Poisoned love || Hermione Granger

𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚃𝚠𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚢 𝚃𝚑𝚛𝚎𝚎

I felt a tap on my shoulder and reluctantly opened my eyes to find three familiar Slytherin boys staring at me.

"No!" I blurted out suddenly, quickly turning around to face away from them, burying my face in my pillow.

They persisted, shaking me gently at first, then more insistently when I didn't respond. Finally, they shook me hard enough to make me sit up, glaring at them with sleepy eyes.

"My father is waiting," Mattheo said.

"Well, your father can wait," I retorted grumpily.

"No, he can't. He doesn't have all day," Matthew replied.

"Actually, he does. He's immortal. I, on the other hand, am not. So your dad can suck it and let me sleep some more," I muttered, rearranging my bed to settle back down.

"I'll drag you out of bed if I have to, Megan," Mattheo threatened.

I groaned and sat upright. "Alright, alright, there's no need for that," I conceded as I stood up.

Draco and Theo exchanged puzzled looks.

"When did you cut your hair?" Theo finally asked.

"Your mother is going to kill you," Draco chuckled.

"Last night, and I know," I replied with a smile, heading to grab some suitable clothes.

I head into the bathroom and change into a pair of loose-fitting jeans and a black off-the-shoulder long-sleeve shirt. Gazing at my reflection in the mirror, a smile spreads across my face. I go out and put on a pair of black shoes. Another thing my mom is going to hate.

I followed the guys as we apparated to the mansion. The familiar coldness and perpetual darkness greeted me as we entered, but there was an added sensation in the air, something unfamiliar. As we pushed open the massive doors and took our seats, all eyes turned toward me. My mother's expression was one of fury, while the others simply stared.

"Now that they're here, we can begin. Today's meeting is crucial," Voldemort declared, his smile more devilish than before. "We're here to discuss important matters, such as..." He locked eyes with me. "Have you killed Dumbledore yet, my dear?"

Fear surged through me, my heart racing, but I managed a nervous chuckle before speaking. "N-not exactly, but..."

"It's alright, my dear, no need to be nervous. You still have plenty of time. And what about the cabinet?" Voldemort turned to Draco.

"We're almost there, sir. It will be completed soon," Draco replied calmly.

"Alright, our plan is progressing as planned, everyone. Now, onto the real reason we're gathered here," he said, turning to me. "You've made a change, Megan. Your hair is shorter, and no dress today," he remarked casually.

My mother chuckled. "Without my permission. I've told you never to cut your hair short because..."

"Because it's unladylike. I know, Mom," I interjected.

"How dare you interrupt me, you insolent..."

"ENOUGH!" Voldemort's voice boomed. "Go talk it out in a room then come back!"

And just like that, we both stood and hurried into the nearest room. As I closed the door and turned around, her hand met my cheek with a sharp slap.

"I warned you to obey me, or there will be consequences!" my mother said sternly.

I met her gaze with a cold expression. "I'm not afraid of you anymore. You can't control my life."

Her wand pressed against my neck, the pressure increasing with each passing moment. I saw the satisfaction in her eyes at the power she wielded. Without a word, I collapsed to the floor, tears streaming down my face, screaming in pain as if a thousand hot knives were piercing my skin. The torment seemed endless until, finally, she withdrew and left the room. It took all the strength I had left to slowly rise to my feet and return to my seat, sinking down with a deep weariness.