Chapter Fourteen

Shatters of reality

Hermione wasn't sure about it later. It happened so quickly and she knew she wasn't in full control of herself. The problem was, for those terrible seven seconds, she didn't know who was.

It was interresting to note that it only took seven seconds to ruin Hermione's life nearly beyond repair. The storm was over and Professor Niwa graciously helped her out of the hollow. She smiled at him.

One.

He grabbed her swiftly and kissed her. Hermione stiffened.

Two.

She lifted her hand to slap him.

Three.

But her hand instead reached up and lazily carressed his cheek.

Four.

She was horrified. Even more so when her gaze caught three familiar figures.

Five.

Ginny. Draco. Ron.

Six.

She pulled herself from the lip lock and opened her mouth. But one look at Ron...

Seven.

"Ron!" She gasped, rushing over to them. He stared at her with hurt and betrayal. The tears started even before she knew she was sad.

He backed away from her and her heart tore. "Ron please!" She begged.

"So that's it, is it?" he whispered savagely. "I'm not smart enough, so you have to turn to cheap teachers."

Hermione shook her head even as Niwa came up behind and put his arm around her.

"Don't deny it." He purred.

Ron looked ready to either die or kill someone. Ginny beat him to it. Her right fist connected solidly Niwa's jaw.

Hermione never took her eyes from Ron. "Please Ron..."

He glared at her. "Never talk to me again." He snarled.

Hermione felt her heart break in that one moment as he spun and ran back to the castle. Ginny caught her before she had a chance to prostrate herself like Niwa had.

"Ginny! Please! Please tell me you believe me!"

Ginny bit her lip, looking ready to cry herself. "I want to. But Mione, I know what I saw..."

"Ginny that wasn't me! I don't know what it was..."

"Mione, no one on premise can perform the Impervius Curse unless they have permission or are allied with the Death Eaters... And Dumbledore would never let a Death Eater on grounds."

Hermione lost her will. She collasped into her friend's arms. Ginny held her, expecting Draco to come behind her and complete the circle.

Only he didn't. Ginny glanced up, shaking near tears from her lashes. Draco was no where to be seen.

"Hermione..." She began warily. "Have you seen Draco?"

(A/N: No telling the death threats this chapter will get me. I should also tell you guys, that I'm moving to one aday updates. I want to keep the two, but I got a new job and until I get into a better rythem with that, I think I'll have to slow down with the updating.

To Ginny- I'll give you the answer I give all little brats like you: I'm published. You're not. Bite me.