Chained to You
A/N- Here is chapter eight for you to read. Please keep in mind that this is not a beta read so that it may contain various errors and imperfections. I appreciate your understanding regarding this matter. I anticipate that some readers may express strong opinions at the end of the chapter, particularly concerning Hermione's decision to extend her forgiveness to Draco for his actions. It's important to clarify that Draco did not assault Hermione of his own volition.
This chapter will shift between different points of view, and I will indicate when these changes occur to provide clarity for the reader.
Chapter Eight: Aftermath
Good Draco
Draco shifted nervously on the cool stone floor as he glanced toward the door. His heart raced when he saw Dumbledore and Snape stride into the room; wands raised and a fierce determination in their eyes. The air thickened with tension as they began casting spells with a rapid-fire precision that sent shivers down his spine. In a matter of moments, the air pulsed with magic, and before he knew it, the three adversaries were trapped in a binding spell, leaving him temporarily disarmed and vulnerable.
As the chaos unfolded, his attention was abruptly drawn to Hermione. A deep flush crept up his cheeks as he looked at her exposed form, clearly taken aback by their unexpected predicament. Grimacing, he quickly turned his gaze to the wall, trying to shield his eyes from the situation unfolding before him.
His clothes lay just a few feet away, and in a flurry of movement, he gathered them, fumbling slightly as he dressed himself with hurried urgency. Searching for a way to provide comfort, he pulled out his wand and summoned a soft blanket with a flick of his wrist. The fabric appeared before him, and he wasted no time in wrapping it around Hermione, shielding her from the prying eyes of the room.
Draco felt her body tremble against him as she pressed her face into his chest, her tears soaking into his shirt. With one arm securely around her, he held her close, wishing he could offer her more than just comfort in that moment of raw vulnerability. As she cried, he felt an unexpected surge of protectiveness wash over him, the weight of the world momentarily forgotten in the face of her distress.
"Sorry… I'm so incredibly sorry," he murmured into her ear, his voice trembling with anguish. As he spoke, she shivered, overwhelmed by waves of pain and despair, her body shaking as if caught in a storm. His gaze shifted to the headmaster and the potion master standing at a distance, both of them observing the unfolding scene with a mixture of concern and disbelief.
"Mr. Malfoy from another world?" Professor Dumbledore inquired, his voice steady but filled with an undercurrent of tension.
"Yes," he replied, a deep sigh escaping his lips. Gathering his thoughts, he recounted the entire story, detailing the strange circumstances that brought him here and the catastrophic events that followed. With every syllable he uttered, he could see Dumbledore's expression darken, his brows knitting closer together until his face was a portrait of fury and dismay. The room seemed to thicken with unsaid words and unexpressed emotions as the gravity of their situation began to settle in the air around them.
Hermione trembled like a leaf in Draco's arms, the warmth of his embrace providing a fragile shield against the storm of emotions swirling within her. As he leaned closer, his breath brushing against her ear, he whispered tenderly, "Hermione, you are safe now." His voice was a soothing balm, gently cutting through her fears.
Draco's gaze flicked towards the Silver Trio, and a shiver ran down his spine at the sight of their piercing glares aimed directly at him and Hermione. He instinctively tightened his hold on Hermione as if, by doing so, he could shield both of them from their judgment. The weight of their disdain hung in the air, but he refused to let it penetrate the fragile moment they shared.
Turning his attention back to Professor Snape, who was absorbed in the shelves of potions, Draco noted the way the professor's brow furrowed in concentration as he examined the myriad vials. Mutters slipped from Snape's lips, forming incantations and observations that mingled with the scent of herbs and various concoctions. The soft scratching of his quill against parchment filled the room, a rhythmic sound that added to the tension.
Suddenly, a commanding voice broke through the atmosphere. "Mister Malfoy. You will remove the bracelet." Professor Dumbledore's tone was firm yet calm, his presence a steady anchor amid the chaos. Draco's heart raced at the implication of the order, knowing full well the significance of the bracelet that bound Hermione and him in this strange realm.
Draco Malfoy fixed his piercing gaze on Harry, a smug, taunting expression playing across his features as if to say, "NEVER!" The disdain in his eyes was unmistakable. Meanwhile, he instinctively tightened his grip around Hermione, whose body trembled with quiet sobs. Her breaths were shaky, punctuated by soft sniffles, and tears cascaded down her cheeks, soaking into the fabric of Draco's shirt. He could feel the warmth of her tears seeping through to his skin, and despite the tension in the air, he offered a silent comfort, trying to shield her from the cruel words that hung heavily between them.
"Mister Malfoy," Professor Dumbledore intoned, his voice firm and unwavering as he fixed his piercing gaze on the young wizard. "I must inform you that not only are you facing the very real prospect of expulsion from Hogwarts, but you are also likely to stand trial for your actions. The gravity of your situation cannot be understated; should the circumstances warrant it, you may find yourself imprisoned in Azkaban for an extended period. The implications of your behaviour could even lead to the unimaginable—being subjected to the Dementor's kiss. This is a serious matter, and therefore, I expect you to remove the bracelet at once." Dumbledore's tone left no room for argument, emphasizing the severity of the consequences that loomed over Malfoy.
"Never," he declared confidently, his voice dripping with possessiveness. "She is mine." As Draco watched Hermione start to pull away from him, a surge of frustration welled up inside him. He felt an intense urge to confront Malfoy, to shout out and demand that he back off. The sight of Hermione so close to his rival ignited a fierce protectiveness in Draco, making his heart race as anger simmered just beneath the surface.
Hermione
Hermione froze at Draco's words, a chill running down her spine as she pulled away from his warm and protective chest. The world around her faded momentarily as she whirled to face him, a mix of resolve and uncertainty in her heart. She walked over, her footsteps soft against the cold floor, her mind racing with conflicting thoughts. His grey eyes glinted with mischief and something more, a sly grin creeping across his face as if he were silently beckoning her forward, tauntingly whispering, "Yes, come to me, my mudblood."
Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Hermione paused, closing her eyes for a brief moment. She inhaled the faint scent of him—something warm and earthy that made her heart race despite the situation. She knew she had to act quickly, her thoughts swirling like leaves in the wind. With a trembling hand, she reached out to touch his arm, the warmth of his skin contrasting sharply with her nervousness. Leaning closer, she felt the flutter of her heartbeat echo in her ears, drowning out everything else.
Without uttering a word, she pressed a soft kiss against his cheek, an unexpected rush of emotion flooding through her. It felt terrifying. As she did so, she gently guided his hand toward the bracelet, her fingers brushing against his as she placed it there. It was an act filled with hesitation and urgency, and she couldn't help but cringe inwardly at the thought of what she was doing, battling the tangled feelings swirling within her. The moment was both intimate and fraught with tension, leaving her breathless as she stepped back, wondering what this vulnerability would mean for them both.
Hermione's face twisted in anguish as she imagined the possibility of carrying her attacker's child. Her hands shook as she tried to push the thought out of her mind, her eyes pleading for it not to be true.
Despite her best efforts to avoid it, Hermione couldn't help but imagine her stomach swelling with a growing belly, a constant reminder of the horrific events she had endured.
Hermione's eyes were wide with fear and disgust as she remembered the repeated instances of rape and the forced consumption of illegal potions. She couldn't bring herself to look at her own body, afraid that it may now bear the evidence of her attacker's violence. Her face contorted with conflicting emotions of fear, anger, and shame as she tried to come to terms with the terrifying prospect of pregnancy.
She instinctively recoiled when he grasped her wrist tightly. But as she pushed against his grip, a smile spread across her face. She forcefully shrugged off his hand and leapt back into Draco's arms, trembling with excitement.
"Hermione?" he questioned. She held up her wrist to reveal the missing bracelet and presented it to him for confirmation.
"You stupid mudblood! You are mine!" Malfoy yelled as he threw the bracelet at her. Hermione pushed back into Draco's chest as he wrapped an arm around her. He pulled them both back as the bracelet landed four steps away from them.
"I don't belong to you. I never belonged to you," Hermione gasped, her voice strained as the air escaped her lungs. She felt a wave of unease wash over her from the intense look he gave her, making her skin crawl. In an attempt to find comfort, she turned away from him and pressed her face against Draco's chest, seeking solace in his warmth. Her body quivered, overwhelmed by a rush of adrenaline that coursed through her, making her heart race.
Professor Snape from this world
He cast a sideways glance at the array of shimmering potions lined up on the shelf, a mix of curiosity and disapproval flickering across his face. The air was heavy with a blend of strange scents, each promising to hold secrets of its own. As he turned his head, he caught sight of Miss Granger—a version of her from a different timeline—hurtling through the air.
With unexpected grace, she landed directly in the waiting arms of Draco, who stood with a confident smirk on his lips. The sight of her being enveloped in his embrace sent a jolt of something like annoyance through him. Draco tightened his hold, pulling her closer against him as if to stake his claim. The scene felt both absurd and mesmerizing, a blend of tension and unspoken history hanging between them while he stood there, momentarily frozen in surprise.
After meticulously inscribing the names of the various potions and crafting several additional copies, Severus Snape strode back towards Dumbledore, his eyes narrowing into a fierce glare directed at the trio of students. The air around him crackled with tension as he spoke, his voice smooth yet laced with urgency.
"We need to return them to their world without delay, Albus." He drawled, his tone hinting at both frustration and determination.
Dumbledore, with his characteristic calm demeanour, nodded in understanding. "Of course, Professor Snape. Why don't you keep an eye on them while I prepare for their return?" he suggested, a twinkle in his eye as he gazed at the students.
Snape assented with a curt nod, his expression unwavering. He raised his hand, using his wand to summon all of Hermione Granger's clothes that lay scattered across the floor. The garments swirled through the air, gathering in a neat pile before settling into the crook of Draco Malfoy's arms. Alongside the clothing, Snape placed a neatly rolled scroll—a detailed slip containing information about the potions that could serve as an informative guide for anyone from their world who might need it.
The contents of the scroll unrolled slightly, revealing carefully scripted notes that would ensure the knowledge wouldn't go to waste, as Snape kept a vigilant eye on the students, ensuring they remained steady amidst the chaos of their sudden transition.
Professor Dumbledore from this world
He scanned the room, his piercing gaze narrowing on two students who hailed from the alternate world, their faces a mix of curiosity and apprehension. In stark contrast, he shot a fierce glare at the students from his world, feeling a swell of frustration. They were too caught up in their concerns, oblivious to the larger stakes at play. His focus softened as he turned his attention to Miss Granger, whose unwavering loyalty kept her close to Mr. Malfoy from her dimension. A warm smile broke through his initial tension, a silent acknowledgment of her determination amidst the chaos surrounding them.
"Let's get you home," he said, his voice gentle yet firm, as he stepped forward and crossed the threshold of the door. The sound of hurried footsteps echoed behind him, prompting his mind to spiral into overdrive. He was plagued by the realization that he had been so focused on his mission—trying to save Harry Potter by venturing back in time to before the fateful train journey—that he had overlooked the importance of connecting with his other students. All at once, the weight of his neglect washed over him; he had never truly taken the time to see or understand them. The urgency of their situation intensified, driving him to rethink his approach as he moved onward, desperately seeking a path that would lead them back to safety.
Miss. Granger had suffered for six years, the one from this world and when the Miss. Granger from the other world came, and she suffered too until she went back and got the bracelet off. She was given many illegal potions, raped by this world's Mr. Malfoy and the Mr. Malfoy from the other world was made to forced to have sex with her.
He let out a deep sigh, the weight of the moment settling heavily on his shoulders. Rubbing his forehead, he felt the tension there, a physical manifestation of his swirling thoughts. Glancing at the figure before him, he furrowed his brow with curiosity and concern. "Where did you come into this world?" he asked, his voice tinged with a mix of bewilderment and intrigue.
Draco
Draco gazed intently at Professor Dumbledore, who stood before him as a figure of wisdom and authority in their strange world.
"Fourth floor, near the…" he started, his voice trailing off as he searched for the right words.
"Third Charms door," Hermione interjected softly, her voice barely above a whisper. Draco glanced over at her, feeling a rush of warmth flood his cheeks at her unexpected contribution.
As they strolled down the corridor, the soft fabric of Hermione's blanket slipped from her shoulder, subtly revealing a glimpse of her cleavage. The sight was both captivating and disturbing, and Draco felt a flutter of emotions he couldn't quite decipher.
"Hermione," he called gently, eager to regain her attention. She looked up at him, her eyes wide with curiosity, and he couldn't help but offer her a soft, reassuring smile. "The blanket," he added, his tone laced with a hint of concern, hoping to draw her attention back to the wayward fabric.
"Oh…" Hermione sighed softly as she smoothed out the edges of the blanket, her fingers brushing against the fabric in a soothing motion.
"How long?" she whispered, a hint of urgency in her voice as she looked up at him, her brow slightly furrowed with concern.
Draco stared at her, momentarily puzzled, unsure of what she was really asking. "Not long…?" he replied hesitantly, trying to decipher the question.
With a playful roll of her eyes, she gave him a look that mixed exasperation with amusement. "I mean, how long have we been here?"
He paused, the weight of her inquiry sinking in as he counted the minutes in his head. He was suddenly aware of the time they had spent in this hidden corner of the castle. It felt like ages, yet somehow, it was slipping away much too quickly.
"It's almost time to go," Professor Dumbledore's voice echoed through the room, breaking their moment of contemplation. His presence's gravity was felt immediately, adding a sense of urgency to their exchange.
They both abruptly stopped at the exact spot where they had entered earlier. Draco stepped back slightly, a glimmer of seriousness in his eyes. He leaned closer and whispered, "You should get dressed." His words were laced with an underlying sense of protectiveness, and he subtly gestured toward the clothes carelessly strewn nearby.
Hermione shook her head slowly, her brow furrowed with pain. "It hurts a lot," she managed to say, her voice trembling slightly. He could see the anguish etched in her features, and he understood all too well the source of her discomfort — both physical and emotional. The realization of what had transpired made his anger boil beneath the surface, intensifying his frustration at the entire situation.
"Alright then, Mr. Malfoy," he said, his voice steady but urgent. "I need to know precisely what type of chant, charm, or spell you used to transport yourself from your world to this one."
With a twinge of reluctance, Draco stepped forward, his expression serious. He handed Dumbledore an ancient-looking book, its cover worn and pages yellowed with age. Draco pointed to a specific page, allowing the headmaster to absorb the information quickly. Dumbledore's keen eyes darted over the text, searching for clarity. "Was the chant you used identical to Mr. Nott's from your world?" he inquired, his tone pressing for an answer.
"Yes," Draco replied curtly, his jaw set tightly.
He took a step back, allowing a moment for the gravity of the situation to settle in. "Get ready with the ring," he instructed Hermione, his voice firm as he prepared for the next steps they needed to take. The tension in the air was palpable as everyone braced for what was to come.
Hermione
Hermione cradled the delicate necklace, its chain glimmering in the soft light, the small ring adorning it catching her gaze. It was a precious gift from Draco. As she held the necklace close to her heart, she thought of the warmth it represented, the bond they had forged despite all odds. The memory of their time in the Alternate world flooded back to her—their laughter, their shared glances, and the challenges they faced together.
She glanced at Professor Dumbledore, standing firmly before her, and then at Draco, who was poised beside her, each of them wielding their wands in elegant, synchronized movements. The air felt thick with anticipation as both of them began to chant an incantation, their voices intertwining with the rhythm of ancient magic. The words rolled off their tongues like a melodic chant, steeped in history and power.
As the spell took hold, a shimmering white mist enveloped them, swirling and dancing around them, gradually obscuring their forms from view. The sensation was disorienting, like being caught in a dream where reality blurs and fades. In an instant, the mist dissipated, and they found themselves back in their familiar surroundings, returning to the moment just before they had ventured into the Alternate world.
"Granger! Draco! Thank the heavens you are back!" Theo's voice broke the silence, his urgency palpable as he sat up abruptly from his bed. He had been on high alert, wand drawn, but he didn't cast any spells. As his gaze darted between Hermione and Draco, his eyes widened in surprise and concern. His heart raced as he took in Hermione's appearance—her clothes were different and unfamiliar, and he cursed quietly under his breath. His attention shifted to Draco; he appeared even paler than usual, a troubling sight that set off alarm bells in Theo's mind.
"Theo, is…?" Hermione began, her voice filled with uncertainty, but Theo quickly interjected.
"The headmaster knows everything, as do Professor Snape and her friends," he replied, his tone serious yet calm.
Hermione's wide eyes revealed her shock, and the weight of his words sank in. She processed the implications, her mind racing with thoughts of her friends and the precarious situation they were all in. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she walked slowly toward Theo, the necklace in hand.
She extended her arm, offering him the necklace with the family ring, a symbol of trust and connection. Theo carefully accepted it, their eyes meeting as an unspoken understanding passed between them. This act was more than just a gesture; it was the beginning of unravelling the mysteries that lay ahead, a promise to face whatever challenges came their way, united and undeterred.
Theo
"Did you get the bracelet off?" He asked. He looked at Granger's wrist, but her clothes covered it. Clothes were off, and she was in a blanket. His mind already knew what happened. That Malfoy raped her.
Granger lifted her wrist, exposing the bare skin where a bracelet would typically rest, but it was conspicuously absent. She felt a wave of disappointment wash over her as she glanced at Draco. Sensing her unease, he furrowed his brow. "What happened?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.
Granger shook her head slowly, silently refusing to share whatever burden weighed on her. She took a step back, creating a bit of distance, though her eyes lingered on Draco for a moment longer as if seeking some unspoken understanding. Draco turned his gaze to his friend Theo, who was curiously watching the interaction.
"Lots of this, Theo," Draco murmured under his breath, his tone a mix of frustration and sympathy. He shook his head slightly, urging Theo to grasp the gravity of the situation without needing to ask more questions. The air around them felt thick with unspoken words and lingering tension.
A/N- I'm going to wrap things up for now. It's been great connecting with you! Looking forward to our next chat. Take care and see you soon!