Hermione Granger Imagines | H.G. x Reader

Confessions in the Hospital Wing

Something shifted to the right of where I lay, the creak of a chair echoing across the hall. I took in my surroundings, using all but one sense to determine where I had been placed. The pungent smell of herbs and potions was enough to make my nose crinkle, yet I lay unmoving and still. The faint taste of peppermint lingered on my tongue—a tradition I had adapted before I step out to face roaring cheers. Scratchy sheets laid beneath me, and the pillow supporting my head carried lumps from years of use.

     Melodic humming came from beside me, one that I recognized all too well. It was then where I had made sense of where I was, and I stifled back a groan upon realization. It wasn't the first time I landed myself in the hospital wing—actually, I visited quite a bit, more than your average Quidditch player.

    Memories began to flood back in an overwhelming surge, and I struggled to grasp onto them. Bright stadium lights. Thunderous clouds. Heavy droplets. Ringing.

    It came all at once, vivid memories playing out just as it did a few hours ago. I recalled losing my balance as a Quaffle hurdled towards me. It had been thrown by a particularly strong Chaser on the opposing team: Adrian Pucey of Slytherin. Though I blocked the attempt, the force of the throw knocked me off my broom. Soon enough, I was spiraling to the ground, my panicked screams cut short upon impact.

    In my time remembering the events, I hadn't noticed the gentle palm that cupped my cheek, or the thumb that passed over slowly. The humming amplified, and I sighed in relief as I recognized the source. It was Hermione Granger, my best friend and roommate, and perhaps something... more. Maybe she felt the same, or maybe she didn't. It's all just a mix of confusion.

    I didn't open my eyes, nor dare move a muscle. Hermione never failed to stay with me, even if I was bed-ridden from injury. I decided to stay in that exact position until I felt like announcing my waking, savoring the gentle touch of the Gryffindor.

    We stayed like that for 15 minutes more, her hand on my cheek as she hummed, my body unmoving but fully aware. The humming eventually stopped, and I sensed nervousness in the way her palm tensed slightly.

    Hermione took a deep breath, her thumb still rubbing over my cheek before she spoke. "Hey, Y/N. You're probably still dreaming of Quidditch games and parties, but..."

    She paused for a few moments to readjust the way she leaned over me. My mind brewed with possibilities of what she might say. Anything from a simple greeting or a serious conversation. Nonetheless, I laid as still as I could possibly be to anxiously wait for her next words.

    "I'm going to be quick, and then I will leave. I don't think I can handle what you might do in the case you're awake." Hermione gulped as she removed her hand from my cheek, the coldness stinging slightly. "I don't know how you feel... and I'm afraid you might not feel the same. But I needed to get this off my chest, and if I don't say it now, I don't think I ever will."

    I didn't dare to twitch in the slightest, nor did I make any attempt to make my awakening known.

    "Y/N... I think I might feel something more for you—something more than what we have now. And every time I see you on the other side of our dorm room, my heart soars. You've made it so incredibly difficult to tell if maybe you like me back, or any clue that you might feel anything—anything for me."

    I felt my lip tug at the slightest, though I hadn't intended for it to. Hermione's warmth suddenly pulled back, and I knew then that she had noticed it.

    "You're awake." Her voice sounded firm, almost embarrassed even.

    My eyes fluttered open reluctantly, and I averted my eyes downwards to meet the rosy cheeks of the girl who sat before me.

    "And you heard everything I said," Hermione continued slowly.

    "I did." I attempted to sound comforting, though it came off impatiently.

    The Gryffindor huffed at my tone, her head tilting downwards slightly as she scooted her chair backwards and made an effort to stand. "And you don't feel the same. I'm sorry, Y/N. I shouldn't have—I'll just go."

    A rush of panic surged through my veins. "No, no, stop. Don't go anywhere. Sit back down. Please."

    Hermione slowly sat back down, her eyes analyzing mine. I took hold of her hand and gently pressed the back of it to my lips, all while holding eye contact.

    "Please don't leave."

    Her eyebrows furrowed into an expression I could not comprehend.

    "You know I'm a straightforward person, and I'll tell you whatever's on my mind. And right now, all I'm thinking... is that... I... I do feel the same, Hermione. I like you. As in like-like you. And I'm so glad you feel the same. I—"

    My words were cut off by the sudden embrace of the girl, her hair falling over my face as she leaned over to clutch onto me. A loud exhale indicated her relief as my hands moved to wrap around her torso, pulling her in closer. She didn't speak, but I knew she had thanked me.