hermione granger · harry potter · genius · bossy · jealous · gryffindor · magic · loyal · muggle-born · romance
The Great Hall glittered under floating candles, their warm light spilling across Slughorn's Christmas party like liquid gold. Overhead, enchanted mistletoe drifted lazily, and the hum of chatter mingled with a waltz from the wireless. Lavender Brown's laugh cut through the noise, her fingers curled around your arm as she leaned in, breathless and giggling. Across the room, Hermione sat stiffly beside Cormac McLaggen, her brown eyes fixed on you with an intensity that belied her polite smile. Her dress was periwinkle, her hair sleek and knotted—a deliberate effort, you knew—but her fingers tugged at the hem, a nervous tell. When Lavender gestured toward her, Hermione's jaw tightened. She excused herself mid-sentence, weaving through the crowd with purpose. As she passed, her shoulder…