A Moment of Truth

The silence that followed Draco's departure was palpable, and Maximus couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over him. He turned to Hermione, who was still watching him with a look of gratitude on her face. "I'm just glad I could help," he said, trying to downplay the situation. Hermione smiled, and her eyes sparkled with amusement. "You did more than just help," she said. "You stood up to him. That takes courage." Maximus shrugged, feeling a little self-conscious about his actions. "I just did what needed to be done," he said. But Hermione's eyes didn't leave his face. She seemed to be searching for something, and Maximus couldn't help but feel like she was seeing right through him. "I think there's more to you than meets the eye, Maximus," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Maximus felt a flutter in his chest, and he looked away, trying to hide his reaction. He didn't know what to make of Hermione's words, or the way she was looking at him. He felt like she was trying to uncover a secret, one that he wasn't sure he was ready to share. As they stood there, the silence between them grew thicker, until it felt like a physical presence. Maximus could feel the weight of Hermione's gaze on him, and he knew that he had to say something. "So, what do you say we get out of here?" he asked, trying to break the tension. "It's getting late, and I'm starving." Hermione laughed, and the sound was like music to Maximus's ears. "I'm game if you are," she said. "But where do you suggest we go?" Maximus thought for a moment, and then a smile spread across his face. "I know just the place," he said. "Follow me." He led Hermione out of the corridor, and down a series of winding stairs. They eventually found themselves in a small, cozy room that was filled with the delicious smell of food. Maximus grinned, and Hermione's eyes widened in surprise. "Welcome to the Slytherin kitchens," he said. "My friends and I like to come here when we need a break from the castle." Hermione's eyes sparkled with excitement, and she followed Maximus to a table that was laden with food. They spent the next hour eating and laughing, and Maximus felt like he was getting to know Hermione in a way that he never had before. As they finished their meal, and the room began to empty, Maximus turned to Hermione with a serious look on his face. "I have to ask you something," he said. Hermione looked up at him, her eyes curious. "What is it?" she asked. Maximus hesitated, unsure of how to phrase his question. But then he took a deep breath, and plunged ahead. "What do you think of me, really?" he asked. "I mean, I know we're from different houses, and all that. But I feel like there's something between us, something that goes beyond just being friends." Hermione's eyes locked onto his, and Maximus could see the surprise in them. But then, to his surprise, she smiled. "I think you're an amazing person, Maximus," she said. "And I have to admit, I've been feeling it too. This connection between us, it's like nothing I've ever experienced before." Maximus's heart soared, and he felt like he was walking on air. He didn't know what the future held, but he knew that he wanted to spend more time with Hermione, to explore this connection between them. As they left the kitchens, and made their way back to the castle, Maximus couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. He knew that he had just taken a chance, and that the outcome was far from certain. But he also knew that he had to try, for himself, and for Hermione. And as they walked, side by side, Maximus couldn't help but wonder what the future held for them. Would they be able to overcome their differences, and find a way to be together? Only time would tell, but for now, Maximus was content to simply be with Hermione, and to see where their journey would take them.