RAGE

As soon as she got into the bathroom, Hermione closed her eyes. She sat down on the edge of the bath tub and just cried. Everything was just turning to shit and she just hurt so much, inside and out. Her chest hurt and her heart felt like it was trying to break free from her chest.

She faced the mirror and began taking her clothes off. She avoided looking at her face, she knew it wasn’t going to be good. She then saw that she had several bruises on her ribs and stomach; no doubt from her encounters. She took off her jeans and it was then she realised how much her legs were hurting. She had done quite a lot of running today, not to mention climbing, jumping and falling.

She finally looked up at her face. It was better than she had expected. Her cheeks and forehead were lightly covered in dirt and she had a little bit of tree-sap in her hair. She had a small cut on her jaw and small bags around her eyes. Nothing that couldn’t be fixed with a hot shower and sleep.

She walked to the shower and turned the water on. Just the sound was relaxing. The steam began to rise and she tested the water with her hand. When she had it the way she wanted it, she stepped in, sighing as the water ran down her body. With every second that passed her muscles began to relax and the tenseness seemed to wash away with the water.

She lifted her head to the water and let the water pour onto her face. It felt so warm and good; so cleansing. She reached for the shampoo and lathered her hair, making sure to get out the tree-sap. She then conditioned her hair and washed her body.

Then she just stood, allowing her cares to wander for a while.

***

Draco took his shower after Hermione. Narcissa had left them some material so that they could transfigure them into clothes. Hermione transfigured them into some jeans and a t-shirt. She also transfigured her shoes into some fluffy slippers. She combed her wet hair and left it to dry.

She walked down to the kitchen to check on the stew. Everyone seemed to be doing them same as her, showering and getting comfortable for the night, so no-one was in the kitchen. She sprinkled in some salt and pepper and stirred it. Then she taste-tested it. It tasted just like her mum used to make. She put her wand to her neck and spoke, her voice amplified.

“Dinner is ready.” She said, her voice echoing through-out the house. “Just come down to the kitchen when you are ready.”

She searched through the cupboards trying to find some bowls.

“Third cupboard on the left, darling.” Narcissa said, walking in quietly.

Hermione turned to look at her. Narcissa smiled warmly at her.

“Thanks.” She replied, opening the cupboard up and finding stacks of bowls, plates and glasses.

She brought them all out on the bench.

“Would you like some?” Hermione asked.

“Please.” Narcissa said, sitting down.

Hermione cast a serving spell on the ladle and they both sat down, enjoying the warm stew.

“I think we’re going to need some more of this.” Narcissa said, finishing her bowl. “That was delicious.”

Hermione tried to force a smile but found she still couldn’t muster the energy. She could feel her eyelids starting to droop.

“Thanks.” Hermione said.

Narcissa walked up to the pot and took out her wand.

“Engorgio.” She said quietly.

The pot practically doubled in size.

“Well, I’m going to get settled and go to bed.” She said, looking at Narcissa. “Goodnight.”

“Hermione? Would you like to sit a while longer?” She asked, looking at her sorrowfully.

Hermione looked at her, motherly concern written clearly on her face.

“I’m just really tired.” She said, the lump in her throat forming quickly. “I’ll take a rain check though.”

She turned from her and began to walk towards the door.

“I’m just across the hall if you want to talk, or if you need a shoulder.” Hermione stopped, touched at her words.

If she didn’t keep going, she was going to break down in front of her. She wasn’t sure if she would be able to stop. She nodded silently and continued.

“You’re not alone, sweetheart.”