TRIGGER WARNING. SKIP IF THIS MAY BOTHER YOU.
HERMIONE'S POV
I sobbed, making my way to the astronomy tower. I could feel my world crashing down.
Visiting a sick Harry. Boy's dorm. Open door. Occupied bed. Ron. Lavender. Clothes astray.
I tripped, hitting my face on the stone step. The new blood trickling from my forehead joined the already dripping blood of my cheekbone and my lip.
Moans. Crying. Running. Footsteps behind me. Red hair.
A few more steps.
Arguing. Yelling. Backhand.
I touched the large bruise on my face.
Pushing. Falling. Hard floor. Head hurting.
I clutched my stomach, my body aching. I made my way to the top, looking at the open windowsill. I sat down, letting my legs dangle over.
Racing thoughts. Long way down. Escape. Head pounding,
I scooted closer, racking with my painfully bruised body with sobs. I stood, looking down and getting ready.
Slim fingers. Gentle touch. Pulling. Waist enclosed. Sobbing. Spearmint. Head pounding.
"Granger," a husky voice asked, holding me tighter as I attempted to escape. "Please calm down. It's okay. It's okay."
Resentment. Obliging. Sighing. Head pounding.
I stopped my struggles, falling limp in his arms. He slid to the floor, tenderly cradling me as he did so.
Peace. Calm. Pine trees. Rain.
The soothing sway of the trees out there comforted me. I leaned back into his chest, small sobs still escaping.
Tears swept away. Light dabbing on my bloody forehead and lip. Massaging hands on my back. Head pounding.
"Are you hurt anywhere else?" he asked, concern lacing his voice. I nodded, lifting my shirt up. I heard a gasp. "Granger, how?"
Hit. Push. Fall. Head.
I glanced behind me, seeing a battered back with large bruises, cuts, and seeping blood. I let out a small whimper. My head pounded.
Soft shush. Soft words of comfort. Soft hands. Head pounding.
"How?"
Hit. Push. Fall. Head.
"Ron," I whispered.
Shaking hands. A breath through clenched teeth. Gentle hands pulling my shirt down. Head pounding.
"Can you talk about it? Can I take you to the nurse?" I shook my head, wincing.
Body being lifted. Footsteps echoing. Moonlight. Head pounding.
"I'm sorry."
Massaging. Whispers. Head pounding. Heavy eyelids. Light.
"Granger! Hermione, stay awake! Shit!"
Running footsteps. Shouting for help. Ringing ears. Light.
"Help! She's going unconscious!"
Bed. Peace. Calm. Light. Gone.
"Please don't leave, me. I waited too long, Hermione."
Looking down. Body over mine. Sobs. Comforting touch of a nurse. Battered body. Still heart.
"Hermione, please," he sobbed.
Gliding down. Connection. Crisp breath. Open eyes.
"Hermione," he smiled, tears streaking down. He kissed my forehead.
Peace. Calm. Love.
I kissed his lips.
Peace. Calm. Love.
