Since some of you aren't reviewing under registered accounts, I can't reply to you in person. Usually when I see a review talking about specific topics, I would just reply in private messages, I don't really enjoy the "let everyone know I am talking to you" author note. I would only do that when there are a lot of reviews on the same topics and I know you would come back for the next chapter.
Tisane: I never said English is my native language, it's my fourth. I have asked for help ever since my first story but nobody seems to be interested, so I gave up. (And now you mention it, does that mean you want to be a beta?) Furthermore, I don't really want to bother betas, in other words, I would rather do it on my own with mistakes then to ask for another person's cooperation. Apart from the fact that I could be harsh and demanding on betas (when I think it's normal because it means friendship to me and my friends), I don't like the waiting game. I hate making people wait and waiting for others.
Guest (the one on beef and corn): I knew what "corned" means, my stupid long-time-ago memory told me it was "beef and corn". I had made myself beef and corn sandwich before, so there goes my memory.
The Necroposter: Sure! I have added more background details in this and the following chapters. I just didn't feel like pouring all information out in the first chapter.
Like I said, the story was rated M (doesn't that mean it contains content such as rape, abuse, violence, suicide, etc.?) and inspired by "The Handmaid's Tale". I don't have the habit/preference to write tags because I want readers to experience without preconceived ideas/skipping the chapter and I don't want to make my chapter that predictable. So anything could happen in the following chapters, you are warned. ;)
Hermione had no idea how long had she slept, despite giving up on being aware of Lucius, his movement and audible breath made her unable to fall into deep sleep, let alone she had always been a light sleeper.
Waking up with huge pain, she could not remember how many times Lucius was inside her last night. All she could remember was the rhythmic circle of their hips and his breath was on her neck and collarbone.
The Altruist servants came in and untied her. Finally being freed, she curled up on bed, hoping to find the comfortable position.
"Madam Malfoy wishes to see you after you have cleaned yourself and had breakfast," said one of them as she threw towels and the wisteria dress to her.
Enduring the sores all over her body, she slithered into the bathroom and looked at herself in the mirror. Tiny red bruises were on her neck, then she recalled more vivid memories. From those books she read in her teen years, female protagonists usually felt special and loved when they saw love bites, but Hermione unfortunately could not feel anything but disgust. No matter how much soap she put on herself, she was unable to convince herself that she was clean. And after forty-five minutes, she gave up and got dressed.
Breakfast was the same as the one she had back at Ed Centre, only that she had more pills to take. Hermione did not bother examining them. Once she finished her meal, she immediately headed downstairs to the parlour. Narcissa was already sitting there, reading Daily Prophet. Hermione took a slight glance at the title of the front page — More Traitors Captured and Reformed. She wondered if she had the opportunity to see how Daily Prophet described her downfall. After all, the defeat and collapse of the golden trio was a remarkable news.
"Come sit down," said Narcissa and with a flick of the wand, the newspaper flew onto the table.
Hermione obeyed and Narcissa wore a smile, then said,
"You behaved well yesterday night, Lucius was satisfied."
Hermione felt uneasy about her comment. Few women would be willing to share their husbands with other girls. Moreover, those women were married, their marriages were recognised by the society, Hermione and the other girls were just Maidens, not to mention their sole still-alive purpose was merely child-bearing. Had it not been the law, Narcissa and Lucius would be happier without Hermione between them and without Lucius being forced to have a child with Hermione's heritage. Apart from men, Hermione had no idea who would be benefited from the law. In addition to that, not every man would want a stranger woman on his bed every night.
"Show me your arm," said Narcissa.
Hermione raised her arm, wondering what did Narcissa want. Narcissa took out a light crystal blue bracelet from her pocket and slid it onto her wrist.
"You will meet Sue waiting for you at the main road junction, her master lives near us. You will first report to the Ed Centre, then buy some fresh vegetables, milk and eggs. I have put money on the table by the door," explained Narcissa. "And don't attempt taking petty advantages, I will their prices."
Hermione nodded, then she stared at the bracelet and asked, "What is this for?"
"For Apparation and to keep track of your whereabouts. We do not want you to flee from the wizarding world."
"Do you think it is possible? For someone like me? Wand stripped and powerless?"
Narcissa eyed on her, then softly said,
"Just in case."
Hermione went out of the parlour and grabbed the gleaming Galleons on the table before going out. It seemed almost years ago the last time she carried Galleons in her palm and shopped with Harry and Ron. It made her even more miserable when she realised this could never happen again.
As she walked down the road to the main road junction, she saw a black-haired girl standing there, wearing the very same wisteria dress and had the same bracelet. For one split second she thought she saw Cho, but then she remembered it was not possible for Cho to appear here wearing such dress. From what Ginny had mentioned, Cho must have married to a Superior. When the girl turned around, Hermione immediately recognised her as Sue Li, the quiet Ravenclaw.
Sue was one of the less active students in Hogwarts, at least to Hermione's knowledge she had never heard Sue joining any clubs or excel in any particularly subjects. But she remembered Sue was good with languages, even without revision she was able to score an E in Ancient Runes. Her interest and knowledge in Mermish and Gobbledegook did not help her in Hogwarts, Dumbledore was the only one at school that was able to understand and speak Mermish, but as the headmaster, he did not teach any subjects, not to mention how many students could learn Mermish.
"Sue," greeted Hermione.
"Hello, Hermione," Sue answered.
"It's so…great to see you again?"
Sue nodded and said, "Indeed."
They walked along the road, and Hermione asked,
"Who is your master?"
"Terence Higgs," replied Sue shyly as she blushed.
Despite in different houses, Hermione could remember Higgs well.
Higgs was one of those handsome, as defined by a few Gryffindor girls, Pureblood Slytherin who played in the Quidditch team since Year 2. He was one of the nicer Slytherins, he abided every rule when playing Quidditch and at least to Hermione's memory, had never cheated in the game. He was a decent Seeker, but Draco seemed to be better than him. Of course, nobody could beat Harry when it came to catching the Snitch.
"Was he treating you well?" asked Hermione.
Though she knew this question could lead to her unbearable consequence, it was worth a try. After all, finding allies was difficult, this was a crucial factor for rebellion against the Ministry and the Purebloods. She had nothing to lose from the start, life and dignity were the last thing she still owned.
"He's a gentleman," replied Sue. "He treats me well, this is one of the few happy things that I would never want to forget."
"Does he…force you to do anything?"
"Force? I do whatever he asks, he's my master and benefactor, no matter what he wants, I will do as he say."
Hermione started thinking if Sue had Stockholm Syndrome. The brainwash in the Ed Centre was successful, at least Sue appeared to be completely loyal to Higgs. When they stood before a glowing blue portal, Sue held out her bracelet to the reading machine and said,
"Come on."
Hermione stepped onto the portal and followed what Sue did. At instant, they apparated to the entrance of the Ed Centre. A female Superior and a woman in red came out, smiling. Everyone clapped and the two women bowed in return. From those lectures, she learnt that once a Maiden is discovered to be pregnant, the Ed Centre would give her a red dress. Hermione had no idea why red was the chosen colour, perhaps it was eye-catching enough for everyone to see, a perfect role model for other Maidens.
"She is such a fortunate and blessed Maiden," commented Sue and she went inside.
Hermione was not sure if she was genuinely happy, but she did not question, far more important things were waiting ahead.
When they went to the third floor and stood before the office, Sue went in first. Not for long she came out without a slight frown, and Hermione heard her name being called. As she went in, an Altruist greeted her and led her to the table. Umbridge smiled and invited her to sit down.
"Congratulations, how are you feeling?"
The first word that came to Hermione's mind was terrible, but knowing that it could lead her to a few lectures of mental torture, she said,
"Very well, Ms. Umbridge."
"Good, I am happy for you," said Umbridge. "Now, show me your bracelet."
Hermione showed her wrist and Umbridge flicked her wand at it. The bracelet sparkled, but nothing happened. Umbridge sighed and asked,
"Yesterday was not your ovulation, was it?"
Hermione nodded. She could not lie, at least she knew lying would not help anyway.
"Still, we have to try," said Umbridge, seemingly encouraging her. "We can't let any opportunities pass by, can we?"
She made it sound almost like Hermione was begging to be pregnant. Hermione withdrew her hand and said,
"No."
"You have six months of opportunities, please use them wisely, it won't work without your diligence."
Hermione pondered, six months could both be a blessing and a torture. During this period she had nothing to worry about, but anything could happen after six months…
When she left the room, Sue saw her frown and said,
"Don't worry, I am sure you will have your child in no time."
Your. Could her child really be hers?
They walked to Tut's Nuts and bought the groceries. A lot of other Maidens were also in the shop, buying as much food as they could carry. Hermione could remember those days when she could wander along the alley and bought as many books as possible. A few Superior children were eyeing on her, seemingly gossiping about her. Perhaps they could recognise her, perhaps their parents told them about her fall.
Once they finished shopping, Hermione hurriedly went back to the Malfoy Manor. As she walked pass the gates, she saw Narcissa was kneeling by the sown soil at the front garden. As she flicked her wand, seeds came out from a box and flew into the bare earth. The moment she spotted Hermione carrying a large bag full with grocery, she waved her wand and a silver fox emerged from the tip and it sped into the manor through the window. A old Altruist came out and carried Hermione's grocery bag back into the manor. When Narcissa finished watering and stood up, Hermione gave her a few sickles and knuts.
"Lucius won't be back until seven this evening, so you might as well contribute to our family in the back garden," instructed Narcissa. "Rose thorns could prick unintentional intruders."
Though she did not say the exact word, Hermione knew she meant gardening. It was also awkward that she used the word our, as if Hermione was genuinely part of her family. Technically and lawfully, she was counted as a member of the Malfoy household, but she would be happier if she was not.
Narcissa handed over a pack of rose seeds to her, then she went back inside the manor. Rose seeds, as though telling Hermione that Narcissa, though appeared beautiful and elegant, could be as lethal as the thorns. Perhaps those films were right about women, despite appearing generous and understanding, they could never accept another woman involved in the marriage, even when it was legal and traditional. Without wands, gardening was almost impossible. Hermione headed into the back garden and found herself standing in the middle of a large garden, rock paths led to a pavilion and a tall slim man in green was standing there, busily attending his tools and did not notice Hermione's presence. He looked more and more familiar as she got closer.
"Neville?"
The man stopped and turned around, gawking at Hermione. Tears welled up in her eyes as she examine his face. Though it was merely two months' time, he had changed quite a lot. He was definitely leaner, in her memory, despite being tall and slim starting from fourth year, he still had a bit fat on his cheeks.
"Her…Hermione."
Quickly, Hermione raced across the garden and dived into his tight embrace. She had never expected to see Neville still intact and working in Malfoy Manor. Ginny only mentioned he was alive, but did not mention which family he was working for.
"I thought I'd never see you," said Neville.
"How did you get here?" asked Hermione. "I thought you ran with Luna!"
Neville saddened and began,
"We planned to disguise as Muggles, then go to Sweden, but Marietta told the Ministry about us, they caught me, Luna escape. I wanted them to just end my life, but they say since I am a Pureblood, I cannot be put to death. They placed me here."
"Let's hope Luna make it," whispered Hermione.
Hermione had always known Neville and Luna were close to each other ever since she and the two boys left Hogwarts. Neville always acted like a big brother to Luna and would protect her whenever he could, though he was no better in duels than her.
"Have you seen Ron?" asked Hermione, hoping that with Neville's status, he would see more than she could.
"He is at the Zabini Villa."
"Zabini?"
"He's Mrs. Zabini's current husband."
Hermione could only gawk at him. Mrs. Blaise was a forty year old woman, which was a lot older than Ron. Hermione simply could not imagine how it happened, she would not be surprised if other men fell for her beauty, just like her previous seven husbands, but Ron was someone different, such kind of beauty would not captivate him. Seeing her confused expression, Neville added,
"I was surprised too, but then Draco explained since Ron carried the surname of Sacred Twenty-Eight, he was pardoned from death and exile, and thus married her."
Hearing this made Hermione shudder, but then she kept calm and whispered in a barely audible voice,
"Have you seen any—"
"Hermione, I want to have a word with you," said a voice from behind.
A silver fox was hovering behind her, with Narcissa's words echoing. Hermione had no choice but to see Narcissa.
Soon as she arrived at the parlour, Narcissa said,
"I know you're not stupid."
Hermione kept her mouth shut even though she wanted to be sarcastic.
"We can always make a deal."
"What deal?"
"Olivia."
The name pierced her heart and echoed in her brain. It did not seem possible that Narcissa would know Hermione had a young sister, she had never told anyone, not even Harry and Ron.
"How did you know?" asked Hermione.
"How I know is another story that is not necessary in our deal."
"What do you want?"
"Don't fake stupidity, this won't work on me," said Narcissa. "I want something, someone. A special someone that could bring freedom and joy to both of us."
Hermione immediately understand what she meant — a child. Even though that was not quite what she wanted, she said,
"Deal."