Chasing Destiny

As Hermione reached the bottom of the stairs she rushed into the nearest bathroom and vomited in the sink.



“You’d better clean that up. I don’t want it to smell. I have enough trouble getting people to visit me in here as it is.”



“Oh just shut up Mertle.” Hermione muttered as she retched once again. Luckily the former student didn’t hear and carried on with her scolding.



“You were probably messing around with potions. Just thank Merlin that you aren’t a cat again. I would.”



“For your information, Moaning Mertle. That is what they all call you isn’t it? Moaning Mertle? For your information, I was raped not so long ago, by a Death Eater no less. I don’t know who it was or how it happened. I’ve lost the love of my life because of this and I was just accosted by Draco Malfoy.” She breathed deeply and continued. “ And by the way, people refuse come in here because YOU’RE here not because of any smell.” She vomited once again, washed out her mouth and left the bathroom as Mertle’s howls became louder and louder.



On her way back towards the Gryffindor tower, she was spotted by a very concerned looking Ron and Harry. They rushed over to her at once as Ron began to grovel.



“Hermione I am so sorry about what I said. I didn’t mean for you to…” She cut him off.



“Its ok Ron. I understand that your both worried about me and I’ll tell you everything that you want to know.” They followed her to the gardens and sat in the grass.



“I know you both want to know what happened and who did what but before you ask, I don’t remember much and if I knew names, believe me, the bastard would be dead by now.”



“What's going on Mione?” Harry asked.



Hermione took a deep breath and let it out slowly while they waited.



“When I was taken, I was raped. One of those masked wankers violated me. I don’t remember who it was. I’m not even sure that I ever saw his face. I just remember it happening while one of them held me down and someone else did it. My robes were pulled over my face and the only thing I really remember about loosing my virginity is the heavy moaning of him as he groped at my chest.”



She finished and was surprised to find her eyes dry. Perhaps she had done enough crying in the past few weeks. She sat quietly and waited for them to process what she had said.



Suddenly two sets of arms wrapped around her and hugged her as she trembled.



They stayed like that until it got dark.





--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

That night was Hermione’s detention with Snape. She was dreading it especially after her run in with Draco earlier. She entered the room and looked around. There was a line of ingredients laid out before her and she poked at them recognising the potion from earlier.

“Miss Granger.” The silky calm voice flooded her senses and bought shivers down her spine.



“Erm Professor. I’m here for my detention.” She said quietly.



“I know.” He looked at her with regret and sorrow knowing that some day he had to tell her what had really happened. “I want you to once again attempt to brew the potion that you ruined earlier.”



“Yes sir.” She carried on with the preparation and an hour of silence later, as the potion simmered nearly ready, she walked up to his desk. Severus, who was grading papers did not notice her so close in proximity to him. “Professor Snape?”



He jumped spilling ink on his robes.



“I’m sorry!” Hermione yelled as Snape let out an angry hiss.



“Its ok Miss Granger. I was the clumsy one. What did you want?” He said while removing his outer robes and revealing a black shirt and trousers.



“To thank you for always lurking around. I dont know what Draco would have one if you hadn't turned up when you did.”



“I thought he was just helping you up.” He smirked.



“You know that there was something more to it.”



“Then what happened?” Snape asked kindly – for him anyway.



“He sort of made a pass at me i suppose.” She replied.



“HE WHAT?” Severus shouted. “I thought he was simply calling you names or being his normal vulgar self but this… What happened exactly?”



She told him and he sat patiently as she explained.



“Continue with your potion and I’ll be back soon.” With that he was gone and returned a few minutes later as calm as when he had left. He walked over to her, looked into the cauldron and dismissed Hermione.



When she was gone, Snape opened up the door to his rooms and collapsed onto the bed. He closed his eyes and let out a weary breath as he remembered the look of hurt and confusion on Hermione’s face as he called her ‘Miss Granger’ and the fear in her eyes as she had recalled the incident with Malfoy to him.



At least he could be happy in the knowledge that the boy would be punished severely for being caught with Drasen root in his possession at school. When they found the dark herb in his rooms, his father would be very angry and Draco would deny all knowledge which would only make things worse for him.



That night, Severus Snape dreamt about Hermione. He dreamt that they were lying in his quarters in each others arms. He could smell her scent as she snuggled closer into his embrace. She was able to reach up and kiss him whenever she wanted too and for Hermione, this dream was heaven.



They were both experiencing it at the same time and were both equally surprised when the dream continued through the night as they continued to kiss and cuddle each other, dozing and smiling.



It was the best nights sleep either of them had experienced in a long time and occurred because for one short moment, they could relish in each other once again and wouldn’t spend the night pining for the other.



An – Drasen root is my own creation. I’m not sure what it is used for in my mind but be assured that when I do think of something, its purposes shall be extremely nefarious!