I know that last chapter was quite violent but these chapters are more
focused on Ron and Hermione now. There will be about two more chapters
after this with maybe an epilogue to finish it completely. So the story
should be finished within the next week. Thanks for the reviews!!!!
Disclaimer: If I owned Harry Potter I would be rich and famous and live in a big house selling my books in huge book shops. But . . . I don't own Harry Potter so I'm not rich and I'm definitely not famous. I'll have to find another way to achieve this.
Chapter 5 - Alone Again
Peeves glided in and out of classrooms as he made his way back to his corridor. That Malfoy had told that the Slytherins in seventh year were planning to play a joke on Dumbledore before they left Hogwarts. Malfoy had also told Peeves they needed his help, but when he arrived outside the Slytherin Common Room the Bloody Baron was standing there to give him a lecture on why he shouldn't be causing mischief.
As he came closer to his corridor he met Ron and Hermione hurrying away. Hermione had her head down and Ron had his arm around her.
'What's wrong with her then?' Peeves asked, 'Did she only get 99% instead of 100% in a test?'
'Shut up, Peeves', Ron snapped walking right through him. Hermione was still shaking uncontrollably and Ron was growing more and more worried about her. McGonagall's office wasn't far so he hoped he could get Hermione there with out anyone asking her what was wrong. 'Not much further now, Hermione', Ron told her.
Hermione tried so hard not to cry but she was still in shock. She kept breaking down after realising she'd come so close to getting Ron thrown into Azkaban. Ron had never really been able to keep his temper, although he had definitely got better at it in the past three years. It wasn't so much that had a short temper but he was really impatient and never had any time for scum like Malfoy. He was also very sensitive although Hermione had told him he wasn't.
A light shone in McGonagall's office and the closer they came to the door the more Hermione wanted to just leave and pretend the whole thing never happened.
'Here', Ron said rushing to the office. He knocked very hard on the door and after a few minutes he began thumping hard on the door.
'Hold on!' a voice called from inside and a person could be heard coming towards the door. Professor McGonagall opened the door, greeting them with a stern expression on her face. 'Well really Mr. Weasley', she said when she saw who'd been making all the noise, 'I would have thought you'd know better than to come bashing my door down like this- Hermione!' McGonagall gasped, seeing Hermione with tear stained cheeks standing beside Ron. 'Whatever has happened to you?'
'We need to speak to you', Ron demanded, 'in private.' Instead of waiting for an invitation Ron gently took hold of Hermione's hand and marched into McGonagall's office. The room was warm and bright and Hermione could hardly believe that 10 minutes ago she was about to be raped.
McGonagall closed the door and came in. 'Please sit down', she said gesturing to two armchairs near a fireplace in another part of the office. She could tell this was extremely serious.
Ron helped Hermione into a chair and then sat down in the other. 'Professor', he began, and then thinking it was best to get to the point and put Hermione out of this misery said, 'Hermione has just been attacked . . . by Malfoy.'
McGonagall looked at Hermione worriedly and then asked, 'Is this true Miss Granger?' Hermione nodded but said nothing. 'Well this is the last time Mr. Malfoy causes trouble', McGonagall went on in a very business-like manner. She made her way over to her desk and started scribbling down some notes. 'I think detention would be best every night until he leaves and I can assure you Miss. Granger if he decides to further his education his university or wherever he goes will know about all the trouble he has caused at this school-'
'Ummm, Professor?' Ron interrupted, sounding nervous.
'Yes Mr. Weasley? He hasn't done something to you too has he?'
'No', Ron said, 'Hermione is the victim here but it's much more serious than you think.'
'Oh?' McGonagall said, looking very shocked and worried. 'Why what's happened?'
'Malfoy got Hermione when she was looking after Peeves' corridor', Ron was handling this very sensible, controlling his voice as best he could without shaking it in anger, 'he must have grabbed her and then he tried to rape her.' Professor McGonagall looked at Hermione and then wearily got up, looking as if she were about to faint. She looked so frightened herself.
'And you saw this did you, Mr. Weasley?'
'Yeah I came in before he got too far', Ron explained.
'Miss. Granger?' Professor McGonagall looked at her for conformation. 'I know you must be very upset but will you tell me what happened? Please.'
Hermione nodded bravely and told McGonagall the whole story, pouring her heart out to her about how Malfoy had threatened her before (Ron looked shocked and angry but remained as calm as he could), how he planned to attack her and how he used an Unforgivable Curse. When she finished she expected to be told off for not telling anyone before about the threats but now McGonagall had gone white as a ghost.
'He . . . he . . . he what?' McGonagall stammered. 'He used the Imperious Curse on a fellow student?' Hermione nodded. McGonagall made her way to a huge armchair and sat down, nearly collapsing. 'I . . . I'm so sorry Miss Granger, if I'd have known he would do that to you. . .'
'Please Professor', Hermione said shaking, 'don't apologise. I don't know how he knew how to do it but maybe something could be done about this.'
'Yes, yes', McGonagall said very angrily, 'of course, we should inform Dumbledore straight away. But I'm afraid I must ask you to be brave once more Miss Granger.'
'Why's that?' Ron asked quickly, looking defensive. 'She's been through so much already.'
'You may accompany Miss Granger to the hospital wing if you wish Mr Weasley and I must say that Miss Granger is very lucky to have you as a friend. It's times like these that you really need someone to comfort you.' Hermione knew what McGonagall said was true and she couldn't help feeling slightly embarrassed, not fully listening to McGonagall. But Ron was.
'The hospital wing?' Ron cried. 'Why does she need to go there? She's not sick or anything is she?' Ron was going pale with worry.
'No, no.' McGonagall explained. 'Miss Granger needs to go to the hospital wing for a test.'
'A test?' Ron exclaimed, interrupting again. 'What kind of a test?' he looked at Hermione again with a look of horror. 'Not a pregnancy test! She couldn't get pregnant that quickly and besides you told me Malfoy didn't-'
'No Ron!' Hermione cried as he was getting carried away, 'I've read about a test that needs to be done to prove an Unforgivable Curse has been put on a person. You see sometimes it's hard to tell if a person has been under the Imperious Curse. Some wizards can lie of course and make the results look as if they were under the Imperious Curse. Dark Wizards have done this to avoid Azkaban. If they were working for You-Know-who and were caught they could pretend they were under the Imperious Curse. It's a very simple test and it doesn't hurt. My results should be ok as I haven't had training to control the test results.' Hermione explained it as clearly as she could as Ron was so worried. He jumped to conclusions quite a lot but that was just one of the things Hermione loved about him. He was so cute when he did it. But she didn't want him to worry, although he was cute in that kind of a situation.
Ron looked relieved but McGonagall still looked a nervous wreck. 'That's correct Miss Granger. Now if you would like Mr Weasley present we could go to the hospital wing and do the test. Madam Pomfrey will explain all the procedures and then I shall inform Professor Dumbledore. Appropriate action will be taken from there.'
The next few hours were a blur to Hermione; she still couldn't believe what had just happened but Madam Pomfrey told her that dizziness was one of the after effects of the Imperious Curse when it is used so strongly against someone. Ron stayed with her the whole time and she didn't know how she'd have gotten through it without him. He had kept her calm while the test was done (it had involved taking some of Hermione's blood which was taken by a quick and painless spell), even held her hand while she shook during Madam Pomfrey's investigation.
'Thankyou, Miss Granger', Madam Pomfrey said, 'you've been really brave and cooperative.' Hermione knew Madam Pomfrey was feeling sorry for her and she hated it. But she was so glad to have Ron; he genuinely cared about her and she only wanted to be with him at that time.
When the test was over Hermione was told to go to the prefect's bathroom, which was free so that she could relax. Ron wanted to come with her but Hermione wanted to do something.
'I'll be fine Ron', she said staring at him intently, trying to reassure him.
'Then at least let me walk you over and then I could give you a massage to calm you down', Ron quickly added. He didn't want to leave her alone at a time like this. More than anything else in the world Hermione would have loved a massage from Ron, even though he meant it as an excuse to not let her out of his sight but there was something she had to do.
'You can walk me over there', Hermione said, 'but I will be fine on my own. Honestly.'
'Oh, ok', Ron sighed. He walked her over to the prefect's bathroom looking at her a few times but looking away every time their eyes met. When they reached the bathroom Ron turned to her.
'Hermione if there's anything I can do for you, or anything I can get you, you know I'll do it.'
'Thanks, Ron', Hermione said smiling, 'but for now I'm ok. You've been such an amazing friend to me Ron. I don't know how I'd cope without you. Just don't go near Malfoy for now or tell anyone just yet.'
'I promise', Ron said quietly. Suddenly he moved down towards her face and laid a gentle kiss on her cheek. Hermione's legs felt wobbly as he pulled away. All she wanted to do was to fling her arms around him and kiss him back but she had to do something first.
'Goodnight Ron', Hermione said as she opened the bathroom door.
'Goodnight Hermione', he said, 'take care and sweet dreams.' Ron smiled and walked away.
Now she was alone and the room seemed big and empty. She filled the bath with water and bubble bath before getting into the burning hot water. She had purposely made it hot. She wanted to get clean after having Malfoy's hands on her. He made her feel so disgusting and ashamed and she thought roasting water would at least help clean her better. She had to do this and she didn't know whether or not it would make her feel better but it was worth a shot.
The water completely surrounded her and she dived in under to be completely immersed. He had touched her hair too and she considered that dirty. A bar of soap and a cloth were sitting on the edge so she grabbed them and rubbed the soap on the cloth. Then with a soapy cloth she scrubbed her body. She made sure every bit of her was scrubbed with the cloth and took great care to not miss anything. When she was finished she lay on her back but she still had that disgusting feeling. Taking the cloth again she rubbed her skin till it was red and almost raw. She grabbed some shampoo and shampooed her hair eight times but still felt dirty.
'Oh I'll never be clean', she sobbed, letting the tears drip into the water. For four hours she stayed in the bath and it was getting really cold. She just lay there for another four hours, waiting till the whole school had gone to bed and she was left alone in the icy water, feeling sick and alone.
I'm back to where I started, she told herself. Back to square one; sad, alone, pathetic Hermione. Ron won't want someone like me. I'm a disgrace, he deserves better. Is this my fault? How did I let things get so out of hand? Why does this have to happen to me? I hate myself.
The room was pitch dark as the candles had all burnt out when Hermione decided to go to her room. Standing alone in the darkness she felt happier; no one could see her and that's what she wanted to be again; invisible and perhaps then she couldn't get hurt.
DON'T WORRY!!!! I know that was a sad chapter and it was actually shorter than I intended it to be but now that means I'll have to put in maybe an extra chapter. I'll get it up tomorrow night hopefully. Hopefully the next chapter will be much happier. Will Ron and Hermione get together? Will Hermione feel better? What will happen to Malfoy? Ooops I forgot to mention what happens to him. Ah well, I'll fit it into the next chapter. Here's a hint; he doesn't get put into Azkaban anyway.
Next chapter up soon!!!!
Disclaimer: If I owned Harry Potter I would be rich and famous and live in a big house selling my books in huge book shops. But . . . I don't own Harry Potter so I'm not rich and I'm definitely not famous. I'll have to find another way to achieve this.
Chapter 5 - Alone Again
Peeves glided in and out of classrooms as he made his way back to his corridor. That Malfoy had told that the Slytherins in seventh year were planning to play a joke on Dumbledore before they left Hogwarts. Malfoy had also told Peeves they needed his help, but when he arrived outside the Slytherin Common Room the Bloody Baron was standing there to give him a lecture on why he shouldn't be causing mischief.
As he came closer to his corridor he met Ron and Hermione hurrying away. Hermione had her head down and Ron had his arm around her.
'What's wrong with her then?' Peeves asked, 'Did she only get 99% instead of 100% in a test?'
'Shut up, Peeves', Ron snapped walking right through him. Hermione was still shaking uncontrollably and Ron was growing more and more worried about her. McGonagall's office wasn't far so he hoped he could get Hermione there with out anyone asking her what was wrong. 'Not much further now, Hermione', Ron told her.
Hermione tried so hard not to cry but she was still in shock. She kept breaking down after realising she'd come so close to getting Ron thrown into Azkaban. Ron had never really been able to keep his temper, although he had definitely got better at it in the past three years. It wasn't so much that had a short temper but he was really impatient and never had any time for scum like Malfoy. He was also very sensitive although Hermione had told him he wasn't.
A light shone in McGonagall's office and the closer they came to the door the more Hermione wanted to just leave and pretend the whole thing never happened.
'Here', Ron said rushing to the office. He knocked very hard on the door and after a few minutes he began thumping hard on the door.
'Hold on!' a voice called from inside and a person could be heard coming towards the door. Professor McGonagall opened the door, greeting them with a stern expression on her face. 'Well really Mr. Weasley', she said when she saw who'd been making all the noise, 'I would have thought you'd know better than to come bashing my door down like this- Hermione!' McGonagall gasped, seeing Hermione with tear stained cheeks standing beside Ron. 'Whatever has happened to you?'
'We need to speak to you', Ron demanded, 'in private.' Instead of waiting for an invitation Ron gently took hold of Hermione's hand and marched into McGonagall's office. The room was warm and bright and Hermione could hardly believe that 10 minutes ago she was about to be raped.
McGonagall closed the door and came in. 'Please sit down', she said gesturing to two armchairs near a fireplace in another part of the office. She could tell this was extremely serious.
Ron helped Hermione into a chair and then sat down in the other. 'Professor', he began, and then thinking it was best to get to the point and put Hermione out of this misery said, 'Hermione has just been attacked . . . by Malfoy.'
McGonagall looked at Hermione worriedly and then asked, 'Is this true Miss Granger?' Hermione nodded but said nothing. 'Well this is the last time Mr. Malfoy causes trouble', McGonagall went on in a very business-like manner. She made her way over to her desk and started scribbling down some notes. 'I think detention would be best every night until he leaves and I can assure you Miss. Granger if he decides to further his education his university or wherever he goes will know about all the trouble he has caused at this school-'
'Ummm, Professor?' Ron interrupted, sounding nervous.
'Yes Mr. Weasley? He hasn't done something to you too has he?'
'No', Ron said, 'Hermione is the victim here but it's much more serious than you think.'
'Oh?' McGonagall said, looking very shocked and worried. 'Why what's happened?'
'Malfoy got Hermione when she was looking after Peeves' corridor', Ron was handling this very sensible, controlling his voice as best he could without shaking it in anger, 'he must have grabbed her and then he tried to rape her.' Professor McGonagall looked at Hermione and then wearily got up, looking as if she were about to faint. She looked so frightened herself.
'And you saw this did you, Mr. Weasley?'
'Yeah I came in before he got too far', Ron explained.
'Miss. Granger?' Professor McGonagall looked at her for conformation. 'I know you must be very upset but will you tell me what happened? Please.'
Hermione nodded bravely and told McGonagall the whole story, pouring her heart out to her about how Malfoy had threatened her before (Ron looked shocked and angry but remained as calm as he could), how he planned to attack her and how he used an Unforgivable Curse. When she finished she expected to be told off for not telling anyone before about the threats but now McGonagall had gone white as a ghost.
'He . . . he . . . he what?' McGonagall stammered. 'He used the Imperious Curse on a fellow student?' Hermione nodded. McGonagall made her way to a huge armchair and sat down, nearly collapsing. 'I . . . I'm so sorry Miss Granger, if I'd have known he would do that to you. . .'
'Please Professor', Hermione said shaking, 'don't apologise. I don't know how he knew how to do it but maybe something could be done about this.'
'Yes, yes', McGonagall said very angrily, 'of course, we should inform Dumbledore straight away. But I'm afraid I must ask you to be brave once more Miss Granger.'
'Why's that?' Ron asked quickly, looking defensive. 'She's been through so much already.'
'You may accompany Miss Granger to the hospital wing if you wish Mr Weasley and I must say that Miss Granger is very lucky to have you as a friend. It's times like these that you really need someone to comfort you.' Hermione knew what McGonagall said was true and she couldn't help feeling slightly embarrassed, not fully listening to McGonagall. But Ron was.
'The hospital wing?' Ron cried. 'Why does she need to go there? She's not sick or anything is she?' Ron was going pale with worry.
'No, no.' McGonagall explained. 'Miss Granger needs to go to the hospital wing for a test.'
'A test?' Ron exclaimed, interrupting again. 'What kind of a test?' he looked at Hermione again with a look of horror. 'Not a pregnancy test! She couldn't get pregnant that quickly and besides you told me Malfoy didn't-'
'No Ron!' Hermione cried as he was getting carried away, 'I've read about a test that needs to be done to prove an Unforgivable Curse has been put on a person. You see sometimes it's hard to tell if a person has been under the Imperious Curse. Some wizards can lie of course and make the results look as if they were under the Imperious Curse. Dark Wizards have done this to avoid Azkaban. If they were working for You-Know-who and were caught they could pretend they were under the Imperious Curse. It's a very simple test and it doesn't hurt. My results should be ok as I haven't had training to control the test results.' Hermione explained it as clearly as she could as Ron was so worried. He jumped to conclusions quite a lot but that was just one of the things Hermione loved about him. He was so cute when he did it. But she didn't want him to worry, although he was cute in that kind of a situation.
Ron looked relieved but McGonagall still looked a nervous wreck. 'That's correct Miss Granger. Now if you would like Mr Weasley present we could go to the hospital wing and do the test. Madam Pomfrey will explain all the procedures and then I shall inform Professor Dumbledore. Appropriate action will be taken from there.'
The next few hours were a blur to Hermione; she still couldn't believe what had just happened but Madam Pomfrey told her that dizziness was one of the after effects of the Imperious Curse when it is used so strongly against someone. Ron stayed with her the whole time and she didn't know how she'd have gotten through it without him. He had kept her calm while the test was done (it had involved taking some of Hermione's blood which was taken by a quick and painless spell), even held her hand while she shook during Madam Pomfrey's investigation.
'Thankyou, Miss Granger', Madam Pomfrey said, 'you've been really brave and cooperative.' Hermione knew Madam Pomfrey was feeling sorry for her and she hated it. But she was so glad to have Ron; he genuinely cared about her and she only wanted to be with him at that time.
When the test was over Hermione was told to go to the prefect's bathroom, which was free so that she could relax. Ron wanted to come with her but Hermione wanted to do something.
'I'll be fine Ron', she said staring at him intently, trying to reassure him.
'Then at least let me walk you over and then I could give you a massage to calm you down', Ron quickly added. He didn't want to leave her alone at a time like this. More than anything else in the world Hermione would have loved a massage from Ron, even though he meant it as an excuse to not let her out of his sight but there was something she had to do.
'You can walk me over there', Hermione said, 'but I will be fine on my own. Honestly.'
'Oh, ok', Ron sighed. He walked her over to the prefect's bathroom looking at her a few times but looking away every time their eyes met. When they reached the bathroom Ron turned to her.
'Hermione if there's anything I can do for you, or anything I can get you, you know I'll do it.'
'Thanks, Ron', Hermione said smiling, 'but for now I'm ok. You've been such an amazing friend to me Ron. I don't know how I'd cope without you. Just don't go near Malfoy for now or tell anyone just yet.'
'I promise', Ron said quietly. Suddenly he moved down towards her face and laid a gentle kiss on her cheek. Hermione's legs felt wobbly as he pulled away. All she wanted to do was to fling her arms around him and kiss him back but she had to do something first.
'Goodnight Ron', Hermione said as she opened the bathroom door.
'Goodnight Hermione', he said, 'take care and sweet dreams.' Ron smiled and walked away.
Now she was alone and the room seemed big and empty. She filled the bath with water and bubble bath before getting into the burning hot water. She had purposely made it hot. She wanted to get clean after having Malfoy's hands on her. He made her feel so disgusting and ashamed and she thought roasting water would at least help clean her better. She had to do this and she didn't know whether or not it would make her feel better but it was worth a shot.
The water completely surrounded her and she dived in under to be completely immersed. He had touched her hair too and she considered that dirty. A bar of soap and a cloth were sitting on the edge so she grabbed them and rubbed the soap on the cloth. Then with a soapy cloth she scrubbed her body. She made sure every bit of her was scrubbed with the cloth and took great care to not miss anything. When she was finished she lay on her back but she still had that disgusting feeling. Taking the cloth again she rubbed her skin till it was red and almost raw. She grabbed some shampoo and shampooed her hair eight times but still felt dirty.
'Oh I'll never be clean', she sobbed, letting the tears drip into the water. For four hours she stayed in the bath and it was getting really cold. She just lay there for another four hours, waiting till the whole school had gone to bed and she was left alone in the icy water, feeling sick and alone.
I'm back to where I started, she told herself. Back to square one; sad, alone, pathetic Hermione. Ron won't want someone like me. I'm a disgrace, he deserves better. Is this my fault? How did I let things get so out of hand? Why does this have to happen to me? I hate myself.
The room was pitch dark as the candles had all burnt out when Hermione decided to go to her room. Standing alone in the darkness she felt happier; no one could see her and that's what she wanted to be again; invisible and perhaps then she couldn't get hurt.
DON'T WORRY!!!! I know that was a sad chapter and it was actually shorter than I intended it to be but now that means I'll have to put in maybe an extra chapter. I'll get it up tomorrow night hopefully. Hopefully the next chapter will be much happier. Will Ron and Hermione get together? Will Hermione feel better? What will happen to Malfoy? Ooops I forgot to mention what happens to him. Ah well, I'll fit it into the next chapter. Here's a hint; he doesn't get put into Azkaban anyway.
Next chapter up soon!!!!