Poisoned love || Hermione Granger

𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝙵𝚒𝚟𝚎

I lie awake, the echoes of Megan's outburst lingering in my mind, tossing and turning in bed unable to sleep. The realization hits me like a brick – her years of resentment, the dirty looks, the constant eye-rolling whenever I speak in class, it all makes sense now. Suddenly, a snap brings me back to reality.

"Hermione, hello?" Ron waves his hand in front of me.

"Yes, Ron?" I shake off my trance and face him.

"What's on your mind?" he asks, concern evident in his expression.

As I start to speak, Harry interrupts, plopping down in front of us. "I've figured it out!"

"What have you figured out?" Ron's curiosity piques.

"Another clue about why I think Megan's mum might be a Death Eater," Harry announces.

"Harry, I told you to let it go! She was really upset with you yesterday!" I interject, frustration creeping into my voice.

"Have you seen her arm?" Harry continues, ignoring my protest.

"No," Ron and I reply simultaneously.

"Exactly!" Harry beams triumphantly.

"But Harry, that doesn't prove anything!" I slam my hands on the table, exasperated. "Just drop it, okay!?"

"Fine," Harry mumbles, taken aback by my outburst.

"Now go apologize to her for yesterday," I instruct firmly, folding my arms as he rolls his eyes in response.

——

I toyed with my plate, lacking any appetite or thirst.

"Megan, you need to eat," Anthony insists, preparing a plate and sliding it toward me.

"But I'm not hungry," I protest, pushing the plate away.

"Come on! You haven't eaten in five days straight—I've noticed. Stop letting your mother get to you and eat!" Anthony's voice is firm, almost a whisper-yell as he pushes the plate closer to me.

I huff and reluctantly begin eating. A light tap on my shoulder interrupts my thoughts, and I turn around, frowning. "What do you want?" I ask bitterly.

"I... I just wanted to say... I'm sorry," Harry says, sounding genuinely remorseful.

"I forgive you," I reply dryly, turning back to my food.

I feel the weight of someone's gaze, like sharp darts piercing through me. I turn around again, and it's Hermione, her eyes fixed on me intently, observing my every move like a predator eyeing its prey. I exhale heavily and turn away once more, only to feel an arm wrap around my waist, pulling me close.

"Why the long face, little one?" Fred's smirking voice breaks through my vision as he appears beside me.

"I had detention yesterday," I grumble, the memory still fresh in my mind.

"You!? Megan Smith getting detention!? Merlin's beard, I thought we'd both be dead before you got detention," George chuckles.

"Did you have fun?" Fred asks, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.

"You tell me," I reply, showing them my hand with annoyance evident in my voice.

For the first time, I see their expressions turn serious as they examine my hand. I quickly snatch it back and glare at them.

"This is serious," Fred states solemnly.

"We need to take this to Dumbledore!" George insists, still trying to inspect my hand.