Beginning at the End ⏃ Dramione

Chapter 1: Epiphany

While Hermione had initially tried her best not to cry, it had soon become beyond her control. Her body reacted violently to the unheard-of curses that she was subjected to. In response to her gut-wrenching screams, that echoed throughout Malfoy Manor, was the shrill cackle of Bellatrix Lestrange at her side. Hermione tried not to concentrate on what felt like the relentless stabbing of needles in her legs, or the stench from the yellow rotting teeth of the witch hexing her.

Bellatrix's eyes grew wide in disgust, insulted by Hermione's defiance. Shifting her weight, she dug her knees further into Hermione's stomach. Hermione desperately strained beneath her. Though it was useless, she could not help but try to escape, failing each time. Bellatrix cocked her head to the side, lowering her lips to Hermione's ear, "You pathetic little Mudblood, I will ask you one more time... was. that. boy. Harry. Potter?... NAME HIM!"

Hermione closed her eyes and kept her mouth shut tight, so as to not confront Bellatrix's eyes or her spit. Between questions about the Sword of Gryffindor and Harry, she admitted to nothing, but Bellatrix's breath was foul, enough to force a cough from her. Before she knew it, another curse was thrown at her body. Losing what little sense of control she had left, Hermione released a cracked scream that faded into nothing.

Bellatrix stood over her victim, hands on hips, put out that she had not remained conscious enough to suffer more of her hexes. "Pathetic Mudbloods." She wiped her nose with her sleeve, tilting her head in study of the broken girl below her. "This is making me rather peckish." She then knelt down low to whisper in Hermione's ear, "Don't worry filth, I'll be back for more." Bellatrix kicked her for good measure, then proudly stepped over Hermione's limp body and walked away to another area of the manor.

The clicking of her heels could be heard echoing further and further away until the room was quiet. A heavy silence settled upon the room decorated with gothic carpets, large fireplaces, that fit the high ceilings with gigantic chandeliers. It might have appeared to be a nice residence if it was not congested with dark magic that choked the air, making it cold and miserable.

Hermione lay in the middle of the drawing room, blood dripping from her arm, soaking into the carpet. Although she was abandoned, she was not alone.

Apprehensively, her old school-nemesis, Draco Malfoy, lurked in an arched entryway nearby. He had heard her screams and rushed over and took witness to his Aunt torturing her. With his pale skin, fair hair, and light gray eyes, he looked like a ghost as he stared at the figure laying in the middle of the room.

Draco could not believe Hermione Granger was currently helpless on his sitting room floor. Despite usually being quick-witted and clever, his mind was filled with an overwhelming numbness. He knew what he wanted to do, but he also knew it would lead to certain death and the torture of his parents. Even to think of helping a Muggle-born was already a crime, according to the Dark Lord.

He had teased Hermione in the past, calling her a Mudblood, but that had been out of immaturity, to make himself feel stronger and better, but also to hide his true self. It had never occurred to him that it might come to this. Draco internally cursed Potter for getting caught. Though he mostly despised himself and his place in this game.

A far away sound caused him to glance down a hallway to where it had come. He had an idea to go to the dungeons and unlatch the cell door to where Potter and Weasley were placed. Maybe let them free without anyone's notice, the least he could do after everything.

Then he looked back to Bellatrix's victim, and dared to think that there wouldn't be any harm in walking over to see her. But what if she were to wake? What if she screamed? What if Bellatrix came in? He looked around, wishing he could use a charm to hide himself, but so many were blocked by the Dark Lord in his lack of trust. He closed his eyes and exhaled, convincing himself that she did not belong to Bellatrix.