𝟏 | 𝐒𝐘𝐍𝐂𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐘 HERMIONE GRANGER

𝟎𝟓: 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐀𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐭

The oppressive summer sun bore down on the small English town, casting a relentless heatwave over the quaint streets. Everhart's Books, which was usually a refuge from the scorching sun, stood quiet and devoid of customers. Lucian and his father, Robert, both did their best to pass the time in the stifling heat.

Lucian, wiping the beads of sweat from his forehead, gazed longingly at the clock. The hours seemed to drag on, and his thoughts kept drifting to Hermione, the girl who had stolen his attention since her first visit to the store.

Robert, stacking books on a nearby shelf, noticed his son's restlessness. He knew that Lucian had grown quite fond of Hermione but refrained from teasing him about it. Instead, he offered a solution to alleviate the day's monotony. "Lucian, it's sweltering outside, and there haven't been any customers all day. How about you go for a swim at the lake with Hermione? You've been talking about her quite a bit, and I can tell you'd enjoy her company."

Lucian's eyes lit up with excitement at the suggestion. "You really think I should, Dad?"

Robert nodded, offering a warm smile. "Absolutely. It's a perfect day for a swim, and it'll give you both a chance to cool off and enjoy each other's company. I noticed where Hermione lives; it's not too far from here. I can give you directions if you'd like."

Lucian's heart swelled with gratitude for his father's understanding. "That would be great, Dad. Thanks."

With Robert's directions in hand, Lucian hopped on his bicycle and pedaled towards Hermione's charming cottage, surrounded by blooming flowers. He knocked on her door, his heart beating a little faster with anticipation. When Hermione opened the door and greeted him with a surprised yet excited expression, he couldn't help but feel a bit anxious. "Hey, Hermione. I hope this isn't too sudden, but I thought it might be nice to go for a swim at the lake nearby. Wanna join me?"

Hermione's eyes widened with a mix of surprise and delight as she exclaimed, "Lucian! That's amazing! Yes, I'd love to go for a swim with you!"

As they cycled to the nearby lake, the hot breeze ruffled their hair, and their laughter echoed through the countryside. The anticipation of a refreshing swim and the warmth of each other's company grew with every turn of the pedals.

They soon arrived at the secluded lake, where the water glistened invitingly in the golden summer sun. They set down their towels on the grassy shore and waded into the cool, refreshing water, their fingers brushing against one another's as they ventured further.

As they floated lazily, gazing up at the clear blue sky, Lucian initiated a conversation about something different from books and magic. "So, Hermione, I've been meaning to ask you about your friends. You know, the ones you hang out with when you're not at the bookstore."

Hermione smiled, her eyes distant as she thought about her friends in the UK. "Well, I have two close friends, Ron and Harry. We've been through a lot together. Ron is like a brother to me, and Harry is one of the bravest people I know."

Lucian listened intently, sharing stories about his friends from the USA. He talked about his best friend, a mischievous but loyal guy named Noah, and another friend, Lily, who was known for her brilliant mind and sense of humor.

They also discussed the differences they had noticed between the United States and the United Kingdom, from school systems to cultural quirks. But there was one topic they couldn't touch, one that hung silently between them like an invisible barrier.

Lucian desperately wanted to confide in Hermione about the world of magic, to tell her about Ilvermorny and his own magical abilities. But he knew he couldn't. The secrecy surrounding the wizarding world weighed on him, forcing him to keep this vital part of his life hidden.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, painting it with hues of orange and pink, the atmosphere around Lucian and Hermione seemed to change. The sparkling water, the gentle breeze, and the soft lapping of waves against the shore created a romantic backdrop they couldn't ignore.

Lucian, his voice a little softer, turned towards Hermione. "You know, Hermione, there's something about the way the colors dance on the water during a sunset like this that just feels... magical."

Hermione met his gaze, her eyes reflecting the warm glow of the fading sun. "I couldn't agree more, Lucian. It's as if nature itself is putting on a show just for us."

Their fingers brushed against each other in the water, sending a shiver down their spines. They continued to float, drawn to each other like magnets, their unspoken connection growing more profound with every passing moment.

Lucian couldn't resist the urge any longer. He leaned in a little closer, his voice barely above a whisper. "Hermione, there's something I've been wanting to tell you. Something... important."

Her eyes met his, curiosity and anticipation swirling in their depths. "What is it, Lucian?"

He hesitated for a moment, feeling the weight of the secret he was about to share. "I can't tell you everything right now, but there's a part of my life that I've been keeping from you. It's complicated, and it's something I can't talk about openly."

Hermione's brow furrowed in confusion, but she nodded, sensing the seriousness in his tone. She understood him like no other could. "You don't have to tell me if you're not ready."

He smiled at her understanding, grateful for her patience. "Thank you, Hermione. I promise, someday I'll explain everything. Until then, I'm just happy to have you as my friend."

They continued to float in the enchanting waters of the lake, the unspoken promise of a deeper connection and the possibility of something more lingering in the air.