The Subjugation of Hermione Granger

Disclaimer: The Harry Potter universe and all the characters are property of J.K. Rowling and whomever else has a finger in the huge franchise. I do not. I make no money nor do I claim any ownership of the people, places, and things (unless I make them up as we go). It is only to have some fun do I write this story, in hopes of some entertainment.

Warning: This chapter contains scenes with course language, nudity and sexual content. reader discretion is advised.


The Great Hall was loud. Christmas break was just days away and everyone was excited about time away from classes. Everyone that is, except Hermione. Classes helped her get through each day. The young woman felt like she was back in first year. She felt alone and ostracized. She shook her head in resignation. Hermione knew it was silly to think that way. In fact, she had more friends now then ever before in her life.

She had three supportive girl friends. Four if you counted Moaning Myrtle. Thinking about it for a second, Hermione figured she should count the ghost as a friend. Myrtle was keeping Hermione’s secret after all, and it never hurt to have another friend. Even if that friend was dead. Hermione had even managed to patch things up with the two most important boys in her life. She still felt awkward in their company, the secret of her fling with Draco Malfeigheighing heavily on her conscious, but the two boys didn’t seem to notice. It helped in a way that Harry and Ron were spending quite a bit of time with other girls. Harry, with Maia. And Ron with Katie, Risa or Luna. A pang of jealousy raced through Hermione. It wasn’t fair they had someone (or in Ron’s case, someones) and she didn’t, but Hermione was scared off relationships for now. She didn’t want to make another mistake.

Harry and Ron, sitting on either side of her, were talking excitedly about the break. They had big plans of sleeping in late every day, playing Quidditch all afternoon, and loafing in front of the fire with a chess set each evening. Hermione had to roll her eyes. Typical boys. They didn’t realize that those kind of plans were not too interesting to her.

“This will be wicked,” Ron exclaimed. He leaned forward to look past Hermione to Harry, a large grin on his face. “Two weeks of nothing to do but have fun. No classes. No rules. No Malfoy.” Ron relished the last statement smugly.

Harry leaned back to see around Hermione, missing Ron when he leaned forward. He tried to see Ron by leaning forward, but that was when Ron leaned back. They alternated like a see saw ride several times before Hermione huffed in irritation. “Would you two like me to move out of your way?”

Grinning impishly, Ron playfully shoved Hermione back. The girl gave a squeal of fright as she almost toppled back off the bench. Harry swiftly caught her and held her up. “Ron!” Harry and Hermione yelled together, giving their friend identical scowls. Harry’s disgruntled face quickly disappeared as Ron laughed. “You almost knocked Hermione over, you prat.”

“I was just trying to see past her,” The red haired teen explained.

“I asked if you wanted me to move,” Hermione said gritting through her teeth.

“Why would we want you to move?” Ron asked, perplexed. “We’re finally back to being a triad.”

“The Amazing Trio!” Harry exclaimed.

“The Golden Trio,” Hermione corrected with a shy smile.

“A great big tripod,” Ron commented with a laugh. Harry and Hermioneked ked at him blankly. With his ears turning pink, Ron quickly went on. “You know! If one leg gets taken away, the tripod falls over. It’s like that with us, too.”

Harry and Hermione burst out laughing. “That was profound, Ron,” Harry chortled.

Giving Harry a glare, Hermione turned to Ron and patted his knee. “That was very nice Ron. Thank you.” The compliment made the Weasley’s ears redden even more.

“Oh, Hermione’s pet,” Harry kidded.

Ron made to swat at Harry from around Hermione but the girl yelped in fright. “Don’t!” she cried. “Not with me in the middle. Go pummel each other outside please.” the boys settled down at their friend’s admonishment.

After a lengthy silence from the three teens, Ron finally blurted, “I can’t wait for the hols to begin.”

“I think I’m going home for the break,” Hermione said lightly.

“What?” Harry exclaimed.

“No! You can’t Hermione,” Ron said with a whine. “We have hardly seen you all term…”

Harry cleared his throat, cutting off Ron. “We’ll be disappointed if you go Hermione, but I guess you want to see your parents. I know that’s important.”

Hermione looked at Harry. A stab of sorrow sliced into her heart. Harry had no parents. He never had anyone to love him. For him to acknowledge his losses must be very painful for him. Running her fingers through her bushy hair, Hermione wanted to tell her best friend that he was a part of her family. He would always be a part of her. Instead, she said softly, “They are important Harry, but that’s not the only reason. I think I need to get away from Hogwarts for a bit. You know, recharge my batteries.”

“Recharge your what?” Ron asked in confusion.

“Batteries Ron,” Hermione explained. “Um, they power muggle electronics.”

“Muggle everything really,” Harry corrected.

“Anyway,” Hermione continued, waving off the question forming in Ron’s mouth. “It will be a good time to clear my head, so I can come back and work on getting my grades back up to scratch.”

“Back up to scratch?” Ron exclaimed in disbelief. “Hermione, you’re the top student at Hogwarts, for the sixth year running.”

“Ever, I’d say,” Harry chimed in again.

“Be that as it may,” Hermione went on. “My grades have slipped slightly and could be better.” the girl frowned in annoyance as Ron muttered under his breath about her being mental. It bothered her that her two best friends still made fun of her for taking her studies so seriously. Didn’t they realize it was all she had? Being so smart and studious and yes, a know-it-all, was who she was. It defined her almost as much as being best friends with The Boy Who Lived and the youngest male Weasley.

Reflexively, Harry put his hand on Hermione’s shoulder. It was a simple gesture, one of friendship and trust, but it made Hermione feel safe. They were all friends again, any rifts between the three young adueasieasily put aside. There was no way that six years of friendship was going to be ruined. Hermione smiled. Not by Draco Malfoy, that was for sure.

“Buck up Hermione,” Harry said with a grin. His eyes sparkled intensely and Hermione fancied she could see a deeper emotion in their depths, but quelled that notion quickly. Her eyes locked with his as the raven-haired wizard continued. “You’ll catch up in no time. I bet you’ll do even better than Cecilia The All Seeing.”

Hermione turned shocked eyes at Harry. “Harry! Have you been studying? That’s fantastic.” Harry blushed at the compliment. Ron muttered something under his breath that Hermione didn’t quite hear, but she assumed it was just a disparaging remark about books. She huffed in indignation at Ron, and then turned a smile to Harry.

The smile faded when she saw that he was looking past her. A bemused expression crossed his face before he noticed his bushy haired friend looking at the approaching Hufflepuff witch. Harry quickly stood up to intercept Maia Jeinsen.

“Hi Harry,” the blonde girl cooed as she stepped up to Harry. She was almost as tall as the bespectacled teen and she didn’t have to strain to lean forward for a kiss.

The bottom began to drop out of Hermione’s stomach at the sight. It was too soon! She couldn’t handle seeing someone else kiss Harry. Her Harry. Hermione shook her head sadly. Harry wasn’t hers. She had mucked it up for herself where The Boy Who Lived was concerned. Hermione had to set aside her hurt and sorrow for Harry’s sake. And that of their friendship. Sadly, the young witch averted her gaze from the couple.

“Hey Maia,” Harry said, a slight tremor to his voice. “Wh- what are you doing over here?”

The blonde pouted at Harry. “Did you forget? Well of course you forgot. You’re a boy after all. You agreed to have a picnic with me by the lake.” Maia held up the basket stuffed full of food. Hermione eyed the swinging container in disdain. Nasty thoughts filled her head. An image of the blonde witch being pulled into the murky water by the giant squid swam in her mind. Maia could live with the merpeople.

Ron glanced at Maia as if she were mad. “Are you mad? If you didn’t notice, it’s winter. It’s bloody freezing outside.”

Rolling her eyes, Hermione said with an air of indifference, “A few placed heating charms should take care of that.” as soon as the words were out of her mouth, Hermione could have kicked herself. It was happening just like last year with Cho Chang. Why did she have to come up with ways to make Harry’s date better? Her only saving grace was that Harry had botched it up with Cho. Would he do the same with Maia?

“Um, that’s today?” Harry muttered despera. He. He looked at Hermione and then back at Maia.

The noise from the Great Hall seemed to faway way until only the sounds of Harry and Maia filled Hermione’s ears. All the other students and even the teachers turned grey and melted into a puddle in her consciousness. The little drama playing out in front of her suddenly became so important to the Gryffindor witch. The hope that Harry would decide to stay with her built to great heights in her heart. If Harry decided to spend his time with her instead of Maia, it would be a sign that they were not only the best of friends, but possibly something more as well. Hermione felt her heart stop beating. She wasn’t even breathing, yet she could hear Harry so totally. His voice sang in her ears. His ragged anxious breaths sounded like blasts of air from a furnace. Hermione couldn’t stand it any longer. He looked so distraught. Hermione crumbled. “You should get going Harry, before you miss out on lunch all together.”

The words he spoke echoed forever in her heart. “Well then,” Harry replied with a grin that brightened his face. It was a grin Hermione had seen rarely. It was happy and playful. “Let’s get going. We have to eat all that before classes begin again, after all.”

The noise of the other students chattering shattered through Hermione’s stupor. Dean and Neville were laughing at Seamus as his water goblet exploded again. He still couldn’t turn water into rum. If he just flicked his wrist counter clockwise and enunciated the long vowel instead of the hard consonant he might have more success. Girls from the Hufflepuff table were giggling over Justin and Ernie’s dancing veggie sticks. A thump of a book sounded over at the Ravenclaw table. Even the arrogant taunts and laughter from the Slytherin table could be heard. Hermione thought she could hear the icy tones of Draco Malfoy in her daze. Hermione looked over at the Slytherin wizard and saw the young wizard staring hard at her. The steel grey of his eyes was sharp and bright and seemed to wake her from her shock. It was like a slap to the face.

Air rushed back into her lungs and Hermione gasped and sputtered. Her chest felt tight and constricted, making it difficult to breathe. A tear rolled down her cheek. Harry was by her side instantly, patting her on the back. “Hermione!” he exclaimed, concern colouring his voice. “Are you alright?” Ron looked onalaralarm, passing a glass of pumpkin juice to the coughing girl.

After taking several mouthfuls of tuiceuice, Hermione finally managed to sputter, “I’m alright Harry. Must have swallowed something the wrong way.” the thought that it was her heart breaking apart in her stomach didn’t pass her lips. No one needed to know that. It was her burden to bear. “You should go. Enjoy your picnic.”

“Are you sure, Hermione?” Harry asked softly, his emerald eyes searching hers fervently. Maia stepped to Harry’s side and put her hand on his arm in a possessive manner.

Scowling, Hermione sat up straight. “Yes, I’m positive. Go have a good time.” the witch cringed inwardly at her scathing tone. She didn’t want to be so petty and jealous. Taking several deep breaths, Hermione turned a smile to Harry. The smile didn’t reach her eyes and Harry frowned slightly. “Harry, Maia’s waiting.”

Harry, almost reluctantly it seemed, left with the blonde Hufflepuff student. At the doors to the Great Hall, he turned back. Hermione met his eyes, seeing confusion in his green orbs that matched her own. Harry gave a little wave, a worried smile on his face before Maia pulled him outside. He disappeared as the doors swung shut with a thud, the echoing boom of the wood signaling the finality of the moment.

Hermione didn’t want to be jealous or bitter. Maia was a very sweet girl. She could very well make Harry happy, and that was more important to her than anything else. She sat up straight in her seat and tilted her head to the side. Did she really fell that way? Was that really true? A quirky smile grew on the bushy haired girl’s face and she looked up at the ceilif thf the Great Hall. The sky looked blue and clear, tranquil and warm. It was a cheerful sight and Hermione knew that it was a perfect condition for a picnic, despite the cold of winter. Harry’s happiness mattered more to her than her own. That realization was somehow cotingting. The Boy Who Lived had to deal with so much in his short life and it didn’t hurt so much to give Harry a chance at love, even if it was with someone else. It was silly to be so jealous anyway. There had never been any indication of romantic feelings between the two before. That one time in the Room of Requirement had been an accident, an aberration. As long as their friendship was sound, Hermione could chalk up that night to a learning experience. She had shared something precious with Harry. It would be with her forever.

“Knut for your thoughts,” Ron said, leaning over and waving his large hand in front of Hermione’s face. His blue eyes twinkled and his goofy grin was infectious.

Hermione shrugged her shoulders cutely. “You don’t want to spend that much on my thoughts. They’re not that expensive. You should save your money.”

The playful smile on Hermione’s face faltered at the flash of anger and hurt in Ron’s eyes. “What, I don’t have enough money for you anymore?” Ron exclaimed, his ears turning red with anger. “I know my family isn’t rich. That doesn’t mean I like to have my nose rubbed in it all the time.”

Staring wide-eyed at her friend, Hermione gasped. “Holy cricket, Ron. I was only having you on. It wasn’t even aimed at you. It was a self-deprecating joke.”

“I don’t care how decapitating it was, I don’t like being made fun of, especially by one of my best friends.”

Ron’s petulant attitude both infuriated Hermione, and amused her. He was actually pouting! Hermione shook her head. With a great heaving sigh, she calmly said, “I wasn’t poking fun at you Ron. I just said that my thoughts weren’t worth a knut. Instead of overreacting, you should have told me that I’m worth much more than a knut.”

Nodding in embarrassment, Ron smiled cheekily at the girl. “Yeah, you’re right. You’re worth much more than a knut.” he gave her a wink. “You’re worth maybe two knuts.”

Hermione sputtered in indignation and swatted at her friend. They broke out in playful laughter and looked each other in the eye. As quickly as it had come, the laughter stopped. Ron put his hand on Hermione’s knee. “What’s the matter Hermione? What were you thinking about?”

Hermione gave a mighty sigh. “Nothing’s the matter Ron. I was thinking of Harry and wondering of he’s happy with Maia.”

“You gonna try to nick him from her?” Ron asked with a wink.

“Goodness, no!” Hermione exclaimed. “I just wanted… I just needed… Harry deserves to be happy. Do you think Maia makes him happy?”

“Are you mental? Why wouldn’t Harry be happy with Maia? She has big ti… eyes,” Ron muttered levelly. His cheeks were enflamed from his stutter. Hermione just rolled her eyes.

“Good cover,” a giggle sounded from behind the two friends. Hermione and Ron whipped around to see Luna Lovegood swaying on the spot behind them. Her eyes were half lidded but fixed on Ron. The girl’s lips were curved upwards and her hands were clasped in front of her demurely. She seemed like a porcelain doll, beguiling, yet fragile. Hermione knew better. Luna was as tough as any Gryffindor. The younger girl had proven her courage and strength at the Ministry of Magic last year. Luna was strange, her penchant for unique jewelry and her habit of reading the Quibbler upside down proof of that, but now the girl’s weirdness was somehow endearing. Hermione was even beginning to think it was a good idea to put her wand behind her ear, like Luna often did.

“Hi Luna,” Hermione smiled at the blonde haired girl.

Flicking protuberant eyes towards Hermione, Luna’s expression became grave. “Hello Hermione. How are you today?” There was an edge of concern in her voice that seemed odd for such a casual greeting.

“Never better,” Hermione answered with an amused frown. Looking over to Ron, Hermione’s questioning look was answered with a confused shrug.

Luna leaned forward, appearing as if she were about to topple over. Ron’s hand shot out to the girl’s shoulder to keep her from falling, but the gesture was not needed. Luna gave Ron a warm smile but leaned in close to Hermione. The Ravenclaw’s breath close to her ear made Hermione shiver ominously. “There’s a kind of beautiful melancholy always near you now Hermione. I’m afraid for you.” Luna’s voice became almost inaudible. “He’s angry, Hermione. I see it in his eyes. He means to do you harm.”

“Who?” Hermione asked fretfully, although the answer was obvious. She had felt his piercing eyes on her in class and in the halls, biding his time for when he could strike. She had been a fool to believe that Draco Malfoy would leave her alone.

Luna straightened and arched a brow knowingly. Ron was gazing curiously at the two girls and was about to ask what they were talking about. His mouth was opening and closing, trying to get the right words to come out. Hermione could see it in his eyes. She wasn’t prepared to answer his questions though. The fear of his reaction, then Harry’s, kept the need for secrecy paramount in her mind. The slightly odd, yet very perceptive girl before her saved Hermione from a disaster. “Ronald,” Luna spoke, turning to the young wizard. “Would you like to do your homework with me? It could be a little study date.”

“But it’s lunch,” Ron whined. He was against doing any schoolwork during the meal breaks. Or at any time for that matter. It just wasn’t done! There was food to be eaten. Luna’s rather large eyes bore into his with calm eagerness that made him squirm. It made him nervous. She wasn’t even blinking. It was as if she could see into his soul. Ron felt vulnerable under her scrutiny, like she could discern all his faults and would judge him unworthy. A thought struck him out of his worry. “A date?” he asked, slowly.

“Why yes,” Luna smiled widely. “We could go over our notes, but mainly I believe we will just snog. Doesn’t that sound fun?”

Standing up like a shot, Ron took Luna’s elbow and swiftly pulled the younger girl towards the exit. With a triumphant smile in place, Luna glanced over her shoulder at a bewildered Hermione and gave a little wave. The bushy haired girl gave a snort of irritation at having been abandoned so readily. Typical boys. The hint of a little sexual fulfillment and all thought of anything north of their pants vanished into thin air.

A chill breezed up Hermione’s spins ths the tremor passed, Hermione opened her eyes, finding herself looking directly into Draco’s calculating glare. A perfect brow raised, a smug smile played at his lips. Hermione gulped. She was alone and Draco had her in his sights. He was up to something, of that there was no doubt. Whatever it was, Hermione hoped she could fend the Slytherin off, but Draco had a knack for catching her off guard. With Harry and Ron preoccupied with other things, she couldn’t count on their timely intervention this time. Hermione hoped she could cope alone.


Author's Note: well what a couple weeks this has been. hardly any reviews at all. one of them was from me for crying out loud (seeing if they worked of course). i hope it was only because the site is having problems again and not indicative of the story. you have to keep me informed if the story isn't good. that way i can improve. anyway, on to the reviews...


spaz141 - thanks for taking the time to send me an email. you're the only one who did and it meant a lot. and thanks for posting it online too. lol. you taking time to do that is amazing. i'm glad you think i did a good job with the dialogue. i like writing dialogue for the most part.

tradyr vic - sorry you didn't like the length. i didn't realize it was that much shorter then the rest, but it's quality not quantity. lol myrtle is my comic relief if you didn't know, so she has played an important part in the story. and there's more to come. as for hermione not using the memory charm on draco, well she may know the theory behind the charms, but she doesn't know how to do them. i doubt she had the chance to practice. but maybe that is what she will do if draco pushes her into a corner. that would be a very cool idea actually. but damn you, now i have an idea simmering in my head about a draco story. sigh. when will it end?

Dr. Huff-Puff - she needed to tell someone. haven't you ever had a really big secret and just needed to unload to someone. plus she's a teenage girl. they can't stop from talking. lol j/k to all those teenage girls out there. you know i love ya. i'm glad you like the story, but i have to ask, what would a ron/hermione shipper get out of this? there isn't much romance between those two here. refer some people over. i won't mind. hehe