The bushy-haired teen finally pulled up some courage ("You’re a Gryffindor, for Merlin’s sake, Hermione! You can do this!" she had scolded herself) and pulled Harry to a secluded corner of the common room while Ron was playing a Wizards Chess tournament with their housemates. After putting up some silencing and secrecy wards so no one else could hear the two, the girl carefully worded her observations before she asked if Harry’s family treated him alright. As she spoke, Hermione noticed Harry tensing as if ready to bolt. When she finally asked him, he stared at her, green eyes wide and almost...frightened.