Chained to You
A/N- Here is chapter 6 for you to read and enjoy it. This story is just about coming to an end as well. Not edited at all.
Chapter 6: Hermione from THAT World
Theo muttered her last name. Why was he going to hurt her like Malfoy? He was so, so angry at her in these weeks. She had the bruises to prove it. Her lips were clapped from all his harsh kisses, and her arms and legs were hurting from the punches or even kicks she had gotten. Her private area hurt as well. He never raped her, but after all, the finger fucking and tongue-licking had her very sore to walk. Hermione had tears in her eyes at that thought. It stopped when she heard someone walking towards her; she looked up and froze in fear.
Her eyes widened in surprise and a hint of apprehension as Theo slowly approached her, each step deliberate and measured. His movement seemed to draw her in as if time itself had slowed down. The soft light caught the glimmer in his eyes, reflecting a mix of emotions that she couldn't quite decipher. She felt her heart race, caught between curiosity and uncertainty, as she awaited his next action.
"I'm not going to hurt you, Granger. Neither is Blaise. Please listen," Draco said, his voice steady yet urgent, which caught her attention. As Hermione stood there, her heart racing, she listened intently as he recounted the events that had unfolded since she had inadvertently entered their world. Each word he spoke was deliberate, meant to convey the truth of her situation—a truth that felt increasingly heavy in her stomach.
Her mind reeled as he described the chaos surrounding her arrival, the misunderstandings that had spiralled out of control. The weight of his words pressed down on her, and she could feel her stomach knotting in reaction. It was becoming clear that her mere presence had ignited something deeper within Draco—a molten mixture of anger and frustration that seemed to stem from a place of pain.
As she processed what he was saying, a sickening realization washed over her. The reasons behind his fierce demeanour began to take shape, and it hurt to think that her entry into their world had triggered such a violent response from him. The realization stung, embedding itself in her chest like a thorn. No matter how much she wanted to deny it, she understood now why Malfoy was so angry at her—it was not just about the circumstances; it was about the impact those circumstances had on their lives.
The bracelet lay abandoned, nowhere in sight on her wrist. It was a stark reminder of the scars left by her past; the weight of her abuse pressed down on her like a heavy shroud, imbuing her with a sense of despair she could hardly shake off. Hermione found herself grappling with a confusing mix of emotions, but deep down, she couldn't ignore the unsettling truth in Nott's words. They resonated within her, echoed by a nagging instinct that begged her to listen.
With a cautious breath, she began to step out from her concealed position, her heart racing as she faced the two Slytherin boys before her. Fear flickered in her eyes, a flame that threatened to engulf her, yet she held her ground, refusing to back down. Her body shook subtly under the weight of anxiety, each tremor a testament to her internal struggle. Despite the overwhelming urge to flee, she stood firm, determined to confront whatever lay ahead.
"Blaise, could you bring the female Weasley here? I think it would be nice for her to have another woman around," Theo remarked in a calm yet assertive tone, his gaze unwavering as it remained fixed on Granger's face.
With a hint of irritation bubbling beneath his calm exterior, he turned his attention to Granger, muttering a curse under his breath as he strode towards his truck parked a few yards away. Opening the door, he rummaged through the contents, emerging moments later holding two items that bore significance to him.
The first item was a well-loved stuffed lion, its fur slightly worn and faded from years of affection. A nostalgic grin spread across his face as he caught the look of surprise on Granger's features. The second item was an old muggle camera, its design simple yet charming. Despite his general indifference towards muggle inventions, he had to admit that they often produced interesting ideas, and this camera was a prime example of that.
He made his way back to his bed, gently placing the stuffed lion down as if it were something precious. "You can take him," he said softly, his voice almost a whisper. He watched Granger's expression shift from confusion to curiosity. She hesitated for a moment, her eyes darting between the stuffed animal and his face, before slowly stepping forward.
As she reached out to grab the lion, Theo's gaze momentarily drifted beyond her, his thoughts wandering to the passage of time. The evening had slowly unfolded after dinner, and a low growl from his stomach reminded him of his neglect to eat. He noted the way the light in the room changed, casting soft shadows around them as the day began to fade into the night.
Hermione didn't think about sitting after she got the lion. It was what she did, and she sighed at this and hugged the stuffy closer to her chest. She could hear clicking, and she turned to see Nott taking pictures. Her mind went blank on why.
Theo sat in the dim light of the room, his heart racing as he glanced over at the girl seated beside him. Hermione Granger appeared worn and fragile, her bruises more pronounced now that she was settled. The soft fabric of her jeans clung to her legs, revealing angry purple marks and deep, painful cuts that made him curse under his breath. Her arms were similarly marred, and he could see the fear flicker in her eyes; he knew that if he suggested taking pictures of her injuries, she would vehemently refuse.
The atmosphere shifted when Theo suddenly heard voices approaching, but they didn't belong to Blaise. Panic surged through him. "Shit," he murmured to himself, the weight of the situation pressing down harder on his chest.
At that moment, the door swung open with a sharp creak, and his girlfriend, Pansy, stepped in. She paused, her eyes wide with shock as they landed on Hermione, taking in the visible marks of pain etched across her skin. Theo could see horror creeping into Pansy's expression as her gaze flicked back to him, demanding an explanation.
"Pans, I can explain—just get in here," Theo urged, his voice urgent as he gestured for her to close the door behind her.
Pansy stepped fully into the room, her worry palpable in the tightness of her features. She looked at him, her brows furrowing deeply. Sighing heavily, he began to recount the harrowing events, every word laced with a mix of anger and disbelief. He could see the horror growing in Pansy's eyes as he spoke, the reality of the situation settling in like a thick fog.
"Granger? Rape? Draco?" she echoed, her voice barely above a whisper, each word weighed down by disbelief and concern. The gravity of the situation hovered between them as they stared at Hermione, the reality of what had happened settling heavily in the air.
"Not this time with Draco," Theo began, his voice laced with frustration. "Do you remember that potions disaster of Longbottom's? It was absolutely chaotic. When that potion exploded, it hit Granger directly, and she was whisked away to another world. It was That Draco who caused her pain. He placed a cursed bracelet on her, one that gives him control to manipulate her every action."
Pansy's cheeks flushed a deep crimson, a mix of embarrassment and anger. But as Theo's words' implications sank in, her expression drained of colour. Her eyes widened, and she stammered, "Pregnant?"
Theo shook his head firmly. "No, not in that way. But something is unnerving about it all. That Draco never resorted to using a potion or a charm. The more I ponder it, the more it strikes me that he has ulterior motives. He seems determined to get her pregnant. In our magical society, single parents face significant scrutiny." His tone was serious, underscoring the weight of what he was suggesting.
Just then, a voice broke through his thoughts. "In here," he heard Blaise call out. The door swung open, revealing Blaise alongside the female Weasley, her usual spirited demeanour replaced with urgency.
"Hermione!" she cried out, her voice rising in a note of panic. She rushed towards her friend, carefully extracting something from her bag. "Is that a Pensieve?" Theo wondered, his mind racing as curiosity mingled with concern.
"Please look inside this," Ginny said gently, her voice calm yet urgent as she handed the shimmering object to Hermione. The atmosphere in the dimly lit room shifted as the three Slytherins turned their attention to her, their expressions a mix of curiosity and skepticism. Ginny's eyes narrowed in concentration as she prepared herself for the moment ahead.
As she turned back to face them, the tension in the air was palpable. "Where is the real Hermione from this world?" demanded Red, her tone laced with disbelief.
"In that Hermione's world," Theo interjected, his voice steady but strained. "She and Draco are trying to find a way to get him to take off the bracelet."
Red's eyes widened in outrage, her voice rising as she processed the information. "So, you mean to tell me that my best girlfriend is stuck in another world with that Malfoy—the one who has hurt her time and time again? And she willingly chose to go with him?" Her fists clenched tightly at her sides, muscles tensing as her glare bore down on Theo, a whirlwind of emotions swirling within her.
"Yes," Blaise replied quietly, confirming the harsh reality of the situation. His expression softened as he understood the tumult of feelings swirling in the room, but the weight of the truth hung heavily in the air.
Theo stood quietly in the dimly lit room, his gaze fixed on Red as a whirlwind of emotions flickered across her face. The tension in the air was palpable as she erupted, her voice ringing out with frustration, "And you thought it would be okay!" Her words echoed, carrying the weight of her disbelief
He met her fiery blue-green eyes with a steady gaze, trying to convey the urgency of the situation. "Granger wants the bracelet off, and that spell was the only way to remove it from her," he explained, his tone calm but insistent. He hoped to quell her anger with reason.
Red bit her lip, her brow furrowed in deep thought as she watched the reflective, swirling memories of their past actions draw her in. Suddenly, the other Hermione emerged from the shadows, her expression a haunting combination of sorrow and confusion. Tears glistened in her eyes, spilling over and tracing a path down her cheeks, leaving glistening trails in their wake.
"It's all true…" Hermione whispered, her voice barely above a breath. "But how?" The question hung in the air, heavy with the weight of their intertwined fates.
Theo observed closely as Red recounted the harrowing events of potions class—how an innocent lesson had spiralled into a dangerous encounter that had left her unconscious for nearly two months. As the story unfolded, Pansy took Theo's hand, her grip tightening as if trying to anchor herself amidst the swirling chaos. He could sense her determination and her fierce resolve to help Granger, especially knowing that this was the Hermione from their world.
Theo felt a mix of hope and anxiety coursing through him. He couldn't shake the worry gnawing at his insides, a silent prayer that the version of Hermione they all knew would return to them soon, safe and sound. The uncertainty of it all loomed large, and he was desperate for clarity in a world that had become increasingly complicated.
Ginny gazed intently at the other Hermione, her heart heavy with concern. She reached out and took Hermione's hand in hers, feeling the warmth and the tremor of uncertainty in her grip. "Hermione," she said softly, her voice filled with compassion, "what happened to you? You don't have to face this alone. Please, let us help you. We're here for you, just like we always have been." The sincerity in Ginny's eyes conveyed the depth of her friendship, urging Hermione to share her burden.
Hermione bit her lip and slowly gave a nod." Malfoy, in my world, was furious at me. I didn't know about the bracelet until he gripped my wrist hard enough to make a bruise. Over the last few weeks, he was stalking me. He cornered me and almost did rape me. He always stopped before he did. Either he wanted to do it or not. I'm not sure."
"He abused me over and over again with his fists or some spells that he used to cut me up a bit. The last time he got to me was when I felt more fear of him. He had ripped off my clothes. I thought for sure he was going to rape me then, but he sexually abused me. Please don't ask me what he all did." Hermione whispered after she stopped her story.
Ginny could tell what he did. "I guess he forced you to touch him, and he touched you. With some fingers and tongue?" Ginny questioned. She nodded her head at Ginny. Ginny felt very sick and was looking a bit green.
When Blaise heard those urgent questions echoing in his mind, panic surged through him, propelling him out of the dimly lit corridor and toward the staircase. He knew he needed to reach Professor Snape; he was the only one who could provide the answers—answers that felt increasingly critical with each passing moment. Hurrying past the portraits that adorned the walls of Hogwarts, he focused on the familiar path leading to his professor's private quarters, each footfall echoing his anxiety.
As Blaise approached Snape's bedroom door, he took a deep breath, trying to quell the tumult of emotions churning within him. He raised his hand to knock, reminding himself to maintain an air of composure even though his heart raced wildly in his chest.
The sound of footsteps echoed from within the room. His pulse quickened as he bit his lip in anticipation, trying to suppress the overwhelming urge to fidget. After what felt like an eternity, the heavy door creaked open, revealing Professor Snape standing there, his expression a blend of curiosity and mild irritation.
"Mr. Zabini, why are you not in the Slytherins' common room? It's past curfew now," Snape's voice was stern, but there was an underlying thread of concern that Blaise wouldn't miss, even amidst the reprimand.
"Professor, please, you need to come with me. It's crucial," Blaise implored, his voice tinged with urgency as he stepped closer to Professor Snape. The flickering candlelight in the dimly lit corridor cast shadows across their faces, highlighting the intensity of Blaise's expression.
Professor Snape narrowed his dark eyes; skepticism etched into his sharp features. "You had better not be misleading me on this, Mr. Zabini," he replied, his tone a mixture of caution and authority.
As they began to walk, Blaise felt the weight of the serious conversation hanging in the air. He took a deep breath, preparing to raise the uncomfortable subject that had been swirling in his mind. "Sir, what do you know about alternate timelines?" he asked, his voice steady but laced with an underlying tension.
Snape paused, his brow furrowing in confusion. "Why do you want to know?" he questioned, his mind racing to understand the implications of such a peculiar inquiry.
Blaise leaned closer, his voice low and intense. "You remember when Longbottom's potion exploded a couple of months back? Well, it struck Granger directly. You all knew she slipped into a coma, but there was more to it than we realized." He paused, letting the weight of his words settle in.
"What do you mean?" he prompted, his curiosity piqued.
Blaise took a deep breath, his expression darkening. "She wasn't just in a coma; she was trapped in an alternate timeline. In this parallel reality, she was stuck in her sixth year, and let me tell you, it was truly dreadful. The stories Granger recounted when she finally came to... they were horrific. I can't even begin to describe the things she experienced. You really need to see or hear the full extent of it for yourself. I'm still struggling to shake off the disgust and sorrow from what she told us," he said, visibly shuddering at the memory.
Theo sat across from Granger, his heart heavy with sorrow as her words washed over him. Each syllable felt like a dagger, revealing the cruel depths of Draco's actions. He could sense the weight of her pain, and it gnawed at him—he really didn't need to hear any more about it. Beside him, Pansy was enveloped in her torment, silent tears streaming down her face as she leaned into the quiet chaos of the room. She had chosen to stay with him, supporting both Granger and Red in this tumultuous moment, but Theo knew that her heart was breaking as much as his.
A flicker of thought crossed his mind as he calculated the exact moment he had cast the spell that sent Granger into this alternate world. His stomach turned at the memory, knowing the effect that had on all of them. Just then, he caught a glimpse of Blaise rushing out of the room, a look of determination masking any signs of hesitation. Theo felt a sense of dread wash over him; he knew exactly where his friend was headed, and it wasn't good.
"Granger, please stop," Pansy cried out, her voice cracking under the weight of her anguish. Tears continued to fall, pooling in her hands as she sobbed, clearly feeling the pain of the confrontation. Theo's chest tightened, realizing that they were all trapped in a web of broken trust and hurt, struggling to find a way to navigate the darkness that surrounded them.
It felt like an eternity before Blaise and Snape finally reemerged into the dimly lit Slytherin common room. The atmosphere was thick with tension as Blaise led Snape up to Theo's room, his mind racing with what he had just overheard. Hermione Granger was still passionately discussing her "oral deal," a term that made his stomach churn at the implications of the word. He suppressed the urge to gag, feeling a wave of discomfort wash over him.
As they entered the room, Snape's presence commanded attention. He closed the door firmly behind him, the sound reverberating against the stone walls. "Miss Granger… Legilimens," he called out, his voice cold and authoritative. The spell surged from him, penetrating the minds of his students before he abruptly withdrew, his expression darkening as he surveyed their faces.
"Where, in this dimension, are Miss Granger and Mr. Malfoy?" he inquired, his tone hinting at impatience. The air was thick with uncertainty, and Theo felt a lump form in his throat.
Theo swallowed hard, his voice barely above a whisper as he replied, "She's with Draco in that alternate world. They're trying to figure out how to remove that bracelet from her wrist." His gaze dropped to the floor, afraid to meet Snape's eyes.
Snape's eyes narrowed, radiating a mix of anger and worry as he glared at Theo. "Come now, we have no time to waste," he snapped, the urgency in his tone unmistakable.."
Ginny and Pansy walked closely beside Hermione, who visibly tensed at the sight of a Slytherin lurking nearby. Pansy, sensing Hermione's discomfort, offered a reassuring smile, her expression softening in an attempt to ease the tension.
"I promise, I'm not going to hurt you," she said gently, her voice calm and friendly.
With tentative steps, the trio ventured out of Theo's room, their departure eliciting gasps of astonishment from the Slytherins lounging in their common room, unable to comprehend the sight of two Gryffindors mingling among them. Hermione could feel the weight of their stares, the whispers trailing behind them like a tangible fog.
As they made their way through the winding corridors of Hogwarts Castle, the atmosphere shifted. It felt thick with an undercurrent of curiosity and mistrust. Slowly but surely, they approached Professor Dumbledore's office, the ornate door looming ahead of them.
When they finally reached it, Severus Snape stood guard, his expression inscrutable as always. He raised an eyebrow at the unexpected company but simply stated the entrance password with a flick of his wand. "Candy Canes," he said coolly, and the door creaked open, welcoming them into the depths of Dumbledore's domain.
Over the next three hours, Professor Dumbledore and Professor Snape meticulously gathered every piece of information from the students. As the kids recounted their harrowing experiences, both professors listened with growing concern and disbelief.
"You mean to tell us that our Miss Granger and Mr. Malfoy ventured into that perilous world?" Professor Dumbledore inquired, his brow furrowing deeply.
"Yes, sir," Theo replied, his voice barely above a whisper, the weight of the situation evident in his eyes.
Dumbledore exchanged a glance with Snape, who was visibly troubled by the revelations.
"Severus, please escort the students back to their common rooms and return promptly. We need to discuss this matter further," he instructed, his tone brokering no argument.
Snape nodded curtly, processing the seriousness of the situation as he turned towards his students. "Let's go," he commanded, leading them out of the room with a sense of urgency.
"Also, Severus, once you've seen them to safety, please inform Harry and Ron about this as well," Dumbledore added, his voice calm but firm, underscoring the gravity of the news that needed to be relayed.
Snape then led the students away, leaving them to contemplate the implications of their story and the unexpected dangers that lay ahead.
Theo and Blaise exchanged worried glances as they watched Granger retreat down the corridor. With a resigned sigh, they shook their heads and decided to follow their head of house.
"Once Granger comes back," Theo murmured, his voice laced with concern, "we need to make sure we protect her."
Red, who had been nearby, paused mid-step as she overheard Theo's words. A frown creased her brow as she turned toward him. "Why would we need to do that?" she inquired, genuinely puzzled.
Theo met her gaze, a hint of urgency in his eyes. "Because she's going to be in danger—she could get hurt, or even worse. What if Professor Snape and Dumbledore don't arrive in time?" He hesitated for a moment, collecting his thoughts before continuing. "And let's not forget, she's a classmate. I may not see eye to eye with her, especially considering her attitude toward Slytherins, but I don't hate her for her blood status. She deserves our help."
Red stared at him, taken aback by his unexpected defence of Granger. "But you all call her Mudblood," she whispered, the term a bitter echo of the prejudice that often divided their world.
Theo shook his head, frustration creeping into his expression. "Actually, I have never used that term for her. That's a label thrown around by Draco and his posse—those who think they're superior—during our year. The other years have their share of bullies, too, no doubt. But me? I don't like that term at all." His tone was resolute, revealing a depth of conviction that surprised even him.
As the gravity of the situation sank in, Red felt the tension in the air shift. She realized this wasn't just about blood status; it was about standing up for what's right, even if it meant going against the current.
Red smiled warmly at him, her eyes sparkling with curiosity, before turning her attention to Pansy. "And what about you, Pansy?" she asked, tilting her head slightly. Her gaze then shifted to Blaise, and with a playful finger pointing in his direction, she added, "And you, too…"
Pansy expressed her feelings with a heavy heart, reflecting on Granger's struggles. "Granger is just another girl, much like myself, and it pains me deeply to think about the extent of the abuse she endured, the violation she suffered. I found myself resenting her, but it wasn't because of her lineage or background; it was her intelligence that irked me the most," she admitted, her voice tinged with a mix of empathy and frustration.
The other Granger stood frozen, her eyes wide with disbelief as she watched the events unfold. Professor Snape firmly led his Slytherin students away, ushering them toward their common rooms with his usual stern demeanour. Then, with a heavy sigh, he turned his attention to the two Gryffindors lingering behind. He walked them through the dimly lit corridors, the portraits lining the walls peering down with curious expressions.
As they approached the entrance to the Gryffindor common room, a sudden, familiar voice cut through the air.
"Ginny!"
It was a call filled with urgency and concern, echoing against the stone walls as the familiar figure of a fellow student emerged from the shadows, worry etched across their features. The atmosphere was thick with tension as the Gryffindors prepared to confront the situation they had just been part of.
A/N- This concludes the current chapter. I hope you found it enjoyable and insightful. Chapter seven will be available shortly, so stay tuned. Your feedback is valuable, so please consider leaving a review. Thank you!