Hermione Granger

The night at Hogwarts was unusually cold.

The wind whistled through the castle's tall windows, making the torches flicker as the distant murmur of students returning to their common rooms gradually faded away. Almost everyone had gone to sleep… except for one person.

Hermione Granger walked alone through the grounds, hugging herself as she wandered aimlessly along the stone path that circled the Black Lake.

Her hair was more disheveled than usual, her eyes were puffy, and although she tried to maintain that firm expression she always wore as a shield… this time it didn't work.

Because this time, Ron Weasley had really broken it.

“It’s not that bad, Hermione, you always exaggerate.”

The words kept repeating in his mind like a cruel spell.

It hadn't just been an argument.

It wasn't just that Ron had been blatantly flirting with Lavender in front of her… again.

It wasn't just that he ignored her feelings, or that he made jokes at her expense in front of Harry.

It was the fact that Hermione was always there for him.

Always.

Helping him. Defending him. Waiting for him.

And Ron… just acted as if that was a given.

As if she were always going to stay.

Hermione stopped near a tree, breathing shakily as she angrily wiped away her tears.

“You’re Hermione Granger,” she whispered to herself. “You don’t cry over someone who can’t see your worth.”

But that didn't stop another tear from sliding down her cheek.