What Hurts the Most

Prologue

Hermione's P.O.V.

I woke up in the early morning at the Burrow, rubbing my eyes I tied my hair into a ponytail. Making my bed, I went to take a shower in the bathroom upstairs. Undressing myself, I stepped into the shower. Warm water dripping down my slender, curvy body. Lathering my hair with shampoo and conditioner, washing my body as quickly as possible.

Washing my face, before stepping out of the shower. With a few flicks of my wand, I magically dried my body and my hair. Getting rid of the condensation. Styling my hair in a straight/wavy style, magically painting my nails with clear nail polish. Getting dressed in dark jeans and a Purple tank top, with a black sweater. I walked out of the bathroom and bumped into Ron.

"Morning 'mione." Said Ron with a slight blush on his face.

"Morning Ron, your up earlier than usual." I replied, with a forced smile on my face.

"Had a nightmare, but it's better now. Harry is still sleeping." Ron added, as he wiggled his fingers.

"I'm glad to hear that, I'll go wake up Harry." I replied before leaving, as he went into the bathroom.

Walking into Ron's room, I saw Harry twitching. He must have been dreaming, but I didn't know what about. Taking a seat on the right side of the bed, I gently held Harry's hand and squeezed it. I began to shake Harry lightly.

"Harry, Harry wake up." I said, trying to wake him.

Harry continued to twitch in his sleep.

I continued to shake him, faster each time gradually.

"Harry, Harry please wake up." I continued to say, but he continued to twitch.

"Harry!" I exclaimed, and he finally woke from his sleep.

"What?! What?! Oh, Hermione. What is it?"

"It seems you were having a nightmare, want to tell me about it?"
I asked.

Harry normally kept his dreams to himself, but decided to tell her.

"I-I dreamt of Voldemort, killing everyone I knew and cared for. You, Ron, Ginny..." He said, thinking back to it.

I shook my head, and assured him.

"We won't let it happen, you have our word." I replied, taking his hand in mind and giving it another squeeze.

Harry and I smiled at each other before giving him a friendly Embrace.

"It looks like it's about Breakfast time, get ready and come down stairs. It's September First today." I added.

Harry nodded, and I left his room to go downstairs to the dining table where I was greeted by Mr. and Mrs. Weasley; Ron, and Ginny. Bill was Living with Fleur, Charley was still in Romania; Percy would pop in from time to time but not this morning, and
the Twins were running Weasley's Wizard Wheezes which is a pretty popular joke shop thanks to Harry. He chipped in some money to help get them started.

"Good Morning Hermione." Said everyone in Unison.

"Good Morning Everyone, I checked on Harry and He'll be down soon." I replied as a took a seat across from Ron, who seemed rather flushed for some reason. I admit I have had a crush on Ron before, but I grew out of it. A tall, dark handsome Potions Master stole her heart. She didn't reveal her crush to anyone.
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{Time Skip/P.O.V. Change}

Severus' P.O.V.

Walking out of my quarters in the dungeons, I walked out of the cold hallway into the main hallway to meet Albus Dumbledore, bumping into Gwen Phillips I quickly apologised.

"I'm Sorry Gwen, I didn't see you."

When blushing madly smiled at me.

"It's alright Severus, ready for the school year?" She asked, attempting to chew the fat.

"Not yet, Sorry to interrupt but Albus is expecting me. Good luck Gwen." I Replied, quickly leaving without saying another word.

Walking along the hallway, I past professors hastily getting ready for the students. Readying the Great hall, making sure everything seemed in order. It amused Me to see all these professors running about. Getting closer to Albus' office I saw Lucius waiting by the statue.

"Severus, it's good to see you." He said placing his hand on my shoulder.

"It's good to see you Lucius, how is Narcissa?" I asked, as I saw him looking horrible.

Lucius had large dark Circles under his eyes, his face had stubble which he normally shaved. His hair didn't look as clean as it always did, something was eating at him and it wasn't good.

"She's fine, spending the day with Bellatrix and Rodolphis. Are you here to see Dumbledore?" He asked.

Lucius not being good at blocking his thoughts, Severus picked through his mind without his knowledge.

He was lying, Narcissa was just as a wreck as he was. Worse even. Lucius failed too many times, and was worried for his Son. They both were.
Stopping his occlumency, he answered his question.

"I am." I replied Simply.

"Well, I must be off. See you around Severus." Lucius said, and walked away.

Severus continued tho the Phoenix statue.

"Lemon Drops" I said, as the password of this month. The statue moved, becoming stairs to his office.

Dumbledore looked through his half-moon spectacles, and smiled at his old friend.

"Severus, how are you this fine day?"

"I've had better day's, you wished to see me?"

Albus thought for a moment.

"Ah, yes. It seems that I decided to have a student help you with your class. She is a Head Girl, and seems fond of you."

Severus raised a eyebrow.

"No one is fond of me Albus, I make sure of that."

"Hermione Granger will help out In your class on her Free Periods, and during her class period with you."

Severus' heart began to beat fast, he has grew fond of Ms. Granger through the years. But Protested.

"You can't be serious Albus! She is annoying, too Smart for her own good, and is the friend of the Chosen one."

"Yes. You will also pursue a romantic relationship with Ms. Phillips."

Severus made a surprised expression.

"What?!"
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A/N: To be continued. Why would he have to date Professor Philips? Maybe find out next chapter on, What Hurts the Most.