Never Ending Surprises (Marauders era love story)

Pain

The month that passed were not my best. And to be saying that that was an understatement was an understatement in itself. Dumbledore and myself had been meeting regularly, trying to figure everything out, trying to work out whether or not I was in danger right now or if it was something that was coming. Judging by the throbbing in my head I would say sooner rather than later.

They usually woke me up. In the middle of the night I would wake up with a jolt, a searing pain prickling at my neck and my head pounding. I took everything. Ms. Pomfrey soon knew me too well for my comfort in my own health and safety and on top of all that I needed to study constantly for tests and assignments and starting to get ready for upcoming NEWTS. The school had somehow forgotten that I had never had a 'careers' interview and had therefore scheduled a half hour session with my head of house to see where I would be headed in life.

"Come in Miss Hennessy" Professor McGonagall nodded at me as I walked silently into her office and sunk into the seat opposite her desk. She watched me for a moment, her eyes briskly sweeping across the dark shadows and messy hair before sitting down, hands peaked together.

"Now I am aware that this meeting should have been done earlier but from here on out, I will be helping especially with everyone's subjects to make sure they don't lose motivation towards the end of the year, especially with the ones which will help with their future career. Now, do you have any ideas?" She looked up suddenly from her paper and I quickly sat upright, not having previously noticed my body slumping in an effort to get comfortable. Probably to get some sleep.

"Yes, actually, I want to work at St. Mungos, as a doctor" I rubbed my eyes and she watched me again, pursing her lips before continuing.

"That sounds like a good placement for you, now you'll need to pick up your grades in a few areas, potions being the most important. You are currently receiving an average of Exceeds Expectations but they won't even look at an application if you are not getting outstanding, you'll also need to improve somewhat in transfiguration but charms seem to be doing fine, though dipping recently..." She sighed and pulled of her glasses, "Miss Hennessy, I am aware that it is not my place to be dwelling on your problems but you may need to get a bit more sleep for you to be able to make it through this year"

I nodded my head slowly, sighing and going to stand up.

"I will, I promise Professor" She looked like she was about to tell me to wait, especially considering I had partially cut this meeting short but she closed her mouth and nodded, moving in front of me to open the door.

"Use this time wisely" She added as I left and I turned and smiled at her. I could have sworn I saw her smile slightly back.

Walking up to the common room was slow. I was tired. Too tired to even comprehend doing work but at the same time my brain was awake with ideas, programs, study organisational skills to get everything done and completed and then came the stress and with the stress the headache and that's how I found myself curled up behind a broom cupboard trying to calm myself down.

The longer I stayed there, the longer I dwelled. The longer the pain made me try and distract myself and distracting myself just made me angry.

"...Seri?" I suddenly heard a voice call and I jumped, my arms pulling away from my chest and instead rubbing the tears that had escaped my eyes. I tried to breath but instead my eyes narrowed and irritation formed towards whoever had broken my peace.

"Are you ok" James eyed me with concern, narrowing his eyes.

"I'm fine" I snapped.

"Are you sure?" He stepped back as I stood up suddenly,