Chapter 7
Chapter 7 of 17
nogod1215After nearly being killed by her husband, Hermione returns to Hogwarts. (Ultimately a SS/HG, but starts out a little different.)**NOW COMPLETE**
ReviewedDISCLAIMER::: Everything you recognize belongs to J. K. Rowling and Warner Bros. I just love them so much I wanted to play with them a little.
Summary::: Hermione has a visitor.
New Beginnings
Chapter Seven
Once Hermione reached the castle, she ran to her quarters, locking and warding the door against entry. She collapsed onto her bed and cried herself to sleep, sleeping several hours before she woke to the sound of knocking on the portrait door. Standing, she nervously walked to the doorway, her wand out and ready.
“Who is it?” she called out.
“Hermione, its Minerva. Could I come in, please,” replied the Headmistress.
“Yes, of course,” said Hermione, dropping the wards.
When the portrait opened, the Headmistress entered and was somewhat taken aback at the sight of Hermione’s red-rimmed eyes and tear-streaked face.
“My dear, what happened? Severus informed me you had an encounter with Bill Weasley in Hogsmeade today and that you returned to the castle early. He asked that I check on you, as your portrait would not allow him access to your rooms,” Minerva said, sounding worried.
“Oh, Minerva, it was awful! I was walking through Hogsmeade when the memory of the last time I was there came flooding back,” Hermione sobbed.
Professor McGonagall put up a hand to stop her from continuing. “Perhaps we should have some tea,” she said, moving towards the armchairs in front of the fire. Summoning a tea service, Professor McGonagall offered a cup to Hermione and then said, “Please continue.”
Taking a deep breath, Hermione began again. “Well, as I said, I was remembering the night that Ron almost killed me.”
“I was just walking and remembering, and somehow ended up in front of our old house. Then I heard someone say my name, and when I turned around... there Bill was... standing so close to me I could almost smell him. Then, I guess I fainted.”
“Is that when Miss Docker ran and got Severus?” asked Minerva.
“I guess so,” said Hermione. Then she added, “I didn’t really think about how he or the Aurors got there. Miss Docker must be so confused.” Jumping to her feet, she started to pace in front of the fire.
“Oh, gods, there were several students there. I made such a spectacle of myself. What must they think of me?”
“Hermione, please sit down. The students that were present during your encounter with Mr. Weasley are all concerned about you. I have already spoken to them, and they just want to know that you are okay.”
“That’s just it, Minerva. I don’t know if I am. I am so scared right now,” Hermione said, taking her seat once again. “Seeing Bill today has brought up all the feelings I have been trying to push aside since I got out of the hospital. The whole family blames me for what happened to Ron. Molly even sent a letter begging me to tell the Ministry it was a misunderstanding. Can you believe it?”
“No, I can’t, but I don’t doubt it either. Molly has always been very protective of her family. She is very blind when it comes to them as well.” Minerva thought for a moment, sipping her tea. “Perhaps we should set up something where all your mail is sent to one of the senior staff before going on to you. Just so we can filter out any Weasley letters.”
“That is very nice of you to offer, but I can’t ask the rest of the staff to take time out to sort through my mail. It just wouldn’t be fair,” Hermione said.
“Well, we will just have to figure something out. Now, perhaps you should get some sleep. It is very late. We can talk more tomorrow if you would like,” she said, as she stood and headed for the door.
Outside the portal, she turned to the portrait and said, “It might be a good idea to allow senior staff members access to Hermione’s quarters. Especially when she is as upset as she was today. Don’t you think?”
“Yes, Headmistress,” the lady in the portrait replied. Minerva nodded and headed back to her office; she had an owl she needed to send.
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Hermione was sitting in her office after dinner grading essays, as she always did. She liked to be available for any students who might need to speak with her about their lessons. She would even speak with the members of her house if they felt the need to talk. So it was that she could be found this Tuesday evening grading once again. She had been there a couple of hours, and not one student had knocked on her door. Finishing with the essays she was working on, she stood and was tidying her desk to call it a night when there was a knock on the door.
Still straightening her desk, she called out, “Come in.”
“Well, it looks like you are fitting right in here, Hermione,” replied the voice of one of her best friends.
Looking up, she dropped the small stack of papers she was going to put away in a drawer and threw herself into the arms of Draco Malfoy-Potter.
Having expected this reaction, he caught her easily and spun her around in a hug. Smiling as he set her back on her feet, she hugged him again.
“What are you doing here?” she asked, pulling him toward the chairs in front of her desk.
“Actually, I got an owl from the Headmistress telling me that you were all right after what happened in Hogsmeade. She was worried about how I would react. She is very concerned about you, as am I. When I saw the incident report that the Aurors filed, I was tempted to come here right away, but just as I was leaving my office at the Ministry, Minerva’s owl arrived to tell me you were all right.”
Taking her hand, he looked her in the eyes before asking, “Are you truly all right?”
“Yes, Draco, I’m fine. Bill just scared me. I promise I’m okay,” she said, forcing a smile. “No need for you and Harry to worry about me so much.”
Everyone in the castle had been walking on eggshells around her since it had happened. She just wanted everything to go back to the way it was before the Hogsmeade weekend.
“Hermione, I know you well enough by now to know that you aren’t as okay as you say. But I also know not to push you,” he said, looking into her eyes before he continued, “You don’t have to talk to me if you don’t want to, but you do need to talk to someone. I hope there is someone you feel you can trust enough to talk to. Remember what the Healer said: talking about it will help. It won’t make it go away, but it will help. Promise me you will talk to someone, promise me.”
“I promise, Draco. I promise,” she said, hugging him again. Then, smiling earnestly, she asked, “Now, if you’re done lecturing me, how are you and Harry?”
They sat there, in her office, talking for few more hours before it grew late, and Draco needed to be getting home. After saying their good-byes, Draco made his way to the entrance hall, and Hermione headed for her rooms.
TBC
AN::: Once again I would like to thank my wonderful betas, Pixie and Allison. I would also like to thank the newest addition to my beta family, Piper. All of you are helping in ways that I just cannot begin to describe. In the next chapter a ball is announced.
AN2::: IF YOU, OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW ARE BEING ABUSED Physically,mentally, or emotionally you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799 SAFE (7233)
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Latest 25 Reviews for New Beginnings
237 Reviews | 5.8/10 Average
So sorry to read that you had to write this from real life experience. Nobody should have to go through anything like this. This story is so plausible it is frightening, and I guess we now know why. I hope writing this helped you and very glad to see you are not in that relationship anymore. Thanks for a compelling read and my thoughts go to you for love and healing for the rest of your life.
Wow! Great story! I wish this kind of thing happened in real life as well - where the abuser/rapist was given the harshest possible sentence and the woman was protected by all means necessary. I like your world in which that happens. Too much of the time of course, the judge gives out a useless restraining order or worse, doesn't believe the person making the charges and she gets killed by her abuser. I can't wait to finish this story. Thanks for writing it.
Very well written! Congratulations for having the courage to leave your ex! That takes a LOT of strength and determination to do, so kudos to you!
Missy/LovesRickman
ii do love when ron gets smacked down i have always felt JKR never shouldhave married ron and hermione!
Thank you so much. It's a great story and really well written. I had enjoyed it up to the point that you mentioned your personal experience. That knocked the wind out of me to be honest.
It's hard to believe how cruelly people can treat each other. Hope writing brings you some relief. x
Really liked the story, just one thing bothers me greatly. On your warnings list, you have BDSM listed, and nothing in your story is true BDSM. I would ask that you research what true BDSM is before trying to pass off rape and sickness as something that has nothing to do with it. Yes, BDSM is different than regular sex, but everything is consentual, no one is taken against their will and forced into acts they don't want to be in. There are numerous safety guildlines used in almost all places, and while, yes sometimes things happen, and someone gets hurt, its not rape, not anger or hate or violance in any way shape or form. BDSM gets a bad rep because of luntics that use it as an excuse to be sick and hurt others without their consent, and polute something that can be truely beautiful. And yes, there are a lot of things claiming to be BDSM, that are not really truely about the power exchange that happens in a BDSM relationship. So again, please consider researching BDSM and try to understand why rape and violance has nothing to do with healthy BDSM. Thank you for a wonderful story.
Response from nogod1215 (Author of New Beginnings)
Response from nogod1215 (Author of New Beginnings)
,Thank you for your comments in your review. I am sorry it has taken me so long to respond, but I kinda lost the password to this acct and it took me forever to find it again.As far as your concerns about me equating BDSM with rape, I would like to first say that No BDSM isnt rape when performed in its proper fashion. However, there are many people in the world who see tieing your girlfriend to the bed posts and have consentual sex with her as just as perverse as rape. I personally am not one of these people.Second, I am sure you have come across authors who over rate and over warn just to be on the safe side. This is what I have done. I would rather warn someone of BDSM to prepare them for something they might not be interested in then to not warn them for it and get blasted or even removed from the site by the mods.I am sorry you feel that I was demeaning a lifestyle and those who participate in it. I did not mean to offend, just to caution.Thank you,nogod1215 
Response from AlanaVawn (Reviewer)
Thank you for clearing that up. I understand over rating a story rather than underrating and getting the story pulled. I feel strongly about this, because I've been on both sides, raped and in the lifestyle. They couldn't be more different. It would mean the world to me and other if you would be willing to write a note at the bottom, disclaiming that what was written isn't bdsm, it's pure rape. This would again, mean alot to me and also clear up any possible confusion. :) Thank you again!Alanavawn
Response from nogod1215 (Author of New Beginnings)
Response from nogod1215 (Author of New Beginnings)
,I changed the warnings to not include the BDSM warning. If the mods want to contact me about it I will deal with it then.nogod1215
Response from AlanaVawn (Reviewer)
THANK YOU! I really appreciate that you did that! I didn't want to ask you to do that, simply because I understand why authors have to be careful about not reporting things, but that's so wonderful of you! Thank you!!!!! :)Alanavawn
A heartfelt Thank you or providing the DV Hotline here. Why not see if anyone around here knows the UK equivalent since we have so many from the Old Country as readers and autors here?
The description of Ron 'giving up' on a job and deiding to booze to make up for it sounds eerily like Marvolo and Morfans Gaunt. Hmmm. Did you pictue that while writing this?
That was a very intense story. Some aspects of the characterization were way off. I don't mean canon off, as in real life reactions off. However, looking beyond that, this was a very intense story.
And so we have reached the end. An excellent story, and painful. both you and I as well as billions of women and millions of men have been through abusive relationships.
Abuse is a sneaky thing and starts out like a small virus. It can be little things at first, Jealousy, extra overprotectiveness, OBSESSION with most, if not ALL aspects of ones life, then it progresses faster from there, usually manifesting in physical abuse. But dont forget! Abuse can be Physical, mental and emotional. Even spiritual (Think REV. JIM JONES) AND men, YES men can be victims too! It does not have to be your partner. It can be a friend, relative etc. Domestic Violence charges can be filed against ANYONE who has abused you in any way. One does not have to be involved in a sexual relationship or even living with the person. Once again the National Domestic Violence Hotline Toll-FREE number is 1(800)799-SAFE (7233). If you or someone you know are being abused or suspect that you or they are, CALL. Help is out there! PLEASE, take it from me and the author of this story's footnote. Remember if they are violent, especially extremely violent, like RON was in here, DO NOT CONFRONT THEM ALONE! It will incite more anger if you are threatining them with leaving or calling the police and could get you seriously hurt or (sorry to say) killed. Wait until you can slip away (but dont wait long!! I left when my EX husband passed out drunk and left that day. He woke up in jail with a lifetime restraining order from me. But mak3e sure once you are gone, you get a close support network of family friends etc. to check up on you until the person gives up or you know its finally over. Unfortunately, a piece of divorce paper and a restraining order did not stop a lady in my town from being shot in the head by her boyfriend. I apologize for being so blunt, but its necessary. Peace be with you.
IF YOU, OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW ARE BEING ABUSED Physically,mentally, or emotionally you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799 SAFE (7233)
Response from nogod1215 (Author of New Beginnings)
I have added this information to the author notes for each chapter... I hope it helps!nogod1215
Ummm, 8 wizards with 8 wands, most of them extremely skilled and they need Harry to trick the resident in #1 to buzz them into the flat? THEN they use the Alohomora to get into #3? Tsk, tsk. The shame! I'm kidding with you!
(figured I could use Ginny for Bill Cos the long hair and another set of redheads for Arthur and Charlie!
Once again the number to The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1(800)799-SAFE (7233)
Once again the number to The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1(800)799-SAFE (7233)
'The number to The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1(800)799-SAFE (7233)
The number to The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1(800)799-SAFE or :(7233)
The number to The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1(800)799-SAFE or :(7233)
Once again, if you are being abused emotionally, mentally or PHYSICALLY, you DONT have to put up with it! There is help out there. The number to The National Domestic (and you dont have to be married or residing together for it to BE domestic violence, it could be your own mother in some cases!) Anyway The number to The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1(800)799-SAFE or :(7233)
~The number to The National Domestic Violence Hotline is Toll-FREE:1-800-SAFE (7233The number to The National Domestic Violence Hotline is Toll-FREE:1-800-799-SAFE (7233)~I agree. Bill would be the best of the Weasels and he DID save her life a few times, and got his bro exiled, BUT it was about ten years too late, dontcha think? Anyone decent wouldnt watch that continue. I like this story because I know how it goes, but I have always had a couple of problems with it. First of all, it is waaaay too OOC for Hermione (even under threat of death, or misguided love) I would know I was abused by 2 different men, that she would have stayed with him after the second beating. Maybe even the first. Her persona is right I just dont find her sticking with Ron feasable. Maybe dull it down to a couple years instead of 10 and have it start out with mild abuse if you want to make the beginning situation more in character. 2. (okay I really have 3 problems:] ) HARRY would NEVER let her go through this for 10 years or even one. He would kidnap her himself just to 'play the hero' or kill Ron in her defense. 3. I DO NOT believe half of the Weasleys would have let this go on at all. Since you need Molly to be a bitch (in canon she would KILL her son herself!!) I understand, BUT Arthur, Bill, Charlie (whenever he's around) maybe the twins and surprisingly but DEFINATELY stick up his arse PERCY would have never let this go on. Percy is so to the letter of the law he would have 500 feet of parchment in notes to hand the minister and lock Ron up himself, just to get ahead!!! OK Im done picking at you. But I have something to say: *TO ALL WOMEN OUT THERE: IF YOU ARE BEING HIT, or called terrible names, or your mate doesnt like you to even go to the store SEEK IMMEDIATE HELP! THERE ARE PLENTY OF HOTLINES FOR BATTERED WOMEN, The number to The National Domestic Violence Hotline is Toll-FREE:1-800-799-SAFE (7233)~~YOU DONT HAVE TO UP AND CALL THE POLICE TO GET HELP, EVEN IF HE/SHE THREATENS TO KILL YOU. I have been there. Dont stay with an emotionak/mental abuser or anyone who hits you, in MY opinion the emotional abuse is worse. PLEASE get help.* AND REMEMBER: Emotional/mental abuse is STILL abuse, it just takes longer to heal from and statistically wont kill you, but I cut my wrists and a friend saved me 5 YEARS after I left the jerk!
Response from nogod1215 (Author of New Beginnings)
I know that canon Hermione would never put up with something like this, but using the Harry Potter characters was a therapeutic way for me to fight my own demons of spousal abuse.nogod1215
not to be a nettle in your side, cos it is semantics, so it does'nt matter: ME<------GRAMMAR FREAK! Hagrid always said 'yeh' when referring to one or more individuals. JK Rowling never had Hagrid use the old english (which I know you weren't meaning it that way, just making his garbled hackney accent) 'Ye'. There was always an 'H' on the end. Sorry Im a butthead, but the story is great, Ive read it once.
Glad to see that Ron got what he deserved.
Gosh, the things that Hermione has put up with, but I know that she is strong and that she will through it--at least I hope so.
I just knew that Ron had to the one to nab Hermione, and I cannot get over Molly helping her git of a son. Wonder chapter as always!
Another awesome chapter! I just knew that Bill was a good man, however, his brother, Ron... not so much.
