The castle was silent, the corridors dimly lit by flickering torches. You had carefully timed your escape from the Gryffindor common room—you needed just a few minutes in the library to finish some… personal research.

You tiptoed down the hall, holding your robes tight and trying not to make a sound. You thought you were alone.

Then a quiet, familiar voice whispered from behind the stacks.

“Really? Sneaking out at this hour?”

You froze.

Hermione Granger was standing there, wand in hand, eyes narrowing—but instead of scolding, she looked… amused.

“Uh…” you started, caught red-handed. “I… needed a book.”

She raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced. “At midnight?”

Before you could explain, she let out a small laugh. “Fine. I’m coming with you.”

You blinked. “You… you are?”

“Yes,” she said, brushing past you, her robes barely making a sound. “Someone has to make sure you don’t get caught—or worse, do something reckless.”

Together, you slipped into the library. The room smelled of old parchment and candle wax. Rows of towering books loomed around you, shadows dancing in the soft candlelight.

Hermione moved like she belonged there—even at this hour. “So, what are you looking for?” she asked, her voice a soft whisper.

You hesitated. “Uh… just… some rare potion books.”

She tilted her head, a playful smirk forming. “Potion books… at midnight. Interesting choice.”

You felt your cheeks heat up. “It’s… research.”

Hermione gave you a knowing look, letting her hand brush yours as she passed by, almost accidental… almost not. “Of course,” she whispered, a hint of teasing in her tone.

You both crouched to examine a particularly ancient tome. As you reached for it, a small stack of scrolls toppled over with a loud clang.

“Oh no,” you groaned.

Hermione just shook her head, smiling faintly. “At least it wasn’t loud enough to wake anyone… yet.”

You bit your lip nervously, then looked up at her. “I… didn’t think anyone would notice me sneaking around.”

Hermione crouched beside you, her shoulder brushing yours. “That’s the thing about sneaking… sometimes, the best partner is the person you least expect.”

You glanced at her, heart thumping. She wasn’t scolding. She wasn’t angry. She was… here, with you.

“Besides,” she continued softly, “this is kind of fun, isn’t it?”