Authors Note: I just submitted chapter three about an hour ago. And I reread it, and had to admonish myself. I really am sorry. I feel as though that chapter was not up to par, and I apologize. It was rushed. And that made it bad. So I'm submitting a following chapter, hoping that the last chapters' suckiness will be forgotten, and all will be forgiven.
Thank You and Enjoy
Disclaimer: I own nothing but that sucky last chapter…I really am sorry.
Acute Anxiety
"You're a WHAT?"
"Linn" grimaced at the feminine screech her rather feminine friend administered. Thorn had taken her out to dinner that night, wanting a little talk with his homemade orphan.
She had decided during the drive to Savvies (a popular gay bar across town) that now would be the best time to break the news. It would be in public so she new that Thorn wouldn't make as much of a scene. But then again she couldn't be sure. It was Thorn after all; he was infamous for his histrionic tendencies.
So just to be safe she waited until dessert, quietly picking at her Chocolate Tall Cake without much of an appetite. He stared at her for a moment and finally asked.
"What's wrong?"
And that's how the outburst came about. She had started with Harry and Ron, explaining her relationship with the two, but managing to hide rather important magical details. And then seeing no other way, she let it out. Those three magical words every loving parent would like to hear... 'I'm a witch'.
It threw him into a fever no doubt, as he stuttered and stared, opening and closing his mouth like a distressed goldfish. She sighed out all frustration and repeated.
"I'm a witch Thorn…not Wicca or anything like that. I'm a witch…a real one. I go to school…Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry…"
She continued on. Telling him everything. From her first meeting with "The Boy Who Lived" to her suspicion of her parents murder. She was surprised that he stayed seated for it all. His eyes never left her, he let out a couple of unbelieving sighs here and there, but he didn't interrupt, just listened.
"And I'm sorry I didn't tell you before…I just wanted to forget it all…but when the package came, I knew there was no way I could stay without there being some sort of struggle, and I didn't want that. You guys have given me so much you know? So, yes, I'm a freak of nature…I even use a wand…I'm sorry"
She was on the brink of tears, and couldn't look at his sad face. He sighed for the hundredth time. Shaking his head, as if trying to keep in all of the information he just consumed. He looked at the tearful girl in front of him, and sighed once again.
"Why on earth…"
She looked up hopefully as he begun what she hoped was a long speech. The less talking she did the better.
"Why on earth…"
He repeated building up the suspense.
"Why on earth would you call yourself a freak of nature? Witch or not, you're still my Linn, and I'll still love you, if not even more. I'm not angry that you'd kept this from me, because if in your situation I would've done the same thing. Darling…just because you can point a little black pointer at someone and blow their arse to Antarctica does not make you any more special than the rest of us. Witch or not! And besides…that whole magic thing intrigues me. Pictures that move? I can't even imagine…Don't worry, I don't hate you. I couldn't! So…Miss. Hermione Granger…what's on the list? Any school supplies? 'Gowns'? Darling! Skies the limit! I never realized the prospect of having a magical teenage child till now! Oh! I could drab you up! Buy…BUY! BUY! And it's all magic too…my goodness…it's like an orgasm."
"Um…I don't think you should compare my shopping for school supplies to an orgasm…I don't think that…clean."
"Well, I don't think being a witch is clean either! Do they have toilets in this castle of yours?"
His total ignorance elated her, and she smiled in pure bliss. He wasn't angry, shocked, sickened or anything of the sort. He was fine with all her "oddities". And she loved him for it. The future looked brighter after this. If Thorn was willing to except her in her true form, maybe deep inside she wasn't ugly after all.
"Thorn! It's modernized; we don't live in the Middle Ages you know!"
"No, I'm sure you don't…so Linn…how bigs that wand of yours?"
"Thoooorn! Can't you keep your mind of off sex for 2 seconds?"
"No dear, I don't believe that possible"
He signaled for the waiter, and the young boy glided over with the check. He smiled flirtatiously at Hermione, and Thorn didn't miss a beat.
"Think she's a pretty little piece of pie don't you?"
The boy (whose shiny name tag stated his name to be Henry) blushed in embarrassment but quickly covered it up with a sly smile. Hermione wouldn't help but roll her eyes, and began to scrutinize him from head to toe, whilst Thorn worked some magic of his own.
"Yes…she is rather pretty"
She noted his cerulean blue eyes matched perfectly with his light blonde hair.
"Her names Linn, if you're looking for it"
"Linn? Beautiful…like its owner."
Now where have I heard that before?
She smiled at him, noticing his ears redden like a certain someone she used to know.
"Do you want a date?"
She had to hold back the urge to throttle her self-proclaimed 'pimp', as he began to take the forward approach.
"That would be lovely"
"Oh gods…please spare me!"
"Linn, don't be rude!"
Henry slightly disheartened by her cry of agitation, still pursued her interest never the less.
"So what do you say? Your friend here says you're up for it?"
With a cocky smile on her own lips, she looked up into those big blue eyes and simply stated.
"Fuck-off"
With that he scurried away in humiliation, sending someone else to bring back their receipt. Thorn glared at her, not approving of the attitude she took towards the "Perfectly handsome fellow, he had gone through the trouble of acquainting himself with".
She sighed again, as he began to ask questions about Hogwarts on the ride home.
"So…any lovely darlings you're interested in back there? I mean…I know you've already expressed complete animosity for those two retards of yours. But come on…there must be someone."
A brief thought flickered across her mind, but it was gone just as fast as it had appeared. There was no place for that arrogant Slytherin in her, mind or heart.
"Nope…no one"
"Well isn't that boring and virginal!"
"I'm sorry we're not all whores like you are"
"We'll I'm sorry we're not all stuck up little inexperienced, unstained, untouched, wannabe sluts like you are!"
"…You suck"
"Much cock"
----
"Come on darling! It's morning! We have to go to that Diagon Alley place, you were talking about remember? Ohh….I can't wait! Come on! Get up! We have to get you ready! GET YOU BLOODY ARSE OUT OF THAT BED HERMIONE FUCKING GRANGER! NOW!"
"Linn" almost wished she had never told Thorn of her past, grumbling herself out of bed; she stood exhausted in the middle of her bedroom, waiting for some new orders from the blowhard fag.
"Ok! My lovely little pet! Now we have to dress you up! You did say something about seeing those…those…"people" you called friends right?"
She winced at the thought of seeing Harry and Ron again, and Thorn noticing this, immediately dropped the subject. Instead he went through the closet of Pyrrhic Pixie Charity he had blessed Hermione with and looked for clothes agreeing to his tastes.
She practically collapsed on the carpet, not having enough energy to stand up for long. Stealing a swift glance at herself in the dresser mirror she frowned at the tired girl that frowned back, not looking forward to her meeting with the Golden Boys at all.
"Darling! You must understand something!"
She looked up at the young libertine man towering over her. A look of confusion on her delicate features. He reached down to brush a small lock of hair that was blurring her vision and continued.
"They know nothing of your change…All they can fathom at this very moment is that your parents are dead. Murdered by what you say is the greatest evil in the Wizarding World. This to them…is not a very good thing. They love you…the old you anyway. You left them in the cold Linn, with no explanations…nothing. You can't blame them…for being stupid. And besides…you're gonna be spending the whole year with them anyway! You're gonna have to see them sometime! And you're gonna be looking fabulous doing so!"
She smiled up at him, opening her arms for a much needed hug, and as always he complied, folding the small and petite girl into his arms.
She giggled mercilessly as he picked her up, swinging her around carelessly. Laughing himself, he dropped her on the bed and began to tickle her. Knowing all her weak spots gave him and advantage she couldn't override.
"STO…OP!
She was finding it hard to breath now, she was laughing so hard he was making it hurt.
"Please...I'll….I'll….DO ANYTHING!"
He stopped for a moment, a slight twinkle in his eye. She breathed normally again, sucking up all the oxygen she could before he decided what she had to offer was not good enough and continue.
"Anything?"
He asked, a sly and cocky tone to his voice.
"Anything!"
She knew she was digging her own grave, but it was better to breath then be stuck on that bed begging for mercy.
"Go on a date with my brother!"
She remained silent, quietly wondering if he had finally lost it.
"I said….Go on a date with Trey"
"Trey?"
"Trey"
She shook her head, not wanting to even think of that. Thorn had finally found her defect, knowing her had been harboring a small and slight crush for his brother, that was of course sure to go away by the time she left for school. He and Ronny joked about it constantly, because they both knew that Trey felt the exact same way. Thorn found Hermione's little side glances, and Trey's disabled speech when in the same room with her just adorable, and was determined that they should "hook up", after all he mused 'Who else could I expect her to lose her virginity to and not catch some creepy STD?'
She knew what he was thinking, and she despised him dearly for it. Living with a pervert would never work out for her or her virginity.
"No"
Came out her simple answer, he immediately pouted growling angrily at the stubborn girl.
"Why not?"
"Because it's best if you just leave it alone!"
He rolled his eyes at her, and sat down on the bed.
"How the hell are you ever going to get laid with this attitude?"
"I don't want to get laid Thorn…"
"But-"
"Can't you understand that my 'maidenhood' is a very big fucking deal to me? I mean, why the hell were we given it if it weren't meant to have gone to someone special?"
"You're a teenager, for fucks sake! You should be ready for this! You should want this!"
"But I don't…"
"You will"
Nothing more was said on the subject, they had come to an inevitable draw. He wouldn't force her too if she didn't want to. He had learnt a long time ago that that was not how Miss. Hermione Granger ticked.
"Go take a shower, everything we'll be out on the bed when you're done"
She acceded and got up heading toward the bathroom. He was still a bit frustrated at her uncooperativeness, but she made valid points. Another thing that annoyed him about the adoptee, she was always right…about everything!
'One day' he thought 'One day that'll be her downfall…'
"Never mind that…Have to find the perfect outfit for this self-made prodigy"
-----
In the bathroom Hermione was having problems of her own. She was letting the water run for a while, waiting for the hot water to make its appearance, but she was sure Thorn had used the last of it.
I suppose that's what I get for not waking up earlier.
But she still wasn't ready to face the prospects of taking a cold shower…just like she wasn't ready to face the prospects of seeing Harry and Ron again.
Why can't we just stay here?
Because, we're going to have to face them sometime…as Thorn had said.
"But why now?"
It was as she expected…there was only cold water left. She slowly got in, accepting the onslaught of freezing water and all it had to offer. After all…who was she to judge?
----
He had finally picked a silk corset with red skulls delicately splattered on the bust line. A short black pleated skirt would do for her he thought. Giving up his boisterous ways for Hermione's special moment, he picked up a simple black made to look tattered heart necklace. Knowing his "Linn" wouldn't want anything to over the top.
He sat down patiently waiting her return. Wondering what on earth was taking her so long. He looked at the clothes hanging on the door, and rethought his decision. Thinking that perhaps with the corset she would be revealing too much, and that idea did not entertain him, neither would it her. He slowly remembered that he had designed the bodice himself…and had been smart enough to add detachable sleeves.
"Oh! I am a genius!"
He brought them out proudly, and admired their delicate work. He scowled at the thought of her spilling something on them, but quickly pushed that thought away.
"It's Hermione after all…she's to sensible for that"
Hermione came out of the bathroom as soon as she heard her name, already clad in underwear she felt no ill ease around Thorn, and he was gay after all.
"Wait! Let me do your make-up first!"
She conformed and sat down obediently. Waiting for him to start. He pulled out foundation, and lightly dabbed it on, then frowned and said.
"Even Alabaster Tone, is too dark for you…damn it Linn! You get paler by the second!"
She laughed at this and replied.
"It's because you keep me locked in all day, and when I do go out, you have me bundled up looking like a freaking blimp!"
"That's because pale is beautiful honey!"
"Then why are you complaining?"
"I'm not!"
He had switched over to Porcelain Tone, then cried out in impediment! Throwing the small bottle across the room, to his dismay it didn't even crack. She laughed at the look on his face and added on.
"Your little dramatic scene thing seems not to work as well as you planned"
"Shut up!"
He glared at her but continued still, deciding to go without foundation. Her skin was as perfect as can be anyway.
"Stupid whore!"
"Du ist Dirnen!"
"Oh! Don't even try the German on me honey! I know what the means!"
"No you don't! If you did! You would notice the wrong conjugation"
"…the wrong what?"
"Never mind"
"That's what I thought"
He slowly applied a bit of blush, adding a slight rosy look to her already pale character. He had found out along time ago, that there was no need to go over the top with little Miss. Granger, she always applied the finishing touches with her natural beauty, a thing to be envied of by the deceased Cleopatra herself.
He coated her eyes in dark coal, giving her a smoky look that made her honey eyes stand out even more.
He loved doing this with her, she was so obedient and trusting, it made him feel like her was caring for a priceless china doll, the only one in the world. Worth millions, and she truly was.
He curled her dark hair, and fluffed and played with it until it reached perfection. It was still black, and suited her pale complexion perfectly. If she was ever to go back to that boring she was before he had no clue what he would do.
"You'd probably shave it off and force me to go bald in public"
He blushed slightly not realizing he had said that aloud. Then laughed at the thought of her shaved head.
"Yeah, I probably would"
He smiled in satisfaction at his results, and then threw the clothes at her. Ordering in a droll tone.
"Put them on!"
She laughed at his attempts to be stern and severe, but followed par. Putting them on without a word. He fussed with the sleeves, noting how exquisite the clothes looked on her. The sleeved barley covered her shoulder leaving her chest practically bare. But she didn't seem to be complaining to why should he?
"Thorn this skirt is a little short don't you thing?"
"The longer the legs the faster the erection!"
"Thorn!"
"It's fine Hermione!"
She shut up quickly. But still showed her complaint in a cute pout.
"Oh stop it! You look fine!"
She looked at her reflection one last time and smiled.
"Yeah I do."
He pulled out a pair of boots, Black as usual with leather straps lined up on them, buckles every where. She put them on without a word, knowing that there was no use complaining, when Thorns mind was set on something at all to do with fashion you would and could never win.
"Ready?"
He held out his hand for her, helping her up. She let out a long sigh, knowing that her time was nearly up.
"Ready"
----
"So where are we going again?"
Ronny had done nothing but complain and fight with Trey since they had gotten out of the car, and it was beginning to get on Hermione's last nerve, luckily as if reading her mind Thorn spoke up before she did.
"We're going shopping! You Sapphic Dingbat!"
"Well excuse me!"
"What for being a whore?"
"SHUT UP!"
"I'm not the one who fucked my dad's wife!"
"I DID NOT FUCK MY STEP MOM, WE WERE JUST TALKING"
"Then why the need to shout? You don't have to get all hot and bothered dear…you could've just told me a TOLERANT DECIBAL RANGE!"
"ARG!"
"Keep quiet now!"
"I hate you!"
"The feelings mutual!"
They walked in silence the rest of the way, as they approached that oh so familiar rather bland but still intimidating red brick wall Hermione had greeted so many time, a torrent of emotion flooded back into her. Thorn who immediately sensed something amiss asked.
"Linn? Are you alright?"
She just nodded meekly, taking another step forward, almost sensing the magical aura emitting from the wall.
"Where are we?"
Trey asked, confused about their location.
"Linn, this is a dead end"
"No its not…"
And with that she disappeared, they all gasped in surprise and took a step back. Ronny looked around her in bewilderment. Then looked to the wall in suspicion. Thorn was of course freaking out, tears and all. Trey looked as though he was on the verge of tears too.
"WHERE THE HELL IS SHE?"
Thorn screamed out, but Ronny ignored him, getting closer to the wall…
"Maybe she's-"
"WHERE THE HELL IS RONNY? OH MY GOD! WE'RE STUCK IN A REALLY CHEESY HORROR MOVIE WHERE ALL THE BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE GET AXED!!! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!"
"Thorn! Shut up!"
Trey noticing the exact position of Ronny's departure pulled his hysterical brother along with him…
"Trey! What will the world do without my heavenly sex? Why? WHY?"
"Thorn…I don't need to know that!"
"But…but…the SEX!"
"Ugh! Stop!"
"It's the dick isn't it? God sees it fit to eliminate me because of my huge rod! WELL FUCK YOU TO THEN!"
"STOP!"
"What the hell took you so long?"
All of a sudden they were in a bar, as numerous people buzzed around, Ronny was on the floor laughing at the delirious Thorn, who was still throwing curses to the sky. Trey was blushing profusely underneath Hermione's formidable glare.
Thorn had quickly forgotten about his former dilemma and had quickly found a new one to spaz out about.
"What is that?"
He said rather loudly pointing rudely at a poor stranger who had done nothing to deserve the attention.
"Linn…what the hell is she wearing?"
"Linn" rolled her eyes at him for what seemed like the 50th time that day.
"They're Mary Janes Thorn…you know…shoes…"
He looked positively revolted and it sent both Ronny and Trey into a fit of giggles.
"Well tell her to take them of now! They're making me SICK!"
"Thorn shut up and suck it up! We are in the Wizarding World now; there are many fashion blunders here! You'll just have to live with it!"
"But-"
"Move!"
She led the group outside perceiving the astonished looks on the faces when a tall wizard apparated in front of them, he ducked his head in a greeting and disappeared into the pub.
"He had a wand!"
The three giggled, making it ever so obvious that they were muggles. Hermione quickly scowled at them, immediately shutting them up.
"We have to go to Gringotts and exchange this money"
She declared taking of in a random direction, they quickly moved to catch up with her.
"Go to where?"
Ronny asked, wanting to know where the hell they were and how the hell they got there.
"Gringotts, it's a bank"
"Oh"
The three said simultaneously. She just rolled her eyes, but couldn't help it as a small smile crept on his face.
Perhaps there really was no need to dread this moment after all, with these three comical idiots following her. No one could or would touch her.
And besides…no one would recognize her looking like this.
Authors Note: Ok…after 3,667 words, I feel the need to stop…I've been writing none-stop for about 3 hours now…12 PAGES PEOPLE! Best appreciate…I still love you guys though…you all rock.
Thank you
Griffen