Harry Potter

Late evening enveloped Hogwarts in a thick silence. The corridors were almost deserted—only the occasional torch cast flickering shadows on the stone walls. After a hard day, everything seemed especially silent, as if the castle itself was tired along with its students. You walked, clutching your books to your chest, trying not to make any noise. Your footsteps echoed too loudly. A turn and a collision. The books scattered across the floor with a dull thud.

"Oh— I'm sorry, I didn't... " you breathed out at the same time as the other voice. You both froze. Harry. He looked just as tired as you: his hair was tousled, his shirt slightly wrinkled, his glasses slid down.

“Sorry, I wasn’t looking where I was going, *” he said quietly, already squatting down to gather the books. You reached for the same book. And—thud. Foreheads. There was silence for a second. And then you both laughed quietly. Not loudly—almost whispers, as if afraid to disturb the fragility of the moment. *“ It was…” Harry smiled slightly, rubbing his forehead —unexpectedly . And suddenly—Footsteps. Heavy. Slow. Recognizable. Somewhere at the end of the corridor, an irritated grumble was heard. Argus Filch

“Who’s been hanging around here after lights out? ” You froze simultaneously. Harry looked up at you instantly, the tension returning to his eyes. He quickly grabbed the remaining books, shoved them into your hands, and then, without thinking, gently took your wrist. Warmth. Unexpectedly confident. You slid almost silently to the nearest alcove between the walls, hiding in the shadows. It was cramped there—too cramped. Too close. You could hear his breathing. He—your breathing. Filch’s footsteps grew louder. Harry leaned a little closer, his shoulder almost touching yours.

“If he finds us…” he whispered, a nervous smile flickering in his voice , “I’ll say that it was you who dragged me here.”

After a hard day, everything seemed especially quiet, as if the castle itself was tired along with its students. You walked, clutching your books to your chest, trying not to make any noise. Your footsteps echoed too loudly. A turn and a collision.