Chapter 13
Astoria Greengrass sat in the corner of the Slytherin common room, her eyes fixed on the flickering flames of the fireplace. The day's events replayed in her mind, particularly Hermione Granger's pained expression during dinner. Astoria couldn't shake the concern gnawing at her.
Hermione entered the room, looking more worn out than usual. Astoria seized the moment, walking over to her swiftly.
"Hermione," Astoria called softly.
Hermione turned, a mix of weariness and surprise in her eyes. "Astoria, hi."
Astoria stepped closer, her voice barely above a whisper. "Are you alright? You seemed... off today."
Hermione hesitated, then nodded slowly. "It's nothing, just... not feeling well."
Astoria's concern deepened. "Is it your period? You looked like you were in pain."
Hermione blinked, clearly taken aback by the direct question but eventually nodded. "Yeah, it started this morning."
Astoria felt a warmth despite the usual coldness of Slytherin house. "I have some pain relief potions in my dormitory. Would you like one?"
Hermione's guarded expression softened slightly. "That would be great, actually. Thank you, Astoria."
Astoria led Hermione to her dormitory. Hermione sat on the edge of the bed while Astoria retrieved a vial of potion, handing it to Hermione, who drank it down gratefully.
"Feeling better?" Astoria asked.
Hermione nodded. "Yes, much. Thank you."
Astoria hesitated, then suggested, "Would you like to stay here tonight? We could have a little sleepover, just us."
Hermione looked surprised but touched. "You don't have to do that."
"I want to," Astoria insisted gently. "It's nice to have someone to talk to, and I think you could use the company."
Hermione smiled, a genuine smile that held a hint of sadness. "Alright. I'd like that."
The evening was filled with quiet conversations, shadows of their thoughts lingering in the dim room. As they prepared for bed, they both seemed happy.
As they settled under the covers, Astoria whispered, "Thank you for spending time with me, Hermione."
Hermione turned to her. "Thank you for caring, Astoria."
In the quiet of the night, surrounded by the cold stone walls of Slytherin, they found a fragile sense of comfort in each other's presence, knowing that even in the darkness, they were not entirely alone.