"Darling, I don't think you want to eat anything," Luna said pulling Hermione away from the Great Hall. They walked together, arm in arm. "Tell me what's on your mind." Hermione knew Luna well enough, and they had become decent friends in class, but outside of Ginny, she didn't really have many girl friends. She had been so busy with Harry and Ron to even bother trying to find any. Ginny became friends with her out of convenience, rather than seriously seeking a relationship with her. She was very grateful for Ginny's friendship, but she really needed a confidant. Luna was trustworthy, and Hermione knew that Luna would care about her, not just gossip. "Whenever you're ready, take your time."

Luna's thoughtfulness was enough to throw Hermione's emotions over the edge. "Luna… I…" Luna patted her back, reassuringly.

"Let's wait until we get to the library." Luna led her down the corridors and to front desk of the library. Madam Pince peered over her glasses at the two girls. "Madam Pince, would it be possible if we used the Restricted Section to talk? It's a private matter with the utmost importance." Madam Pince looked at Hermione, who was refusing to make eye contact, and nodded. She waved her wand at the locked door. The two girls stepped through, and the door relocked itself. Hermione heard Madam Pince place a silencing charm over the section.

"I've never seen her be so nice before," Hermione said, wiping a tear from her face. "Well, I guess I owe you an explanation." The two girls sat at the furthermost table next to a large, open window. "It's a bit ridiculous, come to think of it. Absolutely ridiculous."

"Take your time, dear. We've got as long as you need." Luna patted Hermione's hand.

"What about class?"

Luna shook her head, "Don't worry about it."

"Okay." Hermione took a deep breath. "Do you believe… do you believe You-Know-Who is back?" Luna nodded. "Good. Because, I can't stand people who say he isn't." Hermione found it hard to speak, the lump in her throat caused her to pause and stutter. "There are only two people I've talked to about this, so…" She refused to look at Luna. "His supporters, they… they came to my house. My parents are Muggles. They couldn't defend any of us. I was taken away." She began to speak rapidly, tears falling down her face. "I was gone for over a month. They did terrible things to me. They put a blinding curse on me to where I couldn't see. I don't know who was there, I could only recognize their voices."

"Hermione…" Luna said, tears welling up in her eyes.

"They torture me. Because I was friends with Harry." She pulled her shirt up, revealing the cuts and bruises all over her torso. "They can't be healed by magic, either." Hermione leaned on the table and cried into her folded arms. Luna gently rubbed her back as her friend sobbed.

"How did Harry take it?" Luna whispered.

"He still beats himself up for it! He… he can barely look at me."

"And Ron?"

"Ron. A total arse. When I needed him most, he ran off and left me. He's so angry with me. So angry he can't put it aside."

"What about?"

"His brother. His brother figured it out and saved me. For a while, I couldn't sleep alone. I was so scared. But, being in his arms I felt safe. He was so kind and gentle. He took care of me. He never asked me any questions. It was odd, but Ron wanted to know everything. I can't… I'm not ready to share everything. I… I really… can't."

"You don't have to, dear." Luna gently pulled Hermione into a hug.

"I told Ron that if he didn't back off, that we weren't friends anymore. Then… he saw… I was asleep with Fred. I can't sleep by myself. I didn't sleep last night at all. I don't… He lost it. He really lost it. He thinks I betrayed him or something. I wasn't aware… he had any feelings for me." Hermione pulled away from their embrace and looked at Luna.

"Fred…"

"I'd rather be with Fred. Someone who isn't just curious about my business." Luna nodded, with a motherly expression on her face. "They raped you, didn't they." Hermione's face contorted as she nodded. She leaned over, beginning to cry again, resting her forehead on Luna's lap. Luna stroked her hair.

"Hermione. I want you to know that I am here for you. Whenever you need me. I know you have Harry and Ginny, and most definitely Fred, but when you need girl talk. I'm here."

A muffled "Thank you," was all the response Luna needed. She continued to stroke Hermione's hair as her friend let out her sorrow.