A/N: Thanks to Martiele, Shdwcat27, and Because-I-Got-High for their reviews!
Disclaimer: Don't own it. Not claiming to own it. Only borrowing.
He smiled when he saw me and I wanted to burst into tears right then. His eyes were half closed, his skin pale. I ran my fingers through his hair, which was lank and greasy, and not from lack of washing. His hands were cold when they brushed against my arm, a stark contrast to how hot his forehead and cheeks were...
"Miss Granger!"
I didn't look up from where I was staring at the knife imbedded in the skin of my hand. Blood dripped onto the roots I had been cutting, the desk underneath them. My right hand still gripped the knife, and I was half-tempted to push it in deeper, through the bones and nerves and tendons...
A hand pushed mine out of the way, not exactly gently, but carefully. Just as carefully, the hand pulled the knife from my flesh. The injury hurt badly, but I couldn't force myself to look away, or even move. I could see a small speck of white and wondered it if was bone, but more blood soon blotted the speck out.
"Granger, pay attention!" Professor Snape snapped. He was slightly paler than usual. Or was I just imagining that? It didn't matter, anyway.
He pulled a handkerchief out of some pocket or another and pressed it against the wound. We were both still, and I wondered why for a moment, and then realized he wanted me to hold it myself. I did, and he quickly took his hand away. His scowl was in place.
"Macmillan, escort Granger to the hospital wing," Snape said. Ernie quickly nodded, and stood next to me, waiting for me to move.
"Get moving, Granger!"
"Move out of the way, please, miss!"
I looked to my left, and then moved out of the way, as a stretcher wheeled by. The nurse spared a glance at me before turning a corner...
I let Ernie put his hand on my back and gently lead me through the door. Fought the urge to sit down against the wall, put my head in my hands, and cry.
§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§
"What was wrong with you in Potions, Hermione?" Ron asked. I wished I could disappear and not have to talk to him.
"Nothing, Ron. I just wasn't paying as much attention as I should've," I said, looking away from him and back at the dinner I hadn't touched.
"Alright, then," he said unsurely.
There was a somewhat awkward silence. Ginny sat down next to Harry, starting up a conversation about Quidditch tryouts. Ron soon joined in, and thankfully, I was left out.
I guess that saying can be true, at times. The more things change, the more they stay the same.
A/N: I think I ended on a bit of a happier note this time, hm? Anyway, as I've said before, and will continue to say, constructive criticism is extremely welcome! I can't improve unless you tell me how!