My darling reviewers- for a while there, this strange, strange website told me that this story had 0 reviews. Can you imagine my distress as I sat there, perplexed as I wondered how insane I was, reading imaginary reviews?
... Just kidding of course.
I know I'm not crazy. Hah. Right.
Anyway, thank you much for reviewing the first chapter. It was loads of fun- loads and loads of fun!- writing this second chapter because well, a panicked Hermione makes for fun writing.
Anywhoo, many thanks to: Eirauqcam Suraseht, blank-cd, viper676, airhead14, rain12, Concealed, Chantal J, cherry blossom08, Brown Pryde, cherri88, kaylyn, and pumpkinpiebaby for your encouraging reviews!
Emily T- Thanks so much! I'm trying really hard to accurately portray Hermione, and I'm honored that you think I did it right. Anyways, I agree. Trelawney, though batty, is a wonderfully hilarious character, bless her soul. Here's the next chapter- hope you enjoy!
Tru Lys- Hi there! Well, I'm sorry I didn't mention you... but I must say that you are one of my fave reviewers! Thanks for following me over to this story, and I hope you like it!
Poky- Haha, I sooo agree with you. I actually think Trelawney actually hit it right on the mark with her prediction about poor Hermione's love life. Anyway, in this chapter, things get worse for our main character. Thanks for reviewing, and I hope you like it!
Yoman- Wow, I have never ever heard the word "unethical" used to threaten authors into updating. You're an interesting one, lol. Anyway, to ease your suspense a bit, I've got, ta da, chapter 2! So here you go, and thank you so much for reviewing!
Tweek's Panda- Yay! It's you again! Another familiar reviewer (sniffles)! I'm glad you followed me over to this story. Anyway, thank you much for reviewing, and hope you like this!
Death Immortalitis- Thank you for your flattering review; I'm glad you think everyone is in character! Oh and no, you'll be happy to hear that this is going to be pretty darn long, and that, voila, here is the second chapter! Hope you enjoy!
By the way, I accidentally deleted one (or two?) of the review emails, and now that the site won't let me access the reviews, I CAN'T REPLY TO THEM. I'm sad, very very very sad. So many apologies to whoever that was- your review was much appreciated and I hope you forgive me for my silly mistake...
Hooray for chapter two! Now read, and if you like what you see, REVIEW. Please?
She knows! How could she ever know? That Divination business... no, it couldn't be! That was absurd!
Or... was it?
"Hermione?"
Her head snapped up as Harry's voice broke her out of her stupor.
"Huh?" she asked, blushing as she realized that for once, she hadn't been paying attention in class. She guiltily turned her head in Professor Flitwick's direction, relieved when she found that his attentions where turned elsewhere.
Harry gave her a strange look.
"Are you alright?"
"Yeah," she lied, picking up her quill to dutifully take notes, "I'm just a little tired. I was up for a while writing that horrid Potions essay last night, you know."
"Oh, alright then."
He too turned back to the lecture at hand, scribbling down words here and there, his notes much messier than hers. For a moment, she had the urge to lean over and chide him for his disorganized scrawls, but simply turned back to her neater notes and continued writing.
Oh well, if he needs the notes later on, he'll just ask me anyway.
The rest of the class period passed uneventfully, with the only strange occurrence being a very distracted Hermione. Harry, for one, was unconvinced that she was "just a little tired"; after all, he had seen her in class before after having had absolutely no sleep, and she had always been attentive as always. And besides, it appeared as if she was mumbling things to herself, her forehead furrowed in worry, or something of the sort. That alone suggested that something was amiss.
He watched her for a moment, trying to catch what she was mumbling under her breath. All he heard was, "No, no, no, so wrong..." and he wondered what she could possibly be thinking about.
Millicent Bulstrode in a thong?
He shuddered, shutting his eyes in an attempt to rid himself of the disgusting mental image. Well that definitely fit the description of "so wrong."
After class was dismissed, the three friends (Ron had been napping during class, and for once, Hermione hadn't noticed) walked out together as usual. Ron was chattering away about how bloody hungry he was, and Harry was observing Hermione's strange behavior.
She, at the moment, was completely oblivious to Ron's one-sided conversation and was, instead, staring off absentmindedly.
"Hey," Ron suddenly remarked, noticing that neither of his friends were paying attention to him at all, "What's wrong 'Mione?"
She started and jumped away from him, noticing for the first time since she'd left the classroom that he was standing right next to her. "Oh, you," she stammered out, blushing slightly, "I'm fine; I'm just a little tired, you know." She nodded, as if trying to convince herself, "Yes, just tired," and wandered off down the hallway by herself, leaving her two friends behind.
Ron stared after her, confused at her reply. "Mate," he said, turning to Harry, "I don't think she's tired."
Harry ran a hand through his hair, equally bewildered. "Me neither," he muttered, "It's definitely something more."
Hermione, at the present time, was weaving through the throngs of students mulling about in the hallway. She took in a deep breath, trying to calm herself. "She doesn't know anything," she whispered to herself, "And besides, it's not really true."
Her conscious, dratted thing, kicked in at that moment.
"What do you mean, not true?" the voice in her head protested indignantly. "When you're not studying, you're staring at Ron! When you're not staring at him, you're thinking about him! You, silly girl, are absolutely madly infatuated with your best friend."
"No I'm not!" Hermione hissed angrily, earning a few odd looks from the students nearby. "I'm not," she said again, her voice uncertain as she tried to convince herself. "I'm not."
She jumped again when a hand reached out and touched her shoulder.
For a split second, she had the image of a long, bony hand rested on her shoulder, dragging her over to the teacups from hell... but that image disappeared the moment she heard Ron's worried voice. "Hey, Hermione?" he asked, concern etched on his face. "Are you alright? You're, err... talking to yourself."
She turned around slowly to face both Ron and Harry who were staring at her with odd looks.
"Hi," she squeaked, purposely avoiding Ron's face. "Where'd you guys come from?"
"Well," Harry explained slowly, "We were walking out of class together and suddenly you darted off. What were you talking about, anyway? You're not what?"
"Just," she struggled for an answer, finally shrugging, "I thought I heard someone talking to me."
The boys looked around and she followed their gazes, weakly smiling when she realized that absolutely no one was within ten feet of her.
"I-" she began to explain about her inner voice, that it kicked in all the time and told her ridiculous things and even had debates and spats with her, but Harry cut her off, placing a hand on her shoulder reassuringly.
"Hermione," he told her gently, "Look, we understand. All this schoolwork and stress, maybe it's too much for you. I mean, maybe it's getting to you and you're, err..." he floundered for a moment.
"-Being delusional!" Ron piped in helpfully. "It's alright Hermione, you just need to relax a bit and get your mind back together."
Both boys looked at her expectantly, patient understanding looks on their faces.
Hermione's eyes widened as she realized- They thought she was crazy!
They were looking at her like she was some kind of a, a, frazzled mental case!
Like she needed to be treated with care because she would snap any moment!
"I'm not crazy!" she burst out, absolutely horrified.
Ron looked at her nervously, inching away as she looked at him and Harry wildly.
Harry tried again. "We're not saying you are," he soothed, patting her shoulder cautiously. "We're just saying that maybe you're a little too stressed and well... come on Hermione, you have to admit that talking to yourself isn't normal."
She protested weakly, "No guys-"
But once again she was cut off as Ron grabbed her hand and led her upstairs (despite her protests), saying, "Come on, 'Mione. We're taking you upstairs to rest for a bit. Don't worry," he added hastily, "We'll bring up dinner for you as well."
And so, with her friends leaving her no other option, Hermione was gently pushed into a chair and commanded (by a very solemn Harry and Ron, at that!) to stay seated.
"I'm fine!" she insisted, to no avail.
The boys just gave her dubious looks and turned to look at each other.
"Should we leave her by herself?" Harry hissed at Ron, shooting Hermione a worried glance.
"I dunno," Ron replied uncertainly, scratching his head, "Who knows what she might do in this... state of hers."
Hermione jumped up to protest, but they gave her frightened looks and shoved her back into the chair.
"Stay," Harry commanded, giving her a stern look.
Despite her distress, Hermione couldn't help but burst into giggles. For god's sake, they were treating her like she was some kind of a, a lapdog or something!
Ron and Harry exchanged alarmed looks as their friend, normally so calm and rational began laughing hysterically.
"You know," Ron volunteered, watching Hermione's hysterics, "Maybe I should watch her while you go get some food. You know, make sure she doesn't hurt herself or anyone else."
Harry nodded, relieved. "Yeah," he agreed, turning to leave. "That'd be great. Make sure she stays seated and... yeah, I'll be right back."
He scampered away, leaving a confused (and quite frankly, very frightened) Ron to tend a frustrated Hermione.
Having already established that she was not to be let out of the chair, Hermione sat, slumped in the chair, arms crossed as she pouted.
... And sighed and pouted and sighed.
She glanced sideways at Ron in between sighs to see if he had noticed her suffering, but he was sitting on the ground, gazing around the room indifferently.
She tried again, sighing louder this time and leant back, putting on her best damsel-in-distress face. True, she would've never thought she'd sink to this level, but desperate times called for desperate measures, and in Hermione's opinion, this was one of the worst situations she had ever been in.
For god's sake, her friends thought she was insane and were intent on putting her under house arrest!
Ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous.
She'd have to do something about it, and at the moment, this was all she could think of. So she continued with her loud sighs and hoped that she could possibly win some pity from the redheaded boy sitting nearby.
Predictably, Ron looked up at her and gave her a concerned glance. "Alright there, 'Mione?" he asked gently, as if dealing with a dangerous animal.
Which, Hermione had to admit, he probably was.
A wild, dangerously charming, madly daring feline!
Or at least that's what she wanted to seem like.
Oh well.
She put on a pained expression and sighed again. "Ron," she pleaded, "Why are you doing this to me? Just let me go; I'm fine."
But unfortunately for her, Ron was not so easily swayed.
"No Hermione," he told her firmly, gulping as she glared at him furiously, "You'll, you'll go crazy and get yourself in trouble."
Apparently, this was definitely not the reply she had wanted to hear.
"I told you before," she said through gritted teeth, her voice dangerously low, "I am not crazy."
Ron, however, failed to heed the warning in her voice and simply gave her a dubious look. "I don't know, 'Mione," he replied gently, "You've got to admit, talking to yourself is a bit, erm, abnormal."
Harry, coming back with three plates heaped with food paused outside the portrait of the Fat Lady as he heard a shrill shriek of rage from within.
For a moment, he considered just walking away- an enraged Hermione was far scarier than Voldemort!- but remembered that poor Ron was still inside and bravely muttered the password, walking into the Common Room.
The sight before him made him blink, unsure of whether to be very, very afraid, or start laughing hysterically.
Hermione stood atop the sofa, brandishing her knitting needles menacingly with a wide eyed, cornered animal look on her face.
Ron lay on the floor and seemed frightened to death. Around him were scattered odd objects: quills, pillows, even a couple of Hermione's treasured books. Apparently, she had become very frustrated and decided to throw things at Ron's head.
"STOP TRYING TO CONTROL MY LIFE!" she bellowed, ignoring Ron's frightened whimpers. "I CONTROL MY LIFE! NOT YOU IDIOTS- AND DEFINITELY NOT SOME STUPID MAGICAL FORCES OF THE UNIVERSE!"
Forces of the universe? What in the world was the girl talking about?
Harry looked around the room and grimaced as he noted that all the students had either fled or were pressed against the walls, watching Hermione abuse Ron with fear and awe.
He caught Neville's eye and noticed that the boy was clutching his hand as if in pain and winced. From the frightened looks that the boy shot at Hermione, he had obviously tried to help Ron and well, suffered the consequences.
Taking a deep breath, Harry stepped cautiously towards his friends and gently talked to Hermione. "Hi Hermione," he murmured, "I brought you food. You do want to eat, don't you?"
She looked at the plates of enticing food (or so he thought) and gave him a withering glare. "Don't think," she replied scathingly, "That you can tempt me with food like I'm some sort of stupid animal, Harry."
She turned back to Ron and waved the knitting needle again, much to his dismay, and Ron's horror as well.
He tried a different approach. "Hey," he coaxed. "Hey, once you're well fed and well rested, you should be okay, right?"
She looked at him suspiciously, protesting, "But I'm okay now!"
"Yeah, well," he chuckled, watching as her frown deepened and Ron's frightened expression intensified, "You're a little stressed out, alright? Just eat something, sleep a bit, and take a break from the homework for once. We're not," he assured her, "trying to control you or keep you locked up. We're just looking out for you."
Her expression softened at his earnest expression. Despite the fact that they were terribly wrong, and putting her through one of the most humiliating experiences of her life as well, the fact that they were "looking out" for her still touched her.
On seeing her pause in contemplation, lowering her knitting needles, Harry jumped in, grabbing at her from behind.
Immediately understanding, Ron scrambled up and grabbed the knitting needles from her flailing hands, placing them behind his back and far, far away from her.
"No!" she struggled, feeling at the moment terribly betrayed.
She couldn't believe it- Harry had purposely appealed to her emotions in order to, to, to ambush her!
"Whoa..."
Both boys tried desperately to soothe her, to stop her wild flailing of arms.
It really didn't help matters any that from all corners of the room, formerly frightened Gryffindors were cheering excitedly, shouting choruses of, "Go Harry!" or, "Go Weasley!" and from the very brave, "Get that crazy girl!"
Hermione sniffled and stopped struggling, obediently sitting down as Harry and Ron pushed her back into the chair.
They were all against her! All of them... They actually thought she was crazy!
The idea was preposterous, of course.
She was rational, academia-focused Hermione! Hermione whom they came to for help with essays!
And that whole image had been shattered by one bad day.
One day!
... She had never hated Trelawney more.
"Hey," Ron's tentative voice broke into her thoughts and she turned quickly to look into his concerned eyes, "It's alright, 'Mione. We all have bad days."
Oh, believe me, buddy, some worse than others.
She sniffled again, rubbing at her eyes angrily.
God, but she hated it when she got emotional!
"Why's she crying?" Harry hissed, alarmed.
Ron shrugged helplessly, "I don't know! I don't know how to deal with her!"
"Oy," Harry sighed, rubbing his temples as if his head hurt, "Females..."
She stiffened, feeling insulted. "Hey!" she objected, her self-pity forgotten. "I could certainly say the same for you males, you know."
And those two, believe it or not, actually had the nerve to smile back at her!
"Oh you two," she snapped, feeling even more irritated, if that were possible, "What's so funny?"
Harry and Ron exchanged grins once again.
"It's just," Harry explained, giving her a look that she could only decipher as... fond? "It's strange how even when you're stressed out and slightly hysterical, when you lecture, you still sound exactly like, well, Hermione."
She stared at him for a moment, and then glared at them both furiously.
"I AM NOT HYSTERICAL!"
"Oh boy," Ron groaned, rolling his eyes. "Here we go again."