The gown is caught in the door, of course.

Hermione’s breath caught as she felt the resistance once more. Slowly, she turned her head, dread pooling in her stomach.

Her dressing gown was caught in the door.

A sinking feeling settled over her as she twisted her body to get a better look. A section of the fabric—right at the lower hem—was trapped between the door and its frame. It should have been a simple fix. The door wasn’t locked, after all.

She reached for the handle, fingers curling around the cool metal, and gave it a firm push.

The door didn’t budge.

Frowning, she pushed harder, putting more weight into it. Nothing.

Her heart rate picked up. Oh, come on…

She tried pulling the door open, hoping the angle would shift just enough to free the fabric. No luck. She let out a sharp, frustrated exhale.

"You’ve got to be joking," she whispered.

Again, she pushed, then pulled, then shoved at the door, but the gown had somehow managed to wedge itself so perfectly into the frame that it was now jamming the door shut. No matter how much **** she applied, it refused to move.

She stepped back, her mind racing through possibilities. She could try calling for help, but that was hardly an option either.

And then it hit her.

She was trapped.

Not in the traditional sense—she could move, technically—but in order to escape this predicament, she would have to leave her only cover behind.

Her stomach twisted as she realized exactly what that meant.

She would have to run. Naked.

Through Grimmauld Place.

Up two floors.

Her hands clenched at her sides as she tried to calm her thoughts. This wasn’t as bad as it seemed. She just needed to think rationally.

It’s still early. No one should be awake yet. If I move quickly and stay quiet, I can make it.

Her breathing slowed as she steadied herself. It was a calculated risk, but one she could manage.

She nodded once, trying to convince herself.

"Right," she whispered. "Quick and quiet. That’s all."

Her fingers found the knot of her dressing gown’s belt.

She took a deep breath.

And then, with resolve, she prepared to remove it.