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Settings, stories, characters are all cannon, set in an AU, from a different POV!

Disclaimer: It all belongs to J K Rowling, apart from the obvious changes


Chapter Seventeen: Stunned

Hermione sat, cross legged on the floor in the dungeons, outside of her Master's Potions classroom, waiting for him to come out and collect her, ready for dinner. She had been sat there for almost an hour and a half now, freezing cold in her maids outfit, having been asked to wear it earlier that morning. Despite her protests and demands for a reason, she had been instead told to 'shut up and get it on as a punishment for back chatting about wearing it', making her rather bitter towards her Master since then. Having been sat waiting for him; she had been surprised when a large owl had swooped into the corridor, beating her about the head with the letter it was carrying. She had shrieked, causing Professor Snape to exit with Ron, both of them receiving a slap to the back of the head. They had both retreated into the chamber, leaving her with the threat of severely punished afterwards. Sighing heavily, she had begun to read what had been sent her, her chest tightening as she finished it. A tear slipped down her cheek and plopped silently onto the parchment, smudging the words. Sobbing a little, she could not even figure why, thinking only of the friend she found herself to be losing. Viktor was leaving her, going back to Bulgaria within the hour, was now waiting for her in the Great Hall to say his goodbye. They had had their issues, no doubt about it, but she did not want to lose him because of them, not because she had chosen to stay with her Master. She had to at least say goodbye, let him know how she felt and not let him leave thinking badly of her. A bang and the door beside her was flung open, almost splattering her into the wall, allowing people to filter out into the corridor and up the stone steps. Both Ron and Harry walked past her, barely acknowledging her at all, even as she ran up behind them fumbling and stumbling over herself.

"Um...Sir?" She asked quietly, holding out the parchment in front of his face. Her Master glared at her, snatching it away and reading it quickly before tossing it back at her. It fell to the floor and she scrambled to pick it back, even as he continued walking away from her.

"And I want with this...what?" He asked, barely addressing her as Harry stared back at her small figure running back at him.

"I...I just thought maybe-" She began, but he stopped abruptly, clearly understanding immediately what she was asking of him,

"You thought wrong." He said flatly, pulling out an apple and trying to ignore her pleading and hurt face as she clutched the parchment tightly to her chest, staring up at him in desperation. She could not believe he had denied her such an opportunity, not after everything that had happened to them so far, he had to hold some compassion for her.

"But I may never see him again!" She cried at him, taking hold of his arm and squeezing tightly, yet he pushed her away.

"Granger! I said NO!" He said angrily, surprised when Harry spoke to him in a most condemning manner,

"Come on mate! Don't be an arse." Ron flinched, rounding on him accusingly, his arms flailing around in the air, almost dropping his books.

"How am I being an arse?" He demanded, bits of apple flicking from his face, though his expression lessened, seemingly rethinking his decision, contemplating the possibility that he was being unfair.

"She said she won't get to see him again, don't be selfish." Harry looked at his oddly, causing him to feel suddenly ashamed, and a glimmer arose in Hermione's face.

"Fine. But I'm coming too." She drew back from him, remembering their last encounter as a threesome, not wanting to ever repeat it. She looked to Harry again for guidance, but he simply shrugged at her, he had done his best and that was the end of it. "Any issues Granger?" She looked back at him with pursed lips, wanting to argue, but finding herself resilient in keeping herself quiet and just be pleased she was even seeing him at all. Though this was not the first time she had had to say goodbye to someone that she held dear to her, at least she could say this time, she had be wholly true to him, not like her parents whom she had lied to for countless years about her state of well being, or her grades, or the friends that she had made, lying how she was so close to her Master and Master Harry, that they were the best of friends. She had lied to the other girls of her dorm that had left so very long ago, told them that they would be safe, that they were strong, and nothing would stop their fight against the wizarding world, and if did, they would return home immediately, safe and secure. Now he was leaving her too, but he knew her hardship, he knew why she stayed and why they could never be, yet she felt the guilt of almost taking advantage of him, knowing that they would not be together, still trailing that glimmer of hope for him to readily follow.

"No Sir." She said quietly, following him as he ascended the staircase, up towards the Entrance Hall,

"Right, let's get it over with." Beginning to drag her over towards an almost empty Great Hall, despite her obvious shock at his actions.

"Now?" She asked looking at him ludicrously, dumbly following behind him as Harry left them, making his way up towards the Common Room.

"Yes now!" Stopping at the entrance he looked at her expectantly before giving her a shove inside the partly opened doors, "Well, go on then!" She nodded a little before turning around to find only Viktor, sat alone at the Slytherin table in the corner of the large room. He had his large fluffy overcoat on with only one suitcase by his side, which brought tears to her eyes before he even looked up at her, smiling widely at her presence. Running forwards he stood up to greet her as she flung her arm around him, sobbing a little, though still trying to keep a smile plastered over her face.

"Viktor!" She croaked as he lifted her off of her feet in a rib crushing hug,

"Hermy-own-ninny!" Placing her down he smiled wide until a crunching sound echoed from behind her, and looking over her head, his face fell into a dark grimace, "You brought the Weasley boy?" He hissed, not even looking down to her. She put her hands on either side of his face and made him face her, he small smile seeming to calm him, despite its watery texture.

"Sorry...But I couldn't see you otherwise." She said in a hushed whisper, and the two of them giggled a little at their final moment together having to be chaperoned.

"Hurry this up Granger!" Her Master suddenly bellowed at her and she winced, pulling an apologetic smile as Viktor glared over her head at the tall ginger and obviously impatient boy. Turning her head, she looked at him sadly,

"Sir..." Turning back, she caught Viktor looking down to his watch and sighing heavily, straightening himself and moving backwards to retrieve his suitcase. "Must you go?" She asked, trying not to cry anymore, wanting their last moments together to be ones she would remember fondly, not of herself as a shameful mess. He walked back to her and placed a hand upon her shoulder,

"You haff made your decision. I can do no more I am thinkings. It is for thee best." He shot another distasteful look over towards Ron, who seemed to share his feelings, glaring back at him with equal venom.

"I'll miss you. Write me. Promise me?" Hermione asked, oblivious to their exchange, focusing solely on saying a proper goodbye.

"Alvays" He bent towards her, kissing her cheek lightly and taking his case up, walking towards the doors. Giving her one last wave, "You ver my girl, Hermy-own-ninny." Then disappearing out of the door from her, leaving a rather triumphant and jubilant look upon her Master's face, until he turned to see her own, saddened and facing the floor. Shuffling towards her, he reached out his free hand about to touch her shoulder, then recoiling a little, only to pat her head lightly instead.

"Sorry Granger." When she did not reply he looked around a little, seemingly looking for Harry to come to his own rescue. Looking to his other hand, he extended it towards her, "Apple?" Her head lifted suddenly, tear still drowning her eyes as she snatched the fruit from his hands and slammed it into the floor by her feet, mashing it into the stone with her shoe.

"Hey!" He cried, on the verge of reprimanding her, yet all thoughts of this drained instantaneously as she reached up and took hold of his shirt in two great handfuls and yanked him forwards, crashing her lips into his, not caring that they were in the middle of the bustling school, possibly only seconds away from detection. Taking her hand in his hair she pulled him closer into her, as much as she could do, before biting him on the lip, hard. He pulled back from her and into the wall, shocked and looking down at her tiny figure as she still hung onto him

"I don't want your shitting apple! Do you think I'm attracted to them or something? You stupid boy! What is it with people like you thinking they're in the right just because the law says so? If I had my wand, by Merlin's name I would hex you!" She gave a great heaving sob, and let go of his shirt, turning and running from him as fast as her legs would carry her.

~x~x~x~

She knew that he was following her, all the way from the Great Hall, up every single flight of stairs and down the seventh floor corridor, able to keep up with simple strides compared to her franticly moving legs. She knew he was watching from around a far corner as she requested the Room of Requirements assistance; he saw her walk inside, face to the floor, tears still filling her face, even though she could not say whether it was for the loss of Viktor, or for the shame of what she had just done to her Master. Walking inside, the room had shrunk considerably, a large pile of cushions and blankets in its centre, a small box of tissues placed carefully upon the highest pillow. The room felt soft and peaceful, the ambient lighting and soft aromas wafting over her, calming her beating heart and rapid breathing. Inhaling deeply, she closed her eyes, pausing for a moment to relax herself fully, wanting to spend this time alone, consoling herself, despite suspecting that her Master would somehow seek to gain entrance to the room. She smiled wetly, and opening her eyes walked slowly towards the pile, flopping onto them softly and snuggling in deeply, feeling comfier than she had in months. 'How did I get into such a mess?' She thought miserably, considering what it would be like if she abandoned her quest for justice immediately, packed her bags and went home, or even ran to the train station, climbed aboard and went home with Viktor, not having to worry about the threat of punishment or perhaps even death, not having to shut her emotions off to her Master, would no longer have to acknowledge the attraction she felt towards him. Hearing the door creek open behind her, she closed her eyes, pretending to be steadily dozing, and turned onto her side, hoping that her Master would leave her alone, so that she wouldn't have to face him. Yet instead she heard his footsteps coming ever closer, the pillows behind her shift and her back become instantly warmer as he shuffled towards her, lying as close as he possibly could. Her heart began racing, scared at his close proximity, yet excited by the heat he was exuding. Opening her eyes ever so slightly, so was furious with herself for not facing him, yet, at the same time, grateful that he could not see her face, for the shame she felt from being so close to her Master in such a way. She felt his arms slip snugly around her waist, pulling her in even more. She saw his hand move upwards, feeling him draw her sleeve from her shoulder, his lips press gently against her skin momentarily, again and again as she lay there, still and unresponsive. Frozen where she lay, she could barely think, not wanting to feel her sudden explosion on excitement, not wanting to pull away from him either. His gentle nature had taken over once more, igniting a passion within her that she did not know if she wanted to feel or not. Breathing heavily, she could feel his tongue caressing her skin, inching closer to her neck, causing her to shiver a little, yet leaving her fearful of her own emotions, of her body's own response. Feeling herself losing control, she turned suddenly and pushed him from her, "No." He looked back at her, staring directly into her eyes, almost saddened, definitely hurt. He leant in towards her face, almost seeming to kiss her but pulling back at the last second.

"Please. Talk to me." He said, his voice soft yet still commanding, his eyes pleasing with her to be honest with him, to speak truthfully and honestly, possibly for the only time that they would ever be able to. She paused, not replying straight away, not wanting to speak out for fear of being unable to restrain herself, of from breaking down in front of him, shaming and embarrassing herself all at the same time.

"No!" She gasped finally, closing her eyes to him tightly, wishing him away so that her head would stop pounding, her stomach stop churning and she could act normal, feel the same towards him as she did to anyone else. Tears threatening to spill, she became a little alarmed when she felt his breath upon her face, trying desperately not to show her panic.

"Hermione..." He whispered lightly, only just loud enough for her to hear. She replied in her normal voice, trying to stop its quiver as her voice warbled when she spoke,

"Master?" She asked, fully expecting a demand for something consumable. Yet when he did speak, she gave a great twitch, her arm convulsing into him painfully.

"Say my name." He asked her, rather than demanding of her, waiting patiently as her eyes fluttered open gracefully. Her mouth opened a little, completely unsure of what she should say. Not knowing whether to comply or reject the idea completely, she closed her mouth, only to open it once more.

"...Ron?" She breathed, barely able to regain her breath and her composure, when he kissed her, only lightly and not at all forcefully. He pulled away, but was met with resistance as she pulled him back, kissing him again, a little harder, making him wince slightly. Stopping she looked into his eyes, slowly travelling down his face and to his lips, a small bruise from where she had bit him was now purpling and raw looking. Guilt instantly overtook her, not wanting to look at it any longer, instead kissing it lightly, flicking her tongue over his wound, hoping that he would understand her, forgive her for her rashness. He did not push her, or attempt to try anything, just let her continue as she wished, leaving himself in her hands. Yet her nerves were destroying her, she had never been so intimate with anyone, and she certainly had never imagined it to be with her Master, someone whom she had though she hated for so many years, but now, in this one moment, could not have felt closer to. Sliding her tongue into his mouth, she ran her tongue over his teeth lightly, and then over his own tongue as he slipped it past her lips and into her mouth. She felt electric, like her body was alight and would not be dowsed by any mean, magical or not, for she felt in herself, magical and alive, free for the first time as he pushed his tongue further into her, his hands around her neck and back, not wanting to let go as she dragged her hands through his hair forcefully, liking how it slipped between the joins of her fingers with ease, even liking how his long nose tickled her own tiny one as he pushed them closer together. She groaned a little, dragging him head first on top of her, becoming slightly breathless as his long frame almost consumed her tiny one. Yet he suddenly stopped, propping himself up on his elbows and staring down at her seriously,

"What the hell are you still doing here? You should have left years ago." He said straight, leaving her a little confused as to what was now happening and why he had suddenly stopped, knowing that they were safe and hidden from the prying eyes of others. Gulping slightly, she looked down to her own chest, deciding, for once, to be whole heartedly honest with him,

"How could I ever leave you?" His eyes seemed to sparkle momentarily, looking down at her with a certain glowing happiness. She felt her throat block a little, not wanting him to think he was the main or sole reason she was staying at Hogwarts, not to think she was attached to him, or had feelings of more than simple attraction, "Or Carla. Or Justin. Kevin...I can't abandon them, not now, not ever." He seemed to falter, but then become more resilient, his voice growing louder as he leaned in closer to her,

"It would have been safer if you'd have gone back home. You'd have never been dragged into everything by me and Harry. You wouldn't have to live under our law." His voice oozed sincerity, almost touching her very being s though she could feel all that her was saying to her, feel that this was who he truly was, beneath all that society had placed upon him.

"The law is wrong. Not the people who live under it." Placing her hand upon his cheek he looked back at her solemnly, though not wanting to see the pain present within her eyes.

"I'm sorry. For everything." He said quietly, not daring to look at her. They fell into silence as he seemed to understand within himself that him next sentence would crush her, "And I'm sorry, if you stay here, I can't change towards you. It has to be this way. And we can't do this; I can't be seen with you." His voice trailed off, seemingly slightly upset of what he would have to do to her if she stayed with him, how he would have to treat her, the punishments he would have to give.

"I know." She looked into his glittering blue eyes and smiled at how they shone in the small amount of light that floated around the dimly lit room, making her well up, feel as though she could cry for eternity, just as not to see sadness ever cross them. "I also know that's not who you are." He looked away from her, shame filling his face, causing her heart to sink a little,

"You don't know who I am." He said quietly and bitterly, his normal voice returning to him as he groaned inwardly.

"I know enough." She took both hands to his face, turning it directly in line with hers, staring at him sincerely.

"Hermione-" He began, but she placed a finger to his lips,

"Shh..." She whispered, dragging his lips back into hers.

~x~x~x~

Carla was eyeing her suspiciously from the floor below her, where she had been sitting silently since the History of Magic exam had started an hour ago. From beside Kevin on the Entrance Steps, Hermione raised a casual eyebrow, "What?" She asked accusingly.

"Nothing." She replied smugly, her lips pursed tightly and almost mockingly. Hermione's back straightened a little, pulling a slinking Crookshanks up onto her knee, who was purring lightly. Stroking his fur, she looked back to Carla, her eyes glazed in fear of her secret being so easily discovered. It was bad enough that she was attracted to her overly tall, largely freckly, ginger haired Master, without the knowledge of her having acted upon those emotions. Clearing her throat, she threw back wildly,

"Come on! Out with it!" Carla wiggled her head from side to side in an unattractive manner, her fingers twitching and her teeth dug into her bottom lip painfully.

"It's nothing!" She retorted angrily, straightening herself and rising to her knees in defence. Hermione's insides were shaking slightly, anticipation and anxiety taking over her violently. Trying to sound her normal self, she gave a shaky laugh, brushing Carla off,

"You're such a shit liar." Not expecting a response she smiled casually at Kevin who was busy waving small biscuit treats at Crookshanks, who playfully pawed at them until her received one after the other. Yet Carla did speak, gaining in volume.

"Alright then yes. What's happened with you?" She questioned, condemning her before she even had chance to defend herself, knowing that she was rights at any cost and that Hermione was point blank playing the fool and lying to her.

"What's what?" She replied innocently, turning from her as to not arouse further suspicion. Yet Carla persisted,

"You've done something." She sat up fully, wiggling her head once more and placing her hands upon her hips, tilting ungracefully to one side.

"No...no I haven't." Hermione said forcefully, looking to Kevin for reassurance and back up, but he simply looked the other way, not wanting to become involved in such issues that did not concern him, despite how interested in the gossip of Hermione doing something unconventional he was.

"You've been acting weird ever since yesterday. I know you've done something." Carla said patronisingly, wagging a finger in Hermione's direction. Her eyebrows furrowed as she glared back at her friend, trying to disguise her horrified features, not understand how she could have made her emotions so blatantly obvious in such a short time span.

"Oh, and you'd know what weird is wouldn't you?" She threw back, ignoring her friends shocked face, even as her glasses slipped to the end of her nose, causing her to peer over them in astonishment at Hermione.

"Shut up!" She cried, suddenly hurt by the suggestion that she was in any way abnormal. Hermione drew back slightly, resuming her care for Crookshanks, a little ashamed that she had been so hurtful towards her friend, just so that she could absolve herself from guilt and not allow her dishonourable secret to be told. Taking a different approach, she said, trying not to sound too harsh,

"If you can't take don't dish!" Looking positively mortified, Carla screamed at her,

"I wasn't dishing anything!"She practically recoiled in horror, neither of them noticing how Kevin's head fell into his hands in disgust and disapproval.

"Yes. You were."

"No. I wasn't!"

"Yes! You were!" The two of them were now stood up, practically shrieking in one another's faces, threatening for something larger to begin between them. Yet the next cry that came, was not theirs,

"Merlin's beard! SHUT UP!" Kevin threw his arms out at them in desperation, a bewildered look covering his face, the two girls simply staring back at him open mouthed. A loud bang from behind them caused them all to spin erratically, a small bald head protruding from between the doors of the Great Hall, looking highly appalled with all three of them.

"Excuse me! You do realise there's an examination going on in here don't you?" He cried in outrage, shaking a fist at them as their heads fell in embarrassment.

"Yes Sir," Replied Kevin, nudging Carla whospoke next,

"Sorry Professor Tofty."

"Sir!" Hermione nodded at his as he began to retreat back into the hall, dragging the large doors as he went, muttering slightly,

"Bloody Slaves..." They fell back into silence, the girls glaring at one another ferociously. Moments passed and Carla reached over to pinch her on the knee, but received a small kick in return, and a threatening whisper,

"Yes you did! And no I have not done anything!" They both crossed their arms diligently, Kevin remaining expressionless as he stared through them both silently.

"...Liar." Carla muttered, barely audible, yet loud enough for Hermione to throw yet another distasteful look in her direction. It was true she hated being called a liar, even when it was plainly obvious that she was one, and undeserving of any praise or sympathy. Growling slightly, she yanked Crookshanks back onto her knee, despite his hissing protests and whines, clawing at her leg so that she would release him. Yet another loud bang came from before them, Harry collapsing through the doors and looking around a little, clearly confused about what he was doing.

"Master Harry?" Carla asked tentatively, and his head shot in their direction. Clutching his head with one hand he took hold of Carla with the other, the breathing deep and rattling, pain evident as he spoke,

"McGonagall!" He cried, his face etched in suffering as he shook the poor girl violently.

"Sir?" She replied, suddenly frightened by him, trying to pull away, but still concerned enough to allow him to be so rough with her where usually he was gentle.

"I need to find McGonagall!" He screamed at her, causing Kevin to jump up and separate the two, almost in fear for Carla's safety.

"The Hospital Wing? I heard she was shot with four stunning spells when they came for Hagrid, she must be there." He said quickly, Harry nodding along with him feverishly.

"Good, but if she's not...go find her for me? Please girls?" He looked past Kevin towards the two slave girls who were side by side, looking desperate to help in any way that they could. Hermione looked at her friend and both nodded, turning back to Master Harry,

"Leave it to us."


Japan's Arc Angel x