No. She manages to find a place to hide.

Hermione rounded the corner, her breath coming in shallow, controlled exhales. She pressed her bare back against the cold wall, suppressing a shiver as she continued to cover herself. Her heartbeat pounded in her ears, so loud she was sure it would give her away.

Just listen. Stay still. Let them pass.

She held her breath, straining to hear. The footsteps should have faded by now. They should have continued down the stairs, moved away, disappeared.

But they didn’t.

Instead, they reached the landing. Then, with horrifying clarity, they turned down the hallway.

Toward her.

A cold wave of fear washed over her. Every muscle in her body tensed. This wasn’t just a passing risk anymore—someone was coming, and if they reached the corner, they would see her.

Completely.

No, no, no—move!

She bolted.

Her eyes darted desperately along the hallway, searching—there. A door, just ahead.

She lunged for it, reaching out a hand while still clutching herself with the other. The handle turned beneath her fingers, and she slipped inside, quickly but carefully easing the door shut behind her. The latch clicked softly into place, barely a sound.

Hermione pressed her back against the door, her breath unsteady. She squeezed her eyes shut for a moment, listening.

The footsteps continued. Closer.

Then—

They passed.

A slow, relieved exhale escaped her lips. She stayed frozen in place, waiting, listening until the sound of movement finally faded into silence.

It was only then that she allowed herself to glance around.

Where… am I?

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