Chapter 2: The face he remembered

Hermione felt a rush as a rough hand went over her mouth, an arm linked on her neck, a foot on her feet. By the deep voice, she could tell it was a man. Her eyes tried to stay calm, but what really mattered?

At least do something. Nudge, kick, twist... pull ... anything?

Nothing. She was weak. She even tried to speak.

"Lady, I'm asking you nicely. Hand me your money - Or who knows how deep this knife will go." He threatened.

How the fuck can I do anything when you're body's linked all over me!

As if he could read minds, he let go and walked right in front of her. It was as quick, she didn't even notice. Startled, she tried to stay calm.

How is he any different to all the others? They are all the same! Bastard pigs who use you for what they want, that's what they are.

The man was waiting. Waiting for her to punch, kick... attack him back. Like a coward he was, his knife was ready. It was ready to strike.

Her face was looking down. No eye contact. She searched her purse, and pulled out a few. His eyes were watching her. She never looked up....

He waited for her as she searched for her purse. What do women keep in those purses that make money so hard to dig?

She looked up at him, and then snapped back to her purse. She can't show him her eyes... it was disgusting. It wouldn't matter anyways. He'll know she's weak. She knows he can smell it.

He lowered his knife.

For that few seconds, her eyes twinkled, but only because she had tears. He realised her hair was down and was attempted to be combed. Her sad face... it looked so... familiar.

It couldn't be.

She lifted her hand, and he put up his knife again, but only because she fixed her hair behind her ears. He saw a bruise around her forehead. A hideous, off-coloured one, on such a pretty face.

It couldn't be..

"I- I'm sorry." She said in the most calm, gentle voice. The way she said it... he has never heard it before. She handed him a few paper money and a few quarters. Not very many, for a burglar to expect from a girl like that. "It's all I have. If –you don't mind I kept a couple to buy some for myself, please, I swear it's not even that much. Just let me ... just let me go. Please just let me go..."

What... the... hell.

Just let me go? Did she just say that? The man looked at her confused. He could sense the girl's courage. She just showed it in the strangest ways...

She was never like this... giving in like that? The man was speechless. He was shocked. First of all, she gave him her money without trying to hit him back. She gave in like that... she walked away without looking back.

He looked down at his hands. What have I done... what is the matter? The sky watered as he stood there. Her silouette was gone. He just stood there- with her money.

Who was she?

He waited.

--- -

Hermione headed home, with nothing but vegetables, bread and some milk. Not even enough to keep him happy. Inside, her heart was beating fast and hard. When he finds out... he won't be too impressed.

She walked home with the grocery bags in her hand, and purse in the other. Her hair was wet as she walked down behind the alley to her house.

This is sick.

--

His eyes snapped up as she walked passed. He followed her.

She started to walk faster. She wanted to go home so desperatley. He was right behind her. His dark cloak danced as the wind blew.

Hermione opened the door and entered the house. She hung up her jacket and put away her shoes.

Her heart was so full of water she had to let it all go. He is at work, so she has the house to herself. She walked towards the dinner table by the window. She sat down and looked at her fingers. They looked so weird. She couldn't believe this is what she had to live through her whole life. What happened to that brave young girl? What about that bright, clever girl? She rested her head on her arms and tears flood her hands.

After a few minutes, Hermione walked towards the kitchen. She searched for some left over vegetables or bread, or anything to go with the food she just brought. She turned on the oven, leaned at the counter and waited. She wiped her eyes with the dry cooking towel, and began adding in carrots in the pan.

The door rang.

"DAMN IT!" she yelped as the oil bounced off the pan and burnt her finger. She looked at the door. Who could be visiting at this time? This house is haunted.

She walked slowly to the door and even tried to fix her hair. It was so useless now. She opened the door, and he stood there.

The wind blew his hood, revealing his messy blond hair and a face that was cold sober and steady.

Her mind was messing with her. "Yes?" she asked a confused look in her face.

He didn't say a word.

"Look, I'm sorry, some guy just already visited a few days ago... with those subscription surveys and if that's what yo-- "

He lifted his hand up to show her a few paper money and coins. His face never changed expressions. Hermione looked at his hand, and then at his face.

" Um...? " she didn't understand. Who does this guy think he is?

Finally he gave her an are-you-stupid look. "Well?"

"What are you talking about?"

She didn't know what to say. Honestly, what kind of burglar turns up at your front door just to give your money back? "Who do you think you are? Do you enjoy stealing people's money then stalk them back to their houses?"

"Wha-?" The man was disbelieved. He was trying to give it back to her and do something good in his life, and here there she stood, making him still look like a bad guy? "Look Gra—lady, it was yours, yes, I took it from you, and now I'm giving it back. Take it back, I dont want it."

Hermione looked up at him. He was tall. His hair was longer and his eyes were piercing gray. They were transfixed to hers. It made her head sting.

He didn't look like a burglar. He looked like, a famous hearthrobbing actor – or somebody that can fool anybody with those looks.

She didn't speak. Still confused.

"Well? Take it."

"It's too late now." She said.

Why is she refusing? What was she trying to do?

"Hey listen, I don't have all day alright? You either take the money, or... you take the money." He stayed at his spot, "I dunno, you pick one."

"Why?"

"What?!" ... where is she trying to get to?

"Why are you doing this?"

"Well why not? Can't a guy feel bad?" He forced the money on Hermione's hand. She wouldn't take it. "Ok, I didn't put a bomb in there, poison, or anything like that whatsoever."

She kept looking at him. He couldn't bear her watching her like this "Uh... so... it's safe to take it back. " He was never comfortable around her. It always felt awkward, especially with her right in front of him. "You know, other ladies would be proud and celebrate that they got their money back. I guess you're not normal."

Not normal... Of course... That hit Hermione. She slammed the door on him, but his reflexes stopped it from closing. She still didn't speak. He's still a stranger... she stayed calm.

His hand was still, holding out the money to her. Her hands trembled... how bad could it be? The many was trying to return something he stole...

She reached out for the money and put it in her pocket slowly. She was still pretty confused.

"Well," the guy raised his brow, "Now that that's taken care of. See ya...... Lady." He turned around and walked down the step.

"Wait a second..." she called out, "Do you have time to stay in for tea maybe?"

What are you doing to yourself! Welcoming a stranger in your house for tea? I still have another few hours...

The man raised a brow. Why is she inviting me over? Way too unreal. Way too weird. "No. No I can't. I'm just a thief to you, remember?"

I can't believe she doesn't remember... why would it matter? She never cared. ..Well, why WOULD it matter? She's probably happy the way she is, living her dream... her life so perfect like she she always lived it as a filthy little – well, just as long as she doesn't find out who I am.

Thanks...Thank you... Thanks for your- Thank you very -- "Bye." He said quickly.

She watched him run down the steps and disappeared. She closed the door and went back to the kitchen, only to find out one of her carrots burnt. It didn't matter... for a long long time, someone had done something to make her feel, like she mattered...