By the time Hermione walked through the portrait hole, the Gryffindors had begun to make their way down to Potions; the first afternoon lesson. Harry and Ron stepped out simultaneously laughing and joking amongst themselves.
"Hermione!"
Ginny Weasely appeared from the mass of robes and grabbed Hermione around the middle in a tight hug. Ron looked towards them and blushed, he didn't greet Hermione. Harry on the other hand, tore away from the crowd and unstrung Ginny's arms to get to Hermione.
"Hermione! We haven't seen you since the Sorting! What have you been doing?"
Harry's green eyes bore into Hermione, and she looked down in shame. She pulled out her Ministry letter and waved it in front of his face.
"I'm sure Ron has told you his view of it. Why do you want to embarrass me?"
Hermione's breath faltered, and Harry's usual grin disappeared from his face. Ginny shifted nervously.
"Ron hasn't said anything."
She whispered leaning in closer, and craning her neck to steal a quick glance back at Ron, who had turned a shade of crimson.
"Father told him not to speak of it, until…" Ginny looked away momentarily.
"Your trial."
Harry looked confused.
"Your trial? What the hell is going on?"
His voice pitched loudly and caused some dawdling fifth years to give him an impetuous glare. Hermione felt the tears spill again, burning her cheeks.
"Nothing. It's nothing…just leave me."
Hermione sobbed, turning away and marching back towards the stairs. Harry hurried after her and grabbed at her shoulders.
"Just leave me!" She cried moving away from his touch, Harry stepped back and looked towards the others for some reassurance. Ron busied himself with the tattered threads of his collar, and Ginny stood at his side seemingly bursting with suppressed emotion. Harry scanned each of them and when he turned back round, Hermione had already made her way down the stairs.
