Broken Lives

Just adding a little to this chapter so the next will not be too long.. Have also made a little change to one character to celebrate the fact that my daughter and I met Devon Murray at a onvention about two months ago. Gee, has it been that long since I added to this story?? Well, I suppose that\'s what comes with getting a job!!

Chapter5…. The Most Popular Girl in School

Hermione was surprised at how different her life had become. At every turn, there were young men, vying for her attention. Even the younger male population of Hogwarts was not immune, they were eager to carry her books or run errands for her. She was still a little wary of the attention, choosing the safe option of enjoying all the attention rather than seeking out any one particular boy to bestow her attentions on.

The situation changed somewhat on Friday evening, during her scheduled hall patrol with Michael Hart, a seventh year Ravensclaw prefect. She had always liked Michael, apart from being good looking, his intelligence and desire to learn matched her own. They were nearing the end of their patrol when they reached the Astronomy tower. For once, the tower was couple free and as Hermione turned to leave, Michael gently placed his hand on her arm and she turned to face him.

‘Don’t rush off yet, Hermione, I thought we could enjoy the view together for a while.’

Hermione hesitated before she replied she hoped her Gryffindor courage would not give out on her now.

‘I would like that,’ Hermione replied, not feeling nearly as calm as she sounded.

He slipped his arm around her waist and drew her closer.

‘You know, Hermione, I’ve always really liked you. I just never realised before how beautiful you really were.’

Before she had a chance to reply, he brought his head down and gently kissed her. His lips were soft and undemanding, it felt nice, nothing more, nothing less.

‘I’ve always liked you too, Michael,’ she said honestly, drawing back from his kiss. ‘It’s nice to be able to have a conversation with a boy that isn’t about quidditch.’ He looked a little dejected until she added, ‘And I had noticed how handsome you are.’

He took that as his cue to become bolder. He kissed her again, harder, more demanding. Her lips parted and his tongue snaked into her mouth and her tongue began to move against his. But still it only felt pleasant, nothing more. His hands moved down to cup her bottom and he pulled her closer. She could feel his erection through their clothes. As their kiss continued, he moved one hand lower until her caught the hem of her skirt. She felt his hand slide up her thigh, and suddenly she panicked. She pulled back, she was not ready for this.

‘Not yet, Michael,’ she whispered, ’not here, I want more for my first time.’ As she looked into his eyes, she saw his disappointment.

‘Then where, when?’ he demanded, almost harshly.

‘I’m not sure,’ she replied truthfully. He drew back even further till they were no longer touching.

‘We had better go then,’ he said and headed for the stairs.

Hermione was confused; suddenly he wanted nothing to do with her. They walked down the stairs in silence. They said a quick good-night before heading back to their own houses.

Sleep did not come easily to Hermione that night, and when it did, she was haunted by nightmares of her attack. She woke late the next morning. She had missed breakfast but didn’t care. She wasn’t hungry. She quickly showered, dressed and, grabbing her book bag, left her room. It was a beautiful day so she headed outside to study. As she left the castle, she spotted Michael and some of his friends. She smiled at him shyly, but he simply turned away. She couldn’t hear most of their conversation, but as she passed by them she caught just two words Michael said, ‘Bloody tease.’ She couldn’t believe her ears. Tears welled in her eyes, she wanted to scream at him and deny his words. She calmed herself, maybe he was right, but she hadn\'t meant it to appear that way.

She found a quiet spot under a tree by the lake and took out her Arithmancy text. She tried to study but her mind kept straying to Michael’s words, and the night before. She would have to try harder she decided. Michael had been the first boy to ever kiss her, things would be better next time she knew.

The rest of the weekend passed quickly. There were other boys who sought her out, but she always made sure she was never alone with just one. She needed time to sort out her feelings; she would choose the next boy she would be with alone.

Monday came and her classes continued as normal, only Potions seemed to be different, she was sure it was her reaction to being so close to Professor Snape. She had continued to sleep in his pyjama shirt and, even though his was unaware of this fact, she felt embarrassed by it when he was near.

Hermione was unaware that his feelings towards her had also changed. He had a hard time keeping his eyes off her, the way she carefully chopped her ingredients, the smooth graceful movements as she stirred her potions. He berated himself for how his body reacted to her; her mere presence was seducing him. And so the week progressed, painfully slow for both of them.

By Thursday, Hermione had decided who she would choose to be alone with, Seamus Finnegan. She was in the Gryffindor common room helping him with his Ancient Runes homework. The common room was still quite busy, but it was the closest she had come to being alone with a boy all week. They were just packing away their books when Seamus made the first move.

‘How would you like to escape this madhouse with me tomorrow night?’ he asked.

‘Sure, what did you have in mind?’ she asked shyly.

‘How about we sneak down to the kitchens and grab ourselves a late night picnic to share in the gardens.’

‘That sounds like fun,’ Hermione replied with a smile. At least they would have a chance to spend time alone and talk before things heated up. Hermione slept well that night and woke Friday feeling bright and happy. The only down side to the day would be Potions, but even that did not overly effect her good mood.

Snape grew angry as he watched her in class that day. She was happier than she had been all week. ‘Probably spent the night snogging some boy,’ he thought. Not that he cared, ‘Liar,’ his brain screamed. He wondered if she would come the next morning to tidy his storeroom. Too soon the lesson was over, and the students prepared to leave.

‘Miss Granger, a word - before you leave.’

She moved to stand in front of his desk as he waited for the rest of the class to leave. It wasn’t until they were totally alone before he spoke again.

‘I was wondering if you still have time in your busy social calendar to perform your usual monthly tidy of my store-room.’

‘Of course, sir,’ she replied. In fact she had forgotten the next day was the first Saturday of the month, but she would not let him know that. She had sensed his disapproval of her recent change of appearance; she would not give him the satisfaction of knowing she had forgotten her usual task.

He watched her as her mind worked, ‘Had she remembered,’ he couldn’t be certain.

‘If that is all sir,’ she said, ending his musings, ‘I will see you in the morning after breakfast.’

He only nodded before she turned and left, but she felt his eyes follow her as she walked away.

At nine o’clock that night, Hermione waited by the fruit bowl painting that was the entrance to the kitchens. Before long, Seamus stepped through the painting carrying a picnic basket and blanket.

‘Let’s hurry,’ he said, taking her hand, ‘before someone catches us.’

They quickly slipped out of the castle and made their way to the rose garden, where they found a secluded place to lay the blanket. As they sat and shared their late night picnic, they talked and joked easily. When they had eaten their fill Seamus collected the remains and placed them back into the basket, which promptly disappeared. He sat again, this time much closer to Hermione.

‘You know I have liked you for a long time, Hermione,’ he said, leaning closer to her.

Hermione looked into his eyes as he lowered his lips to hers. His lips were not as soft as Michael’s, but his kiss was definitely better. She felt a warmth spread through her body. As he deepened the kiss, he lowered her gently to the blanket. He drew back and admired her.

‘You really are very beautiful, Hermione,’ he said before kissing her again.

She felt herself begin to relax as she enjoyed the sensations that were flowing through her body. Slowly she felt his hand move from the position where it had rested at her waist. His hand moved up to gently cup a breast. Hermione felt her nipples contract and a more intense feeling of pleasure shot to her core. Slowly Seamus started to unbutton her shirt. His mouth left hers and began to follow the trail of newly exposed skin. Once he had finished with her shirt, he reached for the button at the waist of her jeans.

Hermione immediately froze. She pushed him back as she sat up and looked at the tower clock, her mind racing.

‘Oh dear, is that the time, I had almost forgotten, I have hall duty,’ Hermione stammered. She quickly rose and started to rebuttton her shirt. ‘I’m sorry, Seamus, I have to go,’ and without waiting for a response, she raced back to the castle and straight to the sanctuary of her room. She flung herself on her bed and began to sob uncontrollably.

As she ran towards the castle, she did not notice the dark figure melt back into the shadows. ‘So, beneath the new exterior lies the heart of a shy young girl,’ he thought.

Again, Hermione\'s nightmares returned. She had not slept well, but her alarm woke her in time to have breakfast before heading to the potions classroom. She knocked and was bode to enter. Snape could tell she had not slept well, even the make-up she wore did not disguise the dark circles under her eyes. But still she was keeping up her new appearance, skintight black denim jeans and an equally tight red t-shirt. No words were exchanged as he watched from his desk and she made her way to the storeroom.

Hermione went about her familiar task with little enthusiasm. At least it hadn\'t been as bad as with Michael, she had seen Seamus in the common room on her way to breakfast. When she had spotted him she froze, then he looked at her.

\'I\'m sorry,\' they both said at once. Seamus was the first to continue.

\'It\'s alright, Hermione, it was all my fault. I shouldn\'t have rushed you like that. Hermione gave him a shy smile in return.

\'We can still be friends, can\'t we Hermione? I promise not to be so bold.\'

\'I would like that Seamus,\' she replied. Maybe they could become more than friends she thought to herself.

Hermione had been busy in the storeroom for about half an hour when she heard a knock at the classroom door.

\'enter,\' Snape said, and the Headmaster entered.

\'Ah, Severus, I\'m glad you are up. We haven\'t had a chance to talk in a while and I was wondering how you were feeling?\'

\'I am fine Albus.\'

\'No more blackouts, I hope?\'

\'No, none.\'

\'Poppy has told me you havn\'t been to see her yet.\'

\'I have been too busy.\'

\'Well, my boy, I have taken the liberty of making an appointment for you with Poppy,\' he looked at his pocketwatch, \' in about 10 minutes time.\'

\'That is not at all suitable. Miss Granger is reorganising my storeroom at the moment and I need to stay to supervise her.\'

\'Nonsense Severus, surely Miss Granger can be trusted?\'

Snape knew he had lost the argument. As usual, the Headmaster would have his way.

\'I will just let Miss Granger know what is happening.\'

Unaware of the conversation that had occurred in the classroom, Hermione looked up from her task when Snape entered the storeroom.

\'Miss Granger, the Headmaster has just reminded me of an appointment I must keep. I should only be gone for about half an hour.\'

\'I shall leave if you wish, sir.\'

\'No need, I will simply lock and ward the classroom door to prevent any other students wandering in. You, however, will be able to leave should you finish before I return.\'

\'As you wish, Professor,\' Hermione replied before returning to her task.

Snape returned to the classroom to find it empty, cursing the interferring old man he left, locking and warding the door behind himself. he made his way to the infirmary, he knew Dumbledore would be informed if he did not show up for his check-up. thankfully the hospital wing was empty when he arrived.

\'Ah, there you are Severus,\' said Poppy. \'The Headmaster told me you would be along some time this morning.
She patted one of the hospital cots, \'Sit here while I check you over.\'

As much as he wanted to object, Snape did as he was told.

\'Now,\' Poppy started,\' Albus tells me you experienced a blackout a couple of weeks ago.\' without waiting for his reply she continued, \' Have you had any more since?\'

\'Not that I am aware of, Poppy,\' he replied.

The mediwitch began to move her wand over the reluctant Potions Master\'s body, quietly chanting diagnostic spells. When she reached his head, a concerned look crossed her face.

\'Severus, it appears someone has cast an obliverate spell on you,\' she exclaimed. \'Whoever did this to you was not very experienced in casting this spell though, it should be easily reversed.\' She left for a few moments and returned with a potion.

\'Here drink this,\' she said, \'it is a memory enhancer.\'

\'I am well aware of what it is Poppy, after all I did brew it for you,\' he replied sarastically before he drank it. With a flick of her wand, the mediwitch performed the counter spell.

Snape experienced a blinding light in his head, followed by a sudden rush of images.

Walking towards the lake... Finding Miss Granger, beaten and bloody... Checking her injuries... Stopping her bleeding... Carrying her back to his chambers... Undressing her... Healing her... Bathing her... Giving her his own pyjama shirt to wear (he had wondered where it had gone)... Hot chocolate... Showering... Getting into bed with her.... Holding her and comforting her... Falling asleep with her in his arms... Waking the next morning as if nothing had happened.

Poppy watched the changing expressions on his face and waited until he had calmed, then asked, with concern in her voice.

\'Are you alright, Severus?\'

\'Of course, Poppy,\' he replied sharply, \' Just a student prank to try to get out of being punished for some petty wrong doing.\'

Poppy was not convinced, but before she could question him further, he was on his feet and heading for the door.

\'Thankyou Poppy,\' he said as he reached the door. \'Now I have more important things that I need to be doing,\' and he exited.

He was fuming as he made his way back to the dungeons. \' that stupid child, she is acting as if this was all her fault,\' he thought.

He reached the classroom door and stopped. As much as he wanted to burst right in and shake her until she came to her senses, he knew that would do more harm than good. He stood there for at least five minutes to calm himself. He lowered the wards and unlocked the door. At least she was still there, the wards had not been disturbed by her exiting. She was just closing the storeroom door as he entered.

\'Oh, you\'re back sir,\' she said with a start, \' I have finished and here is the list of supplies that need to be replenished.\' He took the list and placed it on his desk without looking at it.

\'Come with me, Miss Granger,\' he said as he entered his office. He did not stop there but proceded though to his chambers before turning to face the girl who was meekly following.

\'Sit,\' he commanded, indicating the sofa in front of the fireplace. Hermione did as she was told and he stood, just looking at her for several seconds. He was looking into the face of a terrified young woman. He pondered on how to start the conversation without alarming her too much. Finally he spoke, trying to keep his voice calm and reassuring.

\'You know, I was wondering what had happened to my favourite pyjama shirt.\' Hermione gasped.

\'He knows!\' she thought.

\'Thankfully, Miss Granger, your inexperience at casting the obliverate spell made it easy for Madam Pomfrey to reverse.\'

The room was silent. tears welled in Hermione\'s eyes and suddenly she was sobbing uncontrollably.

\'I\'m sorry, sir. I was ashamed that you had seen me like that. And I didn\'t want anyone else to find out what a fool I had been.\'

He hated seeing her in such pain, he sat down beside her and drew her into his arms. She did not resist. She buried her face into his chest and cried until she had no tears left. Snape had never been good with tears or comforting females so he simply held her and gently rubbed her back. When he felt her becoming calmer, he gently stroked the side of her face and looked down on her tear stained cheeks. She went to pull away from him but he held her tightly to his chest.

\'It\'s alright Miss Granger, Hermione. What happened is not your fault,\' he said gently.

She looked up at him with red rimmed eyes.

\'It is my fault,\' she cried, \'If I hadn\'t been such an ugly bookworm I would have had a boyfriend and I wouldn\'t have been walking alone back from Hogsmead.\'

\'You were never ugly, Hermione,\' he said almost angrily,\' It is not your fault that the stupid boys in this castle could not see you for what you really were.\'

She looked at him unbelieving. He stood, taking her with him. with his arm still around her he led her to his bedroom. Once there, he stood her before a full length mirror and stood behind her. He draw his wand and chanted an incantation over her. Hermione cried out in despair at the change. Her clothes resumed their original form and her hair, her hair was once again long and bushy.

\'No!\' she cried, \'that is not who I am anymore.\' She tried to turn away but he held her firmly.