It was only when Hermione Granger let out a slight sniffle that Minerva McGonagall realized she was alone.
Almost all the first years had long since packed up their bags and departed the classroom, but one particular Gryffindor remained frozen to her seat.
And it was at that point Minerva finally saw the details: small hands clutching an old desk, mud-brown eyes staring straight through notes still left on that same desk, and growing tears that were not ready to be released.
"Miss Granger, are you quite alright?"
Both knew what the answer was.
Only one really knew why. The other could only guess, even if she-
"Professor," Even when she was clearly not okay, she exhibited decorum. "I don't truly belong here, do I?"
Her tone did not betray her feelings. A composed voice, a voice used to reciting facts and filling the air for minutes on end, confidently strode through the air.
Even as the shakes began to wrack her body against her will, Hermione had to try to remain collected. Even as the falling tears finally turned into desperate sobs of exhaustion, one from years of being ostracized, Hermione wanted to sound as though she already had the correct answer, as though her thoughts on this simple problem had already provided the perfect conclusion.
….
A/N: All of us have our doubts about our purpose in life (at one point or another). Doubts about our belonging, whether we've made the right choices, etc. This drabble is in their first year and
It could be pre-Halloween or not, take your pick. I believe being friends with Ron and Harry really helped her but she was alone for two months (an incredibly long time for an eleven-year old), and, in my opinion, she still didn't quite find her place even after making friends. And, in regards to the dramatic tone, Hermione is not only an eleven but she's had to deal with it all her life.
Wouldn't it be disappointing to realize that even if you're now going to a school of magic, children can still be incredibly cruel? That you can't just adapt to a new environment, a new world even, only days after arriving?
Minerva's reaction to this is up to you. I personally see her reacting with awkward kindness but also with an understanding mind.
And I almost forgot to mention this: I do not own Harry Potter. But I do own my thoughts!