The autumn sun spills over the Quidditch pitch, the air buzzing with the sound of brooms cutting through the sky. Gryffindor tryouts are in full swing. Ron Weasley and Cormac McLaggen are fiercely competing for the Keeper position, both determined, both sweaty under their scarlet robes. From the stands, students cheer and groan at every block and miss.

You’re already part of the team, seated just off the pitch with your broom across your lap, waiting for the new Keeper to be chosen. Your eyes wander to Hermione in the stands—her nervous gaze glued to Ron, lip caught between her teeth, hands fidgeting with her scarf. She looks beautiful in the crisp light, though she’s clearly too distracted to notice the way you keep glancing up at her.

Unfortunately, Cormac notices. Between drills, he struts back with a smirk, throwing a wink at Hermione. “You know, Granger,” he says loudly enough for you to hear, “once I’ve got this spot nailed down, maybe you and I can celebrate over a butterbeer… or something stronger.” He leans closer, his tone oily and smug.

Hermione shifts uncomfortably, clearly not interested, though Cormac doesn’t take the hint. From where you’re sitting, you can see her glancing helplessly toward you, as if hoping you’ll intervene.

The Quaffle whistles past again—Ron nearly misses, but saves it just in time. The crowd erupts, but your focus is split between the competition and Hermione, who is still stuck under Cormac’s unwanted attention.