Cherries
folder
Harry Potter AU/AR › General
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
43
Views:
80,754
Reviews:
221
Recommended:
3
Currently Reading:
1
Category:
Harry Potter AU/AR › General
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
43
Views:
80,754
Reviews:
221
Recommended:
3
Currently Reading:
1
Disclaimer:
I do not own the Harry Potter world created by JK Rowling, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story and never will.
The Unraveling Begins
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Story: Cherries
Author: bubblybabs
Email: bubbalilly@gmail.com
Beta: Periculum
Story Consultants: WesleyY7, Sonia
Total Word Count: 7020
Chapter 40 Edit Date: 04/05/2011
At the time of chapter upload
Hit count: 39,151
Review count: 201
Average/total vote: +++++ / +++++
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Chapter 40: The Unraveling Begins
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I truly appreciate the comments left by everyone... I read them dutifully and they help guide the story... Believe it or not, we are nearing the end – the story is winding down, the conclusion ever closer... I think you will be truly surprised by the ending (when it gets here)... To those who have stuck with this story, I applaud you as I know my posting of chapters has been erratic... Stick with me, I promise to finish this...
Big hugs to the story consultants and beta's... They are a great deal of help, catching my snafoo's and boo-boo's... Thanks girls...
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Story date: May 19, 1996 (continued)
Albus walked with forced calm towards his office, his mind in great turmoil as he tried vainly to figure out what to do with Miss Granger. 'This promising young girl has become the bane of my existence. At first, I was delighted when she befriended Harry. Her intelligence, attention to detail, and tenacity were all assets Harry would need in a friend – but now? Now she has become the Trojan Horse. He needs her to help him fight Tom, but has she become a danger to Harry himself? Should I have Harry visit her and watch to see how she reacts? I suppose that would be a good way to find out if she's a danger to him. At least, find out if she's an immediate danger to him. I suppose I could explain to him about the curse and advise him that he must be on the alert whilst around her on the off chance the curse is triggered by something he does or says. I know Bill says he thinks the curse is only a sexual one, but he isn't one-hundred percent sure. What if she's somehow programmed to kill Harry? He'd never be prepared for that, no matter how many times he is warned. And the bottom line is, I can't risk Harry, no matter what.'
He paused in the hall and stood still, trying to think of a way to break the news to Harry without unduly alarming him and still placing caution upon the danger he could very well encounter with Hermione. He hated to admit it, but Severus was right when he said Harry could be dense about certain things and he was somehow sure that Miss Granger would be a particularly dense spot when it came to Harry's common sense.
Of course, if there were any flaws in Harry, Severus could find them. Albus shook his head slowly, a smile forming on his lips as he recalled how vehemently Severus ticked off Harry's less than admirable qualities, somehow not realizing that many of them were also his own.
“Headmaster.”
Startled, Albus looked up to see Severus not far down the dark hall, his black eyes glittering in the torch light as he slowly walked towards him.
He nodded slightly in greeting. “Severus. I take it you are making rounds?”
“As usual.” Severus slyly scanned the hall before giving Albus a sideways glance. “Was Weasley successful with the girl?”
Frowning deeply, Albus shook his head sadly. “No, Severus, he was not.”
Severus nodded thoughtfully. “I had a feeling he would encounter a problem.”
“Oh?” Albus scrutinized the dark man before him for a moment before continuing softly. “I was under the impression that the curse was unknown to you, Severus. Surely you would have said something by now, would you not?' Severus sighed as Albus continued, his shoulders thrown back as he leaned against the wall with a heel hooked against the stone. “What made you think Bill would be unsuccessful other than your doubtful nature?”
“You are correct, Albus, in that I do not know the exact nature of the curse. But I am able to... feel... that it is a profound one. Ancient. One not easily diagnosed nor removed.” He looked deeply into Albus' eyes. “As I am sure you, yourself, are aware.” He sighed as he looked down at the carefully polished dark ebony wand in his hand, his thumb lazily rubbing along the edges of the intricately carved wood. “I'm sure Bella cast it. It... feels like her work.”
Albus' eyes widened. “If that is so, then we both know the curse will be excessive and most likely sexual in nature.”
“Perhaps.” Severus shrugged, his eyes sliding back and forth as he looked up and down the halls again. He glanced at Albus and noted the old man's questioning gaze. “Bella isn't obsessed with sex, Albus, as you seem to think. She just knows it's one of the most demeaning ways to punish your enemy and she uses that knowledge to her advantage.” He gave a wry smile. “Just as she tried to suck me into the abyss when she had Lucius offer to 'let' me use the girl. She knew I would want nothing to do with Granger, but she also knew I would have to in order to keep my cover.”
“I hear what you are saying, Severus. But what else could this curse be, given the circumstances of how she used the girl? The question is, what is it exactly? Who is the trigger?”
Severus snorted nastily. “Let us hope it's not Potter.”
“Severus.”
Deliberately, he slowly twirled his wand in his hand, his lip curling with amusement, Severus continued as though he hadn't heard Albus' scandalized tones. “Imagine Potter's surprise at having the Granger girl throwing herself at him in a decided nature of undress. I don't think he could handle the shock.”
Albus' tone was dry. “Severus.”
Severus shot the headmaster a look of feigned innocence. “What? As if Potter has girls throwing themselves naked at him all the time.” He smirked. “He wouldn't know what to do with her, though I can personally guarantee you she will most assuredly know what to do with him.”
“Severus, please.” There was a pregnant pause before Albus continued softly. “I hope you are mature enough to know you should never make such comments in front of Miss Granger. Or in front of Harry.”
Severus rolled his eyes. “To the girl, never. Potter, now that's a different story.”
The dark wizard gazed intently at the headmaster, then huffed impatiently. He, of course, had no intention of mentioning his knowledge of the girls extensive sexual experience with the boy – or any of his Slythe for that matter. He had no intention of sharing her in the future with an assemblage of hormonal juveniles. But, it was fun to imagine gloating in front of the boy, just to see his impotent rage burst forth. 'Yes, that would definitely be amusing.' Severus' lips curled slightly on the edges as he watched, in his mind's eye, the boy, full of rage, futilely attempting to curse him into oblivion.
“Severus.” Albus looked far from amused. “I shall assume...”
Abruptly standing tall while throwing his shoulders back, Albus' ears prickled at a sudden disturbing sound. He glanced at Severus before slightly twisting round to look for the source of the clamor. The slapping of running feet could be heard as well as... crying?
Both men turned as the sounds came closer, the owner of the cries finally rounding the corner in a furious pother of hair that whipped about as the girl slipped and nearly fell before clumsily righting herself. Albus couldn't believe his eyes. Or his ears. 'Miss Granger? What has happened to cause her to run in apparent panic down the hall?' He looked behind her, half expecting to see Bella, or perhaps Kreacher, following her.
Quick as lightning, Severus reached out and grabbed Hermione as she attempted to maneuver around him. A moment later, as he struggled with her, Remus ran around the corner and froze, gasping and holding his side, when he caught site of Hermione furiously fighting the Potions Master. Remus leaned forward for a moment, a hand on his knee as he took in several deep breaths before trotting up to Severus and a frantically squealing Hermione. Without a word, he grabbed her from Severus and swiped her face with a gentle slap before pushing her against the wall, growling a warning for her to 'shush, damn it' as he shook her hard by the shoulders. Severus stepped back, momentarily astonished by Remus' uncharacteristic display of dominance.
The show of force did the trick however, and she suddenly stood silent and still, a hand holding her cheek where his slap had grazed her. She whimpered and sniffled a few times as she looked into Remus' eyes, her other hand on his chest, attempting to push him back.
Remus put both arms on either side of her, his short gasps becoming more regular and less ragged as he slowly caught his breath. He locked eyes with Hermione before putting his forehead against hers.
“Albus, I'll have Hermione back to the hidden room straight away.” Remus didn't pull away from Hermione as he spoke to the headmaster, his intense gaze keeping her immobile.
“That would be very much appreciated, Remus. Might I inquire as to the reason for this... scene?”
Remus pondered his wording for a moment before replying softly. “Yes, Albus, you may. But not now. Later. First I have to get Hermione back to the room where she'll be safe.”
“Of course, Remus. We'll discuss this later when you, Bill, and I meet.”
Sighing, Remus nodded, grateful for Albus taking the hint that his first priority was getting Hermione back into hiding. “That will be fine, Albus. I appreciate it.”
Standing and backing up slightly, still keeping his eyes focused on Hermione's, Remus raised his wand. Frowning as she gave a barely perceptible flinch, Remus reached over Hermione's head and smacked her with his wand. Watching as she slowly disappeared while the Disillusionment Charm moved down her body, Remus then cracked himself on the head with his wand and followed suit, disappearing from view. His vision not hampered by the charm, Albus watched as Remus somewhat roughly grabbed her by the arm and guided her back towards the infirmary. 'Well, I guess I don't need to worry about him coddling her too much anymore, now do I?'
“What...?”
Albus turned, waiting a moment before he replied as he studied the dark, young man who was staring intently at the place where the pair had just disappeared up the hall.
“I don't know, Severus. To be sure, I am surprised she is out of the room I made for her. Something has distressed her greatly.”
Taking a half-step back while pivoting on his heel so he faced the headmaster, Severus rolled his eyes while he crossed his arms. “That is obvious, Albus.”
Albus chuckled. “I'll find out later tonight when I have my meeting with the boys.” He looked up and down the halls. “Perhaps you had better continue with your rounds, Severus. I fear the noises Miss Granger was making may have caught the attention of some unsavory people. It would be best if we both behave as if we though we didn't notice anything was amiss.”
Giving one last look into the dimly lit hall where Miss Granger and Lupin had gone, Severus nodded and continued walking in the opposite direction, his eyes scanning around him as he looked for those out after curfew, on the ready to deduct house points.
Deep in thought, Albus stared down the hall long after Severus had turned the corner until he heard a “hem, hem” from behind. Slowly turning on the spot, he found himself looking down at Dolores Umbridge.
Speaking in her well-known, highly annoying and much hated little-girl voice, she glanced up and down the hall before addressing Albus. “Professor Dumbledore, I believe I heard a young girl crying and screaming not long ago. Surely you must have heard it as well?”
“No, my dear Madam Umbridge, I did not. That is a sound we rarely hear in the halls of Hogwarts. Unless, of course, you mean the cries of delight heard on the last day of term. However, I believe it is a little early to be hearing those cries of joy, wouldn't you say?”
“You know perfectly well that that is not what I meant, Albus.” Dolores' smile had disappeared while Albus spoke, her reply curt.
“My dear Dolores, I never know exactly what some people mean. That is why I find I must clarify certain things before I give an in-depth response.”
The tiny woman stepped up to Albus, her face contorted in fury. “There's something going on here, Albus. I can smell it.” She backed up slightly as she nodded her head, her voice reverting back to its girlish quality. “I'll find out what you're up to, Albus, and then we'll see who has the last laugh.”
“Dolores, I truly don't understand what you mean.” Albus twisted his body about as he looked up and down the hallway. “I heard nothing amiss, and see nothing wrong within this corridor, so why would you assume I am,” Albus paused dramatically before continuing,” 'up to something'?”
Stepping back from Albus, a scowl on her face, Dolores shook with repressed anger. “If you didn't hear the crying and squealing, then perhaps you need to have Madam Pomfrey check your hearing!”
With that, she turned, pushing past him, and stalked down the hallway towards the infirmary, her wand out. Albus bowed to her back slightly, smiling, knowing that by now Remus had Hermione safely confined in their rooms. 'What on earth just happened between Remus and Hermione? I'll find out soon enough, I suppose.'
Albus turned and continued his thoughtful trek back to his office.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Remus pushed Hermione into the hidden room, his hand still clamped around her upper arm. The others watched the door open and close, then saw the two materialize after Remus removed the charm.
“If you will excuse us, we'll be in the other room having a discussion.” Remus' voice shook as he pushed Hermione into the room her parents had occupied not long before. He saw Robert Granger lift an arm and start to protest but he ignored him, shutting the door behind him and locking it.
“What the hell was that all about, Hermione? Do you have any idea how lucky we were that there weren't any students or teachers in that hallway?” He advanced on her. “Well, do you?”
“Remus! Don't be so angry with me! My father, he touched my tears! He touched them, Remus! I don't want my daddy to think of me like, like, like a... I don't know, like a woman! No, it'll be worse than that. He'll look at me like a whore or something. Oh, Remus! I'm supposed to be his little girl, not a, not, he's not supposed to think of me like you and Bill do!”
Remus reeled back in surprise. In his panic to get her back to the room safely, he hadn't considered the fact that she was so upset over her father touching the tears on her face. He replayed the scene in his mind and clearly saw Robert's fingers on her wet cheeks as Bill tried to pull his hands off her face. Obviously, Bill was very aware of her tears and reacted quickly, hoping to remove Robert's hands away from the potion-laden fluid before he absorbed too much into his system. 'Damn, why didn't I realize it at the time?'
“Oh, shit, Hermione.” He ran his fingers through his hair before dropping his arms and slumping down onto the bed. He leaned forward, rubbing his forehead with his hand, his elbow on his knee that he had bent so his heel hooked onto the bed rail. 'Of course. Didn't Albus tell me about that potion the other night when we spoke about her going outside with the Portkey? And then he explained it to all of us before Bill attempted to remove the curse. Damn.'
“I'm sorry, Remus. Really, I just panicked. I didn't want my mum to touch my tears and then my father did.”
Holding out his hand, he beckoned for her to come to him. Hesitant at first, she stepped forward and put her hand in his, allowing him to pull her towards him so she stood between his legs. He put his arms around her waist and hugged her to him, his face buried just below her breasts. He held her that way for a few minutes, her hands running through his hair, before standing and hugging her again.
“All right, baby, I understand now. But you can't go running through the halls no matter how panicked you are. You must keep yourself in control so you don't endanger yourself. Next time you may run into Filch or Umbridge,” he said, and Hermione felt a shudder go through his body.
“Umbridge?” The name tickled her memory.
“A teacher who is giving Harry a very hard time here in the school.”
“Oh.” Now she remembered Sirius mentioning that name once, recalled how angry he was with this woman. 'She must be an absolutely awful lady for both Remus and Sirius to be worried about her.'
His chin resting lightly on the top of her head, he took in a deep breath and let it out through his nose, watching the frizzy curls of her hair wisp about. Grabbing some of her hair with his lips and pulling back, he let the strands go so the hair bounced about lightly before settling down again. He was still amazed at how soft her hair was considering how wiry it could look if she wasn't careful when drying it.
“Come along. Let's explain this to your parents so they understand you didn't go crazy on them.” He made an attempt at a smile as he backed away from her. “Then we'll let Bill,” he paused for barely a millisecond but it was enough to have her eyes fly up to look at him before pinking up with embarrassment and looking away. He cleared his throat and continued, “Then we'll let Bill visit with Persimmonie.”
She nodded, her reply quiet. “Okay.”
Grabbing her hand, he walked to the door with her in tow. Hand on the door handle, he froze and looked down at her, stopping so suddenly she bumped into him.
“Sir?”
“Sweetie, I just remembered something you said a moment ago.”
She looked down and thought about their conversation but couldn't place what she could have said wrong. “Something I said? What?”
“Hermione, I don't think of you as a whore. You're not a whore.” He grabbed her shoulders and gently shook them. “You aren't a whore.”
“Oh, I...” She cleared her throat. “I, well, I can't see how else you'd see me.” She paused as he shook her sharply while hissing in a breath. “Really, Remus! I know how I'd see me, if I were someone else and knew all that you know. I have no illusions about that! I'm a slut. A nasty, disgusting, slutty whore. I'm...”
She sucked in a startled breath and stopped talking as his hands sharply squeezed down on her shoulders. For a moment she thought his thumbs were going to break her collar bones and she felt herself waiting to hear the crack of the bone as it splintered. Tears welled up as she whined and dipped down while trying to twist free of his hands, her arms coming up in an attempt to push his away from her. She looked up at him as he let go of her, his hands patting and rubbing her shoulders while his face contorted with a mixture of anger, fear and worry. She saw so many emotions on his face that she wasn't sure of what he was going to say when he began to speak, his voice choked and hoarse and shaky as he tried to keep calm and not let his feelings get the better of him.
“I'll not hear you say that about yourself ever again.” He bent down so he was level with her. “Not ever again. Is that clear?”
“I...” Biting her lip, she looked down as she grappled with a response. She was glad he didn't think of her as a whore, but she knew what she would think if she heard of all this happening to another girl and the shoe were on the other foot.
He slid his hands up so they were on either side of her head, his palms against her cheeks so she couldn't look away.
“I'll not have you saying that about yourself. Not ever. And you need to change your way of thinking if you want to get better and become independent again.” He stared into he eyes, almost willing her to think differently. “Do you understand what I'm saying, Hermione?”
She hesitated a moment before nodding, a tear escaping and sliding slowly down the curve of her left cheek. She struggled to keep from flinching away as his thumb slid up and wiped the tear away.
“And I'll not have you fearing my touch.” He stood, her eyes remaining locked onto his, unable to look away, feeling almost mesmerized by the intensity of his stare.
They stood staring at each other for a few moments before he gave a weary smile and looked away. He pulled her close to him in a brief hug, then grabbed her hand and turned, his other hand waving at the door, which unlocked and swung open.
They stepped out of the room, nearly colliding with her parents.
“What's going on here?” Robert demanded. “Hermione, what just happened? What's wrong with you?”
Remus held up his hand. “Please, Mr. Granger, let me explain.”
Robert stood back, his arms crossing over his chest defiantly. “Go on then, explain. Bill here,” he tilted his head towards Bill, “was babbling about my touching her tears. I don't see what the problem is with that. So you tell me.”
His eyes shifting between the two men, Remus cleared his throat as he tried to explain to Hermione's father the gravity of the situation at hand. “Mr. Granger, we believe Hermione was given a potion that changed her body chemistry. Unfortunately, we believe that this potion causes those of the opposite sex to, uhhhhhhh, to be extra protective of the victim and may,” Remus cleared his throat, “cause them to desire the victim if they touch certain body fluids.” Remus flicked his eyes to Robert's hands. “Such as tears.”
Jane gasped, her hands coming up to her mouth as her eyes widened. “Is that why she was, why she kept on turning her face away? She didn't want me to touch her tears?” She looked at Hermione. “Is that why?”
Hermione nodded, nibbling her lower lip furiously as she stood with her arms over her own chest in a protective manner.
Remus looked at Jane. “From what I understand, the potion won't affect you because you and Hermione are both of the same sex. However, uh, Robert, it may affect you. I guess it's possible, because you are genetically related, that it won't.” Remus knew this was a long shot, but he felt the need to give the horrified man before him some hope that he wouldn't feel compelled to go after his daughter like a sex-crazed maniac.
Bill stepped forward. “Mr. Granger, did you feel a tingling or anything unusual when you touched her tears?”
“Well, uh, no. I just felt them drying is all.” Robert was clearly in shock by this new information as he unconsciously wiped his hands on the back of his pants.
Bill looked up at Remus. “There's no way of knowing since he's Muggle and he's not trained to sense the effects.” He glanced at Robert. “We'll just have to wait and see.”
“Wait and see what?” Jane's voice rose with each syllable.
Remus cleared his throat. “You see, the effects of the potion, like I said, may cause the person to, uh, desire the person who ingested the potion.”
“Desire? What do you mean by 'desire'?” Robert looked between the two men. “You mean 'desire' desire? Like man and wife 'desire'? Is that what you mean?”
Another gasp came from Jane as her eyes darted between her daughter and husband.
Remus nodded, his reply quick. “But, as I said, that may not come to pass due to your being related.”
“To be sure, though,” Bill quietly added, “it would be best if the two of you weren't left alone.”
Reeling back, his face contorted, Robert threw his hands about as he spoke. “Son-of-a-bitch! That's disgusting! I'd never, I've never, there's no way I'd ever... Not with my daughter!” Robert slowly backed away, horror on his face. He turned to his wife. “I swear it Jane, I'd never do that!”
Jane reached out and grabbed for his arm, her voice barely above a whisper. “I, I know, honey. I know.”
“What the fuck? This nutter who took my daughter has totally fucked our lives up, hasn't he? I'll kill him if I ever see him, magic or no magic!” Robert spun around and walked away, suddenly feeling overwhelmed with the whole situation. He needed to get away and there was nowhere to go but the rooms they were confined in.
Robert twisted around, looking at them, his face pinched with indignant anger. “And why didn't anyone mention this before?” He turned so he faced them, his arms waving about as he spoke. “My daughter's been crying on and off for days now, in my presence, and AFTER I FINALLY touch her tears, you decide to tell us about this poison she has in her? How fucking perfect! Now what do we do? Huh? Now what? I can't be trusted around my own daughter now? Is that it?”
Silence followed his tirade as Robert spun around again, his shoulders shaking as he walked away.
Remus and Bill glanced at each other and then watched as Jane carefully approached her husband and spoke to him in low, soothing tones. Simultaneously, both men turned to look at Hermione, who now stood alone, her arms wrapped around her forlornly, miserably watching her parents as she struggled to keep tears from cascading down her face. They both made to go to her, Remus' low growl and intense glare stopping Bill in mid-step.
Suddenly, Miss Rotidorp came up behind Bill and put her hand on his shoulder. “Perhaps, Bill, now is the time to take me home? Then you could come back and visit with your niece. By that time, everyone will have calmed down.”
“Yeah, Grace. Yeah, I guess you're right.”
“That sounds like a good idea.” Remus continued to glare at Bill as he held Hermione. “By the time you get back, I'll have everyone calmed down and have her parents in the other room. Persimmonie will be out here waiting for you to visit.”
“Yeah, that, uh, that sounds like a plan.”
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
An hour later, Bill knocked and entered when Remus cautiously opened the door for him. True to his word, the Grangers were in the other room and Hermione held her daughter in her arms.
“Are they okay?” Bill's eyes shot towards the closed bedroom door, then slid back to look at Remus.
“Yes, for the most part. They've had quite a lot to deal with this last week and today was definitely a shocker. Mrs. Granger is lying down, Mr. Granger is staring out the window.”
“I understand.” Bill swallowed as he looked at the little red-head in Hermione's arms. “Can I take a proper look at my niece now?”
“Of course. As you can see, she's with her mum.”
Remus turned and walked with Bill towards Hermione who stood as they neared. Bill carefully removed Persimmonie from her arms and sat down on the cot, Hermione sitting next him with Remus on her other side.
“How old is she? She's so tiny.”
Remus reached over Hermione and passed his hand over the babe's silky fine hair. “She was born May first, so she's nearly three weeks old now.” 'Three weeks, is that all? So much has happened in so little time.'
“Gods, she's lovely. She looks just like you, Hermione.”
Hermione blushed at the implied compliment. “I think she's beautiful, but I'm her mum so I'm a bit prejudiced about that.” She couldn't hide the pride she felt towards her baby as she spoke.
Bill lifted the infant and looked into her eyes, his hands carefully supporting her head. He kissed her chubby cheek before bringing her up to his chest and hugging her.
“You have no idea how much my mum has been pestering me to get married and give her grandchildren. I think she finally gave up on Charlie. And the twins, well, who knows with them? Merlin, she's going to be thrilled when she finds out about Persimmonie.”
“She won't be angry?” Hermione asked quietly. She felt a terrible burning tug in her chest as she remembered Mrs. Weasley down in the room helping her birth her babies. She knew she'd never be able to tell Bill that his mum had known about her first granddaughter until the memory was charmed away from her. The sadness was almost overwhelming.
“Angry? With you? No! No, she'll understand once she knows what happened. I mean, you couldn't help what happened to you, now could you?” Hermione shook her head as she played with Remus' fingers that were now, unknown to her, jealously placed on her thigh. “No matter what, Hermione, this is her granddaughter. My mum will love her.”
“Oh, good. I hope so.”
“Well, at least we know you and Ron will have beautiful kids.” He rubbed her frizzy hair with his chin as he turned to look at Remus. “When do you plan to tell Ron he's a father?”
Bristling at Bill hinting that Ron and Hermione would have more children together, Remus tried to keep his voice neutral. “I don't yet. It's all up to Albus.”
Bill's eyes clouded over as he looked back at his niece. “I see.”
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Story date: May 23, 1996 8:08 am
“Hermione, calm down!”
“I want to go back, Remus!”
Remus stared at her, exasperated by her continued fear of the outdoors. He gave her arm an impatient shake. “Come on, hon, this is the fourth day in a row we've been outside. There's no reason for you to panic. Now stop it!”
“I'm not panicking! I just don't like being outside!” Wide-eyed, she looked around them, her hand clutching his sleeve. “There's so much noise and it feels so big! We're out in the open without protection!”
Remus pulled his arm from her and noticed her shock at his sudden movement. He felt guilty about it, and the thought of it was killing him deep down inside, but he needed to make her less dependent upon others, especially himself. He sat down on the grass, a tree to his back.
“Sit, now.” Remus pulled her down next to him and took Persimmonie out of her arms. “Don't you dare move, either.” He waved his hand and a tiny scrap of material floated out of his pocket; hovering in the air briefly, it began to enlarge and unfold, then lowered itself onto the ground next to him. Remus carefully lowered the infant down upon the blanket once it had settled itself neatly over the grass. He patted the babe's bottom for a moment until she stopped fretting, then turned his attention back to Hermione.
He studied her before asking in a more controlled voice, “Are you feeling more in control now?”
Looking about fearfully, Hermione struggled to keep her breathing slow. 'He's going to make me do this no matter what. I can't get out of this. He's doing this for my own good. I can do this. I have to do this.' She looked around again while taking in a shaky breath. 'It's not so bad, now is it, Hermione? It's actually pretty nice out.' She looked at Remus. 'He'll protect me. He's a capable wizard. Remus won't let anything happen to me. I'm safe out here. I'll be all right.'
“Yes, I suppose so.” Then, more firmly, “Yes, I'm fine.”
“Good. Now, close your eyes and tell me what you hear.”
Hesitantly, Hermione closed her eyes and concentrated on the sounds around her. “I hear the leaves rustling about. And that's a bird. There's a buzzing noise. Sounds like a bee.”
Remus shrugged his shoulders. “Could be, it sounds like a bee.” He sat back against the tree they were under and stretched out his long legs, his hand patting Persimmonie absently. “Now, tell me what you feel.”
“Um.” She closed her eyes again as she snuggled against him. “I feel the warmth of the sun even though the air is cool. And the breeze is kind of fluffing the hair on my arms.”
“All right. Anything else?”
“The grass is kind of moist in spots.” She giggled. “And a stick is poking my bum.”
Remus chuckled.
“So, is being here still as frightening to you as it was the first time we came out here?”
Hermione burrowed her nose against his arm and shook her head. “No.”
She thought about the times Sirius would take her outside. The times when she would be so excited over getting out of the rooms he had made for her. Before she became afraid of the outside. She looked around and sighed. It smelled wonderful out here and the wind blowing gently on her skin and through her hair was lovely. She listened to the remnants of the leaves as they shuffled about on the ground and looked up at the buds peeking out on the ends of the branches, smiling at the thought of spring and summer coming. Everything seemed to be coming back to life and renewing itself – the trees and flowers, the insects as the warmth gave them energy... And her. She realized that she was coming back to life as well. She had been locked away, prized in a way, a cherished prisoner – but a prisoner none-the-less.
She peeked up at her man, her chest aching with gratitude for his patience and loving ways, for him genuinely wanting her to get better, to be on her own. She frowned a moment. 'I don't want to be on my own. I want him to stay with me. But he's done so much, changed so much of his life for me. A life that had no plans for me before Sirius dragged him into our lives.' She sighed again, knowing that she would forever miss him if he left, but also knowing that it would be better for him. For her Remus. 'I'm going to have to get myself pulled together so my Remus can have his life back. He's been so unselfish, so caring. And now I have to give back to him by getting better so he can go on with his life. Without feeling guilty.' That was what was important, she decided, that he go on with is life guilt-free so he could enjoy himself without regrets. He'd have to believe she was happy or he'd never leave her. But, what makes me happy anymore? Gaining knowledge used to be so gratifying, but now it's a struggle just to read a chapter in a book. She looked at her baby, feeling guilt that the child, while dearly loved by her, wasn't the answer. 'Will I ever truly be happy? How do I find happiness without my Remus?'
Unaware of her thoughts, Remus gave a contented grunt. “Good, we're making progress then.” He pushed her away and then wrapped his arm around her so she could snuggle even closer to him. He reached his hand out and patted Persimmonie's bottom as he tilted his head and placed his cheek on top of Hermione's head, her hair tickling his nose.
He thought about the first time he had brought her here with the Portkey. She stood, frozen for several minutes, seemingly unable to move as she trembled against him, her hands clutching him fearfully. Persimmonie had begun to cry as she was being crushed between them and he had to pry the infant out of her mother's arms in order to keep her from harm. Their first time outside had lasted a total of fifteen minutes. He was determined to keep his girls outside for a few hours today, if he could. He had a feeling Hermione was finally accepting these outdoor excursions and had relaxed enough that she'd be able to tolerate being out longer and longer each day. Maybe he'd even be able to get her to walk around today as well.
Remus sighed deeply, taking in the clean, crisp air as a relaxed smile formed on his face. He really liked having his girls out here with him alone. Soon, he hoped, Hermione would be able to come outside without having to have him around to support her emotionally. Not that he didn't like having her so attached to him, he rather enjoyed it. But, it wasn't healthy, and he knew it. And he wasn't going to be the reason she became an emotional cripple. He really meant it when he said he wanted her whole and healthy and happy. And he was going to help her attain that goal, no matter what.
He'd fight the elfin teaching he had endured. He'd fight the pull of the potion. 'I have to. I just have to. Sometimes I feel like I'm spiraling down into madness because I want her so much. But I'm strong enough to fight it. I know I am.'
He remembered Sirius, the man begging him to let him see his Kitten. Begging and crying. 'I won't become like him. I refuse to. I'll let Hermione go and I'll deal with it. Losing her won't be the end of the world. And it won't be the end of me.'
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Story date: May 27, 1996 5:03 pm
A dark gray barn owl flew towards Harry and dropped an envelope in his lap. Harry looked around the Great Hall as other owls dropped off the late mail to other students during dinner.
Ron leaned over as he attempted to look at the handwriting on the front. “Oi, who's it from?”
“Dunno, hold on.” Harry ripped the envelope open. “It's from Padfoot,” he said quietly.
“Really? What's he say?' Ron spoke around the food he was jamming into his mouth. “It's been a while since you've heard from him.”
“He wants to speak to me in the Gryffindor fireplace at midnight.”
“Midnight, eh? Should be quiet by then.”
“Yeah, I guess so.” Harry's brows furrowed, his expression thoughtful. “ I wonder what he wants to talk about.”
Ron grabbed Harry's arm. “Hey, do you suppose that he's heard something about Hermione?”
“Dunno.” Harry shrugged. “Maybe, Ron, maybe.” He looked at Ron closer. “What made you think of that? Don't you think Professor Dumbledore would tell us first?”
Looking perplexed, Ron sat up straight. “Dunno. It just came to me.”
“Well, whatever it is, we'll find out soon.”
“We can only hope,” Ron said as he shoveled some mashed potatoes into his mouth.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Author's notes for this section of the chapter:
Another good fanfic about rape:
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/2978409/1/Beautiful_Things_Can_Come_From_The_Dark
*
Something I've just learned about – corrective rape:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corrective_rape
They talk about this only happening in Africa, but I bet it's been going on for ages all over the world...
*
Rape and Switch:
http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/RapeAndSwitch
*
Post Rape Syndrome:
http://www.empowher.com/news/herarticle/2009/04/08/about-post-rape-stress-disorder
http://hubpages.com/hub/Sex-After-Rape----Victims-Coping-Tactics
*
Miscellaneous rape info/commentary of interest:
http://www.holysmoke.org/fem/fem0520.htm
http://www.glowm.com/index.html?p=glowm.cml/section_view&articleid=426
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Story: Cherries
Author: bubblybabs
Email: bubbalilly@gmail.com
Beta: Periculum
Story Consultants: WesleyY7, Sonia
Total Word Count: 7020
Chapter 40 Edit Date: 04/05/2011
At the time of chapter upload
Hit count: 39,151
Review count: 201
Average/total vote: +++++ / +++++
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Chapter 40: The Unraveling Begins
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I truly appreciate the comments left by everyone... I read them dutifully and they help guide the story... Believe it or not, we are nearing the end – the story is winding down, the conclusion ever closer... I think you will be truly surprised by the ending (when it gets here)... To those who have stuck with this story, I applaud you as I know my posting of chapters has been erratic... Stick with me, I promise to finish this...
Big hugs to the story consultants and beta's... They are a great deal of help, catching my snafoo's and boo-boo's... Thanks girls...
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Story date: May 19, 1996 (continued)
Albus walked with forced calm towards his office, his mind in great turmoil as he tried vainly to figure out what to do with Miss Granger. 'This promising young girl has become the bane of my existence. At first, I was delighted when she befriended Harry. Her intelligence, attention to detail, and tenacity were all assets Harry would need in a friend – but now? Now she has become the Trojan Horse. He needs her to help him fight Tom, but has she become a danger to Harry himself? Should I have Harry visit her and watch to see how she reacts? I suppose that would be a good way to find out if she's a danger to him. At least, find out if she's an immediate danger to him. I suppose I could explain to him about the curse and advise him that he must be on the alert whilst around her on the off chance the curse is triggered by something he does or says. I know Bill says he thinks the curse is only a sexual one, but he isn't one-hundred percent sure. What if she's somehow programmed to kill Harry? He'd never be prepared for that, no matter how many times he is warned. And the bottom line is, I can't risk Harry, no matter what.'
He paused in the hall and stood still, trying to think of a way to break the news to Harry without unduly alarming him and still placing caution upon the danger he could very well encounter with Hermione. He hated to admit it, but Severus was right when he said Harry could be dense about certain things and he was somehow sure that Miss Granger would be a particularly dense spot when it came to Harry's common sense.
Of course, if there were any flaws in Harry, Severus could find them. Albus shook his head slowly, a smile forming on his lips as he recalled how vehemently Severus ticked off Harry's less than admirable qualities, somehow not realizing that many of them were also his own.
“Headmaster.”
Startled, Albus looked up to see Severus not far down the dark hall, his black eyes glittering in the torch light as he slowly walked towards him.
He nodded slightly in greeting. “Severus. I take it you are making rounds?”
“As usual.” Severus slyly scanned the hall before giving Albus a sideways glance. “Was Weasley successful with the girl?”
Frowning deeply, Albus shook his head sadly. “No, Severus, he was not.”
Severus nodded thoughtfully. “I had a feeling he would encounter a problem.”
“Oh?” Albus scrutinized the dark man before him for a moment before continuing softly. “I was under the impression that the curse was unknown to you, Severus. Surely you would have said something by now, would you not?' Severus sighed as Albus continued, his shoulders thrown back as he leaned against the wall with a heel hooked against the stone. “What made you think Bill would be unsuccessful other than your doubtful nature?”
“You are correct, Albus, in that I do not know the exact nature of the curse. But I am able to... feel... that it is a profound one. Ancient. One not easily diagnosed nor removed.” He looked deeply into Albus' eyes. “As I am sure you, yourself, are aware.” He sighed as he looked down at the carefully polished dark ebony wand in his hand, his thumb lazily rubbing along the edges of the intricately carved wood. “I'm sure Bella cast it. It... feels like her work.”
Albus' eyes widened. “If that is so, then we both know the curse will be excessive and most likely sexual in nature.”
“Perhaps.” Severus shrugged, his eyes sliding back and forth as he looked up and down the halls again. He glanced at Albus and noted the old man's questioning gaze. “Bella isn't obsessed with sex, Albus, as you seem to think. She just knows it's one of the most demeaning ways to punish your enemy and she uses that knowledge to her advantage.” He gave a wry smile. “Just as she tried to suck me into the abyss when she had Lucius offer to 'let' me use the girl. She knew I would want nothing to do with Granger, but she also knew I would have to in order to keep my cover.”
“I hear what you are saying, Severus. But what else could this curse be, given the circumstances of how she used the girl? The question is, what is it exactly? Who is the trigger?”
Severus snorted nastily. “Let us hope it's not Potter.”
“Severus.”
Deliberately, he slowly twirled his wand in his hand, his lip curling with amusement, Severus continued as though he hadn't heard Albus' scandalized tones. “Imagine Potter's surprise at having the Granger girl throwing herself at him in a decided nature of undress. I don't think he could handle the shock.”
Albus' tone was dry. “Severus.”
Severus shot the headmaster a look of feigned innocence. “What? As if Potter has girls throwing themselves naked at him all the time.” He smirked. “He wouldn't know what to do with her, though I can personally guarantee you she will most assuredly know what to do with him.”
“Severus, please.” There was a pregnant pause before Albus continued softly. “I hope you are mature enough to know you should never make such comments in front of Miss Granger. Or in front of Harry.”
Severus rolled his eyes. “To the girl, never. Potter, now that's a different story.”
The dark wizard gazed intently at the headmaster, then huffed impatiently. He, of course, had no intention of mentioning his knowledge of the girls extensive sexual experience with the boy – or any of his Slythe for that matter. He had no intention of sharing her in the future with an assemblage of hormonal juveniles. But, it was fun to imagine gloating in front of the boy, just to see his impotent rage burst forth. 'Yes, that would definitely be amusing.' Severus' lips curled slightly on the edges as he watched, in his mind's eye, the boy, full of rage, futilely attempting to curse him into oblivion.
“Severus.” Albus looked far from amused. “I shall assume...”
Abruptly standing tall while throwing his shoulders back, Albus' ears prickled at a sudden disturbing sound. He glanced at Severus before slightly twisting round to look for the source of the clamor. The slapping of running feet could be heard as well as... crying?
Both men turned as the sounds came closer, the owner of the cries finally rounding the corner in a furious pother of hair that whipped about as the girl slipped and nearly fell before clumsily righting herself. Albus couldn't believe his eyes. Or his ears. 'Miss Granger? What has happened to cause her to run in apparent panic down the hall?' He looked behind her, half expecting to see Bella, or perhaps Kreacher, following her.
Quick as lightning, Severus reached out and grabbed Hermione as she attempted to maneuver around him. A moment later, as he struggled with her, Remus ran around the corner and froze, gasping and holding his side, when he caught site of Hermione furiously fighting the Potions Master. Remus leaned forward for a moment, a hand on his knee as he took in several deep breaths before trotting up to Severus and a frantically squealing Hermione. Without a word, he grabbed her from Severus and swiped her face with a gentle slap before pushing her against the wall, growling a warning for her to 'shush, damn it' as he shook her hard by the shoulders. Severus stepped back, momentarily astonished by Remus' uncharacteristic display of dominance.
The show of force did the trick however, and she suddenly stood silent and still, a hand holding her cheek where his slap had grazed her. She whimpered and sniffled a few times as she looked into Remus' eyes, her other hand on his chest, attempting to push him back.
Remus put both arms on either side of her, his short gasps becoming more regular and less ragged as he slowly caught his breath. He locked eyes with Hermione before putting his forehead against hers.
“Albus, I'll have Hermione back to the hidden room straight away.” Remus didn't pull away from Hermione as he spoke to the headmaster, his intense gaze keeping her immobile.
“That would be very much appreciated, Remus. Might I inquire as to the reason for this... scene?”
Remus pondered his wording for a moment before replying softly. “Yes, Albus, you may. But not now. Later. First I have to get Hermione back to the room where she'll be safe.”
“Of course, Remus. We'll discuss this later when you, Bill, and I meet.”
Sighing, Remus nodded, grateful for Albus taking the hint that his first priority was getting Hermione back into hiding. “That will be fine, Albus. I appreciate it.”
Standing and backing up slightly, still keeping his eyes focused on Hermione's, Remus raised his wand. Frowning as she gave a barely perceptible flinch, Remus reached over Hermione's head and smacked her with his wand. Watching as she slowly disappeared while the Disillusionment Charm moved down her body, Remus then cracked himself on the head with his wand and followed suit, disappearing from view. His vision not hampered by the charm, Albus watched as Remus somewhat roughly grabbed her by the arm and guided her back towards the infirmary. 'Well, I guess I don't need to worry about him coddling her too much anymore, now do I?'
“What...?”
Albus turned, waiting a moment before he replied as he studied the dark, young man who was staring intently at the place where the pair had just disappeared up the hall.
“I don't know, Severus. To be sure, I am surprised she is out of the room I made for her. Something has distressed her greatly.”
Taking a half-step back while pivoting on his heel so he faced the headmaster, Severus rolled his eyes while he crossed his arms. “That is obvious, Albus.”
Albus chuckled. “I'll find out later tonight when I have my meeting with the boys.” He looked up and down the halls. “Perhaps you had better continue with your rounds, Severus. I fear the noises Miss Granger was making may have caught the attention of some unsavory people. It would be best if we both behave as if we though we didn't notice anything was amiss.”
Giving one last look into the dimly lit hall where Miss Granger and Lupin had gone, Severus nodded and continued walking in the opposite direction, his eyes scanning around him as he looked for those out after curfew, on the ready to deduct house points.
Deep in thought, Albus stared down the hall long after Severus had turned the corner until he heard a “hem, hem” from behind. Slowly turning on the spot, he found himself looking down at Dolores Umbridge.
Speaking in her well-known, highly annoying and much hated little-girl voice, she glanced up and down the hall before addressing Albus. “Professor Dumbledore, I believe I heard a young girl crying and screaming not long ago. Surely you must have heard it as well?”
“No, my dear Madam Umbridge, I did not. That is a sound we rarely hear in the halls of Hogwarts. Unless, of course, you mean the cries of delight heard on the last day of term. However, I believe it is a little early to be hearing those cries of joy, wouldn't you say?”
“You know perfectly well that that is not what I meant, Albus.” Dolores' smile had disappeared while Albus spoke, her reply curt.
“My dear Dolores, I never know exactly what some people mean. That is why I find I must clarify certain things before I give an in-depth response.”
The tiny woman stepped up to Albus, her face contorted in fury. “There's something going on here, Albus. I can smell it.” She backed up slightly as she nodded her head, her voice reverting back to its girlish quality. “I'll find out what you're up to, Albus, and then we'll see who has the last laugh.”
“Dolores, I truly don't understand what you mean.” Albus twisted his body about as he looked up and down the hallway. “I heard nothing amiss, and see nothing wrong within this corridor, so why would you assume I am,” Albus paused dramatically before continuing,” 'up to something'?”
Stepping back from Albus, a scowl on her face, Dolores shook with repressed anger. “If you didn't hear the crying and squealing, then perhaps you need to have Madam Pomfrey check your hearing!”
With that, she turned, pushing past him, and stalked down the hallway towards the infirmary, her wand out. Albus bowed to her back slightly, smiling, knowing that by now Remus had Hermione safely confined in their rooms. 'What on earth just happened between Remus and Hermione? I'll find out soon enough, I suppose.'
Albus turned and continued his thoughtful trek back to his office.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Remus pushed Hermione into the hidden room, his hand still clamped around her upper arm. The others watched the door open and close, then saw the two materialize after Remus removed the charm.
“If you will excuse us, we'll be in the other room having a discussion.” Remus' voice shook as he pushed Hermione into the room her parents had occupied not long before. He saw Robert Granger lift an arm and start to protest but he ignored him, shutting the door behind him and locking it.
“What the hell was that all about, Hermione? Do you have any idea how lucky we were that there weren't any students or teachers in that hallway?” He advanced on her. “Well, do you?”
“Remus! Don't be so angry with me! My father, he touched my tears! He touched them, Remus! I don't want my daddy to think of me like, like, like a... I don't know, like a woman! No, it'll be worse than that. He'll look at me like a whore or something. Oh, Remus! I'm supposed to be his little girl, not a, not, he's not supposed to think of me like you and Bill do!”
Remus reeled back in surprise. In his panic to get her back to the room safely, he hadn't considered the fact that she was so upset over her father touching the tears on her face. He replayed the scene in his mind and clearly saw Robert's fingers on her wet cheeks as Bill tried to pull his hands off her face. Obviously, Bill was very aware of her tears and reacted quickly, hoping to remove Robert's hands away from the potion-laden fluid before he absorbed too much into his system. 'Damn, why didn't I realize it at the time?'
“Oh, shit, Hermione.” He ran his fingers through his hair before dropping his arms and slumping down onto the bed. He leaned forward, rubbing his forehead with his hand, his elbow on his knee that he had bent so his heel hooked onto the bed rail. 'Of course. Didn't Albus tell me about that potion the other night when we spoke about her going outside with the Portkey? And then he explained it to all of us before Bill attempted to remove the curse. Damn.'
“I'm sorry, Remus. Really, I just panicked. I didn't want my mum to touch my tears and then my father did.”
Holding out his hand, he beckoned for her to come to him. Hesitant at first, she stepped forward and put her hand in his, allowing him to pull her towards him so she stood between his legs. He put his arms around her waist and hugged her to him, his face buried just below her breasts. He held her that way for a few minutes, her hands running through his hair, before standing and hugging her again.
“All right, baby, I understand now. But you can't go running through the halls no matter how panicked you are. You must keep yourself in control so you don't endanger yourself. Next time you may run into Filch or Umbridge,” he said, and Hermione felt a shudder go through his body.
“Umbridge?” The name tickled her memory.
“A teacher who is giving Harry a very hard time here in the school.”
“Oh.” Now she remembered Sirius mentioning that name once, recalled how angry he was with this woman. 'She must be an absolutely awful lady for both Remus and Sirius to be worried about her.'
His chin resting lightly on the top of her head, he took in a deep breath and let it out through his nose, watching the frizzy curls of her hair wisp about. Grabbing some of her hair with his lips and pulling back, he let the strands go so the hair bounced about lightly before settling down again. He was still amazed at how soft her hair was considering how wiry it could look if she wasn't careful when drying it.
“Come along. Let's explain this to your parents so they understand you didn't go crazy on them.” He made an attempt at a smile as he backed away from her. “Then we'll let Bill,” he paused for barely a millisecond but it was enough to have her eyes fly up to look at him before pinking up with embarrassment and looking away. He cleared his throat and continued, “Then we'll let Bill visit with Persimmonie.”
She nodded, her reply quiet. “Okay.”
Grabbing her hand, he walked to the door with her in tow. Hand on the door handle, he froze and looked down at her, stopping so suddenly she bumped into him.
“Sir?”
“Sweetie, I just remembered something you said a moment ago.”
She looked down and thought about their conversation but couldn't place what she could have said wrong. “Something I said? What?”
“Hermione, I don't think of you as a whore. You're not a whore.” He grabbed her shoulders and gently shook them. “You aren't a whore.”
“Oh, I...” She cleared her throat. “I, well, I can't see how else you'd see me.” She paused as he shook her sharply while hissing in a breath. “Really, Remus! I know how I'd see me, if I were someone else and knew all that you know. I have no illusions about that! I'm a slut. A nasty, disgusting, slutty whore. I'm...”
She sucked in a startled breath and stopped talking as his hands sharply squeezed down on her shoulders. For a moment she thought his thumbs were going to break her collar bones and she felt herself waiting to hear the crack of the bone as it splintered. Tears welled up as she whined and dipped down while trying to twist free of his hands, her arms coming up in an attempt to push his away from her. She looked up at him as he let go of her, his hands patting and rubbing her shoulders while his face contorted with a mixture of anger, fear and worry. She saw so many emotions on his face that she wasn't sure of what he was going to say when he began to speak, his voice choked and hoarse and shaky as he tried to keep calm and not let his feelings get the better of him.
“I'll not hear you say that about yourself ever again.” He bent down so he was level with her. “Not ever again. Is that clear?”
“I...” Biting her lip, she looked down as she grappled with a response. She was glad he didn't think of her as a whore, but she knew what she would think if she heard of all this happening to another girl and the shoe were on the other foot.
He slid his hands up so they were on either side of her head, his palms against her cheeks so she couldn't look away.
“I'll not have you saying that about yourself. Not ever. And you need to change your way of thinking if you want to get better and become independent again.” He stared into he eyes, almost willing her to think differently. “Do you understand what I'm saying, Hermione?”
She hesitated a moment before nodding, a tear escaping and sliding slowly down the curve of her left cheek. She struggled to keep from flinching away as his thumb slid up and wiped the tear away.
“And I'll not have you fearing my touch.” He stood, her eyes remaining locked onto his, unable to look away, feeling almost mesmerized by the intensity of his stare.
They stood staring at each other for a few moments before he gave a weary smile and looked away. He pulled her close to him in a brief hug, then grabbed her hand and turned, his other hand waving at the door, which unlocked and swung open.
They stepped out of the room, nearly colliding with her parents.
“What's going on here?” Robert demanded. “Hermione, what just happened? What's wrong with you?”
Remus held up his hand. “Please, Mr. Granger, let me explain.”
Robert stood back, his arms crossing over his chest defiantly. “Go on then, explain. Bill here,” he tilted his head towards Bill, “was babbling about my touching her tears. I don't see what the problem is with that. So you tell me.”
His eyes shifting between the two men, Remus cleared his throat as he tried to explain to Hermione's father the gravity of the situation at hand. “Mr. Granger, we believe Hermione was given a potion that changed her body chemistry. Unfortunately, we believe that this potion causes those of the opposite sex to, uhhhhhhh, to be extra protective of the victim and may,” Remus cleared his throat, “cause them to desire the victim if they touch certain body fluids.” Remus flicked his eyes to Robert's hands. “Such as tears.”
Jane gasped, her hands coming up to her mouth as her eyes widened. “Is that why she was, why she kept on turning her face away? She didn't want me to touch her tears?” She looked at Hermione. “Is that why?”
Hermione nodded, nibbling her lower lip furiously as she stood with her arms over her own chest in a protective manner.
Remus looked at Jane. “From what I understand, the potion won't affect you because you and Hermione are both of the same sex. However, uh, Robert, it may affect you. I guess it's possible, because you are genetically related, that it won't.” Remus knew this was a long shot, but he felt the need to give the horrified man before him some hope that he wouldn't feel compelled to go after his daughter like a sex-crazed maniac.
Bill stepped forward. “Mr. Granger, did you feel a tingling or anything unusual when you touched her tears?”
“Well, uh, no. I just felt them drying is all.” Robert was clearly in shock by this new information as he unconsciously wiped his hands on the back of his pants.
Bill looked up at Remus. “There's no way of knowing since he's Muggle and he's not trained to sense the effects.” He glanced at Robert. “We'll just have to wait and see.”
“Wait and see what?” Jane's voice rose with each syllable.
Remus cleared his throat. “You see, the effects of the potion, like I said, may cause the person to, uh, desire the person who ingested the potion.”
“Desire? What do you mean by 'desire'?” Robert looked between the two men. “You mean 'desire' desire? Like man and wife 'desire'? Is that what you mean?”
Another gasp came from Jane as her eyes darted between her daughter and husband.
Remus nodded, his reply quick. “But, as I said, that may not come to pass due to your being related.”
“To be sure, though,” Bill quietly added, “it would be best if the two of you weren't left alone.”
Reeling back, his face contorted, Robert threw his hands about as he spoke. “Son-of-a-bitch! That's disgusting! I'd never, I've never, there's no way I'd ever... Not with my daughter!” Robert slowly backed away, horror on his face. He turned to his wife. “I swear it Jane, I'd never do that!”
Jane reached out and grabbed for his arm, her voice barely above a whisper. “I, I know, honey. I know.”
“What the fuck? This nutter who took my daughter has totally fucked our lives up, hasn't he? I'll kill him if I ever see him, magic or no magic!” Robert spun around and walked away, suddenly feeling overwhelmed with the whole situation. He needed to get away and there was nowhere to go but the rooms they were confined in.
Robert twisted around, looking at them, his face pinched with indignant anger. “And why didn't anyone mention this before?” He turned so he faced them, his arms waving about as he spoke. “My daughter's been crying on and off for days now, in my presence, and AFTER I FINALLY touch her tears, you decide to tell us about this poison she has in her? How fucking perfect! Now what do we do? Huh? Now what? I can't be trusted around my own daughter now? Is that it?”
Silence followed his tirade as Robert spun around again, his shoulders shaking as he walked away.
Remus and Bill glanced at each other and then watched as Jane carefully approached her husband and spoke to him in low, soothing tones. Simultaneously, both men turned to look at Hermione, who now stood alone, her arms wrapped around her forlornly, miserably watching her parents as she struggled to keep tears from cascading down her face. They both made to go to her, Remus' low growl and intense glare stopping Bill in mid-step.
Suddenly, Miss Rotidorp came up behind Bill and put her hand on his shoulder. “Perhaps, Bill, now is the time to take me home? Then you could come back and visit with your niece. By that time, everyone will have calmed down.”
“Yeah, Grace. Yeah, I guess you're right.”
“That sounds like a good idea.” Remus continued to glare at Bill as he held Hermione. “By the time you get back, I'll have everyone calmed down and have her parents in the other room. Persimmonie will be out here waiting for you to visit.”
“Yeah, that, uh, that sounds like a plan.”
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
An hour later, Bill knocked and entered when Remus cautiously opened the door for him. True to his word, the Grangers were in the other room and Hermione held her daughter in her arms.
“Are they okay?” Bill's eyes shot towards the closed bedroom door, then slid back to look at Remus.
“Yes, for the most part. They've had quite a lot to deal with this last week and today was definitely a shocker. Mrs. Granger is lying down, Mr. Granger is staring out the window.”
“I understand.” Bill swallowed as he looked at the little red-head in Hermione's arms. “Can I take a proper look at my niece now?”
“Of course. As you can see, she's with her mum.”
Remus turned and walked with Bill towards Hermione who stood as they neared. Bill carefully removed Persimmonie from her arms and sat down on the cot, Hermione sitting next him with Remus on her other side.
“How old is she? She's so tiny.”
Remus reached over Hermione and passed his hand over the babe's silky fine hair. “She was born May first, so she's nearly three weeks old now.” 'Three weeks, is that all? So much has happened in so little time.'
“Gods, she's lovely. She looks just like you, Hermione.”
Hermione blushed at the implied compliment. “I think she's beautiful, but I'm her mum so I'm a bit prejudiced about that.” She couldn't hide the pride she felt towards her baby as she spoke.
Bill lifted the infant and looked into her eyes, his hands carefully supporting her head. He kissed her chubby cheek before bringing her up to his chest and hugging her.
“You have no idea how much my mum has been pestering me to get married and give her grandchildren. I think she finally gave up on Charlie. And the twins, well, who knows with them? Merlin, she's going to be thrilled when she finds out about Persimmonie.”
“She won't be angry?” Hermione asked quietly. She felt a terrible burning tug in her chest as she remembered Mrs. Weasley down in the room helping her birth her babies. She knew she'd never be able to tell Bill that his mum had known about her first granddaughter until the memory was charmed away from her. The sadness was almost overwhelming.
“Angry? With you? No! No, she'll understand once she knows what happened. I mean, you couldn't help what happened to you, now could you?” Hermione shook her head as she played with Remus' fingers that were now, unknown to her, jealously placed on her thigh. “No matter what, Hermione, this is her granddaughter. My mum will love her.”
“Oh, good. I hope so.”
“Well, at least we know you and Ron will have beautiful kids.” He rubbed her frizzy hair with his chin as he turned to look at Remus. “When do you plan to tell Ron he's a father?”
Bristling at Bill hinting that Ron and Hermione would have more children together, Remus tried to keep his voice neutral. “I don't yet. It's all up to Albus.”
Bill's eyes clouded over as he looked back at his niece. “I see.”
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Story date: May 23, 1996 8:08 am
“Hermione, calm down!”
“I want to go back, Remus!”
Remus stared at her, exasperated by her continued fear of the outdoors. He gave her arm an impatient shake. “Come on, hon, this is the fourth day in a row we've been outside. There's no reason for you to panic. Now stop it!”
“I'm not panicking! I just don't like being outside!” Wide-eyed, she looked around them, her hand clutching his sleeve. “There's so much noise and it feels so big! We're out in the open without protection!”
Remus pulled his arm from her and noticed her shock at his sudden movement. He felt guilty about it, and the thought of it was killing him deep down inside, but he needed to make her less dependent upon others, especially himself. He sat down on the grass, a tree to his back.
“Sit, now.” Remus pulled her down next to him and took Persimmonie out of her arms. “Don't you dare move, either.” He waved his hand and a tiny scrap of material floated out of his pocket; hovering in the air briefly, it began to enlarge and unfold, then lowered itself onto the ground next to him. Remus carefully lowered the infant down upon the blanket once it had settled itself neatly over the grass. He patted the babe's bottom for a moment until she stopped fretting, then turned his attention back to Hermione.
He studied her before asking in a more controlled voice, “Are you feeling more in control now?”
Looking about fearfully, Hermione struggled to keep her breathing slow. 'He's going to make me do this no matter what. I can't get out of this. He's doing this for my own good. I can do this. I have to do this.' She looked around again while taking in a shaky breath. 'It's not so bad, now is it, Hermione? It's actually pretty nice out.' She looked at Remus. 'He'll protect me. He's a capable wizard. Remus won't let anything happen to me. I'm safe out here. I'll be all right.'
“Yes, I suppose so.” Then, more firmly, “Yes, I'm fine.”
“Good. Now, close your eyes and tell me what you hear.”
Hesitantly, Hermione closed her eyes and concentrated on the sounds around her. “I hear the leaves rustling about. And that's a bird. There's a buzzing noise. Sounds like a bee.”
Remus shrugged his shoulders. “Could be, it sounds like a bee.” He sat back against the tree they were under and stretched out his long legs, his hand patting Persimmonie absently. “Now, tell me what you feel.”
“Um.” She closed her eyes again as she snuggled against him. “I feel the warmth of the sun even though the air is cool. And the breeze is kind of fluffing the hair on my arms.”
“All right. Anything else?”
“The grass is kind of moist in spots.” She giggled. “And a stick is poking my bum.”
Remus chuckled.
“So, is being here still as frightening to you as it was the first time we came out here?”
Hermione burrowed her nose against his arm and shook her head. “No.”
She thought about the times Sirius would take her outside. The times when she would be so excited over getting out of the rooms he had made for her. Before she became afraid of the outside. She looked around and sighed. It smelled wonderful out here and the wind blowing gently on her skin and through her hair was lovely. She listened to the remnants of the leaves as they shuffled about on the ground and looked up at the buds peeking out on the ends of the branches, smiling at the thought of spring and summer coming. Everything seemed to be coming back to life and renewing itself – the trees and flowers, the insects as the warmth gave them energy... And her. She realized that she was coming back to life as well. She had been locked away, prized in a way, a cherished prisoner – but a prisoner none-the-less.
She peeked up at her man, her chest aching with gratitude for his patience and loving ways, for him genuinely wanting her to get better, to be on her own. She frowned a moment. 'I don't want to be on my own. I want him to stay with me. But he's done so much, changed so much of his life for me. A life that had no plans for me before Sirius dragged him into our lives.' She sighed again, knowing that she would forever miss him if he left, but also knowing that it would be better for him. For her Remus. 'I'm going to have to get myself pulled together so my Remus can have his life back. He's been so unselfish, so caring. And now I have to give back to him by getting better so he can go on with his life. Without feeling guilty.' That was what was important, she decided, that he go on with is life guilt-free so he could enjoy himself without regrets. He'd have to believe she was happy or he'd never leave her. But, what makes me happy anymore? Gaining knowledge used to be so gratifying, but now it's a struggle just to read a chapter in a book. She looked at her baby, feeling guilt that the child, while dearly loved by her, wasn't the answer. 'Will I ever truly be happy? How do I find happiness without my Remus?'
Unaware of her thoughts, Remus gave a contented grunt. “Good, we're making progress then.” He pushed her away and then wrapped his arm around her so she could snuggle even closer to him. He reached his hand out and patted Persimmonie's bottom as he tilted his head and placed his cheek on top of Hermione's head, her hair tickling his nose.
He thought about the first time he had brought her here with the Portkey. She stood, frozen for several minutes, seemingly unable to move as she trembled against him, her hands clutching him fearfully. Persimmonie had begun to cry as she was being crushed between them and he had to pry the infant out of her mother's arms in order to keep her from harm. Their first time outside had lasted a total of fifteen minutes. He was determined to keep his girls outside for a few hours today, if he could. He had a feeling Hermione was finally accepting these outdoor excursions and had relaxed enough that she'd be able to tolerate being out longer and longer each day. Maybe he'd even be able to get her to walk around today as well.
Remus sighed deeply, taking in the clean, crisp air as a relaxed smile formed on his face. He really liked having his girls out here with him alone. Soon, he hoped, Hermione would be able to come outside without having to have him around to support her emotionally. Not that he didn't like having her so attached to him, he rather enjoyed it. But, it wasn't healthy, and he knew it. And he wasn't going to be the reason she became an emotional cripple. He really meant it when he said he wanted her whole and healthy and happy. And he was going to help her attain that goal, no matter what.
He'd fight the elfin teaching he had endured. He'd fight the pull of the potion. 'I have to. I just have to. Sometimes I feel like I'm spiraling down into madness because I want her so much. But I'm strong enough to fight it. I know I am.'
He remembered Sirius, the man begging him to let him see his Kitten. Begging and crying. 'I won't become like him. I refuse to. I'll let Hermione go and I'll deal with it. Losing her won't be the end of the world. And it won't be the end of me.'
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Story date: May 27, 1996 5:03 pm
A dark gray barn owl flew towards Harry and dropped an envelope in his lap. Harry looked around the Great Hall as other owls dropped off the late mail to other students during dinner.
Ron leaned over as he attempted to look at the handwriting on the front. “Oi, who's it from?”
“Dunno, hold on.” Harry ripped the envelope open. “It's from Padfoot,” he said quietly.
“Really? What's he say?' Ron spoke around the food he was jamming into his mouth. “It's been a while since you've heard from him.”
“He wants to speak to me in the Gryffindor fireplace at midnight.”
“Midnight, eh? Should be quiet by then.”
“Yeah, I guess so.” Harry's brows furrowed, his expression thoughtful. “ I wonder what he wants to talk about.”
Ron grabbed Harry's arm. “Hey, do you suppose that he's heard something about Hermione?”
“Dunno.” Harry shrugged. “Maybe, Ron, maybe.” He looked at Ron closer. “What made you think of that? Don't you think Professor Dumbledore would tell us first?”
Looking perplexed, Ron sat up straight. “Dunno. It just came to me.”
“Well, whatever it is, we'll find out soon.”
“We can only hope,” Ron said as he shoveled some mashed potatoes into his mouth.
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Author's notes for this section of the chapter:
Another good fanfic about rape:
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/2978409/1/Beautiful_Things_Can_Come_From_The_Dark
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Something I've just learned about – corrective rape:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corrective_rape
They talk about this only happening in Africa, but I bet it's been going on for ages all over the world...
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Rape and Switch:
http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/RapeAndSwitch
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Post Rape Syndrome:
http://www.empowher.com/news/herarticle/2009/04/08/about-post-rape-stress-disorder
http://hubpages.com/hub/Sex-After-Rape----Victims-Coping-Tactics
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Miscellaneous rape info/commentary of interest:
http://www.holysmoke.org/fem/fem0520.htm
http://www.glowm.com/index.html?p=glowm.cml/section_view&articleid=426
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