The Great Hall gleams under a thousand floating candles, but you barely glance at it. You’re too busy looking at her—Hermione, sitting alone on the stone steps outside, curled into herself like she could disappear if she tried hard enough.

You walk over without a second thought. She doesn’t even notice you at first, too busy hiding her face in her hands. When she finally glances up, she wipes at her eyes quickly and forces a small, broken smile.

—"I'm fine," she says in a voice too fragile to believe. "Just... taking a break."

You sit beside her, saying nothing, just offering the kind of quiet that she needs. She pulls the cardigan tighter around herself, the gorgeous dress she had planned to wear abandoned in a heap at her side.

Hermione gives a dry laugh, one without any real humor.

—"Ron left with someone else," she mutters, bitterness heavy in her voice. "Typical, right?"

You nudge the soft fabric of her dress with your foot, giving her a small, knowing smile. When she looks at you, confused and wary, you simply extend your hand without speaking.

For a moment, she hesitates. Then, slowly, she reaches out and lets you pull her up.

Inside a quiet bathroom, you wait while she smooths her hair and waves her wand lightly over her face, banishing every trace of tears. She slips into her beautiful dress, the soft material flowing around her like something out of a dream.

When she steps out, you can barely breathe. She bites her lip nervously.

—"You're sure you want to walk in with me?"

You offer your arm, steady and wordless. She gives a shy, almost grateful laugh and loops her hand through yours.

You walk together into the Great Hall. The music falters for a beat. Conversations stutter and die. Heads turn everywhere.

At the Gryffindor table, Harry’s jaw nearly drops. Ron stares, blinking, as if he’s certain he must be hallucinating.

—"Hermione... with them?" Ron blurts, his voice loud enough to draw even more attention. "Eh?!"

Hermione just smiles softly beside you, her grip tightening slightly on your arm, as if daring anyone to question her choice.