"You're so insufferable, I hate you!" Hermione exclaimed, disdain filling her eyes.
"The feeling's mutual, you stupid... Muggle-born." Y/N retorted, Hermione's nose twitching out of frustration.
...
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Y/N found herself seated amidst the pristine snow, the days counting down to the conclusion of the Christmas Break. An aura of unfamiliarity surrounded her neighbors, as she had never really forged any connections with them. Often, she sought solace within the confines of her room, occasionally engaging in games with her mother when the schedule allowed.
Raising her gaze, she propelled herself into a standing position, her boots imprinting their presence on the snow-covered ground. The wintry surface crunched beneath her feet before yielding to the solid stone and snowy pavement. A notion sparked within her – the allure of exploring the surrounding suburbs.
To her pleasant surprise, these environs were remarkably well-developed, boasting an air of civilization. A plethora of renowned fast-food establishments stood within easy reach, accompanied by several convenience stores that dotted the landscape.
Moreover, a mere few streets away, a grand mall beckoned, promising a haven for shoppers. Amidst this urban tapestry, a handful of local pubs added to the tapestry of offerings, evoking a sense of community and relaxation.
"Y/N?" A voice, soft and distinct, emanated from the side, abruptly capturing Y/N's attention. Her head swiveled with a swift motion, mouth parting in both surprise and curiosity.
"Hermione?" Y/N's voice held a hint of disbelief, a fond smile tugging at the corners of her lips. She closed the distance between them, her steps purposeful and inviting.
"What are you doing here?" A gentle inquiry escaped Hermione's lips, her own cheeks adorned with a rosy hue, a testament to the unforgiving grip of the cold.
"I live here." Y/N's response was laced with a deadpan humor, invoking a subtle raise of Hermione's eyebrows. It was a momentary pause, an interlude in their conversation, as the implications of those words settled in.
Hermione's mouth slightly agape, she mustered a response, still grappling with the unexpected revelation. "Really? That's... well, quite the coincidence. I actually live in the neighboring suburb, Hampstead Garden. Our houses are surprisingly close."
"Ah, so it seems fate has intricately woven our paths together, Granger. Or are you just shadowing my every move?" The playful tease was accompanied by a knowing glint in Y/N's eyes. Hermione couldn't help but play along, her eyes rolling in playful exasperation, a charming retort at the ready.
"Oh, absolutely. You caught me, Y/N. I've been meticulously tracking your every step, taking notes and all."
Their banter, filled with a sense of camaraderie, wove a tapestry of connection in the chilly air, the frosty surroundings serving as a backdrop to the burgeoning familiarity between two souls destined to evolve from rivals to something far more profound. Y/N's voice, dripping with playful sarcasm, cut through the crisp air, forming a layer of levity between them.
