from ff.net, and I completely forgot to put your e-mail in the folder that I put those in. So thank you for that review! And as for who Hermione ends up with… Well, I can't exactly reveal who that is, so I won't say anything more on that!

dracos gurl: *blushes* Thank you so much!

ysanna: Glad you like the story so much—I'll definitely pass your praise on to Lavinee.

dan's gurl: I'm so glad that you Voldemort's character! He's a particularly challenging one to write, but fun at the same time. He tried to be a good father, and I think that he truly cares for Hermione, but at the same time he's still the Dark Lord. But I don't think that's really as bad as it could be, for which I am very grateful.

peter Wilson: *grin* Thanks.

Leara Malfoy: You really like it that much? Thanks!

Dawn: You are on the updates!

reversing mirror: I'm glad you think it's brilliant. Thanks.

hopeless romantic: Ah, you caught the eye thing. Very good. Hermione WILL get to know her mother, don't worry. It might not be in the way you expect, but rest assured, she will. As for the one night of passion thing… Well, it has to be more than that. It has to be 'body, heart, mind, and soul.' I don't think they're quite that committed yet. So even if they did—and I'm not saying they will—Voldemort wouldn't die like that. *snaps fingers* But you're obviously a very good reader. You'll find out more about the eye thing later. And I added you to the updates list, sorry I didn't e-mail these answers to you.

Percy: Thanks!

Alexandra Trent: Glad you like it all. Sorry this update took so long.

Atomic Babe: Glad you liked it, and I did thank Rya!

estella_jayne: I'm glad that you learned how to use the review thing—that can be very important at times!

Wow. It took me half an hour to answer all of those! Ah, well. It's fun. I'm always in a good mood after I read my reviews. :) Have a good day, peoples!