Chapter 41
Hermione Granger lay in her bed, staring at the ceiling. Twelve more days. Just twelve more days until the school year ended, and she could escape the suffocating grip of Draco and Astoria. The thought was the only thing keeping her sane as she navigated the increasingly stifling dynamics of their arrangement.
She shifted slightly, careful not to disturb Astoria, who was curled up beside her. The younger girl had crawled into bed with her last night, seeking comfort after yet another encounter with Draco. Hermione felt a pang of guilt but pushed it aside. She couldn’t afford to let her emotions complicate things further.
Slipping out of bed, Hermione moved quietly to restroom. The school had become a cage. Draco’s possessiveness and Astoria’s neediness were wearing her down.
She sighed, leaning her forehead against the cool glass. She missed the days when her biggest concerns were academic challenges and solving mysteries. Now, she felt trapped in a web of emotions and manipulations that left her feeling claustrophobic.
Twelve more days. Just twelve more days, and she would be free. Free to think, to breathe, to be herself without the constant pressure of Draco’s demands and Astoria’s dependency.
Hermione took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. She had to get through these last days. She had to keep her focus and her resolve, no matter how hard it became. The end was in sight, and she would reclaim her life once she was away from them.
Astoria was stirring, her eyes fluttering open, when exited the restroom. Hermione forced a smile, knowing she needed to maintain the facade for just a bit longer.
“Good morning,” Hermione said softly, moving back to the bed.
Astoria smiled sleepily, reaching out for her. “Morning. Did you sleep well?”
“Well enough,” Hermione lied, slipping back under the covers.
Astoria nestled against her, her presence both comforting and suffocating. Hermione held her, her mind already counting down the hours.
Just twelve more days.