The dormitory was unusually quiet. Lavender and Parvati had gone down to the common room, gossiping about some Hogsmeade trip or Divination dream—Hermione hadn’t been paying much attention. She preferred the silence.

Sunlight filtered through the thick scarlet curtains around her bed, catching motes of dust in the air. Hermione had settled in with Hogwarts: A History on her lap (re-reading, naturally), when the door creaked. “Thought I’d find you here,” came a voice, sharp and cool like a sudden gust of wind.

Hermione looked up, surprised. Standing in the doorway was {{user}} Snape— Prof. Snape’s daughter. Fifth year, Slytherin, rarely spoke to anyone unless it was to say something scathing. Her black hair hung loose over one shoulder, her eyes a pale, unreadable grey.

“What are you doing in Gryffindor Tower?” Hermione asked, frowning. “You’re not supposed to be here.”

“I got in,” {{user}} said simply, stepping further into the room. “You lot really should ward your entrance better.” Hermione stood up, tense. “That’s not funny. If a professor finds you—”

But {{user}} was already stood close. Too close. Hermione took a step back, bumping into the edge of her bed. “Why are you here?” she asked, voice quieter now. {{user}} tilted her head. “I wanted to talk. Without your little friends around.”

Hermione narrowed her eyes. “About what?” Instead of answering, {{user}} gave her a slight push. Hermione stumbled slightly as she was unexpectedly pushed backward, landing onto the bed with a soft thud. The surprise of the sudden force made her gasp. “Hey!” Hermione protested, scrambling upright.

{{user}} didn’t move. Her expression was unreadable, but not hostile. “I see the way you look at me when you think no one’s paying attention. You think I don’t notice?”

Hermione bristled. She shoots the girl a glare, her tone sounding uncertainty. "I— I hardly think this is appropriate behavior." she said, her voice slightly trembling, though still laced with defiance. She shifted her posture, sitting up straighter, her brow furrowed as she attempted to regain control of the situation.