Hermione stood and stared at the podium. That's all she could do.
She couldn't breathe. She couldn't move. She couldn't blink.
Her name had been drawn. Out of hundreds, out of thousands of names inside the large bowl, her name had come out on top.
Yaxley's beady eyes scanned the room like a hawk, trying to find his new drawn tribute. Hermione finally seemed to snap out of her daze as the girl beside her gave her a gentle nudge with her elbow. She looked around to see many of them staring at her with a mixture of fear, pity and sorrow; something Hermione could never unsee. Finally willing her limbs to move, Hermione took a step out of line.
Yaxley seemed to notice the slightest hint of movement and immediately found her within the crowd now stirring with murmurs and whispers. In the distance, Hermione could hear the soft sobbing of a woman, and she could only assume it was Molly.
His victorious smirk brought Hermione back to the present. That same sadistic grin brought her to stand taller, though she was certain her face now matched that of Lucius Malfoy's, perhaps even paler. Her hands clenched into tight fists at her sides to the point her fingernails could have drawn blood from her palms.
Hermione stared Yaxley dead in the eye as she took small, stiff steps toward the stage. The crowds of families created a direct pathway to the staircase, all of them watching her every move, studying her as if it were the last time they would see her. A stab of fear struck her heart as she thought it might be.
Before she could second guess herself, Hermione was at the edge of the stage, two security guards at her side. Each firmly grabbed her forearm and led her to the podium where Yaxley waited patiently with a smug grin on his face.
Turning to the crowd before her, Hermione spotted the Weasley's in record time, their vibrant hair color sticking out from the rest of the audience. Her heart plummeted, and she could already feel the tears coming.
Mrs. Weasley had her back turned away from Hermione and was sobbing into Mr. Weasley's jacket, Bill and Percy were wearing the same grim expressions, George looked as if he were ready to pass out at any given moment, tears were streaming down Ginny's face but she didn't make a sound, and Ron; he looked as if he was about to hurl up another batch of slugs like he had done in their second year.
Hermione scanned the room trying to find Harry, but to no avail did she see him. Instead, a rough hand was placed on her shoulder as Yaxley pulled her attention away from the crowd and back to the task at hand. She swallowed the rising lump in her throat and forced the tears to stay under. She was determined not to give any of them the satisfaction of seeing her weak, or seeing her as an easy target in the Games.
"Now, for our next tribute. Accompanying Miss Granger in the Games shall be…" Yaxley trailed off, flicking his wand toward the bowl once more. It repeated the same motion of fluttering papers before one hopped out and flew to his hand. Hermione stole a glance at the crowd before turning her attention back to the small slip of paper.
Yaxley's satisfaction could not have been more obvious as he turned to the audience and bellowed "Narcissa Malfoy!"
A collective gasp broke through the audience as all eyes searched for the petrified woman a few yards away from the Weasley's. Hermione spotted Narcissa the moment her name was read, and she could see the terror that arose in her eyes. It was gone in the blink of an eye, replaced with a stony determination.
Gripping Lucius' hand to a bone shattering extent before releasing it, Narcissa began to approach the stage as the crowd parted a pathway, her elegance and years of pure-blood etiquette giving her the grace of a swan. Even as she approached her awaited death, Narcissa kept her head held high and her steps steady. She hadn't even gotten halfway through the crowd before a strangled cry called out after her.
"Mother!" All eyes turned to Draco, who looked to be on the verge of tears. His breathing had become shallow, his suit rumpled and hair a mess. Before Lucius was able to stop him, Draco had taken off sprinting down the aisle to reach Narcissa. "MOTHER!"
Hermione watched in pure shock as the boy she had seen as a despicable, snobby ferret all through school put a protective arm around his mother and pushed her behind him. Security guards came up from all sides and pointed their wands, ready to strike.
"I volunteer!" Draco shouted. "I volunteer as tribute!"
Hermione couldn't help the gasp that escaped her lips. The rules had always been set that if a member of the same family were willing to take the place of the reaped tribute they would have been granted the right to switch places. No one had ever done so from their country, and the Ministry had never expected them to. She watched with wide eyes as the security guards slowly lowered their wands in confusion, looking up to the stage for their next move.
Turning to look at the Death Eaters, Hermione noticed each wore an empty, stern expression, including Yaxley. His signature smirk was gone and was replaced by a thin line.
"I believe we have a volunteer," he said slowly. "Come on up, Mr. Malfoy."
Draco glared daggers at him before turning to his mother. He quickly whispered something to her which she returned with a tight embrace, wrapping her arms around his neck and burying her face into his shoulder. Her strong demeanor seemed to vanish and was replaced by the grief that came only from a mother. She clung to her son before Lucius gently tugged her away from behind, taking a step back and wrapping his arms around Narcissa's waist. Draco gave him a curt nod before turning back to the two guards who had approached.
They guided him to the steps on the opposite side of the platform, his eyes trained forward. Draco steadily made his way up the steps, but by the time Hermione caught his eye when he reached the top, she could see the alarm and struggle to keep his face emotionless.
Yaxley returned to the podium and addressed the audience once more. "We have our tributes! May the odds be ever in the favors of Miss Hermione Granger, and Mr. Draco Malfoy, as they compete for the winning title of victor. The dark days taught us that if we were to turn against our own magical blood, our world would descend into utter chaos. The Dark Lord wished to fix that, and we shall continue this legacy. The Hunger Games have given us much hope for a better future that will ensure the prosperity of pure blood lines and the rise of a new era in the wizarding world. Happy Hunger Games to all!"
With that, Yaxley motioned for the two tributes to shake hands, a sign of peace that they would not inevitably kill one another when the time came. Extending her hand to his, Hermione gave it a gentle squeeze and shook it lightly. Recoiling back, she didn't miss the way Draco's hand tensed around hers, almost in shock that she had taken it in the first place.
A rising anthem began from a band Hermione hadn't noticed sitting off to the side, the tune meant to be uplifting and encouraging the spirit of the Games. Now, as it rang out across the walls, it began to sound more and more like a death march with each passing note.
Bellatrix approached her nephew and took him by the shoulders, leading him to the dark black curtain draped behind the stage. She still held her goofy grin as if this were the happiest day of her life, and Hermione couldn't help scoffing at the woman. It disappeared as soon as it had come when Greyback began to approach her.
"Such a shame," he hissed into her ear. "What with a pretty, little, dirty thing like you, we could have had some fun. Such a real shame, though…"
She was sure he could hear her heart pounding as he led her in the same direction as Draco. Behind the black curtain, a few extra guards were stationed beside two single doors. Greyback gave them a snarl before unlocking one of the doors and practically shoving Hermione inside. Not quite being able to keep her footing, she fell to the floor with a hard thud, the door slamming shut behind her.
Hermione quickly got to her feet and took in her surroundings. The room itself was magnificent, with thick, deep carpets and a velvet couch and chairs. Paintings of all sorts lined the dark walls, each of a different dark wizard throughout history. She noticed one to be of Salazar Slytherin, one of the founders of Hogwarts. Quickly turning away as his piercing gaze found her staring, Hermione made her way to the couch and sat down, running her fingers over its fine material.
What felt like hours sitting in the room alone, Hermione about jumped out of her skin as the door suddenly opened. Harry stepped in, his face mournful and eyes full of worry.
"Three minutes," the guard muttered, slamming the door behind him.
Harry slowly took a few steps forward and opened his arms. Hermione ran up to him and threw her arms around his neck burying her face in his shoulder. He held her tight to his chest putting his chin on top of her head.
"I'm so sorry, Mione," Harry whispered, his voice cracking on the last word. Hermione held him tighter and didn't respond, knowing if she did she wouldn't let him leave. Instead, she pulled back to wipe a stray tear from her cheek, looking into his dark green eyes behind his crooked glasses.
"You're one of the smartest people I know, Hermione, and one of the bravest, too." Harry started, placing his hands on her shoulders. "You know how to survive, you know almost every kind of magic there is. There isn't any reason you shouldn't come out on top because I know you will."
Hermione simply nodded, her eyes welling with tears. Harry pulled her in again for a tight hug, and they stayed that way until a guard barged into the room, breaking them apart. He grabbed Harry by the arm and started dragging him away. "You can do it Hermione! I know you can!" he shouted at her before she was left alone once again.
She breathed in a slow breath and let it out, trying to regain her emotions. It wasn't long until the door opened again and Ron walked in closely followed by his sister. Hermione didn't even have time to register her thoughts before Ginny ran over and wrapped her arms around her.
Ginny held her close as if it were the last time she would get the chance. She pulled back to say something, but only a cracked whisper escaped. The tears came before she could stop them, and Ron had to pull Ginny aside as she fell to the couch, her sobs echoing around the room.
Ron pulled Hermione to the far corner of the room holding her hand tightly in his. He brought them to his chest before starting in a quiet voice, "Hermione, you are the bravest, strongest, and sassiest witch I know. I may never get the chance to say this again, so I just want to say it now. The more I've gotten to know you over the years, the farther I've found you're more than just a sister and you're more than just a friend. What I mean is...I love you, Hermione, I always have. But I'm no bloody idiot, and I know you may not feel the same way, especially after all this."
Hermione stared back into his freckled face, a million thoughts and emotions swirling through her mind. Ron, the one she had given her heart towards back in school, now stood before her telling her he felt the same way she had. She remembered how she had been absolutely crushed in their sixth year to find he liked another girl, and that summer she had gone home and told her mother everything within a matter of minutes. The words of Mrs. Granger filled her head again as she remembered what she had told her:
"Oh, Hermione, my dear girl, you are anything but stupid, and I can assure you, Ron will realise when he's grown up the wonderful woman you've become. But you mustn't lock your heart away. There will always be a bit of risk behind falling in love, and even so, it's important to give people a second chance. Whether you do choose Ron to be the one you finally give your heart to, that is all up to you, my dear. Just remember, people can always change from who they were."
Hermione looked back up to Ron, his face calm and relaxed though she could see the antication behind it. She took a deep breath, knowing what she was about to say was the right thing to do.
"Ron, I won't say there wasn't a time I truly loved you as something more than a brother to me. You were the one to first own my heart, and I was worried you had given yours to someone else when we were back in school. But people can change, and now, with everything and the Games, I'm - I just don't know. If I give you my word I'll come back and our life will be a perfect fairytale, that is something I could never guarantee, especially if...even if I don't come back. I'll always love you, Ron, I do hope you know that. But I'm sorry that the love I hold for you now isn't in the way you were hoping."
"But I know that somewhere the perfect girl is waiting for you to come in and sweep her off her feet," she continued. "I'm sorry I can't tell you the feelings you hold are mutual, but I hope this doesn't change our friendship."
Ron's face wasn't angry, nor was it full of sadness. Instead, Hermione could see the light disappointment in his eyes and the watery smile that pulled at the corner of his lips. Bringing her hand to his lips, he gave them a gentle kiss and said, "I understand, Mione. And don't worry about us being friends, whether I am the guy to come and sweep you off your feet or not, I'll always be there for you -"
Their conversation was suddenly interrupted by the guard returning with the next guest behind the doorway. "Times up."
Ron nodded and turned back to give Hermione one last hug. As he pulled away, she gave him a quick peck on the cheek reassuring him everything would be okay. Walking away, he wrapped his arms around Ginny who gave Hermione one last fleeting glance before being led out of the room. The two stopped in the doorway for a moment, seemingly surprised by the next guest. One of the guards pushed them along allowing the next guest to come in. Hermione's brow furrowed before her eyes widened in shock and her jaw dropped.
The figure of Narcissa Malfoy stood in the entryway, her eyes red and puffy.
The guard shut the door again leaving the two in a tense silence. Hermione finally snapped her jaw closed realizing she must look like a codfish. Putting her hands in front of her, she gestured for them to sit down.
Narcissa seemed to snap to attention and slowly walked to her seat, sitting in one of the large armchairs across from Hermione. "I know this is probably an unexpected visit."
Hermione nodded her head and fidgeted with her fingers in her lap. Looking up, she noticed Narcissa looked just as tense. Not wanting to sit in an uncomfortable silence for the next three minutes, Hermione asked, "I was not expecting you to come, but might I ask why you've chosen to visit me?"
Narcissa took a deep breath before answering. "As you saw earlier, my son Draco took my place in the Hunger Games."
"Yes I was there," Hermione retorted. Realizing she must have sounded rude, she muttered a quick apology before averting her gaze and bowing her head.
"It's alright, Miss Granger. Afterall, I haven't done anything to deserve your time or respect, and I am here to say that I'm truly sorry for the way I've acted towards you in the past, especially during our one encounter in Diagon Alley…" Her voice trailed off as a light blush dusted her cheeks. Hermione didn't say anything in return, instead staring at her as if she had grown two heads. Never in a million years had she expected the mother of Draco Malfoy to apologize to her.
"Anyway," Narcissa continued. "I have no excuse for my actions, and while I am here to apologize, I am also here to ask of a - favor, of sorts."
This caught Hermione off guard. She frowned before asking, "What sort of favor?"
"You know our family, regarding my son I mean, does not have much experience with not using magic. I understand in the Games magic is not permitted, making it more "entertaining" for the audience." Narcissa commented, her expression turning grim at the mention of the ridiculous rules set in place.
Hermione nodded in agreement as she continued. "Draco has only ever lived by magic, and now that he's a part of this tournament to the death, I fear he won't last a day without any given guidance. That's why I've come to you, Miss Granger. I've come to ask you for your help."
Suddenly understanding, Hermione raised her eyebrows. "You want me to help Draco learn how to survive the Games."
Narcissa nodded, her eyes flitting down to her hands that rested in her lap. "I know you and my son have not had the best experience in the past, especially when it came to your blood lines and the insults we always threw to Muggle-borns, but I would not have come if it weren't important, Miss Granger. You are a talented and intelligent witch, one of the best I've ever heard of to be exact. I understand you've lived without using magic, and you know how to survive without it. In the least, all I ask is that you help Draco learn the ropes of living a non-magical life."
Hermione didn't respond. She didn't know what to say. Here sat Narcissa Malfoy, the mother of the boy who had tried to make her life miserable all through school, asking her to help him survive the Hunger Games and bring him back home alive.
She looked up to see Narcissa's eyes beginning to fill with tears. And that's when she saw it. The same grief she had seen during the Reaping when she had hugged Draco.
She cared.
She truly cared for her son, and she wanted him to come back; to come home. Hermione could only imagine how hard it was to have her only child sent off to compete for a glory no one really wanted, and if they did, the price it came with was hardly worth it.
Hermione felt something stab at her heart as she saw the hope leave Narcissa's eyes the longer she waited for an answer. Letting out a deep breath, Hermione slowly nodded. "I will," she stated. "I will help him learn how to survive the Games to the best of my ability; I promise."
Narcissa had no words as she rose from her seat and stepped towards Hermione. Hesitantly raising her arms as if to hug her, Hermione welcomed the embrace. While it was stiff and a bit awkward, she could feel the true gratitude Narcissa held for her.
"Thank you," she whispered as tears leaked from her eyes. "Thank you."
The door opened a final time, and Narcissa gently let go and stepped back. Regaining her put together stature, she smiled at Hermione as if she were her own daughter. A guard approached her and roughly pulled Narcissa towards the door leading the last guest out of the room. As the door shut behind them, Hermione sank back onto the couch and rubbed her eyes.
Not quite knowing what she had just agreed to, Hermione hugged one of the velvet pillows and rested her head against it. Burying her face in its soft material, she finally let the tears flow.
Hey y'all!
Hope you enjoyed chapter 3 of Hermione's journey into the Hunger Games, and be sure to stay on alert for the next chapter soon to be released this Wednesday!
Hope you guys have a wonderful morning, afternoon, evening, or night!
-Summerwinds