Chapter 12
Hermione was in the library, reading quietly when someone approached her and sat down opposite of her at the little table.
"Hey," Ginny said uncertain.
Hermione shortly looked at her, then back to her book. "Hello," she replied coolly.
"How are you?" Ginny wanted to know and her voice sounded concerned.
"Fine," she answered without looking at the red-head.
"Please, Hermione, look at me!" Ginny suddenly cried.
Hermione reluctantly did so. "What?!" she hissed. They were in the library for heaven's sake!
"I… We are worried about you."
"And why is that?" Her tone stayed hostile.
"Because you're always alone," Ginny said. "Please believe us that no one of us gave away your secret, and talk to us again!"
"But someone must have said something about it!" Hermione spat. "Otherwise the whole school wouldn't know!"
"I understand your point of view," Ginny started but was interrupted at once.
"Do you?" Hermione retorted sceptically.
"Yes, I do!" Ginny became slightly angry now. "We don't know either how this could have happened but we're trying to find out."
"Fine."
"But maybe you could help us by talking to us again."
"No, I won't!" Hermione snapped, stood up, took her book, insisted: "And that's my final word!" and left.
"Fine!" Ginny shouted after her. "Then stay stubborn if you like it that way!"
Only when they both were alone again they showed their real emotions and started to cry.