Hermione heard the whispers as she walked from class to class, trying to go about her day. It was all anyone could talk about. Sadly, her morning had ended with Ron and Harry facing her as she walked into Potions.
"Is it true?," Ron had asked, his eyes wet. His features were taut, and she was having trouble reading him.
Hermione didn't know what to say. How could she even begin to tell him? But this was not how she wanted him to find out. She was hoping to have the whole matter sorted. Perhaps she wouldn't have had to tell him at all…
"Is it?…Mione?", he spoke again and her heart broke. She wasn't sure if it was anger or hurt she was detecting in his voice. Probably a combination. Her eyes darted between him and Harry. She hung her head down and spoke quietly to both of them.
"Ron…I…I don't know what people are saying, but…he did,….he did, and I-,"
"That's all I needed to know." He said, bluntly, abruptly and then turned on his heel and hurried out of the classroom.
Harry took a step into Hermione and put his hand on her shoulder.
"He'll come round. You'll see. If you need anything, I'm here."
Hermione looked at her friend. "Harry, come outside for a moment. I need to know what you've heard."
Just then Hermione caught Snape's eyes. He was preparing to start his class. But instead of his usual sneer, he gave her a slow nod and turned his attention back to the class.
Hermione let out an indrawn breath she didn't know she was holding on to and dragged Harry out of the classroom.
"He's very upset, Hermione-,"
"I'm upset, Harry!", she cut him off, a little too forcefully, startling his arm off her.
Harry looked at the floor and seemed to consider what to say next.
"I-, I have to tell you I do feel responsible-"
"No, Harry. This had nothing to do with you or Ron. It's not your fault."
"But I could have-,"
"No," she said again and turned from him, one arm across her chest the other kneading her forehead trying to determine what to say.
"Look…He had me for awhile, and he was fine. He wasn't cruel to me, fed me, let me bathe, brought me books, he…he was fine. It…it happened one night and…I didn't stop him. I was afraid. I didn't know what to do. I…I had no idea that he hadn't performed any spells…how could I? I've never…well, obviously, I mean-", Hermione cut herself off as she was blushing. It was strange to be talking about this with her friend. Her male friend.
Harry held up his hand as this was paining him to hear.
"It's fine, you don't have to say anything else."
"It's this stupid Magical Law, Harry. Dumbledore told me I can't…have it…sorted…unless the more magical of the two of us agrees. Which, sadly is him."
"What!? That's the stupidest bloody thing I've ever heard-"
"They have him, you know. They're bringing him here. So he can agree to it."
"I don't want him anywhere near you!" Harry nearly shouted at her. She was a little surprised by her friends protectiveness. She continued softly.
"He won't be. They've said I won't have to see him. This is just the quickest way. Runcorn and Yaxley are on their way now…"
Harry turned away abruptly. He looked like he was going to punch the stone wall for a minute, and then he seemed to realize it, took a deep breath, and exhaled. He thought for a moment before speaking again.
"Hermione, I don't know what else to say except, except…I am so, so sorry."
Hermione walked to him slowly and placed her hands around his wrists.
"Thanks. It's not your fault. Everything's going to be fine, you'll see," she was smiling at him now.
Harry pulled her to him, into a tighter-than-normal hug.
"I want you to know, I'll do what I can; anything you ask, anything you need."
Hermione pulled back slowly and looked him in the eyes.
"Thanks, Harry. Will you…will you try talking to Ron? I mean, not now, of course, but…but when you think he might,-"
"I will. I promise."
Hermione looked over her shoulder, and then spoke to Harry again.
"You should go back into class. Snape is being rather kind-"
"Snape!?"
Hermione laughed. "I have to go now. To be questioned like the Mudblood I am…,"
"Hermione-"
"I know, I know. You and Ron don't think like that. Well, go on then." Hermione nodded towards the door to Potions.
"See you later?," Harry asked, raising his eyebrows.
"Definitely. I'll tell you all about it," Hermione replied, rolling her eyes. She watched Harry manage a feeble smile in her direction and then head into class. She took a deep breath, in through her nose, out through her mouth before turning on her heel towards Professor Dumbledore's office.
