Chapter 46
Hermione Granger had settled into a comfortable, albeit strange, routine for the summer. Sundays were reserved for taking Astoria into the Muggle world, introducing her to activities a pure-blood witch would never experience. It was refreshing to see Astoria's wide-eyed wonder at simple things like bowling, ice cream parlors, and movie theaters.
Astoria’s curiosity and enthusiasm made these trips enjoyable, and Hermione found herself looking forward to their Sundays together. They had explored parks, museums, and even taken a ride on the London Eye. Each outing was an adventure, and Hermione felt a genuine bond forming between them.
Then came Tuesday nights. She had no idea why Draco chose Tuesdays, but like clockwork, he would sneak into her room for his weekly dose of sex. It was a strange arrangement, one she had reluctantly accepted. Draco’s visits were intense and controlling, but they came with a bribe that Hermione couldn’t resist—a new book from his family’s vast library each week.
She hated to admit it, but the allure of those rare and ancient texts kept her compliant. The books were treasures, filled with knowledge and magic that fascinated her. It seemed she was a cheap whore, as Draco often taunted, willing to trade her body for the chance to read these priceless volumes.
Tuesday nights were a stark contrast to the rest of her week. Draco’s possessiveness and the way he dominated her left her feeling used and empty. Yet, the moment he left, she would lose herself in the pages of the new book, temporarily forgetting the degradation she endured.
The rest of the time, Hermione was free to enjoy her summer. She spent her days reading in the garden, taking long walks, and catching up on her studies. It was a blissful escape from the complexities of her entangled relationships. She reveled in the peace and solitude, cherishing the moments when she could simply be herself.
One Tuesday night, after Draco had left, Hermione lay in bed, the latest book clutched in her hands. The words on the page blurred as she stared at them, her mind drifting. She felt a pang of guilt and self-loathing. Was she truly so easily bought? She shook her head, trying to dispel the negative thoughts.
No, she told herself. She was making the best of a difficult situation. The knowledge she gained from these books was invaluable, and if she had to pay a price for it, so be it. She would use this summer to strengthen herself, to learn and grow.
As the summer weeks passed, her routine became a strange comfort. Sundays with Astoria, Tuesdays with Draco, and the rest of the time for herself. It was a delicate balance, but it worked. For now.
She reminded herself that she had one more year of this arrangement. One more year, and then she would be free once she graduated. The thought of freedom, of leaving behind the tangled web of her relationships with Draco and Astoria, kept her going. It was her light at the end of the tunnel.
Hermione knew this arrangement couldn’t last forever. Eventually, she would have to confront the dark complexities of her life with Draco and Astoria. But for now, she would endure. She would absorb every bit of knowledge she could, and when the time came, she would be ready.
She turned her attention back to the book, immersing herself in its ancient wisdom. The words provided a temporary escape from her reality, a sanctuary where she could lose herself. In the back of her mind, she counted down the days until the next Sunday, when she could more of the muggle Muggle world with Astoria.
One more year, she thought, as she lost herself in the pages. One more year, and then she would be free.