dropped. “I assumed things because it felt safer than asking. I don’t—do vulnerable very well.” Hermione swallowed hard as she looked at him. Her shoulders felt taut. “Having this happen to me—presenting—it has honestly felt more terrifying than anything else I’ve ever faced. At least during the war it was external forces. But this is inside me. It's my body and my mind and it feels like they’re betraying me. I don’t know what to do. I’ve always been able to trust my mind. Even more than magic. My mind is—me. But now I feel like it isn’t anymore. Not entirely.” Her gaze dropped down to her wrists. “I don’t know what the right way of being brave about all this is. So—I just decided to be