Her neck was swollen shut from the bruising, decorated in black and blue the next morning. Casting one of the healing spells she had learned in battle in a near whisper, she felt her throat rather instantly become less swollen. She cleared her throat, her voice much more pronounced. Her neck still looked like pretty shades of blackberries, however.
She changed into her school robes quickly, not looking into the mirror again at her body. She knew how frail she felt, she didn't want to visually inspect it. With the aid from her spells, her hand had nearly completely healed. A scar still lingered across her knuckles but none would recognize it as fresh. Leaving her hands exposed was a near relief, her school uniform already hung off her body like drapes to cover everything else. Thankful that it was the mid-fall, she covered her neck with a loose Gryffindor scarf, concealing as much as she could with make-up for the parts that might peak out and expose themselves. Her hair, which had grown into an unruly mess behind her back was pulled into a bun tightly on the top of her head, loose curls dropping from all around.
Hermione closed her eyes thinking of the night before. She felt goosebumps all along her skin as she thought of her aggressor… She hadn't felt that alive since before the war. How could someone she hates so much make her feel so… Exhilarated? She sighed. It was just a fluke, She kept trying to tell herself. She wouldn't dare admit that this was the first night she hadn't had nightmares.
The morning classes went in a bit of a blur as they normally did. Hermione had taken to sitting in the back of her classes, to which none had argued. She would answer questions and pass her exams with the highest marks, but she wasn't raising her hand every second either. She felt eyes of stone cold gray watch her occasionally, to which her skin would react with goosebumps again. She would turn to face him, meeting his evil smirk with a dark glare.
Once she finally made it to charms, she was exhausted. She would quickly rush to her next class out of concern of being cornered by her blonde haired stalker. She settled herself into the back corner of her class, thankful to of made it to her spot. She started pulling out of her books for the class when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She jumped.
Neville looked at her smiling.
She hit him gently on the arm, "Don't you dare scare me like that!" He laughed full heartedly, giving her a chance to look at her once goofy looking friend. His smile had finally fit his face, his strong bone structure shining through. He had grown into one handsome man. He kept his hair unruly but neat, and drove most of the girls wild with his good looks and humor. He was charming, she gave him that. Most girls would be swooning by his attention.
"I'm sorry, Mione. I couldn't help myself." He said with a soft voice and gentle smile once he finally stopped laughing.
"Neville, what gives me the honor of your company today? Aren't all the beautiful ladies going to murder ME for speaking with you?" She smiled.
He chuckled and winked at her playfully. "You know they are all just jealous of you."
Now it was her turn to laugh. Neville's face lit up with happiness at the sight of his friend smiling. It had been a long while since he'd gotten that kind of reaction from her. "Oh, Neville." She hit him again in the arm, while he faked that it hurt.
While she continued idle talk with Neville, Draco had entered quietly on the other side of the room. He sat himself nearly directly opposite of her, watching her interact with that charming little shit. She felt his eyes again, not realizing he had entered the room. She froze; her senses of survival must not be at their peak. Was she getting to comfortable? Neville had been talking to her about his previous conquest and had wanted advice. She tuned him out, feeling her heart beat against her chest, his eyes still on her. Neville touched her arm again, making her jump.
"'Mione, what's going on? You're acting like your under petrificus." He looked genuinely concerned.
"I'm sorry, Neville. It's been hard the last while. I haven't felt well at all today." She lied through her teeth.
Before he could argue, the Professor began her lesson. For the rest of the afternoon she felt his eyes and did her best not to look up to face him.
She made her way to the main hall with Neville, who continued to suggest she go to the sick ward and see Madam Pomfrey. She continued to smile and decline gracefully, thanking herself that she was getting close to where Ginny sat at the table.
Ginevra had heard their coming and quickly moved her books for her friend. She smiled beautifully at Hermione, completely ecstatic to see her.
"Ello, Honey! How are we today?" She grabbed her friend into a hug before allowing her to sit.
"Doing better today actually." Hermione smiled getting comfortably seated before grabbing a few small sandwiches. Ginny's eyes widened as she watched her friend fill her plate with food. This was the first time she had ever seen her friend eat without protest or encouragement.
"Mione, why are you wearing that scarf in here? It must be at least seventy degrees in here!" Neville piped up while Hermione's face was stuffed. She chewed quickly, swallowing the last bit of her first sandwich.
"I've just been a bit cold today. You know how the fall can be. I've always been cold natured. I should have a walking space heater with me at all times." She laughed nervously.
"Space Heater?" Ginny had tilted her head in confusion.
"OH! It's like a portable fireplace." She replied quickly.
Ginny sat there thinking about it for a moment while Hermione grabbed another piece of her food, biting down. Ginny was the only one who noticed her fidget nervously with her scarf. All that is, except Draco Malfoy.