~ 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: Although it might seem short it's rather long!
St. Mungo's Hospital
Fifth Floor
Senior Healer Tom Tomkipns Office
Opening the file on his desk, the man sighs as he looks to the caseworker sitting in his office. Reading over the contents in the file, he makes several notes. Gently closing the file, he taps his finger on it. "This is a very interesting case."
"I'm glad that you think so," mutters the caseworker.
Quirking an eyebrow, he scrutinizes the smug look
barely
concealed on the young woman's face.
Smiling politely he looks over the official forced submission
forms. Everything looks to be in
order. Looks can be deceiving
considering that this Erin Conheart. Reading
it over one finial time, he fights to keep the smirk off his face. "Miss Conheart, you'll need to have either
her husband or one of her parents to sign this form to enforce it."
A flash of irritation crosses the woman's face, as she attempts to remain professional. "I understand that. Once I talk to this particular patient's mother, I'm sure she'll agree with me."
Picking up his quill, Healer Tomkipns signs his name on the parchment. Handing it over to the caseworker he watches her practically skip out of his office. Opening one of his desk drawers, he pulls out some clean parchment. It's past time since I've written to a fellow Slytherin; I wonder how he'll react to this new development.
Burrow
The Kitchen
Apparating right into the kitchen, Harry was instantly worried when he saw Hermione's mother hugging herself. "Mrs. Weasley," calls out Harry gaining her attention. "Is everything alright?"
"No," whispers Molly gesturing a hand towards the stairs. "Hermione has sealed herself in Ron's room."
"Why?" asks Harry slightly confused.
"She rapidly deteriorated earlier," answers Arthur as he pulls Molly into a hug. "She went down for a nap in Ron's room. Molly and Sirius warded the room and placed several spells. Ron didn't know that Hermione was in his room, so when he got home he decided to go start to bed."
"Oh Merlin," whispers Harry before grimacing. "Is Ron still breathing?"
"Yeah, he's sleeping in Charlie's old room," huffs Molly. Harry sad shakes his head, glancing upwards for a few second before heading to Charlie's room knowing full well that Ron would still be up. Poor guy. He was probably looking forward to talking to her. I know I was.
St. Mungo's Hospital
Third Floor
Stretching her arms over her head, Ginny yawns. Filing the last of the paperwork for the night, she heads into the nursing staffs changing area. Opening her locker she pulls out her black cloak to go home. Merlin am I glad this night is over. I just want to go home and sleep. Yawning again, Ginny smiles wistfully. Maybe Harry will show up alone this year.
"Good night Ginny," gushes Erin falsely. "I'll see you later."
"You off for home?" asks Ginny mildly interested.
Looking amused, Erin flashes a bright smile. "No, I'm off to the Black residence. I have a meeting with Sirius about his wife."
"Oh," gasps Ginny softly. "Well, good luck. He's very protective of her."
Smiling sweet, Erin watches Ginny round the corner before her smile falls from her face replaced by a look of disgust. "I bloody well know that. I've only been trying to have him commit her for the last year." Peering down at the submission papers, Erin smirks evilly. "Then he'll be all mine."
The Burrow
Ron's Room
Changing into his dog form, Sirius crunches close to the floor slowly making his way over to Hermione. Observing her rocking herself with her arms over her legs and her head on her knees, Sirius bites back a low growl. I'm going to kill Ron as soon as I can.
"So," gently says Lavender attempting to keep Hermione talking. "What's it like?"
A soft whine comes from Hermione as she starts to pause in her rocking. "What?" Whipping his head, Sirius narrows his dog eyes at Lavender as his sharp ears pick up on Severus swearing near the doorframe.
"You know, living with Harry, Remus and Sirius," asks Lavender. "I imagine that they're quite a hand full."
Shaking his head, Sirius lays his head on the bed. How can she be such a savvy lawyer and such a nitwit! Close enough to Hermione but not touching her. A soft whine from him, informs her that he's there. A relieved sigh escapes from Hermione as her eyes focus on him.
"Sirius," laughs Hermione a watery smile blooms on her face. "I know that you're such a dog, but do you have to be one literally?" Picking up his head, Sirius gives a loud bark as he jumps on the bed in dog from. Changing out of his animagus form he wraps his arms around Hermione pulling her closer to him. Leaning into his embrace, Hermione slowly relaxes.
"Lave," greets Sirius kissing the top of Hermione's head. "How are you?"
"I'm fine," answers Lavender standing up. Making her way towards the door, she waves goodbye as Severus slips into the room.
The Burrow
Charlie's Old Room
Knocking softly, Harry doesn't wait for an answer before opening the door. Peering inside, he sees his best friend staring blankly out the window. Shaking his head, Harry enters the room, closing the door behind him.
"Hi," greets Harry in a whisper. Ron turns his head, looking directly into his eyes, Harry could easily see that they were bloodshot. "She's going to be fine, you know."
Shaking his head, Ron sighs, "I was… I was looking forward to really seeing her again. Not that shell that she became."
"I know," states Harry as he own eyes water up. "I know that you have just gotten home. Ron, you need to sleep. I need to sleep." Watching his best friend's facial expression, Harry adds, "Who knows? Maybe all Hermione needs is more sleep."
"Do you really think so?" asks Ron, his voice breaking. Harry nods his head. It takes him another five minutes to get the already excused Ron to go to sleep.
The Black Residence
Outside
Apparating right outside the house, Erin barely contains her needs to whip out her wand and curse the two-story muggle house. "He shouldn't be living here. And with those people," sneers Erin. Curling her lip, Erin takes great pleasure as she pulls out her wand. Pointing to the blooming rose buds, she mutters a simple spell. "That's better. Can't have anything blooming around here."
Snorting she puts away her wand. Going up to the door, Erin rings the doorbell.
The Burrow
Outside Ron's Room
Hugging the girl who has just come out of the room, Gwen was relieved that Lavender was all right. Even more relieved that she somehow calmed her daughter down enough to lower the wards.
"Mrs. Snape," greets Lavender excepting the hug. Gwen loops her arms with Lavender helping her down the stairs towards the kitchen. "I don't know what happened to bring about this change, but Hermione is… well… she's relatively awake."
Blinking Gwen barely contains her squeak of pure joy. My baby's awake! She's really awake! I'll get to talk to her this time.
The Burrow
Ron's Room
Taking several breaths, Hermione gazes at Severus as he slowly moves about the room. What is he up too? "I can see you," comments Hermione watching Severus like a hawk. Startling him, Severus slightly jumps. "Is my mother here?"
"Downstairs," states Severus gesturing to the
floor. "Do…"
"Can I see her?"
interrupts Hermione looking at Severus pleadingly.
A soft smile graces Severus's face as he replies, "Sure. I'll go get her for you." Swiftly making his way out of the room, Severus pauses just outside the door.
"Are you feeling alright?" gently asks Sirius.
"Not really," answers Hermione her gaze darting about the room. "I feel dirty." Pulling his arms closer to her, Hermione takes several breaths. "I thought Lu… Luci… Lucius was here." Turning so that her face was facing Sirius. "He was touching me…" Shuddering, Hermione croaks out, "But Lavender said that he didn't do anything…"
"That's true," reassures Sirius. "Lucius didn't do anything more then rake his fingers down your back before I showed up."
Still shivering, Hermione swallows hard. "I… still feel dirty."
Kissing the top of her head, Sirius offers, "I think Molly will let you take a shower or a bath, if you want. Or we can go home."
The Burrow
The Kitchen
Gliding into the room, Severus gives Gwen a dashing smile. "Your daughter would like to speak to you." Everyone hears an excited squeak before Gwen races up the stairs. Shaking his head, Severus mutters, "She's just like her daughter." General laughter greets his statement.
The front door creaking open, as Ginny sluggishly makes her way inside the house. Yawning she mutters, "Goody night."
"Ginny," shouts Molly preventing her daughter from going upstairs.
"What Mum?" answers Ginny stopping on the first step.
"Hermione is in Ron's room right now," states Severus. "Ron is in Charlie's old room."
Holding up her hand, Ginny nods her head. "I understand. I'll just take the long way to my room, thus bypassing Ron's."
"Oh, ok then dear. Good night," offers Molly as she heads into her kitchen.
The Black Residence
Inside
Peering out the magical windows, Tonks grits her teeth. "Remus Lupin!" hisses Tonks glaring at the man in question. "If you open that door and let that thing in here…. so help me…"
Smirking at her apparent rage, Remus wiggles his eyebrows. "As if," snickers Remus his eyes harding as he looks at the impatient person outside. "I was however planning on hexing her, since she has just ruined my roses."
"What!" explodes Tonks looking out the window. "She didn't."
Fuming Remus hisses, "Oh, yes she did." Stepping away from Tonks, Remus reaches for his wand that was on the kitchen counter. Lifting it in the air he was about to hex the woman standing on his doorstep when Tonks quickly yanks down his hand. "Why did you do that?"
The chime of the doorbell rings several times.
"Because that… that…" waving her hand gesturing to the woman in question. "Is starting to think that we're not here."
A devilish smile graces Remus's face as he comprehends what Tonks is saying. "So if I hex her, she'll know that we're here." Kissing Tonks on the lips, Remus puts away his wand. "Let's get over to the Weasley's."
"I'm ready if you are," laughs Tonks.
The Burrow
Ron's Room
Closing her eyes for a few seconds, Hermione shakes her head. "No, I want to stay here. But do you think Mrs. Weasley will let me use her bathroom?"
"For you," whispers Sirius smirking at Hermione. "I think so."
Turning her head, Hermione smiles up at him. Leaning in closer to him, she tilts her head upwards as Sirius's head descends closer to hers. His hot breath mingles with Hermione's.
"Hermione!"
Snapping out of her trance, Hermione gives a startled jump as the blur known as her mother rushes into the room. Barely having enough time to brace herself, Hermione was instantly wrapped by her mother's comforting embrace. "Hermione!" softly sobs her mother.
"Mum, I'm fine," comforts Hermione gently squeezing her mother to reassure her. "Really." Feeling Sirius's hands slip away, Hermione looks at him confused.
"I'm going to go see Molly," relays Sirius. "About what we were talking about. I'll be back in under five minutes."
"Ok," mutters Hermione. Watching his retreating back, Hermione was momentarily torn. Wanting to be with her mother and wanting to be back in Sirius's arms. I wonder how he's going to explain my wanting to use her bathroom.
The Black Residence
Outside
Huffing angrily, Erin attempts to peer into the house throw the windows. Leaning up against the glass, she cups her hands to block out the sunlight. Can't see a damn thing! Placing her hands on the windows, Erin attempts again to see into the house.
"Blood hell," hisses Erin. "That hussy so needs to be put away for life!"
The Burrow
The Kitchen
The flapping of owl wings alerts everyone that a message was on its way. Peering out the kitchen window Percy has a treat in hand as the bird lands on the perch. Offering the treat first, Percy unties the letter from the bird's leg.
Looking over the envelope, Percy hands it over to Severus. "Who would be writing to you here?" Humming Severus doesn't answer but opens the envelope. Boisterous laughter floats in from the front of the house as Tonks and Remus approach the front door.
"Come in," states Percy as he returns to his seat near his wife.
"Well," sneers Harry at the blushing couple. "I see that you've finally made it here. Took you long enough." The crunching of parchment along with several rather vicious curse words from Severus prevented Remus and Tonks from answering.
"Molly," booms Sirius from the stairwell startling everyone in the room. "I need to ask a favor." Feeling the tension in the room, Sirius narrows his piercing blue eyes. "What? What happened?"
"When you're done talking to Molly," calm bites out Severus his onyx eyes glittering dangerously. "We need to have a little chat."
"Sirius," calls Molly from the kitchen. "What is it that you wanted?"
Until Later