Being a passerby in HP female protagonist fanfiction

Hermione felt that things had been absolutely terrible lately.

First came their suspicions about Snape, then the Philosopher's Stone, a terrible and stressful holiday, and then—Hagrid's dragon egg!

The news that the dragon egg was about to hatch captivated everyone's attention, except for Hermione, who remained deeply worried.

Harry and Ron had no idea what would happen if Hagrid were discovered. Their minds were completely focused on Hagrid's hut because of the dragon egg, and they were not paying attention in class. Ron and Hermione argued their case, and thankfully they didn't lose any points.

If Hagrid is discovered, he will go to jail… Hermione’s face was pale, filled with tension and frustration. She liked Hagrid very much; he was one of her few friends at Hogwarts. She wasn’t against Harry and the others going to see the dragon eggs, but she didn’t want to be discovered and implicate Hagrid.

Willott Gaunt, that Slytherin, also knows about it. Hagrid is good in every way except he's not good at keeping secrets. Heaven knows how he managed to hide the dragon egg until now.

Fortunately, Willow is a good person, at least better than the Malfoys. Hermione is wary of her, but she doesn't think Willow would betray Hagrid.

Even the most prejudiced Gryffindors had to admit that Willow was different from the other Slytherins. She was helpful, sociable, and highly talented. She was very popular at Hogwarts, and Hermione had met Willow before and had a good impression of her.

Moreover... Claire and Willotte are also very close.

Such a thought flashed through Hermione's mind.

If Claire likes her too, then her personality probably isn't too bad.

“Okay, we can go together during lunch break, but we have to be careful not to get caught.” Hermione agreed to the argument with Ron and Harry about going to see the dragon eggs now. For some reason, thinking of Claire made her feel calmer. They secretly discussed how to get to the forbidden area of ​​the forest as quickly as possible and along the best route.

It's herbalism class now. Ms. Sprout is holding a small shovel and patiently demonstrating to the students. She is a good-natured teacher and also the headmistress of Hufflepuff.

Unfortunately, Hufflepuff doesn't take Herbology class with Gryffindor. Hermione remembers that Claire really enjoyed Herbology class and also loved magical creatures, and would go to the greenhouse to look at herbs whenever she had free time.

"Once I've learned a little more, I might try growing some herbs myself, or raising a few adorable magical creatures." The little black-haired witch smiled, and occasionally she would whisper these words to Hermione, her voice long and soft, expressing her hopes for the future.

In the library, they studied and read together. Claire turned the pages very softly, so softly that you could only hear it if you were very close. The sound of her fingers rubbing the pages was very gentle. Claire rarely comforted Hermione directly, but Hermione's usual anxiety would gradually dissipate in the rhythmic and gentle sound of her voice.

“I want to ask the teacher if I can grow some herbs in the greenhouse,” Claire once told Hermione, looking a little troubled. “I don’t know if the teacher will agree, but I really enjoy taking care of herbs.”

“You can try, Ms. Sprout will agree,” Hermione said.

"Well, let me borrow your good words."

Hermione enjoys listening to Claire talk, no matter what she says. Unlike Harry and Ron, Claire doesn't put any pressure on her.

Claire is... different.

Unlike Harry, Ron, and Petit.

Hermione held this thought in mind.

The herbalism class is over.

"Let's go!" Harry whispered. They quickly left, carefully avoiding the crowd. When the three of them entered Hagrid's hut, panting, they found that there were already two other people inside.

Hermione's eyes widened, as did Harry and Ron's. She thought she heard Ron say "Merlin."

It's Willotte.

and also……

“Claire?!” Hermione exclaimed, her voice cracking with surprise. “What are you doing here?”

"I forgot to tell you," Hagrid said, sounding embarrassed. Perhaps it was because so many people knew a secret that should have been kept secret, but he seemed both guilty and anxious. "There were other people who came with us. Did you all know each other?"

Willotte quickly explained that she had discovered Hagrid had dragon eggs through the borrowing records and told Claire, bringing her along as well. When the dragon eggs were about to hatch, Hagrid notified all five people at once.

Harry was the first to understand the situation and expressed his understanding. Ron seemed a little unable to accept it and muttered something under his breath. Willotte explained with a smile, leaving no room for doubt. But Claire—she stood quietly to the side, her eyes calm, and surprisingly, she didn't say a single unnecessary word.

—So you all know each other?

When Hagrid asked, Hermione felt a tightness in her chest. This feeling of annoyance was familiar; she felt the same way when Harry and Ron first mocked her.

Hermione certainly knew Claire.

Claire.

Claire is diligent, gentle, and special.

Besides Harry and Ron, Hermione is her best friend.

Claire is a very diligent student. They first met in the library. Hermione liked Claire's gentle eyes, which told her that this person did not mind her bad personality and domineering words, and that she could tolerate and mediate Hermione's bad temper.

Hermione knew that there was probably something wrong with the way she spoke, although she was sometimes reluctant to admit it.

Claire would never point out where Hermione did something wrong; she would only suggest what might have been better.

"Hermione is the best Hermione." On Halloween Eve, Hermione was held in Claire's arms, feeling her hands gently patting her back, and strands of black hair occasionally brushing against Hermione's face.

Hermione remembers sobbing, her voice trembling with embarrassment, as she desperately tried to express her emotions to her.

“They’re all idiots, I just really like Hermione,” Claire said.

Hermione didn't understand why she would think of that phrase at a time like this.

"Come and see, everyone!" Hagrid called out excitedly, his face flushed, and he didn't forget to lower his voice.

A crack had appeared on the dragon egg, and a new little life was struggling to emerge from the darkness. The egg swayed slightly, showing that it was exerting its strength.

Harry and Ron held their breath in tension, and Claire's eyes gleamed faintly.

The baby dragon hatched, its body jet black. Hagrid let out a suppressed roar, and Harry Ron looked like he was about to jump up. Hermione heard Claire beside her let out a soft sigh.

This is a Norwegian Spinosaurus, Hermione remembers it very clearly.

Claire loves magical creatures, which is why Willotte brought her to see them; this is quite easy to understand.

Hermione thought that she wasn't the possessive type of friend, but it was normal to wonder why she couldn't help but wonder when she saw Claire and Willow together. She hadn't witnessed Willow and Claire's relationship firsthand, and it was understandable that Willow was a Slytherin, so worrying about Claire was a natural thought.

Hermione was just a little...surprised.

Perhaps noticing something, Claire, who had been watching the baby dragon, suddenly turned her head, looking a little confused, and met Hermione's gaze.

It would be strange if two people suddenly made eye contact.

However, Hermione stared at Claire, her body stiff, an inexplicable irritation preventing her from looking away.

Claire blinked gently, her dark eyes reflecting Hermione's image, which wasn't very clear in the dim light. She smiled.

A smile that was only for Hermione.

A strange feeling washed over her, and Hermione hurriedly looked away. The tightness in her chest suddenly disappeared.

Claire tilted her head.

Huh? What's wrong?