Chained to You

A/N- Here is chapter nine for you to enjoy it. Not beta read at all. So, there will be mistakes throughout the chapter. Be warned about it. I tried finding a beta reader, but I have yet to hear back from anyone.

Chapter Nine

Draco

Draco cast a sideways glance at Hermione, a deep sigh escaping his lips as he gathered his thoughts. "Granger, we need to go to Professor Dumbledore," he called out with a tone that brokered no argument. His hand lightly rested on her back, a gesture that was both protective and comforting, as he guided her through the doorway. Theo, ever the loyal friend, trailed closely behind them, his curiosity piqued by the unusual urgency of their departure from Draco's room.

As they stepped into the dimly lit Slytherin common room, Draco couldn't shake the whirlwind of concern swirling in his mind. The earlier revelation that Hermione was pregnant weighed heavily on him.

"This was not good at all." He could picture his parents' reactions — the disapproving glares and the inevitable outbursts that would follow. He was fully aware of the implications this situation held, and the decisions that lay ahead felt monumental. At that moment, he resolved that whatever course of action he chose had to be morally right.

He glanced at Hermione again, noticing how she shivered slightly in the frigid air of the dungeons. "This isn't where a pregnant woman should be," he thought, his heart tightening at the thought of her discomfort. The cold stone walls of Slytherin's lair seemed especially harsh now that the gravity of their reality had settled upon them.

Inside the common room, the atmosphere was vibrant and lively, filled with chatter and laughter from Draco's classmates. He had expected to find it bustling, but the sheer density of their peers took him by surprise. He should have asked Theo for the time before they left — it was now quite clear that sneaking out unnoticed would be a tricky endeavour. With so many eyes around them and the very real possibility of questions being asked, Draco felt a surge of determination to navigate this delicate situation carefully and discreetly.

Theo

Theo's mind was caught in a whirlwind of conflicting emotions, torn between an insatiable curiosity about the events that had unfolded and a deep-seated dread about the truths that might come to light. He found it impossible to tear his gaze away from Hermione Granger, who stood before him, her presence both a relief and a source of anxiety. The sight of her, alive and seemingly unharmed, filled him with a strange mix of gratitude and apprehension. He felt a swell of happiness that she had managed to remove that cursed bracelet, and he couldn't help but think of Draco, one of his closest friends, who was also safe alongside her.

As they approached the common room, Theo's heart sank at the realization that he had neglected to communicate the time they would be returning. Panic surged through him. "Shit," he thought, his mind racing. He could see Pansy Parkinson in the distance, her expression shifting from confusion to shock as her gaze landed on Granger. The colour drained from Pansy's face, turning her cheeks ghostly pale at the sight of the girl who had been at the center of so much turmoil.

Theo glanced back at Granger, noting her dishevelled appearance, a stark reminder of the recent chaos. She clearly needed to retrieve her dress and perhaps make an attempt to clean herself up. With that thought, he waved Pansy over, hoping that she would be able to assist. Just then, out of nowhere, a Slytherin seventh-year collided with Granger, his nose buried deep in a book, completely oblivious to the scene unfolding around him. Theo felt a surge of frustration as he watched the unintended collision, a fitting metaphor for the chaotic twists of their lives at Hogwarts.

Hermione

Hermione collapsed onto the floor with a heavy thud, the impact jarring her senses. She was acutely aware that she was not alone; a male presence loomed over her. As she fought to compose herself, tears welled up in her eyes, blurring her vision. The blanket that had once provided her shelter now lay carelessly thrown aside, leaving her exposed and vulnerable for all to see. A rush of shame washed over her, staining her cheeks a deep crimson as she met the gaze of the boy who had disrupted her sanctuary.

Fear gripped her entire being, causing her heart to race violently in her chest. Each thump felt like a drum echoing in her ears, drowning out the chaotic whispers of the common room. Her mind went blank, paralyzed by the sudden realization of her situation. She could see his eyes widen in shock as he took in the sight of her, and in a swift motion, he leaped away from her, creating a space that felt both liberating and terrifying.

"What happened?" he demanded his voice a low growl that sent chills down her spine. His gaze, filled with a mix of concern and anger, swept over her trembling form, and the weight of his question hung heavy in the air. Hermione felt every pair of eyes in the common room turned towards her, the atmosphere thick with tension. Yet, for all the attention on her, she was frozen, unable to muster even a whisper in response.

"Jessie," Draco interrupted, his voice slicing through the silence like a knife. The very mention of the name sent another wave of fear surging through Hermione.

Jessie

He felt himself tumbling downwards, gravity pulling him harshly into the earth. Beneath him, he realized there was a smaller figure—a female form, crumpled and vulnerable. Instinctively, he pulled back, his heart racing as he glanced down. Granger met his gaze, her wide eyes filled with an overwhelming fear that sent a jolt through him. The rapid thump of his heart echoed in his ears.

As he looked closer, something unusual caught his attention. His eyes drifted downward, and he felt a rush of crimson fill them, a mix of concern and confusion flooding his senses. With a surge of adrenaline, he pushed himself up from her, his mind racing as he scrutinized Granger more intently, searching for answers in the depths of her fearful stare.

Bruises decorated her arms and legs like a morbid painting, and drops of blood dripped onto her thighs. The bite marks on her flesh made his stomach turn. As he looked at her, one word flashed through his mind: "rape." He growled in anger at the thought. Despite the fact that she was a mudblood, he prided himself on being a gentleman and would never sink so low as to harm her in such a vile way.

"Who did this to you?" he asked, his voice a mix of concern and anger as he crouched down to get a better look at her. The silence stretched between them until he caught a glimpse of familiar figures standing a short distance away. Draco Malfoy and Theo Nott loomed just out of reach, their presence unsettling.

"Jessie," Draco called out, his tone icy as he directed his glare at her. His pale eyes flicked toward his companion, Theo, his expression a dangerous blend of contempt and challenge.

In one swift motion, he stepped over Granger's sprawled form, the intensity of the moment escalating as he pushed past the two boys with a forceful shove. The push wasn't just a physical act; it was a statement of dominance, an attempt to intimidate as he positioned himself between them and Jessie, ready to confront whoever was responsible for her distress.

"You rape her!" He hollered.

Every eye in the dimly lit Slytherin common room was fixated on them, the air thick with tension and whispered speculations. The flickering shadows cast by the flames in the ornate fireplace danced across the astonished faces of the onlookers while the atmosphere crackled with intrigue. Murmurs rippled through the crowd as housemates exchanged glances, their curiosity piqued by the unexpected arrival of the newcomers. The rich, emerald-green tapestries that adorned the walls seemed to absorb the tension, heightening the sense of anticipation in the room.

Pansy

Pansy Parkinson sat in the common room, her gaze drifting toward Draco Malfoy, Theodore Nott, and Hermione Granger as they conversed quietly in a corner. She couldn't shake the unease that settled in her stomach when she noticed that Granger was wrapped in a large, tattered blanket, looking smaller and more vulnerable than usual. A knot tightened in Pansy's chest; something terrible must have happened to put that look on Granger's face.

Suddenly, Theodore waved her over with a gesture that brought a spark of hope to her heart, urging her to join them. Pansy stood up, determination coursing through her as she made her way across the room. However, just as she was about to reach them, Jessie stumbled into Granger, causing her to crash to the floor. The blanket slipped from her shoulders, leaving her exposed and vulnerable.

Pansy's eyes widened in shock, and a wave of emotion swelled within her, threatening to spill over. She felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes as she rushed forward. Behind her, Daphne Greengrass and Milly Ashdown gasped in disbelief, their expressions mirroring Pansy's concern.

With a fierce glare directed at the boys, Pansy knelt beside Granger, instinctively extending her hands to gather the blanket around her once more, sheltering her from prying eyes. "I've got you," she murmured, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside.

Pansy assisted Granger as she struggled to her feet, ensuring that the blanket stayed in place. Daphne and Milly hurried to her side, their faces a mixture of worry and determination. Within moments, the other seventh-year girls rallied around them, forming a protective barrier against the rest of the room. Their solidarity was a silent promise that Granger was not alone at that moment.

"Granger… let's get you into the bathing room," Pansy whispered urgently, her voice barely rising above the hushed murmurs of the other girls. Hermione, caught in a fog of confusion, barely registered Pansy's words as she felt a gentle tug on her arm. Pansy guided her through the winding corridor leading toward the girls' dormitories; their footsteps muffled against the stone floor.

Behind them, a small group of curious girls trailed, their eyes flickering between Pansy and Hermione. Pansy sensed their questions brewing, the unspoken worries about Hermione's state swirling among them. But her focus remained steadfastly on Hermione's well-being; she could see the remnants of distress etched on her friend's features. What had happened was too much for anyone to bear alone, and Pansy's concern outweighed her desire to explain.

As they reached the bathing rooms at the far end of the hall, the atmosphere became more serene, a stark contrast to the tension that had filled the air just moments before. Pansy found herself leading Hermione into the first changing room, its warm, inviting ambiance and small comfort.

"Pans?" Daphne called softly, halting just outside the door, her brow furrowed with worry for her friend.

"After," Pansy replied firmly, her tone leaving no room for discussion. She turned her attention back to Hermione, her voice dropping to a more compassionate tone. "Granger, take off that blanket."

Hermione hesitated, glancing down at the heavy fabric wrapped around her like a shield. "Why are you being so nice to me?" she asked, confusion lacing her words. The vulnerability in her voice carved a deeper path into Pansy's heart.

Pansy took a step closer, her expression softening. "I know what happened when you went on that first trip," she whispered, her gaze intense. "I met the other Hermione from that world. It was… complicated. I can't believe that Draco and Theo would let you go into that world, especially not without understanding the risks." Her voice trailed off, the last part murmured as if the weight of her realization was almost too heavy to bear.

The silence enveloped them, and at that moment, Pansy knew they had a long road ahead, but she was determined to stand by Hermione's side through it all.

Hermione

She gradually peeled the soft blanket away from her body, feeling the cool air brush against her skin. Every instinct urged her to suppress the sound threatening to escape her lips. "Come on, Hermione. There are no males here," she murmured, trying to muster her courage.

With a deep inhale, Hermione steadied herself before cautiously peering out from the confines of the changing room. Her eyes scanned the area, landing on the group of females who were scattered around, either standing sentinel by the doors or gathered in clusters. Pansy, Daphne, and Millicent stood protectively in front of her door, their expressions a mix of determination and camaraderie.

Pansy let out a soft sigh that echoed Hermione's unease as she caught sight of her friend. Before Hermione could fully process the situation, Pansy stepped into action, gently tugging her from the safety of the changing room. Hermione's breath hitched as she gasped at the sudden exposure to the brightly lit space beyond.

To her shock, Pansy was in the midst of undressing, slipping out of her outer layers until she was left in just her knickers and bra. Hermione felt a heat rise to her cheeks, panic setting in as she froze, uncertain of how to react. Yet, Pansy turned back to her, a gentle smile gracing her lips, a reassuring gesture that offered a sliver of comfort amidst the overwhelming embarrassment.

"Come on, Granger. I'll help you wash," she said, her voice warm and inviting. Hermione turned to see Daphne and Millicent standing a few steps away, their approving nods encouraging her to let go of her hesitation.

Taking a deep breath, Hermione inhaled the soothing scents of lavender and chamomile that filled the air, feeling a rush of calm wash over her. As she exhaled, she released the blanket that had been wrapped tightly around her, relinquishing her last barrier of modesty. She stepped into the steaming bath, a gentle sigh escaping her lips as the warm water enveloped her tired body, soothing her aching muscles.

The comforting sensation of the water lapping against her skin was like a balm, healing her discomfort. Pansy stood close beside her, a caring expression on her face as she stretched out her hands, offering various items: soft sponges, fragrant oils, and delicate soaps that shimmered in the candlelight.

"Thanks," Hermione murmured, a wave of gratitude swelling within her. She felt a sense of camaraderie in this unexpected moment, the bond with her friends deepening as they shared in this intimate and nurturing experience.

Draco

"Jessie! Theo and I would never commit such a heinous act." Draco exclaimed, his words dripping with disbelief as he addressed the disgusted onlookers in the room.

"Then why was she found completely naked, her skin marked with bruises and covered in… that?" Jessie shouted, his voice thick with anger and disbelief.

Draco ran a hand through his hair, frustration evident in his sigh. He knew he had to explain everything clearly. "Alright, let me start from the beginning," he said, his tone shifting to a more serious one. He recounted how Hermione had accidentally stumbled into an alternate universe—an AU—where, to his dismay, he had become an even more relentless tormentor than he had ever been in their world.

With each word, he painted a vivid picture of that dark dimension, detailing the challenges and horrors Hermione faced there. He explained the significance of the bracelet, an enchanted object that had inadvertently tethered her to that world, making it nearly impossible for her to escape the torment.

Draco paused, his mind racing as he considered how to describe the moment they had finally entered that bleak reality to rescue her. But just as he was about to delve deeper, the weight of unsaid truths halted him, and he fell silent, his heart heavy with the memories he dared not share.

"That Malfoy used illegal potions on himself and Granger," Draco continued, his voice steady but tinged with an edge of anger. The room fell silent, a thick tension hanging in the air as the weight of his words sank in. Shock and disgust spread across the faces of those gathered, their expressions a mix of disbelief and disgust.

Draco elaborated on the nature of the potions, describing in vivid detail the sinister effects they had on both himself and Hermione. He painted a picture of twisted transformations and unpredictable consequences, each revelation prompting a deepening frown among his listeners. The males present avoided eye contact, their gazes fixed on the floor, grappling with the implications of such dark magic.

Across the room, Jessie locked eyes with Draco, her brow furrowing in concern. "You aren't saying something?" she questioned, her voice cutting through the heavy silence. There was an unspoken urgency in her tone as if she sensed there was more to the story that needed to be uncovered.

"After that, Malfoy raped her twice…. he forced Granger onto …. Me." He whispered, and with that, Draco had to turn around and vomit onto the ground, and his body spasmed into shivers.

As the room fell silent, Theo's comforting hand on his back only made him feel worse. He had done something unforgivable, even if it was out of his control. The guilt weighed heavily on him as tears streamed down his face. How could he have let himself be forced into such a despicable act? He didn't want to believe it, but the truth was staring back at him in the horrified faces of those around him.

Jessie stood at the front of the common room, his voice unwavering as he addressed the group gathered around her. "I want to make it absolutely clear that Draco is innocent in this matter," he declared, his eyes scanning the faces of his peers with determination. "It is Malfoy who should be held accountable for his actions. Right now, it is our responsibility—both the sixth and seventh years—to unite and support the younger male students in our house. The female students will take charge of looking after the younger girls."

With fierce conviction, Jessie continued, "I refuse to let our house be tarnished by any association with the vile act of rape, whether it's against a male or female, regardless of their blood status. This is not just about protecting our reputation; it is about standing up for what is right."

He took a deep breath, his expression stern. "Let me make one thing clear: any male student discovered to have committed rape will be reported to the headmaster without delay. We cannot and will not condone such behaviour. We must ensure the safety and dignity of everyone in this house." His passion ignited a spark of resolve among those present, setting the tone for a collective commitment to uphold justice and integrity within their community.

Pansy

As Pansy stood in the dimly lit bathroom, her heart sank at the sight of Hermione. The girl was visibly shaken, her skin mottled with bruises and redness that told a story of pain and distress. Pansy's frustration bubbled beneath the surface, threatening to explode at the injustice before her.

With a steady hand, she guided Daphne to take notes, meticulously recording each mark on Hermione's skin. "Over here," Pansy pointed to a particularly dark bruise blossoming on Hermione's arm, a stark contrast against her pale complexion. Daphne quickly scribbled it down, her expression a mix of sympathy and anger.

Once the documentation was complete, Pansy turned her attention to helping Hermione wash her hair. She gently massaged the shampoo into Hermione's scalp, her fingers careful not to cause any further discomfort. The warm water cascaded down, washing away the remnants of a long day, but the weight of unspoken words hung in the air.

As they moved to wash Hermione's lower legs, Pansy couldn't help but notice the tension in the room. Each stroke of the cloth served as a reminder of the anger she struggled to contain. It was infuriating to witness a friend suffer so deeply. Nevertheless, she focused on being a source of comfort rather than voicing her fury. At that moment, she knew that her support was needed more than her words.

Poor Hermione had thought about this moment countless times, but now that it was finally happening, the reality felt overwhelming. Pansy Parkinson was going to be a constant presence in her life from this point on, and the weight of that knowledge sat heavily on her shoulders. As she glanced around at her friends, the expressions on their faces reflected a mix of shock, disgust, and anger. The seventh- and sixth-year girls were murmuring among themselves, their eyes wide with disbelief. Some were shaking their heads in disapproval, while others cast worried glances in Hermione's direction as if silently asking her how she was going to cope with this new development. The atmosphere was charged with tension, and the camaraderie that typically filled the room felt strained in the face of this unwelcome change.

"Come on, Hermione," she heard herself urging softly, her voice tinged with concern. It was strange to hear her name spoken that way; when had Granger transformed into Hermione? Perhaps it was at this moment, amidst the chaos, where vulnerability hung in the air, and she found herself in desperate need of support and a sense of safety.

Daphne reached over and handed her a fluffy towel, the fabric warm and inviting against her cold, damp skin. Millicent moved in closer, her touch gentle yet reassuring as she carefully helped Hermione dry off. The tension that had gripped Hermione began to ease as she felt the warmth of the towel envelop her. Meanwhile, Daphne rummaged through her bag and produced a set of clothes, freshly clean and full of comfort, offering them with a warm smile. The little acts of kindness grounded Hermione in the moment, a reminder that she was not alone in her struggle.

"Daphne, please inform Draco that our discussion is over and that we'll be joining him shortly," Pansy instructed, her voice steady and confident. Without missing a beat, Daphne sprang into action, her footsteps echoing against the stone walls as she hurried out of the room. A few moments later, she returned, her dark hair bouncing with the movement, and gave a slight nod of her head, signalling that she had delivered the message.

With purpose, Pansy led Hermione through the dimly lit corridor back to the Gryffindor common room. The soft flicker of candlelight created an inviting atmosphere, and Pansy could see Theo and Draco waiting for them, leaning casually against the plush sofas. As Pansy surveyed the room, she noticed the other members of their group gathered near the staircase, anxiously shifting their weight from one foot to the other.

Pansy offered a reassuring nod to her friends, her expression warm and calming. Sensing Hermione's hesitation, she positioned herself protectively in front of her. The girls formed a small barrier between Hermione and the two boys, ensuring that Hermione felt secure and supported as they approached. Pansy exchanged glances with her friends, silently communicating their solidarity as they stepped toward their waiting companions.

Draco

Draco glanced over at Granger, taking in the way her hair fell neatly around her shoulders and the determined set of her jaw. She was here again, a presence that both intrigued and unsettled him. He hadn't expected to care so much about her absence, but now, when she wasn't within view, an unsettling worry settled in. The realization that he wanted Granger close enough to see her was a new and foreign feeling he was still grappling with.

"Let's go, Madam Pomfrey," he found himself saying, his voice steady despite the chaos of thoughts swirling in his mind. He led the way, flanked by Theo, who walked confidently at his side. Granger kept pace with them, her focus unwavering, while Pansy trailed closely, casting occasional glances at Granger, clearly not thrilled about her proximity to Draco. Behind them, Daphne and Milly chatted animatedly, their laughter punctuating the air as they walked.

As they moved through the corridor, Draco's gaze wandered to Jessie, who stood in animated discussion with a group of first-, second-, and third-year boys. The serious look on her face suggested she was imparting a crucial lesson, one that made Draco momentarily pause. She was explaining the harsh reality of consent, emphasizing that rape would never be tolerated. It was a conversation that needed to happen, but seeing it unfold filled him with a strange mix of admiration for Jessie's boldness and a protective urge toward those who still had so much to learn.

Leah, a spirited girl from the seventh year, was engaged in animated conversation with a group of first to third-year girls, her two close friends flanking her, adding laughter and energy to the chat. They strolled through the bustling corridors of the school, where laughter and chatter echoed from every corner. Meanwhile, other students mingled with the fourth and fifth years, creating a vibrant atmosphere of camaraderie and youthful exuberance.

As they made their way through the halls, Draco Malfoy's gaze wandered, taking in the sights and sounds around him before settling back on Hermione Granger, who stood a short distance away. His heart yearned to be closer to her, but a part of him hesitated. He sensed that his presence might not provide the comfort she needed in her current state of mind. The weight of his thoughts was heavy as they finally arrived at the hospital wing, the familiar surroundings offering a sense of urgency.

Turning to his group of friends, Draco's voice was firm but calm, "Theo, could you go find Weasley and the others?" he asked, his eyes glancing at the clock, noting the time slipping away. "Pansy, I need you to locate Professors Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Snape. The rest of you should return to the common rooms for now."

Theo raised an eyebrow, curiosity evident on his face. "And what about you? What are you planning to do?"

"I'll stay here with Granger and Madam Pomfrey," Draco replied, determination clear in his voice. Understanding his intent, his friends nodded in acknowledgment and departed, each implementing their assigned tasks with quickened steps.

Draco turned his attention back to Hermione, her expression a mix of determination and weariness. "Granger… come here," he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper but filled with sincerity. He reached out his hand toward her, a gesture of comfort. She lifted her gaze, her eyes momentarily flickering with surprise before softening. As she hesitated, he noticed how her lip trembled ever so slightly.

Slowly, she stepped forward, extending her hand to meet his. Their fingers intertwined, and a palpable connection surged between them. Together, they crossed the threshold into the hospital wing, Draco's presence steadying her as they navigated the familiar space, now filled with the urgency of the situation. With Hermione by his side, Draco felt a sense of resolve, ready to face whatever awaited them in the next moments.

A/N- I'll leave it here for now until we meet again! Take care and see you next time!