⊹ ࣪ ˖ My chosen one ⊹ ࣪ ˖ [ Harry Potter x Y/n ]

⋆𐙚₊˚Are you Sirius?˚⊹ ( start of third year )

Harry, Ron, and Hermione sat at their usual table in the Leaky Cauldron, the noise of the pub bustling around them. Ron was telling a joke about one of Fred and George's latest pranks, but Harry wasn't really paying attention. His eyes kept flickering toward the door, almost like he expected someone to walk through it any second.

Hermione noticed for the third time that Harry had barely laughed at Ron's story. She exchanged a knowing look with Ron before turning to Harry. "She'll be here soon, you know."

Harry snapped his gaze back to his friends, trying and failing to look nonchalant. "What? Who?"

Hermione chuckled softly. "Y/n. You've been glancing at the door every five seconds since we got here."

Ron grinned, leaning back in his chair. "Yeah, mate. You've asked about her, what, five times now? 'When's Y/n getting here? Do you think she's coming? Should we go check the street?"

Harry felt a heat rise to his cheeks and quickly shoved his hands into his pockets. "I have not," he muttered, though his gaze flicked to the door again despite himself.

Hermione shook her head, her voice gentle but teasing. "You're a terrible liar, Harry."

Ron let out a mock sigh. "Honestly, it's like watching someone waiting for Christmas morning. You've been buzzing about her ever since we decided to meet up."

"I'm not buzzing," Harry said, his voice a touch higher than he intended. He tried to distract himself by taking a sip of his butterbeer, but even as he did, his eyes were already darting toward the entrance once more.

Ron let out a hearty laugh. "Sure, you're not. I mean, look at you! You're practically glowing!"

Hermione leaned forward, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "You know, Harry, if you keep this up, you might just have to start practicing your wooing skills. What are you going to do? Write her a poem?"

Harry groaned, burying his face in his hands. "Please, no. That's worse than the time Ron tried to serenade Katie."

"Hey!" Ron protested, crossing his arms defensively. "That was a masterful performance. The world just wasn't ready for it."

Hermione smirked, leaning back in her chair. "Well, if you’re this nervous about Y/n showing up, maybe you should practice a few lines in front of us. We could give you pointers."

Harry shot them both a pointed look. "I’m not practicing poetry. Or serenading anyone."

Ron leaned in, his expression mock-serious. "Okay, then let’s have a plan B. If you see her coming and you freeze up, just remember—‘Be cool, Harry. Just act natural.’ Like a giant, clueless octopus."

Harry rolled his eyes, trying to suppress a smile. "You’re ridiculous."

"But in all seriousness, mate," Ron added, his tone turning a bit more sincere, "it's been a while since we've all been together. Just remember that she likes you for you. No need to pretend."

Hermione nodded vigorously. "Exactly. Just be yourself. And if you do end up fumbling over your words, we’ll be here to help you recover."

Harry felt a warmth spread through him, grateful for their friendship. "Thanks, guys. I just—" He hesitated, feeling the flutter of nerves in his stomach. "I just want it to be good, you know? I like having her around."

"Of course you do," Ron replied, a knowing smirk creeping back onto his face. "Just wait until you see her. You’ll probably end up tongue-tied. I mean, it’s Y/n—we’re all a little bit in awe of her."

Hermione giggled, nodding. "And you’ll be even more smitten when she shows up. Just don’t pass out, alright?"

Harry groaned again, feeling flustered. "I’m not going to pass out."

Before Harry could retort further, the door to the Leaky Cauldron swung open, and the familiar chime echoed through the room. For a moment, the bustling noise of the pub seemed to fade in Harry's ears as his gaze landed on her.

"There she is," Ron said, nudging Harry with a knowing grin.

Hermione practically bounced in her seat, her face lighting up. "Y/n!" she called out, her voice bright as she quickly got to her feet.

Y/n stepped inside, her eyes scanning the room until they found her friends. Her smile widened as she spotted them, her eyes sparkling in the warm light of the pub. Before she could say a word, Hermione was already rushing over, arms wide open.

"Finally!" Hermione exclaimed, wrapping Y/n in a tight, warm embrace. "I've missed you so much!"

Y/n laughed, hugging her back. "Missed you too, 'Mione!" She pulled back slightly, keeping her hands on Hermione's shoulders as her smile softened. "Even though we practically wrote to each other every day, it still feels like forever since we've all been together."