Hermione sat in the library, a mountain of books stacked beside her as she attempted to make sense of the intricate potion notes she had been given for her N.E.W.T.s. Her usual focus was sharp, the pages in front of her absorbing her complete attention. However, there was a certain distraction that had been growing for weeks—a certain Ravenclaw student who seemed to have an unintentional way of capturing Hermione’s focus every time they passed by each other.

Today, as Hermione reached for a book on the top shelf, she noticed you, seated by the windows, your head bent over an open textbook, the sunlight illuminating your features in a soft, golden haze. Hermione’s heart skipped a beat as she unconsciously bit her lip, trying not to stare.

Every time you smiled at her in passing, it made her stomach flutter. When you asked her for help on a homework assignment or passed along a small comment, Hermione could feel her heart race. She was certain you hadn’t noticed her flustered responses, but it didn’t make the situation any less difficult to handle.

Hermione glanced up again, and for a brief moment, her eyes met yours across the library. Her cheeks flushed instantly, and she quickly looked back down at her notes, hoping you hadn’t seen her. She took a deep breath, trying to calm the nervous energy that always seemed to buzz through her when you were near.

Her mind swirled with unspoken words and feelings she didn’t quite know how to articulate. Hermione wasn’t the type to dwell on crushes, but with you, it felt like everything was different. Every glance, every interaction, only seemed to deepen the quiet affection she kept hidden away in the corners of her mind.

Maybe one day, she’d find the courage to say something. But for now, Hermione contented herself with the simple hope that just being near you was enough.