Chapter 2: These things don't just happen. -A Series of Unfortunate Events
I set my alarm fairly early for a Sunday so I wouldn't run into my next murder victim- I mean Lavender. I showered and dressed in casual clothes and left for breakfast at 6:40. I got to the great hall and joined the other few early risers. From the Gryffindor table I apparently wasn't the only one who had a rough night. I sat down at the table across from Harry, whose head was resting on the table, and poured myself some coffee.
"I hate my life," Harry moaned, not looking up. I sipped my coffee innocently, feigning that I had no idea what he was talking about.
"There could be many reasons for you to hate your life, Harry," I told him soothingly. I knew that he just had to get it off his chest... again. "But what in particular is it this time?"
"What does Dean have that I don't have?" asked Harry exhaustedly. "What! What is it, huh?" I patted his head softly and chose my next words carefully.
"He has nothing on you," I told him sternly. "Everything will work out eventually for you and Ginny. I promise." He finally lifted his head off the table and gave me a small smile.
"What about you?" he asked, pushing his glasses higher up on his nose. "How are you... holding up." A lie was already ready on the tip of my tongue but I reluctantly held it in. Harry had always been honest with me and it's high time I was completely honest with him... even though he's already guessed most of it.
"I feel rubbish," I muttered, smacking my head down on the table now. "Watching that snog fest yesterday... Is he blind? And stupid?"
"Whose stupid?" asked someone, sitting down next to me. I didn't need to look up to know who it was. I stared intently at the table and lied through my teeth.
"Neville," I muttered, slowly lifting my head. "He, umm, accidentally binned all my transfiguration notes." Harry snorted but quickly turned it into a hacking cough. I shot him a dirty look.
"He's barking mad," said Ron, completely oblivious. He leaned across me for the waffles and used my arm for balance. I tried not to smile maniacally. Harry laughed silently into his napkin.
"Yes, well," I coughed as Ron leaned back. "I'd better go (and kill myself) and rewrite those notes." I grabbed a piece of toast and raced out of there as fast as I could without arousing suspicion.
I ran out into the entrance hall and ducked left, jumping down the stone steps that led to the grounds. Once outside I slowed my pace and walked dejectedly towards the lake. I sat down under the big sycamore tree and rested my back against the trunk, munching angrily on my toast. I hugged my knees tightly and watched the early morning sun reflect on the water. I don't want to do this at all. I don't want to be the fake supportive friend who gets more excited than she should when she sees her best friend. I've lived that life for 3 years but its never truly bothered me until now when I can't have him. I could tell him how I feel about him but I know how that would turn out. He'll tell me that he appreciates me being honest with him but he doesn't reciprocate the feelings. He will inadvertently choose Lavender over me and our friendship would never recover. I would always be that sucker who fell hopelessly in love with someone who doesn't feel the same way to him. He would pity me for the rest of our twisted relationship until I finally couldn't take it anymore and I would move to Alaska. And since that is a life that I absolutely don't want, I'm forced to do my only other option (that doesn't involve murder). Play the best friend part and keep my god damn mouth shut.
"Umm, Hermione Granger?" I looked up in surprise and found myself looking at a timid 2nd year Hufflepuff. One hand was stuffed deep in his pocket but the other was holding a small, folded piece of parchment with my name on it.
"Harry Potter told me to give this to you," he said, shuffling his feet awkwardly and holding out the note. "He has quidditch practice and couldn't find you in time." I thanked him and took the note. He nodded uncomfortably and ran off without a backwards glance. I opened the note curiously, having no clue who it could be from and I was met with familiar neat script of whom I've seen many times.
Miss Granger,
Whenever you have spare time today I would love a quick word. It would only take a moment. Come to my office, please.
M. McGonagall
I sighed and shoved the note into my pocket. This should be good.
I traipsed through the fairly empty castle since it was still very early, slowly making my way to the transfiguration wing. I just wanted to get whatever she wanted out of the way so I could get back to my potions essay which I've barely started. She was just exiting her office when I rounded the last corner.
"Professor!" I called, waving my arm to get her attention. She nodded curtly at me and strode over to where I was standing.
"Ah, Granger, I'm glad I caught you," she said, stopping in front of me. "I have a meeting I'd forgotten about in 5 minutes so I'll make it brief." She took out a roll of parchment from inside her cloak and handed it to me. "I have a student in my class who badly needs to be tutored if they ever wish to pass my course. As tutors go, you were my first choice."
"Wow, thanks, Professor," I mumbled modestly. She gave me a small smile.
"There is an important test at the end of this coming week so if you have the time the student would greatly appreciate if you could tutor them every day this week. After the test only one night per week will be necessary."
"Of course, Professor. I would love to," I lied. McGonagall just looked so desperate that I had to agree.
"Excellent," she said enthusiastically. "Tutoring will begin tonight at 8 o'clock. You may use an empty transfiguration classroom for tonight but the library will do for the rest of the sessions. Good day." And with that she turned on her heel and briskly strode away down the corridor and out of sight. Brilliant. I don't even know who I'm tutoring. I opened the info packet she'd given me on the way back to Gryffindor tower. The curriculum it
said I had to teach was all 6th year stuff so the person is obviously my age. I started going through the names of people who could possibly need to be tutored but I came up short. We only have transfiguration with the Hufflepuffs so it still could be someone in Ravenclaw (doubtful) or in Slytherin (dear god, no). I got back to the common room and had every intention of collapsing on a couch and sleeping my miserable life away. Those dreams were dashed when I found Ron practically molesting Lavender on the couch that I had intended of napping on. I hurried by them, trying not to vomit, and eventually got to my dorm room. I launched myself onto my bed and ripped the hanging shut. I cast a quick muffliato on them and lay down, screaming into my pillow. I stayed there all afternoon, catching up on some reading, screaming, finishing my potions essay, screaming. I didn't even bother going down for lunch. When 7:45 finally rolled around, I slowly packed up my transfiguration stuff and left the sanctuary of my dorm. I met Neville at the bottom of the stairs and I stopped him in his tracks.
"If Ron asks," I whispered to him. "You accidentally binned all my transfiguration notes."
"What?" he questioned, his plump face screwing up in confusion.
"Thanks, Longbottom!" I called over my shoulder, already making my way towards the portrait hole. I jumped out and started the long trek to the transfiguration classroom. I wanted to get there before my tutoree but it was already 7:53. I finally made it to the deserted transfiguration hallway and made for the classroom. I opened the door and walked in, closing the door behind me. I turned to face the center of the room and found that I was, in fact, not the first to arrive. I froze, my hand still gripping the door knob.
"You have got to be kidding me," I whispered aghast. I am tutoring Draco Malfoy.
A/N Two chapters in two days? SCORE! Probably be another one tomorrow too if you're lucky ;) Review your thoughts so I know what people are thinking so far! (Constructive criticism is always welcome too) Love, Kate