THIS WAS SO GOOD!!!! I'm fangirling over this so hard. I just love so many details about this. The way Padma seems to be sooooo into Hermione is adorable. I really enjoyed the backstory you provided around the context -- Padma's family, allusions to the War and what it changed. I can totally picture Padma beaming when stepping into the bookshop :'D I love how socially awkward you portrayed her. It's so amazingly close to my headcanon, I just LOVE the way you've written her. Hermione knitting socks for Padma got me happy squeaking out loud, I swear. So cute!!! What a sensible gift and it's so plausible that Hermione would go with something handmade :)
“Oh, nice. It even has an entire chapter on consent,” Hermione said excitedly.
THAT AMAZING ADORABLE NERD!!! GAH!
The way you suggested their compatibilty in details -- how Hermione didn't touch Padma but put her hand close, letting Padma do the actual reaching... The way Padma was feeling super self-conscious but still confided, how Hermione gently reassures her...
I'm swooning over here, this is such a great fic. Shipping these two sooo much :')
Thank you so much for sharing <3 <3 <3