The Side Character | Hermione x Male OC

Y1 Chapter 4: Comfort

Robert wandered around the empty hallway with hesitant footsteps. As night approached, the corridor felt enveloped in a strange darkness. Or maybe he was imagining it.

If he were to hear someone crying here, it would be strangely fitting. However, Robert would definitely rather hit the road than approach. That's just how people die in those movies. But then again, what if Hermione is crying?

In the first place, is she sad? Is she angry? Is she annoyed? All of the above? Robert can only wonder.

The cloud grumbles for the nth time today, flashes of light splash Robert's face as he turns the corner. His face scrunched, staring at the night sky through the high window. There's no moon tonight.

Robert looks back and then glances forward. His feet rooted to the floor, he crossed his arms, trying to keep himself warm from the sudden chill. How many seconds have passed since he froze?

Robert didn't know but he took a deep breath. He could hear laughter from the clouds as the light flashed on his face again. His body felt numb.

With gritted teeth, Robert stomped forward.

There is a girl's bathroom ahead if Robert wasn't wrong. He must at least check there.

With newfound courage, Robert glares ahead. And he froze, his breath stuck in his throat.

Right before his eyes, a figure plopped out. Momentarily, Robert felt his body relax. Sighing softly, he approaches her.

"Patil."

"Oh, Corbyn." the girl greets with an awkward smile. Her robe is red, Robert notices, meaning she is Parvati. Not Padma, her twin in Ravenclaw.

"Sorry, but have you seen Hermione?" Robert asked.

Parvati looks back at the bathroom quietly. Then glance back at him. Robert didn't peer into the bathroom but he softly whispered with concern, "Is she okay?"

"She's crying."

"I see." Robert stares at the ground. "I suppose, I'll just wait here?"

Putting his back against the wall, Robert crosses his arm again. He was ready to sit down then and there when Parvati suggested something. "I could fetch her for you."

"I..." For some reason, Robert can't maintain eye contact with Parvati. Finding more interest in the ground. "I don't want to intrude."

Parvati smiled at the boy's behaviour and brightly stated. "Don't worry, you won't. She probably could use your presence"

Parvati took quick strides making Robert panic. Only managing to stop her by the shoulder. Parvati looks at him with a raised eyebrow as he struggles to form a question. Eventually, he managed to spit out,

"How do I... How do I comfort her?"

Robert finds it odd that her eyes seem to be smiling as she pats his shoulder quite roughly. Her voice, he noticed, was a pitch higher, "Don't worry Corbyn, all you need to do is listen and give her a big hug. Understood?"

"I think?" Robert stutter. Satisfied, Parvati quickly went in. Robert can't help but compare to her quieter twin, Padma. Parvati, seems easily excitable.

A minute later, Parvati came out smiling. Though no one was behind her.

"She'll come out in a bit," Parvati said, glancing back. She suddenly comes close and whispers fiercely, "Remember, a hug. It'll help."

With one last painful pat on his shoulder, Parvati zoomed away leaving behind a confused Robert. He feels pressured now and begins walking back and forth. Running a simulation in his mind, Robert whispers under his hand, words that may or may not comfort her.