Bittersweet

21

Hermione was trembling when Madame Pomfrey arrived.

She sat on the edge of the bed, studying the young woman whose hair was a mess, a nasty bruise already forming over the left side of her cheek.

She would have to check to see if anything was fractured.  But she did not want to alarm her.

‘Ms. Granger,’ she carefully said, never looking away, ‘I am going to give you a physical examination. ‘  She exchanged a glance with her colleague, Minerva, who looked decidedly uncomfortable.

Hermione was shaking, but she did not protest when she gently touched her face.  No fractures. She noticed bruises forming on her arms, and as for the rest…

The rest would only be learned if Ms. Granger felt comfortable answering her questions.

‘You are safe right now, Ms. Granger. It is just myself and Professor McGonagall.  So can you talk about what happened in the library?’

Hermione blinked rapidly, as if coming back to reality. 

‘I-I was on my way to potions.  Oh god, I was on my way to potions.  I was so shocked.  It never should have happened.  I-it’s my fault I should have been more careful.’

It is not your fault.

But she did not interrupt the girl. She needed to hear it.

‘M-Malfoy attacked me…he was trying to…he was going to…’  She chocked on the word, ‘r-rape….’

Madame Pomfrey gently took her hand in her own, ‘He didn’t…?’

Hermione fiercely shook her head, ‘R-Ron stopped him.’  She leaned forward, ‘Is he okay?  Is Ron alright?’

‘He’s fine Ms. Granger,’ Minerva interrupted, ‘Rest assured Mr. Malfoy will be severely punished, most likely expelled.  I am just glad that you are safe.’  She held a hand to her head,

‘Ms. Granger I am going to give you something.  It will help you sleep.’  At the girl’s look of alarm she quickly said, ‘You will not be alone.  I promise.  It will be safe.’

With this promise, Hermione was able to drink the potion.  Almost instantly she began to drift.

Poppy turned to her colleague and friend, ‘I have not seen a case like this in almost two decades. ‘

Minerva crossed her arms, ‘Rest assured, Mr. Malfoy is going to find that his days are numbered here. ‘

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And the drama continues!! Please review, and thank-you for the support everyone!  We are a niche community of dark-fic lovers, so I really appreciate the support!