Chapter III
Hermione's heart stayed broken as the summer passed, locking herself away in the privacy of her common room and only coming out for the potion or to go to Diagon Alley with Professor McGonagall. She had the chance to find out the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher was none other than a famous vampire hunter. Professor Von, was his name, Hermione had only had a small conversation with him.
She had asked that she her food was delivered to her private common room, and Dobby had eagerly volunteered for the job. Now it was the end of August and the day before term was to start.
Hermione had thought a bit and remembered that maybe her life would be worth living still. After all, she had Ron, Harry, and Ginny. So, maybe she'll have time to feel better with the comfort of her friends.
Now, it was five o'clock in the afternoon and Hermione was calmly reading, her straight hair being of no problems.
About her straight hair, well, she had been in the library reading and her bushy hair had kept falling in her face obscuring her vision, this had been the final straw. She had then stormed to the section to appearance altering spells and found something that she was amazed that she hadn't found before.
A knock came from the common room entrance and Hermione set her book aside as she walked over toward the sound. Opening the door, she was greeted by the serious yet pleasant face of Dumbledore.
"I have some things to tell you before the term starts. Just a few precautions," he added.
"What?" she asked.
Hermione had always tried to stay calm around the old Headmaster, she didn't want to get angry at him like Harry had, she just took it out on the common room. Which, by the next morning, looked absolutely perfect.
"First, we will not tell anyone about what has happened. Because by the next day the school with it's maginificent records will have come up with something completely different, which could end up in bad endings. Second, I wish that you hold back from telling your friends, but I am pretty sure your not ready as well. (Hermione nodded at this) Third, all you have to do is walk to the Great Hall at about the time that the school usually enters, we don't want you to attract too much attention," he smiled at her as he said the last thing.
"Yes, sir." Hermione looked around.
"I understand that you are still having a hard time, so I will leave. Good night Miss Granger and see you tomorrow," Dumbledore left the room.
Was it just her, or did she suddenly want to puke? No, she wanted to puke. Hermione rushed to the bathroom. Hoping that would calm her nerves.
VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV
Hermione had a tad bit of problems getting ready, especially because it was at the last minute. She had been so caught up in her book that she had forgotten about a lot of things. It did her good, yet caused her trouble.
She only had twenty minutes left and she was still trying to get her robes on. Finally, she was finished. Just as she was about to open the door, she heard a sharp knock come from it.
Hermione opened the door and Professor McGonagall was standing outside.
"Are you ready Miss Granger, I have to go meet with the first years," Professor McGonagall looked down at her over her glasses.
At her words Hermione felt the urge to puke again, but pushed that away.
"Yes, I'm ready," Hermione replied and followed her Head of House out to the Great Hall that was slowly filling up.
She ran to the entrance to wait for her friends. Maybe, just maybe, after they arrived she would be happy again. Not lonely and sad, happy. She smiled at the pleasant thought as she saw Ron, Harry, and Ginny coming up the lawn.
Hermione noticed that Lavender Brown was clinging to Ron's arm in an attention-seeking manner, and Ginny was doing the same to Harry.
"Hi," Hermione said, as they neared her.
Then they suddenly glared at her. What was going on?
"Err- are you guys okay?" Hermione asked cautiously. Luckily her mind was focused on the hatred in their glares, she had to make sure her mind was always focused nowadays.
"We heard what you did," Ron spat, looking at her with utter disgust.
Was he talking about how she had stayed at Hogwarts? They hadn't owled her...
"What?" she asked.
"Malfoy told us everything," Ginny snapped, Hermione was starting to grow scared.
"What are you talking about?" Hermione was growing more confused.
"Don't play stupid you slut!" Lavendar cried, obviously faking disappointment.
"You shagged Malfoy! Last year! he told us on the train! You traitor!" Ron said, his ears burning red, which was not a good sign.
Harry stayed silent, just looking at Hermione with hatred and sadness. Like she had done something wrong.
"I did not! How could you say such a horrid thing?" Hermione gasped.
No, no, no, she was breathing heavily and her thoughts traveled back to the kitchen. No!
Suddenly the Slytherins came by, Draco Malfoy leading. He was smirking.
"Hey Granger, told your friends everything, don't be mad. Oh, and sorry, I just don't like you anymore," he drawled.
The Slytherins pushed past her, knocking her askew. Then her "friends" did the same, not forgetting to glare.
It had happened, it happened. Hermione suddenly felt so lonely, the people she needed the most in comfort and care had left her. Left her to bleed internally. Her heart was broken.
Hermione sat down in a secluded spot, as the sorting began, new people were added to the houses, and McGonagall soon sat down beside Dumbledore. Dumbledore turned to her.
"Minerva, I fear the worst has happened," his eyes had lost their twinkle.
"You don't mean? Potter and his friends have left Hermione?" McGonagall's voice was slightly high-pitched.
"Yes, and at the worst time. I had no idea that she was now going to be this alone. She has now lost the people that had comforted her in the worst of times, and now that things have gotten worse for the poor girl, she is lonely." Dumbledore looked down.
"Can't we do something? Talk to Potter and his friends? Or tell them what has happened?" McGonagall asked, her voice panicked.
"It is not wise to meddle with the friendship's of teenagers. And Miss Granger is not ready to inform anyone about what happened. I doubt she would have told me if I had not found her," Dumbledore replied.
"Well, it is time to make the speech," McGonagall said slowly, and with a shaky hand, tapped her glass to get the school's attention.
Hermione looked up to watch, she was sitting at the end of the table seperated from the Gryffindors, who were now all glaring at her. Word, at Hogwarts, traveled fast.
"Well, now that the sorting is over, and we now have fresh empty stomachs to be filled, I believe it is time to eat!" Dumbledore announced, Hermione noticed that his smile did not reach his eyes this time.
Everyone soon began eating and talking, sending hateful glares at Hermione every chance they got. Had she been looking forward to this? She could have gotten over that one horrible night, but now that everyone hated her as well was something that tore her heart in two. She felt a pain beyond all pain believable.
Soon, the desserts cleared, and everyone looked up to Dumbledore patiently. He began his speech, but Hermione barely listened, she looked around the table. Ron was snogging Lavendar (which was not something Hermione knew Ron did), Parvati was flirting with every boy she could, and Hermione noticed one other thing, everytime Lavendar broke away from Ron a few seconds she would smirk at Hermione.
Harry was sitting beside Ginny, but because she was facing forward and he was too, he was actually behind her. Harry had his arms around Ginny's waist and they were speaking in hushed voices, glancing at Hermione every once in a while.
"-And as our Head Boy and Girl, I give you Ronald Weasley and Susan Bones!" Dumbledore finished as everyone clapped.
All the Gryffindors turned to the sad Hermione to smirk and raise eyebrows in mock question. Hermione felt a twang of regret over resigning from the position but shrugged the feeling off.
Soon, Dumbledore dismissed the students and Hermione got up to go on with Prefect duties.
"First years, follow me," Hermione tried to call, but her voice was hoarse.
Ron walked over and called, "First years! This way!"
They followed him and sent questioning looks at Hermione.
The Great Hall soon emptied out, Professor McGonagall walked over to Hermione.
"I'll stay in my Gryffindor dormitory, it's okay," she said, and the professor nodded.
She walked up the long stairs to Gryffindor tower and when she reached the portrait she saw Ginny and Lavendar standing there, apparently waiting for someone.
"Oh, we knew you'd come over here." Lavendar sneered.
"We just wanted to tell you that traitors aren't allowed," Ginny added.
Hermione tried to walk forward, but they pushed her back.
"Didn't you hear us? You dumb muggle-born, your not allowed," Lavendar said, quirking an eyebrow.
"Fine," Hermione said and turned back to walk down the stairs.
She walked to her old dormitory and reached for the door handle.
"Staying in a broom closet now, are we?" a voice drawled.
Hermione Granger had never known that the night could have gotten any worse.
"Yes, I am, please, leave me alone," Hermione's tone was a plead.
"Why would I want to after our little one night-stand?" Draco asked, striding over.
"Please! Please Malfoy! Just leave me the hell alone for once!" Hermione yelled, tears finally falling down her face.
"Why?" Draco asked, finally in front of her.
"Do we have a problem, Mister Malfoy?" Professor Snape asked, striding over, his robes billowing behind him.
"No, sir," Draco answered, taking a step away from Hermione.
Snape noticed that she was standing outside her substitute living space during the summer.
"Mister Malfoy, I need to speak to Miss Granger alone," Professor Snape said.
Draco smirked at Hermione from behind Snape's back, then left.
"Miss Granger, why are you here? You should be at Gryffindor tower," Professor Snape said.
"Please, sir, they kicked me out. I needed a place to stay," Hermione replied, tears still running free.
"I will talk to your Head of House this morning, but I will allow you to stay here tonight," Snape walked away.
"Thank you," Hermione whispered and quickly said the password before entering.
Hermione's piercing screams filled the room, as she awoke. She had seen them again, the moments just replaying in her mind. Over and over until she couldn't take it anymore.
She had forgotten to retrieve her potion that night, and she now did not know what to do. Sleep was definitely not an option. Hermione got out of bed and sat on top of the covers looking around the room.
The curtains on her window ruffled from the wind, and the air soon reached her bare face. It was really cold, Hermione stood up and closed the window then went back to her bed. What could someone possibly do at this time of night?
She pulled her legs up so that they were against her chest and she rested her head on her knees, she was in what seemed to be a fetal position. There was now and forever absolutely no point in living, she didn't have the friends, she didn't have the parents, she practically had nothing.
Hermione Granger had lost the will to live.
Hermione's heart stayed broken as the summer passed, locking herself away in the privacy of her common room and only coming out for the potion or to go to Diagon Alley with Professor McGonagall. She had the chance to find out the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher was none other than a famous vampire hunter. Professor Von, was his name, Hermione had only had a small conversation with him.
She had asked that she her food was delivered to her private common room, and Dobby had eagerly volunteered for the job. Now it was the end of August and the day before term was to start.
Hermione had thought a bit and remembered that maybe her life would be worth living still. After all, she had Ron, Harry, and Ginny. So, maybe she'll have time to feel better with the comfort of her friends.
Now, it was five o'clock in the afternoon and Hermione was calmly reading, her straight hair being of no problems.
About her straight hair, well, she had been in the library reading and her bushy hair had kept falling in her face obscuring her vision, this had been the final straw. She had then stormed to the section to appearance altering spells and found something that she was amazed that she hadn't found before.
A knock came from the common room entrance and Hermione set her book aside as she walked over toward the sound. Opening the door, she was greeted by the serious yet pleasant face of Dumbledore.
"I have some things to tell you before the term starts. Just a few precautions," he added.
"What?" she asked.
Hermione had always tried to stay calm around the old Headmaster, she didn't want to get angry at him like Harry had, she just took it out on the common room. Which, by the next morning, looked absolutely perfect.
"First, we will not tell anyone about what has happened. Because by the next day the school with it's maginificent records will have come up with something completely different, which could end up in bad endings. Second, I wish that you hold back from telling your friends, but I am pretty sure your not ready as well. (Hermione nodded at this) Third, all you have to do is walk to the Great Hall at about the time that the school usually enters, we don't want you to attract too much attention," he smiled at her as he said the last thing.
"Yes, sir." Hermione looked around.
"I understand that you are still having a hard time, so I will leave. Good night Miss Granger and see you tomorrow," Dumbledore left the room.
Was it just her, or did she suddenly want to puke? No, she wanted to puke. Hermione rushed to the bathroom. Hoping that would calm her nerves.
VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV
Hermione had a tad bit of problems getting ready, especially because it was at the last minute. She had been so caught up in her book that she had forgotten about a lot of things. It did her good, yet caused her trouble.
She only had twenty minutes left and she was still trying to get her robes on. Finally, she was finished. Just as she was about to open the door, she heard a sharp knock come from it.
Hermione opened the door and Professor McGonagall was standing outside.
"Are you ready Miss Granger, I have to go meet with the first years," Professor McGonagall looked down at her over her glasses.
At her words Hermione felt the urge to puke again, but pushed that away.
"Yes, I'm ready," Hermione replied and followed her Head of House out to the Great Hall that was slowly filling up.
She ran to the entrance to wait for her friends. Maybe, just maybe, after they arrived she would be happy again. Not lonely and sad, happy. She smiled at the pleasant thought as she saw Ron, Harry, and Ginny coming up the lawn.
Hermione noticed that Lavender Brown was clinging to Ron's arm in an attention-seeking manner, and Ginny was doing the same to Harry.
"Hi," Hermione said, as they neared her.
Then they suddenly glared at her. What was going on?
"Err- are you guys okay?" Hermione asked cautiously. Luckily her mind was focused on the hatred in their glares, she had to make sure her mind was always focused nowadays.
"We heard what you did," Ron spat, looking at her with utter disgust.
Was he talking about how she had stayed at Hogwarts? They hadn't owled her...
"What?" she asked.
"Malfoy told us everything," Ginny snapped, Hermione was starting to grow scared.
"What are you talking about?" Hermione was growing more confused.
"Don't play stupid you slut!" Lavendar cried, obviously faking disappointment.
"You shagged Malfoy! Last year! he told us on the train! You traitor!" Ron said, his ears burning red, which was not a good sign.
Harry stayed silent, just looking at Hermione with hatred and sadness. Like she had done something wrong.
"I did not! How could you say such a horrid thing?" Hermione gasped.
No, no, no, she was breathing heavily and her thoughts traveled back to the kitchen. No!
Suddenly the Slytherins came by, Draco Malfoy leading. He was smirking.
"Hey Granger, told your friends everything, don't be mad. Oh, and sorry, I just don't like you anymore," he drawled.
The Slytherins pushed past her, knocking her askew. Then her "friends" did the same, not forgetting to glare.
It had happened, it happened. Hermione suddenly felt so lonely, the people she needed the most in comfort and care had left her. Left her to bleed internally. Her heart was broken.
Hermione sat down in a secluded spot, as the sorting began, new people were added to the houses, and McGonagall soon sat down beside Dumbledore. Dumbledore turned to her.
"Minerva, I fear the worst has happened," his eyes had lost their twinkle.
"You don't mean? Potter and his friends have left Hermione?" McGonagall's voice was slightly high-pitched.
"Yes, and at the worst time. I had no idea that she was now going to be this alone. She has now lost the people that had comforted her in the worst of times, and now that things have gotten worse for the poor girl, she is lonely." Dumbledore looked down.
"Can't we do something? Talk to Potter and his friends? Or tell them what has happened?" McGonagall asked, her voice panicked.
"It is not wise to meddle with the friendship's of teenagers. And Miss Granger is not ready to inform anyone about what happened. I doubt she would have told me if I had not found her," Dumbledore replied.
"Well, it is time to make the speech," McGonagall said slowly, and with a shaky hand, tapped her glass to get the school's attention.
Hermione looked up to watch, she was sitting at the end of the table seperated from the Gryffindors, who were now all glaring at her. Word, at Hogwarts, traveled fast.
"Well, now that the sorting is over, and we now have fresh empty stomachs to be filled, I believe it is time to eat!" Dumbledore announced, Hermione noticed that his smile did not reach his eyes this time.
Everyone soon began eating and talking, sending hateful glares at Hermione every chance they got. Had she been looking forward to this? She could have gotten over that one horrible night, but now that everyone hated her as well was something that tore her heart in two. She felt a pain beyond all pain believable.
Soon, the desserts cleared, and everyone looked up to Dumbledore patiently. He began his speech, but Hermione barely listened, she looked around the table. Ron was snogging Lavendar (which was not something Hermione knew Ron did), Parvati was flirting with every boy she could, and Hermione noticed one other thing, everytime Lavendar broke away from Ron a few seconds she would smirk at Hermione.
Harry was sitting beside Ginny, but because she was facing forward and he was too, he was actually behind her. Harry had his arms around Ginny's waist and they were speaking in hushed voices, glancing at Hermione every once in a while.
"-And as our Head Boy and Girl, I give you Ronald Weasley and Susan Bones!" Dumbledore finished as everyone clapped.
All the Gryffindors turned to the sad Hermione to smirk and raise eyebrows in mock question. Hermione felt a twang of regret over resigning from the position but shrugged the feeling off.
Soon, Dumbledore dismissed the students and Hermione got up to go on with Prefect duties.
"First years, follow me," Hermione tried to call, but her voice was hoarse.
Ron walked over and called, "First years! This way!"
They followed him and sent questioning looks at Hermione.
The Great Hall soon emptied out, Professor McGonagall walked over to Hermione.
"I'll stay in my Gryffindor dormitory, it's okay," she said, and the professor nodded.
She walked up the long stairs to Gryffindor tower and when she reached the portrait she saw Ginny and Lavendar standing there, apparently waiting for someone.
"Oh, we knew you'd come over here." Lavendar sneered.
"We just wanted to tell you that traitors aren't allowed," Ginny added.
Hermione tried to walk forward, but they pushed her back.
"Didn't you hear us? You dumb muggle-born, your not allowed," Lavendar said, quirking an eyebrow.
"Fine," Hermione said and turned back to walk down the stairs.
She walked to her old dormitory and reached for the door handle.
"Staying in a broom closet now, are we?" a voice drawled.
Hermione Granger had never known that the night could have gotten any worse.
"Yes, I am, please, leave me alone," Hermione's tone was a plead.
"Why would I want to after our little one night-stand?" Draco asked, striding over.
"Please! Please Malfoy! Just leave me the hell alone for once!" Hermione yelled, tears finally falling down her face.
"Why?" Draco asked, finally in front of her.
"Do we have a problem, Mister Malfoy?" Professor Snape asked, striding over, his robes billowing behind him.
"No, sir," Draco answered, taking a step away from Hermione.
Snape noticed that she was standing outside her substitute living space during the summer.
"Mister Malfoy, I need to speak to Miss Granger alone," Professor Snape said.
Draco smirked at Hermione from behind Snape's back, then left.
"Miss Granger, why are you here? You should be at Gryffindor tower," Professor Snape said.
"Please, sir, they kicked me out. I needed a place to stay," Hermione replied, tears still running free.
"I will talk to your Head of House this morning, but I will allow you to stay here tonight," Snape walked away.
"Thank you," Hermione whispered and quickly said the password before entering.
Hermione's piercing screams filled the room, as she awoke. She had seen them again, the moments just replaying in her mind. Over and over until she couldn't take it anymore.
She had forgotten to retrieve her potion that night, and she now did not know what to do. Sleep was definitely not an option. Hermione got out of bed and sat on top of the covers looking around the room.
The curtains on her window ruffled from the wind, and the air soon reached her bare face. It was really cold, Hermione stood up and closed the window then went back to her bed. What could someone possibly do at this time of night?
She pulled her legs up so that they were against her chest and she rested her head on her knees, she was in what seemed to be a fetal position. There was now and forever absolutely no point in living, she didn't have the friends, she didn't have the parents, she practically had nothing.
Hermione Granger had lost the will to live.