Disclaimer ~ All characters belong to J K Rowling. I only own the plot.
A.N. ~ I hope you all enjoy this chapter and also you can find Hermione's outfit and my vision of a young Molly and Arthur are on my profile under the outfits link. so be sure to check it out. I do want to apologise for the fact that the chapter is shorter then my other chapters but I wanted to focus on Mrs Weasley's story in this one and not bring in too many new elements yet. Enjoy.
Hermione stood there just staring back at the woman before her. She had to have heard her wrong. Those words could not have come from her mouth. Because it happened to me! Part of Hermione wanted to believe that what Mrs. Weasley was telling her was true, because then she really would be able to understand her pain, and shame. The other part of her was scolding herself and telling her she was awful for wanting it to be true, especially for such selfish reasons. "Can you repeat that Mrs. Weasley." She said needing to be sure that she heard her right. Mrs. Weasley took a deep breath before looking up at Hermione.
"I said that I know what you are going through because it happened to me." She motioned for the shocked girl to sit beside her. "I would like to tell you my story dear." Hermione sat next to Mrs. Weasley and shook her head.
"You don't have to Mrs. Weasley. I know that it must be a difficult story to tell." Molly smiled at the girl sitting next to her and nodded.
"It was and it sometimes still is, but saying it out loud, confronting it when I can is good for me. It helped me live past it." She gave Hermione a reassuring smile and began her story.
"I guess the best place to start is at the very beginning. I was born Molly Elizabeth Prewett. The first born daughter of pure-bloods, William and Ginerva Prewett, older sister to Fabian and Gideon Prewett. We were considered part of the upper class in wizarding society, not nearly as well off as the Malfoys but we were right up there with the Parkinson's and Nott's. Now being a part of the upper class meant that there were certain rules to be followed. As you may know dear, pure-blood families are well known for arranged marriages. Its not as common in this day and age but back when I was a girl it was expected. The moment a pure-blooded couple gave birth to a girl, they began the process of finding her a husband. Girls were placed on pedestals, groomed to be the perfect wife, mother, and home maker. My parents weren't any different, though they were not as cruel or overly obsessed with it as some of the parents were. Cygnus and Druella Black are a good example, its no wonder Narcissa and that bitch Bellatrix turned out the way they did." Hermione watched as Mrs. Weasley sneered out Bellatrix's name. There was absolutely no love loss there. "Anyway, the summer before I entered my seventh year at Hogwarts my parents informed me that I was to be married right after graduation. At first I thought they were telling me that they wanted me to find someone to marry by the end of the year. You see I only had my brothers growing up and unlike most of the other girl's parents mine hadn't told me that they had already chosen my husband for me."
"Mr. Weasley." Hermione said knowingly. She was stunned when Mrs. Weasley shook her head no. "Mr. Weasley wasn't your betrothed?"
"No. In fact I don't even think that Arthur was on my father's list. You see the Weasleys were considered blood-traitors, even back then, and even though my parents could truly have cared less, they only wanted what they thought was the best for me. What they didn't know was that Arthur and I had become quite good friends during our years at Hogwarts, kind of like you, Ron, and Harry. We did everything together, and over time we fell in love. Earlier that summer Arthur and I confessed our feelings to one another, and he asked me to officially be his girl." Hermione watched as Mrs. Weasley got lost in the memory. "He was so handsome, and kind. I didn't know what he could possibly see in plain old me but he told me that I was the most beautiful creature in all of the wizarding and muggle worlds. He still does in fact even if I may have filled out a bit since then. Seven children will do that after all." She let out a small giggle. "I don't ever remember feeling as happy as I did that day. When my parents told me that I very excitedly told them that I knew just who I was going to marry. Before I could tell them about Arthur they told me that they had chosen for me. I was devastated, especially when they told me I was to marry Caspar Rosier." Hermione gasped.
"Rosier? Weren't they death-eaters?" Mrs. Weasley nodded.
"Yes, eventually. His father was one of Voldemort's first followers and his younger brother, Evan also joined them. Evan was killed by Alastor Moody after resisting capture after the first Wizarding War. Being an evil git seemed to run in the family, because Caspar was just as bad. He was one of the cruelest students in Slytherin and even his own house mates could barely stand him. He was known for his womanizing ways, always with a different girl every night."
"Why in the world would your father want you to marry him if he was such a horrible person? I thought they only wanted the best for you?" Hermione interrupted.
"The Rosiers were the best, or at least that was the image they portrayed to the rest of the community. In public Caspar carried himself with grace and elegance, always the gentleman, every mother's vision of the perfect man for their little girl. He never let anyone but those at school see the true him." She paused for a moment before continuing. "The first day back he cornered me in the hallway and told me that his parents had informed him of our betrothal and since we were to be married at the end of the year that I should start serving him right away. I of course told him to shove it, and that if he needed to be served that he should enlist the help of one of his many female friends." She paused after she said this and Hermione could see that she was starting to shake slightly. Hermione could tell that the worse part of the story was about to be told, and she watched as Mrs. Weasley took a deep calming breath.
"I think at first Caspar thought that I was just some prude with dreams of that perfect first time, a honeymoon night to remember. What he didn't know was that I was in no way even considering going through with the sham of a marriage that my parents were planning. So while he continued to sleep with half of the school, Arthur and I continued to see each other in secret. We decided that after we graduated we would runaway together and get married without anyone knowing. Caspar was right about one thing. I was waiting for my wedding night to give myself to my husband. He just didn't know that it wasn't going to be him." Hermione watched as a tear slid down Mrs. Weasley's face.
"It was the first night back from the Christmas holiday. Arthur and I had , had such a wonderful week together. What we didn't know was that Caspar had seen us one evening kissing under the stars. I had been doing my Prefect rounds when I was pulled into an empty classroom and thrown across it. I looked up to see Caspar standing there, absolutely livid. He muttered a silencing spell over the room before he started screaming at me. He called me the most awful names, asked me how long I had been giving myself to the blood-traitor. Then he started to hit me, telling me that I was being given to him, that I belonged to him. After that everything is a bit of a blur, I lost consciousness right after he started to violate me." As she watched tears fall down Mrs. Weasley's face, Hermione could feel her own tears running down hers. "I finally woke up, in the hospital wing, two days later. Arthur was by my side, had been the entire time. When I didn't come back from my patrol, he got worried and broke curfew to try and find me. It was one of the Ravenclaw Prefects who found me. She sent her patronus for help and while she waited she removed her robe and covered me with it. Later on I would find out that I was completely naked when she found me, my clothes were laying, torn on the floor next to me. I didn't want to believe that it had happened to me, that I had been raped, but deep down I knew it was true. I stayed in the hospital wing for a week, Caspar had beaten me pretty badly. My parents were told and came right away. After a few days of everyone trying to get me to tell them who had done it to me I finally caved and told them. Caspar was taken into custody right away, and he denied everything, but after being given a bit of Veritaserum, a suggestion made by his own father, to prove his innocence, the truth came out." Mrs. Weasley took in another deep breath, letting the memories flood through her.
"It took me a long time to get over what happened to me, and sometimes I think that I am still not fully over it, but I've moved on. Arthur is one of the biggest reasons I was able to move on. He never left my side after that. He walked me to and from every class, ate every meal with me, sat with me until I could get to sleep at night. He listened to me when I was ready to open up about what happened. In fact he was the first person I told the whole story to. He didn't get upset with me when I flinched away from his touch, or when I would scream at him for no reason except to let out my anger. He allowed me to lean on him when I needed someone the most and he didn't expect anything in return." Molly looked up at Hermione and smiled sadly as she reached for the young girl's hand and took it in hers. "So you see my dear, if there is anyone who can understand what you are going through, it is me." She watched as Hermione nodded. "Would you like to talk about it?" Hermione looked up into Molly's sad brown eyes and felt herself fall apart. In a few moments she had told her the entire story, from the moment she entered Hogsmeade that day to Draco finding her in the common room.
"I just didn't know what to do Mrs, Weasley! I was so ashamed of what happened and I knew that if Harry found out, especially why he did it, that it would destroy him. So I chose not to tell anyone, well at least not the entire story."
"So Draco Malfoy knows what happened?" Mrs. Weasley asked, slightly surprised. Hermione nodded.
"Yes, he knows I was raped. When he found me in the common room he knew right away. At first I was scared that he knew, but he ended up surprising me. He took care of me, still does at times." Hermione sat there silent for a second when a realization hit her. "Wait a minute! Why did you sound surprised when you asked about Draco? He is the one who told you what happened to me." She watched Molly shake her head no. This shocked her. "But he is the only person who knows. I didn't tell anyone else. He promised me he wouldn't tell anyone!" Mrs. Weasley patted Hermione's hand, trying to calm her.
"And he kept that promise my dear, at least as far as I know he did." Hermione looked at her confused.
"But..."
"Someone else told me dear. You see I don't know how but he figured it out on his own and he just wants to get you the help you need. He is just trying to be a friend." Hermione thought about it for a moment and suddenly certain things became clearer to her. Zabini! His sudden need to be around more, the sad looks she would catch him throwing her way, always wanting to patrol with her and Draco. DRACO! He had to know that Zabini knew, he was his best friend after why hadn't he told her?Unless Blaise was lying and Draco did tell him but didn't want her to find out that he did. Yes, that must be it. There is no way he figured it out on his own. Draco broke his promise. She thought, upsetting herself even more.
"Hermione? Are you all right?" Hermione looked up at Mrs. Weasley and smiled.
"Um yes. Just a little tired, I think." Molly nodded and started to stand up.
"Well it is getting late, almost dinner time. Come now, back to school with you." Hermione followed the older woman inside to the fireplace. She embraced her tightly and thanked her for lunch and the talk. "Remember Hermione. I'm here if you need to talk. Don't keep it all in or you will not be able to move on. Also if Mr. Malfoy has been helping you through this then I suggest you continue to let him help and maybe even Mr. Zabini can help too." Hermione couldn't help the small smile that appeared on her face, knowing that she had been right about who the other person was.
"I will Mrs. Weasley. You have a wonderful evening." She said before giving the woman one more hug and flooing back to Hogwarts.
Draco Malfoy was angry. Scratch that. Draco Malfoy was furious. Draco was heading down to the Great Hall lost in his thoughts of his conversation with Hermione earlier that afternoon. He didn't even notice the young man walking towards him until he slammed into him.
"Oi Draco! Watch where you're going." Draco looked up from his spot on the floor to see Blaise sprawled out across from him. Draco stood up, extending his hand to help Blaise up. Once both boys were vertical Blaise spoke again. "Whats wrong Draco?" Blaise could tell he was pissed but he just wasn't sure why.
"Nothing! Everything! Grrrr! I don't know!" Draco said running his hands roughly through his hair. Blaise looked around and noticed the stares Draco was getting. He grabbed his best friends arm and pulled him into the nearest empty classroom, shutting the door and casting a locking and silencing charm. He turned and looked at him.
"Alright now. Tell me what happened." Draco walked over and sat on one of the desks before answering.
"Its Granger. She thinks that Astoria and I are a couple. In fact she said if we weren't then we should be. Astoria is a lovely girl, she says. You two would make such a nice couple, she says. Who the hell is she to tell me who I should like, who I should be with. Who the hell is she to tell me who I should have feelings for? Who the .."
"Who the hell is she not to return the feelings you have for her?" Blaise asked.
"Exactly!" Draco yelled throwing his arms up and jumping off the desk.
"Finally!Its about time you admitted to your feelings. Now you just have to set her straight by telling her." Draco sighed heavily and shook his head.
"You make it all sound so easy Blaise."
"Thats because it is Draco."
"No its not Blaise. Far from it actually. Even if Hermione hadn't gone through what she did at the beginning of the year, the fact that we have six years of name calling, arguing, and me being a complete and total prat to her causes some problems."
"But you aren't that guy anymore Draco. You have grown up and Hermione knows that. Hell, she has become friends with you, stuck up for you against Potter and Weasley. I don't think the past will be a problem. As for what happened to her, well, you are the person she has turned to and that she seems the most comfortable with. I'm not saying you try to get into some kind of physical relationship with her Draco, she is in no way ready for that, hell she may never be, but emotionally I think she can handle knowing how you feel." Draco just shook his head.
"I don't think so Blaise. I mean I don't even know how to tell her. The Malfoy family is not known for expressing their feelings to each other let alone someone outside of the family. Besides. I don't even know why I feel like this. I mean sure I'm over the whole blood purity thing, have been since last year, but I'm pretty sure I still hated her when I got on the train this year." Draco paused and thought for a moment and then nodded. "Yep! I definitely still hated her. So why do I care for her all of a sudden? I know I have grown up quite a bit but like I said before, six years of torment and hatred is not something that just disappears." Blaise nodded.
"True. Which is why I don't think you have ever truly hated Granger." Blaise held up his hand to stop Draco from saying anything. "Now hear me out. When we first boarded the Hogwarts Express first year we were young, impressionable children who had been molded by our parents into what they wanted us to be. We knew nothing of the world except what they told us. We came into this school thinking that muggle-borns were not "real" wizards and witches. That they had dirty blood and were undeserving of their magic. We were taught to hate them before we knew them. I don't think that you hated Hermione but instead hated what she represented. She was a muggle-born, the exact thing your father told you to hate, so you did. Think about it man." With that Blaise lifted the charms and left the room.
Draco thought over what Blaise said. It was true. He came into this school hating who she was before he even knew her. In all honesty other then the whole mudblood thing and the fact that she out ranked him in class, there really wasn't anything he himself truly hated her for. He had also promised himself and his mother that he would become a better person. He remembered the talk they had the night before he left for Hogwarts.
Draco and his mother had just finished dinner and since it was a beautiful night they had decided to have dessert out in the garden. As they sat together eating treacle tarts with clotted cream and tea they spoke of Draco's upcoming year and him becoming Head Boy.
"I am so proud of you Draco. You worked very hard to earn your Head Boy position and I hope that you will take it seriously." Draco smiled and nodded at her.
"Yes mother. I really have no choice considering who is going to be Head Girl." Mrs. Malfoy raised an eyebrow.
"I hadn't realized your letter told you the Head Girl's name."
"It didn't but it is quite obvious that the Head Girl will be none other then the Gryffindor princess herself, Hermione Granger." Mrs. Malfoy nodded.
"Ah yes. Miss Granger really is the best choice for the position. I hear she is quite a resourceful young lady. Some consider her the smartest witch since Rowena Ravenclaw herself."
"She is unfortunately. She is the reason I am number two in all of my classes, except potions of course." They were quiet for a moment finishing off their desserts before Mrs. Malfoy spoke again.
"You know Draco, when I said I was proud of you I did not only mean that I was proud of your Head Boy status." She reached over and took her son's hand in hers and gave it a gentle squeeze. "I'm proud of what you did last year. Going to Dumbledore for help and all. I'm so happy that you were able to see beyond your father's blind loyalties and beliefs. After all, Miss Granger herself has proven many of Lucius's beliefs to be nothing more then complete dribble. If Miss Granger truly did not belong in our world, or deserve her magic then she would never be where she is today." She took a deep breath and then stared into her son's eyes. "I want you to promise me something Draco."
"Anything mother." He said quickly.
"I want you to forget everything your father has ever taught you where the issues of blood purity are concerned. I want you to go into this year with an open mind, and an open heart. Use this year to become the man that you want and were meant to be instead of the man your father wanted you to be. Live your life for yourself and no one else my dear Draco."
As Draco remembered his mother's words he knew what he had to do. He stood up and headed back to his dorm to wait for Hermione. It was time for him to take his mother's advice and live his life for himself, and in order to do that he needed to be honest about his feeling, with not only himself but with her too. Draco walked into the dorm and was surprised to see Hermione sitting there.
"Granger! You're back. How was lunch with Mrs. Weasley?" He said walking towards her only to be stopped in his tracks by the angry, hurt glare that she was giving him.
"Would you like to explain to me how its possible that Hogwart's most intellectual professors have not figured out what happened to me but your dear friend Blaise did?" She asked angrily. Draco just stared at her in shock, unable to speak. "I mean he did figure it out on his own right. That is what he told Mrs. Weasley when he went and told her everything!" Hermione was now standing right in front of him, her eyes full of angry tears. "You promised me Draco. How could you do this? I thought I could trust you." Draco watched in awe as Hermione turned and ran up the stairs to her room, slamming the door behind her. Draco stood there for a moment trying to figure out what just happened. Blaise ... Mrs. Weasley ... told her everything ... thought I could trust you. Draco felt himself turn red as he realized what had happened. Blaise went and told Mrs. Weasley about Hermione's attack and now she hated him, thinking that he told Blaise. Draco saw red as he turned and walked out of the portal, towards the dungeons. It was time that he and his "best friend" had a little chat.
Hermione is hurt, Draco is pissed, and Blaise is clueless to what is about to happen. What do you think?