I really do feel sorry for Hermione going through all this, I do promise you readers that things will get better for her; but it will be of a rollercoaster ride for her. Thanks to everyone so far the lovely reviews, for following, and favouriting. Please keep reviewing – let me know what you guys think =) Updates maybe a little slower from now on, but bare with me guys. =)

Chapter five – Just Like You?

Hermione was still not feeling up to going back to normal day-to-day life within Hogwarts, it was partly because she still felt unwell, and along with the fact she no longer felt safe within Hogwarts. She feared for her life – Draco had really scared Hermione, with the attack she did not want to study at Hogwarts any longer. She always had believed that Hogwarts was her home; she believed it was more of a home then the Muggle world. Furthermore she believed she belonged in the Wizording World; because after all she was a Witch even if she was a Muggle. Hermione began to curl up tight; she brought her knees towards her chest, and wrapped her arms around her knees. She slowly rocked to-and-through, her thoughts were utterly fragmented, and she simply could not pull them all together – everything seemed hazy in her mind. A purring sound could be heard as it entered the ward; the cat crawled to Hermione's bed. "Oh Crookshanks – it is good to see you," Hermione whispered as she leant down to pick the ginger moggy up. She smiled at Crookshanks, as he laid flat on her chest, her arms slid underneath the cat's body as if she were cradling him. Hermione went to sit back down on the rickety hospital bed; this had been her place of sanctuary the last few days, now Crookshanks was by her side she felt a lot calmer and as if she could regain her thoughts.

Hermione sat back against the frame of the bed as Poppy came through the curtain. "Hermione dear, you should be well enough either later today or tomorrow morning to go back to you lessons," Poppy advised smiling a splitting grin at her. Hermione's expression changed, she began to look deeply upset and was almost reduce to shedding tears, she did not want to leave the ward, what she wanted was to stay put or go home to her mother and father; Hermione had to bit her lip to hold back the tears that threatened to fall.

"Poppy, please I do not think I feel well enough to go... go back to the whole life of Hogwarts," Hermione admitted her true feelings, while gripping tightly onto Crookshanks – hoping the cat would give her some support. Poppy let out a small sigh as she began to see the pure fear in Hermione's eyes, she felt immediately sorry for her; she knew if Hermione did not admit who had done this to her she really got not help much at all.

"Look Hermione, you are a fighter. You would not stop at nothing to go and learn something new. Know I can see this has really knocked you back and I can only do certain amount to help you; for now I will request that you slowly ease yourself back into the lessons, I will speak to Professor Dumbledore and explain you are suffering from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, you have been assaulted badly and therefore need time to recover – mentality. Physically you should be back to normal within at least two days. How does that sound Hermione?" Poppy was showing how much she deeply cared for the Gryffindor's welfare, she really wanted to help further but she could not without Hermione naming the person bullying her. Hermione nodded quickly as her response, Poppy smiled to reassure her everything could only get better; she then disappeared to find Dumbledore.

XXX

Sometime later Poppy returned with a smile of achievement on her face. "I am afraid it is good news Hermione, Professor Dumbledore agreed to what I proposed; but you must agree too," Poppy announced. Hermione looked a little scared but hid it with a fake smile.

"And what is that Poppy?"

"Well, firstly by tomorrow you must start attending one lesson everyday, until the end of this week. Now I requested that those lessons be with either Professor Snape or Professor McGonagall; and with your free time you will be sat up here with me, Professor McGonagall or indeed with Professor Snape. Each day it will alternant, but more then likely you will be with me most days. This is not to isolate you; it is so you feel safe and protected." Poppy paused from a moment "After this week is over it will be three lessons a day – then we will see how your progress goes on that,"

Hermione sat listening to Poppy's proposal, thinking about it in more depth. "I will agree to it; but will I be able to see Harry and Ron?" Poppy smiled as a response.

"Of course dear, but they will have come and see you up here. By the way you will be sleeping here where I can keep a close eye on you," Poppy informed Hermione with a little more information. "You have a lesson with Professor Snape later today; do you feel up to attending it?" Hermione shrugged but thought she would be safe enough in the lesson with Professor Snape around; he watched every student like a hawk – she planned on arriving with Poppy though so she would not have to stand outside the dungeons lining up near Draco Malfoy and his gang of followers. "Poppy, would you walk me to the lesson?" Hermione asked, she felt pathetic asking but really did not want to be on her own.

"Of course I will dear, and I will have Dilys watch your progress in the lesson; she will report back to me on how it was," Poppy spoke reassuringly. Hermione gave her a little nod and sat back down curling up ready to fall asleep.

XXX

Hermione had begun to grow a little shaky as her anxiety flared up, she was worried to what may happen to her during the lesson; her hand fell to her aching ribs she really was not ready for this but she needed to face her fears. Hermione was casually wearing a loose pastel blue shirt, and dark black tracksuit bottoms; she could not yet wear the school uniform as it caused irritation to her recovery. Hermione placed her robe on and firmly held onto her wand as she stepped down the corridors leading to the dungeons; where Snape lived and taught. Madam Pomfrey was right by her side smiling a reassuring smile; she wanted Hermione to believe that everything was going to be okay for her. They had arrived a little late for the lesson but it did not matter; Madam Pomfrey opened the dungeon's solid wood oak door to allow a limping Hermione into the room.

"Professor Snape, I am sorry to arrive late to you lesson with Hermione; but you know why..." Poppy gave Professor Snape a nod then walked away, Hermione slowly entered the classroom with everyone's eyes staring at her and some staring through her.

"Ah, Miss. Granger it is good to see you back with us," Snape muttered and smiled slightly at her, but only for a brief second. Hermione did not reply, she shakily held her wand tight and stood staring at Professor Snape. Somebody within the class began to laugh out loud at Hermione's strange behaviour.

"A cat got your tongue brain-box?" One of the pupils called out in laughter, this earned a snigger from Draco. Hermione began to shake and ran out of the class in to the corridor that was located outside of the classroom. Hermione slumped her whole body weight against the stone walling, before dropping to the floor and beginning to cry.

"Enough! All of you shut up, as punishment for this ridiculous behaviour. I expect an essay on the topic I have just been discussing with you; I want three rolls of parchment paper by tomorrow. Yes it is homework! I want you to all sit in silence now, until I return," Snape yelled at the whole class, and then began to stride over to the doorway; he slammed the classroom door shut on his way out. He sighed sympathetically seeing Hermione in such an awful state; he knelt down so he was at the same level as she was and passed her his handkerchief.

"Here Miss. Granger," Snape spoke very softly, it was a tone of voice that sort-of mocked Madam Pomfrey's – it was very unlike Snape's personality to show compassion; in fact Hermione remembered in his class last year he had made a remark about her teeth and had the whole class laughing at her. Hermione said nothing for a while, it left a silence between them both; it did not seem awkward in any way. Professor Snape was uncertain where to look, so he kept his eyes gazing into Miss. Granger's, his eyes were glittering with an emotion Hermione did not recognise; his expression made her feel safe.

"Thank-you," She breathed, filling the silence that had once reined. She was feeling a little calmer now, she looked down at her knotted hands. Snape was uncertain how to respond to be thanked he just decided to speak: "Right Miss. Granger, if I was you I would go back in there and hold you head high – I will not let anything happen to you, you can sit at my desk as well; if that will make you feel any safer?," "Oh, and you can keep the handkerchief," He insisted before reaching up to open the door, Hermione walked through the door then Professor Snape followed suit.

"No more talking out of you lot! Silence," Professor Snape shrieked at everyone expect for Hermione; who was now sitting at his desk looking a little lost. Harry looked over at Hermione giving her a little smile, he did not receive one back he got a grim expression. Hermione began to listen as Snape babbled on about a potion they all were going to create on Monday's lesson. Snape's passion in his enthusiasm began to shine through as she saw his eyes light up when he spoke about a certain ingredient they would need for this potion. He really was very passionate about creating potions – it was if he was a natural with it. Hermione smiled as she lost her self in her thoughts – it was not long and the lesson was over, it was just her and Snape left in the room. Hermione had this ridiculous grin written across her face as Snape began to approach her.

"Are you daydreaming about some boy?" Severus said dryly, not meaning to upset her in any way it had been an attempt to make her laugh in fact. But the comment backfired on him (as it usually did) he saw Hermione's smile drop, her face flushed with embarrassment. She shook her head "No, I think the other day was enough to put me off anyone..."Hermione whispered very quietly, she was hoping Snape had not heard her. Well he had, he let out a small sigh and turned his head away from Hermione's gaze.

"Hadn't you better get back to Madam Pomfrey? She will be expecting you," Snape acidly spoke, normal nasty Severus was back. Hermione felt rather embarrassed with what she was about to ask him, but she knew that if she did not then she would panic – walking through class had been enough for one day.

"Sir, would-would you..." Hermione flushed with embarrassment.

"Yes, Granger spit it out – I have not missed you asking questions," He said curtly with a small smirk on his lips. 'Does that imply he has missed me?' Hermione began to question his words in her own mind.

"Could you escort me to the hospital wing? I do not feel safe walking there on my own yet," She whispered; she was red in the face now. Snape had to hold back a small chuckle; the girl could be very foolish and stupid at times.

"Of course Miss. Granger, let's burden Madam Pomfrey with you presence," Yet again he smirked; Hermione and Snape practically walked over to the hospital wing in silence, Hermione said thank-you has he left her to climb up the stairs. It had been a shaky start to the right way of progression, she was hoping tomorrow would be a better day for her.

XXX

Time had proved to be a healer in Hermione's case; she had grown back just a little bit of confidence to manage going to nearly every lesson except for Quidditch (which she used to enjoy volunteering to do and of course she was not going to Professor Fluffy-pink-pig's lessons; she really could not hack that yet. She also was still travelling down any corridor with someone; she did not feel safe enough on her own. She was still sleeping at the hospital wing where Madam Pomfrey could keep her watchful eye over her.

Hermione had began to grow closer to Professor Snape, they recently had been spending a lot of time together, either in lesson or after a lesson were Professor Snape was teaching Hermione potions from the Advanced Potions Making book. He also went over some of the Defence against the Dark Arts lessons with her, because Hermione was missing out on the lessons.

It was growing closer and closer to the Christmas holidays, only two week left – some students stayed over at Hogwarts for Christmas, Hermione was not going to do that this year... she just wanted to be at home with her mother and father. It was starting to go dark earlier and earlier each night. Hermione was sat in the library this particular early December night – she had been sat in there for over three hours; she had not realised that no one was in the library any longer. She pulled her self away from the Charles Dickens book Great Expectations', she scanned the room looking for a person she could walk back to the hospital ward with. There was nobody. 'Just my bloody luck!' Hermione thought to herself before standing up making her way over to exit the library. What Hermione had not realised was Draco had been sat watching Hermione the whole time she was in the library; Draco smirked as he stood looking at Hermione.

"As if last time was not enough to drag you out of Hogwarts you, filthy Mud-blood," His words cut into the eerie silence, Hermione turned around standing in the door way.

"Please just leave me alone, I have not done anything wrong," Hermione pleaded starting to shake again, Draco just laughed running his hand through his blonde ragged hair, he then moved his hand to the sleeve of his robe and with a smirk he rolled it up The Dark Mark was imbedded on his skin, Hermione had never seen The Dark Mark but had read about it – 'Draco is a Death Eater' she spoke in her head becoming shaky again. She did not expect The Dark Mark to look that way at all, it more as if it was a tattoo of some desecration. There was simple outline of a skull entwined with a vicious looking snake, Hermione thought it maybe a Python – but now was not the time to question.

"That is right Granger, I am a Death Eater." Draco proudly admitted; he looked down to his arm then back towards Hermione's eyes. He could she how scared she was. "I suggest you watch your back filthy little Mud-Blood. Staying in Hogwarts will only result to your death. I suggest you leave before something fatal happens to you," His eyes were a glacey blue shade, pure evilness oozed from his tone of voice as he threatened Hermione. Hermione knew he was being threatening her, right now all she could do was run; so she used her fear as adrenaline and began to run as fast as her feet would carry her, she did not dare look behind her to see if Draco was following her. Hermione ran out of the castle through the dark. She could barely see anything put the white powdery snow that was cold; it sent shivers up her spine. She ran towards the front gate entrance of Hogwarts. She gripped the bar of the gates trying to let herself out, she was sobbing uncontrollably, while she also screamed her words pleading for the gates to open. Hermione wanted to never come back here.

"I want to get, get out of the place! Let me out," she screamed, before collapsing with exhaustion into to the snow, she was still screaming but it washed out to sobs, she had never felt so scared in her life. With her sobs and screams she did not hear a teacher tall wearing a tracksuit approached her. Hermione sat there screaming pleads for the gates to open.

"Jesus Christ Miss. Granger. What an earth is going on?" Severus yelped in sheer shock; Severus was never one to be truly shocked but he had never seen a student behave in such an erratic, strange way. Severus was huffing slightly, he always jogged in the night since he struggled to sleep – he was an insomniac. Hermione still had not heard him until he came right by her side, placing a hand on her shoulder gingerly to give her a little comfort. He sternly spoke "Miss. Granger pull it together, I believe you still have my handkerchief so use it," Severus' sarcasm cut through Hermione's sobs. It took a while for Hermione to eventually calm down, her sobs had eased she felt warmth from the hand on her should and took comfort in it. She used his handkerchief to wipe away her remaining tears before she stood up on her feet – very shaky. Severus Snape saw how shaken she was but some of it was because she was cold, Severus being the gentleman he was he placed his robe around Hermione's shoulders.

"You really should not run in the snow and get wet," Professor Snape dictated in a soft tone, Hermione could not help but giggle. Severus' lips crinkled into a small smile.

"Right Miss. Granger you are coming with me down to Hogsmeade, I will get you out of these ground for a little while and you can tell me what exactly is going on," Snape informed Hermione before opening the enchanted gates and exiting out of them. Hermione felt at ease with Professor Snape's company, he had muttered a few words of kindness towards Hermione to make her feel a little less upset. She was now smiling a little as they entered a small shabby looking building, but one she recognised the sign although it was dark. It read 'Hog's Head Inn'.

"Sir, what are we doing here?" Hermione began to question him, showing some of her usual traits. Severus could not help but laugh.

"While we are in here Hermione, call me Severus alright? Let's get a table," Severus' usually was never like this towards Hermione – to anyone really. "Well Hermione, I will not be buying you alcohol, I know how you young teenagers are nowadays but I already have broke a rule tonight – plus I do not want to be a bad influence on you," Severus sarcastically said with a smirk wrote over his face. Hermione laughed yet again as she sat down on the wooden chair in the corner of the Inn.

"Well unfortunately Severus. I am not your stereotypical teenager, I am ashamed you thing I am, I thought with your knowledge you would know that," Hermione said tartly meeting Severus' sarcasm level. Severus laughed lightly and stayed stood up.

"I do know that Hermione, what are you having to drink?" He asked

"Sir, I do not have any Galleons on me; I did not plan on coming anywhere that required me to spend money," She answered. Severus sighed lightly and rolled his eyes.

"Well, Hermione I suggest you be quiet now and do as you are told. Butter beer?" He commanded before heading over to the bar. He soon came back with two large glasses. "Here, drink up and tell about earlier. What happened," Severus urged. Hermione took a sip of the drink smiling a little.

"Thank you for the drink, see Madam Pomfrey had told me you were a good alley. That I could trust you, if I am honest with you Severus I no longer feel safe at Hogwarts..."Hermione admitted her true feelings the added. "I just want to go back to where I belong – the Muggle world, I am tired of being different from everyone here. I am just scared," She whispered, all Severus did was listened to the words Hermione was saying, his eyes never leaving Hermione's brown ones. She spoke in more detailed of what had happened to her, in detail everything that Draco Malfoy had put her through.

"Who is doing to you Hermione?" Severus asked feeling upset by what Hermione had been through.