Behind the mask

Expecto Patronum

Authors note: I've never written in third person in my entire life. Ever. So if mistakes are made or something seems off, let me know. The chapters will switch between the thoughts of Hermione and Draco. I ship dramione, and others don't. Feel free to express your opinions without rude commentary.

Also, WARNING: This book will contain smut, abuse, sexual abuse, alcoholism, smoking, and swearing. In each chapter, I will write what will be happening in context of those list of words.

Thank you, and sorry for the long authors note (you will probably read over this) but enjoy the book and I hope I finish this :)

(Hermione's thoughs)
Contains: Swearing, abuse, and sexual abuse.

***
"Hermione!" Ginny engulfs Hermione in a bear hug, half-crying and half-smiling.

"Ginny!" Hermione says back, wincing in pain from her touch. Fresh bruises from last night surface once more, causing tremendous pain for Hermione.

After a few moments pass, they release their greeting hug and stare at eachother in pure happiness. "Where have you been, love? Harry and I missed you all summer." Ginny holds Hermione's hair between her fingers. "Having fun with my brother?"

Hermione winces at the comment, cringing in the process. "Don't say it like that, Ginny. And no, I was really busy." The empty corridor fills with students from 7th year and the others. As if on cue, Harry and Ron stroll up to their girlfriends. Harry kisses Ginny lightly, causing her to blush a bright red.

Ron, however, holds onto Hermione's hand. Not to be protective or loving, but because he doesn't want her to run off and be a 'whore'. "Hey guys, busy summer, right?"

Ron's laugh echoes through Hermione's head as if they were in an auditorium. His grip tightens on her wrist as Harry brings up the war. Hermione closes her eyes to hide the pain, and opens them quickly. "I'm going to use the toilet but I'll meet you all in the commons room, alright?"

Harry and Ginny nod and say yes whilst Ron tightens his grip even more but releases it before they notice. This allows Hermione to rush past her friends, tears welling up in her eyes, stinging even more with each blink. She dares not to cry today, so she wipes her eyes, covering her wrist with her cloak.

Before she makes it to the toilet, a familiar face stops her in her tracks as she round the corner. Students shove eachother to get to their rooms, the staircases moving with each group entering. "Granger."

Hermione looks up to see Draco Malfoy standing in front of her. His white hair swooped to the side as it was two years ago. Blue eyes filling her with dread and panic. If Ron saw her talking to a boy, expecially Malfoy, she'd be a goner. "Look, I don't have time for this right now, Draco. I need to go, alright?"

"Draco?" He's taken aback suddenly, pulling his backpack over his shoulder. "Since when do we have a first name basis, Granger?"

"Just let me go," she pleads, attempting to bypass him but he grabs her, now, swollen wrist to stop her. Her eyes show pain but she doesn't dare make any movements. "please." Her voice cracks as his eyes search hers curiously before releasing his grip, allowing her to run free.

Hermione runs to the bathroom, ignoring moaning Myrtle. Tears fall from her face as she uncovers her sleeve, revealing the swollen bruise now forming on her left wrist. She washes her face and hands before exiting to go meet her friends and Ron in the commons room, wondering if Draco saw her arm.

As she enters the room, Ron is the only one to be seen. Hermione tenses up, scared to speak up or even make a move. "Granger." She winces at the name, knowing he's referring to her encounter with Malfoy.

"I told him to leave me be, Ron. He wouldn't l-" She's interrupted by Ron smashing his fists down on the coffee table in front of him.

"LIES! YOU PARADE YOURSELF AROUND FOR THESE FOOLS TO BE ALL OVER YOU." She's heard this a million times. It's always her fault for being hit on or talked to by anyone; Especially a boy. "You need to learn what you are, mudblood." He begins taking off his pants, followed by his underwear and shirt.

He walks over to Hermione, slapping her across the face, pushing her down onto the floor. "Suck it, mudblood. You deserve it." She believes him. It's her fault. If only she would have left later or not at all. She does her task and her clothes are taken off in an instant. He shoves her onto the couch, roughly forcing her to have sex, violently and pushing her face a few times out of anger.

As he finishes, voices are heard close by, causing Ron to shuffle to his feet, dressing both of them and pushing her towards her dorm. As Harry and Ginny walk in, hand-in-hand, Hermione's face is away from sight. Ginny calls to her. "Hey! Going to bed already?"

Hermione's voice, hoarse and tired from today's events, speaks up to say two words. "Yes, goodnight." She ascends the stairs to her room, instantly taking a shower to clean up, and laying down to rest off her sore body. Magic can fix wounds, but it can't fix a broken heart.

***

Probably a little too short but it is 1am as I'm finishing this chapter and I'm tired. I thought of this idea and needed to finish at least one chapter. Hope you enjoyed the book so far! What do you think is going to happen next?

-Amber Banks