Just as Draco had expected, the moment Hermione stepped into the Gryffindor common room, all eyes turned to her. The sudden silence made her pause in her tracks.
Well, after all, whether it was that morning in the Great Hall or when they left together, it was obvious her relationship with Draco wasn't as bad as everyone thought.
At the very least, the usual animosity between houses seemed completely absent between her and Draco. Even though she'd mentally prepared herself, Hermione still couldn't ignore the irritating stares.
"They don't know anything, and they understand even less... Things aren't that simple."
As she took a deep breath, trying to reassure herself with the excuse that they just didn't know the truth, Harry Potter and Ron Weasley approached her.
But it was clear from the confusion and suspicion on their faces that they hadn't come to speak on her behalf.
Especially Ron Weasley, who looked like he was ready to confront her. Hermione frowned. She didn't even need to guess what they were about to say...
"Hermione, what's going on? Why were you with that guy?"
"Yeah! He's bad news—you've lost your mind."
As expected, the first thing out of their mouths was criticism. Neither of them looked happy. Ron, who seemed particularly frazzled, spoke as if Hermione had committed some unforgivable crime. You'd think he had some kind of claim over her.
Hermione had wanted to head straight to her dorm and avoid the spotlight, but hearing their words sparked an uncomfortable feeling inside her. Her previously calm face now flushed with irritation.
She stopped walking and turned to glare at the two of them, as if they'd just accused her of something terrible.
"What exactly do you want to say? If you're just here to trash Draco, save it for tomorrow. It's not like it's the first time I've heard you do it."
"..."
Hermione had quite the presence when she was angry. Her raised voice made the surrounding Gryffindors—who had been watching with interest—quickly avert their gazes, pretending they hadn't heard anything. Still, the occasional sideways glance betrayed their curiosity.
Harry looked a little awkward, as if realizing they'd gone too far.
But Ron didn't seem ready to let it go...
"That little Death Eater didn't use a Love Potion on you, did he? You've completely forgotten he's the one who attacked people!"
"What are you even saying?! Draco's not a murderer!"
"Oh really? You're always defending him. Honestly, it looks like you've fallen for—"
"Shut up, Ron Weasley!!"
Hermione's face turned scarlet. She clenched her teeth and growled his name, her tone sharp with warning. It was enough to shut him up, but even through the anger, an inexplicable panic stirred in her chest.
Like him?
Who would fall for someone who bullied her, who was bossy and unreasonable?
Even Harry, who thought Ron had crossed a line, reached out to tug his sleeve, keeping things from escalating further.
He genuinely feared Hermione might pull out her wand and hex Ron on the spot.
More than that—Harry really didn't believe Hermione could ever fall for that little Malfoy...
"Hermione, Ron didn't mean it. He's just worried you might've been tricked."
Harry's words sounded a little silly, but they still helped ease some of the tension in Hermione's chest. She gave him a quick glance, then, as something occurred to her, raised an eyebrow and asked a question that made Harry visibly stiffen.
"Forget it... But Harry, are you hiding something from us?"
"H-Hermione, why would you even ask that? I don't have any secrets, haha..."
"Really? Then why does Draco think you're the one who opened the Chamber of Secrets?"
She didn't mention her promise to Draco to keep an eye on Harry, but that didn't stop Hermione from investigating on her own.
The first step—figure out why Draco suspected Harry in the first place...
"Who knows. Maybe he just wants to pin it on me."
Harry remembered the intel he got while disguised as Goyle. He'd originally thought Draco might've opened the Chamber, but instead, he'd learned that Draco was also suspicious of him.
The whole thing had left Harry frustrated and disappointed.
A secret... Suddenly, he recalled the strange voice he'd been hearing. His expression faltered, and Hermione caught the shift immediately.
Just as Harry was hesitating, wondering whether to tell her about the voice, someone new appeared in the common room, cutting off his thoughts.
"Ah-ha! There you are, dear Harry~"
"Lockhart..."
"And isn't this my favorite student—lovely Miss Granger! Although I don't mind you calling me that, you should remember to address me as 'Professor' at school~"
Lockhart's wink and smile sent a chill through Hermione. That grin reminded her far too much of his unhinged, almost maniacal expression.
Harry, not noticing Hermione's reaction, awkwardly asked what Lockhart wanted.
"Professor, you're looking for me?"
"Yes, yes! I nearly forgot—come along, Harry. That old... Dumbledore sent me to get you."
Harry frowned, clearly confused. It wasn't like Dumbledore to send Lockhart to fetch him.
Hermione glanced between the two of them, her eyes narrowing with suspicion.
Meanwhile, Ron Weasley had fallen silent the moment Lockhart appeared. With his head lowered, no one could tell what he was thinking.
The whole scene had the tense stillness of an approaching storm...