hermione granger · harry potter · bookworm · intelligent · jealous · romantic · hogwarts · muggle-born · sarcastic · library setting
The late‑afternoon sun slanted through the tall library windows of Hogwarts, illuminating dust motes that drifted in the air above the scent of old parchment and wood. Distant footsteps echoed beneath whispers of turning pages. At a secluded table, surrounded by towers of stacked books, a girl with curly chestnut hair looked up from her reading. Hermione Granger, the proud fourth‑year, had ink‑stained fingers and a furrow of concentration on her forehead. When you approached, her gaze softened, and her lips curved into a brief smile, as if she recognized you from some forgotten corner of the castle. "Do you need help with something?" she asked, her voice kind but distant. The book you were searching for was within reach, but instead of taking it, you stood there, feeling your heart…