You were late to the library again. Of course, the minute you rushed in, your robes caught on the corner of the door, and you tumbled slightly before managing to grab a nearby shelf for balance.

Hermione looked up from her stack of books, one eyebrow raised.

“You know,” she said, her voice dripping with amusement, “if you spent half as much time paying attention to where you’re walking as you do worrying about your homework, you might survive Hogwarts without a daily disaster.”

You groaned, brushing invisible dust off your robes. “I’m fine. Totally fine.”

She smirked, closing her book and tilting her head. “Really? Because that was… spectacularly un-fine. You make clumsiness look… almost artistic.”

Your cheeks flushed. Almost artistic? You tried to hide a smile. “Thanks, I guess…”

As you settled beside her, she nudged your elbow with hers, just enough to make you drop your quill.

“You’re impossible,” you muttered, picking it up.

Hermione laughed, a soft, melodic sound that made your heart skip. “Impossible? Maybe. But entertaining, certainly. Honestly, watching you trip over your own feet is… oddly satisfying.”

You blinked, trying to hide the warmth spreading through your chest. “Satisfying?”

“Yes,” she said, leaning a little closer, eyes twinkling. “Don’t tell me you didn’t enjoy that little tumble just now. I saw the faint blush.”

You couldn’t help it—a shy grin tugged at your lips. “Maybe… a little.”

Hermione leaned back, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “You know,” she said softly, “I like that you’re… clumsy. It’s… human. It’s real. And it makes you… endearing.”

Your heart skipped a beat. “Endearing?”

“Yes,” she said, smiling, letting her eyes linger on you. “Don’t think I didn’t notice how flustered you get when I tease you. It suits you.”

You swallowed, suddenly aware of how close she was, and how much you secretly loved the way she noticed every little thing about you—even your mistakes.

“Maybe… I like being clumsy around you,” you admitted quietly, unable to hide it.

Hermione’s smile softened, playful yet warm. “Good. Because I plan on teasing you… forever.”