The End Is The Beginning Is The End

In the days and weeks that followed, Hermione saw very little of anyone, and she did not see Lucius at all.  The only person who checked in with her was the eccentric red-haired wizard.  He treated her injuries after Lucius left and once he was appraised of the situation, she found him to be a frequent visitor.

At first he limited his visits to weekly, but as the days stretched on, and still no word of Lucius, he began to visit her much more often.  Sometimes he brought her books, other times he brought her treats.  Hermione found herself looking forward to these visits above all else.

She learned his name was Veatris. He was exactly five years older than her.  He never served the darklord, but once he fell, he followed his fellow slytherins to what they thought was glory.

'I never imagined that I would be putting Hermione Granger back together.'

She crossed his arms and watched him closely.  'Do you like serving the Malfoys?'

He shrugged prettily, 'It could be worse.'

'You didn't answer my question.'

He smiled, 'That's because I didn't wish to answer it.  Let me simply say that serving the Malfoys has led to my safety.  I am not what you would call a strong user of offensive magics, but as a healer I can work wonders.'

Hermione looked away and crossed her arms, frustrated, 'Can you tell me any news of the outside?'

'Nothing gets past the personal guard of Lord Malfoy, I'm afraid.  But there are whispers that he was injured...'

Hermione felt a nasty grin split her face, 'Good.'

Veatris sighed, 'With an attitude like that, it is amazing that Lord Malfoy hasn't taken your life already.'

Hermione turned to look at him inquistively.

'Truthfully, no one has ever lasted longer than a week in his care, and you've managed to survive weeks.  I am curious what your secret is.'

She fiddled with her fingers and lowered her voice, 'Truthfully, I can't understand why he hasn't killed me.  I think he just likes to toy with me.'

There was a loud swish and a house elf appeared with her food.

Without hesitation Veatris finished, 'Yes, and make sure to walk around the room a bit.  You cannot spend the entire time in bed, it isn't healthy.'

She watched him go, and then the elf.  And then she fell back on the blankets and stared at the ceiling.  How long since she'd come here?  How long since she'd lost all sense of time?

How long before I lose my mind?

_