my solitude (fem reader)(a hogwarts story)

8

The first rays of the morning sun cast a gentle glow through the window of my dormitory, gently coaxing me out of my slumber. I stretched and yawned, the familiar ritual of a new day at Hogwarts beginning. I couldn't help but feel a pang of insecurity, a sensation that had become all too familiar during my time at the castle.

Hermione Granger, my brilliant and accomplished sister, had cast a long shadow. Her achievements and reputation had been ingrained in the very walls of Hogwarts, and I often felt like an afterthought, existing in the background as "Hermione's sister." It had been a source of insecurity, one that I had carried with me for years.

The mirror revealed a reflection of a girl who was painfully thin, the result of an incessant worry and a lack of appetite that had become my constant companion. Scars, like faded memories of past battles, littered my arms, hidden beneath long sleeves. They were a secret, a mark of pain that I carried within me, unseen by the world.

The silence of the dormitory allowed me to contemplate my inner turmoil. The unease in the pit of my stomach was a constant companion, an unwelcome guest that seemed to grow stronger with each passing day. As much as I longed for acceptance and recognition, I couldn't escape the feeling that I was destined to remain in the shadows.

Dressing in my school uniform, I carefully adjusted the sleeves of my robe to conceal the scars on my arms. It was a daily ritual, a routine born out of the fear of judgment and the need to protect my secrets. Once again, I had to face the day with a smile, pretending that I was just a "quiet Slytherin girl."

As I made my way to the Great Hall for breakfast, the voices of my fellow students filled the air. I was surrounded by conversations and laughter, but it was a symphony that I often felt disconnected from. I took a seat at the Slytherin table, my usual spot, and watched as the platters of food appeared before me.

The feeling of emptiness in my stomach had become all too familiar. I picked at my food, pushing it around my plate without any real intention of eating. It was a struggle that went unnoticed by those around me. After all, no one looked at me. No one saw the pain and insecurity that hid behind my quiet exterior.

The announcement about the upcoming field trip echoed through the Great Hall, and I couldn't help but listen with a mixture of hope and resignation. A field trip would be a chance to break free from the confines of the castle, to escape the shadows for a brief moment. But my heart sank as the requirement for parental approval was mentioned.

The words hung in the air, a reminder of the parental figures who had always placed their attention and expectations on Hermione. I had grown used to being invisible in their eyes, my existence a mere footnote to my sister's accomplishments. The prospect of asking for their approval for the field trip felt like an exercise in futility.

Hermione had always been the priority, the child who was expected to excel and achieve greatness. I had been left to navigate the complexities of my own existence in the shadow of her brilliance.

As the announcement continued, my thoughts drifted to the practicality of seeking parental approval. My parents, wrapped up in their pride for Hermione, often overlooked the subtle signs of my struggle. They saw a quiet, unassuming Slytherin girl who required little attention or intervention. And so, I knew that I wouldn't be going on the field trip.

The weight of my circumstances pressed upon me, a feeling of isolation and insecurity that had become my constant companion. I had hidden my scars and my struggles behind a mask of silence, a facade that allowed me to go unnoticed by the world.

The Great Hall was abuzz with the news of the upcoming field trip, and the professors observed the students with varying degrees of interest. The morning light filtered through the tall windows, casting warm hues across the long tables where the young witches and wizards sat. Among the students, Serena Granger had rarely drawn their attention, but today was different.

Professor McGonagall, Professor Snape, and the other staff members watched as Serena pushed her food around her plate, barely taking a bite. It was the first time they had truly seen her, and her behavior did not go unnoticed. While they remained unaware of the scars that marked her arms, her actions raised questions and concerns.

In the eyes of the professors, Serena had always been the quiet Slytherin girl, the one who never stood out or sought attention. But as they observed her that morning, a sense of unease settled in their minds. Something was amiss, and they couldn't quite put their finger on it.

As the breakfast continued, the professors exchanged knowing glances. They speculated about the reasons behind Serena's behavior. Was she unwell? Did she have a personal issue weighing on her mind? Or was it simply a matter of nerves about the upcoming field trip?

Later in the day, as they reviewed the list of students who had submitted parental approvals for the trip, their concerns deepened. Serena Granger was the only student without parental consent. It was a situation that demanded their attention, as it was clear that Serena's parents were not as invested in her well-being as they should be.

In the privacy of the teachers' lounge, the staff members huddled together, contemplating their next steps. It was a precarious situation, and they knew that they couldn't simply allow Serena to stay behind without a plan in place.

"Serena is the only student without parental approval for the field trip," Professor McGonagall noted, her voice filled with concern. "We cannot leave her here without a valid reason."

Professor Snape, his usually stern expression softened by worry, added, "It's clear that something is amiss with her. We've seen her struggle during breakfast, and it's a cause for concern."

The other professors nodded in agreement, their collective concern for Serena deepening. The welfare of their students was their utmost priority, and leaving a troubled student behind without proper support was not an option.

As they discussed the matter further, they contemplated the most suitable course of action. One professor would need to stay behind to keep an eye on Serena, to ensure that she was safe and that her well-being was a priority.

Professor McGonagall, with her characteristic determination, offered a solution. "I will remain at the castle during the field trip. I have the ability to keep an eye on Serena and provide the support she may need."

The other professors agreed, recognizing Professor McGonagall's genuine concern for the students and her dedication to their welfare. It was a decision born out of a collective commitment to the well-being of their students, and it was a step toward ensuring that Serena Granger would not be left behind without care or attention.

As they prepared for the field trip, the staff members carried with them a sense of responsibility and determination. Serena's struggles, hidden behind a veil of silence, had been brought to their attention, and they were committed to providing her with the support she deserved.

While the students departed for the field trip, Professor McGonagall remained behind, a silent guardian in the castle, ready to offer her support and to finally see the quiet Slytherin girl, to understand the hidden scars and struggles that lay beneath the surface,