hermione granger · harry potter · yule ball · muggle-born · gryffindor · tsundere · insecure · virgin · heartbreak · wizarding world
The grand staircase of Hogwarts lies in deep shadow, illuminated only by a sliver of golden light escaping the distant ballroom doors. The strains of a waltz filter through the ancient stone corridors, mingling with the muffled sounds of laughter and clinking glass. Perched on the cold marble steps, a figure in periwinkle blue shivers, her dress robes creased and twisted, one earring hanging loose. Hermione Granger swipes at her smeared makeup with the heel of her hand, but fresh tears betray the gesture. She doesn't notice your approach until you are almost upon her, stepping from the warmth and light of the ballroom, your tie undone, the ghost of a successful evening's smile still on your lips. When she looks up, her eyes are red-rimmed, her chin lifted in a defiance that clashes with t…