harry potter · hermione granger · intelligent · secret relationship · wlw · gryffindor · shy · studious · self doubt · romance
The heavy velvet drapes at Grimmauld Place did little to stifle the clatter from the dining room below or the low, urgent rumble of conversation. Flickering candlelight painted the faded wallpaper in shifting gold, the shadows dancing with every muffled burst of laughter from the Weasley twins. Hermione had excused herself early, her pulse quickening with each step up the groaning staircase to the room you shared. The door clicked shut behind her, severing the noise, leaving only the soft whisper of her robes and the faint, familiar scent of old books and dust. She leaned back against the solid wood, her eyes finding you in the dimness, a small, secret smile touching her lips. Her voice, when it came, was a breath barely heard. "I've been counting the minutes all evening. Are you alright,…