|| hermione/ fem reader ||
a slytherin like you can't possibly be entangled with a muggle-born.
Where loyalty is everything, you are given a crucial mission: lead Harry Potter to the Dark Lord, who has declared his return. As you navigate this dang...
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"Hey, Y/N! Tomorrow is the ball, and I heard you—"
"Sod off," Y/N replied, striding past the innocent Ravenclaw. He stood there, momentarily stunned, watching her retreat into the halls.
Y/N was grumpier than usual, and that was putting it lightly. Every little thing pushed her closer to the edge. Her mind was consumed by the next task and the haunting words from her father's letter. It felt like a dark cloud hovering above her, defining her every action.
All she wanted was to bring glory to her family—her mother, her sister, and herself.
"Y/N!" Blaise called, jogging to catch up with her. When she didn't respond, he tried again.
Y/N ducked her head, hoping Blaise would take the hint and leave her alone. She didn't want to see anyone. He eventually dropped his shoulders, watching her drift into her own thoughts.
Entering Herbology, Y/N took her usual seat, the scent of blossomed flowers and damp soil filled her with little comfort. As she settled in, her eyes fell on a crumpled piece of paper on her desk.
You. Me. Yuleball. (:
-Terry Boot
A doodle of her and Terry dancing adorned the page. His smile seemed so bright, yet it felt like another expectation to manage. She glanced back at him, seeing a grin spread across his blushing face.
In one swift motion, she crumpled the paper and let it fall to the ground, crushing it with her shoe. His smile faded.
Y/N rested her head on her hand, eyes fluttering closed as fatigue tugged at her. She tried to block out the noise of the classroom, but the chatter wrapped around her like a venomous snake, pulling her deeper into her thoughts.
Then, a feeling prickled her neck as if warning her someone was looking. She leaned her head slightly to the side, just enough to catch a glimpse of Hermione, who was nudging Harry with a look of concern. Y/N's heart sank as she heard Hermione's quiet voice.
"Don't you think it's a bit odd how Y/N is acting?" Hermione said.
Y/N's fingers tightened around her pencil, the wood digging into her palm. They were talking about her. Why couldn't they just let her be?
"She looks quite ill, but other than that, she seems fine to me," Harry whispered, his voice just loud enough to reach her ears.
"Fine?" Hermione's voice rose slightly. "After the incident, it's like she's been living in a different world."
"Maybe it's because of Daphne," Harry suggested, casting a worried glance in Y/N's direction. Y/N quickly diverted her eyes, not wanting to be caught, but stole a glance back when she was sure Harry had returned his focus to Hermione. "I heard they might be going to the Yule Ball together. That could be messing with her head."
