Helloo readers, I don't usually do notes before the chapter but I had a few things I wanted to say:
I've been getting many comments lately (across all the platforms this fic is on, not just this one) talking about how Hermione's smart and therefore she wouldn't fall for Rons lies/she would be smart enough to leave.
I think it's VERY important for me to point out that speech like this is dangerous. It perpetuates the idea that the reason women get stuck in these relationships is because they are too stupid, or missed the signs or just naive - that it is generally THEIR fault. This is, of course, wrong. These relationships are extremely hard to leave, even for people that are 'smart' and pushing the blame on the victims is dangerous and can sometimes be the reason people are too scared to ask for help. To continue, there are other factors at play and it's never as easy to leave as people see it to be from the outside.
To reiterate: The only person to blame in this fic for the abuse is Ron and his issues, NOT Hermione's intellect.
With that, here is chapter 10. It was the first chapter I wrote when planning the fic, and I'm so excited to finally share it.
"Hermione, wake up."
She groaned. She had been having a dream, a good dream, where she was a kid again, waiting for pancakes her dad was flipping. Maybe if she just kept her eyes closed, it would come back –
"Hermione!"
She woke up with a gasp, almost head-butting the red-head witch that was shaking her awake.
"Ginny!" She exclaimed, "What are you doing here?"
"It's your wedding day! Honestly, Hermione –
She gasped, had she slept through it? "Am I late?"
"Almost! It's 7 in the morning and you're not even in Wales yet!"
Hermione regarded her friend's face, waiting for the punch line but one never came, "Ginny!" She exclaimed, "We have hours."
"THAT'S BARELY ANY TIME, we have to do your hair, your makeup, get your …
Hermione drowned out Ginny's voice rolled over, groaning. Tonight had been the first night she'd been able to get some actual sleep. Ron was still at the hospital for monitoring, but the healers had assured her that it was just precautionary and that she should get some rest. ("It's bad luck to see each other on our wedding night anyway, 'Mione." Ron had said.)
Ginny was having none of it, she pulled Hermione off of her oh-so-comfortable bed and shoved her into the washroom.
"YOU HAVE TEN MINUTES BEFORE WE LEAVE FOR WALES." Ginny yelled from outside the door, "I WILL STUN YOU AND DRAG YOU IF I HAVE TO."
Hermione glanced at herself in the mirror, and did some bare minimum getting ready: hair pulled back, teeth brushed, face washed, and clothes changed in less than 6 minutes.
"Alright," she said coming out. Ginny gave her a once over, her face moving to a look of dissatisfaction before leading her outside where Harry already was, with what looked like her wedding dress in hands.
"Harry!" She went to hug him, but Ginny pulled her back.
"No wrinkling the dress."
Harry gave her an apologetic look before Ginny grabbed their arms and apparated to Wales. If she didn't know the witch by now and had been prepared, she was sure she would've gotten splinched.
The trio had barely landed before Ginny was running to the house, shouting about last minute decorations and explaining that Bill would be bringing Ron later.
She looked around the foggy city and realized that while the place looked exactly the same with the hills, cliffs, and greenery, it was barely recognizable. There was a massive purple tent set up on her right with lanterns and tables, along with a stage. Hermione guessed this was the reception area, realizing the aisle was to her right, with rocks layered down on the grass to look like a path, between two rows of benches.
There was no arc, or stage indicating where they'd be saying their vows, but she guessed it was because the cliff scenery of Wales was plenty.
"It's gorgeous Harry, you guys did all of this?"
Harry smiled sheepishly, "We had help, of course, with all the Weasleys. And Molly wouldn't let anyone sleep last night."
"They're already here?" Hermione said just as she heard the telltale My dear! from the house. A plump, red head woman was barreling towards her.
"Mrs. Weasley," Hermione greeted as she was thrown into her embrace.
"Come, come, we have much to do," Molly said, and Hermione let herself be led into the chaos of the household. There were Weasleys everywhere, hugging her, questioning her, and even more running circles around her with large purple and gold decorations. She knew the extended family was large, but this would make anyone's head turn.
Hermione noticed Harry drawn to the side, magically folding place cards in a corner and she let out a breath. At least she wasn't alone in this. Hermione picked up a batch of place cards and begun creasing them.
Harry gave her a small smile, "It's a lot sometimes, all the people."
"Yeah, I don't know how you do it," she said.
His gaze travelled to Ginny as she was yelling at George for attempting to sneak dungbombs into the wedding.
"It's worth it," Harry said after a second, "But…I recommend taking any opportunity to relieve yourself from the household, should one arise."
She stared at him inquisitively while he gave her his I-have-something-planned look.
"Ginny!" He called after giving her a final side-eye, "Who's picking up the cake?"
Ginny gasped dramatically, "THE CAKE! I almost forgot."
"Don't worry, Hermione and I have got it." He yelled back, adding a muttered, "Go, go, go," to Hermione.
She didn't need any more convincing and slipped out the back as quickly as possible, with Harry following a second later.
"Where are we picking it up?" She asked him, following him away from the house.
"I already picked it up this morning," he winked at her.
"Harry!"
"Oh, what are you going to do? Rat me out?"
"Oh…of course not, but still…", she said.
"Come on!" He grabbed her arm, "You haven't even seen Wales yet."
She followed Harry, apparating to the outskirts of a colourful little village, one that almost looked like a cardboard cut-out of an ancient fishing village. They grabbed tea in a vintage little tearoom run by the sweetest couple; they had gelato at an ice-cream parlour with twinkling lights all overhead and finally had lunch at a place genuinely called The Sloop and Hermione cherished every minute of it. She had missed just exploring areas with her best friend and for the first time in what felt like weeks, she hadn't thought about Ron at all.
That is, until he came up in conversation.
"So, you must be excited that you finally get to sleep with Ron." Harry said with a grin.
"Harry!" She slapped his arm and he chuckled.
"What?! I don't know your beliefs on the matter."
She rolled her eyes at him, "Ridiculous."
They continued walking down the street, with Hermione taking in all of the little shops.
"Did you ever figure out what happened to him?" He asked after a beat.
Hermione's heart stopped when she thought he was asking about his behavioural change but Harry – with a confused face – clarified, "Like, how he got hurt?"
"Oh…right, um…it was Malfoy, actually."
"Malfoy? Draco Malfoy?"
"How many Malfoys do you know Harry?"
He stared for a second, "But why? After all this time?"
Hermione didn't say anything which Harry must have taken to mean that she didn't know the answer.
"Well, have you reported him? To the authorities?"
"What, no," she stated, backhandedly.
"He almost killed Ron, Hermione…why wouldn't you?"
"It's not necessary, I took care of it." She said, suddenly finding great interest in a blue cafe.
"Not necessary? Hermione, I'm not trying to tell you how to deal with it but I really think that –
"That's exactly what you're trying to do. Stay out of it."
That was evidently the wrong this to do as Harry stopped walking then, and started, enraged, "STAY OUT OF IT? He's my best friend and you don't seem like you care that he almost died."
Hermione whipped around, furious, "You don't think I care? Are you kidding – you don't think that I spent the last week staring at him, conversing, trying to wake him up, pretending LIKE HE COULD EVEN HEAR ME. Don't you dare tell me –
"Okay, okay," Harry said, hands raised, "I shouldn't have said that you don't care. But I still don't understand."
"You don't have to understand Harry, I just need you to trust me on this."
"I trust you."
"Okay then," she sighed, "Let's get back before Ginny has a hernia."
Ginny looked like she wanted to kill both of them when they finally got back and was now taking her anger out on Hermione's hair. She tried not to complain, scared the red-headed witch would actually explode.
"HERMIONE!" Harry called from the kitchen.
"WHAT?"
"THERE'S AN OWL FOR YOU."
An owl? Who was writing to her here? She glanced at Ginny in the mirror who was wrist deep in her hair for permission to go and Ginny just yelled in response – almost deafening Hermione, she might add – "BRING IT HERE POTTER."
A letter dropped in her lap a minute later. It had her name on it but she couldn't place the writing. Hermione opened it to find it was from Daphne. Daphne! She had forgotten to let her know about everything happening, she just had up and left that morning. Shoot.
Hermione read on.
Granger,
If you're reading this then that means you're obviously not dead and thus, I will be killing you. Consider this the warning. WHO UP AND LEAVES WITHOUT A NOTE? I swear, you're the reason I hate all Gryffindors.
Anyways, I ran into Malfoy earlier and he filled me in. Jeez, your life is a mess. I then realized I never answered your wedding invite, but I'm sure by now, you've concluded that I will not be attending. I had hoped that you would see some sense but considering you have not, it is too hard to sit by and watch you celebrate the union. I hope you can understand. Actually, never mind, I really don't care.
Always,
Daphne
Ps: Did you punch Malfoy? He wouldn't say but if so, consider me proud.
She felt a pressure in her throat as she read, realizing that she had expected Daphne to be here, without question. She was the one person there who would know the truth about everything and it was supposed to get her through today and now that she had bailed – Hermione inhaled, forcing the emotions back. Who knows what Ginny would do if she ruined her makeup? She glanced back up at the mirror and found the red head's curious eyes on the letter.
Hermione quickly folded it back into the envelope. This day would already be hard enough without explaining what Daphne had meant, let alone why she was writing to Hermione. She let her finish putting a million lotions on her head until it fell down her back it perfect waves and Ginny was satisfied, letting herself a second of rest until she looked at the clock.
"30 minutes Hermione! Into your dress, quickly!"
Hermione went to change, delicately weaving herself into the dress. She glanced at the mirror, expecting that rush of emotion again. That feeling that it was exactly the right dress she was supposed to be in, except it never came. It was a beautiful dress, mind you, and Hermione could barely recognize herself, but it felt...off.
She wondered if it was the same one she wore at the store – it must have been, it looked the same. She stared for the longest time, just taking in her wedding day attire. Shouldn't she be more excited about today? What was wrong with her?
Ginny barged in before Hermione could let herself over think too much, yelling something about how it was almost time until her words were cut off by Hermione's appearance. Ginny's eyes filled and she ran into Hermione, embracing her.
"You look so beautiful Hermione," she said, stepping back to take a joyous look at her work, "I never said but –
Her voice cracked as she continued, "- I couldn't hope for a better sister."
"Awh, Ginny," Hermione said, "You've been the sister I never had, and I'm so grateful."
Ginny wiped away a tear and then threw a napkin at her, "You get one tear out of that eye, I will personally Avada you."
Hermione gave her a small smile and Ginny exited leaving Hermione staring at her reflection again, expecting something different this time, except it was exactly the same.
"HERMIONE!"
She gave herself a last look before leaving the dressing room. There were significantly less people than she had expected in the house, with only Harry and the immediate Weasleys (excluding Ron) present.
"Where is everyone?" She asked as a bouquet was shoved in her hands.
Ginny rolled her eyes as Molly smiled, "They're seated dear."
George came up from behind and shook her shoulders, "Time to get you hitched!"
"George!" Came two separate voices and Molly sushed everyone.
"In formation," Ginny called, "Let's get this show on the road."
The Weasleys lined up first, each in a pair with Bill and Fleur, Percy and Audrey (whom she had barely met but she seemed nice enough), Charlie and George, Molly and Arthur and finally Ginny. Harry came to stand by Hermione's side.
"Aren't you supposed to be walking Ginny down?" She whispered into his ear.
"Ginny feels as though you need the support more…do you mind?"
Hermione's chest calmed a little at the companion, "Oh Harry, thank you."
He grinned, "Someone has to make sure you don't trip anyway."
She hit his arm just as the first of the Weasleys begun exiting. Everyone went slowly, a whole minute passing before the next pair went through. Hermione's jitters grew with each second and Harry had to tell her to breathe multiple times.
She saw Ginny reaching the end of the aisle and moving to the side and her nod let her know it was time. Hermione gulped.
"Don't let go Harry." She spoke.
"When have I ever?"
They finally started making their way down, with everyone standing around them. She tried not to look through the crowd to determine who had made it for she was certain that would only end in a stumble of her feat. Instead, she looked straight ahead at her soon-to-be husband.
Ron stood looking dashing in crisp dress robes, his eyes never leaving hers. She waited for the jitters to calm with the knowledge that it was Ron she was marrying, her best friend. But they did the opposite, each step brought on a new clench of her heart, so much so that her feet faltered and Harry had to steady her.
They finally reached the end of the aisle where she turned to stand as she had been instructed earlier. A ceremony official was behind them, holding a thick, old book.
He muttered a Sonero before beginning, "Witches and Wizards, we are joined here today to celebrate the union of two very special individuals who first met over a decade ago on the Hogwarts Express. Little did they know that it would lead to this perfect day on a cliff in Wales. I've been told that they did not get along at first and even that -
Granger, said a voice, don't make a scene.
Hermione startled so hard her bouquet tumbled out from her grasp and the official had to pause as she grabbed it, muttering an apology.
Ron chuckled, "It wouldn't be Hermione Granger without some clumsy-ness," He said, getting a hearty laugh from the crowd.
Where had the voice come from? It almost sounded like it was coming from –
Yes, your head Granger.
WHAT ARE YOU DOING MALFOY, she screamed internally, GET OUT OF MY HEAD.
She saw movement from her peripheral of someone flinch, and subtly finding it, she realized a tall, brunette with a beard staring right into her eyes.
Well, I couldn't necessarily come in my normal appearance, could I? He said.
What the actual fuck. I'm quite busy here if you didn't notice. She spat, looking back at the official.
"Marriage is about sharing experiences…", the official droned on.
Just listen for once.
Malfoy I'm –
LISTEN Granger.
FINE. Spit it out.
Draco started, Look, I know you think that you owe him something. That you need to be there for him and you can do that but –
Hermione mentally rolled her eyes, I'm not having this conversation right –
You don't have a choice. The sooner you let me speak, the sooner you can go back to marrying the Weasel.
Hermione said nothing and waited.
As I was saying, you don't need to marry him to be there for him Granger. You can do that as a friend for fucks sake. You don't need to be the punching bag he takes his shit out on.
"…they've provided each other with the support they need to…"
Look at me Granger.
I'm getting married, I can't just –
LOOK AT ME.
Hermione let her eyes travel slightly to him, even under the disguise, she could see the familiar but annoying git she had become used to.
Do you really want to be that woman, twenty years down the line staring at a broken home, bruised and hurt, not knowing how you got there, thinking that maybe, just maybe if you had taken a step right now, away from him, that it all could've been avoided. That your whole life would've been different.
Hermione's mind wandered as she pictured herself there. It was so clear because she had been there not long ago. Wondering how she ended up on the receiving end of him again. Hermione glanced at Ron. The guy that was supposed to be her end all.
If he truly loved you Granger, why did he put you through all that. Why hadn't he left himself? Why had he kept coming back, knowing that any second he might snap again. You know I'm right just like you know that if you were him, you would have left.
His words sunk into her and as she realized that yes, she would've left. If for a second, she thought that her being there was hurting Ron, she would have fled, no matter the pain it caused her.
"Do you, Ronald Bilius Weasley, take Hermione Jean Granger, to be your lawfully wedded wife?"
Ron stared at her with a burning passion. She knew he loved her, but it wasn't bigger than his insecurities or his anger, it wasn't enough.
"I do," Ron said.
"And do you, Hermione Jean Granger, take Ronald Bilius Weasley, as your lawfully wedded husband?"
Hermione could feel the whole auditorium staring at her, waiting for the expected words. She opened her mouth, but they wouldn't come out.
Take the step, Granger, Draco said.
"Hermione?" Ron whispered, and it was that look. That look of shock with the bubbling of something dangerous that Hermione realized that it would never be different. She would be that broken woman wondering where it all went wrong if she didn't do something now.
Be brave Hermione.
Her eyes travelled back to the crowd, searching, and she found him at the end of the aisle with his arm out, hand offering her an escape.
She looked back at Ron and he had followed her gaze to the man. She was sure he had already made his assumptions of what this was, for his face was contorted in disbelief and saturated with hurt.
Hermione felt her heart pang, she could feel her natural instincts telling her to stay. To do anything to wipe the hurt off of his face but...fuck that. Maybe it was because of all the Slytherins she had been around lately or maybe she always had it in her but suddenly, self preservation seemed like a great fucking personality trait.
She regarded Ron's mouth upturning with distaste and the anger in his face grow and it gave her the push she needed to look him in the eyes, mouth a final I can't with a determined expression, hitch up her wedding dress and run.
Time slowed as her feet thumped against the stones. Each face she ran past was filled with emotions of shock, outrage and disbelief. One in particular, Mrs. Weasley's face, that was looking at her with disappointment and sadness, was burned into her brain but she pushed past it, focusing on the end of the aisle. She felt all eyes on her and heard someone give a whoop, but she didn't turn back. For she couldn't risk it and right now, all she knew, was that she had to grab the cold hand just like she had before and escape this dreadful moment, and that's exactly what she did.
~ NOTES ~
Ahhhh, anyone else have goosebumps? I can't believe we're finally at chapter 10, thank you for sticking with me - I'm looking forward to your guys' reviews!