It’s the day of the Gryffindor vs Ravenclaw Quidditch match, and your stomach is in knots— not because you’re nervous about losing.

But because Hermione Granger said, in her very Hermione way:

“I’ll only come if you’re not treating this like a reckless competition.”

Which obviously meant: She’ll come. But she expects you to be responsible. And also: She’s absolutely going to watch.

So now you're pacing around the locker room, broom over your shoulder, trying to mentally prepare—and also telling yourself that winning will definitely impress her. Not in a “showing off” way… more in a “look Hermione I can be competent and capable please love me” way.

When you take off into the air, the wind whipping past your face, you immediately spot her in the stands—red and gold scarf wrapped tightly around her neck, arms crossed, eyes following you.

She’s watching.

Your heart does a ridiculous little flip.

The game is fast, rough, and full of shouting. You barely dodge a Bludger, spin around a Ravenclaw Chaser, and pass the Quaffle to Angelina—only to hear Lee Jordan yelling your name dramatically like he’s been waiting for this moment.

Hermione stands up.

She’s actually cheering.

And suddenly you’re ten times more motivated.

You snatch a pass mid-air, dart toward the goalposts, feint left, then twist right and—

WHAM.

Quaffle through the center hoop. Gryffindor roars.

You risk a glance toward Hermione. She’s clapping. Smiling. Proud.

Your chest warms so much you nearly drop your broom.

The match gets rougher after that. Ravenclaw tightens their defense, and a Bludger flies so close it grazes your shoulder. There’s shouting, chaos, frantic flying—but then, in one breathless moment, Harry dives for the Snitch.

He grabs it— crowd explodes— and you’re suddenly being hugged by the entire team.

But your eyes only look for one person.

When you land, Hermione is already hurrying toward you. She tries to keep her voice stern—fails spectacularly.

“I can’t believe you flew like that! Do you have any idea how dangerous—” She cuts herself off when she sees your grin. “Don’t smile at me like that.”