To Fear Love Is To Fear Life…

To Fear Love Is To Fear Life…

Disclaimer: I do not own these characters nor am I making any money on this.

Author’s Notes:

Two horrific events take place and as a result, a man and woman find love – a love that was always there, but never recognized until now. This is a love story. Therefore I have forgone the details of the battles and other outside activities and concentrated on Severus and Hermione falling in love.

This is my answer to the challenge, Love in Four Stages. Yes, the closing date on this challenge was September 21, 2004. I guess you could say I got a bit side tracked, but now I am finished. In order for you to understand and properly appreciate what you are about to read, I am going to share the main parts of the challenge:

1. Each chapter originates from one episode involving both Snape and Hermione which has happened in canon. *I wrote with some variation on this requirement.*

2. Your task is to make them fall in love GRADUALLY, with a growing certainty, moving from acquaintance (teacher/student relationship), to a bit of mutual (although not necessarily simultaneous) respect and admiration, and then to mutual trust, and finally, to love.

3. These two characters must learn to love each other as the reader learns about the inner workings of their hearts and minds.

4. The problem is that you won’t have all the time in the world, just 4 chapters (plus an optional epilogue) to put them together in a believable way.

I hope you enjoy it.

Hugs,
Corazon

~ To fear love is to fear life, and those who fear life are already three parts dead. Bertrand Russell (1872 - 1970), Marriage and Morals (1929) ch. 19


Chapter 1

Hermione was running, running as fast as her legs could carry her through the dense Forbidden forest. Her lungs were on fire and her throat burned from the frozen air, but she didn’t dare stop until she was safe. The ground was dusted with snow, and she could feel the twigs snap under her feet with each step she took. The forest was dense with branches that slapped her face, arms, and legs, but she kept running. She heard the fabric tear as her cloak snagged on the branches and but she had to keep running. It meant life or death.

She had been collecting potion ingredients from the edge of the Forbidden Forest when she heard an icy voice call out, “Expelliamus!”

Before she could react, her body had been flung a good ten yards, slamming into a tree, and her basket of ingredients spilling onto the ground. She quickly got to her feet, only to see Lucius Malfoy coming toward her with his wand drawn. Instinctively she reached for hers, forgetting he had disarmed her. Having no other choice, she ran. She turned and ran as fast as she could into the forest hoping to find a place to hide and seek refuge.

Her heart felt like it was ready to explode while her sides ached from the lack of oxygen. Her mind was numb, but she commanded to herself, ‘Run! Just keep running! ’

Coming to a small clearing where the ground was blanketed with snow, she heard him yell something and then found herself slipping over a pile of snow-covered boulders. Rolling to the bottom of them she tried to get up but she couldn’t move. ‘A full body binding spell,’ she thought. Even though her body didn’t show it, she was trembling with fear.

Hearing his foot steps coming from around the boulders, she knew she was doomed. All she could do was continue staring at the white sky. “Aw, if it isn’t the magnificent Miss Granger,” he sneered. He cautiously walked around her as if expecting her to do something for he knew not to underestimate the witch. It also gave him time to catch his breath. Wiping the sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand, he pushed his blonde locks out of his face, but kept his wand drawn. When he was sure she was not a threat, he moved closer to her so his face was in full view of hers.

She looked into his cold silver eyes and hardened face. It had been a long since she had been face to face with this man. His cold, gray eyes bore into hers. His mockery in his expression displayed pure revulsion of the prey he had snared.

“Hogwarts’ pride and joy,” he sneered. “I am told you are a very special witch.” His eyes slowly moved down her body as he continued. “The cleverest they have seen in years.” Taking his wand with the silver serpent’s head he ran it along her chest where her cloak swelled from her breasts. He moved even closer to her and whispered, “I am about to show you how special you really are.” Without warning he took his empty hand and slapped her across the face.

She felt the sting from the slap, but couldn’t react beyond that. Lucius pointed his wand at her and took off the full body-binding spell. Hermione tired to get to her hands and knees to escape, but he snapped his fingers, causing ropes to shoot out of his wand. Instantly her wrists were bound and tied above her head and her ankles were each tied and being pulled apart. She laid spread eagle on the snow-covered ground.

Hermione knew there was no way out of this. If she screamed, he would silence her. If she cried, he would find satisfaction, so she forced herself to keep her composure and returned his glare. She would look him in the eye while denying him the satisfaction he was seeking.

“You are over dressed,” he said, waving his wand. Her clothes instantly flew off her body and the chill of the winter air consumed her. She didn’t know if it was due to the freezing temperatures or knowing what Lucius was about to do, but her body was instinctively reacting to the present elements surrounding her and she began to shiver. Standing over her, he humiliated her even more by slowly inspecting his prey. His eyes gazed upon her breasts and down the rest of her body. Slowly he shook his head as if disappointed.

He bent down next to her to get a better look. “You know Miss Granger, I have taken advantage of plenty of Mudbloods. All were filthy… disappointing whores.” His eyes looked down at her unclothed body again. “I do hope you are not disappointing, but then again I won’t get my hopes up.”

Hermione’s anger was building, but she forced herself not to respond to him. She continued staring at him. He slapped her again, trying to get some reaction out of her, yet she only stared back. The skin on the side of her face displayed several red handprints while the cold air soothed the sting.

Lucius was getting frustrated from her lack of response. The one thing that thoroughly excited him while ravaging women was seeing their fear and hearing their screams. If he had to, he would thrash her to make her scream.

Taking his time, he slowly removed his winter cloak, and placed it on the ground next to him. Next he unfastened his pants and pushed them down just enough to expose his erection. Just the thought of making her scream was enough to make him hard in this frigid cold weather. Leaning his weight on her, he placed one hand on the side of her head while he guided himself between her legs with the other.

With his lips touching her mouth and his eyes staring into hers, he hissed, “Now you shall scream, my filthy whore.” With one swift thrust, he entered her.

Hermione felt the sharp pain of her hymen breaking, causing her to flinch. The pain caused her to look away. His hair fell onto her face and she felt his hot breath against her skin. The stench of malt whiskey on his breath caused her stomach to turn and just when he thought he broke her, she vomited on him. He immediately pulled off of her.

“Damn filthy Mudblood!” he snapped before slapping her. Grabbing his wand he waved it, cleaning the vomit only from himself. He then waved the wand at her and severed her bindings.

Before Hermione could react, he flipped her over and quickly pulled her arse up toward him. He froze at what he saw. Low on her left buttocks, she had the mark of ownership. She had been claimed by another.

A mark of ownership was Dark Magic and it was to be honored by all wizards and witches. If it was not, the consequence could result in death. Aware of this, but knowing the damage was already done, he decided would have to kill her. With nothing to lose, he entered her swiftly, sodomizing her.

Hermione’s face pounded into the snow with each thrust. All she could do was turn her head and wait until it ended. The pain was unbearable. She closed her eyes and tried to drown out the grunts and moans that Lucius was making. Her courage was gone as she silently cried.

Not being able to see her defiant stare allowed Lucius to build up his release, and finally spill his seed into her. He rolled her back over and to his satisfaction; she had tears streaming down her face. He finally broke her.

Getting back to his feet, he pulled his pants back on, tucked his shirt back in and then put his cloak on. Without warning he then gave her a swift kick in the ribs, causing her to cry out. He grabbed her by the hair and dragged her to the rocks that were sticking out of the snow.

“If you had belonged to anyone else except him, I would have allowed you to live.” He slammed her head rocks, hearing the satisfying sound of her skull cracking.

Still holding her hair, he Disapparated with her back to the edge of Hogwarts. He wanted to make sure Hogwarts would see the gift he left for them. Before leaving, he smashed her face with the handle of his cane.

~*~*~*~*~

Minerva McGonagall left her Headmistress’s office with tears streaming down her face. Looking around to be sure she was not being followed, she quickly made her way down the hall to the dungeons where Severus would be waiting for her, but to make sure, she used several unnecessary passages.

He waited in the small, musty room in silence. Severus didn’t have the patience to deal with anymore turmoil. The Dark Lord was not pleased with the poor progress his Death Eaters had been making in his quest, so they had suffered several rounds of the Cruciatus curse. It was already dangerous enough to be on Hogwarts’ grounds, but he knew that Minerva would never contact him unless it was urgent.

Ever since Hermione discovered that Severus had only killed Albus Dumbledore on a direct order from him, she spent days convincing the Order. It was the evidence Dumbledore left behind that helped her make her case. Severus had been accepted back as a spy for the Order. In the evidence the headmaster had left behind had explained that his own life was soon ending due to the cruses placed upon him from searching for Horcruxes and that Severus’ life was much more of value due to his assignment as a spy. With the help of Albus’ portrait that hangs in Headmistress McGonagall’s office and after an intense debate with the Order, they came to a consensus to accept Severus back into the Order. But publicly he was still a wanted man since he had to claim credit for Dumbledore’s death in order to play the role a faithful Death Eater to Voldemort.

The door swung open with urgency and Severus drew his wand. It was Minerva. She quickly approached him and grabbed him by the front of his robes sobbing. “She was raped, Severus! She was raped and beaten!”

“Who?” he hissed, trying to push her back so that he could understand her better.

“Hermione,” she cried. “Hermione was raped and left for dead outside the castle.” In between sobs, she continued, “Fang, found her. Hagrid’s dog found her.” And then she buried her face in his robes.

Severus’ stomach turned at hearing the news. Closing his eyes, he forced himself to remain calm. “Where is she?” he asked in a half whisper.

“Poppy is getting her ready to send her to St. Mungo’s. The swelling in her brain is causing her to remain unconscious. They don’t know if she will make it.”

Severus pushed Minerva to the side and ran full speed to the infirmary with his robes billowing behind him. He had to see her. He didn’t care of he was spotted, he just had to be with her.

His heart almost stopped as he saw Hermione lying motionless on the bed. Her face was swollen and bruised. He thanked the gods that Poppy had already cleaned her up. Poppy also had her body wrapped in a special warming blanket due to the effects of the elements outside.

At first Severus couldn’t move. He couldn’t bring himself to go any closer, but he forced himself. Slowly, he approached her bed and knelt down next to her. It was all he could do to stop the guilt and anger from consuming him.

His mouth was dry and his mind was clouded. ‘It had to be a dream,’ he told himself. Reaching for her hand, he uncovered it from the blanket and brought it to his cheek. It was cold to the touch. Her body was still trying to warm up from the elements she had been exposed to.

Poppy walked into the room and froze when she saw Severus. Immediately she drew her wand just as Minerva entered the room. Minerva quickly raised her hand to Poppy, stopping her.

“It’s okay, Poppy,” she whispered.

Poppy hesitated, but accepted her word and looked back at Severus. She didn’t know what surprised her more, his presence or the affection he was displaying. When she had examined Hermione for injuries, she had come across a mark of ownership and now Poppy understood.

In a gentle voice, she said, “Severus, there is nothing more to do. It is time for her to go to St. Mungo’s.”

Severus looked up at Poppy and with tears in his eyes he nodded, understanding that he had to let her go.

Severus stepped into the shadows just as the medical team came in. They carefully placed her on a stretcher. Minerva and Poppy followed them in silence to the edge of the grounds and watched them Disapparate.

Once gone, Severus joined them. He took a deep breath and slowly let it out. He was trying to gain his composure before talking. His voice was deep, but almost cracked while speaking. “Did she say anything?”

“She said nothing,” whispered Minerva. “She never woke up.” Her tears still were running down her face. Poppy had an arm around her.

“There was an impression,” said Poppy, “embedded in her skin where her jaw is fractured. It resembled a serpent.”

As the words came out, realization struck him and the anger and hatred Severus Snape was so well known for was became evident on his face. He was all too familiar with this mark. His black eyes stared off into the distance for a few seconds before Apparating himself.

“Where is he going?” asked Poppy.

Minerva slowly shook her head, not wanting to think about is. Quietly she spoke, “To seek revenge.” She covered her face with her hands and cried. ‘First Hermione and now Severus,’ she thought.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Severus Apparated outside Malfoy Manor. He wasn’t thinking clearly. His anger clouded his judgment and he knew the outcome would not be good, but he vowed he would bring Malfoy down with him. Without Hermione in this world, it was the end, so the only thing he cared about was getting revenge.

He raised his wand and blasted the door open. Entering the study where Lucius would most likely be found, he entered.

Severus silently cast a spell resulting with Lucius’ body being slammed against the wall. His blonde, disheveled hair covered his face and Lucius staggered to his feet, trying to keep his composure. He flipped his head slightly to move his hair from his face, eying Severus dangerously.

“I don’t share, Lucius!” Severus spat as he moved closer to him. Lucius stopped in his tracks, realizing Severus knew of his activity. The fear in his eyes confirmed Severus’ assumptions. Severus’ eyes narrowed and displayed a level of hatred Lucius rarely saw. Lucius then understood…killed or be killed.

“I didn’t know she was your whore, Severus. You really should have shared that information,” Lucius said in a cocky, but shaky voice, trying to hide his fear.

Severus began to charge him when he heard another voice cry out, “Crucio!” Severus’ body collapsed onto the floor and withered in pain, but before closing his eyes, he saw Bellatrix Lestrange along with Crabbe and Goyle. All three had their wands drawn, with Bellatrix holding him under the Cruciatus curse. Severus knew the end was finally here.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Hermione was at St. Mungo’s receiving around the clock care. The healers did everything they could to mend her broken body, but feared some possible paralysis. Now they waited to see if her brain would heal and allow her to return to them, but they prepared her family and friends for the worst. In addition to the professors of Hogwarts checking in on her, Harry, Ron, Ginny, along with her parents, kept a bedside vigil.

Even though the mediwitches placed charms to prevent bedsores, Mrs. Granger spent hours massaging Hermione’s arms and legs, willing her daughter to wake up. Knowing her daughter would want to keep up-to-date with the latest news, her father read to every waking minute, including the Daily Prophet and Muggle newspapers.

Words couldn’t begin to describe the pain and anger that cursed through Harry, Ron, and Ginny as they looked at their friend. Hermione had always been their conscience, guiding them in almost everything they did. It was her words and encouragement that helped them get through the tougher times. Now, she was lying in her hospital bed, and they didn’t know who was more helpless, them or Hermione.

Everyday Harry, Ron, and Ginny had to convince Hermione’s parents to go get something to eat, promising to stay by her side while they were gone, and today was no different.

“We’ll be gone for only a short moment,” said Mrs. Granger. The three nodded as Ginny took Mrs. Granger’s place at Hermione’s side.

Ron’s voice cracked as he spoke, “Hermione, I swear, if you just open your eyes, I will never tease you again about spew, I mean S.P.E.W.” Harry and Ginny let out small giggles through their tears at hearing Ron’s slip.

“I know we’re not in school any more, but I would give anything for her to hand me a study schedule, telling me I need to spend more time on potions and less time on the Quidditch pitch,” whispered Harry. Harry, Ron, and Hermione decided to leave Hogwarts in order to find the remaining Horcruxes. Hermione only agreed after they gave their word and made an unbreakable vow that they would return to finish their education.

“Even if we’re 150 years old?” gasped Ron.

“Of course,” said Hermione. “It is never too late to get your education.” The three held the wand while Hermione said the incantation.

Ginny was quietly crying. “She was saving herself. She wanted to be a virgin on her wedding night,” she whispered.

“What?” asked Harry.

“Hermione was saving her virginity for her husband. She said it was a gift that she would only give to the man she married.” This made Harry and Ron sick to realize not only had she been raped, but her virginity had been taken from her. Harry placed his arms around Ginny and held her close while she continued crying.

Hermione’s parents had returned and together they all sat in silence, all at a loss for words. Ginny pulled out a book from her old book bag and opened it. Ginny had finished her seventh year at Hogwarts and was training to be an Auror. She knew her friend’s favorite books, so she softly began to read it aloud, hoping somewhere, deep in Hermione’s mind, she would hear it and wake up.

“Hogwarts, a History, ” began Ginny. Ron and Harry each gave a small smile before wiping the tears that continued to fall. Hermione had repeatedly quoted from this book adding, ‘If you took the time to read it, then you would understand…’ Ron and Harry both joked that they heard enough quotes from the book they didn’t need to read it.

After a good hour of listening to Ginny read, Ron snapped at her, “Wake up, Hermione! Just wake up!” The rest of the room jumped in shock to the suddenly disruption. Ron’s face was as red as his hair, but not due to embarrassment. He was angry and frustrated; he wanted his friend back.

“Give me that book,” he demanded, snatching it right out of Ginny’s hands. “She’s never going to wake up unless you give her reason to.” He opened the book and began reading, making up half of the words. “One of the unknown mysteries of Hogwarts is that one can Apparate or Disapparate while on the school grounds.” He then looked at Hermione and yelled at her, “Tell me that isn’t true. Tell me it’s a lie. Sit up and argue with me!”

Harry jumped to his feet to stop Ron, but Mrs. Granger cried, “Look!” And she pointed at Hermione. Hermione’s eyelids flickered. It was the only movement she had made while being here. It was the first glimmer of hope yet. “Keep going, Ron,” said Harry and Ron nodded.

“Hogwarts takes pride in accepting only wizards and witches from pureblood families. Muggleborns are left out to rot in the lake with the squid.” Everyone stared intently at Hermione looking for some sort of movement. Again her eyelids flickered. Ron continued reading from the book, changing facts while the others willed Hermione to wake up and argue with him.


~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Severus lay face down on a dirt floor, dried blood crusted to his lips. It was too dark to see exactly where he was, but he was sure he was still on the Malfoy Estate. He tried to move, but a sharp pain raced along both legs indicating several broken bones. Feeling the ground around him, he felt a boot and then a cane. ‘Malfoy,’ he thought.

“Severus, my old friend, we could have prevented all of this.” Waving his wand, Lucius said, “Lumos.” The light was only enough to dimly light the room. “If only you learned to share.”

Severus tried to respond, but his mouth was dry and his tongue too swollen that it muffled any sound he tried to make. He realized that he has been here for days, unconscious. He tried to push himself up, but immediately felt Lucius’ boot on his back, pushing him down onto the floor.

“Until you learn to share, this shall be your prison.” Severus heard Lucius’ foot steps fade away and then a door latch shut. Trying to wipe the dirt from his mouth, he gingerly turned onto his back. The pain was intense.

Closing his eyes, he willed his mind to ignore the pain by concentrating on other tasks, such as him getting out of there. He spent hours trying to come up with a plan, but without his wand and with his injuries, he knew it was of no use.

Closing his eyes he recalled the particular event that led to this present dilemma. Gods, she was beautiful, he thought.

Severus had been in the corridor just outside the Great Hall, waiting for the Yule Ball to begin. He was dressed in his required dress robes, which consisted of slightly heavier wool than he normally wore, yet the color was as black as his teaching robes. He had made no effort in grooming his hair any differently for it ‘made no difference’ as he put it.

Each of the four champions was entering the Great Hall with their escorts. Potter with Patil, Diggory with Chang, Delacour with Davies, and Krum with…Granger. Severus had to look twice upon realizing who Krum was escorting. Severus actually froze in the shadows as he watched her take Krum’s arm.

Severus was very aware of the activities taking place at Durmstrang. He knew Karkaroff was no longer an active Death Eater, but it didn’t prevent Karkaroff from teaching a highly questionable curriculum, along with using questionable methods at his school. In Severus’ opinion, Karkaroff could easily have a strong following from his student body if he chose the wrong path. And Karkaroff would need this due to his betrayal during the trials. With this being the case, Severus knew he would need to keep a closer eye on Granger and silently vowed to protect her just like he vowed to protect Potter.

Potter’s protection was due to repaying a wizard’s debt, a debt that Severus would prefer to forget. Granger’s protection was based on guilt. He never forgave himself for his failure to protect another Muggleborn witch. It had occurred long ago but the memory was all too recent in Severus’ mind. Guilt, remorse, failure…just a few of the emotions that burdened his heart and mind.

‘But why would she go with Krum?’ he asked himself. ‘Krum is nothing more than a glorified seeker. His long hair, hooked nose, and duck-like walk – why would such a clever witch desire anything like that?’

Just as Krum and Granger walked past him, she turned to Severus and politely nodded with a nervous smile that displayed her innocence. His stomach knotted. He saw her as a victim. Even though she made poor choices in friends, she was brilliant and clever, but naive, too naive. He watched her enter the Great Hall on Krum’s arm. It was her mument to shine.

When dinner had ended, Severus left to patrol the halls. He had no interest in attending the ball, but due to professional obligations, he eventually attended. Upon entering the Yule Ball, he saw Hermione dancing with Krum. Krum spun her around the dance floor in her periwinkle-blue dress robes twirling. Her hair tamed and her teeth back to normal. He couldn’t help but smirk at the thought of his spiteful comment earlier in the week when her teeth were enlarged by that spell. It was cruel but after seeing how angry Weasley and Potter were, he did not regret it.

Severus couldn’t help but notice that she was thoroughly enjoying herself with such an unsightly wizard. Suddenly an unfamiliar emotion came over him and he strode out of the Great Hall and onto the school grounds. With his wand drawn, he found himself blasting rose bushes and taking away an excess amount of points from whoever crossed his path.

Severus spent the next three years keeping a close eye on Hermione. Using a disillusionment charm, he always followed her, protecting her against the unexpected while she patrolled the halls or was returning to her dorms late at night. There were so many times he wished he could have hexed Draco for the way he treated her and in truth he had made him pay. It was difficult to pull off, but well worth the wait.

He was amazed at how quick she was to come to his defense when Weasley or Potter questioned his loyalties…never once did she falter on this. Following her around gave him a chance to observe her, giving him a greater appreciation for her talents as not only a witch, but as a human being.

Severus lay on his back, trying to keep the memory of her spinning on the dance floor but the pain from his injuries prevented it, causing him to blackout.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~


For several weeks everyone read wizarding books to Hermione, making sure they mixed up the facts in the books and she continued to show small signs of waking up. Harry sat next to Hermione while Ginny and Ron were deciding what to read. Hermione’s parents had stepped out to get something to eat.

Ginny and Ron had several loud arguments, all due to stress and every time Hermione reacted in someway. This time they began to argue which ingredient would be better for a healing potion in hopes to get Hermione’s attention.

“Wolfsbane!” snapped Ron.

“Hemlock is the perfect ingredient for a healing potion!” snapped Ginny.

Suddenly Hermione opened her eyes and sat bolt upright. “A healing potion does not contain hemlock, Ginny Weasley!” she snapped. The room was silent as they stared at her.

“Hermione!” cried Harry, who jumped up and threw his arms around her. “Oh gods Hermione, we thought we lost you!” he mumbled into her hair.

Her eyes were searching the room, trying to recognize her surroundings. She saw Ron staring at her with a gaping mouth and she saw the back of Ginny’s head as she ran out the door.

“What’s going on?” Hermione asked in a hoarse voice. Her throat was dry. “Where am I?”

“You’re at St. Mungo’s hospital,” blurted out Ron, who sat on her other side and hugged her.

Hermione closed her eyes, trying to recall the events that brought her here. She remembered that she was gathering potion ingredients and then remembered hearing a voice …

“Oh gods!” she cried as she began to heave. Harry grabbed a trashcan and she dry heaved into it. Ron brought her a wet washcloth just as her parents walked into the room, followed by Ginny.

“Oh, my love!” cried her mum, relieved that her daughter was awake. As she went straight to her bed, she realized she was getting sick. Mrs. Granger kindly took the washcloth from Ron and attended to her daughter. She wiped Hermione’s mouth when she finished and then handed her a glass of water to rinse her mouth.

Hermione looked at her mother and began to cry. Her mother, along with everyone else in the room cried with her while her mother held her. Hermione sobbed in the comfort of her mum’s arms, wishing the mental image of Lucius Malfoy would go away. Her father was torn between tears and anger that someone would do this to his daughter. Now that his daughter was awake, he could not find the courage to go to her.

After having a good cry, Hermione sat back and wiped her face. Taking a tissue and blowing her nose, she realized for the first time how swollen her face was. “I must look awful,” she whispered.

“You look beautiful,” said Harry. “Besides, we all have swollen faces from crying so much.” Ginny and Ron nodded in agreement, trying not to cry again.

“You are such a womanizer, Harry,” she snapped before giving him a smile, but her tears still rolled down her cheeks.

Minerva walked into the room. She had just been informed that Hermione was a wake. Minerva started bawling while she hugged Hermione. Everyone started crying again.

Hermione noticed her father was still in the corner of the room, silently crying. She wiped her tears and said, “Daddy, please.” She gestured for him to come to her. He hesitated. “Please,” she whispered. “It was not your fault.”

“I should have been there. I should have been protecting you,” he said, not looking at her.

“Dad, it was not your fault. Had you been there, he would have killed you.” Ron and Harry looked at each other, a bit astonished because they assumed Hermione did not know who her rapist was.

“You are my little girl and it is my job to protect you.”

“And you have. You have always protected me, just as you are now. Dad, I need you now, more than ever.” Reluctantly he went to her and finally took his daughter into his arms. Together they cried.

Several hours later, the mediwitch cleared the room, insisting that Hermione get her rest. Harry was the last one to leave, but before he did, he turned to her and asked, “Hermione, who was it? Who did this to you?”

Hermione closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Opening them, she said, “Lucius Malfoy.”


~TBC


Please review.