Disclaimer: I don't own, but wish I did

4 Years Later...

"You know I love you right?"

You used to love me, Hermione had so desperately wanted to say. She knew that deep down he truly did mean it, but she knew that what was locked deep within usually stayed locked. So instead of confronting him about it, she simply nodded. He had become so dense that he really wouldn't know what she thought.

Ron rolled onto his side and eyed Hermione. She practically looked the same as she had in school. Her hair wasn't so curly anymore and seemed like it was losing its natural shine. Then again, she hadn't showered yet, so he couldn't be sure. She had curled up against her headboard, covering herself with the sheets. He reached out to stroke her arm. She tried to control the shudder that ran though her bones, hoping he wouldn't notice.

"Are you cold?"

"Yeah, just a little cold," she smiled at him. "You should be getting dressed. Training starts today right?"

Rolling onto his back again, Ron let out a defeated sigh. "Yeah. The new players are a nightmare though," eyes on the ceiling he continued, "It's a good thing I'm on the team. They'd be helpless without me."

Hermione listened as he continued to 'modestly' ramble on. When he had started playing quidditch, he had been quite humble. He was now going on his fourth year and seemed to consider himself a god. Of course everyone else had the faults. He was too blind to see his own.

"I'm gonna get in the shower now. I have a busy day." Hermione told him as she started climbing out of bed.

"Should I join you?" Ron mischievously grinned.

Her heart almost stopped but she carefully played it off. "oh, please! You practically wore me out last night! You should save your energy for practice."

She locked her bathroom door, leaning against it, saying a silent prayer. Composing herself, she turned to her mirror. She did look exhausted and she felt it too. The redness of her eyes was dissipating but the aching of her muscles was only growing. She dropped the blanket, revolted at what she saw. Dark patterns were beginning to form on her arms, a result of being manhandled too much. Bite marks circled her nipples, a little bit of dried blood on one of them. Her hips were scratched up a bit, bruises forming on them too. She looked at her sheet. There was a bit of fresh blood on it, where she had been sitting. As she looked at it, she felt the tears streaming down her face. She hadn't known when she started crying but she didn't want Ron to hear her.

Starting her shower, she stepped in and let the warm water run over her weathered body. This had been the second time Ron had raped her, believing she wanted the sex. After the first incidence he had been sincerely regretful. He had been wary to touch her but she had been the one to comfort him. To tell him that it wasn't his fault. He had just been under stress.

She had cried for nearly an hour after he left her apartment that afternoon. Finally gaining some composure, she sat down at her desk, contemplating what to do. Should she owl Harry, informing him of the situation? Even with her nagging mind telling her to do the right thing, she couldn't. She didn't want to jeopardize the friendship. Plus with Harry dating Ginny, she risked the whole Weasely family finding out. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley would be mortified to learn about what their son was capable of.

Instead she opted to go out. It was the middle of August. The warm summer sun beat down, with just a hint of the upcoming fall breeze playing through her hair. People all around her were filled with happiness and serenity. Hermione looked, with saddened, empty eyes. She knew she wanted happiness but felt like she didn't deserve it. After a while, she found herself standing in front of an old building she knew well. Even though the Hogs Head was now under new management, her claim to fame still preceded her.

"Ah, Miss Granger! How pleasant to see you! How are you?"

"Fine, Robert thank you. How is your grandfather?"

"Well, Grandfather Tom is doing as well as can be expected. The war took its toll. As it did on all of us." Hermione just sadly looked on. Being in this place reminded her of all those years they stayed here before meeting the Hogwarts Express. Before times had become so muddled.

"Can I get you a drink?"

"Actually, could I get a more - private - area, for a bit? A room perhaps?"

"Yes of course. Right away."

*****

Hermione looked out the window. To the left Hermione could see Diagon Alley, busy with its many shops and patrons. To the right - muggle London. Her home for so long. Sitting down at the little writing desk, she took out some parchment and a quill.

Mr. Malfoy

A client of mine needs to speak with you, right away. Please hurry to the Hogs Head, room number 211B

She folded it, sealed it and took it downstairs straight away. After giving Robert specific instructions, she went back to her room and waited.

*****

So far, the day for Draco Malfoy had gone by uneventful. He had woken up next to a beautiful brunette, shared a delicious breakfast and was now sitting at his office desk. He should've been doing some work, seeing has he was the one inheriting the family business, but work always bored him.

It was then, a large brown barn owl interrupted his thoughts. He had never seen this particular bird before. He saw a small note attached to its leg. He took it and placed a galleon inside the pouch it carried. The message had indeed confused him. He hadn't remembered agreeing to any meetings for work, but his message didn't say a meeting had been previously arranged. Curious as to what this could be, he told his secretary to clear his schedule and that he would be gone for the day.

He made his way to the lowly inn. People had long ago stopped glaring at him on the streets. If he had been good enough to hold company with whom he had, years before, he was good enough for the public. Something his father did not take kindly too.

Just as outside, no one inside the inn seemed to give him a second glance. Except for the new owner.

"Ah, Mr. Malfoy, I've been expecting you sir."

"May I ask why?"

"Please sir. I've been given explicit instructions. If you'll follow me," the barkeep offered, showing him around the corner. They walked down the long, quiet hall, a word never being exchanged between the two. Finally the barkeep turned to him.

"If you'll just wait here, please"

The barkeep walked a few more feet down the darkened hall. He stopped in front of a door, knocked and went inside. A few moments later he came back out and motioned for Draco. Confused beyond all belief, Draco made his way down. The barkeep seemed almost hesitant to let him inside but nonetheless stood aside.

"If you want, I'll fetch you when you're finished." one final now and he left. Draco stepped inside and immediately felt his insides turn to ice. He had set eyes on someone he thought he'd never see again.

"Hello Draco." Hermione timidly whispered

*****

Sorry, it's so short. I've been caught up with work and life... chapter 4 is in the works!! Almost done. It just needs a few tweaks