Just an Itch

Christmas Eve

The seven days after Hermione's world came to a crashing halt and her heart had been ripped from her chest were truly the worst of her life. That was the exact reason she had never bothered to get involved in romantic relationships in the first place. Nothing lasts forever and one if not both people are left completely and utterly destroyed. After her Professor left her standing in the hallway, she tucked herself away in her bedroom for the better part of the week. She didn't go to her classes, didn't show up to TA or her office appointments, and made Luna tell Andy she wouldn't be at work for a while. She just couldn't bear the thought of seeing Andy or anyone right now. Ginny and Draco had both tried numerous times to get her to come out of her room that first week but she refused to even talk to them about what had happened. She only came out to use the bathroom or to get food and drinks when Ginny was out of the apartment. Hermione wasn't proud of herself but she had made several phone calls to her Professor in hopes that she would answer. Bella must have had her phone off because every call went straight to voicemail.

Hermione was determined to return to her normal self the next week. She gave herself one week to be lost in her own feelings but she needed to finish out the semester and help the Art History students pass their exam. "Do you want to talk about it?" Draco has asked her the following Monday morning when Hermione finally emerged from her hiding hole and met him at the coffee cart before class. She shook her head no and he let it go and handed her an iced coffee. They walked in silence the rest of the way to their Museums Studies class. Knowing it wouldn't be Bella behind the desk made Hermione deflate a little but was also a bit of reprieve until she saw the Dean sitting in Bella's spot. Disgust was the only feeling she had now. The older woman looked up as they took their seats and smiled at them. "Ms. Granger. Come here please," Hermione rolled her eyes but went over to the desk. "I appreciate you coming back to class today and I understand that things may seem unfair right now but you must understand rules and rules for a reason. I won't tolerate you skipping work or classes after today. Do I make myself clear?"

"As crystal," came the tight lipped reply.

"Good. Professor Black let me know that she emailed the outline for the last two weeks of the semester. I have also asked her to copy me on any emails that she sends to you." Hermione was trying hard to control her face as the Dean continued to talk at her. "Is there a problem, Ms. Granger?"

"No. May I return to my seat now, ma'am?" When the Dean dismissed her she walked back to her desk and opened up her laptop willing herself not to show any emotions. She leaned over and whispered to Draco, "do you think I could do jail time?"

"No."

"Fair enough," she wiped away a single tear and opened her email to find the one from Professor Black that the Dean was talking about. She gulped when she opened it up and saw Minerva was copied on the message. Her heart broke at the first and only communication she received from her former lover.

Ms. Granger,

Thank you for stepping up and taking on the responsibility of seeing the Art History 1 students through to the end of the course. I have attached the lesson plans for the remaining two weeks, along with the final exam. I trust you to keep the exam in confidence. After everything has been graded, send the grades to me so I can finalize everything in the system.

Best Wishes,

Professor Black

Professional, impersonal and cold were the words to describe that email. Hermione wondered if the Dean hadn't been copied on the email, would the contents have been different. Probably not. "I don't think I can do this today," she looked at Draco trying to wrench the tears back. "Look," she turned the screen to him so he could read the message.