chapter 14 THE DECISION
Hermione had never felt so alone. In all the time since the War ended, she never felt such loneliness. She was sitting on the cold ground with her back resting against the wall. A lot of time had passed since she was brought into that empty cell. Hermione couldn't be sure, but she was assuming it was a day ago. A day alone in a cell was a pure torture.
The darkness was overwhelming. But not the darkness she could see. It was the darkness that she could feel inside of her.
Dead silence all around. Hermione used to like silence, but those times were over. In the past she liked to read books in silence, allowing herself to be completely absorbed in, but things changed. Silence became something terrifying. She needed another human being, someone to talk to. She would even be grateful for a House Elf.
With nothing to do and no one to talk to, all Hermione could do was think. And that was the most difficult thing to handle. Memories of happier times came flooding back to her as she remembered being at Hogwarts with Ron and Harry and the others. They were so happy then, without worries and fear. At that time the thought of actually loosing the War never even crossed their minds. How naive they were.
The pain in Hermione's wrist was nothing compared to the pain she felt in her chest. It was so deep and burning, making a hole inside of her. She couldn't help but think about all the things they could have done differently to win. But they didn't. And she was caught, chosen as an award.
She was in the arms of a Death Eater. If someone had told her a month ago that she would be living with Lucius Malfoy and not trying to escape, she would send that person to Madam Pomfrey.
But how could she escape? And where? Lucius had told her that the resistence was completely destroyed, but there were surely still others survivors. They couldn't all be dead, right?
If they really were all dead, then Hermione had only one option. To spend the rest of her life with Lucius Malfoy. Well, at least until he grows tired of her. The idea of suicide had crossed her mind a few times in the past days, but she didn't take it seriously. Hermione still had a will to live, she didn't give up on everything. And she was scared. Scared of death. She just wasn't ready for that yet. Maybe in the future she will be. Maybe Lucius would push her over the edge and she would see death as her only solution.
Again she lost herself completely in her dark thoughts, thinking about her life in the future. An eternity in such a place. What she was going through at that moment was only the beginning. The beginning of a lifelong imprisonment. The beginning of the life sentence.
All she would be allowed to listen to was Lucius' cold voice. Day by Day, Week by Week, Year by year.
What could she do to make things easier for herself?
Acting up was ruled out immediately. She had a lot to lose, but nothing to gain by that, nothing except Lucius' fury. Though she wanted to annoy him, she never wanted to go too far. She didn't want to end up dead.
Her death meant nothing to Lucius, so she seriously doubted misbehaving would get her anywhere.
'If I get my sight back..' she thought hopefully, remembering the moment when finally the darkness before her eyes disappeared, even if only for a few seconds. That was something that gave Hermione new hope. She was certain that her sight will return, but the question was when?
But at that moment she was somehow glad that she couldn't see the cell she was currently in. She couldn't imagine the horrors that these walls had seen. Telling the terrible stories of their former occupants. Hermione's mind was filled with images of dried blood the walls.
Suddenly the door opened with a creak. Hermione didn't even tense at the sound, because she knew who was it and the reason for his visit. She didn't even bother with getting up from the floor.
"Stand up, Mudblood," he ordered coldly.
Hermione didn't move, but her lips silently formed a word:"Hermione."
"What was that?"
"I said Hermione. My name is Hermione," she repeated with stronger voice now.
Her own name sounded strange to her. She hadn't used it for quite a while and no one had called her by it, "Is it too hard for you to remember?"
"Don't get smart with me, girl," Lucius hissed, "I will call you for what you are, not who you may have been once, a long time ago."
"I'm still Hermione," she recognized the doubt in her voice.
"Stand up when I'm talking to you."
Hermione let out an exaggerated sigh of annoyance, but she pulled herself to her feet:"Satisfied now?"
"It's a start," he drawled smoothly.
Hermione heard him take a few steps towards her, but he stopped before he came too close to her.
"How was your night?" he asked as if he was really interested.
Hermione forced a smile:"I've never slept better."
If she hoped to get him annoyed by that, she was very disappointed when he just smirked at her:"I assume that means you want to sleep in here from now on?"
Hermione didn't want to sleep in the cell for the rest of her life, but she didn't want to beg Lucius to take her back either. She still had a little pride left.
"I-" she started, but couldn't finish the sentence.
"If you only knew how predictable you are," he sighed with satisfaction, "You are like an open book to me."
Hermione refrained herself from making a smart remark and then she heard him walking towards her. In a second he was close to her, but Hermione made no attempt to move away from him.
She, however, tensed when she felt his hand lifting her chin firmly, so he was able to look into her eyes.
What surprised her was that he was wearing gloves. What was he trying to tell her with that? After last night, Hermione doubted that he was really as disgusted with touching her as he had always claimed to be. He didn't seem to be repulsed when he ran his hands all over her body.
"Your eyes seem so lost," he said quietly, "It's unbelievable how you're able to portray all your feelings in just your look, even though it's a dead look."
He released her and only when he wasn't touching her anymore Hermione could breath again.
"What happened yesterday evening-" he started and Hermione's head shot up, waiting for him to continue.
"-will never happen again," he finished coldly.
That sentence calmed her down a bit, but didn't destroy all her fears. She didn't know what to think of Lucius anymore. He was the most complicated person she had the chance of knowing.
"Never?" she asked, her lower lip trembling with anticipation.
"What happened yesterday was supposed to be a punishment, but you took it the wrong way and you couldn't be more wrong, Mudblood," his voice got slightly angrier.
"If I hadn't... Would you really have done it?" Hermione asked quetly, even though she knew the answer deep inside of her.
"Yes."
"But...I'm just seventeen years old," she couldn't hide the disgust in her voice.
"That does not matter, Mudblood. I have taken younger than you. I'm a -"
"Death Eater," she finished for him, her mind filled with images of all those young girls and maybe even boys that were tortured by Death Eaters.
"I was going to say a man, but you're right as well. I am a Death Eater."
"A man? A man does not force himself on mere children-"
He cut her off:"You're not a child," his voice was cold and hard, "It's time for you to grow up and start acting as an adult."
"Is that what you were telling yourself last night to feel no guilt about what you were going to do?" Hermione shot back at him.
"You will not speak of last night ever again. Ever. You were wrong and that is all you need to know. Is that understood?" Lucius demanded from her.
Hermione's head was filled with thoughts and theories, but all she managed was a small nod.
"Not nearly as eager as you were before I see. Where's that Gryffindor courage?" Lucius mocked.
Hermione remained silent. She was tired, cold, hungry, thirsty and she really needed to use the bathroom. Not wanting to spend a day more in that dirty cell, she decided the smartest thing she could do was to keep her remarks to herself.
When she said that Lucius was attracted to her, she wasn't thinking. The only thing that was on her mind was how to get out of that horrible situation. She wanted Lucius to think that she completely believed in her theories, but the truth was far from it.
She had no idea what was going in in Lucius' head and if he really was comparing her to his wife.
After a moment Lucius spoke again:"So you take back your words from yesterday?"
Hermione gritted her teeth together. Once again she would have to forget about her beliefs. Suddenly Ron and Harry appeared in her mind. They would want her to be alive, right? They would want her to do anything in her power to stay alive.
Finally, she nodded:"Yes, I take my words back."
She could sense the satisfaction in Lucius' voice:"I'm afraid that is not enough, Mudblood. Do try to be more convincing."
"What do you want from me?" she raised her voice a bit.
She was humiliating herself again, but that wasn't enough for him.
"I want you to repeat what you said yesterday and then deny it," he hissed at her.
Hermione swallowed her pride and forced the words out:"I said that I remind you of your wife and that's not true. I was wrong."
After that sentence left her mouth, she realized that it wasn't as difficult as she had expected it.
"Continue," Lucius ordered.
Confusion showed on Hermione's face:"I've denied it. What else do you want me to do?"
"You haven't denied everything. I'm waiting."
Hermione brought back the memories of the night before and then she understood.
She took a deep breath, before she spoke again:"I said that you're attracted to me and that you're ashamed of it. That is not true. I-I take it back."
She could imagine how the smirk on Lucius face looked at that moment.
"Good girl," with those words he turned and started walking away from her.
Hermione took a step forward:"Wait! Are you going to leave me here?"
"I would love to, Mudblood, but I've promised to get you out of here as soon as you take your words back. And I am a man of word."
Hermione felt like she could laugh at that.
"Follow me," Lucius said, then the doors opened.
She at first didn't understand what he wanted from her, but then realized it was all a test. He wanted to see if she was able to follow him.
She heard Lucius walk out of the cell and she took a deep breath, feeling a wave of confidence washing over her. She could do this. She would prove to him that she wasn't helpless and incapable as he probably thought she was.
She stretched her arms out before her, like a zombie and slowly made a few steps forward, stepping out of the cell.
What now?
She didn't know where to turn and where to go.
"Faster, Mudblood,"
Her head shot towards Lucius' voice and put on a strong mask as she made a few steps towards him. It was difficult walking without being able to see what was in front of you. Hermione felt stupid as she walked, and she was even more nervous, because she knew Lucius was observing her. He was hoping she would do a mistake, so he could make fun out of her. She was determined to not allow that to happen.
But as soon as that thought formed in her mind, she tripped over something and fell forward. She landed on all fours and cried out at the pain that shot through her when her hurt wrist connected with the ground.
"I apologize, I forgot to warn you about that stair," Lucius' voice was silky and it sounded as if he was having fun.
Hermione bit hard on her tongue to prevent herself from crying out. She didn't want Lucius to know that she had a sprained wrist, because it would just make everything more entertaining for him. There was no way he would want to heal it, even though he was responsible for it.
Finally she pulled herself to her feet, raising her head proudly.
"Bastard," she muttered under her breath, not loud enough for Lucius to hear.
She paused for what seemed like an eternity, waiting for the pain in her wrist to pass, but oddly enough Lucius did not say a word to hurry her along.
When the pain subsided somewhat, Hermione made a step forward and heard Lucius sigh.
That told her where he was and she walked slowly towards him.
"Stairs," he said, sarcasm evident in his voice.
This time Hermione was ready and she slowly made her way up, one step at the time.
After a few moments, the stairs were behind her and Hermione knew she was standing in a long hallway.
Lucius was beside her, but didn't touch her:"Now, are you able to find the way to my bedroom or do you need my help?"
Hermione took a deep breath and brought back the memories of all the times she was taken out of his bedroom.
His room, the stairs, the hallway...
She drew a map in her mind, then confidently, but slowly walked down the hallway, her hands stretched in front of her.
She could hear Lucius following her quietly, but she didn't let that fact bother her.
After a few steps, she suddenly stopped and turned to the left. She used her hands to touch the wall and she realized that she was touching the door. Gripping the doorknob, she grinned proudly:"Here it is."
Lucius walked to her and sneered:"Are you sure? It could be any other room."
She didn't even need to think about her answer:"I'm sure."
A moment of silence followed.
"Congratulations, Mudblood. You are right."
Hermione couldn't prevent the grin that appeared on her face. Lucius had lost. He expected her to be useless, to be completely lost, but she proved him that she wasn't incapable just because she couldn't see.
He opened the doors and pushed her inside. Hermione hugged herself with her arms, feeling uncomfortable being in his bedroom again. Her mind was filled with memories of the last time she was there, but she pushed them away.
"Take a bath. You will find new nightgown and undergarments in the bathroom," he informed her before leaving the room.
Hermione stood still for a few minutes and only when she was sure he had really left, she headed towards the bathroom. After what happened last night, she felt so dirty. She could still feel Lucius' hand all over her and his mouth on hers. It was as if he had dirtied her somehow by touching her. She shuddered at that memory, but at the same time she reminded herself that what happened wasn't her fault. It was Lucius and his sick mind, therefore she shouldn't feel guilty or dirty. He was the one who was tainted and dirty. Not her.
***
The bath was over really quick. The last thing she wanted was Lucius coming back and finding her in the bathtub. It happened once and Hermione learned from that experience.
Feeling at least a bit cleaner, she walked back to the bedroom and leaned against the wall. She didn't know what to do or where to put herself. Clutching the sprained wrist to her chest, she allowed herself to think about her options.
Was she allowed to sit on the bed? Was she allowed to fall asleep on it? Or should she sit on the floor and wait for him?
Her thoughts were interrupted as the doors slowly opened and someone walked in.
"Glad to see you're already done," Lucius said to her coldly, but Hermione noticed that something was wrong.
She could sense he was annoyed and nervous about something.
Before she got the chance to ask, he moved closer to her.
"What is wrong with your wrist?" he asked, suspicious.
"Nothing," Hermione answered and tried to hide the hand behind her back, but he was faster, grabbing her wrist and causing her to whimper in pain.
"Don't lie to me," he said slowly, his tone dangerously low.
"I...It's nothing," she forced through her teeth, hoping he would just leave her alone.
"Nothing?" he asked softly, "Then you don't mind if I do this."
His grip on her wrist tightened and tears welled up heavy in Hermione' eyes. She grunted through the pain, biting her lip in an effort to remain silent. She did her best not to jerk away, because she knew it would just cause her more pain. Using her other hand, she quickly wiped the tears leaking out of her eyes before Lucius could see them and taunt her further.
"I will ask you again. What is wrong with your wrist?" he demanded.
Hermione didn't know why he insisted on knowing.
"It's hurt...sprained, I think," she answered, hoping he would let go of her.
"When did it happen?"
"Yesterday, when you pushed me to the floor."
He took a deep breath through his nose, without releasing his grip on her.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
Hermione shook her head:"I didn't. Why should I?"
Anger showed in his voice again:"Because you are not allowed to have any secrets from me."
Hermione opened her mouth to say something, then suddenly felt a strange feeling in her wrist. It was a warm sensation and then nothing. No pain. Lucius released his grip on her and she moved her wrist cautiously. It surprised her that she felt no pain.
"You healed it."
"You really have the talent for stating the obvious," he said sarcastically.
"But- why?"
"I wouldn't want people to think that I don't take good care of my property."
Hermione was about to shot back that she was not his property, when she realized something.
"What people? Who would see me, if I'm locked in this room?" she asked, her eyes narrowing in suspicion.
"I'm leaving for a few days."
Hermione's heart started beating faster as his words made their way into her mind.
"W-What?" was all she managed to say.
"I am... needed somewhere. I'll be gone for a day, maybe two."
Dolohov. That was the first thing that came to her mind.
She felt the lump in her throat and the panic was almost choking her.
"No..."
"No what, Mudblood?" Lucius asked with interest.
Hermione whispered, as if she was talking to herself:"You can't leave..."
He moved nearer until he was directly beside her, his voice soft and silky:"What did you say?"
"You can't leave..me."
Room was filled with horrible silence. Hermione could slap herself at that moment. What was she thinking telling him that?
She tensed when she heard his cold, emotionless laugh.
"You really surprise me, Mudblood. Honestly, I didn't expect that from you," he mocked, "Don't tell me you've become attached to me?"
This time Hermione could laugh, but the situation she was in, wasn't funny at all.
When she finally formed a sentence, it came out as a whisper:"I want you to die."
It didn't sound as convincing as it did in her head, but she needed him to know how she felt about him.
Lucius didn't seem to be affected by her words:"That's understandable. But that doesn't change the fact that you don't want me to leave you."
"Please,"she started, hoping to awake some humanity in him, "Please, don't take me to Dolohov."
He sighed and remained silent as if he was considering something. Hermione would be willing to go on her knees, she would do almost anything to prevent going back to Dolohov.
"You said," she insisted, her voice shaking with panic, "You promised I wouldn't go back there again."
"No need to remind me of my promises, girl. My memory is not as bad as yours," he hissed back at her, slightly annoyed.
Hermione didn't know what else to say to make him change his mind.
"You are not going back to Antonin, so you can calm down," Lucius finally said.
That sentence opened her lungs again, but that didn't make the fear go away.
"Then where are you taking me?" she asked, afraid to hear the answer.
"To another Death Eater," he informed her, completely emotionless.
What did she expect?
Her voice shook slightly:"Who?"
Lucius snorted:"You should be glad. I've decided that Severus would be the best choice for this."
Hermione's eyes widened and hope formed inside of her again.
Ginny.
At least she wouldn't be alone and Snape wasn't as vile, at least Ginny had told her that. But he was a Death Eater. No different than Lucius or Dolohov.
"If that git touches me, I'll kill him,"she murmured threateningly.
It caused Lucius to just sneer at her:"I don't believe that will be necessary," then his voice got a trace of disgust, "I don't think Severus would lower himself enough to touch you. He is too sophisticated for that."
"Unlike you?"
That question angered him and he slapped her across the face. Hermione's head turned with the force of it, but it wasn't as painful as it was in the past. He had hit her harder before. It was a strange feeling, because she couldn't feel his skin, but the rough material of his gloves.
"This was just a warning, Mudblood. Never again talk about last night," he growled, then gripped her arm.
Without a warning, they apparated.
***
Hermione felt like she could throw up. He didn't even warn her and she couldn't prepare for the unpleasant feeling of Apparition. It was even more difficult, because she couldn't see a thing and it had problems with keeping her balance.
Thankfully, Lucius didn't release her arm.
"Ah, Lucius, you're here," someone said.
Hermione immediately recognized that voice. Snape. She let out a breath she's been holding at not knowing if Lucius was lying about Snape.
He wasn't lying. He really took her to her former Professor. Hermione was afraid of Snape, but not as nearly as much as she was of Dolohov. Snape never seemed as a violent person to her. But maybe that was all an act.
"Severus, my friend. I hope it's not too much of an inconvenience."
"As long as she keeps her mouth shut, I will not be bothered by her presence."
The two men were having a conversation as if she wasn't there and it bothered her.
She felt the strong need to remind them that she wasn't a thing, but a human being that could hear and talk.
Lucius tightened his grip on her arm:"Will you behave, Mudblood? I don't want you embarrassing me in front of my friends," he ordered, "No smart remarks or disrespectfulness. Understood?"
She nodded:"Yes."
"Good," with that Lucius released her arm.
Snape spoke lazily:"Would you care to join me for a glass of Firewhiskey?"
"Unfortunately, I have work to do. The Lord expects the work to be done by tomorrow."
The Lord.
Hermione snorted with disgust, unfortunately not taking care to make no noise.
"Is there something you would like to share with us, Miss Granger?" Snape asked, almost amused.
Quickly, she shook her head and remained silent. She was in a room with two Death Eaters and it wasn't a smart thing to anger them.
"Well, I better be going. Take care of her, Severus," Lucius said, then leaned to Hermione, "Don't try anything stupid or you will pay the price. I will come back for you, Mudblood."
Those words didn't scare her as they should. If anything, she felt somehow safe, knowing that he would come back for her. And that fact scared her more than his words ever could.
Not even a second later, she heard the sound of Apparition and she knew he was gone.
A familiar feeling came over her. She felt that way when he left her with Dolohov. Lonely. Unprotected. It was bizarre how she felt unprotected without him when he was the one who hurt her the most. But in a sick and twisted logic, it made sense.
Lucius took himself the right to hurt her and wouldn't allow anyone else to put their hands on her. In a world they were living in, that was enough for Hermione. It would be naive to hope for something more.
"Do you need a special invitation, girl? Come along," Snape drawled impartially from across the room.
Hermione licked her lip nervously:"I don't know where..."
The last thing she wanted was to ask a Death Eater for help, but she was never in Snape's Manor. How did he expect her to know the way?
He exhaled deeply as a sign of annoyance, then walked over to her and gently gripped her arm.
It was strange to be touched so gently after all her days with Lucius. And why was Snape acting that way?
He led her out of the room and then down a long hallway.
"You are not covered in bruises as the last time I saw you," Snape said emotionless after a few moments of silence.
Hermione didn't know what to say, so she just gritted her teeth together. She didn't want to talk to him.
That traitor.
Finally they reached the room. He opened the doors and they stepped in, Hermione felt someone's arms around her.
"Hermione!" Ginny almost jumped at her, hugging her.
After the initial shock, Hermione returned the hug, embracing her friend. This time there were no tears, just happiness to be together again.
"I will leave you now, but do remember our conversation, Ginevra. Don't try anything," Snape warned her, then left the room, closing and locking the door behind him.
Ginny pulled away and then led Hermione to a bed.
Once they were both seated, she spoke:"I can't believe you're really here. I never thought I'd see you again."
"It was a surprise for me as well. Lucius had to travel somewhere and I'm not allowed to stay at the Manor by myself."
Ginny's voice showed confusion:"You said Lucius. Do you call him by his name? Since when?"
Hermione pulled her hands away from Ginny's as she nervously bit her lower lip. At that moment she felt like a traitor. She didn't want Ginny to know how weak she was and how easily she had accepted Lucius.
But the most, she didn't want Ginny to know how attached she had become of him. With that she betrayed them all and it was horrible enough that she was disgusted with herself. She wouldn't be able to take that disgust and disappointment from Ginny as well.
"I-I'm sorry. I meant to say Malfoy," she quickly corrected herself, hoping Ginny wouldn't be too suspicious.
Thankfully, she let that issue pass.
"Hermione, how are you? What does he do to you? You're still too thin!"
"I'm fine. It's notas awful as it was at the beginning. I'm... learning," she said, forcing a weak smile, "And you? How's Snape treating you?"
"The same. He doesn't talk to me much and I'm thankful for that. It's just.." Ginny trailed off, losing herself in her thoughts.
"Just what, Ginny? What is it?" Hermione demanded, grabbing Ginny's hand again.
"It's hard when we have to act in front of the others. Just yesterday there were a few Death Eaters here to dinner."
"I still don't understand," Hermione was never expected to act in front of the other Death Eaters.
Ginny took a deep breath:"Well, I didn't understand either, but then Snape explained it to me. We are supposed to be...together," she forced the last word out, "Intimately."
Hermione grimaced at that, disgust showing on her face:"You mean...you are supposed to be a slave for-for...his needs?"
"Not exactly. That's why Mudbloods are for. That's how Snape said it. Even though I fought on the opposite side and I'm captured now, I'm still a Pureblood and that gives me a privilege."
Hermione nodded:"I understand. Go on."
"Well, if Snape decides to-to...well, marry me, he is allowed to," Ginny explained, obviously disgusted.
"What?" Hermione couldn't believe her words.
"Yes. I will be forced to marry Snape if he decides that. It's a sanction by Voldemort. He's trying to fill the Wizard World with Purebloods. You're safe from that. Because of your blood status, you are not allowed to marry Malfoy, even if he wanted to."
Hermione almost laughed at that. Just the thought of Lucius wanting to marry her was ridiculus. He didn't even want to touch her let alone something more. So she was safe from marriage at least. But what about other things?
"And does he want to marry you?" Hermione asked, forcing the words out.
It seemed completely unreal that they were having a conversation about that. Ginny was just sixteen years old, what sick pervert would want to force her into marriage?
"He said that I can sleep without fear. He doesn't want to get married," Ginny answered quietly.
Hermione let ot a breath:"Thank Merlin."
"But we still have to act in public. I'm not allowed to wince at every touch from him. He said that people think that he'd touched more than my arm," Ginny said quietly and Hermione had a feeling the younger witch was blushing.
It was understandable. Talking about those things was always uncomfortable, escpecially for a sixteen year old. Even though Hermione was older, she was no different.
"Hermione," Ginny started quietly, almost whispering, "Don't tell anyone what I'm about to tell you."
Hermione nodded, worry building inside of her. Ginny sounded serious.
"I decided to take your advice from the last time we saw each other. You said I shouldn't lose hope. That I should try to escape and I've tried, but Snape has everything warded. I can't even leave this room without him knowing."
She stopped speaking and Hermione could feel her hands shaking in hers.
"I want revenge," Ginny finally said after a moment of silence, "Everytime I close my eyes, I see my family and...Ron. He killed him. Malfoy killed him."
Hermione felt pain in her chest at the mention of Ron. Everytime she thought of him, she felt like she couldn't breath.
Ginny continued:"Ron is dead and Malfoy is walking around like nothing happened. I can't allow him that. Not after everything he's done."
"What are you saying?" Hermione asked carefully.
"I took a knife from the kitchen."
It was a short sentence, but it sent shivers down Hermione's body. Ginny couldn't be thinking about...No, it was impossible.
"I know you would have done it yourself if you weren't blind, Hermione," Ginny said, squizing Hermione's hand.
Hermione bit her tongue, not knowing what to say. She didn't want to disappoint Ginny, but she had never thought of actually killing Lucius. She often even found herself hoping he wouldn't die, because his death would mean the end for Hermione. She would be handed to another Death Eater and she couldn't take that.
Ginny continued, anticipation in her voice:"He doesn't know what awaits him when he returns for you."
"Ginny, you don't know what you're saying-"
"Of course I do. I've never been so sure about anything before in my life," she said, determined.
"I-" Hermione couldn't believe what was happening. Just the thought of Lucius dying was...painful. What had she turned into? Would she mourn his death? Why?
Because she would then be alone and unprotected in a world full of predators, or was it something more? Something Hermione didn't understand and didn't have the time to think about.
"Hermione, can I count on you? I know you want to make him pay for everything he's done," and then she asked the question Hermione was afraid of, "Will you help me?"
A long moment of silence followed. Then, not saying a word, Hermione just slowly pulled her hands away from Ginny's.
Hey, guys. I'm really sorry for not updating in two weeks. But here's chapter 14. I hope you're not disappointed. Tell me what you think!