~ When Insanity stops ~
Summary: At the end of Hermione's fifth year, she feels depressed about all the stuff that has happened. One morning upon waking up, Hermione finds someone else in bed with her. And that's the only the start of this interesting tale.
AN: This chapter contains scenes that are inappropriate for ANY ONE under the age of thirteen. I might even have to boost the rating of this from PG-13 to an R just for this chapter alone. Which is why it took me so long to post it.
The Burrow
Family Room
Gulping down the last of her drink, Hermione uses the napkin Mrs. Weasley has given her to wipe her face. Smiling contently, she starts to wiggle off of Sirius's lap until he gently pulls her back on.
"Sirius," whispers Hermione not wanting everyone's attention. "I have to go."
Looking slightly confused, Sirius asks, "Go where?" Then it dawns on him. "Never mind. The first floor bathroom is out of order thanks to the twins. You're going to need to use the second floor's."
Rising an inquiring eyebrow, Hermione questions, "Why? What did they do?"
"They left one of they're crazy experiments in there," answers Sirius. "Which destroyed the plumbing, the walls, and left behind a nasty smell."
Grinning at the twins, Hermione asks, "Is that why they got that howler?"
"Ah, no," laughs Sirius helping Hermione to stand. "They got the howler because…"
"Hey!" shouts George pointing a finger at Sirius and Hermione. "No telling!"
"That's right," adds Fred narrowing his eyes at Sirius.
Rolling her eyes, Hermione mutters, "They never change." Waving to Sirius to remain seated; Hermione carefully makes her way up the stairs. Those two are definitely up to something. They've been way to quiet. The last time they were like this was when they put superglue to the floor; poor Ron was stuck there for an hour. Finally making it to the second floor landing, Hermione sighed in relief. Nothing!
Ministry of Magic
Auror's office
The flapping of wings was heard before a snowy white owl landed gracefully on an auror's desk. The man sighed as he put down his quill. Reaching over he strokes the owl before removing the letter.
"I can't wait to leave," yawns the young man, running a tired hand over his face. "So Hedwig, what's so important that Harry had to write me when he's coming over to my house today?" Hegwig hoots and ruffles her wings. "That important, huh?"
Ripping the letter open, Ron skims the material. Paling Ron stares at Hegwig blankly until she nips his fingers with her beak. "Merlin! This is… Wow!" Jumping up, invigorated Ron was ready to leave until he saw the half-finished report on his desk.
"Bloody hell." Flopping down Ron picked his quill back up. Handing Hegwig a treat, Ron hurriedly resumes finishing the report.
The Burrow
Upstairs
Hearing voices up ahead, Hermione becomes slightly puzzled. Who could possibly be up here? Everyone else is down stairs. Curious Hermione inches her way down the hall. Upon reaching the door where the voices were, she reached down to grab the doorknob as her other hand raised to knock when the door swung open.
Panic flooded every sensor in Hermione's body. With wide startled eyes, she rushed backwards only to slam into the wall. Death Eaters! Two of them. I don't have my wand. Help! I need help! Holding out both of her hands, making frantic gestures as her breath was becoming sporadic. A thin layer of sweat began coating her face.
The Burrow
Family Room
Settling back into his seat Sirius had a nagging feeling in the pit of his stomach. Turning his gaze to the stairs, he was barely listening to the conversations floating around him. Absent mindedly, Sirius rubbed his wedding ring. Come on, Sirius she's just upstairs. Nothing can happen to her with everyone here.
The Burrow
Upstairs
The man before her covers both of his ears with large hands. Hermione watches him flinch; his shoulders were slightly shaking. "Merlin, please don't," he whispers.
Blinking, a memory flashes before her. Hermione watches the scene before her come into focus.
~
Screams quaked the air; dusty smoke gives cover to the atrocities that were happening. Hermione flattened her back against the Three Broomsticks only to almost collide into...Vincent Goyle? What the hell is he doing here? Narrowing her eyes, Hermione could plainly see that he was horrified. "Goyle!" hisses Hermione attempting to get his attention.
"Merlin, please don't," Goyle whispers as tears streaked down his face. "Please…"
"Vinny," snaps Hermione softly as she hits his arm. When he looks her way she silently asks him what's wrong.
"They're torturing Draco and Pansy," says Goyle his voice breaking.
"What? Why?" demanded Hermione, confused. I thought Malofy's father was in Voldemorts inner circle.
"They refused to serve him," choked out Goyle.
Surveying the torture before her, Hermione decides to take a chance. "Look here's what we're going to do. While I distract them, you get them out of there," orders Hermione gripping Goyle's bulky arm. Looking him dead in the eyes, "Go to the candy store, from there you'll get further instructions on how to get back to school in one piece."
"But…." stutters Goyle staring at her amazed. "You don't even like them."
"Yeah well," snorts Hermione bracing herself for what she's planning on doing. Please God let Dumbledore or some teachers or even some of the Order shows up real soon. Please?
~
Blinking the scene is over to fast for Hermione's liking. "Please, please don't scream. My ears can't take another blast," whines Goyle holding his ears, his face pensive.
Taking a deep unsteady breath, Hermione narrows her eyes. "Vinny? Is that you?"
A bright blooming smile, a small puff of breath escapes his mouth as he wrinkles his nose. "Only you call me Vinny."
Swallowing hard, Hermione looks behind him. "Is that Gregory?" Seeing Vinny nod his head, Hermione questions, "What are you two doing here?"
Vinny glances back to Gregory before answering; "We kind of live here."
Shocked, Hermione whispers, "What? Since when?" Holding up her hands, Hermione says, "Wait, let me go to the bathroom first."
The Burrow
Family Room
Shaking his head, Sirius refocuses on the conversations going on around him. The twins were in the corner whispering excitedly between themselves. They'll need to be watched. Gazing over to Percy, Sirius smirks. Don't need to hear what he's saying; Penny's growing blush says it all.
"All I'm saying is that the Cannons have a chance this year," argues Charlie. They better have a chance; otherwise I don't want to deal with Ron *or* Harry for that matter.
Sharp fake laughter comes from Bill. "As if! They lost three of their best players to trades." I hadn't heard that. I wonder whom they lost.
"Says who?" demands Charlie. "And who did they lose?"
"Vincent said that they lost…."
Gasping Sirius jumps out of his seat, stilling all conversation. Looking directly at Molly, Sirius asks, "They're not here, are they?"
"Who dear," answers Molly confused.
"Crabbe and Goyle," responds Sirius looking agitated.
"They arrived just a few minutes before you did," whispers Molly as understanding dawns. "Bloody hell." Flying up the stairs, Sirius prayed that Hermione hadn't run into the two boys.
The Burrow
Upstairs
Turning the corner, Sirius instantly sees Hermione sitting cross-legged on the floor talking animatedly with both Vincent and Gregory. Swallowing his fear, Sirius shakes his head as he slows down his approach.
"Just going to go to the bathroom?" questions Sirius as he smiled down at Hermione.
"Sirius!" gasps Hermione smiling up at him. "Did you know that Vinny fire-lifted Malfoy to safety in our sixth year? We were just talking about it." Sirius coldly glares at Gregory and Vincent making them both flinch. "They were just saying that Malfoy didn't take the dark mark, which made him a target."
"What brought up this lovely conversation?" asks Sirius, his anger apparent only to the boys.
Sighing, Hermione tugs on Sirius's robes, when he looks down to her she waves at him. "I did. Had a flash back on the attack at Hogsmeade." Smiling sweetly up at him, Hermione asks, "Forgive me?"
Rolling his eyes, Sirius offers Hermione his hand to help her off the floor. "As long as they didn't bring it up."
"Why is that?" asks Vincent clearly confused. "Why shouldn't we bring these things up?"
Unclenching his jaw, Sirius struggles to control his voice. "Because Vincent, if Hermione is not ready to remember, it can be devastating to her psyche. Thus pushing back her progress to a snails pace."
"Oh," whispers Vincent. Wrapping his arms around Hermione, Sirius pulls her close to him. Together they walk down the stairs, heading towards the family room.
"Good thing we didn't bring it up," states Gregory.
"Bloody good thing," laughs Vincent. "I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of Sirius's temper."
"Sirius's temper?" questions Gregory looking oddly at Vincent. "I'm more afraid of Hermione's."
The Burrow
Family Room
Upon entering the family room, Hermione shakes her head, as Percy chases either Fred or George around the room. Oh my god. If we were at Hogwarts, I'd swear that it was third year all over again. Sitting down onto Sirius' lap, Hermione smoothers a yawn.
"Go Fred," encourages George from the other side of the room.
"So what do you do on Independence Day?" asks Hermione looking towards Arthur. "Besides fireworks."
"Molly usually cooks up a scrumptious feast," states Arthur pausing to think. "Fireworks, sweets. Last year, Headmaster Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall were here to help direct. And several reenactments of the last battle."
"Reenactments?" questions Hermione her eyes shining brightly. Turning to Sirius, Hermione nudges him. "Did you know that they did that?"
"Ah, no," answers Sirius not looking Hermione in the eyes. Arthur flinches from the withering look Molly gives him. Charlie and Bill notice their mother's dirty look. Nodding to each other, they quickly come up with a distraction.
"How do you decide who is going to play who? Or is it first come first choice?" asks Hermione rubbing her eyes with the back of her hand.
"At least, Hermione doesn't have her wand this year," laughs Charlie nudging Bill.
"Yeah, that's right," agrees Bill. When they saw Hermione's confused expression Bill decided he needed to clarify his brothers statement, "Last year, Professor Snape and your mother were watching us play Quidditch when you set his robes on fire. Is there a reason for that?"
Smirking slightly, Charlie ponders, "I wonder why she only set him on fire?"
Blushing Hermione softly mutters, "Must have thought it was first year."
"That was you!" whispers Vincent from the doorframe looking rather gob-smacked.
"Bloody hell," whispers Gregory looking at Hermione in amazement. "You know that he was in a horrid mood for weeks after that, right?"
Sirius pokes Hermione's side. Looking up into his face, Hermione's blush increased when Sirius whispered in her ear, "I want to hear all about that." Smirking at Sirius, Hermione raised her eyebrows not saying a word.
"I have ways of making you talk," seductively whispered Sirius as his hands found their way to her bareback. Hmm, damn his hands. Blinking slowly Hermione bites her lower lip to prevent a soft moan from escaping her mouth. How does he do…oh god.
Sirius shifts Hermione on his lap noticing that her eyes were bright with desire. Lowering his head close to her ear, Sirius nips at the skin just below the curve of her jaw. A loud non-discrete cough was repeated several times before Sirius stopped his assault.
"Now that I have your attention," said Bill looking highly amused, "Mother wants us to set up the backyard."
Rubbing her eyes with the back of her hand, Hermione yawns widely. I'm so tired. Snuggling closer into Sirius, Hermione yawns as her eyes droop.
Blushing hard, Penny glances up. Oh isn't that sweet? Hermione feels comfortable enough to fall asleep on his lap. Bloody hell. Pointing to Hermione, Penny states, "Is she supposed to be sleeping?"
"What!" gasps Sirius as he gently nudged Hermione who doesn't stir. Taking a deep breath Sirius pinches her arm. A loud wail like cry erupts from Hermione, tears start to cascade down her face.
"I studied," softly wails Hermione rubbing her hand over her face. "The test isn't for a few hours." Everyone watches, as she fights to even stay awake. "Did my new books come in? Where am I?" After that Hermione's body goes limp in Sirius's arm. "Sleep now."
"Sirius," softly whispers Molly looking down at the couple. "I…ah… maybe after a nap, she'll be better."
Looking down at his wife, Sirius nods. "It was too much to hope for that she would remain awake all day."
The Burrow
Ron's Room
Sirius gently placed Hermione in the middle of the bed. Hermione instinctively reached out, calming down when her hand made contact with Sirius's body. Covering Hermione with a blanket and also with a warming charm, Sirius tucks her in. Leaning in, Sirius kisses her forehead earning him a wistful smile from his wife.
"Sleep well, my love." Noting that she was sleeping peacefully, Sirius closed the door behind him as he left the room.
Waving her wand Molly muttered several locking charms, and an outside silencing charm. Thus allowing the household to hear if Hermione was distressed but preventing Hermione from hearing everyone in the household. "There that should keep out the noise," says Molly smiling up to Sirius. "I am extremely grateful that you're helping the boys set-up for tonight."
"I'm happy to help," states Sirius giving Hermione's door one last look before heading downstairs to join the boys.
Ministry of Magic
Auror's office
Ron read his report one last time before handing it in. Harry so owes me for this. Merlin am I tired. Maybe I'll just head home and catch a snooze before the party tonight. Taking a tired breath, Ron yawns as he hands in his report.
"Go home and get some sleep, Weasley," shouts his supervisor as Ron exits the building with a soft pop.
The Burrow
Backyard
Waving his wand, Sirius shakes his head, as the twins laugh unmercifully at him. Smirking, Sirius shoots off two different charms. Suddenly everyone was laughing at the twins as they scowled at Sirius.
"Turn about is fair play," comments Sirius smirking at everyone.
"Since when do you understand fair play?" sneers a voice from the doorway.
"Snivellus!" gleefully shouts Sirius as he jumps around. "Come out an play!"
"Boys!" shouts both Molly and Gwen, causing the men in the backyard to flinch.
"We're going to be in the kitchen preparing dinner and desserts," comments Gwen glaring at Severus then Sirius. "I don't want to hear it."
"Hear what?" playfully questions Sirius until Gwen turns her cold glare on him. Holding up his hands, Sirius backs away. "Had to ask."
"I thought you were setting up," snaps Molly glaring at her children. "You need to get moving, or you'll be sitting on the ground!"
"Yes Mom," courses around from the various Weasley men. Giving her children one last look, Molly and Gwen head into the kitchen.
The Burrow
Ron's Room
Reaching out, Hermione desperately tries to find Sirius. Her chest starts to tighten; the creeks of the old wooden floor start to play games with her mind. Whimpering, Hermione curls up into a tight ball, her body shaking with tremors. Slowly a menacing memory incorporates itself into her dream.
"Let's see what the mudblood can handle," hisses a commanding voice. Screams echo around in Hermione's mind.
The Burrow
Kitchen
Molly and Gwen smile as they watch the boys in the backyard. Shaking their head at their crazy antics. "Who in their right mind!" huffs Molly. "Look there goes Severus. I hope he hexes Fred something bad."
"Molly," gasps Gwen before laughing. "You're their mother. You should be rooting for your son."
Molly humphs, gesturing to the kitchen table. "We were expecting you earlier. Didn't you get my owl?"
"Well yes," answers Gwen looking sheepish. "We didn't want to appear rude."
Taking a deep breath, Molly waited until they had taken their seats. "Gwen, the reason I sent that owl was because Hermione was awake and talking up a storm." Seeing her friend's hopeful face, Molly regrets what she has to say next. "But less then an hour ago she rapidly regressed. We're hopeful that with some sleep, she might be better then she has been in the past."
Closing her eyes, Gwen's devastation shows on her face. "My baby was awake?" Tears silently leak out of her eyes.
"Yes," responses Molly reaching out and taking her hand. "She asked for you."
Soft knocks
sound
from the front door, before Neville's friendly voice rang out. "Anyone home?"
The Burrow
Ron's Room
"Crucio!" shouts Lucius as he pointed his wand towards her. Pain; sharp, like thousands of tiny little knives cutting into her were felt. Loud screaming echoed around. Slowly the pain faded, but not before Lucius smirked evilly at her. "Did that hurt, you filthy little mudblood?" spat Lucius.
Sweat was dripping off her body, as she
felt invisible
hands bind her limbs to the ground as her back had sharp criss-crossing
pain. A flash of reddish-purple light was
seen
from the corner of her eyes. Using her
fingers Hermione desperately attempts to reach for her wand that lay
inches
away from her.
"Master," purrs
Lucius stepping on Hermione's hand preventing her from reaching her
wand. Biting her lip to prevent a scream
she
barely managed to hold it inside.
"Look the pathetic mudblood is attempting to recover her wand." Whimpering, Hermione tried to block the pain from her hand. Focus Hermione. Harry needs you to remain focused until help arrives.
"Crucio," sneers Lucius as pain swept into every fiber of her being. Please! Please stop. I can't take anymore. I just want to die. Please just kill me.
"Lucius," hissed Voldemort getting his servants attention. Relief from the pain floods Hermione's senses. "Perhaps you should play with her first, she isn't one to break easily."
"Smashing idea," laughs Lucius. Hermione hears his heavy footsteps circling around her, like a hawk surveying its prey. A cold breeze hits her exposed backside, as unsettled dust gets in her eyes. Tears start to leek out on their own accord.
The tingling in her back is agitated when silky smooth clothes brush up against it. "Well," mutters Lucius in her ear, Hermione attempts to jerk out from under him. But her body is being held down by the weight of Lucius's body. Please, please don't touch me.
"I hear you like to play with men." A rough hand rakes down her back causing pain as it goes. Once again, Hermione attempts to move, but finds that she can't. Sirius! Where are you? Please come help me.
"Leave her alone!" shouts Harry from the other side of the room, rattling the chains holding him to the wall. Evil laughter echoes around the room, even Lucius laughed. Her breathing becomes troublesome, as tears blurred her vision. Cold hands grip her hips. No! Sirius!
"NO!" screams Hermione reaching behind her and scratching skin. "NO! NO DON'T TOUCH ME!"
Until Later