My Heart Remembers Differently

Choices

I stare in horror at my schedule. 

I have my future planned.  I know what I want to do.  It does not include anything with defending myself against the dark arts again, nor does it include the care of magical creatures! 

I wait to speak to Professor McGonagall who is surrounded by teachers, students protesting their schedules and professors trying to direct first years to their classes.

"ATTENTION!!!"  Professor McGonagall's voice carried throughout the crowded Great Hall.  "Report to your first class.  If there are complications with your schedule please refer to your advisor on the back of your schedule.  If there are any other problems have your advisor set up an appointment with me later this week.  GO!!!"  She said and then disappeared into the crowd.  I caught sight of a cat racing through the shadows.  She had changed into a cat to escape. 

I turned my schedule over and groaned when I saw PROFESSOR PENELOPE TONKS written in as my student advisor.  I have a feeling that she is going to be no help at all.  I got the distinct feeling that Professor Tonks did not care for me.  I groaned and made my way to the Defense Against the Dark Arts class that I did not want to take.  At least I didn't have to take Astronomy.

As always the chamber that the class was in reflected the personality of the professor.  Unlike the last six years of this subject, the classroom wasn't full.  Only the sixth and seventh year members of Dumbledore's Army and a few surprises, like Draco Malfoy, his friend Blaise Zabini and the ever present Pansy Parkinson.  Why would they be in the N.E.W.T.S. study of Defense Against the Dark Arts?  I realize that the seats are assigned.  Our names are floating above the two person desks in a cloud of blue print.  Obviously, there was some type of spell on the assignment because Seamus was thrown across the room to his assigned seat with Cho Chang when he tried to ignore the seating arrangement and sit beside of Dean.

I saw my name beside of Luna Lovegood and tried not to groan.  Though Luna had grown on me a little, I still think she is a few notes shy of a song.  I walk over to the desk and sit down beside of the fragile looking blonde with dazed eyes.

"Hello Hermione Granger."  Luna always sounded like she was caught in a dream state. 

"Good morning, Luna."  I said looking around the classroom.  It was very minimalistic for a classroom at Hogwarts.  No paintings or any type of art hung on the walls.  Weapons, like swords, battle axes and something that looks like a muggle rifle was the only decorations.  There was no teacher's desk.  No blackboard and no strange creature lurking in the corners.  It actually looked clean. 

"It is an odd sort of classroom.  I don't think I trust how clean it is."  Luna said in her dreamy voice.  I close my eyes so I am not tempted to roll them.  I glance at Harry who is leaned against the wall talking to Ginny with a smile on his face.  Ginny is a little closer to him than seems reasonable in a classroom. 

"I can't.  No, I won't endure this lie!  It's all a lie!  I will not live like this!"

"Hermione, are you well?"  I gasp at the pain in my head and try to focus on Neville's concerned face.  I am aware I am holding my head.  I swallow down the nausea I feel and nod. 

"Did you take your potion?"  I was surprised to hear Malfoy's whispered question near my ear.  I looked up at him.  His face showed no sign of concern, just the normal look of disgust he wore when he looked at me. 

"Yes.  The potion only helps me not to force a memory, Malfoy, it doesn't prevent them from flashing through."  I said grateful the pain lessened.

"I didn't ask."  He informed me and went to sit by one of the Patil twins who looked like she had lost her will to live. 

"Prat."  I muttered.  I glanced back at Harry who was watching me with a frown on his face.  Ginny, who was talking to him turned to see who he was looking at.  She glared at me as if I was interrupting her time with Harry.  I looked away, once more feeling abandoned by my friends and completely confused with their odd behaviors.