Hermione woke up in the hospital wing, her body aching but no longer overwhelmed by pain. The familiar smell of antiseptic and the soft rustle of Madam Pomfrey's robes reached her senses. As her eyes adjusted to the dim light, she noticed Ginny, Daphne, and Fleur lying in the beds next to her, peacefully resting under clean white sheets.
It was then that she noticed the thin hospital gown she was wearing, which barely covered her upper body. The fabric hung loosely from her shoulders, exposing her collarbone and the delicate curve of her neck. The neckline had slipped slightly, revealing the mark just above her bra, the faint outline of the three wands imprinted on her skin.
As she shifted uncomfortably, she became acutely aware of her bare arms. The gown's sleeves were short, barely reaching her elbows, leaving her forearms fully exposed. Her legs were similarly bared; the gown fell just above her knees, revealing her bruised thighs.
The fabric clung to her waist, outlining her figure, while the hem fluttered slightly with her movements, drawing attention to her legs. She instinctively crossed them, feeling the need for modesty in the wake of the chaos she had endured. Each detail of her appearance reminded her of the battle she had fought and the scars, both physical and emotional, that lingered with her.
"Good evening, Miss Granger."
Hermione jumped slightly at the sound of Dumbledore's voice. He stood beside her bed, his expression kind but more serious than usual.
"Professor," Hermione rasped, her throat dry. "What... what happened? Where's McGonagall?"
Dumbledore's eyes darkened, and for the first time, Hermione noticed a hint of concern in his gaze. "I'm afraid Professor McGonagall is still missing. We've searched, but there's no sign of her. However, rest assured, we will find her."
Hermione's heart sank. The absence of McGonagall weighed heavily on her mind, but before she could ask more, Dumbledore continued, "As for the rest, Miss Granger, you showed extraordinary bravery. Madam Maxime has been sent to Azkaban for her crimes. There will be no more danger from her."
Hermione let out a shaky breath, her fingers still lightly tracing the mark on her chest. "But why did Skarooth listen to me? Why do I have this?" She pulled the gown down slightly, showing the three-wand symbol just above her bra.
Dumbledore's expression softened. "That, Miss Granger, is something even I do not fully understand. It seems the Skarwand—and Skarooth—saw something within you. A bond, perhaps, that goes beyond the magic we know."
Hermione frowned, her thoughts racing. "So, I have no idea why I was spared."
Dumbledore smiled gently. "Perhaps it was your strength of heart, your intentions. Skarooth must have recognized that in you."
The room fell silent for a moment, filled only by the soft breathing of the other girls.
"Will we find Professor McGonagall?" Hermione asked, unable to hide the worry in her voice.
Dumbledore's face grew more serious. "We will. She is a powerful witch, and though her absence is troubling, I have faith she will return. But time will tell."
Hermione felt a wave of relief knowing that Dumbledore was on the case, but the uncertainty still gnawed at her. She looked down at her hands, realizing the Skarwand was no longer with her.
"And the Skarwand?" she asked. "What happens now?"
Dumbledore's gaze shifted to the window, his voice quiet but sure. "The Skarwand has chosen you, Miss Granger. Its magic is ancient and unpredictable, but for now, it seems to have left you in peace. You may not understand its full purpose yet, but in time, you will."
Hermione nodded, feeling the weight of the unanswered questions. Her head was spinning, but she took comfort in Dumbledore's words. As she settled back into the bed, she realized how lucky she had been. Maxime was in Azkaban. Skarooth was gone. But the mystery of the Skarwand, and what had happened to McGonagall, still troubled her.
Hermione pulled the gown back up, feeling self-conscious as the mark tingled faintly on her skin. There were many things she didn't yet know, but for now, they had all survived. And that was enough.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT I'm thrilled to share that The Granger Witch: Goblet of Blood will be the second entry in the Granger Witch Series! Release Date: First week of October Now, I'd love your input! I'm considering making this installment M-rated instead of T-rated like the first. What do you think? Please let me know in the comments—I appreciate your feedback! Thank you for your support, and I can't wait for you all to dive into this next adventure of Miss Granger!