"How was she?"

"Not good. Must be in shock or something, she blew us right off!"

"Right, she never would act this way unless she was seriously traumatized."

"Who could blame her. I never knew my parents but at least I didn't... you know."

"Right..."

Harry, Ron, and Neville sat at a corner of the Gryffindor table in the great hall at lunch. They whispered as she came into the hall as though it could make any difference. She still had heard them. When she woke that morning to find Harry and Ron at her side she was immediately filled with the same anger and resentment that landed her in the small white bed to begin with. Madam Pomfrey had told her the night before that she'd be allowed to go in the morning, so she stood and gathered what few things were on her bedside table and flew passed the boys. She even grimaced as her robes brushed against Ron's and she had the sudden desire to burn it and take a scalding hot shower.

The bit that really pissed her off was that they hadn't actually done anything wrong. The fact was, they hadn't done anything. They hadn't done ANYTHING. Their neutrality through out their entire friendship led to her current state of loathing and when she saw them now, in the great hall she didn't see her friends or even her class mates. She saw leeches. Pure and simple. She tore her eyes from them as they boldly looked expectantly at her as though she'd apologize for her behavior. She glanced around the rest of the hall. The Hufflepuffs wisely stared at their plates, her professors looked on with pity, the Ravenclaws watched her curiously and... and the Slytherines, well half of them, stared at her as though they wanted to say something. She assumed they'd want to gloat or taunt her, so she turned on her heel and stormed out. They'd get no satisfaction from her pain today. She walked as quickly and gracefully as she could manage to her next class, which was potions, and opted for a seat in the back. She didn't have to go to class. In fact she was excused from all of her classes for the next week, but she couldn't bare to be left with her thoughts again, so she'd sit in at least and try to pay attention.

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After Hermione stormed from the hall, Pansy gently cleared her throat and stood. The eyes of the first and second years and those of her close friends in other years all went to her immediately. She held her head high and gathered her things. As soon as she stepped away from the table, those who had their eyes on her stood and followed suit. The rest of the hall was extremely confused by this. When had Pansy Parkinson gained such an air of authority? In fact, many students from other houses felt compelled to follow as well, and some did from sheer curiosity.

Pansy had discussed with her entire house the previous night, a plan to kindly inform Hermione that they had not supported the complete destruction of her family home, and in turn her family. The younger years had agreed immediately, and the older years who didn't flat out support the dark lord in every way were easily convinced. Pansy reminded them that if Hermione thought any of them supported the actions that took place that day, she would not hesitate to take her anger out on them. When asked why she cared, she employed the most important tool in the Slytherin house of tricks. Diplomacy. She argued that Hermione would surely wreak havoc on their house and make their lives miserable in school, and as part of the golden trio, out of school as well. Of course they as Slytherins could handle this, but it would be easier and in everyone's best interest for that not to happen.

So, Pansy and nearly fifty others quietly marched out of the hall in a line behind her, followed up by professor Snape.

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Hermione sat at her desk in the potions classroom with her head on the table. She noticed a shadow over her and turned her head to the side. She sat up straight and narrowed her eyes at the procession before her. Pansy Parkinson headed the line with a white rose.

"What-?" Hermione asked.

"We wanted to let you know that we are deeply sorry for you loss and we wish to assure you that aside from school yard rivalries, we would never wish any harm on you. What happened to you is unacceptable and we wish for you to know that we are not our parents and do not support their actions."

Hermione's eyes widened in total disbelief as Pansy bloody Parkinson bowed. She lowered her head and held out a white rose and let go as it floated in the air before Hermione. With her wand, she flicked her wrist and transfigured it to a tiny white glass pendant which remained suspended in the air. Another student came up to her desk and lowered his head.

"I am sorry for your loss." He said as he lifted a yellow rose to be transfigured by Pansy and added to the small delicate chain. Tears welled up in Hermione's eyes as she looked on. Another fifty students approached her with the same remorse and each with a yellow rose. Hermione nearly choked on her sobs as the potions master was the last to approach. He reached for the beautifully constructed necklace and pulled it from the spell that suspended it. He politely bowed his head and offered it to Hermione. She held out a shaky hand and took it. In her grief and surprise she didn't even think to check for dark magic, not that she needed to. She clutched the little thing to her chest and simply nodded. Then, as a group the students, and professor Snape removed their robes and scarves and transfigured their house colors to black as a show of respect for her mourning. Some of the students left for their classes after that and the others took their seats. Pansy stayed at Hermione's side and offered to clasp the necklace for her. Hermione silently agreed and pulled her mass of curls aside. When it was in place the little white rose in the center shimmered hopefully at her.

Professor Snape lowered himself to eye level with Hermione. "If you should find a need, you may find yourself with lunch and dinner detentions in my potions lab until the staring stops."

Hermione gasped in shock. "Th-thank you, Professor.. I am extremely grateful."

"He lowered his head for a second then added, "If you should wish for Misters Potter or Weasley to find themselves with detention as well-"

"No!" She coughed lightly. "Thank you, Sir but I assure you that is not necessary."

Severus would puzzle over this later as he hadn't been privy to Hermione's resentment toward her...everyone. In fact, she found herself picking up her things and asking quietly if Pansy would allow her to be her partner in class. The show of respect and sorrow from the Slytherins was no small thing and she found herself craving more of the attention that came with no expectations from her. Pansy politely agreed and beckoned to the seat beside her.

"I can't begin to imagine what it took for you to do that for me." Hermione whispered.

"We are simply students, Hermione." She said, testing the name on her tounge. "Not monsters. Not all of us anyway."

Hermione nodded. "I imagine I didn't make it easy for any of you to not hate me."

Pansy blinked in surprise. "Well...we didn't exactly give you reason to change your mind." She took a deep breath and turned fully toward Hermione. " I can't speak for anyone but myself, but I think you'll find that this display of respect and...peace.. will not end with today. I am completely disturbed that your loss is what it took for me to realize, I'd very much like if we could move passed our house rivalry."

It was Hermione's turn to blink in surprise. "I'm not sure what that means but... I'd be willing to give it a try." She sounded out slowly.

"Also know, Hermione, We Slytherins have noticed for quite some time that you are taken advantage of by others, and that you are far better than those you align with. But... the prejudiced will always be prejudiced."

"Except for you?"

"Did you know my parents were also killed over the summer? It was an accident, but even still... there's no one to put on a show for now. I'm free to be who I wish. Oddly.. my parents were putting on a show as well. They weren't who I thought they were and I'd have like very much to know the real them. I don't want my dying breath to be spent wishing that the good guys knew the real me."

"I'm sorry."

"Hermione, I won't feel sorry for you if you don't feel sorry for me. We are both better than that." Pansy tried her hand at smiling to the Gryffindor, and was extremely pleased to see her return it, if only slightly.

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They were staring again. The leeches had the nerve to look at her as though she betrayed them because of where she sat. Amazingly, Professor Snape came to her defense and informed them that the seating arrangement was his doing and his reasons were not their business. It didn't help, but Hermione had more respect and appreciation for her professor now. She chuckled darkly as she wondered if she'd end up a dungeon bat like the rest of the Slytherins. This did not help the staring issue and she found herself gathering her things in the middle of class and giving Pansy and professor Snape an apologetic smile. before leaving.

"Miss Granger." Severus called. She stopped at the door and turned her head to listen. "Detention during dinner tonight for disrupting class."

Hermione nodded and left with a secret smile of relief gracing her features.