An: TRIGGER WARNING. As the title implies and you'll later find out, this chapter contains a discussion of depression.

Title credit: Comfortably Numb-Pink Floyd

Hermione POV, 1st March

I'll answer the question you all want me to, am I a better person than I was a week ago? If better means I'm not snappish, rude, or spiteful then definitely yes. Any further progress was unlikely to be true. I'm kinder I suppose, and that includes towards Lucy, but I'm still officially not my usual self.

I keep going back to the chat I had after dinner with Ilena, how she understood exactly what I was feeling and reassured me. No amount of the green-eyed monster curse, would change where I fit into her life. It's that heartwarming message that has been keeping me in check.

Lucy is no less irritating, but I'm getting better at hiding it. Ilena has compromised and gone back to running with me only...at least on scheduled days. Lucy runs with her Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. I get the other four days, just me and Ilena. She doesn't always sit with Lucy anymore, though she doesn't sit with me any more frequently either. With my boyfriend almost always at my side during meals, she'd have to make sure she got in that space the other side of me, before it got swallowed up.

So I've not been replaced. Life was back to normal. Then how come I still feel so low? I've got what I wanted, admittedly not the same capacity I had before meeting Lucy. But Ilena spoke so sincerely and passionately about how much she will always need me, no matter how little we may see each other.

It was great to hear that, but the relief wasn't as strong as I was expecting. It was like applying a plaster to a four inch knife wound. It's so confusing, did I not want to be friends? Of course I do, and we are. Why is this not enough for me? Have I been permanently damaged by jealousy?

"You're doing it again" Joe points out, trying to sound understanding but there was annoyance in his voice. The fifth time of mentioning it would annoy anyone. "The mumbling."

"You know that's what I do when I've got things on my mind" I tell him apologetically.

"And you'll do it until eventually someone gets those things out of you, if you just let that someone be me" Joe covers my hand, but even that doesn't feel as comforting as before. In fact, a part of me wants to pull my hand away completely.

"You've got better things to do than hear my nonsense" And it was, nothing I could tell him could make sense. 'I'm sad because everything is normal again'. It don't make sense in my mind, so why would it in his.

"I'd love to hear what you call nonsense" he chirped contrarily. "Probably something considered sane to a normal human being."

"Thanks very much" I lightly frown.

"So you gonna tell me?"

"No, I think it's your turn to rant or worry for a change." I know he's getting frustrated how much I've neglected asking about him. He has bad days, and I hardly acknowledge them. I've got to work on thinking of others.

"I appreciate the thought, but what I currently need to worry over is you. So help me help you."

"You can't help me" That was a damning sentence, one I don't even remember mentally discussing with myself.

"Why not?" He responded.

"Because I...haven't got a clue myself. I feel like crying, yet there's nothing wrong. Something has changed inside me, and I don't think I like it" I was fighting the urge to cry by the time I finished my confession.

"Heyheyhey, don't resist, it's fine to cry" he holds me tightly, rubbing my back in the way I like. It achieves the objective of comforting me, but not in the way it's meant to calm me. I'm here in his arms feeling like a body without a soul, and I want the hug to end soon. He notices and I use that to prove my point. "See? I feel like I need a hug, then I get one and don't want it anymore. That's exactly how I feel with everything at the moment."

"By everything you mean Ils?"

"Kind of, my performances last week were the most proof that I can't do without her. But do I actually know what I want, or what I need?" I draw away and look down at my free hands. "I told you I wouldn't make any sense. I just need to get over this hump somehow. I'm sure I'll come around eventually."

Joe nodded understandingly but didn't want to give up trying to help. He'll try again later, probably when I mumble for a sixth time. Or maybe I should leave and go see the boys, is that it? Am I neglecting others too, like those I considered annoying brothers. "I'm gonna see how Harry and Ron are doing" I tell Joe whilst gathering my things.

"Already, we've only been sat down fifteen minutes" Joe complained cutely. He wants to say we've spent that quarter of an hour almost entirely in silence. He didn't get the right lip service that was usually presented either.

"Sorry but I should meet up with them before Potions, I'll be seeing you again at lunch" I reasoned.

He conceded "alright, you're off the hook. I'll see you later."

"Yeah, see you later"

...

"When was the last time you guys cleaned up in here?" Honestly, their rooms look like a tornado came blowing through. Knowing the stuff they put in those sweets of theirs, I wouldn't be surprised if that was an accurate assumption.

"I've decided Harry, I'm going to pass a petition that says the boys dormitories deserve a slide feature too." Ron says grumpily tossing his trunks into his trunk. "I reckon I'd easily get enough signatures."

"The reason they don't have those measures in place for you, Ronald, is probably because without a girls intervention you'd all be buried under your own mess." There are stockpiles of unwashed clothes by the end of these beds, tall enough to fall and trap an unsuspecting passerby.

"What do you suppose we do with dirty clothes, burn them after we've worn them? The house-elves were supposed to do laundry, until someone ordered them not to, with the support of Professor McGonagall. Since then, we have no way of getting our clothes cleaned" Ron moaned.

I fully back my actions, I'm glad to see it irk him so much. I'm not glad he's given up the concept of washing clothes completely. "Really, you can't think of one single way to get a piece of clothing clean, without the use of magic or a house elf? If only there was a certain substance that humans have easy access to, that could help them in this impossible task."

"We ain't got time to scrub in water" Ron argued, seemingly having at least the intelligence to work out what I was sarcastically describing.

"Got better things to do like laze about and ask to copy my homework for the third essay in a row, right?" I replied. "Look, give me your clothes, both of you, and I'll do them. But for Merlins sake, you'll lift a finger one of these days Ronald, I won't be that friend who becomes your mother."

He throws his pile at my feet and dramatically dusts off his hands. "You're already that friend Hermione."

You arse. "Yours too Harry."

As usual he was more apologetic, but he ought to stop being sorry and change his habits as well. I'd much rather him do that, as a way to make it up to me. No mother figure for eleven years is an invalid excuse...the poor sod.

I shrank the clothes down and stuffed them in my book bag for later. Note to self: don't forget about them, or you'll need to apply a permanent air freshening charm. "Right, are we ready to head to Potions?"

"We're never ready for Snape" Harry replied smiling.

"Good, let's go then."

On an average trek through Hogwarts, the trio form a one-two formation. Like a posse or something. Usually the person in front drives the other two, except when it's Quidditch time and the formation becomes a two-one. If it's to sneak about and get involved in business not our own, Harry goes up front. If it's a food rush, Ron goes up front. Then for lessons and anything educational...you guessed correct.

And that's what happened here, but because I was "driving" my speed dictated the speed of my wingers. And today I was going tortoise speed. "I mean, I'm not overly keen to get to Potions on time either, but this is painstaking" Ron comments.

"Not slow enough for my liking" Harry added. "But it's surprising that you're the slow coach for a change Hermione."

Yet again I have to explain myself, but these guys can be weird so maybe they can recognise weird better than I can. "Harry, Ron, honestly do you think it's possible to want something so much, then when you get it you don't feel much for it?"

Ron considered it with intrigue. "Now I can think of many things I'd want, but not the second part."

"Then that's not what she's asking for" Harry sing-songed.

"Alright, what you got to say about it then?" Ronald pushed back.

"Fame. Loads of people want it, but it isn't how it's cracked up to be. It's twice as bad for someone who doesn't want it" Harry answered seriously.

Ron's ears perked as if listening out for something. "Hang on, if you listen real close...yeah, that's definitely it, if you listen you can hear a tiny whining sound. Know what it is? It's the worlds smallest violin, playing just for you Harry."

Harry shoved his friend in the shoulder, and a bit of handbag combat would've been exchanged, if I hadn't interjected. "Behave you two, it was just a question". Trying to open up to these guys is impossible today. Still, I kinda like how much like themselves they are being. Comfort in the norm.

But I still feel so flat. Am I ill? Or cursed? Oh lord, that never occurred to me. What if the problem was imposed on me? Should I go see Madam Pomfrey or Professor McGonagall? Who'd curse me to be miserable anyway? Malfoy and his gang would prefer the satisfaction of doing that naturally.

Stop being silly. Nobody has cursed you. There are moments of genuine happiness, which wouldn't be the case if I'd been cursed or spiked. No, your problem isn't physical nor magical, it's completely mental.

I'm completely mental.

"Oh no, I forgot we're with Slytherin" Ron groaned behind his hand.

How can he forget? We're always with Slytherin for Potions. It's the norm since first year. "Ron, you've met two Slytherins now that you've admitted to liking." That being Alex and Dom obviously.

"Yeah well, they're the only two."

"And you know, good exceptions noted, they still get undying special treatment from their head of house" Harry adds, trying to be matter-of-fact but only betraying his own undying bitterness

"Do me a favour you two, I really want you to consider this one thing" I softly stroke the arm of each boy, luring them into a trap I'm sure they're expecting but are powerless to prevent. "I think it would benefit you both greatly to, how do I put it." I spring my trap with a rough pinch to their skin, and a sharp twist for good measure. I both like, and dislike, how much I enjoy their yelps of pain. "Quit complaining."

"That's just mean" Harry immediately complains, followed predictably by Ron. "Totally uncalled for."

Honestly, I had no reason to be slightly mean, other than I know I needed an opportunity to cause minor bodily harm. Because there it is, a genuine smile on my face. It's felt like a long time since I last had one. A heartfelt bubble of amusement seeping through the cracks of the fake mask of joy. It's a fleeting pleasure, but its appreciated.

I saw a black mass sweep across the doorway and behold Professor Severus Snape. "You may enter, remember to leave your insignificant affairs out in the corridor before stepping inside." His eyes found Harry's like heat-seeking missiles.

"So are we to be separated into pairs Sir?" Hello Professor, don't let me interrupt yours and Harry's death glare, in the middle of the doorway for all to see. At least Harry is a student and has no obligation to hide the way he feels. A Professor should look and act impartial to all, that's a professional standard that goes without saying surely.

And what is his problem with Harry anyway, nobody has ever pinpointed a reason behind it? Ron and Neville are rather cumbersome, I'm a know-it-all, whilst again unprofessional there's obvious substance to his ridicule of us. But Harry just needs to exist, and be a target for Snape's distaste. Is it because Harry won't take it lying down like us, he won't let Snape be the bully with all the power?

Whatever. I just want to learn something. "Sir?" I ask again, hiding my impatience.

"Yes Granger, do you really need to be handfed a minor instruction, your names are on the board like always" He ducks inside before he's even finished his flippant remark.

I sometimes wonder why I ever bother to be the one, out of the three of us, to defend him.

Inside the classroom at least, the tension drops and people organise themselves in conjunction with Snape's written seating plan. He usually doesn't put us together with our close friends, but neither does he put us with our sworn enemies. The reason for both is shared; better productivity.

Although I would consider Dominic a close friend, maybe Snape is unaware of my developed friendship with him. I'm not going to complain, it's a very good deal. He mucks about with Alex, but deep down he's a brainy guy with secret magical talent. And with Alex nowhere in sight maybe he can...wait.

"Dom, where's Alex?"

Dom has already got our equipment ready, he must have been allowed in early. He looks up and smiles, I can't tell if it's genuine or if he's hiding behind it. "Haven't the foggiest. You haven't seen her on your travels?"

"Can't say I have, but then I have only been in the library and Gryffindor Tower. I would have definitely noticed her in those places" I responded.

Even as I speak, I can see him looking past me. "Well I guess she can tell us herself. Oi Moony"

Despite that I know who he means, and that it's not the first time he's used that nickname before, I still flinch at the name. I know two Moony's, what's the big deal? I'll tell you what, one Moony's bark is better than their bite, and the other...well...lets just stick to I don't flinch for nothing.

Alex was walking trance-like in the direction away from her seating arrangement, and seemed to recoil into consciousness at the name being called. What the hell is all I can think. And she may be conscious, but she's no less lethargic as she joins us at our table. "Hey DeeVee, Hermy" yes, at least one Moon still calls me that.

"Hey you, what you been up to all morning?"

"A girls got her right for privacy Dom, I was just having a chill morning by myself" Alex's swaying upon the balls of her feet, was either an incredible bluff or an obvious suggestion that she was lying. What about is still to be disclosed.

They went back and forth for a while, Dom lightly pushing for details, Alex batting them away evasively. But I couldn't properly tune into their exchange, as my mind was too busy clocking observational clues about Alex. I went from body part to body part, cloth to accessory, her mood to her body language. I'm not even properly analysing, just collecting evidence to be put together later.

Why do I feel the need to analyse her? Why can't she be entitled to keep her personal affairs to herself? I really don't know why, you're right that it's completely none of our business. But I look at her and sense flags being waved, yet I don't know what they mean? Almost like an optical illusion, I'm waiting for my eyes to adjust and find an angle to see the hidden picture.

Her personal life is not for brainteaser purposes. So I abandon my visual investigation and divert my eyes to the board, reading the fresh chalk depicting instructions. I sense she's leaving to find her place so I seeing my head around again "see you in a bit Alex"

"See you losers" she wandered off in the right direction this time. And annoyingly, like my brain was secretly waiting to work just as the subject left the scene, I found the answer to the Alex conundrum. It was the uncharacteristic hip sway that did it.

"Oh my word, she's smitten with someone"

Dom frowned and followed my gaze. "It looks like she's walking to her seat from where I'm sitting."

"I mean that's where she was before, a place where she could snog someone" I theorise.

"Alex? Kissing someone? How could you possibly know that, you said you hadn't seen her?" Dom was flummoxed.

"I hadn't. But I'm seeing her now, she's definitely been kissing."

"How can you tell?" he sounded even more confused.

"Lips Dominic, lips. They're slightly swollen, she keeps constantly wetting them, and occasional nibbles...likely an unconscious action out of reminiscence."

Dom looked for himself. "They don't look any different to me. And anyway, why would that indicate kissing she might've eaten a delicious cake or something? I'd be reminiscing too if I just had cake."

"Yes Dom. She's behaving secretive, and acting like she's away with the pixies, because she's eaten a slice of cake" I groaned. "And if you want further proof, look at her collar. See how it points up against her neck, it's not the heat, because it's barely above freezing temperature in here. She's hiding her neck, specifically the soft bruises one gets when lips are applied there."

And I can go on. Her hair is marginally more frizzy than usual, perhaps recently recovered from finger disturbances. Her trancelike state fits the symptoms of heavenly joy. She spoke like the cat that got the cream. A loose button was missed halfway up her shirt, typical of an attempt to hastily compose oneself in a rush. And I already mentioned the confident hip sway.

Now the pieces were laid out, it was blindingly obvious. Like an optical illusion, once you see the hidden picture it becomes all you can see.

"Is your mother's name Agatha Granger? When did you become a kiss detector?"

I give him the short answer. "Nine months ago."

"Oh right, being kissed means you automatically become an expert" Dom can scoff, but the result of a good kiss really can be spotted a mile off.

"You innocent lamb Dominic, no person is impervious to the perfect kiss. Once you've received one, you know one when you see it. Lips don't lie."

"A load of fluffy drivel if you ask me, come on let's get to work" Aww, someone is pretending to be a cynic, but really he's just jealous. I can identify that too, a much more recent skill I've mastered there.

I wonder who she's been kissing?


Ilena's POV

Okay I get the gist of what we're doing, we're hunting broom cupboard, alcove, empty classroom,Room of Requirement-dwelling rabbits. Hopefully not too much like rabbits...I'd never stop blushing.

And I know Alex would do the same if this was in reverse, and probably worse. But this is not the kind of activity I'd expect Hermione to partake in, let alone lead. "I don't think we should be doing this Mione?"

She shrugs cluelessly and innocently "doing what? Looking where our friend ran off to?"

"You know what I mean, tracking her down and invading her privacy" I'm making a mental note never to run off into a cupboard with a girl, whilst Hermione Granger is around.

"It's not invading" she sees my raised eyebrow and withdraws that comment "okay we are kind of invading but it's with good intentions, with friends who will approve. How can that be bad?"

"She might not be ready, this is obviously early days...if not just a casual thing. I don't think she'd appreciate us forming the marching band this soon." I know I wouldn't, but in fairness if anyone might it would be Alex.

"The way she looked in class, it didn't look like she's unsure or attempting to keep a low profile. She looked almost desperate to tell someone."

"Okay" I maintained a strong warning tone "then why didn't she? You said you asked her straight, and she avoided the answer."

"Because she has this person all to herself, and if she tells us it's like sharing out the joy" Hermione replies, my eyes wobble at her use of the word "joy".

"You are aware, right, that Alex has only interest in girls? So how many girls at Hogwarts do you know about, that likes girls?" Just helping her piece the puzzle together, that maybe the secret isn't on Alex's behalf.

Hermione falls silent for several minutes. That's right, minutes. We don't stop walking, checking doors or peeking round corners...we just do it in silence whilst she continues to think. Several minutes later she gets back to me. "Have you seen Lucy much today?"

What that has to do with my questionI don't know? "Yes, a few times."

"For how long?"

"Five minutes the longest, a few seconds the shortest." Oh, so it has everything to do with my question. "You think she's hooking up with Lucy, just because they're busy bumbling bees today?"

Actually the more I do think about it, the more I believe it. I can see the victorious look in her eyes. The only thing giving me doubts is the fact it's all occurred in the space of a few hours. "Have you seen any cherubim around here? Because that's how sudden this has developed. If what you're saying is true, you're also saying that two Eves that don't really know each other from Adam, can develop into lovers overnight."

Hermione gasps in false outrage, grinning her shiny white teeth at me. "You astound me Ilena, I can't believe it's the romantic enthusiast who lacks the most faith."

Romantic enthusiast is a bit much. Was she not awake the whole time I was warring with Joe? Yes, because she thinks I'm in love with him as a result. I suppose excluding the involvement of my feelings, I would be pro-love towards them as well.

"If it's true I'm psyched for them. And I can believe Lucy would be ready and open for a relationship. But not Alex" And she knows damn well why too.

"I hadn't thought of that" Hermione admits. "It's not like Rose would begrudge her happiness, she wants that for Alex more than the rest of us."

"That's beside the point. As long as Alex is head over heels for Rose, she'll never look anywhere else. And that's why I'm so confused, and yes I'm doubtful."

Hermione sighs "you didn't see Alex in Potions, I've never seen her so full of beans. So positive. So upbeat. So...happy. I know what you mean though, moving on from Rose isn't easy for her. It's like my eyes saw something my brain is telling me isn't possible."

I've think this hunt has been halted, if not derailed. We all feel so strongly about Alex finding happiness because lord knows she deserves it. But she doesn't own her own heart. Rose has ownership of something she can't give back. Alex won't take it back.

Hermione wanted Alex to move on, and I secretly wanted Alex to win Rose over. Maybe I am that romantic enthusiast, and I'd have an easier life as a realist. "It's not like I think she'd be against dating Lucy, or someone else. It's that I don't think she'd allow herself to be with someone who knows she cares more about Rose. Or worse, someone who doesn't know her feelings for Rose. And Lucy falls under that category."

"Then the Alex I saw was an imposter. That Alex couldn't look happier, and if you don't believe me ask Dom" Since when have I given the impression that I think she's making it up.

"I believe you. I believe you know what you saw, and you're probably right about it. I'm just struggling to believe it."

Hermione glares at me with even more suspicion. "Do you even want it to be true?"

That's a very hurtful thing she's just said. And she knows it, because she's immediately back-pedalling. "I'm sorry, I don't know what I'm saying. It's just frustration talking."

A few vital seconds to cool down later, I reply. "Why were we doing this in the first place?"

"I...I..." she can't think of a reason why she's dragging me through every last inch of this castle, looking for a couple of teenagers having a private liaison. "With everything Alex has been through..."

"She doesn't need a fanfare Hermione. And I know that's not what this is about. Stop looking for distractions, and start confronting what's really going on."

Her wounded look confirms everything I said as completely accurate. Last week she was polar opposite in nature, and this week she was polar opposite in mind. Inattentive. Uninterested at times, and boisterous the next. And very easily distracted. I hadn't seen her read past one page of a book in days.

It's like she doesn't know what to do with herself. Then she's desperate to spend time with me, or Joe, or her boys. Now it was Alex. It's all to distract herself, and to trick us into thinking she's fine.

This is a poignant moment, sitting down would accommodate it better. Nobody comes up this way very often, nobody has even passed us this entire time. And like the castle had a sense of humour, a spiral staircase is just off to the right of us. You know...because she's spiralling...you get it.

I lead her over and encourage her to join me. I'm perched a step or two further down from her, facing up. Meaning she has no effort at all to find my eye-line, a constant flow of reassurance for her to take from them.

And I'd be lying if I said my mind is completely on her, for I am slightly distracted on this occasion. She's just a few inches from me, adorning that mind-numbing scent I can't get enough of, wayward curls falling down around her eyes just asking me to sweep back. And the vulnerable look didn't help, it was beautiful and heart-wrenching.

I swear Ljomberg, you'd better get a grip before you do something you'll really regret.

"I know you want me to tell you exactly what's wrong, and I'd love to. I can't, I don't know what's wrong. I don't feel like me anymore. I think...and I don't know what caused it...I think I just might be a little depressed."

Okay, my grasp is firmly locked in. As softly as possible I respond. "That's okay. There doesn't have to be a reason, and you've identified there might be a problem. Do you want to go see Madam Pomfrey?"

"I just want to understand. How stupid must I be if I can't even identify what's getting me down?" Self-deprecation already.

"You're so far from stupid I can't put it into words, the brightest people in the world are no experts of the mind. And you will understand. I'll help you."

I'm not really sure about Pomfrey in actual fact, mental illness doesn't seem a subject the Wizarding world likes to challenge. But my dad has the numbers of some of the best councillors and therapists in Europe. I can vouch for them. And Hermione will get the best support.

"I'm probably being silly" Hermione speaks again, uncertainly. "I don't want to waste anyone's time over a simple case of the doldrums. I just proved I can get extremely excited even if it is only a distraction from my own problems."

"That depends. Are you genuinely keen, or desperate to look positive?"

That struck a chord, maybe she was so adamant to look excited that she fooled herself. "I...I don't..."

"If Alex had told you who she's with, how would you have felt about it?" Only she can answer these questions, I can't put words in her mouth, even if I think I know her answers.

"I'd have been happy for her."

"Then what?"

Hermione frowns in confusion, or was it concentration? "I'd have...I don't know."

Yes she does.

"How happy would you have been?"

"Very happy. Like we both have said countless times-" Hermione tries to rally, but now isn't the time for tangents. I cut her off. "So if you know you were happy, what do you think you would've done?"

"What on earth are you getting at?"

"Look, you know this is out of character for you. Two weeks ago, if I wanted us to go snoop on someone having a private moment, you would've chewed my ear about it. And if Alex said she was with someone you'd have said your sincerest good wishes. You'd be happy for her in YOUR way."

Hermione knows I'm right, because it helps to have someone who knows you so well, remind you who you are. I'm confident that Hermione does sincerely feel happy for Alex, maybe she just saw a very good thing and was merely trying to feed of the good feeling. I don't blame her.

"So...you're saying I'm too happy?"

"No, not too happy. Too out of character. You're trying to look happier than you truly feel, too excited. I bet you've done it all week too. I've seen you with Joe, it feels completely unnatural compared to how you were weeks ago. He's said as such." Which I assured him would be kept in strict confidence, but I think he'd approve under the circumstances if he was here.

"You make me sound so fake. I'm not lying to anyone."

"I'm not trying to, I know it's a coping mechanism. Nobody's blaming you. But what you've described so far, sounds exactly like what you said it was. Depression, or specifically what's known as Smiling Depression."

Hermione deflates, I think she only used the word depressed because she wanted me to tell her she was being stupid. But she's intelligent enough to listen to reason, if I was in her shoes she'd tell me the same. She actually probably knows more about it than I do. "Are you sure it's not just hormones?"

"No I'm not sure, maybe it is. We won't know until you see Pomfrey. She'll be able to clear up if it's something like that. Either way you're doing a good thing by admitting all this, especially if it does happen to be mental. The first stage of recovery is identifying why you feel the way you feel, and talking with someone is the only way that's going to happen."

Hermione nods understandingly, probably wondering how she could possibly feel depressed when her life seemed relatively normal. Teenage drama was hard, but manageable. If it wasn't we'd all be depressed. That's the point though, what if it isn't full-on depression. Moments of emptiness are quite common and easily solvable compared to the more complex case of mental depression.

"Ilena?"

"Yes Hermione?"

"Why can't I cry?" She asks, sounding as innocent as if a toddler had asked. "I want to, but nothing is coming out."

"Sadness is an emotion, Mione. If you are unable to be truly happy, it's also possible to not be sad."

"So I have no feelings at all?"

"You do feel things, you're just less able to express them. That's the best way I'd explain it. I'm not an expert, I've just seen my fair share of mental health issues in my life."

She looks up in a mixture of concern and curiosity. See, not as far gone as she thinks. And she certainly doesn't need to hear my horror stories, that won't help her. "Not important right now. We need to see Pomfrey. She can pick out a few things we haven't even. considered. If it goes beyond her knowledge, I'll get you the help you need."

"You'll be there the whole time right, I couldn't do it without you?"

"You couldn't get rid of me if you tried."

"Good" Hermione braves a positive face, forced of course but it's a start. "Lets go see Madam Pomfrey then."

An: Hormones do play a part. Stress as well. And when I searched up for reference I came across a quote that pretty much sums up the rest. "you might not have clarity on the type of person you are or the one you want to become". Empty of feeling can lead to depression, but is not the same thing whatsoever. That's in a different league entirely to what Hermione is going through.

Lighter note begins. Alex is enjoying life, and you'll find out who with soon.