“When is that essay due for – hey, Hermione, are you all right?” Concern and worry flickered at the edge of her friend’s voice. So he had seen that something was wrong.

She blinked her eyes once, twice, then turned her head slowly to look at him. Her eyes were clear and dry, as they always had been...

Brushing her hair back and looking straight into Harry’s eyes, she spoke a lie and was surprised no one saw through it.

“Yes, Harry. I’m perfectly fine."