Chapter 17
Chapter 17 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 JK Rowling and Warner Bros. I just love them so much I wanted to play with them a little.
Summary::: Hermione gets out of the hospital.
New Beginnings
Chapter Seventeen
Hermione stood on the platform for the Hogwarts Express looking out at the path leading up to the gates. Taking a deep breath, she started walking. Severus had wanted to escort her back to Hogwarts upon her release from St Mungo's, but she had insisted that she couldn't spend the rest of her life afraid to go anywhere by herself.
When she passed through the gates without incident, she released a breath she was not aware she was holding. As she passed Hagrid's hut, he looked up from weeding his vegetable patch and called out, "'Ello, 'ermione! 'Tis good to see ye back."
"It's good to be back, Hagrid," Hermione said, smiling.
When she arrived at the castle entrance, she was greeted by a smiling Headmistress.
"Hermione, dear, it is so good to see you back. How are you feeling?"
"I am doing well, thank you, Minerva."
"Well, I expect to see you at dinner this evening, and I will not hear any excuses."
"Of course, Minerva, I will see you at dinner."
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The lady in the portrait to Hermione's quarters was so happy to see Hermione that she nearly spun right out of her frame in excitement.
"Dreamless Sleep," Hermione called out
"I am sorry dear, but your password was changed while you were gone," the portrait informed her
"What? It's April. The password should be Dreamless Sleep. Who changed my password?"
A silky voice behind her said, "I did."
Turning around, Hermione looked into the face of Severus Snape and inquired, "Why did you change my password, Professor Snape?"
"It is more secure, Professor Granger, if you change your password at irregular intervals, rather than on the first of every month," he replied.
Hermione looked at Severus for several long seconds before smiling. "I missed you too, Severus. Besides, who needs a secure password with you in the castle to protect me?"
Severus' face stayed as expressionless as ever, but his eyes smiled as he looked from Hermione to the portrait and whispered, "Amortentia!"
"A love potion? How interesting," Hermione murmured as she entered her quarters with Severus following shortly behind her.
"What was that, Hermione?"
"Oh, nothing. Just thinking out loud," Hermione answered. Then gesturing toward the sitting area, she said, "Please, Severus, have a seat. I will put my things away, and then we can have tea."
Rushing through a door in the back of her quarters that led to her bedchamber, Hermione pulled the shrunken items out of her robe pocket and tossed them onto her bed. Quickly casting the spell to return them to normal size, she waved her wand again, and her clothes put themselves in the wardrobe. Severus had to duck as her books floated out into the sitting room to reshelf themselves.
When Hermione returned to the sitting room, Severus was just pouring the tea. She took the cup he offered her and sat on one end of her sofa, tucking her feet under her.
"How are you feeling, Hermione?" Severus asked.
"Other than being annoyed that everyone keeps asking me that, I am feeling alright," Hermione answered with a slight edge in her voice.
"I am sorry, Hermione. If you truly are well, I will stop asking," Severus said. Then looking her in the eyes, he said gently, "However, you look troubled. Is there something bothering you?"
"I... well...yes, there is. I have been trying to understand why."
Looking puzzled, Severus asked, "Why, what?"
"Why, Severus, did you spend six weeks at my bedside while I was unconscious, and then another three visiting me daily after I awoke," Hermione inquired softly.
Trying to figure out how to word his response, Severus took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Then, not meeting her eyes, he said, "Hermione, let me start by saying that I have respected you for many years. When Ronald abducted you, I was terrified. We had become friends, and I was furious that someone had dared to hurt you..."
Hermione remained silent when Severus paused.
"When we found you and young Mr. Weasley in that cell like room, and I saw what he was trying to do to you, I...well, Draco had to stop me from beating that child to death right then and there."
Hermione could see the truth in his eyes. 'Is he saying what I think he is saying?' she wondered.
"Hermione, I am not good at showing my emotions, but I think you should know that I have deep admiration for you," Severus said.
"Only admiration, Severus?"
"No, but I am not sure if you would accept anything more from me."
Hermione could hear a slight tinge of what sounded like fear in his voice. 'Does he think I would reject him?' she thought.
"Severus, in the last few months, you and I have become good friends. I have come to care for you in a way that I have never cared for anyone, not even Ronald." Pausing to compose her next words, she then continued, "When I was stuck in that cell, I only had two wishes. If I was going to die, I wanted to see Harry and Draco again, to say good-bye, and I wanted to tell you that... tell you... I love you!"
Severus had been looking at his hands as she spoke, but as she said this, his eyes shot up to meet hers.
"Are you sure, Hermione? I am not an easy man to love, by any means. If you are sure, and would like to try a romantic relationship, I am also willing," Severus said with a small smile.
Hermione stood up and crossed the small sitting room to Severus. He looked up into her eyes and was shocked by the depth of emotion in them. She smiled as she bent to press her lips to his gently at first, just a slight brushing of lips.
Severus moaned softly as their lips met, and he gently pulled her head down to deepen the kiss. Hermione slipped into his lap, and he held her to him tightly. Her body was soft and rounded and perfectly complemented his hard and angular frame. One of Severus' hands went up to tangle in Hermione's unruly hair while her arms wound themselves around his neck. They pulled each other closer, their kiss becoming frantic. Severus broke the kiss first when breathing became necessary, but his lips did not wander far. He pressed feather-light kisses to Hermione's jaw and down her neck as one of his hands moved to cup her breast.
"Severus, it has been a very long time for me," Hermione breathed.
"It has been a long time for myself as well, Hermione," Severus whispered against her skin causing her to shiver and moan softly.
At the sound of her pleasure, he pulled back slightly to look in to her eyes.
"Are you sure?" he asked softly.
She nodded, and at her assent, he scooped her into his arms and carried her towards her bedroom.
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Hermione and Severus never made it to dinner that night. The next morning, when they arrived at breakfast together, the staff knew where they had been. Minerva somehow didn't have the heart to be cross with Hermione for breaking her promise.
Two months later Hermione Granger became Hermione Snape in a small ceremony in one of the private gardens at Hogwarts. The only people to attend were the staff, students, the five remaining Weasley men, and, of course, Harry as Hermione's witness and Draco as Severus'. That night was the first night of the rest of their lives. It was their new beginning.
The End
AN::: As always I would like to thank my fabulous betas, Allison and Piper. I would also like to thank all those who have continued to read this story. I took the inspiration from my own life after being married to an abusive husband for many years. My therapist told me I should write down what he did to me, and so I did. Then, after HBP came out and I saw that Hermione and Ron seem to be headed in the same direction that my ex-husband and I were, this story idea was born. I took my life and adapted it to them, and so New Beginnings was born. I hope you liked it, and if you didn't, I am sorry. I am not a professional writer for a reason.
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.
