Chapter 9
Hermione Granger sat at the Slytherin table in the Great Hall, surrounded by her fellow housemates. Dinner had just begun, and the hall buzzed with the usual din of conversation and laughter. Despite the lively atmosphere, Hermione couldn't shake the feeling of being watched.
Glancing up from her plate, she caught Harry Potter's gaze from across the room. He quickly looked away, pretending to be engrossed in a conversation with Ron and Hermione's eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of curiosity mixed with wariness.
Since the incident in the corridor where Harry had witnessed her and Draco, Hermione had noticed Potter's lingering glances more frequently. It wasn't the first time he had looked at her, but now there was something different in his scrutiny—an intensity that she couldn't quite decipher.
She knew Harry Potter by reputation—a Gryffindor hero, the Boy Who Lived, and the defeater of Voldemort in the previous war. Their paths had rarely crossed during their time at Hogwarts, except for occasional glimpses during classes or school events. Yet, his attention now felt more deliberate, more probing.
Hermione returned to her meal, trying to focus on the conversations around her. Pansy Parkinson was recounting a recent Slytherin victory in Quidditch, her voice filled with pride and satisfaction. Astoria Greengrass nodded attentively, her eyes occasionally drifting towards Hermione with a mixture of admiration and concern.
Draco Malfoy sat beside her, his posture relaxed but his eyes occasionally flickering towards Harry Potter's table. Hermione could sense his unease, a subtle tension that mirrored her own. Their relationship had always been complex—a blend of alliance, dependence, and moments of unexpected intimacy.
As dinner progressed, Hermione couldn't shake the feeling of being under scrutiny. She caught Harry Potter looking at her several more times, his expression unreadable. Was he trying to understand her, she wondered, or was there something else behind his persistent gaze?
The thought unsettled her. Hermione valued her privacy and the carefully constructed boundaries she maintained within Slytherin house. Being the subject of Potter's attention felt like an intrusion into that carefully guarded space—a reminder of the walls that separated them, not just by house but by years of history and misunderstanding.
She glanced over at Draco, who met her gaze with a reassuring nod. Their silent communication spoke volumes—an acknowledgment of their shared secrets and the delicate balance they maintained within Slytherin.
When dinner finally drew to a close, Hermione rose from the table, her mind still preoccupied with Potter's scrutiny. She exchanged a few brief words with Draco before heading towards the dungeons, her footsteps echoing in the quiet corridors of Hogwarts.
As she walked, Hermione couldn't shake the lingering feeling of being watched. Harry Potter's persistent glances had stirred a mix of emotions within her—a blend of curiosity, caution, and a hint of apprehension. She wondered what he saw when he looked at her, what conclusions he drew from their brief encounters.
Reaching the Slytherin common room, Hermione found herself reflecting on the complexities of their Hogwarts journey. She had forged her own path within Slytherin, navigating its intricate webs of power and ambition with resilience and determination. Harry Potter, she realized, represented a different world—one of bravery, loyalty, and a steadfast belief in doing what was right.
As she settled into a chair by the fire, Hermione allowed herself a moment of introspection. Potter's scrutiny reminded her that their lives at Hogwarts were intertwined in ways she had never fully understood. It was a reminder that even within the confines of Slytherin, alliances could shift, and perceptions could change.