The next morning, Hermione woke up feeling refreshed and energized. She quickly showered and dressed in her school uniform and made her way downstairs for breakfast. When she arrived at the entrance, she hesitated. Looking around, she spotted several familiar faces milling about chatting amongst themselves as they waited for their friends to enter the hall. Inside, Harry sat alone at the far end of the Gryffindor table, nursing a cup of tea and reading the Daily Prophet. As she approached him, she noticed he seemed lost in thought. Hermione reached his side and cleared her throat, alerting him to her presence.
"Hey," he greeted cheerfully.
"Hi. Is everything okay?" she asked quietly as she sat beside him.
"Yeah, I'm fine," Harry answered absently. "Remind me to never read this rubbish again." He threw the paper across the table, letting it land in front of Seamus Finnegan. Seamus stared at it suspiciously for a few seconds before picking it up and opening it. His brows shot up as he scanned the headlines and began nodding in agreement as he skimmed through the article.
"It's nothing important. Just a bunch of nonsense about Voldemort," Harry reassured her.
Hermione nodded and reached across from him to grab a bowl of berries from the center of the table. She took a juicy bite of a strawberry and began watching him intently. He continued to stir his tea looking anywhere but her. Hermione finished her berry, licking the juices from her fingers slowly. Harry finally noticed and caught her eye, she smiled slyly and lifted another berry to her lips. "Would you like one?" she asked innocently. Harry's jaw dropped slightly as he stared at her. He slowly shook his head, still mesmerized by the way she was eating the fruit.
"So, what time do we start class today?" Hermione asked casually.
Harry gulped and gave a shake of his head. "Um, I believe class begins at eight, and ends at ten, the next one is another hour with a half-hour lunch break between periods."
"I love it when you talk all technical," she teased, smirking wickedly.
Harry grinned to his self nervously but otherwise remained silent. Hermione glanced at him quizzically as she studied his expression before turning back to her bowl of fruits. As Hermione chewed thoughtfully a shadow loomed over the table. Hermione peered up at the towering figure above them; it was Professor Snape. Hermione looked up and met Snape's penetrating black eyes. He frowned, staring at the pair of them. Hermione averted her eyes and stared down at her lap, Harry fidgeted uncomfortably beside her.
"Is something wrong, Mr. Potter?" Snape drawled.
Harry's face reddened in embarrassment. "No, Professor," he stammered. "We're just enjoying our breakfast, is all."
"Really... and what exactly are you two eating? Does it look like breakfast to you or perhaps you'd rather call it something else?"
Harry shifted uncomfortably. "Berries, Sir, if you must know. Berries. We're having some berries," he mumbled.
"Ah, yes. 'Berries.' Miss Granger, perhaps you could enlighten me about the proper eating decorum while in public spaces such as this one," Snape smirked cruelly. "Do you believe it appropriate to tease Mr. Potter's already befuddled mind with such delicacies? Especially in such a manner that it's liable to distract him from his academic duties for the entire day?"
Hermione blushed and hung her head, ashamed. Snape snorted and moved on.
"Never mind, then. I would suggest both of you take care in how you behave yourselves in the future, especially when it concerns subjects that might lead to certain... indecorous activities. Good morning. Class starts soon." With a swish of his robes, Professor Snape left them.
"Git." Harry muttered under his breath as soon as he was certain the Professor wasn't listening. Their table became unusually quiet as neither student spoke to the other, too embarrassed to say anything. Thankfully, Ron chose that moment to barge through the double doors of the Great Hall. He strode over to their table and immediately began stuffing his face with food. He eyed Harry suspiciously before glancing at Hermione, who sat hunched over her plate. He noticed the tense atmosphere between them and arched an eyebrow. "What happened to you two? Did someone die while I was gone?"
Harry scowled at his friend. "Just eat your breakfast, Ron. Nothing's wrong."
Ron shrugged and resumed filling his plate with bacon and eggs.
"Ron, class is about to start, we'd better hurry," Hermione said, hooking her book bag over her shoulder and standing up. Harry followed suit and grabbed his own school supplies from underneath the bench. Ron shoveled a last forkful of eggs and bacon into his mouth and gulped them down before grabbing his satchel. The trio headed out of the dining hall together, heading towards their next class: Defense Against Dark Arts.
Once inside, they took their usual seats along the middle row of benches near the window. A moment later, Professor Snape entered the room and took his place behind the podium. His black eyes scanned the students seated in front of him. He paused briefly when his gaze landed upon Harry and Hermione, before continuing on to the other students. Hermione's heart thudded in her chest as she watched Professor Snape walk to his desk and begin setting up for class. Harry nudged her gently in the ribs to get her attention and Hermione shot him an apologetic glance and shook her head slightly, indicating that everything was fine.
Professor Snape cleared his throat, making everyone in the room jump slightly in surprise. He glared at the class. "Today we will be learning how to defend oneself against a variety of curses. Who can name some common jinxes or hexes used on enemies?" Several hands shot up eagerly in response.
"Miss Granger, enlighten us with an example. Be specific and clear." A couple of snickers rang through the room making Hermione shrink in her seat. Harry threw her an encouraging smile.
Hermione lowered her hand slowly. "Um, well... Spells such as the Expelliarmus Charm, the Impediment Jinx, the Incarcerous Spell, and the Stupefy Curse are generally aimed at disarming the enemy and incapacitating them long enough to either escape from danger or seize the advantage in battle. Other magical attacks include physical spells such as the Reductor Curse, which destroys objects within range."
"And what can be done to shield oneself from such attacks?"
Hermione hesitated briefly before replying, "Protego, sir."
Snape nodded slightly before continuing to stalk around the classroom. "This defensive spell, if executed with the precision most of you lack, serves to repel offensive spells. The incantation is simple: Protego. It comes from the Latin word protego, meaning to protect. It is important to remember that the effectiveness of this spell depends on how confident you feel, as confidence affects the potency of spells. Now, who among you would like to demonstrate this particular charm?"
A chorus of hands shot into the air, including Ron's, Harry did not volunteer and sat there looking bored. Malfoy on the other hand practically leaped up out of his seat. Snape pointed at him and gestured toward the center of the room. Malfoy walked forward cockily and assumed his stance.
"Mr. Malfoy, prepare yourself to cast the Protego Charm. On the count of three. One, two, THREE!"
A bright flash of light filled the room, temporarily blinding the students. When the glare finally faded, Hermione blinked rapidly in confusion trying to see what exactly was happening. Draco stood cowering, covering his face with one arm and his wand extended with the other, a smoldering blast mark scorching the wall mere inches from his head behind him. Draco, sensing the danger had passed, peeked from behind behind his arm and looked around in bewilderment. Checking himself for injuries, he appeared relieved to discover none before straightening his robes and pointing a smug grin at Harry.
"Well done, Mr. Malfoy," Snape drawled flatly. "Ten points to Slytherin for an excellent display of technique and skill."
Hermione heard several whispers of disbelief amongst the other students, while Harry rolled his eyes and folded his arms across his chest. Snape spoke to the class once more, his words dripping with disdain. "We shall now split into pairs. Do your best not to let your pitiful distractions get the best of you. Remember, focus and concentration, though I doubt you can comprehend such concepts, are essential. Whenever you feel ready, begin."
Ron and Harry exchanged glances.
"Wanna be partners?" asked Ron.
"Sure," replied Harry.
Looking around for a partner of her own, she spied Neville. He was sitting alone in a corner staring despondently at his wand. "Neville, would you like to be my partner?" Hermione offered kindly.
Neville looked up in surprise and smiled. "Okay."
The Defense Against the Dark Arts class was in full swing. Professor Snape paced the front of the room, his black robes billowing as he scrutinized the students practicing their Shield Charms. Hermione was the picture of concentration, her wand held steady. Neville, on the other hand, was a nervous wreck. His wand trembled as he tried to cast the Shield Charm, but his efforts were feeble at best.
"No, Neville. Don't cross your arms when you're pointing your wand," said Hermione. "It's bad posture and will impede your accuracy. You want to keep your arms at a natural angle. Now, stand straight, shoulders back and chest out. Yes, like that. Good. Now, keep your movements precise but fluid."
Hermione performed the proper movements of the Protego while giving instructions to her partner. She watched his wand carefully as he attempted to cast the charm. Her patience was beginning to wear thin, though she tried her best to hide it.
"That's close enough, Neville, but still not quite right... Keep practicing and eventually, you should improve," she assured him.
Her encouragement didn't seem to help.
"Neville, didn't we cover this last year with the D.A.?" Hermione groaned.
"Sorry, Hermione. I can't remember everything," mumbled Neville.
Hermione patted him gently on the shoulder. "That's okay. Let's continue with our exercises, then." The pair spent several more minutes practicing until Neville finally got it right.
"There you go! Well done!" exclaimed Hermione, she clapped enthusiastically. "I'm really proud of you, Neville. It takes practice and hard work to master new spells."
Draco Malfoy, who stood a few desks away, couldn't resist. "I've seen better spellcasters in a pack of trolls than Longbottom," he muttered loud enough for Hermione to hear.
Hermione narrowed her eyes at the smug git, "I guess it takes one to know one," she snapped back. Dean and Seamus looked at each other in surprise before chuckling heartily.
Draco sneered, his cold eyes narrowing. "How clever, Granger. Besides, I was just stating the obvious. Longbottom couldn't jynx his way out of a paper bag." As Draco continued to taunt Neville, his goons, Crabbe and Goyle, couldn't contain their laughter. They snickered and made a show of exchanging amused glances.
Hermione was fuming inside but kept her composure. "Okay Malfoy, If you're so confident, why don't you come over and show Neville how it's done?"
Draco raised an eyebrow and sauntered over to their desk. "Gladly," he smirked. He took his wand and cast a jynx Spell, leaving Neville looking rather foolish, with his tongue sticking out and his cheeks puffed up. The Slytherins erupted into a fit of laughter.
Hermione's temper flared as she leveled her wand at Draco. "If you think you can mess with my friends without paying a price, then you're sorely mistaken."
Before she could cast a spell, Professor Snape appeared in a whirl of black robes, his greasy hair framing his sallow face. "What is the meaning of this, Miss Granger?"
Hermione quickly lowered her wand, though her eyes blazed with anger. " Sir, Malfoy was making a fool of my friend and I was trying to stop him."
Professor Snape glanced at the Slytherin's group, noting Neville's predicament.
"Well, it seems as if Mr. Longbottom is just reaping the results of his poor performance in class." Snape's thin lips curled into a sinister smile. "Five points from Gryffindor for losing your temper, Miss Granger."
Hermione's shoulders slumped in defeat. "But Professor—"
Snape interrupted her, "And another five points awarded to House Slytherin for your disrespectful behavior towards a fellow student."
Draco's smirk deepened as he watched the points being deducted from Gryffindor. "Thank you, Professor Snape. I always knew you had excellent judgment."
Hermione clenched her jaw, her frustration and indignation evident in her eyes. Neville, meanwhile, was still stuck in the same predicament, his cheeks becoming redder with each passing minute. "Please, Professor, can't you at least undo the Jynx spell on Neville? It's humiliating!" Neville looked helpless as if he wanted to protest but couldn't manage to speak.
Professor Snape's cold gaze returned to Hermione. "Do not presume to tell me how to run my classroom, Miss Granger, or you will find yourself in detention. Now, everyone, get back to work." As Snape retreated to the front of the room, Hermione couldn't help but shoot a withering look at Draco.
The bell rang and class was over. The students quickly left the classroom. Hermione shoved her things into her bag and stormed out of the room with Harry in tow. Ron trailed behind, barely able to keep up. Hermione stalked down the hallway fuming. Harry and Ron exchanged concerned looks but neither of them spoke.
Harry broke the silence. "Hey, slow down."
Hermione ignored him, walking faster. "How could Professor Snape stand by and do nothing when Malfoy insulted Neville and jynxed him!?"
Harry shrugged, "That's just Snape, he's a slimy git. You know that."
Hermione whirled around to face Harry, her brown eyes flashing dangerously. "And you! You just stood there and watched as Neville and I were humiliated!"
Harry flinched but stood his ground, "I didn't want to give Malfoy and Snape the satisfaction, and I figured... well, it would have only made things worse for you if I intervened."
Ron, who had been trailing behind, spoke up, "Honestly, Hermione, you know how Snape feels about you and Harry. He was never going to take your side no matter what happened."
"So that gives him the right to be a horrible teacher and treat us like dirt? You just stood there too like it was some kind of joke! We're supposed to be friends and you didn't even say a word." She turned away and continued walking, shaking her head in disgust.
Harry jogged to catch up with her. "Hermione, I've faced worse than Malfoy and Snape. I didn't say anything cause I was trying to protect you. You and Neville."
Hermione's frustration was palpable as she shot back, "Sure, Harry. I guess you wouldn't understand because you always have to be the hero, doesn't matter if we get hurt along the way, right?" Hermione regretted her words as soon as they left her mouth. Harry's face fell and he stopped walking. Ron's eyes widened followed by an awkward silence. Hermione watched Harry steel himself, straightening his spine. She expected him to make a snide remark or lash out in anger, but he didn't.
"Harry—" Hermione started but Harry brushed past her.
Ron moved to her side as Harry moved ahead of them in silence, "You know how Harry is when it comes to protecting us, Hermione. I'm sure he had a good reason for not interfering. And hey, what does it matter? It's done now."
Hermione felt terrible as she watched Harry walk away from them, but her pride prevented her from apologizing. She walked next to Ron, who tried to make conversation, but she wasn't really listening.
Reaching their next class, Hermione and Ron entered the classroom and didn't miss how Harry sat himself as far away from her as possible. She frowned, but took her usual seat. Professor Flitwick, the tiny, cheerful Charms professor, stood on a stack of books to address the class. His voice, though soft, carried to every corner of the room.
"Good morning, class! I'm aware that many of you are already familiar with the Banishing Charm, but today, we're going to practice and refine it. This charm is used to send objects away from you. Remember, the incantation is 'Depulso,' and the wand movement is a sharp flick of the wrist. Now, pair up with a partner and let's get started!"
Hermione glanced across the room to where Harry partnered with Susan Bones, a Hufflepuff girl. Harry and Susan seemed to be getting along and were making light conversation. She sighed and paired up with Ron. Together, the two stepped over to a vacant area to practice. Hermione rose her wand and pointed it at a textbook on a nearby desk, muttering the incantation. It remained firmly in place. She frowned.
Ron quirked an eyebrow, "You okay, Hermione?"
"Just having trouble with the pronunciation," she grumbled, trying again. But the book refused to budge. Hermione was growing increasingly frustrated.
Ron shrugged, "Well, maybe try focusing more on your wand movement, like Professor Flitwick said. A sharp flick of the wrist." Ron demonstrated and the book flew off the desk, landing with a thud on the floor. Hermione felt slightly annoyed at Ron's success. She squared her shoulders and tried the spell again. This time, the book slid a few inches on the desk before falling onto the floor. Hermione muttered under her breath and glanced up at Ron who had turned away in a dreadful attempt at hiding his snicker.
Hermione ignored him and focused on her breath, willing the book to move. She pointed her wand at the textbook again, gritting her teeth, and shouted, "Depulso!" Instead of gracefully sending the textbook away, there was an explosive burst of magic followed by a loud bang. Pages flew in all directions and the textbook disintegrated into a cloud of shredded parchment. Hermione stared at the remnants of the textbook, mortified. The class stopped their practicing and stared, wide-eyed and open-mouthed. Professor Flitwick leapt off his stack of books and hurried over, looking shocked.
"My goodness, Miss Granger, what happened?" Professor Flitwick asked.
Hermione stuttered, "I—I'm so sorry, Professor Flitwick, it was an accident. I don't know what went wrong."
The students looked on in wonder as Professor Flitwick inspected the mess and gently shook his head, "Miss Granger, this is indeed an unfortunate accident, but it could have been avoided with proper concentration and technique. A simple banishing charm requires more care than brute force. You must exercise more control over your emotions in the future. Another such incident may result house points being lost from Gryffindor. Am I understood?"
Hermione's cheeks flushed in embarrassment and she nodded, staring down at her feet, "Yes, Professor Flitwick."
The other students returned to their work as Professor Flitwick dismissed Hermione with a curt nod, and Ron offered her a sympathetic smile. She sighed, deciding to sit out the rest of the lesson to avoid any more incidents. She felt humiliated and angry, and wanted nothing more than to disappear. From across the room, Hermione met Harry's eyes but he quickly turned away, his brow furrowed in what she assumed was concern.
The rest of the class period was excruciatingly long. As soon as Professor Flitwick released them, Hermione packed her bags and hastily left the classroom. She kept her head down to avoid eye contact and rushed towards the Gryffindor tower without waiting for her friends. Hermione burst through the portrait hole and into the common room and upstairs to her dormitory. She slammed the door shut and threw herself onto her bed.
Thoughts of Harry's face swam in her mind the moment she had hurt him by saying things that she knew weren't true. He had always protected her, and this was how she repaid him. Her shame was overwhelming. Hermione closed her eyes, wishing everything could go back to the way it was, when things were simple and not complicated by romance or feelings.