"Don't worry..."
"Madam Pomfrey will fix you up."
"Just sleep."
Silence in the Hospital Wing. Tiger rubbed Cat-mione's soft head, voice unusually gentle.
Cat-mione nodded drowsily, eyes half-closed, ears trembling. Looked incredibly obedient.
That broad hand felt like spring sunshine. Intoxicating. Peace and happiness filled her heart...
Outside, the big cat and Gunpowder clawed furiously at the floor, leaving scratches. Green eyes full of disgust.
"More than one night, Mr. Shelby."
Madam Pomfrey approached with a glowing potion, looking at Tiger with clear disapproval.
Recently, nearly every patient was connected to this guy.
Last time, Tiger and Dumbledore nearly demolished the place. Both blacklisted.
"Head up, sweetie~"
The moment she bent down, Madam Pomfrey's expression changed. Motherly gentleness. She lifted Cat-mione's chin and poured the potion between parted lips.
As it took effect, drowsiness spread. Paw pads kneaded the blanket unconsciously.
"Sleep well, dear~"
Madam Pomfrey squeezed the paw pads. Then turned and issued a blunt dismissal.
"Return to your dormitory, Mr. Shelby. Past curfew. You shouldn't be here."
"Alright, I'll visit tomorrow..."
Tiger reluctantly gave Cat-mione one last rub. Clearly wanted to stay.
But Madam Pomfrey's gaze was firm. Especially for someone blacklisted.
Just as Tiger stood to leave, a barely audible murmur. Cat-mione fought drowsiness and grabbed his sleeve.
"Tiger... bag..."
"Backpack..."
"Backpack?"
Tiger looked at the bag by the cabinet.
A fuzzy tail emerged from the blanket, weakly patting the bag before drooping.
Overwhelming drowsiness invaded her brain.
Cat-mione struggled to keep her eyes open, trying to see Tiger's expression. Dark cat pupils alternated between thin lines and round gems.
Tiger understood.
He unzipped the backpack.
Rich acorn scent rushed out. Bitter-sweet. Made him inhale involuntarily.
Inside—a Gryffindor robe, a brand-new white scarf, and handmade chocolates.
A drop of dark red on the scarf stood out.
"A gift?"
Tiger laughed.
First time a girl had given him a gift. Refreshingly new.
He wrapped the scarf around his neck immediately.
Warm, soft security transmitted along with the sentiment.
"Happy... holidays..."
Mosquito-thin murmur.
Cat-mione had buried her head under the blanket. Only fuzzy ears trembled, listening for Tiger's words, afraid to miss one.
Next second, drowsiness broke through.
Faintly, Tiger's laughter.
"See that, Venom?"
"Hermione made you chocolates..."
"Smack..."
Madam Pomfrey slapped her forehead.
The door pushed open. Cold breeze snuck in.
Tiger's laughter stopped.
The big cat stared expressionlessly. Gunpowder sat beside her, glaring at Hermione. One blue, one green—ghost fires outside the door...
"Ahem, time to go."
Tiger touched his nose awkwardly.
He'd neglected two cats while indulging in furry bliss.
Nighttime sleep quality depended on them. Cat-mione was temporary...
Under Madam Pomfrey's disdainful gaze, Tiger hurried out.
This time, the big cat ignored him. Even Gunpowder didn't jump into his arms, following at a distance.
Regretful sighs echoed through the corridor.
Moonlight cast onto cold floor. Shifting shadows stretched time.
Shallow breathing echoed in silence. Clear and lonely.
As the potion wore off, Cat-mione woke.
Hazy gaze swept surroundings. Not yet realizing how she'd gotten here.
Memory returned.
An unspeakable cry burst out. As if Tiger's burning palm still stroked her head. Regretful, shameful sounds trembled.
Time passed.
When Hermione opened her eyes again, cold beast eyes appeared. Miss Know-It-All covered her mouth to stop a scream.
"You..."
"What are you doing here?"
She recognized it instantly.
The panther that accompanied Tiger.
To avoid summoning Madam Pomfrey, Hermione awkwardly covered her mouth with paw pads, asking quietly:
"Where's Tiger?"
Her fuzzy head looked around, searching for that familiar figure.
"Stop looking. He's not here."
"With me around, he's sleeping soundly."
A cold voice spoke. Under Hermione's shocked gaze, the panther jumped onto the bed. Green eyes flashed mockery.
Animagi couldn't speak in beast form, but potions could achieve this.
"You... you..."
Hermione pointed in disbelief.
"What, don't recognize me?"
The panther tilted her head, lips moving.
Sharp fangs revealed. Wild charm.
"Foolish Miss Know-It-All, approaching that beast isn't a simple game."
"This is war..."
Broad paw pads pressed Hermione's blanket. She didn't dare move. The beast's threat descended.
Sensing fear in Hermione's eyes, the big cat curved her lips smugly. Whiskers trembled.
"Where's that arrogance from the dance?"
"How come now..."
"You're obedient like a real cat?"
The prefect disdained conquering enemies with force. She preferred psychological collapse.
Meeting Hermione's widening eyes, smooth fur receded like water.
In its place—cascading hair and cold fragrance.
The prefect lay atop Cat-mione. Cool fingertips lifted the fuzzy chin.
"Oh?"
"Excellent texture. No wonder Shelby mumbled about you in his sleep."
Hermione's face flushed red. Her gaze at Gemma full of shame and anger.
"Damn it, you cheated!"
"Shameless—how dare you..."
Watching Cat-mione glare furiously, jealousy and hatred surfaced in cold eyes. An icy hand covered Hermione's neck.
"I looked forward to seeing you beg. But I realized—I don't have patience to play with you..."
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