Author's Note: I forgot to mention, the whole Remus and Tonks relationship in the books/movies did not happen in this story.
I was also wondering if you would like me to create a trailer for this story? I have experience with video editing, and I began making one. I actually like how it turned out so far. Let me know if you'd be interested in watching it, and then I'll finish it. Thanks goes to PlayingTheKeys14 for reviewing the first chapter! Reviews are much appreciated.
Hermione walked into the empty common room. After looking through the various spell books that she owned, she had finally come across a spell that would remove the bruises on her wrists and legs. She had Defense Against the Dark Arts with Professor Lupin next, and she wanted to make sure nothing would give away what had happened the previous night; no one could know.
Hermione glanced at the clock, realizing that class had started five minutes ago. Hopelessness stirred inside her: couldn't she do anything right?
Oh no! I must've took too long looking for spells... Books always had made her lose track of time.
Taking a deep breath to calm herself, Hermione walked out of the Gryffindor common room. She had never been late to class before, and despite the spells, her entire body still felt tired and sore. She hadn't been able to sleep the whole night, and she wondered if she should just take a sick day.
People would get suspicious. she thought, and she continued to the classroom.
The door creaked open, and the whole class turned to see who was entering. Hermione stepped into view, and she quickly shut the door behind her. She peered into the class, and her eyes found Malfoy sneering at her. She froze in fear, mentally hitting herself for forgetting that he was in her Defense Against the Dark Arts class.
"Miss Granger, nice of you to join us," Remus announced, watching her carefully. He had noticed that she had not arrived at the Great Hall this morning for breakfast, and he had started to worry that she would not show up to class, either. Hermione broke her gaze with Malfoy and glanced at her professor.
"Sorry I'm late," she said quietly, keeping her eyes locked on the floor as she took her seat next to Harry and Ron. She hoped her two friends weren't too suspicious about where she had been that morning. Forunately, they didn't ask her any questions throughout class.
Hermione couldn't concentrate on the lesson, and instead found herself staring down at her blank sheet of parchment, trying to keep her mind off of the previous night. Harry and Ron noticed her lack of participation, and they exchanged a look of confusion with each other. Normally, Hermione would be the first one to have her hand raised for every single question, and she would have at least a few pages of notes.
"...and that's where we'll leave off today," Remus said, and the class began to pack up their materials. "Remember, there's going to be a test on Friday. Miss Granger, may I see you for a moment, please?" Hermione, who had been about to leave, stayed back.
"We'll wait for you outside of class," Harry said as he and Ron passed her on their way out. Hermione nodded, and then she went up to her professor.
"I'm terribly sorry I was late-" Hermione started.
"It's alright, Hermione," Remus interrupted with a small smile. "Everyone has their late days." He paused. Hermione still looked a bit pale, although she wasn't as pale as she had been that morning. Plus, her wrists were bruise-free. "Why were you wandering the castle this morning?"
"I-I left some books in the library and went to retrieve them," Hermione lied.
"You weren't carrying any when I ran into you," Remus stated. Hermione couldn't look into his eyes; she felt guilty lying to him. Hermione opened her mouth, but she quickly shut it when she didn't have an excuse.
"I wasn't able to find them," she finally replied. It was obvious to Remus she was lying, but he decided not to push the poor girl any further.
"You might want to be more careful next time. I'm much more lenient than a few other teachers who wouldn't hesitate to give you detention."
"Yes, professor," Hermione replied, and she exited the room. Like they had said, Harry and Ron were waiting outside.
"What did he want?" Ron asked as soon as he saw his friend leave the classroom.
"He just scolded me for being late, that's all," Hermione replied as the trio began to walk down the corridor.
"He didn't give you detention, then?" Harry asked.
"No, he was really nice about it, actually."
"Well, I'm starving," Ron said. "I reckon we better eat before we head to our next class." Harry agreed, and Hermione hesitantly did as well. She hadn't eaten all day; perhaps food was what she needed right now. They reached the Great Hall to find it crowded with students from all four of the houses. Hermione was relieved to see that Malfoy was not one of the many students who occupied the Slytherin table. The three found some seats next to Ginny and Neville, and Ron immediately began to stuff his face with food. Even though she hadn't eaten breakfast, Hermione still found herself picking at her plate; her mind was far too distracted to eat. Ron and Harry didn't notice as they chatted excitedly about their upcoming Quidditch match against Slytherin.
"Potter," a voice called. A sickening feeling washed over Hermione, and she didn't turn around to see who it was.
"What do you want, Malfoy?" Harry asked, glaring at his enemy.
"Just wanted to apologize for yesterday," Malfoy said, glancing at Hermione's head. "I deserved that hit of yours, Granger." With that, Malfoy left the table. Hermione stared down at her food, and the sickening feeling started to overwhelm her. She slowly turned around, only to find Malfoy smirking at her from the Slytherin table.
"I-I have to go," Hermione said shakily. She quickly rushed out of the Great Hall. As soon as she reached the hallway, she saw Professor Lupin talking to another teacher. Their eyes met for a brief moment, and then Hermione hastily walked to the girl's bathroom. Once she reached the privacy of a stall, her facade crumbled and she started to cry. She hated how he said her name; she hated how he had the nerve to walk up to her like that. She hated what he did to her last night, and she hated that she couldn't stop any of it.
