In the land of Gods and Monsters
I'm living like Jim Morrison
Hermione lay in bed. Her hands rested on top of her belly while she stared vacantly at the ceiling. She did all of her homework—at least as many assignments that were made known to her.
All of the extra credit was completed. No professor needed help with any more research.
She finally had free time.
Free time.
She squeezed her eyes shut. It was hard to stay focused and in the present. She felt her lower lip tremble.
She hated free time. She hated it more than anything.
It was a constant reminder that nothing would ever be the same again. No matter how much she pretended otherwise.
She bit her lower lip and breathed in deep---
Inhale.
Exhale.
Inhale.
Exhale.
‘Everything will be alright,’ she said aloud, in the most matter of fact voice she possessed. ‘In a few minutes this episode will pass, and you will be okay. Just keep breathing, and then you’ll go to sleep and in the morning everything will be better.’
She told herself this at least once a day. Because at least once a day she threatened to come apart at the seams.
I am not unraveling.
I am not.
She heard a giggle in the room next door, and that brought her back to earth.
Malfoy.
He was unraveled and completely gone. It didn’t take a genius to know that. But she was strong. She was fine. She was good. She needed to be strong, if not for herself then for everyone around her.
She heard the music turn on, and took another deep breath. Whatever brand of screamo Malfoy listened to was truly awful. But at least she didn’t have to think about what was going on in her head…
‘God he’s awful,’ she mumbled, blowing out her candle before turning on her side.
Hermione curled up in a ball, bringing her knees to her chest, and focused on her breathing. On relaxing. On ignoring Malfoy.
Ignoring...everything.
She heard a soft sigh, and froze.
What the...?
That hadn’t come from her.
And if she didn’t make it…
Then…
Hermione slowly sat up and turned.
Leaning against the doorway, back to her, was Malfoy.
His back was to her, but he was....he was....
Where are his clothes?
Her mind worked slowly, not quite believing what she was seeing, until the awful reality of her situation hit her.
I forgot to lock the door....!!
She scrambled off the bed, knocking over her water, and pressed herself up against the wall.
She scrambled for her wand, but it was too dark, oh god, why couldn’t she just see?!
Crawling on the floor, searching through the scattered items she promised god that if she could get through this safely she would go to church everyday, she would light candles, she would become a nun, just protect her.
Under the bed!
She couldn’t find her wand, but at least she could hide still.
Hermione dove beneath the bed and covered her mouth with her hand, hoping, praying that she wouldn’t be found.