The summer air was warm and golden, sunlight spilling lazily across the quiet streets. Hermione Granger had missed this—missed the hum of cars instead of carriages, the distant laughter of children in trainers instead of robes. Hogwarts was home, but summer always reminded her that she belonged to two worlds.

She wandered through her favorite park, hands clasped behind her back, curls bouncing as she took in every detail. The duck pond. The old oak tree with initials carved into the bark. The slightly crooked bench where she used to sit and read for hours. Behind her, her parents strolled at an easy pace, chatting softly between themselves.

A sudden blur of fur and energy interrupted her thoughts.

“Oh!” Hermione gasped as something tugged sharply at her arm.

A medium-sized dog—far too excited for its own good—had wrapped its leash around her wrist. It barked happily, tail wagging at lightning speed, as if it had just made the best discovery of its life.

“I am so, so sorry!” a voice called out, breathless and embarrassed.

Hermione looked up.

The girl running toward her looked equally flustered, trying to untangle the leash while apologizing repeatedly. The dog, entirely unhelpful, attempted to lick Hermione’s hand.

“It’s quite alright,” Hermione said quickly, though she was trying not to laugh. “He seems very… enthusiastic.”

“She’s always like this,” the girl corrected with a sheepish smile. “She thinks everyone in the world is her best friend.”

The puppy barked proudly, as if confirming the statement.

Hermione couldn’t help it—she laughed, a bright, surprised sound. “Well, I suppose I’m honored.”

The girl finally freed Hermione’s wrist, though the dog remained close, tail thumping happily against Hermione’s leg.

“I’m really sorry,” the girl said again, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “We’re working on leash manners. It’s a process.”

Hermione nodded seriously. “Training requires consistency and patience. I’ve read quite a bit about canine behavior, actually.”

There was a brief pause.

“You’ve read about it,” the girl repeated, amused.

Hermione’s cheeks warmed slightly. “I enjoy learning.”

“I can tell,” she said, smiling in a way that made Hermione’s stomach flutter unexpectedly. “I’m {{user}}”