My Gift To You

Chapter 8

"Ginny..." Hermione said again.

Ginny looked at her, widening her eyes.

"Tell me you didn't..." she said.

"No!" Ginny insisted.

"Blimey Mione, what the hell?" Asked Ron as he watched his little sister.

"Stay out of it, Ronald Weasley,"said Hermione.

"I wouldn't do that," said Ginny with a hurt look.

"Mione, why would Ginny spread that around?"Asked Harry.

"Dammit, Harry!" Hermione screamed.

Hermione shot up from the bench. Everyone's eyes were now on her.

Severus and McGonagall rushed down from the podium so as to stop Hermione from doing something she would regret.

They were too late.

"Do and think what the hell you want, Harry. I know what I've done and what I haven't. If you want to listen to rumors, fine. If you want to have your own opinions, fine. Just include me next time!" She hissed at him.

"I just told you what the rumor said," argued Harry, keeping his voice low.

"Well I'm telling you I don't care about that stupid rumor. Maybe it's true. Maybe it's not. So. Freaking. What?" Snarled Hermione, now out of control.

"What are you saying, Hermione?" Harry demanded.

"What do you think?" Hermione spat.

Harry looked at her in disbelief. He looked at her abdomen. Then he turned and look right at Severus Snape.

His face twisted with rage.  McGonagall shooed Severus away as she went to get Hermione.

"Come, child," said McGonagall as she wrapped her arms around the student.

"Professor?" Asked Harry.

"Not now, Potter," said McGonagall as she looked at him apologetically.

She led Hermione out of the Hall.

"Child, what has gotten into you?" She asked as they made their way to the dungeons.

"I don't know," said Hermione as she started crying.

McGonagall kept her close as she wrapped her arm around her shoulders.

"Come now," said McGonagall as they neared the Potions class," you're staying out of class for the rest of today. I'll bring your work tonight."

Hermione nodded, too tired and angry to argue.

She just hoped Ron and Harry wouldn't make a move on Severus.

"I'll try to keep them away from him," said McGonagall.

"They're supposed to have Potions after lunch," said Hermione.

McGonagall sighed.

"I doubt they'll do something in a class full of students," said McGonagall.

"True, but what about after that?" Asked Hermione.

"I'll get there early, I don't have class after lunch," said McGonagall with a reassuring smile.

***

Hermione woke with a start. She had fallen asleep on the sofa in Severus' living room.

She was about to go lay down on the bed when she heard raised voices.

She ran to the wall to listen.