Chapter Text
Hermione steeled herself when Professor Snape led her to the Infirmary where most likely her head of house would be. Snape didn’t say anything on the way there, and she didn’t expect him to, but his presence did make her feel a little more like she wasn’t alone.
Several students saw them walking together and they did a double take, shocked Snape was walking with a student outside of his house. Snape gave them a look however, and it chased off any nosy students who were willing to follow them.
‘Ironic—the professor that makes me feel safer is the one who terrorizes everyone.’ Hermione thought to herself.
They arrived at the Infirmary too soon for Hermione’s taste. Snape wasted no time in opening the doors and walking inside. Hermione followed dutifully, not wanting to annoy Snape with cold feet when she said she would do this.
Professor McGonagall was there with Madam Pomfrey who was healing Ron’s nose. Harry, Seamus, and Dean were there as well, looking nervous as she felt. Hermione wanted to groan.
‘Great… four against one. This is going to be lovely.’ Hermione thought bitterly.
“Miss Granger!” Professor McGonagall announced her presence, and Hermione winced when all eyes were on her and Snape. Harry and her other housemates’ eyes widened at the sight of Snape with her, but she wouldn’t give them an explanation. “Where have you been?” McGonagall asked her.
She didn’t owe it.
“Around.” Hermione answered, shrugging, hiding her fear and shame at hiding. Show weakness in front of those who hurt you will only bring her more misery. Professor McGonagall was not amused.
“I expect your attitude to come from someone else, but not you, Miss Granger.” Her head of house said sternly. Hermione felt her hackles rise, breathing deep. Nonetheless, Snape beat her to the punch.
“I believe it’s better to move on, Minerva.” Snape cut in smoothly. McGonagall eyed him but listened to his words.
“Mister Weasley says you assaulted him Miss Granger.” McGonagall says. “As you know, violence is not tolerated in Hogwarts, magical or physical.” The woman lectured. Madam Pomfrey finished healing Ron’s nose and went to go tend to other students.
“Did he say why I hit him?” Hermione narrowed her eyes. McGonagall paused.
“Pardon, Miss Granger?”
“The reason why I hit him. Did any of them tell you what happened?” Hermione’s tone grew more dangerous. Seamus and Dean grimaced while Harry looked uncomfortable. McGonagall turned towards the boys.
“Actually, I have not. Mister Weasley, when you said Miss Granger assaulted you, you did not explain the circumstances.” McGonagall eyed them. Harry squirmed while Dean and Seamus tried to not appear guilty.
“What does it matter why—you hit me and broke my nose!” Ron exclaimed. It seemed his fear of her was gone. A dark part of Hermione whispered in her mind she would have to rectify that.
“Ron was making fun of Hermione, Professor.” Harry said quietly, not able to look anyone in the eyes. Everyone stared at him in shock, especially Ron. “We were laughing along, and Hermione felt humiliated and got upset.” He confessed. He then directed his gaze straight at Hermione’s shocked ones. “We were in the wrong. I was in the wrong. I should’ve stopped it.”
Hermione blinked, surprised Harry was the one to admit the wrong. Professor McGonagall also blinked, not expecting Harry’s explanation. McGonagall cleared her throat.
“That may be, Mister Potter, and thank you for admitting your mistake, but Miss Granger is still also wrong for lashing out.” McGonagall said gently. Hermione was about to hiss—she was right here. No need to talk about her like she wasn’t.
“We’ve actually been rude to Hermione for a while.” Harry continued, ashamed. “If she’s wrong so are we. We pushed her.”
“Harry!” Ron protested. Harry gave him a sharp look.
“It’s true! She’s been nice to us and we’ve been treating her bad!” Harry said fiercely. Seamus and Dean had enough sense to look guilty at Harry’s statements. Professor McGonagall looked ready to skin Ron alive.
“Mister Weasley, you’ve neglected to mention this to me. Is this true?” She demanded. Ron looked guilty, avoiding his professor’s firm gaze.
“We may have been a bit mean…” Ron admitted unwillingly. Professor McGonagall looked livid.
“And you intended for me to punish her without any repercussions to you?” McGonagall continued icily. Hermione could hardly believe how this turned out. She was expecting Ron to get away with it completely, but Harry came forward to admit the truth. She glanced at the black-haired boy, who tried to give her a smile, but it came out weak. Hermione narrowed her eyes. There had to be a catch somewhere. He must want something.
“It seems every party is guilty of something. As noble as it was for Mister Potter to come forward,” here Hermione felt Snape had a bite in his tone at mentioning Harry, “It doesn’t seem fair to not punish everyone.”
“Indeed, Severus.” McGonagall agreed. “You boys will serve detention with me tomorrow night. Miss Granger will tonight with me.” Hermione bristled.
“Why should I have to miss the feast and they don’t?” Hermione growled.
“Be as it may, they have admitted their wrong doings Miss Granger, while you have yet to apologize for yours. Bullying is not tolerated, but violence is worse.” McGonagall lectured. Hermione felt her body heat up. She turned to glare at Harry—this was his plan! He admitted to his wrongdoings so he would get off easier!
“So you admit you’re wrong for brownie points?! I should’ve known your confession was too good to be true!” Hermione snarled.
“Miss Granger!” McGonagall scolded.
“N-No Hermione. That’s not it at all!” Harry protested, looking alarmed.
“Hey! Harry’s being nice to you! You’re the crazy one!” Ron accused. Hermione took a step forward towards him, growling. Here, Ron lost his bravado and shrunk back. His fear of her tasted delicious on her tongue.
“Enough! Twenty points from Gryffindor for incessant fighting.” Snape snapped. He turned to Professor McGonagall swiftly. “I will watch Miss Granger tonight. You will have Potter, Weasley, Thomas and Finnigan tomorrow.” He told her. “Return to your common rooms and prepare for the feast. Miss Granger, I will see you in the dungeons in my classroom tonight.” Snape commanded. He turned and walked away, exiting the Infirmary.
Hermione’s clenched fists were shaking at her sides. She badly wanted to hit something. She let out a scream in rage, pulling at her hair, before kicking a medbed as everyone watched her stunned at her behavior.
“Miss Granger, enough!” Professor McGonagall ordered, appalled by her prized student’s behavior. “Your attitude is unacceptable, and I will be writing to your family about this.”
This seemed to strike a chord with Hermione, and her expression turned sad. Professor McGonagall and the others thought it was because she was getting in trouble, something Hermione hated, but it was sorrow for having disappointed her parents yet again with her anger. Tears of frustration came to her eyes. It was only a month into the school year, and she was already messing up the lessons her parents taught her!
‘They’ll be so ashamed of me…’ Hermione thought bitterly towards herself, the self-loathing coming back at full force. She bit her lip hard, to the point it bled, to keep it from trembling. She would not cry in front of those who hurt her. She reached for her stress ball, squeezing it tightly.
Fingers hesitantly brushed against her clenched fist and Hermione snapped her head up to see Harry gazing at her with remorse. His fingers brushed patterns on her fist lightly, afraid if he took her hand, she’d run. The feeling of comfort was foreign to her, as well as him, and he found himself relishing in the human contact.
“Hermione…” he murmured looking at her in sorrow. Hermione had enough of his act. She glared, snatching her hand away and made her way out of the Infirmary.