A Hard Year

18

A/N: Kind of a dark chapter everyone so be warned. Thank you once again for all your support it really does mean a lot. There isn't much left to the story now but I hope you carry on for the next 3 chapters or so because I have a feeling you're going to like the ending. I hope you enjoy this chapter, I'm off work now so hopefully you shouldn't have to wait too long. Just to suggest a song for this chapter, 'Not Even Human' – Angel Taylor. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I Own Nothing.

Hermione's POV

I sat in charms wondering and waiting when the lesson would ever end, mainly because it was shared with the Slytherins. His eyes had been on me as soon as I'd entered the room and I felt them on me even now, burning deep into my back. I had given him no opportunity to talk to me these past two weeks seeing as I had moved out of the apartment and made temporary residence on the couch at Harry and Ginny's.

Although I loved them with all my heart and they were my closest friends I couldn't help the envy that crept up on me when I saw them together. They had been together even before this stupid attempt to repopulate. Every time they kissed in front of me I was reminded of the moments like that that Draco and I had once shared. The pain of those still precious memories stung like needles being pushed through my heart.

"And that is why we never use this particular charm when enchanting animals and plant. What is the charm we use instead Miss Granger?"

I was pulled out of my daze by the shrill and searching voice of the professor whose eyes bored into mine like a cat stares at its prey before pouncing upon it.

"Umm..."

I think this was the first time I had been unprepared for a question given to me by a professor. I felt an unfamiliar lump form in my throat as a rising humiliation at the fact that I didn't know the answer dominated every rational or calming thought. The lump began to increase rapidly in size every time I attempted to suppress it. An unpleasant sickness then broke over me in heavy, daunting waves.

"I'm sorry professor I don't know."

The duly anticipated shame followed subsequently after my pathetic response, but the sickness only grew stronger and stronger until it was beyond repression.

"Pay more attention Miss Granger, I expect better or you!"

My knuckles turned white as a gripped the metal edging of the desk, my vision blurring into a kaleidoscope of green, white and black. I had to get out of here right now. Draco's glare only intensified my sickness and in a matter of moments I found myself abandoning the books splayed across my desk and the classroom filled with confused students.

The expressions on their faces didn't register as I ran desperately down the gangway between the desks. The air lapped at my face like oil, only deepening the heat coursing through my skin.

"Miss Granger!"

The professor's voice only barely penetrated my haze of sickness as I finally reached the solid oak door. The heat of my skin was partially quenched by the cool brass of the door handle as I twisted it in my fisted palm but not enough to tame the rampant fire within me.

"What's happening to me?"

I asked myself in between bated breaths knowing even then that I had no idea what the answer was.

The chilly air of the corridors calmed what was left of the fire on my skin and eased the sickness climbing up my throat. My fingers ran across my forehead and collected the small beads of sweat that were trickling down my skin.

I could only just here the faint murmur of voices from inside the classroom but the sound of the professor ordering Draco, 'my partner' to go and see if I was alright. My legs suddenly grew weak and the only thing keeping me standing was the rigid stone wall behind my overheated and shaking body. The sharp sound of his expensive leather shoes resonated in my mind as they snapped against the granite floor coming closer and closer.