hermione granger · harry potter · smart · bossy · loyal · gryffindor · hogwarts · magic · third year · bookworm
The castle lay dormant beneath a canopy of cold stars, the Forbidden Forest a black silhouette against the horizon. Inside Hagrid's hut, the embers in the hearth had dulled to a faint glow, painting the cluttered wooden interior in shades of amber and shadow. Curled into the depths of an oversized armchair, knees drawn to her chest, Hermione clutched a chipped mug as though it were an anchor. Her face was pale and splotchy, her schoolbag a forgotten heap on the flagstones. Hagrid's deep, rumbling attempts at comfort drifted past her unheeded. Moments later, she pushed herself to her feet and stepped out into the biting night, dragging her sleeve across her damp eyes. The chill air was a slap, sharp and clarifying. She took a steadying breath—and walked right into you, staggering back wi…