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Chapter Text

Hey!! Welcome to 'One Page at a Time'

This is a Harry Potter fan-fiction! Specifically a Draco Malfoy one, a Draco x Reader, meaning it's a self insert/ y/n situation

This is a slow burn, it will however include mature scenes (smut, alcohol use, mature language and such) I'll include warnings before each chapter for said scenes :)

Voldemort is still a thing in this story! (He isn't Tom though, just another guy)

The story starts in 4th year but the characters are all 16 for story sake (we'll deal with birthdays when we get to them HAHAH)

Characters!

Draco Malfoy, (Tom Felton)

Theodore Nott, (Lorenzo Zurzolo)

Mattheo Riddle, (Benjamin Wadsworth)

Tom Riddle, (Christian Coulson)

Enzo Berkshire, (Louis Partridge)

Blaise Zabini, (Louis Cordice)

Peyton Thatcher (an original character)

I do not agree with JKR's actions but I do respect she created and owns this universe and its characters (minus my original characters of course)

Well, without further ado, lets get to the story!!

(I hope you enjoy your time here!!!)

Chapter Text

A quick glance at my phone told me I was in severe danger of missing the train. "Shit."

God, I don't think I've ever run this fast in my entire life. My legs burn in protest to this sudden work out.

I grip my phone, frantically texting Peyton. Numerous pleas for help are sent but no response. Awesome.

This one-sided conversation is getting on my nerves, so I decide to call her, maybe then she'll respond to my cry for help.

"Y/N?" She says and I can hear her frustration.
"Yeah, Hi." I say sucking in as much air as my lungs allow, "Is the train here?" I say breathlessly, taking this opportunity to stop and find my bearings.

"Um, Yeah?! And where are you??" I cringe inwardly. I'm gonna get an earful as soon as I see this girl or at least one of her fiery glares.

"Uhhh," I spot hanging signs and I race off towards them, "Coming." I say hanging up as soon as I see the numbers on the signs. I dodge a few couples and a family as I race towards platform 9 and 10.

First day of year four and I'm already late. Great.

Gripping the worn book bag hanging just below my hip I suck in a shaky breath. The pinned flowers cling on desperately and the numerous key chains jingle tiredly. The cloth is soft under my fingers and I slide my hand up onto the strap hanging off my shoulder, the fabric worn and tattered from excessive use.

"No time for theatrics Y/N. Put your big girl pants on." I latch the button on the bag whispering so I don't look completely insane to all the muggles. "Sorry Salem." I hear the protesting mewls of my poor cat.

Gathering my trolley with my scarce belongings stuffed haphazardly, including my guitar hanging precariously off the side, I cling onto my book bag - well my cat- and I run full force into the brick-wall.

I nearly fall over when I pass through and I stand up righting myself and adjusting my clothes. Sighing with relief I find myself on 'Platform 9 3/4'.

I unlatch my book bag, allowing Salem to escape and clamber on top of my belongings. She stares at me angrily, her fur standing on edge. I stroke her head laughing.

"It's okay," I say directing my speech to Salem, "Don't dwell on the fact we ran through a solid brick wall, we have a magical train to catch." I laugh to myself. You never get used to it, the impossibility of it. A magical academy for magically gifted witches and wizards. I mean, sure, the train isn't really magical but it sure makes the trip to Hogwarts enchanting.

The black steel shines brightly, the red accents highlighted in the sunlight. The train spits steam groggily, covering the tracks in a thick cloud of dust and steam. The sign at the front of the train gleams proudly, 'Hogwarts Express'.

Students kiss their parents goodbye, some reluctant to leave their embrace. The parents chitter nervously; checking off lists; dusting off clothes and some waving to children who are already on the train.

I catch some glimpses of familiar faces, including the one glaring at me fiercely.

"Were you crawling or something ?!" She says impatiently, fiddling with the book bag strewn across her chest. She's tied her dark curls into a ponytail at the top of her head. The hair flows down her neck and far enough down her back that you know she's got long hair. She pushes back the wisps that hang in her face, annoyed.

I raise my hands in surrender, approaching her smiling. "I missed you too." I say sarcastically, drawing her in for a tight hug. She scoffs playfully back but eventually returns the squeeze.

"Well we're gonna miss the train if you don't move your butt." She says racing off towards the train, her bags swinging dangerously next to her as she walks. Said bags nearly knocking out some first years.

She stops at the door leading onto the train, beckoning me over with frantic nods of her head.

I throw my bags off the trolley and swing my guitar on my arm. Salem trails behind me as I rush over to Peyton. She leads in front of me as we enter the train, my sneakers squeaking as I race after Peyton, who runs down the train's passageway. She peeks into each carriage trying to find a spare.

"Did you hear about the Quidditch World Cup?" A familiar voice sounds behind me. His voice rolls out in a deep tone, his voice gravelly but smooth. Leave it to Blaise to start a conversation with Quidditch.

I slow down to keep the same pace as him so we can walk side by side. "I heard a bit, why?"

"As in the reappearance of the Dark Mark?" He says, his tone hushed. I freeze when he says that, my skin coming up in goosebumps.

"Like Death eaters?!" I exclaim, turning to watch him. I bite the inside of my cheek nervously. How could I have missed that?

"Stop scaring Y/N, Blaise." Peyton huffs, pulling me into a carriage.

Blaise makes a defeated sound behind me.

I push my luggage onto the overhead racks, careful to tuck my guitar somewhere safe. I slip off my book bag and place it on the ground at my feet. As I sit, Salem curls up in my lap, her black fur already covering my pants. I stroke her nervously.

Blaise closes the sliding door closed behind him and sits across from me, next to Peyton. His large frame takes up most of the seat but he's careful to leave room for her.

"So?" I say expectantly, waiting for an explanation of the Quidditch World Cup. Blaise looks at me, his eyes wide and his mouth opened slightly. "So... That's it." He says, drawing out the 'so'.

I blink at him, annoyed. "That can't be it." I groan. Peyton snorts. "Well he is actually right, Death eaters came, threw the dark mark into the sky, chaos." She says matter-of-factly. I'm astounded by the lack of panic from either of them. I decide it best to give up and figure it out myself. Or, put things together from gossip.

The door slides open again and Enzo slips in, giddy with excitement. He beams at us, his brown hair shimmering gold in the sunlight streaming through the window overlooking the platform. Peyton jumps up, tackling Enzo with a ferocious hug. She mutters something into him and his smile grows wider.

He takes his place at Peyton's feet, his head resting against her knees. He tells us the stories of his summer, waving his hands enthusiastically as he recounts. Peyton gazes down at him, admiration and softness in her eyes.

I knock her foot with mine and when her gaze meets mine I wiggle my eyebrows knowingly. Her eyebrows crease and she mouths 'stop it.' before laughing. Enzo flicks his head between us, "What?" He says, pinching Peyton's calf when she keeps laughing. "Did I say something wrong Blaise?"

He shrugs his shoulders, smiling, "Probably not the right person to ask."

Our laughing erupts further, Blaise and Enzo joining in. Our noise covers the noise of someone else entering our carriage. I flick my gaze over to the new person, wiping a tear from my eye. He smells of cigarettes and cologne. He sits down next to me, dropping a package into my lap. I eye it suspiciously.

He smiles, elbowing me. "Open it."

"What is it Theo?" I say, prodding the neatly wrapped package. The paper tied neatly with a purple ribbon. He shrugs nonchalantly, "Found it in my Mailbox, addressed to you."

He sparks a conversation with Blaise, turning away from me so I can open the package privately.

Gingerly, I pull at the ribbon, prompting the paper to unfold and the contents to be exposed. Inside sits a leather-bound notebook, little flowers and delicate leaves embroidered into the soft cover. I let my fingers float over the cool surface, "Do you know who it's from?" I ask Theo, prodding his arm with my elbow.

He gazes at it, "Beats me. It does look like a Tom sort of gift though." He says lifting the book up, studying it.

"Why wouldn't he just give it to me then?" I ask.

"It could be from your parents." He says quietly, letting the question ask itself, 'Why?'

I shake my head, dismissing the voices in my head. "Whatever," I suck in a deep breath, "It's pretty." I can feel him laugh softly beside me, his arms brushing against mine as he does so.

I inspect the package further searching for a note, a piece of paper, something that can tell me who gave me this.

I groan inwardly when I find nothing, resigning to the fact I might never know who gave it to me.

I barely notice my eyes fluttering closed until I fall into a deep sleep.

I'm roughly awoken by someone shaking my shoulders. The sheer ruthlessness of it leads me to believe it's Mattheo and when I open my eyes I find myself correct.

He nods his head towards Peyton who's standing at the door, her uniform in her arms. I push myself out of the seat tiredly, rubbing my eyes then scolding myself when my hand comes away with black flecks on it.

I grab my uniform and my travel bag of makeup before rushing to join Peyton in the passageway.

"Theo was watching you while you were sleeping you know." She says, snickering. I push her shoulder with my own.

"Stop it, he always does that."

She turns to me, her mouth agape and her eyebrows raised, nearly to her hairline. "Huh?!" She exclaims before I shove her into the bathroom.

We bicker the whole time we're change into our uniforms. I throw a rolled up piece of toilet paper over the cubicle wall when she mocks 'how cute me and Theo would be'.

The cotton shirt scratches against me, the fabric not worn in quite yet. I slip on a vest over the white shirt, carefully tucking in my green tie underneath. I slide into my shoes, stomping into them when they're too stubborn to get on. I can hear Peyton doing the same in the cubicle next to me.

I step out and walk over to the mirror to put on my robe. My wand presses into my chest from the pocket inside of the black robe.

Peyton joins me at the mirror, rummaging through my makeup supply and pulling out my eyelash curler. "Do you think Harry was at the Quidditch World cup?" I say. No need for a last name, everyone knows who he is.

Peyton scoffs, handing me the eyelash curler, "I could not care less."

I press my eyelashes between the curlers before adding more mascara and cleaning up the mess I made when I rubbed my eye.

I look at her through the reflection of the mirror, her arms changing positions as she examines herself. "I mean I wouldn't doubt it." She says finally giving in.

"Hm." I pack up my makeup, satisfied with my appearance. "Well, whatever." I loop my arm in hers dragging her out of the bathrooms and back towards our carriage. "At least we weren't there." I say and she nods enthusiastically.

I flick my gaze into the carriages we pass and I linger on a boy with stark white hair, pushed back neatly. He flattens down his black suit, pushing away the creases.

I turn away from him as a pair of boys push past me and Peyton. Their large frames take up most of the walkway and we press against the wall to let them pass.

"Who was that?"

"Who?" She says looking behind us, "Crabbe and Goyle?"

"No, no, the boy in the carriage," When she looks at me confused I gesture to my head, "White hair?"

"Oh! Draco Malfoy." She says, skipping ahead of me and into our carriage.

I stare behind me, watching the doors of his carriage.

"Draco Malfoy..."

Chapter Text

Students clamber off the train, chattering loudly and pushing past other students to get off the train quicker.

I slide past first-years easily, Salem clutched in my arms. She bobs her head side to side, watching students pass. My bag knocks against my hip as I walk, Theo follows close behind me. He mercilessly shoves others out of his way and snaps at students who fight back.

I step off the train, sucking in a deep breath. The cold air tickles down my throat, stinging softly. I stretch my arms as I wait for the rest of the group. Theo steps off after me, then Tom, then Mattheo and finally Peyton and Enzo. They each hold their pets in their arm or, by their side.

The night sky is filled with stars, some shrouded with a neatly spun cloud while others shine proudly, unobstructed. I stare up at them as we walk towards the carriages.

I haul myself onto the wooden contraption, reaching out a hand behind me to help lift up owls in cages and place them on the benches lining the sides.

The ride to the castle is bumpy and jostles us from side to side. I catch my first glimpse of the castle as we round a corner.

The huge, towering castle has spires jutting high into the sky, ending at sharp points. Windows gleam yellow with light and little boats glint across the lake surrounding it. The lamp light from the boats skim across the inky lake.

I smile unconsciously, my stomach churning with excitement.

And as soon as the carriage comes to a stop we all rush inside the castle. The tall doors are opened wide, the wood creaking as the wind blows. The hallways are warm despite the frozen breeze that blows through the open door and students flood the space, flowing towards the Great Hall.

My gaze wanders over the four long tables, each seating groups of students, each eager and enraptured by the start of the new school year.

All of their faces are lit up with the light of the candles covering the ceiling and the sky enchanted against the ceiling is sparkling with the same stars I was staring at before. Two smaller tables have been added at the front of the hall, all the seats vacant.

The meal spread on the table is magnificent and aromatic. I use all my will to not begin eating as I sit down at my house's table - Slytherin. We sit close to the front of the hall, close to the staff table at the end of the building.

Mattheo flicks peas at Tom from across the table, each landing on top of his journal. Mattheo starts laughing but then jerks and his face contorts in pain. Tom snorts and I assume it was his doing.

Mattheo's forehead falls onto the wooden table, shaking the glasses around him. He lifts his hand, his middle finger raised at Tom.

After all the first years were sorted the Headmaster- Dumbledore- steps up to the lecturn and the hall falls silent.

"Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts!" He begins, his voice thunderous and echoing. "Before we begin our banquet, I'd like to make an announcement!" The students whisper and mutter nervously, "This castle will not only be your home this year but home to some very special guests as well." The mutters turn from frightened to excited.

"You see, Hogwarts has been chosen to host a legendary event, the Triwizard Tournament." Students exclaim loudly and the atmosphere is electrified. Tom looks up from writing and Blaise claps.

"Now, for those of you who don't know, the Triwizard Tournament brings together three schools for a series of magical contests. For each school a single students is chosen to compete." Dumbledore declares.

Blaise, Theo and Mattheo whisper to each other, placing bets and discussing the previous tournaments.

"Let me be clear, if chosen, you stand alone. And trust me when I say these contests are not for the faint-hearted." He booms, silencing the noise in the hall. "But more of that later." He says, smiling as he looks around the hall.

"For now, please join me in welcoming the lovely ladies of the Beauxbatons academy of magic and their headmistress Madame Maxime!" He booms, gesturing with his arm towards the back of the hall.

Most of the boys whip their heads around to the door, elbowing each other excitedly.

The doors swing wide. Girls adorned in silky blue uniforms glide down the path cleared between the tables. Their arms float gracefully by their sides and they lean towards students in a choreographed motion.

I laugh as Enzo tries to act mature and watch the girls respectfully. Contrarily, Theo and Blaise are practically drooling as they watch the girls.

They finish their entrance with an aerobic stunt performed by a girl much younger than the rest.

The hall erupts in loud applause, many students standing up cheering and whistling. Me and Peyton share a glance and snort, watching practically all the boys hoot and cheer.

A tall woman trails after the parade of girls. Her height commanding the attention of everyone in the hall. Many students share whispers on her sheer size.

Dumbledore greets her with a kiss on her hand and a polite nod.

"And now our friends from the North." He begins again, flinging his arms wide. "Please meet the proud sons of Durmstrang and their headmaster Igor Karkaroff."

All the students spin towards the door once again. The sound of metal striking stone fills the hall and the group of boys that enter and burly and powerful. They slam metal staffs on the floor of the hall, sending sparks flying through the air. They swing the staffs in a practiced and synchronised motion.

Those closest to them flinch each time the staffs strike the floor. Their movement is hypnotic and I watch in awe.

Once both groups are seated the feast begins and the loud noise of students talking fills the hall. I fill my plate with food as does everyone around me. I eat the food gratefully, my stomach grumbling.

I hear two voices recounting the Quidditch World Cup behind me, embellishing their story with colourful language. I spin around and watch Fred and George Weasley tell their tale.

I tap George on the shoulder and he leans towards me, letting his twin finish the story. "Did you miss me Y/N?" George says smiling.

"Oh, desperately." I laugh, "So what happened?" I say gesturing to Fred who's turned to face us now.

"Mayhem." Fred says, obviously omitting information.

"It was tragic really." George says, "They had to stop the celebration short."

"The Death eaters really spoiled our fun." Fred groans, pushing his hair back from his eyes. "They made a nuisance of themselves really."

"So no one got hurt?" I ask and when I see the look of Fred and George's face I assume there were injuries.

"They sent tents on fire." Fred says, taking on a serious tone.

"Burnt everything down." George continues, flicking his glance around the room, uncomfortable.

I sigh, looking sadly at them, "Well I'm glad you're all okay." I say finally, both of them nodding. "So you gonna put your name into the goblet?" I say referring to the enchanted Goblet used for choosing the champions for the Triwizard tournament. They smile at the change of subject.

"Well we're not old enough." They said in unison before looking between each other and nodding. "But..."

Their eyes light up with mischief and I furrow my eyebrows at them suspiciously. "What is it..."

"Make us an ageing potion, Y/N." Fred says eventually.

"We know you were nearly the top of your class in potions last year." George says, his eyes pleading.

My mouth hangs open and I voice various protests, "What's in it for me though." I ask, dead serious.

"Watching your absolute best friends conquer the Triwizard Tournament?" They say together and when they see my very clearly unamused expression they give in. "Some Gillyweed." My eyebrows shoot up at that. I weigh my options.

"Come on, we know you like plants." They say desperately and I roll my eyes.

"Get me Dittany as well and we have a deal." I stick out my hands to them, expectant. After exchanging a look they shake my hand excitedly.

"Pleasure doing business with you." We all say before turning around and facing our tables.

The feast goes by without a hitch and I decide it best to go to the library straight-away and grab the potion recipe.

The bookshelves that line the library's walls are stuffed to the brim with hardcover books on subjects anything to do with magic.

My fingers graze over the spines of all the books, searching for the book containing the recipe for an ageing potion. The library is quieter than usual. No students are studying as the year just started, so I'm left alone with my thoughts.

I grab various books off the shelves and stack them on top of each other. I then take my stack and walk towards one of the desks. I switch on the lamp and begin flicking through the books.

I hear someone else enter the library, their shoes clicking loudly in silence. I eye the person as they walk past, careful not to make it obvious. I flinch a little when I see Draco Malfoy.

He walks quickly, taking long strides towards the back of the library. He glances around him nervously, freezing briefly after seeing me. He turns away quickly and continues walking.

I push myself out of my chair, flinching when it makes a loud scraping noise. I press my chest against the bookshelf and peek around the corner to watch Malfoy. He looks around before creeping towards the restricted section.

I step out of my hiding spot and choose to lean against the end of a bookshelf. "Sneaking around?" I say, my voice filling the room louder than I expected.

He spins around to face me, a look of fright strewn across his face. "Why would you care?" He says. His voice is silvery yet husky, sending shivers down my spine. He glares at me with grey eyes, the striking colour is noticeable even from this far away. "Come to get me in trouble?" He speaks when I don't respond, a smirk drawing across his lips.

"I'm just interested, that's all." I speak, my voice coming out a bit shaky. He raises an eyebrow and pushes his tongue against the inside of his cheek. He then turns around and approaches the rope barrier in front of the restricted section.

I walk towards him, biting the inside of my lip. "What could you need from the restricted section, hm?" I ask, stepping in front of him and blocking his path to the rope.

He flinches at our closeness before scoffing, "I'm not sure it's any of your business." He hisses.

I click my tongue mockingly, "Whatever would the professor's think if they saw you?" He then flinches and glares at me, obviously annoyed.

"Get out of my way." He spits, glaring down at me.

"Wait," I say, remembering why his face is familiar, "You were in my potions class last year weren't you." He stares at me in annoyance.

"This is irrelevant." He groans, wiping his face with his hand, frustrated.

"Help me with a potion and I'll help you find whatever book you're looking for." I say, searching his face, waiting for an answer.

He rolls his eyes, "I don't need help, just leave me alone and don't tell anyone, then we might have a deal."

I eye him suspiciously, squinting my eyes. I sigh, shaking my head, "Fine. But I need the potion done tonight."

He groans, pushing back his hair, "No deal. I have more important things to do tonight." He says pushing past me.

I clear my throat and begin walking towards the librarians desk. "What are you doing?" He says, his voice shaky and worried.

"Going to tell the librarian about the boy trying to get into the restricted section ?" I say turning around to face him. He glares at me, his jaw clenching.

He groans and says, "Fine." I raise my eyebrow at him and he reluctantly continues, "I'll do it. Just wait outside."

I smile, "Perfect." I say turning away, "I think I'll wait outside." I say over my shoulder and I hear him grumble behind me and then I hear the sound of the rope moving.

"Don't take too long Malfoy," I hear him spin around at his name, "I have a tight schedule."

"I go at my own pace." He says, anger undertones in his voice.

I wait outside the doors of the library, flicking through the book containing the recipe for the ageing potion. The stone wall is cool against my back, the large bricks digging into my back.

I slip the book into my bag when I hear the doors open.

Malfoy slides a book into a pocket inside his robes. I look at him expectantly and he walks past me, in the direction of the dungeons. "Hurry up." He sighs and I push off the wall and follow him.

"Don't you want to know my name?"

He turns to look at me, his gaze falters and he spins away.

"I already know your name."

Chapter Text

We stand outside the potions classroom and I shiver underneath my uniform. The dungeons are colder than usual, so I draw my robe tighter to my body.

Malfoy stands at the door, reaching into his pocket. He pulls out a small key, the silver glinting in the dull light. The metal is steel and the key has no embellishments.

"Where'd you get that?" I ask, watching him slide the key into the lock.

He glances sideways at me as the lock clicks, "It's a secret." He says before pushing the door open. It creaks tiredly. I shake my head from behind him.

Potions classes are held in a dungeon classroom, large enough to hold at least twenty students, their cauldrons, and their work tables. The classroom is cold as well and I can almost see my breath.

A student supply cupboard is in the room, along with a blackboard on which the professor can write that sits at the front of the class room.

I slide my bag off my shoulder and onto one of the tables. Malfoy reaches into my bag and grabs the book I took from the library. He flicks to the page with the ageing potion instructions. His slender fingers, float across each line of the ingredient list.

He lists off various ingredients and I fetch them from the supply cupboard begrudgingly.

"Is that it?" I ask, standing in front of the open cupboard. He nods, grabbing a cauldron from the shelves lining the walls of the classroom.

"Why do you want an ageing potion anyway?" He says, placing the small cauldron in the centre of the table. "Did you want to compete in the tournament?!" He asks in disbelief, lighting the fire beneath the cauldron.

I laugh, "Merlin's beard- no." I place the jars filled with the ingredients on the table. He watches me as I begin the process of brewing the potion. He waits expectantly, "It's for the twins." I say.

"Weasley's?" He asks disgusted. "Well, It will never work."

I scowl at him, "Look, the twins minds work in mysterious ways. Plus they aren't that bad." I say, stirring the cauldron anti-clockwise.

The mixture bubbles and begins to change colours.

He rolls his eyes then suddenly and frantically grabs my wrist, "You need to stir it clockwise." He says, more annoyed than anything.

I flick my stare from his hand wrapped around my wrist and up at him before tugging out of his grasp. I rub my wrist, "No," I say pointing at the instructions, "It says anti-clockwise."

He reads over the instructions, his hands stuffed into his pockets now. I watch as a look of realisation forms on his face, his cheeks pink with blush.

"Weren't you top of the class last year?" I tease, finishing off the potion with a flick of my wand and pouring the contents into a small vial. I tip the contents of the cauldron into the sink before returning to the table.

"Haha." He says, clearly not amused, "Well you clearly didn't need my help so this was just a waste of time." He grumbles, grabbing his things.

The book he snatched from the restricted section slides out and he swiftly grabs in and tucks it back into his bag.

I look at him, "How many secrets are you keeping Malfoy?" I ask, gesturing towards his bag.

He walks towards the door, "As many as I need." He says before tossing the key to me. I catch it, the cold metal stinging my hand.

"Wait! Do you need this back?" I yell after him, waving the key, but he already closed the door. "Cool." I say to myself as I begin to clean up the table.

I slip the vial of the ageing potion into the pocket in my robe. The liquid is warm against my chest and I can hear it fizz softly.

I hear the door skid open again and I turn around expecting Malfoy, but, instead Professor Snape stands in the doorframe. I freeze.

"What do you think you're doing?" He drawls, his chin tilted high.

I stutter, looking around, "I-"

"It's past curfew Y/N." He hisses and I quickly check the time on the clock hanging above the door, 10:15. I panic. The time went quicker than I anticipated. "Considering you seem to enjoy spending time in the potions classroom after class, I don't think you'll mind spending detention in here either." He says clearly pleased.

I open my mouth to protest but decide against it, clenching my jaw. "Yes sir." I mutter, my head bowed down as I stare at the floor.

"Clean this mess up." He says spinning to leave, "I expect to see you here tomorrow afternoon, do not be tardy." He spits finally before leaving.

I clean up, angrily muttering as I do so. The key digs into my leg through the pocket in my skirt.

Once the classroom is cleaned up I walk towards the Slytherin common room. I mutter 'Pure-blood' and the secret door slides open. The sound of stone grinding fills the dungeon's halls.

I'm hit with the smell of damp earth and fire as I enter the room.

The common room is a long, underground room. It's walls a rough stone as is the ceiling, from which greenish lamps hang from silver chains, illuminating the room in an emerald glow. The addition of the lake's greenish tinge through the large paned windows adds to the eerie atmosphere.

The fire crackles under an intricately carved mantlepiece on which a portrait of a serpent is sat.

Low backed, black, button tufted, leather sofas are scattered across the floor, some surrounding the fireplace. A green rug place beneath each group of couches.

Students are settled down in most of them, a pair of students are sat at the table where a game of wizard chess has begun.

Peyton waves me over from the opposite side of the room, from one of the study nooks. I walk over to join her and Mattheo when I spot Malfoy sitting on a couch by the fire, a book in one hand and his wand in the other. He twirls it distractedly.

My steps falter as I watch him and I remember the key in my pocket. I reach into the pocket in my skirt, feeling the metal on my fingers, now warm from being pressed closed to my body.

I begin to walk over to him when a girl intercepts my path and sits next to Malfoy. He barely acknowledges her as she speaks. I decide to keep walking and I stand in front of him.

He lifts his gaze from his book, staring at me through his eyelashes. "You're back a bit late aren't you?" He asks already knowing the answer. The girl sitting next to him glares at me with her piercing blue eyes.

"I guess that's why I got a detention." I say frustrated, and he snorts, a smirk spreading across his lips. I hold out my hand, the key resting in my palm. He stares at it, his cold eyes watching my hand.

I'm immediately conscious of the callouses on my finger tips and the chewed down nails.

He lowers his book and reaches towards my hand to grab the key. His cool fingers graze my skin as he picks up the key and I shiver.

I quickly draw my hand to my chest and I begin walking away, "Y/N." He says. I shiver again. My name coming out of his mouth sounds so perfect and neat. I turn to him, "Don't have too much fun in detention." He finishes, turning his head to look at his book again. A smile plastered across his face.

I scoff and continue on my journey to Peyton. I see her smiling at me, her eyebrows raised. I roll my eyes as I approach their table. "What's going on there?" She says, teasing. Mattheo shuffles cards on the opposite side of the table.

"Nothing." I say and when she gives me a doubtful look I groan. "I think I'm just gonna go to bed." I say stretching. The tiredness hits me and a yawn escapes my lips. She pouts at me and Mattheo speaks, "I guess me and Peyton will have some alone time." She whips her head to him, hitting him on the arm.

I can't help but laugh when I see a deep blush creeping onto her cheeks.

Peyton grumbles from behind me as I walk towards the girl's dorms. My shoes click against the marble staircase leading up to the second floor.

When I open the door to the dorms I don't find anyone inside, but I do find my luggage and Salem lounging on a bed, closest to a window, looking into the lake.

I walk over to her kissing her on the head softly. She stretches, meowing softly as she wakes up.

I bend down to unlatch one of my suitcases, pulling out a large shirt and some long comfy pants. I then slip out of my uniform and put on my other clothes. I hang my uniform in the tiny closet next to my bed.

I remember to reach into my robe pocket, drawing out the ageing potion. The vile twinkles with an emerald glow and I slip it inside a sock and then into my bedside drawer.

I make a startled noise when I hear the door click open. I spin to look and Theo stands at the door, his hands raised. "Sorry." He whispers as he steps into the room and walks towards my bed.

Salem mewls unhappily when he picks her up and sits in her place. "Were you in the library?" He asks and I nod, sitting down in front of him, my legs crossed. "Why are you always there?" He sulks, rubbing Salems belly.

"Well you could join me?" I say and he gives me a disgusted look. "Okay, okay. I get it." I laugh.

He then grabs at my pant leg, rubbing the material between his fingers, "What is this?" He asks, offended.

"My pyjamas?" I say, swatting his hand away. "What're you saying?"

"I'm saying, they're ugly." He says matter-of-factly.

I gasp dramatically, drawing a hand to my chest. "How dare I not wear something appealing to you when I go to bed!" I laugh and he pushes me gently.

"Whatever." He sighs, the slight tinge of blush reddening his cheeks. He then he points to my guitar, leaned against the wall. "Play me something?" He asks, his eyes pleading. I shrug and push myself out of bed and grab the guitar.

I sit down and place it in my lap, letting the strap hang down onto the bed. He watches me intently as I slide my fingers up the neck. The dark lacquered wood cool under my fingers.

My finger find their position and my other hand begins to pick a soft melody. The notes sing in the quiet room, the only other noise being our breathing. His eyes follow the movement of my fingers against the strings. I then begin to lose myself in the music, my eyes fluttering closed as I pluck a gentle song.

I feel Theo watching me, his gaze never faltering.

I open my eyes and find him staring at my face, his eyes warm and smiling. He doesn't look away as I stare back. I flick my eyes down to my hands again, an awkward smile spreading across my face.

As the song finishes, "Beautiful." He whispers, still watching my face. I slide the guitar off my lap and onto the floor beside my bed.

"Thank you." I say shyly, unused to his affection.

He rises, brushing down his robe he hasn't changed out of. He stretches and his untucked shirt rises a little. A sliver of his tanned skin peeks out from above his belt. "Alright," He yawns, "See you tomorrow." He says as he begins walking towards the entrance to the girls dorm.

"Goodnight, Y/N." He says before slipping out of the door and clicking it shut behind him.

"Yeah, goodnight..."

Chapter Text

Peyton stands over me, her hair tickling my face. I brush it away, pushing myself up tiredly from my bed.

I suppress a yawn as I whisper, "Oh my god, what are you doing." I rub my eye with the back of my hand. She stands next to my bed, her eyes still closed.

I glance at the clock on my bedside table, 5:30. The light that floods through the lake water, thus into the dorm, is pale and tired.

"I thought we agreed to get up early the first day?" She says, obviously still half-asleep.

"We did not. Go back to bed." I whisper, careful not to wake any of the other girls up. She sighs in relief, stumbling back to her own bed beside mine. She curls up under the blankets and practically passes out as soon as her head hits the pillow.

I roll over and try to go back to sleep, pulling the sheets above my head. I squeeze my eyes shut but sleep doesn't come.

Defeated, I push myself out of bed and tip-toe out of the dorms. I wince when one of the girls stir and rolls over in her bed.

I escape into the hallway and walk down the stairs into the common room. My socks don't protect me from the cold of the floor and I race over towards the fireplace. I sit on the rug, thrusting my hands towards the heat of the fire.

"You're up early."

I jump, spinning around to the place where the voice sounded. "So are you." I say, staring into his grey eyes. I wrap my arms around my body, feeling his gaze rake my body.

He walks to stand over me. His hair is neat as usual, no sign of sleep touches his white hair. "I'm always up early." Malfoy says, his hands inside the pockets of his sweat pants.

I shiver and move closer to the fire. He watches me before saying, "What? Do I make you uncomfortable?"

I spin and look at him, my hands waving in panic, "No-no I-I was-" I say panicked. He starts laughing, one of his hands resting on his chest, "Cold?" I finish.

"I know, I was joking." He says, moving to lean against the stone wall of the fireplace. "So what punishment did Snape give you?" He asks, watching me carefully.

"He didn't say," I reply, "Just to go to the classroom this afternoon- wait-" I squint my eyes as I look at him, "How did you know it was Snape..?"

He smirks at me and my eyes widen, "You knew didn't you!" I exclaim, pressing my hand to my mouth, surprised at my volume, "You snake." I whisper. He shrugs innocently, crossing his arms.

"Maybe I knew? You can't prove it." He says pushing off the wall and leans down to me. His face close to mine, his eyes locking with mine. "See you later Y/N." He whispers before walking away.

I stay staring at the fire, watching the flames lick up the timber. I sigh and lean back and lie on my back, the rug scratching against my back. My face heats but not from the fire.

‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾

"When I come back I expect the classroom to be spotless and that you've learnt your lesson." Professor Snape says, standing at the front of the potions classroom.

I nod and grip the shoulder strap of my bag. He glides past me, his cloak flowing dramatically behind him. "Do be careful." He says as he leaves the classroom, clearly not concerned.

I slip my bag off and drop it next to a wall with a groan.

I stare at the cauldrons on each table, still spewing various coloured sludge. Soot covers some tables and cutting boards sit on the tables, ingredients still left on them.

I walk towards the broom cupboard in the corner of the classroom and grab a dustpan and a handheld broom. I then stand by a table, the cleaning supply in hand. I cringe at the goo spilling out of the cauldron.

I sweep the soot off the table and into the dustpan, some floating into the air. I try to suppress a sneeze when it tickles my nose and I fail. I sneeze and miraculously the ash stays in the pan.

"Bless you." I hear from behind me. I don't turn around, I know this voice.

"Come to laugh at my misery?" I ask, tipping the soot in the dustpan into the bin. I spin to meet his eyes and he grins.

"No, the contrary actually." He says, grabbing the dust pan out of my hand.

"You're gonna cry at my misery?" I ask, shrugging.

"N-no." He groans, "I'm gonna help." He says, sighing. I then hand him the brush, grateful.

"Oh, well thanks." I smile, watching him walk over to a table and scoop the dust into the pan with the brush. "Wait is this like last time? Do you have an ulterior motive?"

His laugh is raspy, "Have some faith, Y/N." He says watching me. I'm the one to break the eye contact, grabbing at one of the jars, not really paying attention. I fling my hand back, wincing, "Shit." I gasp. The jar was broken, large shards of sharp glass exposed.

I look down at my palm and the jagged cut thats seeping blood down my hand. I squeeze my hand over the cut quickly, trying to stop the bleeding.

Malfoy races over, a look of worry on his face. He grabs my hand, holding it in his own. His fingers grip my hand gently and he pulls me over to the sink. He turns on the tap and rinses my hand. "Malfoy, I'm fine." I wince as the water runs over the deep gash.

"Just let me help you." He says, his eyebrows furrowed in stress. He doesn't look away from my palm.

He gently strokes a finger over the cut and I grimace. He examines the cut for small bits of glass, trying to be as gentle as possible. He whispers apologies when I recoil in pain. "I think there might be some of the potion in there." He says, finally looking up at me, his face pale, "I'll have to get it out." He says, gulping.

"Okay." I say, nodding.

He blushes softly before saying, "I'll have to...suck it out." He coughs, looking away from my eyes.

My mouth hangs open briefly and I blush, a lot deeper than him. "O-oh," I watch his throat bob as he looks at the wall, his hand still gripped around my hand. The mixture of my blood and water drips off our interlocked hands and I feel light-headed looking at it. I then nod, "That's fine." I say shakily.

He looks at me surprised then shakes his head, his expression serious.

He holds my palm carefully, examining the cut. I watch, embarrassed, as he lowers his lips onto my palm. His lips are warm and soft against my skin. I feel his breaths against my skin, tickling my hand.

I gasp when he begins to suck the potion out of the cut. It's a strange sensation and I groan in pain. He turns his mouth away from my hand and spits a mixture of my blood and potion into the sink. I shiver watching it go down the drain.

He then presses his lips to the cut again, drawing out the last of the concoction and spitting it into the sink.

He looks at me, "All done." He says quietly, his fingers lingering on my hand before drawing them away.

I nod, unable to conjure any words. He wipes away the blood on his mouth with the pad of his thumb.

I scramble for a tissue, gripping it in my un-injured hand. I lift the tissue to his face, suddenly embarrassed. "Here." I say finally, pressing it into his hand instead. He look between the tissue and his hand and back at me.

He wipes his lips, wiping away my blood from his mouth.

He then strides over to the cupboard pulling out a bandage and some salve. "I-uh, don't know the healing charm so I'm just gonna wrap your hand and you can go see Madame Pomfrey later..." He says, stuttering at the beginning.

"Thank you." I say quietly, almost a whisper. He nods before taking my hand in his again. His grip is looser now, trying not to press too much of his skin on mine. I watch him embarrassed as he twists open the salve jar with one hand and dips a finger in the cream.

He spreads it over the cut and I flinch expecting it to hurt but instead, it cools the area that I barely noticed was even heating up. The bandage is wrapped around my hand tightly and he secures it with a knot.

He lets my hand go with a nervous cough. "I'll uh, finish cleaning the jars up." He says, leaving me and walking towards the table where I cut myself.

I silently begin cleaning the cauldrons, flinching whenever my injured hand comes into contact with anything.

We're both silent the rest of the afternoon as we clean the potions classroom. My hand tingles but not from the cut, from the sensation of his lips on my skin.

Once we finish, he waits close to the classroom while I wait inside the room for Snape. The professor surveys the room and nods, dismissing me.

I pick up my bag and leave the class.

I walk to where Malfoy waits for me. I smile at him sheepishly and his mouth flicks up in a small smile. "Thanks for helping me with the cleaning, and uh this." I say, gesturing to my bandaged hand.

He nods, "Of course."

We then stand there silently before he clears his throat, "Can I show you something?"

I startle, staring at him with wide eyes. "Yeah, sure." I say, smiling.

He then walks down the hall and out the dungeon. I follow him, clutching my wrapped hand to my chest. We walk up the stairs and to a classroom with a smaller wooden door than the rest of the classes.

He stands before the door and I say, "Is this another trap?"

His shoulders sag in relief and so do mine, glad to be back to our usual banter. "Not this time." He says, turning to look at me.

He pushes open the door and a large room is in front of me. A large window sits on one wall, overlooking the Black Lake. The music classroom.

Various instruments line the walls and a gorgeous black grand piano sits in front of the window. I gasp softly. The afternoon light glistens across the glossy surface and illuminates the various pages strewn across the stand on the piano.

"I heard you playing last night." He says shyly, walking towards the piano and I follow

"Did you like it?" I ask, distracted by the piano. I see him tense out of the corner of my eye.

"Yes." He says quickly, turning away from me and walking towards the piano. He pulls out the stand for the piano and tidies the sheet music on the stand.

"Do you play?" I ask, running a hand along the lid of the piano.

He stands over the piano, "Yeah I do.." He says a bit embarrassed.

"Well could you play me something?" I request, watching him sit down on the piano stand. He stretches his fingers over the keys before letting them rest.

His fingers press the keys, drawing a fluttering song out of the instrument. He sits at the giant instrument, coaxing an impossibly soothing and sweet melody with the press of his slender fingers.

I stand behind him, intently watching his fingers caress the piano instead of just playing it. He leans into his movements, pushing deeply into the strong chords, drawing out their notes. My heart clenches listening to the soft trills of notes.

The song finishes with a soft arpeggio of notes, seemingly fluttering through the air.

"That was gorgeous Draco." I say, my voice soft as the melody. He jolts at the use of his name and I myself am surprised. He spins to look at me. His hair is a halo of white illuminated by the dying sunlight.

We stare at each other, his eyes sparkling with golden light. The melody repeats in my head, soft and lulling.

My lips part and I watch his do the same.

He softly grips my hand, his fingers rubbing the bandage gently. His hand slides up my arm and I slowly lean down to him, my hand finding its way to his shoulder.

My eyes begin closing but my lips are parted, preparing for his.

Our lips are now inches away from each other and his hand has slipped into my hair, cool against my skin.

Then I jolt. The piano lid slammed down, sparking a reaction from both of us.

I draw my hand away from him and he does the same, stuffing it into his pocket as he stands. We stand awkwardly, barely able to look at each other.

"Goodbye, Y/N." He says, briefly looking into my eyes. The grey of his eyes are darker and warm now and his cheeks burn with blush as I imagine mine are blazing now.

He then walks out of the room leaving me standing by the piano, fingers pressed to my lips.

Chapter Text

"But did you kiss him?"

I groan, pressing my hand to my face, "Peyton, no. I've already said this." I sigh, an irritated but amused smile spreading across my face.

"Yeah, but what if you're lying?" She asks, unblinking.

"Yeah, what if you're lying?" Mattheo mocks, staring straight at me, from behind Peyton.

"Merlin's beard- you two are impossible." I say, flinging my hands up. Both of them laugh, clearly satisfied with pissing me off. I cast my gaze over the courtyard as we walk to our class. Students run across it, books clutched to their chests and others laze around on the seats before class starts.

Mattheo and Peyton split off from me, them walking to charms and me walking to defence against the dark arts.

I walk by myself, flicking through my textbook and familiarising myself with the new topics. And outside the classroom I spot Draco, talking with a boy I remember as Goyle. When we lock eyes he doesn't stop talking and stares at me. I smile at him before walking into class.

Our new professor, Mad-eye Moody, stands at the front of the class room intimidatingly. His glass eye rolls around, analysing each of the students entering his classroom.

I take a seat next to Hermione, one of the familiar faces I know. I smile politely and she returns the gesture.

As soon as everyone is seated his voice booms, startling some students. "Alastor Moody," He says turning to the blackboard and scratching his name onto the board with chalk, "I'm your new 'Defence Against the Dark Arts' teacher." He says facing us once again.

He continues talking, ending with, "Any questions?" and the class stays silent. Students look to each other, looking frightened.

"When it comes to the Dark Arts, I believe in a more practical approach." He says, licking his lips before continuing, "First, who can tell me how many unforgivable curses there are?" He asks.

Hermione speaks up, her voice shaky, "There are three sir."

"And they are so named?" He says, scribbling, '3 unforgivable' onto the black board.

"Because they are unforgivable, the use of any one of them-" Hermione continues

"Would earn you a one-way ticket to Azkaban." Moody says, growing louder and louder, "Correct." He spits.

"Now the minister says you're too young to see what these curses do." He says, growing more agitated, "I say different. You need to know what you're up against." He says turning to face the board and write once more, "You need to be prepared. And you need to find another place to put your chewing gum beside the under-side of your desk Mr. Finnigan." He yells, whipping around after Seamus' retort and flinging the piece of chalk he was holding towards his head.

Students gasp but the Professor continues on with the lesson. I gaze over the classroom, intending to catch a glimpse of Draco but I find him staring at me instead. He looks away, a smile on his lips and I do the same.

To say my first lesson of DAD' was unhinged would be an understatement. I shiver, recalling the unforgivables being used on the poor spider. The spells treated as a mere experiment rather than the deadly curses they really were.

The rest of my classes for that day go as expected, DADA being the only standout. In each class mutters about the Triwizard Tournament were frequent and students betting on who's going to win were recurring. I'm reminded of the potion sitting in my beside table and after classes I rush back to the dorms.

When I get there I race to the dorm room, nearly tripping up the stairs as I do so. I then rifle through my drawer, looking for the sock in which I hid the glass vial. "Looking for this?" A girl says behind me.

I tense and spin around, slamming the drawer shut. It's the girl from the common room, the one who sat next to Draco and glared at me. Her long brown hair flows down her shoulders in a straight waterfall of hair. Her piercing blue eyes glaring at me. She clutches the potion in her hand, waving it at me mockingly.

"Give it back." I say, holding out my hand expectantly.

"No." She spits, balling her fist around the tiny vial. "I think I'll keep it." She says, beginning to walk away. I raise my wand at her.

"Carpe Retractum!" I yell, a string of light leaving my wand and twisting around the girl's wrist. The seize and pull charm yanks her towards me and I grip her arm. "Give it back." I hiss, pulling her closer to my face.

She glares at me and yanks her hand out of my grasp, shoving the potion into my hand that was holding her wrist. She then storms out of the room, sniffling softly.

I roll my eyes at her, slipping the potion into my pocket. I also slide my wand into my robe, checking the drawer is closed. A cough sounds at the door and I spin on my heel. Peyton looks between me and the girl walking down the stairs.

"Why must you terrorise children?" She asks, clicking her tongue in mock disappointment. She walks over to me her arms crossed. She then sits on my bed, pulling my pillow onto her lap.

"What do you mean?"

"Astoria is in second-year." She says, pointing towards the door.

"Seriously?" I ask, cringing, thinking about her practically sitting on top of Draco in the common room. "Why would she be going through the fourth-year dorms then?" I ask, pulling at my hair absentmindedly. "I mean the only time I've seen her was in the common room that one time when I was talking to-"

"Draco..." We both say in unison, figuring out the mystery.

"She must be jealous then." Peyton says, pulling a piece of gum out of her pocket and unwrapping it.

"Of me and Draco?" I ask embarrassed.

Peyton slips the gum into her mouth before saying, "Duh." She then stands up beckoning me to follow, so I oblige. "Apparently Fred and George are gonna try and put their name in the Goblet." She says with a laugh.

I smile to myself as she continues ranting about the Goblet and how unfair it is she can't compete.

I follow her out of the Slytherin dorms and to where the Goblet of Fire is placed.

Peyton walks over to Enzo, yelling something to him. I look around for Fred and George when I feel two pairs of hands on my shoulders. "Hello sweetheart." They say in unison and I swat their hands away, laughing.

I then slip the vial into their hands along with two empty ones. "Just split the mixture evenly into each vial." I say, watching them smile broadly. They pour the potion into each vial, sealing them with cork stoppers.

"Wish us luck m'lady." George says, bowing dramatically.

"Maybe a good luck kiss?" Fred says, puckering his lips and leaning towards me. I press a hand to his face, holding in a laugh.

"You'll do without." I say, smiling and Fred sighs, whimpering sarcastically.

I then watch them run into the room, yelling and whooping. The crowd already in there reciprocates the energy, cheering and whistling. I decide to leave the Goblet and walk towards the library, already knowing the potion isn't going to fool the age-line Dumbledore enchanted around the Goblet.

As I walk I sense the presence of someone watching me, then, before I know someone grabs my arm and drags me into small, lightless room. I squirm against their grip opening my mouth to scream but a hand slaps over my mouth.

The person hushes me quiet and I make a sound of recognition. "Draco?" I ask, muffled by his hand.

I slip my wand out of my pocket and mutter a 'lumos' charm, lighting up the broom closet he dragged me into. I blush at the tight quarters. His face inches away from mine, his hips resting against mine and his hands on my wrist and face.

"What-" I ask, his hand now lowered from my face.

"I said something." He says breathlessly, his face paling.

"...Okay?" I say, un-bothered.

"No you don't get it." He groans, squeezing the bridge of his nose.

"Yeah I don't..." I say, shrugging frustrated.

"Astoria came up to me in the Great Hall and was bothering me." He says, watching my face carefully and I furrow my eyebrows at him.

"And?"

"And..." He says, sucking in a breath and squeezing his eyes shut. "I think I may have suggested we were dating..."

I hold back a scream. WHAT?!. My mouth hangs open, speechless. I search his face for any sign of amusement but all I find is dread and fear.

"Oh, shit."

Chapter Text

"You look mad."

"I am, just a little bit, yeah." I say, pressing a now shaking hand to my forehead. He cringes away from the venom in my voice. "Sorry I-" I say, replacing the end of my sentence with a groan.

"Well I don't think she'll tell anyone." He says, trying to comfort me.

"Maybe she won't," I say, looking away from him as best I can in these close quarters, "But I found her snooping through my stuff." I finish, crossing my arms in front of me to create some space.

He sucks in a breath through his teeth, "Oh..." I see him press against the wall behind him, staring at me.

The silence is overwhelming and I cough to interrupt it, "Why are we in a closet though?" I ask, gesturing the the small space space we're in. He stares at me, his mouth turning up into a grin.

"What?" He smirks, "Don't like being this close to me?" He says abandoning his place on the wall and leaning close to me, pressing a hand next to my head on the wall.

I stare up at him defiantly, a smirk spreading across my own lips. "Not at all, Draco." I purr, emphasising his name. I wrap my hand around his tie, pulling him closer to me. Our lips are close enough for a kiss, not yet touching.

His lips part, ready for mine and I look up at him through my eyelashes. I smile, slipping my other hand around the doorknob. I twist it open, pulling away from him and leaving him alone in the closet.

I hear him laugh, a low raspy one. He steps out of the room, shaking his head with a grin plastered on his face. "You're unbearable Y/N." He chuckles, carding through his hair with his fingers, brushing the loose strands away from his face.

I shrug, smiling at him. "It makes it more fun, no?" I ask, sliding my hand up his chest and letting my hand rest behind his neck. I feel him shiver under my fingers, hairs raising on his neck.

He stares at me, slightly frustrated and when I draw away he sighs.

I wave behind me as I walk away, hearing him laugh and walk away himself.

I let out a shaky breath, pressing my hand to my chest. Blush creeps onto my cheeks and I slap a hand over my cheek. I laugh to myself, astounded by how flustered he got me.

"Y/N!" I hear behind me, accompanied by the clicking of shoes on stone. "Y/N!!" The voice yells, strangled and breathless.

I catch Peyton's arm as she practically throws herself at me. She pants, her hands resting on her knees as she catches her breath. She then thrusts a box into my stomach, nearly winding me.

I gasp in pain before opening the box. A jar of Gillyweed and a bunch of Dittany lay in there, along with a note signed F & G.

Peyton hurriedly explains how Fred and George's plan backfired and she had to steal this box and give it to me. "How'd you know I made it?" I ask when she says I did a good job making the potion, as it worked for a while.

"Because you're the only person I know who actually wants Gillyweed." She says as if it were obvious. We both laugh briefly before she gasps, slapping a hand to her mouth. "Quidditch practice!" She says leaving her hands over her mouth.

"Why are you still here?!" I say, pushing her in the direction she came, "Go, go!" I exclaim as she runs away. She yells into the room where the Goblet was, screaming Mattheo's and Enzo's name. Enzo runs out, chasing Peyton where as Mattheo strolls out of the room, following them.

I push on towards the greenhouses, abandoning my plan to visit the library.

As I walk into the glass building I suck in a deep breath. The air is so fresh in here and the smell of damp earth and water soothes me. I run my hand along a broad, waxy leaf, feeling the coolness of the plant.

I sit down on a bench amidst the flower beds. I drag out the mysterious journal, rubbing the cover in small circles. I don't spend any breaks with my parents. I usually spend Christmas with Peyton and summer with Theo.

Each year I silently wish for a gift from my parents, or even a note. But every year I'm disappointed.

"Oh, Y/N!" Someone says, startled.

I turn and find Neville, a tin watering can clutched in his arms. I smile at him, sliding the journal back into my bag carefully. "Sorry," I say standing up, "I'll leave you alone if you'd like?" I say shyly, dragging my bag over my shoulder.

He shakes his head frantically, "No!" He says. I then smile watching him slowly turn a shade of red, "I-I mean-" He stutters and I laugh softly.

"Neville, you're okay." I smile, "Do you want some help?" I ask, and he nods gratefully, handing the watering can to my outstretched arms.

We both tend to the garden, watering various plants and repotting others. We share polite conversation and eventually some jokes.

As I leave, the sky turning dark, Neville hands me a small pot with a fern planted in it. He looks down to his feet, avoiding my eyes. "I know you like ferns so I uh-" He says, gesturing to the plant I now hold.

I place a hand on his shoulder, "Thanks Neville." I say, and he looks up to me, smiling broadly.

"No-no problem!" He yells as I walk back towards the castle.

‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾

"Now the moment you've all been waiting for!" Dumbledore booms, spinning around the room, his arms outstretched. He looks over all the students gathered in the great hall. All our faces are lit by the blue fire burning in the goblet. "The champion selection!" He yells, flicking his hands to the fires burning around the room.

The fires dim, creating an eerie atmosphere.

He then walks towards the goblet with his hand outstretched. The flame flickers red, searing brighter and higher before spitting out a scorched piece of paper.

He snatches it out of the air reading the small piece of paper, "The Durmstrang champion is," He announces, turning to look at us. "Viktor Krum!"

The hall erupts in cheers, most coming from the Durmstrang group. Viktor stands and walks to shake the headmasters hand.

The fire then spits out another piece of paper that named Fleur Delacour from Beauxbatons and another paper showing Cedric Diggory's name from Hogwarts.

All three champions stand at the front of the hall, "Excellent! We now have our three champions!" Dumbledore yells excitedly. "But in the end, only one will go down in history..." He says lowering his voice, "Only one will hoist the Chalice of Champions, this vessel of victory..."

"The Triwizard Cup!" He yells, spinning to reveal the glowing blue glass trophy. The word 'Triwizard' engraved on its surface.

The fire begins to sear once again, and the cheering begins to cease, everyone staring at the goblet.

"Wait I thought three people were already chosen." Enzo says, looking at his hands as if counting. Peyton nods, her brows furrowed.

Dumbledore cautiously approaches the fire when another piece of scorching paper flies out of the flames, drifting into Dumbledore's hand. He mutters a name, "Harry potter..." He flicks his head around frantically searching for the chosen one. "Harry Potter?!"

All heads turn to the boy, "Harry Potter!" Dumbledore yells, his face furious. Harry stumbles to stand, carefully approaching the headmaster.

The searing piece of paper in hand, Harry approaches the front of the hall, joining the other champions.

"What the hell?" I whisper to Theo who shakes his head angrily.

"He's not even seventeen yet." Theo mumbles, crossing his arms.

I glance down the table, catching the sight of Draco who glares at harry, a angry scowl plastered on his face. He whispers something to his goons, Crabbe and Goyle who nod in agreement muttering something back.

As students rise and leave the hall, they mutter angrily, some even insulting the headmaster.

‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾

The Slytherin common room is buzzing with excitement. Some girls stare at those they fancy with almost hungry looks on their face.

"What's going on?" I ask Tom who sits on a couch near the window. He looks up from his book analysing the room.

"The Yule Ball was announced." He says unbothered, returning to his book again.

"Huh." I say. The Yule Ball is a traditional part of the Triwizard Tournament, an opportunity to meet the foreign students. Plus, an excuse to get dressed up and ask someone you fancy to a dance. "Well who are you gonna ask?" I ask, nudging Tom with my foot.

He simply scoffs in response, waving the question away with a flick of his hand.

"Alright I get it." I say, walking away from him and over to Peyton.

I stop short when I see Mattheo and Enzo staring at an oblivious Peyton. They look at each other sharing a fiery glare. I spin away from them, sucking in a breath through clenched teeth.

Girls flock around Theo and Blaise so I can't talk to them either.

I resign with a sigh, sitting down in one of the low-backed seats, picking at the wood of my wand. I feel the couch depress next to me, the warmth of another body pressing against my shoulder.

"Gonna ask Astoria to the Yule ball?" I ask, nudging his leg with my own.

He laughs lowly, "Merlin- no." Draco says, leaning further into the couch, his head now at the height of my shoulder. He looks up at me, "Why? Would that make you jealous Y/N?"

I laugh, tilting my face away from him, hiding the blush on my cheeks. "Not one bit." I say and I feel the shaking of his shoulders as he laughs, the low rumble vibrating through my body.

He pushes himself up, tilting my face to look at him with a long ringed finger, "Meet me in the astronomy tower tonight, okay?" He smirks, his thumb lingering next to my lip, nearly touching them.

I nearly melt under his touch but I lift my head high, grinning back, "Oh? I wonder what for?" I whisper. He smiles, turning his head down as he laughs. I feel him watching me as I stand, "See you later Malfoy." I say brushing down my skirt, smirking when I see his eyes lingering on my legs.

He leans back once again, his arms crossed across his chest. He smiles mischievously, his tongue poking his cheek before saying,

"I can't wait."

Chapter Text

"This," I say, waving my hands, "Is very poetic Draco."

He grins at me. He leans on the railing of the astronomy tower next to me, his white hair a stark contrast against the stormy black sky. "How so?"

"Well," I say, pointing towards the sky, "You see those stars?" I ask, nudging his shoulder with my elbow. He looks up to where I'm pointing begrudgingly, tilting his head to see what I'm seeing. "They're just like me." I say, leaning further into the railing.

He looks back down to me, his face incredulous, "Giant balls of gas?" He says, confused.

I sigh, clicking my tongue in disappointment, "No." I say offended, tilting his chin back up with the back of my hand, "Because they're really pretty." I say, giggling.

He groans, his head falling down as he laughs. His hair blows gently in the night's air, drifting about his face in soft white silk. I reach out, my hand brushing his hair away from his face. He jerks up, staring at me with wide eyes.

I smile sheepishly, turning away from him, my hand retreating to the railing of the balcony. I thank the night for hiding the blush on my cheeks.

When stand together in comfortable silence, our faces tilted towards the sky, taking in the night.

"I've loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night." He says, his voice a whisper, quiet enough to get blown away by the wind.

"Galileo Galilei." I whisper back, watching him out of the corner of my eye. He smiles at me before turning and looking towards the sky. "Very romantic." I say, brushing my hair over my shoulder, "Have a crush on me already Malfoy?" I joke, turning my body towards him.

He scoffs, turning to face me. His nose is red from the cold breeze and so are his cheeks, "Don't be stupid." He says, his hand sliding over mine over the railing.

"Well? Are you going to throw yourself at my feet and beg me to go to the Yule Ball with you or what?" I say, tapping the floor in front of me with my foot. He shakes his head at me, a smirk growing on his face.

"Will you say yes if I do that?" He asks, drawing closer to me, his hair dangling in front of his eyes.

"I'll consider it, yes." I say complacent. I push his hair back, running my fingers through the soft strands. I can see his eyes now, dark and tempestuous.

"I think I'll risk not begging." He says, his breathing brushing my lips, sending shivers up my spine. Or perhaps that's his hands sliding up my back and cradling the underside of my head.

I let his other hand drift across my back, resting on my waist. My hands slide up his arms, one pressed against his chest, rubbing the soft material of his robe and the other arm wrapped around the back of his neck.

The question is silent, not a word exchanged. His eyes bore into mine, his hands pressed against my body. My answer is unspoken, lips against his and my heart beating against his chest.

‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾

(A little perspective switch-a-roo: Peyton Thatcher)

"Will you stop looking so deep into it?" Mattheo groans in front of me. I follow him, struggling to match my pace with his long strides.

"I'm confused?!" I cry out, throwing my hands up. "You practically kidnap me from my dorm and drag me around the castle in my pyjamas, what am I supposed to do?" I say indignantly, chewing on my lip nervously.

He stops abruptly, sending me flying into his back. I push off of him, frustrated and quite frankly embarrassed. I'm stumbling around after Mattheo, who refuses to give me a clue as to what we're doing.

"Are you serious Peyton?!" He asks, wheeling around and grabbing my shoulders roughly. I shrug him off, slapping his hands away from me. He glares at me angrily, rubbing his hands.

"What has gotten into you, Mattheo!" I exclaim, wrapping my arms around my body.

He scoffs, pressing a hand to his forehead in disbelief. "You can't be this slow," He groans, waving his hand at me, frustrated, "Surely." He says, staring at me now.

I sigh, pressing two fingers to the bridge of my nose, "What are you talking about?" I say tiredly.

He grabs my arms again, pulling me towards him. He towers over me, looking down at me in his arms. I shiver, feeling his breath against my face. "Please don't make me say it." He says defeated and exasperated.

I shake my head slowly, "Huh?" I ask, my brows furrowed deeply.

He groans, letting go of me and turning away. He runs a hand through his hair irritated. He then spins towards me once again a look of determination on his face. He grabs my wrist, dragging me towards him.

I stumble over my feet as he pulls me towards him forcefully. He slaps his hands on either side of my face, cupping it. His mouth crushes into mine. I gasp against his lips, feeling a smirk forming on his. I melt into him.

He pulls away, his hands still pressed on either side of my face and his thumb stroking small circles on my skin.

"I still have no idea what you're talking about." I say breathlessly, my cheeks blazing.

He laughs, low and rough. I smile at his laugh, although still confused.

One of his hands slips down to my hips, pulling me closer to him. Our bodies press against each other, our breathing rising and falling at the same time. "Peyton Thatcher," He says leaning down to me, "Will you go to the Yule Ball with me?" He whispers against my lips, sending shivers sparking across my body.

I blush deeper than I was before, my eyes wide and my mouth parted in shock. He searches my face, his eyebrows creasing in worry as I stare at him dumbfounded. His hands begin to draw away from me, his cheeks searing with embarrassment.

I sigh, frustrated with myself. I grab at his hands, pressing them back down before slipping my hands behind his neck. He opens his mouth, eyebrows raised. I interrupt him by pressing a biting kiss against his mouth.

I slide my hands into his hair, feeling his hand do the same. I breathe out shakily as we part, pressing my forehead against his. I swallow nervously, nodding my head gently against his.

"Yes."

Chapter Text

(Back to our perspective !!)

I step over the piles of crumpled dresses scattered across the floor, carefully placing my feet in the gaps between silk and lace.

Dresses of all shapes and colours are strewn across the shop floor. The owner looks at us disapprovingly, reluctantly leaving us to our own devices under an order from McGonagall.

"Peyton is this really necessary?" I ask, picking our her dark curls from underneath a lilac gown. She struggles pulling the dress over her head.

I pull the dress down, feeling it give as it slips over her head and then her shoulders. "Of course!" She says as if it were obvious. She eyes herself in the mirror, her face scrunching up in disgust before pulling the dress off. "You wanna look nice don't you?" She asks, elbowing me in my side.

"Well, yeah but-" I wheeze, feeling a dress shoved into my stomach. I grab at the gown, the silk slipping under my fingers. The black fabric shimmers gently, the light shifting along its surface as I move it. "-Woah." I say drawing the fabric against my body.

I stare at myself in the mirror in front of me. I run my hands over the dress, pressing it to my curves.

"Go try it on!" Peyton says, ushering me into a changing cubicle. I stumble into the stall, locking the door behind me.

I slip out of my uniform, folding it onto the chair sitting in the corner. I hear the excited chatter of other girls in the changing rooms around me. Christmas is around the corner and the smell of pine, holly and butterbeer floats in the air. Snow falls in clouds of white, coating the scenery in sheets of white, dusting the trees.

"Wait," I say, stepping out of my shoes and unhooking the dress from the coat hanger, "You said someone asked you to the ball, who was it?" I ask Peyton, hearing her freeze in place. She walks towards the door of my changing room so I open it a crack, peeking my head around the door.

"Mattheo asked me!" She whispers excitedly, clutching the dress she's holding to her chest. I jump up and down thrilled, as best I can hiding behind a door, and she does the same. "And?" She asks expectantly, raising her eyebrows at me.

I flush, "Draco!" I whisper, smiling uncontrollably, remembering our time on the astronomy tower. She gasps, slapping a hand to her mouth, "Totally unexpected." She says sarcastically, laughing to herself as I close the door on her.

"What're you gonna tell Enzo though?" I ask quietly, sliding into the dress. I gasp as I stare at myself, the dress clings to my body perfectly, highlighting each rise and fall of my frame.

Peyton coughs awkwardly, now in the stall next to me. I take her silence as a 'no' and I drop the subject.

We step out of our cubicles at the same time. I smooth down the dress, lifting it a bit so I don't step on it and trip. Peyton wears a black dress as well, the fabric sheer across the bodice and the skirt. She eyes mine thoughtfully. "I think we can do better." She says gesturing to my dress.

I look down at myself sadly, "Really?" I ask.

She nods, scooping an emerald gown off the floor. She hands it to me. "Green?" I question, eyeing her suspiciously. "A bit cliche isn't it?"

She stares at me confused, "How?" She says finally, some sort of offended.

I point between us, "Slytherin?" I question her, watching her mouth form a perfect 'O'. She thinks for a moment before shoving me back into the changing room.

"Just trust me."

‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾

"You're avoiding the question Peyton."

"Enzo, please." Peyton groans, shifting in her seat uncomfortably. I watch her tap her quill nervously on her book.

I slide my books down next to her awkwardly, drawing a chair out and sitting down. The library is fairly packed considering how close it is to Christmas break.

I flick through the book, marking down some notes as I go. "Just tell me who asked you to the ball." Enzo whispers, leaning over towards Peyton. He closes her book, pressing his hand on the cover.

She shakes her head, turning to face him.

"Mattheo asked me." She says frustrated. Enzo flinches at his name, his face morphing into a hurt expression.

I decided to pack up my stuff and leave them alone. I excuse myself silently, balancing my books in my arms, along with my quill. I look for a spare study space, walking down the length of the library.

I catch Draco's white hair, his head bent over a book. He chews his bottom lip as he studies. I stare a while before deciding to join him.

He looks up, startled when I drop my books down next to him.

He lays his quill down the centre of his book before leaning back in the chair. I push myself up onto the desk, sitting slightly in front of him. "What're you studying?" I ask, bending down to look at his notes. "Ooh, divination." I say, smiling.

I squeak out a startled sound, before slapping a hand over my mouth. His hand slides up my calf, his ring pressing against my skin. He smirks at me and I return his gaze with a angry look and that only prompts him to smirk more.

"Are you good at divination?" He asks, caressing my skin, squeezing my leg.

I suck in a breath, "Actually, I am." I say smugly, grinning.

He raises an eyebrow, leaning closer to me. His hand slides further up my leg, his cool fingers now resting on my thigh. "Oh?" He asks, leaning his face closer to mine, "Perhaps you could tutor me." His fingers slip under the hem of my skirt.

I laugh before pushing him back. His back presses against the chair again and his hand slides off my leg. "Perhaps I could." I say, pushing myself off the desk. He watches me, pressing his hands onto his own legs.

I walk behind him, leaning on the back of his chair. I bend over his shoulder, pointing to his book. "Well first of all," I say sliding my finger over a section of his notes, "The major arcana aren't a part of the suits." I say scribbling down a note on his book.

His hand slides up around my neck and into my hair. I swat his hand before turning his head to look at the book. "Pay attention." I say and he laughs lowly. He grips my chin, turning my face to his. Our lips crush together. I whisper, "Not in front of the books!" against his lips. He scoffs, deepening the kiss.

His tongue pokes at my lips and I part them, letting him in. He pushes me closer to him by pressing the back of my head. I slide a hand across his chest and wrap a hand around the back of his neck.

We pull away, breathless, both our lips red and swollen.

I brush his hair back from his face and he look back down to his book smiling. I stand behind him, running my hands through his hair as he revises the notes I made on his work.

"You know," I begin, playing with his hair still, "You never told me which book it was that you nicked."

"Mm?" He says, ignoring the question.

"Just tell me!" I whine, squeezing his shoulders.

"Wait so is the King of wands not in the major arcana?" He asks, completely dodging my demand. He laughs when I groan in frustration.

"You are so difficult." I huff, turning away from him.

"Doesn't that make it more fun?" He mocks from our night in the astronomy tower.

Chapter Text

"If you wanted to go to the Yule Ball with me, you should've asked me sooner." Peyton groans, her lips pressing together to form a hard line.

"You barely even gave me a chance before you chose Mattheo over me!" Enzo exclaims, throwing his hands up above his head.

The whole Slytherin common room is overhearing their argument, some students whispering behind hands and sneaking critical glances towards them. I cringe inwardly as Peyton's voice raises, I squeeze her arm desperately, telling her to calm down.

"Chose Mattheo over you? I didn't choose anyone. Mattheo asked me and I said yes." She says breathlessly, "What is it you don't understand." She seethes, crossing her arms. I see tears starting to spark in the corners of her eyes and her hands shake against her chest.

"You are being unbelievably selfish Enzo. And I'm sorry I didn't wait for you to pluck up some courage and ask me, okay?" She spits, standing up. She knocks the table as she scrambles up, hissing in pain. Frustrated tears fall from her eyes and Enzo reaches towards her, his face distraught. She pushes him away, "Just leave me alone Enzo." She chokes, storming off to the dorms.

He stares after her, his hands pressed against the table, ready to jump up and chase after her. But, I watch his hands slide down into his lap and his face fall. He swallows, wiping his eyes roughly and I slip some tissues from my pocket across to his side of the table.

He stares at them before silently slipping them into his pocket, "I think I'm gonna get some air." He says, his voice shaky. I nod sadly, watching him rise out of the seat and out of the Slytherin common room. I grab the tissues he left and stuff them back into my pocket.

Students gossip amongst themselves, the majority being younger than us. All still relying on gossip to keep themselves relevant. Some stare at me, looking expectant. I smile awkwardly as I too stand and leave.

I knock on the door to the girl's dorm. I hear someone stirring inside and then a muffled, "Come in."

Peyton sits on a chair looking out of the window, her legs bent up to her chest. Her eyes follow the small fish as they swim past in the lake. She leans her head on her knees and I hear her sniffle. "I know you're not okay but, I'm obligated to ask as your best friend." I say, walking over and sitting down at her side, on the floor.

She chokes out a laugh, sniffing and wiping her nose. "I was a bitch." She says, pressing the ball of her palm into her eyes. I make a noise of agreement and she swats my shoulder.

"Well you were! Only a little though." I say, resting my head on her. I see her nod.

She leans her head back sucking in a deep, shaky breath. "I hope he's okay." She says eventually, picking at her fingernails.

"He'll survive," I say, bumping her leg with my shoulder "He's a big boy." I finish as I stand. She smiles at me before returning her gaze to the window looking into the Black Lake. I plait her hair away from her face before I leave her.

I jump when I feel Salem rub against my leg, slipping past the door and following me. I bend down, kissing her nose which she holds up to me. She mewls at me expectantly and I scoop her into my arms.

She curls into my arms, resting her head on my arm so she can watch where we walk.

I stare down at the common room from the top of the staircase. The majority of the house is mingling in the room, some studying but most talking about the Yule ball. The event is in less than a week and students are desperate for dates and dresses.

"Wanna walk with me?" I hear a voice say behind me. Theo brushes my hair off my shoulder before he rests his head down. I nod, tapping his head.

"Let's go." I say, dropping Salem onto the floor so she can follow us. She pads along after us happily.

Once we leave the Slytherin common room Theo clears his throat, running his hand through his hair. He seems nervous.

I nudge him with my elbow, "What's up?" I ask concerned. He stares at me startled before looking down to his shoes. He kicks them as he walks.

"Has someone already asked you to the ball?" He questions, a bit skittish.

I nod quickly, "Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you didn't I." I say and he quickly flicks his head to look at me, "Draco asked me."

He tenses, missing a step before composing himself. "Draco? I didn't know you guys were even friends." He says, laughing dejectedly. A flash of sadness passes over his face. I pinch his arm, looking up at him. He shakes his head, as if shaking away his thoughts.

"Yeah, it all happened rather quickly." I say, hugging myself as the wind blows through the hallway. He falls silent, staring off in front of him. "Do you not like him?" I ask suddenly very scared. I'm not too sure what I'd do if Theo didn't like Draco. I wouldn't chose Draco over him of course. I wouldn't.

"What?" He asks as if he didn't hear me, "No I like him." He says answering his own question and when I raise and eyebrow at him he adds, "Okay, I don't hate him." with a laugh.

I shove him playfully with my shoulder and he shoves back. "I just-" He begins and I turn to him, surprised at the continuation of the conversation. "-Be careful, yeah?" He says, scratching at the back of his neck. He turns away from me, avoiding eye-contact.

"Sure..." I say sceptically, "You're just gonna let me go for not telling you?" I ask confused. He scoffs, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. I grab his hand, fiddling with his fingers.

"I trust you Y/N. You know that." He says, resting his head on the top of mine. I scold myself for blushing. This isn't unusual behaviour from Theo so why am I blushing?

"I know." I say finally and I feel him breathe deeply.

We walk in comfortable silence, his arm wrapped around my shoulders with Salem trotting after us, examining every crack and crevasse in the walls. My stomach grumbles, drawing his attention to me.

"Wanna get something to eat?" He asks, gesturing to the Great Hall. I slap a hand over my stomach, embarrassed. It must be dinner time.

"Yes please, I'm starving." I say, patting my tummy. "I think I may just die." I moan dramatically, pressing a hand to my forehead theatrically.

We walk into the Great Hall and the smell of roast meat wafts into my nose, making my stomach gurgle. "That smells heavenly." I gasp, releasing myself from Theo, still clutching his hand. I race over to a table, forgetting I'm gripping Theo's hand. I practically throw him down onto the seat next to me.

We dig into the spread of food, plates appearing before us. I pile my plate high with meats, vegetables, curries and more.

Students begin filtering in, and not long after the hall is filled. Our usual group finds seats around me and Theo. Peyton sits a few seats down from Enzo, smiling awkwardly at him. He doesn't smile back, he only stabs into his food.

I nudge her with my foot and she smiles sadly at me, picking at the food.

Someone coughs behind me and I spin around, staring up at them. I gasp, grabbing Draco's hand. "Sit with us!" I say excitedly. Several agreements are spouted from the group, Theo remains quiet.

Draco doesn't look away from me. "Please?" I ask desperately. Blaise and Mattheo mimic me, "Please Draco?" they whine pressing their hands together in front of them as an added flourish. Draco sighs, with a smile on his mouth. "If I must." He says, slipping into the seat next to me.

I hear Theo scoff next to me and I pinch his thigh, shooting a warning glare at him. He raises his hands in surrender subtly, rolling his eyes.

"What's wrong Nott? Jealous?" Draco says and I whip my head around to him. I glare at him furiously. The group collectively tenses.

Theo chuckles, leaning forwards on the table so he can look Draco in the eyes. "Watch your mouth Malfoy." He spits.

"Theo." I say incredulously. I push him back, mouthing 'stop it now.'

With a roll of his eyes Theo surrenders, crossing his arms in defeat. Draco scoffs beside me and I whip my head to him. "You as well. Stop it." I hiss through my teeth.

"Oh come on, Y/N." Draco says, "Don't ruin my fun." He says laughing lowly. My mouth hangs open as I stare at him.

"Your fun?" I repeat in disbelief. "You're belittling my friend." I retaliate, prompting him to roll his eyes.

"He knows it's a joke." He says to me, an attempt at diffusing the situation. "Don't you, Nott?" He asks, directing his gaze to Theo. Theo scowls at him, his fists clenching.

"Knock it off Draco." Blaise says, his voice prickly.

"Fine." Draco says offended.

I grab Draco's arm, squeezing it bit tighter than I intended. "Outside." I hiss, "Now." I drag him up and out of the Great Hall, around the corner to a deserted hallway. "What was that about." I say, gesturing behind me with my thumb.

He stuffs his hands into his pockets, smirking smugly. "The boy obviously has a little crush on you. I thought I was helping?" He asks innocently. I freeze at that, searching his face. Theo having a crush on me? Surely not...

"You were a dickhead Draco." I scoff, shaking my head at him. "I invite you to sit with us and you ruin our dinner." I sigh, scorning my stomach when it rumbles, not satisfied from the two potatoes I ate.

He laughs, "I don't know what your issues is." He says, examining his shoes. I tense, my fists balling at my sides.

"Excuse me?" I yell, flinching when a pair of students walk past, carefully avoiding my gaze, pretending they don't notice the situation. "My issue," I begin, prodding him in the chest with an accusatory finger, "Is that you've only known me for, what, a month?" I snap, "And you think it's okay to interfere with my life and my friends." I say scowling.

He watches me, flicking his gaze up and down. I groan impatiently, throwing a hand up. "You know what?" I say, "Find someone else to go to the Yule ball with." I yell tactlessly. Tears don't even threaten at my eyes as they usually would.

"Good bye Draco."

Chapter Text

"Potter."

I cough, announcing my presence. He spins around on his chair, hastily pushing up his glasses to rest on the bridge of his nose. I stare down at him. His messy hair hangs in his eyes, hiding his shocked expression. Ron Weasley stares at me, his mouth hung open and Hermione smiles politely, closing her book.

The Great Hall is filled with students and decorations for the festive season. The trio sat in front of me has books sprawled across in front of them, excluding Ron of course.

"Y/N?" He stutters, his hand moving to his tie, fiddling with the material. I've known about his little crush on me for a while now. Said crush beginning in second-year when I helped him with Divination. I presume anyway.

"You're coming with me to the Yule Ball." I state, crossing my arms under my chest strategically, highlighting some... features. If Ron's mouth could hang lower it just did, he mutters a quiet 'Bloody hell'.

Harry clears his throat, pushing up his glasses again, his hands shaky now. "I thought you were going with Draco?" He asks, trying to feign confidence. I raise my eyebrow at him, a smirk tugging at my lips.

"I can go ask someone else if you don't wanna go with me." I say, tucking my hair behind my ear, faking a sad gaze. He immediately flinches stuttering out denials.

"N-no! I want to go with you!" He says hurriedly. Hermione and Ron stare at us, both frazzled. I smile, bending down to him. I reach out my hand and straighten his collar, making sure my fingers graze against his neck. I feel him tense under my touch, blush rushing to his cheeks.

Exploiting Potter's feelings like this may not be a wise choice, but what do i have to lose?

"Perfect." I whisper into his ear, my breath brushing against his ear. I then spin on my heel, feeling his gaze on me as I walk away and out of the Hall.

As soon as I leave I let out a long sigh. Asking Harry wasn't initially on the cards, but, considering Theo was already taking a Ravenclaw girl; Tom refuses to take anyone; Blaise has practically every girl throwing themselves at him and Enzo mentioned something about a Gryffindor girl, I had no choice.

Peyton, who was waiting outside for me, matches my stride as we make our way back to the Slytherin common room. She laughs to herself and I slap her on the arm, "Stop rubbing salt into the wound." I growl, crossing my arms.

"I'm sorry," She says gasping for air, "It's just-" She says bursting out in laughter. I wave her away, muttering the password to get into the Slytherin common room. The door slowly grinds open.

"Yeah, yeah." I say, grabbing her hand and dragging her up to our dorm. It's the night of the Yule ball and I don't want to spend anytime in the common room listening to Pansy gloating about Draco taking her to the ball. We pass him as we walk up the stairs. I avoid my gaze but he doesn't, he watches me very carefully.

Peyton smiles awkwardly at him, trying to diffuse the tension but I only pull her more towards the girl's dorms.

As the door clicks closed I flop onto my bed, groaning into the duvet. "It's like he wants me to hate him" I say, sliding off my bed and sitting on the floor. My head rests on my bed, my knees pulled up to my chest.

"Maybe that turns him on?" Peyton asks nonchalantly, already on her bed and preparing her face for makeup. I choke, slapping my hands to my chest, hitting it repeatedly.

"You don't get to talk anymore." I say, throwing my pillow at the back of her head. She gasps as it knocks her mirror out of her hand. She flings up her middle finger at me, gathering her makeup that's not sprawled across her bed.

I check the clock on my dresser, flicking my hair out of my eyes. "We have two hours so make sure to waste the first one and a half and panic for the last half and hour." I say, picking myself off the floor. Peyton makes a loud offended sound then mutters, "Stop it." embarrassed.

I lay my dress out of my bed and stare at it. I hear Peyton stir behind me. "Make him pay for what he did." She says righteously, squeezing my arm. We both laugh and I run my fingers down the shining emerald gown.

"Let's do this." I say sucking in a determined breath, picking up the dress.

‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾

My black heels click loudly against the stone floor. My dress glides through the air as I walk towards the Great Hall, my legs poking through the slit on the side. The neckline drapes fairly far down my chest, the fabric hanging from two thin straps crossed against my back.

Peyton walks beside me with her arm looped through Mattheo's. They talk amongst themselves, Mattheo eyes drifting across her body frequently. Blaise and Theo walk with their dates, talking to each other and disregarding the girls walking with them. I walk with Tom silently.

Each boy in the group is dressed smartly in tuxedos. Mattheo with a simple white and black set, the top buttons of his white shirt undone and no tie to be seen. Blaise's suit shimmers a deep purple in the light as does his tie. Tom's outfit is pristine and a deep green, almost black, a vest underneath the blazer. You would think we coordinated.

As we approach the doors of the Hall, the group splits, each pair walking off together inside, Tom of course walking by himself.

I stay at the top of the stairs, scanning the area for Harry. My eyes catch on Draco's. Even from here I can see him eyeing me. Pansy glares at me, gripping onto Draco's arm, tugging his sleeve. He looks down at her and scowls. He's dressed smartly in a white and black ensemble, his white shirt adorned with a matching bow-tie. His black blazer is draped over his arm and he slides it on, flicking his gaze up to me one more time before entering the Hall with Pansy.

I finally see Ron and Harry, the latter looking around nervously. I make my way down the stairs. I smile to myself as students stare at me, my confidence rising.

"Harry mate, I think she was pulling your leg." Ron says, adjusting the strange robes he's wearing. Harry glares at him, fiddling with the cuffs of his sleeves.

"Why do you think so low of me Ronald?" I ask, watching them spin around quickly. Both their eyes roam my body, Ron gulping and Harry blushing. I adjust the straps of my dress, watching their eyes linger. "You look good as well." I say smirking.

They both freeze, glancing at each other. "W-well shall we go in?" Harry asks, holding his hand out to me. I raise my hand to take it but McGonagall taps Harry on the shoulder. "The champions and their company will be entering separately.Traditionally, the champions and their partners open the floor for dancing." She says, announcing herself to the other champions.

I freeze. Oh dear god, no.

I barely have time to comprehend this before the professor hurriedly ushers us toward the door. My arm is slipped through Harry's and I rest my other hand on his forearm, feeling the muscles twitch and move under my fingers.

I raise my chin, putting on a brave face as the doors swing open. Students whoop and cheer on the other side of the doors, clapping as we walk past. I look at Harry and he smiles crookedly, blush warming his cheeks. "Relax Potter, I know enough about dancing to make this work." I say, nudging his side with the elbow hooked around his arm. I feel him laugh rather than hear him as the students overpower him.

Maybe this won't be so bad. I smile to myself.

The dance floor clears for us and we take our places on the floor. I drape one arm across his shoulder, the other clasped in his hand. He stares at our interlocked hands, embarrassed. I roll my eyes at him, pressing his other hand to my waist. "Don't be shy Harry." I whisper, feeling him tense.

The music begins, a slow lilting waltz.

We glide across the dance floor. He looks down at his feet, his face scrunched up in concentration. I catch myself smiling at him and I shake my head, looking away from him. I watch the other champions and their partners. Cho and Cedric smile at each other, pressed close together. I breathe out a disbelieving laugh as I see Hermione and Viktor dancing. Fleur dances with a Ravenclaw boy, Roger Davies I believe.

I decide to look for Peyton but of course, I find myself searching for Draco. He stands fairly close to the edge of the dance floor, surprisingly. His arms are crossed across his chest and he glares at me. I smile at him, flicking my hair as I turn my head to continue watching him.

His eyes rake my body, his nose scrunched up in disgust. We glide past him and I see his jaw clench, I smirk in response, pressing my body closer to Harry. Draco scowls, turning and pushing his way through the crowd. I lose him amongst the other students and frown.

As the song ends and me and Harry draw away from each other. He smiles at me, still holding my hand. "Y/N I-" He begins but Peyton grips my arm, dragging me away. I wave at him, an apologetic look on my face. He raises his hand back sheepishly, before hurriedly rushing off towards Ron.

"What wrong?" I say, lifting my dress so I don't trip. Peyton drags me towards a corner of the Hall. She points behind me, her finger prodding the air angrily. I spin around and see Enzo dancing with a girl. Lavender Brown. "Shit." I whisper. "Did he tell you?"

She shakes her head viciously, chewing on her thumbnail. "I can't be mad at him though." She sighs, hugging her chest.

"Go talk to him." I say, moving to stand next to her, she groans nervously, "I think you need to." I sigh when she protests, pushing her in the direction of him. I watch her walk away, holding her dress up as she races over.

I sigh, savouring the time by myself. Although, when I open my eyes I search for Draco. I stand up taller when I find him walking my way. He runs a hand over his hair , flattening down the non-existent stray hairs. "Well?" I say as he reaches me.

"You had your fun Y/N." He spits, flattening his blazer. I smirk, looking at him through my eyelashes.

"Not really the apology I was looking for." I sigh dramatically, lifting my hands closer to my face so I can inspect my nails. He grips my wrist, his fingers squeezing tightly. He presses me against the wall, my back slamming against the stone. He leans into me.

His hips press against mine. His pants sliding across the silk of my dress. I gasp when his knee slips past the slit in my dress. My stomach tightens. His signature smirks tugs at his lips at my response.

I clear my throat, "So? Are you going to tell me I look nice?" I whisper, grabbing his other hand. I place it against my hips. He stares down at his hands, his eyes dark. He looks back up at me. "Beautiful?" I ask quietly, leaning into him. His grip loosens on my wrist and he slips it down to the other side of my body.

"You look perfect."

Chapter Text

My fingers press against his lips and he scowls. "I'm not gonna forgive you that quickly Malfoy." I tut, pushing away the kiss he was about to plant on my lips. My heart screams at me, begging me to pull my fingers away and let him kiss me.

Draco scoffs, lifting his hands off of me and my stomach sinks in longing. He flattens his suit jacket and I run a stray hand down my dress, feeling the lingering warmth of his hands on my hips. "Very well." Draco sighs. He tilts his chin up, regaining composure.

He searches around the room, not looking fro anything in particular, until his eyes fall on something and his eyes darken in mischief. A smirk tugs at his lips and he looks back at me. I look around for what caught his attention but he grabs my face, turning it to him.

His thumb rubs my bottom lip, pulling it down gently so my mouth is open slightly. He leans into me, to my cheek this time. "You best be getting back to your date." He whispers into my ear. Hairs stand on edge on my neck but I frown at him. He rolls his eyes before forcefully moving my face to the right, his fingers pressed harshly against my chin.

Harry Potter stares at me, his face contorted in a mix of sadness and anger. We hold each others gaze across the room, and I shoot an apologetic look at him. But, my face shifts, startled, as Draco plants a gentle kiss against my jaw. I squeak out a shocked noise, blushing furiously at myself.

A laugh rumbles through his body as he pulls away. I stare daggers at him, my cheeks blazing with heat. "I'll see you later then, Y/N." He says, drawing his bottom lip into the smirk permanently residing on his smug face.

I groan, not waiting for him to leave before racing off towards Harry. Why am I even bothering with Potter. It's not like I like him. But something deep down inside me insists on chasing after him.

I latch onto his arm as I reach him, squeezing hopefully. His head snaps around to glare at me. His cheeks are red with anger and his jaw clenches. He yanks his arm down and out of my grasp. "I thought you were different Y/N." He spits, rubbing his arm where I gripped him.

"What-"

"But you're all the same." He scowls, spinning away from me. I stare at his back as he walks away. I yell, barely loud enough to overtake the now upbeat music blaring throughout the hall, "What are you talking about!?"

I shake my head at my reaction to this whole thing. At least if he hates me I won't have to lead him on right? "Harry, come back!" I angrily yell.

Harry spins around, walking towards me once again. He's careful not to come too close but when he's within earshot he says, "Ron was right," His eyebrows furrow in anger, "You Slytherin's are all a right bunch of arseholes." He spits, not waiting for my reaction before storming off once again.

I stand frozen, a scoff escapes my lips. An angry smile can't help but form as I walk aimlessly into the mosh pit on the dance floor. "Prejudiced little bitch." I huff, tucking the hairs that have come loose behind my ear.

I slide through the crowd looking for Peyton. I see her on the side of the Hall, talking to Enzo, her face smiling as well as his. I bite my lip before deciding it best to leave her alone.

"Woah, woah." Someone says, grabbing my shoulders. I must have run into them? My body tenses and I shake my head looking up. I stare into Theo's concerned eyes. I immediately melt into him, relaxing. My head flops onto his chest and I feel him tense.

Just as I'm about to wrap my arms around him he pushes me away with an awkward cough, "Theo?" I ask, chewing my cheek without thinking. He lets go of my shoulders quickly, stuffing his hands inside the pockets of his pants.

"My date is waiting for me so-" He says pointing behind him to a not too bothered looking Ravenclaw girl. Her blonde hair tumbled down just past her shoulders in loose waves, flowers pinned amongst her locks. "She doesn't look too bothered." I say, anger filling my voice. "I'm surprised you even asked Luna of all people." I add, crossing my arms.

He sighs, letting his head fall, "Yeah well, the first person I was going to ask already had a date." He says dejectedly, tilting his head up slightly. He looks at me through hair falling over his face. I furrow my eyebrows in confusion about to ask who it was. My stomach sinks and my hands fly to my face.

I stare ahead, embarrassed and furious at myself. "You were going to ask me..." I whisper, mostly to myself. He nods sheepishly, lifting his hand to push through his hair. He then shrugs casually, as if it weren't as big of a deal as i'm imagining it to be.

I groan, pressing my hands to my forehead. He silently closes the distance between us, squeezing me tightly in an embrace. I hear his heart beating rapidly and I feel his breath tickling the top of my head. I relax into him, burying my head in his neck as I would usually. I find myself blushing, like this new revelation changed our relationship.

"I'm sorry." I whisper, my voice croaky and hoarse. I feel a laugh vibrate through his chest and onto my cheek.

"Whatever." He says into my hair, squeezing me tightly before pulling away, "Dance with me?" He asks, holding my arms lightly. I sigh before nodding my head, smiling.

As we enter further into the crowd, the song turns from upbeat to a slower more intimate sounding song. Theo squeezes my hand momentarily, drawing my attention to him. Couples around us draw close to each other and groups split apart. I look back at him as he opens his arms, beckoning me to join him.

He clasps me around my waist and I lift my arms to dangle off his shoulders and around his neck. I let my head rest on his shoulder as he sways back and forth. His arms squeeze tighter, pulling me closer to him and we both laugh awkwardly.

The music floods my ears and for a moment I'm lost in it. I breathe in Theo, savouring the peaceful moment. But, I'm rudely brought back to real-life as the song ends and Theo drawing away from me.

I suddenly realise how sad he looks, his eyes downcast and his posture bent. I reach out to touch his face but I hesitate. He notices this and grabs my hand silently guiding it back down to my side. "Thank you." He says softly. He bows mockingly, trying his best to show a smile.

"Always." I say back, curtseying. He laughs roughly at me before turning away and finding Luna.

I don't get a moment alone before Draco bothers me again. His face distraught now. "Come with me." He says. When he grabs my hand and drags me away I frantically ask questions, of course with none answered.

He shoves through students, pulling me towards the doors of the Great Hall. I fight back, prompting him to drop my hand. "What's wrong?!" I ask breathlessly, struggling to catch my breath. My feet tingle from running around in heels for what seems like the whole night.

He flashes a glare at me, before shaking his head and pressing a hand to his face. He mutters something, his eyebrows drawing together closely.

"Huh?"

"I overheard Potter talking about you and-" He groans, avoiding eye-contact with me and instead staring at the seam lines of his jacket.

"You got upset?" I exhale, already knowing the answer. "Draco, I'm not your problem." I say, watching his eyes widen and then return to his normal size with a swift cough. "I chose to go with Harry" I say and he begins to protest, "I chose to not go with you." He falls silent, analysing my face.

"Although," I begin, already feeling the heat on my cheeks, "I would have much rathered coming here as your date." I say, my voice hushed. "I suppose that's my fault isn't it?" I say with a laugh, attempting to lighten the tense mood.

I can literally feel the smirk on his face. He makes an unbothered sound as he shrugs, "I suppose." His voice thick with sarcasm. I hit his chest, a scowl on my face. My breath hitches as he stays my hand on his chest. "I have an idea," He says, tightening the squeeze on my hand, "If you still want to be my date?"

I scoff, a smile pulling at my lips, "Shoot."

‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾

"I guess I can't be surprised you brought me here."

I spin around the familiar high-ceilinged music room. I stop spinning, approaching the window. Snow falls outside in soft specks, drifting lazily down to the ground. The beginnings of a demure and tender song begins to play on the piano.

I smile, turning around to face the piano "A bit of deja vu isn't it-" My face crinkles in confusion as I find the leather seat of the piano bench unoccupied and the keys pressing down by themselves.

I lift my gaze from the piano searching the room for him. He stands in the empty space in the middle of the room, intended for the band and choir practices. The chair usually seated there have been pushed to the side and the space is bare.

I must jump when the violins begin playing because Draco laughs. I watch him slip his wand into his pocket. "You're pretty good at this romantic stuff Malfoy." I say, making my way over to him. As our hands find each other, he draws me into a much gentler embrace than I expected. "It must come naturally." He laughs, pressing a hand to my lower back.

He guides one of my hands to his shoulder, holding my other hand in his.

The music begins to swell as he leads me around the space in a slow waltz. I glance down at our feet as we almost glide across the room together. Our feet move backwards then slide to the side, keeping in time with the music. His movement is effortless, perfect in guiding me through the dance.

I smile up at him and he smirks back, his eyes soft and inviting. A wall has seem to have fallen and as his expression softens I seem to melt into him, our movements becoming more fluid and matched.

"Do this often Malfoy?" I ask, letting my head fall onto his shoulder. He leans onto my head gently and I feel a smile growing on his face.

"As often as I need." He whispers finally, pulling me closer into him. My heart clenches as his fingers slip in between mine, lacing them together.

My eyes close, my face resting in the crook of his neck. I don't hesitate to breathe him in, savouring this moment together. His hand roams from my back up to my waist and back down, drawing circles across my back.

"Merry Christmas Y/N." He whispers into my hair.

I draw away from his neck, the hand that was resting on his shoulder now finding its way to the back of his head. I stare at him then out the window. "I guess so, huh?" I say, a giddy smile plastered across my lips.

I barely noticed us stopping, standing in the centre of the floor. I let him cup my cheeks, before pressing a kiss against my lips. I press desperately into him, our lips moving together perfectly. I do notice the music beginning to taper, the song slowly drifting out.

"It's a storybook moment isn't it?" I say against his lips as we draw away. I let him hug me close, his fingers brushing the ends of my now undone hair. We both stare out the large window, the stars sparkling through the clouds of snow.

"It's our story."

Chapter Text

The Christmas tree still stood tall in the living room of the Thatcher's house, despite Peyton's constant nagging to bring it down. "Christmas already infects Halloween, we don't need it infecting New Years as well." Peyton said at dinner, stabbing at her food angrily.

Her mother simply laughed at her from the opposite side of the table.

Now, in her room, Peyton grumbled to me, rambling on about New Years Eve. I sat on her bed and nodded along and when I deemed it necessary, muttering out a 'yeah' or a 'mhm'. I couldn't help it. I had things on my mind. Things being Draco of course.

After our night in the music room Draco had been more absent than usual, skulking around the common room and flinching whenever he saw me.

"Okay, I know you're not listening. What's wrong?" Peyton sighs, plopping down next to me on the floor of her bedroom, picking at the fabric of her rug absentmindedly. My stomach tightens guiltily, "Sorry..." I groan into my hands, now planted firmly on my face.

"Pssht, whatever," Peyton says with a dismissive flick of her hand, "I've come to terms with the fact that I'll have to endure another New Years without a kiss." She says dramatically, flinging herself down onto her back. We both laugh and I poke her in the side, "Not even a pity kiss on the cheek from your mum?" I ask, laying down next to her.

"Not even a pity kiss..." She says longingly, her thoughts shifting from her parents to a certain boy. Scratch that, boys. "Talk to me, what's up?" She asks, shaking out of her trance.

I stare at the ceiling and the stuck on stars desperately clinging onto life as they shine dully. I raise my hand to point at them, jabbing my finger, "How long have you had them up?" I ask, already knowing the answer but choosing to distract from myself.

She flops her hand onto my stomach before flipping on her side. "Y/N, come on." She says, her face now stern. I groan, pressing my hands to my face.

"You'll think I'm stupid." I whisper and when she doesn't react I spin to her.

"What? My opinion won't change if that's already what I thought." She says innocently, trying to squash the smile creeping onto her lips. I gasp, sitting up. I peg a pillow at her, narrowly avoiding the vase sitting on her vanity. We both hiss through clenched teeth before bursting out in laughter.

The subject was dropped after various near-misses from the pillows I threw.

‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾

"You are undermining the severity of this situation, Riddle." Peyton says, jabbing a pie covered spoon at Mattheo.

I hear Mattheo scoff and the familiar clicking of his lighter flicking opened and closed. "I just think if it hasn't happened yet, there must be something wrong with you." He says, chuckling.

"Just because you're a rubbish kisser doesn't mean you can take your anger out on the disadvantaged." Blaise says through a mouthful of lemon pie, waving his spoon as he talks. He freezes, his eyes wide and frantic. "It was an observation! I have no experience kissing Mattheo Riddle." He blubbers, flicking his eyes between all of us.

He visibly relaxes once everyone laughs, completely unaware he's the butt of the joke. I walk around and sit on the arm of the chair Blaise is occupying, hitting him when he tries to use me as a table.

"I'd kiss you if you'd like..." Enzo mutters, picking at the fabric of his pants nervously. Peyton immediately flushes a hot red, her legs bouncing up and down anxiously. Mattheo glares at Enzo from the opposite side of the room, his lighter flicking shut viciously.

"Aww, isn't that cute." I say, easing the tension before an all out brawl breaks loose. Enzo pokes his tongue out at me before sneaking a glance at Peyton who suddenly seems very invested in her slice of lemon pie.

"There there, Enzo," Blaise says, his bottom lip puckered, "She's only bitter because Malfoy isn't here to suck face with her as soon as the clock hits twelve." He says, choking out a laugh. The rest of the boys snicker behind their hands, even Tom holds in a laugh. Peyton tries to quell the smile on her lips by gulping down some water. Theo smiles sadly, trying to blend in.

I whack Blaise up the back of the head before storming off to the kitchen with a pout stuck on my face.

I plop myself onto the counter-top of the centre island of the kitchen. Is he wrong? No, of course not. I'm just like every other blabbering, boy obsessed, hormonal teenage girl. Wanting to have a New Years kiss with Draco? Who have I become?

"You look deep in thought." Theo says from the archway leading from the kitchen into the living room where the rest of the group sits. He leans on the bricks, his hands stuffed in his pockets.

"Do I at least look inspiring?" I ask, letting my head flop. I wave my legs that hang over the lip of the counter, watching the pattern of my sock swing back and forth. I let out a well needed sigh.

"Not one of the many things I'd describe you as." He says, pushing himself off the wall. I scoff at him, raising my hand to my chest in false astonishment. He smirks at me before choosing to lean on the bench top opposite to me. He blows a hair out of his eyes as nonchalantly as possible. He huffs in frustration before pushing the stray hair back with his hand.

"You've piqued my interest Nott." I say, kicking my feet at him, unable to reach him. "Tell me what you'd describe me as." I demand, a grin spreading across my face. He simply shakes his head in response. I throw a discarded napkin at him and he just laughs.

"I think you'll find me too incredibly attractive if I share that secret with you." He smirks, whacking my feet away from him, ruining my plans for attack.

"Oh, Heaven forbid." I say through laughs.

"What?"

"Huh?"

I stare at him, my cheeks prickling with heat. My mouth hangs open, desperately searching for the right words. He stares back at me, the same shell-shocked expression I'm wearing. "W-well I meant-" I stutter, gazing around the kitchen. Looking anywhere but at him.

"Y/N I-"

"Get your butts in here now or you're gonna miss the bloody beginning of a new year!" Peyton yells from the living room. Her parents scramble into the room, eyeing me and Theo suspiciously as they pass.

I slip off the counter with an awkward cough, pointing my thumb towards the archway, "Let's go then." I say quickly, rushing off in front of him. I pad across the lush rug and over to the couch Peyton's on and cozy up next to her.

Her dad chucks various party poppers at us, a few landing in my lap, and then reaches over Blaise to the radio. It crackles and fizzes until he turns the knob, finding the channel broadcasting to the whole of the wizarding world.

Peyton loops her arm in mine, readying her popper in her hands. I do the same, gripping the tiny white string as best I can. Blaise readies three poppers in between his fingers on one hand, using the other hand to hold the strings.

I gaze around the room at everyone ready for the beginning of their new year, buzzing with excitement. My stomach only sinks. I nibble at my bottom lip nervously, smiling when Peyton's mum shoots a concerned look my way.

Flashes of my parents faces blear in my mind, and I squeeze my eyes shut. 'Go away.'

'Oh sweetheart, we'll never go away.'

Pops and bangs sound around me, making me jump and pull the string on my own popper. Sweat beads at my temples and on the back of my neck. My hands quiver and I grip the empty shell of the popper until my knuckles turn white. The confetti that was inside now lays on the floor, along with everyone else's.

"Happy New-"

"YEAR!!" Blaise hoots, cutting off everyone with a deafening yell. This time everyone joins in, clapping each other on the back and cheering. Peyton and Tom embrace, his arms squeezing tightly. Enzo and Mattheo reluctantly tap each other on the back, not even trying to hide their scowls. Blaise jumps between them, cupping them in a giant bearhug.

Peyton's parents share a kiss and Peyton groans, pressing her hands to her eyes like a child.

I grip Theo in a squeezing hug and he swings me back and forth gently. We both freeze in each others grip before sliding away from each other, both our faces red.

A bubbling flute of champagne is thrusted into my hand, droplets flinging out of the glass and onto my hand. Everyone raises their glasses, yelling 'Cheers!' before drinking down the fizzy drink.

A thump on the window in the kitchen startles everyone, "Merlin!" I gasp, cringing when my drink spills over my hand. I hold it away from my body, trying to catch the drink flowing out of the glass.

Peyton's mum shoves a napkin under my hand, "Go check the window love, It's probably Peyton's owl. He's not so gifted in the visual department." Her mother says, pushing me towards the kitchen.

I stumble towards the sink, placing my drink inside until it stops bubbling over. I walk over to the window and unlatch it gingerly, poking my head outside. Dale, Peyton's owl, peeks up at me, hooting softly. I reach an arm down and he grapples on so I can lift him inside.

I barely notice the letter clasped between his beak until the sharp edge scrapes against my arm. I pry it out of his grip, flatten down the creases. A black seal is plastered on the cream envelope, an initial pressed into it. My heart flutters as I trace over the 'DM'.

Well at least he isn't ignoring me.

"Everything okay dear?"

I shove the letter into my pocket quickly, cringing as the letter crumples and folds. "Everything's perfect!" I yell back, smiling giddily. I shake out of my trance before I enter back into the living room. I notice Theo eyeing my smile suspiciously.

I don't have time to react as Peyton drags me into a alcohol fuelled dance. "Geez Thatcher, you're a bit of a light weight aren't you?" Mattheo laughs from the rug where he deals cards out to Tom, Blaise and Enzo. The latter scowling at Mattheo's professional card dealing.

Peyton waves a hand at him hazily. "I find I'm a better kisser when I'm tipsy." She says giddy, clasping my shoulders tighter as she leans a bit. I press a hand to her cheek, "Sorry Peyton but I'm afraid I can't return your feelings." I sigh, wiping away non-existent tears.

She pushes off me laughing. "Not you." She drawls, shaking her head violently. She then jabs a finger out, her face blooming with alcohol prompted blush.

"Him."

Chapter Text

"What?!" I sputter, latching onto Peyton's arm so she doesn't fall. "This isn't your smartest move Peyton." I whisper into her ear, shooting a deadly glare at her. Everyone tenses, looking towards him.

The boy she gestures to sits with his back so straight and with features so frozen you'd expect him to turn to stone. Or faint in sheer shock.

Peyton shakes out of my grip, brushing her hair out of her face. She walks over to him, swatting away my attempts to stop her, or even just steady her.

Mattheo clenches his teeth, his glare furious. He quickly rises and storms out of the room. I hear the stairs creaking and I assume he's retreated to his room.

Enzo carefully stands up, reaching towards Peyton then withdrawing quickly. He shakes his head, chewing the inside of his cheek. Peyton grapples for him, her touch surprisingly gentle in her inebriated state.

"Come on Enzo," Blaise says, clapping Enzo on the back, "You did offer earlier." Blaise wiggles his eyebrows, puckering his lips and closing his eyes. Enzo shrugs him off, blush blazing on his face. "Peyton can't even think straight." Enzo mutters, pushing Blaise's mocking kiss away with the palm of his hand.

Peyton's parents laugh to themselves in the corner of the room and I shoot a pleading look at them. They only shrug at me, imploring us to solve the issue ourselves. I groan as I watch them slip out of the room and down the hall.

I whip around to Peyton, spinning her around to face me. "Hey," I say shaking her when her head rolls to the side, watching the lights on the Christmas tree flicker, "You're getting poor Enzo's hopes up for something you probably won't remember in the morning-"

"Precisely." She says, tapping a finger to my nose. We all gape at her in horror "Well what I mean is, if I embarrass myself I won't even remember it in the morning."

"Peyton, sweetheart, we will." Theo grunts, sauntering over to us and putting a hand on my shoulder. I smile gratefully at him.

"I'm standing right here." Enzo sputters, waving a hand around helplessly from behind the group huddled around Peyton.

"You guys are ruining my New Years dream!" Peyton whimpers, her bottom lip quivering. I groan, resisting the urge to just slap some sense into her.

"Hellooo?"

"Enzo might not think of this just as a New Years kiss." I huff, blowing a stray hair out of my face.

"Yeah he might think it's an 'I love you' kind of kiss." Blaise says, scratching the back of his head a smirk tugging at his lips. We all spin and glare at him and he raises his hand. "Look I'm just saying."

Enzo groans, "Guys."

"Peyton, you'll feel better in the morning if you don't do it." Tom says, rising from his seat near the fireplace. He snaps his book closed, tucking it under his arm.

"Excuse me?!"

The group rises up in argument. Inflating the actual severity of the initial problem and diverting to straight insulting each other. Peyton stands in the centre, her head bobbing along with the conversation, happily unaware.

I tap my foot anxiously, drawing my bottom lip between my teeth and nibbling it.

"You're exploiting his feelings for you!" I exclaim, flicking my eyes between hers nervously. The group falls silent, some mouths gaping open. I watch her eyes grow wide with realisation. Enzo flinches, his hands slowly falling down to his sides. I turn to look at him, an apology on my lips but he glares back at me.

Blaise sucks in a breath through his teeth, spinning around and feigning interest in the bookshelf lining one wall of the living room with a loud hum.

Enzo's fists ball up at his side, his knuckles whitening. His eyes mist and he looks incredibly embarrassed. Peyton whips her head to him blabbering about how sorry she is and how stupid she was being. The shock seemed to have sobered her up enough for her to understand the situation.

I draw my arms close to my chest, cringing. Good one Y/N. Bright as ever.

"I'm going to bed." Enzo spits, glaring directly at me. I avert my gaze, staring at the floor.

Peyton chases after him, gripping onto his arm, pleading him to stay and talk. He says nothing, doesn't even look at her before shaking her off and stomping up the stairs just as Mattheo had done.

Blaise hooks an arm around my shoulders, his lips pursed in a straight line. "Well at least it's out now. It would've taken Peyton a millennia otherwise." He sighs, squeezing me. Tom and Theo mutter agreements. I watch Peyton stand helplessly at the bottom of the stairs, tears streaming down her cheeks.

This is better than her drunkenly kissing him, right?

‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾

"She's still asleep." I mutter to Peyton's mum when I stumble down the stairs the next morning. I know for certain she isn't sleeping. I heard the muffled sniffles when I walked out the door, the blanket tugged tight over her head.

The boys sit at the breakfast table as if nothing happened. Although, I'm certain Blaise has actually, truely forgotten.

I go to the vacant chair next to Theo, pulling it out. He slides over a plate and a heaped bowl of scrambled eggs. We both flinch when our fingers graze each other. Only this time Theo smirks before returning to his conversation with Tom.

My heart flutters and I scowl. What am I thinking? Nothing's changed and nothing ever will change between us. I shove down the butterflies in my stomach and stuff a spoonful of the eggs into my mouth. I gag.

"Forgot you hated eggs Y/N?" Theo grinned, his eyes gleaming with amusement.

"I was just distracted." I grumble through the mouthful of salty eggs. As covertly as possible, I spit the eggs into a napkin and stuff it under the side of my plate. Before I can resist Theo scoops the eggs I threw on my plate onto his. "Thank you." I mumble, poking at the piece of toast on my plate with my fork.

"Oh that wasn't a favour. You owe me one." He warned, nudging me in the side with his elbow. My fork clatters out of my grip and I fumble for it clumsily.

"You have such a kind soul Nott." I sigh glaring at him before reaching down beside my chair to pick up the fork I oh so gracefully dropped. I nearly scream as a hand catches mine. My head jolts up, banging on the underside of the table. Everyone stirs, some muttering curses. I glance around under the table but no one's there.

A sharp bottle is now pressed into my hand and I clench my fist around it as best as I can without injuring myself. I slip my hand holding the vial under the hem of my jumper sleeve. The bottle itself is cold but the contents is warm.

Sheepishly I raise my head from under the table, rubbing the sore patch on the crown of my head with my untucked hand. "Spider." I lie, my mouth forming an awkward line. The boys scoff and for the first time this morning Enzo looks at me, a look of sheer horror on his face.

"Was it big?" He stutters, his eyes widening. I make a questioning sound before fully comprehending what he said. "The spider." He insists, peering at me confused.

"Oh, yes."

"WHAT?!"

"No! I meant No!" I gasp, my hands flailing desperately. Enzo deflates is his seat, relieved. His hair flops in his face and he sighs. I snap my head down to my hand, pushing the small bottle out a little trying to glimpse what I'm actually gripping.

Theo peers down, "What are we looking at here?" He asks. I flinch, feeling the vial drop out of my hand and further into my sleeve. It settles at my elbow and I fumble for an answer, "I-uh think the spider might have bitten me." I fib confidently, smiling awkwardly up at him. His eyebrows crease and he clasps my hand drawing it up to his face.

"Y/N are you serious? It could be poisonous." He huffs, flipping my hand back and forth as he examines my hand for a bite. I try and yank out of his grip but he squeezes my hand tighter. "It was only small, it won't do me any damage." I say finally pulling out of his grasp.

He exhales, "Fine. But if you die because of this I'll kill you."

‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾

I pad up the stairs, nearly slipping on the wooden stairs. The wood creaks as I race back to Peyton's room.

I barge in, nearly knocking out Peyton. She slips silently past me, and I hear the stairs groan. Everyone downstairs exclaim greetings, her mother poking fun at her for missing breakfast. I have no time to dwell on her right now.

I didn't have time to read Draco's mysterious letter last night and now I have a mysterious vial that magically appeared in my hand. Well at least I think it was magical, there was no one there under the table when I checked.

I click the door shut, latching the lock closed.

"Miss."

I squeal, falling back onto the door. A little man stares up at me with brown bulging eyes. A dirty cloth is draped over his meagre body, covering the ashy skin stretched across his boney frame. Two measly hairs poke out of his scalp, standing out amongst the liver spots on his head. A house elf?

I slide my hand into my pocket, whipping out my wand. I shakily jab it at the elf and he squeaks, alarmed. Peyton's family doesn't own a house elf, so who the hell is this. I bolts around the room, scampering under the bed.

I skid up from my collapsed position, slipping on the rug as I scramble after the tiny man. It throws books from under the bed at me, yelling insults at me. I slap the books away, feeling the bruises already blooming on my arms.

I scowl. The elf squeaks when it runs out of ammunition.

I leap under the bed and grasping it's tiny little arm. I drag it out as gently as possible. "Master Malfoy said you would be pleasant! Rooby was told by his master that you were a beautiful, good, albeit idiotic girl-"

"What?!" I hiss, my mind whirring. This elf has some balls to insult me after assaulting me with hard-covered books.

"Those were Master Draco's words miss, please don't hurt Rooby." The poor thing whimpers and cowers, shielding its face with pock marked hands. It quivers in my grip and I let him go, pressing hands to my cheeks.

"I am thoroughly confused." I groan, watching the elf scramble up, clutching his hands in front of himself. "And sore." I whine, rubbing my arms gingerly.

"Rooby delivered the vial as Master Draco told him to." The elf rambles. Draco's letter! Maybe that will clear things up!

I grab my pants off the floor I was wearing last night making Rooby flinch. I tug out the creased envelope, tearing it open. A note flutters out of the paper pocket.

I eye it hopefully, unfolding it.

'Y/N,
'Considering you're better at this than me you need to find out what the contents of the vial is. And no, I am not saying you're better than me at potions so stop getting all excited like I know you are,'

I stop smiling at the compliment, immediately scowling at the withdrawl of it. Reluctantly I continue reading it.

'I expect a letter from you in the next week. This is an urgent matter and I don't need your idiotic bumbling to delay me. Rooby should have delivered it by now, he'll stay with you until you come up with an answer.
I hope you had a good Christmas,
D.M'

I hum rolling the vial around in my fingers. Well that didn't help at all.

Rooby watches me anxiously. The liquid slides around inside its glass cage, the sliver shimmering in the now noon light. It glints magically, as if urging me to open the bottle. I pop open the cork and Rooby makes a strangled, distraught sound. "Rooby was told not to open it!" He gurgles, slapping his tiny hands over mine.

Corking it, I let it lie on the ground along with Draco's letter. I can't help but feel sad, my hopes had gotten up for nothing. Well, not nothing. It was more of an order than anything but it was still something. I hiss out a breath, beginning to fold the note up defeated.

I squint my eyes at the faint pencil markings on the bottom of the page. It seems to have been erased frantically, the paper tearing at some spots. I hold it up to the light, attempting to read the words but to no avail.

At last I see it lightly sketched at the bottom of the page, in his curling handwriting. A note heavily erased;

'I miss you.'

Chapter Text

Tense. It's the only word that comes to mind. Peyton and I, tense. Enzo and Mattheo, tense. This bloody house elf- who shrieks whenever I come near him, tense. What more can I say?!

I've spent the last week scouring through all the books in this house, all the books in the library in town and I've come up with nothing. And every night as if on schedule the grumpy elf fizzles into existence at the foot of my bed and drags me out to the garden. How Peyton doesn't hear is beyond me.

This time instead of pestering me about the vial, he hassles me, jabbing his knobbly little fingers at me, shooting accusatory glares. "Master Draco is getting angry with Rooby now. And it's all Y/N's fault." The elf spits, his confidence has been rising recently, to my dismay.

I groan, running my fingers through my hair anxiously. I step closer to the elf, my jaw clenched. I thrust my finger at his chest, making him stumble backwards on the table he's using as leverage.

"Well you tell 'Master Draco'," I hiss, marking my sarcasm with air quotes, "That he's been no help and neither has his knobbly little elf." I say, watching the elf's face morph into fear. "And, If he thinks he can just get my hopes up by sending a letter after ignoring me for nearly a month-" My sentence fades out and I grunt in frustration.

It nods frantically, his hook nose bobbing up and down. "I will tell Master Draco immediately, miss." It snickers.

"What?!" I hiss, grabbing its cloth. All compassion I had for this tiny man has been wrung out of me the past week. "If a word of this conversation leaves your mouth and Draco hears, I will squish you." I seethe, bunching up the small amount of cloth into my hands.

The creature grins up at me, his yellow teeth shining in the moonlight. "Why doesn't Y/N tell Master Draco himself?" It says, lifting its hand besides its face, it's middle and thumb finger pressed together.

"What are you-"

He snaps his fingers and a loud crack snaps beside my face. Suddenly I feel like I'm being squished through a gap as big as a key hole. I squish and stretch, the world blurring around me. I squeeze my eyes closed, clenching the elf's cloth tighter between my fingers.

The world suddenly pops into place, the walls around me swaying back and forth. Or perhaps that's me. My legs stagger backwards and forwards, attempting to balance my body. I press a hand to my head, already feeling a headache pinching at my temples.

"Rooby. Where in Merlin's beard did you take me." I say shaking my hands back and forth, I look down to find Rooby gone, my hands clenched around air. Angry tears threaten at the corners of my eyes.

I freeze as I lift my gaze to flit about the colossal room I'm in. The walls stretch at least two times higher than any sane person's home does, with large paned windows, blacked out by silk curtains, drawn tightly together by green corded ropes.

I swallow my gasps. I begin to pad around the room, the cold of the tiles seeping through my socks. Because despite my protests, Rooby dragged me out of bed in my pyjamas and forced me to shiver out in the cold night to discuss the stupid vial of whatever.

The only information, if you can even call the bare scraps I managed to scrounge up that, were measly records of outdated memoirs detailing a similar serum.

I walk towards the long dining table, each seat standing tall and proud. I walk to the head of the table, dragging the chair out silently. I place myself on the chair, my arms resting on wooden frame for my arms. I gesture regally across the table, indulging myself in a royal fantasy. I smile and politely nod at an invisible guest.

I raise and tap my invisible knife against my invisible glass, drawing the attention of my invisible friends.

Someone coughs in the doorway, their frame hidden by the tall chair seated at the other end of the table. I scramble out of the chair, drawing the jumper I threw on tighter around me. I stare at the person standing there.

He leans against the wooden frame, his arms crossed against his chest. His hair is barely tousled but his eyes are tired and dark, clearly showing signs of sleep. My heart flutters at the sight of him. His grey eyes rake over me as mine rake over him.

I take in the sight of a sleep touched Draco. The black shirt hanging loosely off his shoulders, the slowly growing muscle of his shoulders pressing against the flowing fabric. I'd noticed this change ever since the Quidditch season started. The loose fabric of his pants a dull grey.

"Not very put together tonight are you? Very unusual." I say, coughing. His eyes flick up from my flannel pants. I swallow, feeling my heart squeeze tighter and tighter every second he watches me.

"Why are you in my house Y/N?" He grumbles, dodging my remark nimbly, He shoves off the wall, closing the distance between us.

"Well, your idiot of a house elf forced me here against my will." I hissed, throwing my hands up in frustration, angrily gesturing to the room around me. Of course his house is practically a castle. Only the best for Draco Malfoy.

"Well," He begins, staring deeply at me, "Some of it must have been your will or he wouldn't have been able to bring you here." Draco ponders, his hands hanging casually in his pockets. "Rooby can only side-along apparate if the other person wills themselves there." He says, a lazy smirk playing at his lips.

I flush, breaking the eye contact and gazing around the room. "I was just thinking about the vial of whatever it was you gave me." I mutter, breathing quicker now. "Don't get your hopes up Malfoy." I hiss, pinching the skin of my arm nervously.

A low laugh rumbles through his chest, his voice still rough and gravelly from sleep. He couldn't have been asleep that long, the moon is still high in the sky. It's maybe 1 ish?

"Well did you at least find me an answer?" He inquires, sniffling. He rubs his nose angrily.

"It's a toss up between a powerful stimulant that could rend the user invincible or a weed killer." I groan, rubbing my eyes in frustration. He sniffles again, rubbing his nose more violently. I stare at him, scowling. The sniffs become louder and more annoying, "Dear god, could you be more insufferable." I mumble, grabbing his wrist. "Show me to your kitchen, I'll fix you." I say, vaguely gesturing to him.

"Try your hardest Y/N, there's a lot that needs fixing." He says, leading me towards the kitchen down winding and towering hallways. I gaze at the hall containing threatening portraits of previous Malfoy's, each sharing the same platinum blonde hair.

When we reach the kitchen, half a dozen house elves flit about the space, floating various pots and pans through the air and into sinks. They garble a language at each other, gesturing wildly with pointed fingers. I watch them, smiling. This bunch looks a lot more bearable than Rooby.

I push Draco onto the stool sitting in the centre of the room, next to a raised table. "What's so urgent about this stuff anyway." I ask referring to the vial sitting in my jacket pocket. I rummage through the kitchen cupboards as I wait for a response from him. I snatch a mug from the tallest cupboard with disgruntled house elves scolding me.

"I found it in my father's study."

"Are you serious." I hiss, "And you deemed it highly suspicious and in urgent need of identification?!" I ask incredulous. The name of this stupid stuff has been plaguing me because Draco thought it'd be fun to snoop around and play with his father's belongings?

I can't help but scowl as I mutter the warming charm, heating the water inside the mug up. When it's sufficiently boiled I slip my wand back into my pocket.

"The circumstances were suspicious." He yawns, propping his elbow on the table and resting his head on his hand. "What are you even making?" He grumbles, watching me dice some ginger and stew it in the hot water.

"A poison that's going to hopefully kill you slowly and painfully." I groan, dropping some dried peppermint as well as menthol extract into the boiled water. "It's tea." I sigh, sliding the mug towards him.

He recoils at the smell. "Are you sure it's not poison?" He mutters, scrunching his nose up.

"My mother made it for me when I was little." I resign tapping my fingers against the table. I choke out a startled laugh, "So it could be a poison for all I know." I joke, knowing deep down the thought had surely crossed my mother's mind once or twice. He huffs out a forced laugh, clearly uncomfortable. "Well drink up, pretty boy." I say, nudging the mug towards him.

He smirks at me as he draws the cup to his lips. "You think I'm pretty-"

"Drink." I insist, thankful for the dim lighting in the kitchen. My cheeks burn as hot as the tea entering his mouth.

"Well?" I ask, watching his face contort in disgust. "Merlin- Don't burst a blood vessel over it." I laugh, taking the empty cup away from him. A frustrated elf snatches it from my hands, grumbling all the way to the sink.

"I'd like to have a serious conversation to your mother about her poor choice in tea." He sighs, wiping his mouth. I flinch, looking away from him. He notices, coughing awkwardly, "Sorry is she a-"

"Sore subject? Yeah." I say, smiling sadly. For once in his life Draco looks at me genuinely concerned. I wave my hand, dismissing him. "Let's not get into it." I say, quietly pleading with my eyes. He searches my face for a moment, watching my eyes flick nervously away from him. His nose is red and still running.

A warm cloth. He needs a warm cloth.

I spin away, frantically opening and closing cupboards and drawers, looking for a cloth. My eyes sting and I bite back tears. My vision clouds and I anxiously dab my eyes with the back of my hand, finding a cloth underneath the sink. I turn on the faucet, dousing the cloth in hot water.

He approaches, leaning over me and turning off the tap. "You don't have to talk to me about it. but, you don't have to be alone in this." He says, shocked at the softness in his own voice. I stare at him, the cloth dripping warm water down my fingers. I shake my head at him.

"Why do you keep saying things like that?" I ask, feeling the tightness in my chest squeeze and I sniff back tears. "We're not even friends. More like friends with benefits, but minus the friends part." I sigh, picking at the loose threads of the cloth.

He falls silent. "Right... yeah of course." He breathes, nodding his head and turning away from me. "Does that mean you...." He trails off, flinging his head to stare at me. "Do you..." He mutters, frustrated. "Would you feel better if we were?"

"Were?" I ask, waiting for the rest of the sentence. He chews his cheek anxiously. His fingers drum against his thighs.

"Friends." He whispers, cringing at himself.

That was not at all what I expected. My body relays the thought as it freezes up. My eyes flutter in shock. "Friends?" I ask dumbly, more to myself than anything. My mouth opens and closes like a fish, struggling to find the right words.

"You're right. It uh- It was stupid anyway." He rambles, carding his fingers through his hair nervously. "I mean you already have your group of friends and they hate me so even if we tried to be friends I'd have to win them over and we all know I'm not the person who wins people over. Plus, I hate most of your friends as well, especially that moron Nott and-" He says, stumbling over his words.

"Draco." I whisper, reaching out and squeezing his arm gingerly. He stares down at me with frantic eyes and creased eyebrows. "I'd like that." I smile, barely noticing the water wetting his arm from my hand.

His eyes brighten because he smiles. Actually smiles. "As glad as I am, you're getting my arm wet." He chuckles, picking my hand off his arm and gripping it. I roll my eyes, drawing the sopping cloth towards his face. He squirms against me and I aggressively force the warm cloth onto his face. "I'm helping you!" I hiss through laughter.

"No you are not! You're trying to kill me!" He squeals, trying to push me away.

Chapter Text

"So, friend," I say, walking beside him down the halls once more, "Where are you taking me?"

His nose has gotten better so we walk in eerie silence, the wind blowing outside, rattling the windows. He avoids looking at me. "Back home." He says, staring down the hallway at the blank wall.

I flinch, "You wan't me gone so soon?" I ask, brushing it off. My stomach squeezes in disappointment nonetheless. He tenses next to me, flicking his head to me then back.

"N-no!" He exclaims before groaning, "It's just my parents are going to come home any minute now and they usually aren't fans of surprise guests." He sighs, crossing his arms. I watch his eyes flicker sadly.

"I didn't even realise they weren't home." I say gingerly. My stomach flips at the implication of that and I breathe deeply, quelling the feeling. "Wait," I turn my head towards him, my eyebrows furrowed, "Were you alone over New Years?" I whisper carefully.

He stares down at me briefly before sighing deeply, "New Years is intolerable anyway." He says, giving a half smile. I nudge his arm with my shoulder and grin up at him.

"Maybe you haven't been spending it with the right people." I whisper, my smile slipping. He stares at me quizzically, a smirk quirking on his lips. I shake my head, huffing out a laugh. "All I'm saying is, I've spent New Years alone as well. More times than I care to count. And I felt exactly the way you feel." I say, following Draco past a lavish library. "But when Peyton let me spend my first Christmas break with her it became my favourite holiday."

"Are you inviting me to stay with you over Christmas break?" The corner of his mouth turning up as he speaks. I watch my feet as I walk, picking at the hem of my jumper.

"I was being obvious wasn't I?" I cough, peering up at him.

"Maybe a little." He grins, bumping me back with his elbow. "What about your parents?" He asks, letting the question hang in the air. I sag, sucking in a breath.

"They-uh-" I stutter, clearing my throat, "Azkaban." I finish, not bothering with a complete sentence. I wait for a response but he just watches me, his jaw clenching. I breathe in shakily, feeling the palms of my hands beading with sweat. "Death-eaters, they were death-eaters." My nose crinkles as I hold back shame.

He doesn't flinch like Peyton did when I told her. He doesn't look disgusted, or repelled by me. He just silently squeezes my hand.

A wave of calmness flows over me. It all feels right talking to him so I continue, "They tried to mark me right before first-year but they never were home a lot so I was always alone, I guess. Then the neighbours somehow got wind of the marking situation and the next thing I knew my parents were whisked off to Azkaban." I say. Best to keep it short and sweet, spare him the gory details.

"Did they say anything about the other death-eaters?" He asks, squeezing my hand abnormally hard. He brushes off the marking situation.

I crease my eyebrows then I sigh, "No. No that I know of." He somewhat sags in relief when I say that, releasing his death grip on my hand. I watch him carefully as he slips his hand out of mine and rubs his face. "You know how death-eaters are, they'd never crack no matter how much shit they go through. 'You know who's zombies." I huff.

He flinches, stopping in his tracks. "What does that mean?" He asks, somewhat angry. He doesn't meet my eyes so I move in front of him, crossing my arms.

"I was just making an observation..." I say defensively. I search his face, severely confused. His jaw clenches, his face crinkled in anger.

"Well don't." He spits, pushing past me. He whisks off around a corner and I start after him. A small hand clasps around mine and I scowl. Rooby stares up at me with his big bug eyes, somewhat sympathetic. "I think I'm ready to go home now." I spit, glaring where Draco disappeared around a corner.

Rooby doesn't say anything. He simply just clicks his fingers.

I feel like I'm being squeezed through a tight tube once again, except when I pop back into existence I'm back outside Peyton's house.

The old snow crunches under my feet as I sneak back into the house. I don't bother looking back for Rooby, I know he's apparrated back already.

Except he didn't. He hasn't let go of my hand. I look down at him. He smiles wonkily back up at me. "Miss Y/N may not like Rooby but Rooby likes Y/N."

"Is that so?" I huff skeptically. I try and wrench my hand away but he grips it harder.

"Y/N needs to thank Rooby. Rooby just gave her a compliment." He scowls, his ears flicking up and down angrily.

I laugh quietly. "Thank you." I whisper, trying not to wake the house up. I crouch down to him and he looks a bit startled. I sigh, hanging my head. "Now, don't ever kidnap me again, Even if Draco makes you, 'kay?." I half ask, half demand. He glares at me before nodding begrudgingly.

"Rooby will try." And just like that he snaps out of existence. A puff of cloudy smoke left in his wake.

I stand up, brushing my knees down. I strip off my wet socks as I tip-toe up the stairs.

I walk towards the door of Peyton's room, my hand on the doorknob. Just as I'm about to turn it I hear two voices inside. They're trying to be hushed but these walls are thin.

I press my ear up against the door, straining to hear them.

"What are you doing?" Theo yawns, stepping out of his room. I wave my hand frantically at him, beckoning him over.

Before he can say anything else I slap a hand over his mouth and point to the door. He raises his eyebrows in suspicion and the voices speak again. I can feel him smiling under my hand. I lower my hand.

He mouths 'Mattheo?' and I shrug, listening closer. Theo presses his ear to the door in front of me, close enough for me to feel his breath.

"I mean, I want you to be happy."

"But I won't be happy if you hate me."

I hear Enzo scoff, "I could never hate you Peyton."

"That's another problem." A third voice? Me and Theo share a stunned look. My mouth gapes open and I lean closer to the door.

"Mattheo, please." I hear Peyton groan. I hear shuffling inside. "First of all I haven't chosen either of you, okay? So stop acting like I did." She continues and I flinch at the venom in her voice.

"Well why can't you?"

"Why can't I choose? Are you serious?!" She raises her voice and I hear other people in the house stir. Enzo frantically tries to calm her down. "I can't choose either of you, because I need you both. Maybe I'm being selfish but that's just who I am."

Both of the boys are silent.

"Let's just drop it, okay?" She sighs.

Theo grabs my arm and I startle. He presses a finger to his lips. He drags me into his room and just as his door clicks closed, Peyton's opens.

Blaise, mumbles angrily from a mattress on the floor. I walk over and poke him in the side with my foot and he only flips over. I sit down on the mattress in the space he left when he flipped over.

"Who would you pick?" I ask. Theo flops down on his bed, rubbing his face tiredly.

"Mattheo." Blaise grumbles from behind me. I flick around and Blaise scrubs his face, waking himself up. I tap him on the cheek with the back of my hand, helping him wake up, to his dismay.

"Could you hear them?" I say tugging one of his pillows into my lap.

"Please, who couldn't hear them." He laughs, snatching the pillow back, grinning.

"Sorry," Theo says sitting up, "You'd choose Mattheo?!" He asks incredulously, his mouth hanging open.

"Are you team Enzo, Theo?!" Blaise gasps, pushing himself up. He pushes past me and I watch him stagger over to the bed and tackle Theo. They struggle against each other. Theo gasps for air underneath the crook of Blaise's arm.

"I'll leave you two alone?" I laugh, standing up and slipping my hands into my pocket. The vial presses against my hand like a reminder and I cringe.

Theo scrambles to lift his head up, "Are you gonna sneak out again?" He pouts before Blaise presses his face back into the bed.

I cough out a startled laugh, clenching my fist around the vial, "What?" I ask as innocently as possible. The boys begin to calm down, propping themselves up on their elbows. Theo takes advantage of the situation and whacks a fist into Blaise's stomach. Blaise wheezes through laughter.

He then cocks an eyebrow at me after recovering from the blow to his stomach and I begin to sweat nervously. "Come on." Blaise says, "If you sneak out, at least be good at it." He laughs and Theo prods him in the side impatiently.

"Just tell us where you went tonight and we'll shut up." Theo bargains, sitting up and hitting a spot next to him in the bed.

I hesitantly stand near the door. "You wouldn't shut up even if I told you." I laugh before pushing open the door. Theo whines behind me.

Once the door clicks closed I begin walking down the hall.

I slide out the vial, holding it up to the fading moonlight beaming through the window. The mixture shifts in silvery, opalescent slivers, a glint of gold peeking through. "What are you?" I sigh, twirling it between my fingers.

"Why in Merlin's beard do you have unicorn blood?!"

I whip around, stuffing the vial back into my jacket pocket. A nervous rash spreads across my neck as I stare down Tom. He raises an eyebrow at me expectantly. "You didn't kill it did you?" He says, uncharacteristically nervous.

I fumble for my words before spitting out a frantic, "N-no!"

"Look, I'm not usually one to pry, but that's a pretty powerful vial you have, and I want to know why you have it." He approaches me, his eyebrows furrowed in worry and some sort of twisted pride.

"What do you mean?" I ask, gulping down frantic breaths. Maybe I'll be able to get some information out of him at least. He shakes his head at me, scoffing.

"And I thought you were good at potions." He huffs. I scowl at him. That's exactly what Draco said, but obviously I haven't lived up to either of their expectations.

"Well considering you didn't actually kill the beast, it negates the whole cursed life part of the deal." He continues. I shiver, did Draco's father kill the unicorn? "But if you were to drink that..." He trails off, pointing towards my hand stuffed in my pocket. I stare quizzically at him and he continues, "Well I'm just baffled as to why you'd need to stay alive." He says, lifting his gaze to my eyes.

"You're not sick are you?" He asks, his eyes squinted.

"No, of course not." I say, laughing awkwardly.

"Well you certainly can't be making a body for a disembodied soul." He whispers to himself.

I gasp, immediately slamming my mouth closed. My palms sweat in the pockets of my jacket, itching to write to Draco. I need to tell him. If his father could be unwell he'd want to know, wouldn't he?

Tom seems to notice this revelation, his eyebrows creasing further. "Well I'm sure you'd like to get back to your nefarious plans?" He asks, somewhat suggesting me to leave. I nod a bit more eagerly than I would have usually.

I dash off towards the study downstairs. If Draco was able to use Dale to deliver a letter I'm sure I could convince Peyton's owl to send one back.

I scramble for a sheet of paper and a pen. I settle for a quill and a discarded piece of Peyton's school parchment. A little note from charms is scribble in the corner so I snip it off, stuffing it into my pocket so I don't leave any evidence.

'Draco,

I know what's in the vial, meet me in the library when we get back to school.
Look, I don't care if you're mad at me or whatever I just need to tell you in person okay?

All my love-'

Wait. I frantically scribble my last sentence out, an exasperated laugh escaping my lips.

'Regards, Y/N.

P.S remember to send Dale back to Peyton's house, which I'm still confused as to how you sent him here in the first place.'

I stuff the letter into a envelope, sticking it down with a stripe of tape. I unlatch the window to be greeted by Dale. He hoots softly, gazing at me. He sits on the perch inside the tiny owlery in Peyton's family home. A wizened owl stares at me, puffing out its chest feathers defensively.

I ignore it, leaning my arm out for Dale to scramble onto. Once on my arm I let him latch onto the letter and he flaps his wings excitedly. "Dale, no!" I hiss, flailing to stop him, "Stop!" I groan when he stirs the papers sitting on the desk in the study.

I race out the back door, gripping Dale's talons in my hand, wincing when his claws scratch at the sensitive skin of my palm.

I scratch him on the back of the neck, "Be quick Dale, you have a pretty important job right now." I whisper before raising my arm.

He flaps his wings in anticipation and as soon as I open my hand he excitedly takes off, cooing loudly. I cringe, groaning inwardly. I scramble inside, panting.

That day in the library has sent my life into a whirlwind. I lean against the wall just next to the door leading outside, the cold breeze grazing my arms and legs. I breathe in deeply.

Draco Malfoy, what have you done to me?

Chapter Text

"Unicorn blood? Are you sure?"

The skeptical look on Draco's face made my stomach clench anxiously. Sometimes Tom's motives lie in debatable places but, if he had been telling the truth, the negative implications of it far outweighed the good.

"Certain." I nod. He rolls the small bottle around in his hand, analysing it carefully. He holds it up to the light, watching the colours shift. "And you know what this means don't you?" I question nervously.

His eyes flick to mine then back to the vial. "I know enough." He resigns with a sigh, slipping the bottle into his pocket in a swift movement.

The library is fairly packed, to my dismay. Students filtering in and out, borrowing and returning books. Hell, even Harry's here with his little squad. Hermione flutters between them, spitting anxious remarks. The first task is tomorrow and it seems she's cramming on Harry's behalf. Said boy who is currently dribbling over Cho Chang.

"You couldn't have picked a better time?" Draco mutters angrily, mostly to himself. He turns his head to look behind him, watching where I'm staring. "Looks like Potter recovered from the Yule Ball." He says with a subtle grin tugging at his lips.

"How he recovered from a broken heart, I'll never know." I sigh dramatically, pressing a hand to my chest, feigning pain. "I suppose it was for the best." I continue, watching Draco turn back to me with an eyebrow raised, "I mean, the rest of the night was pretty good, I guess." I smile.

He scoffs at me, my smile spreading wider as a result. "It was a two person effort." He coughs, intently investigating the cracks in the wooden table next to him. I punch his arm playfully as I walk past. He grabs his arm defensively, glaring at me.

I speak, knowing he's following me out of the library, "D'you think your father knows you took the blood?" I tilt my head to look at him. His face contorts in worry then his mask slips back on, his face slipping back into a blasé kind of state.

"He doesn't notice me gone when I stay at school for Christmas, so I don't expect him to miss a bottle." He spits angrily, not at me, but rather at himself. My smile slips off my face and I pick at the loose threads of my jumper.

"I'm sure that's not true." I mumble. The air grows colder as we near the dungeons, but I still sweat nervously.

He shakes his head, scuffing his shoes against the floor purposely as he walks. "It doesn't bother me like it used to anymore." He says, brushing it off as non-chalantly as possible.

After a moment of awkward silence, I watch him dig in the pocket of his pants. He draws out his wallet and holds a hefty amount of notes out to me. I can't help but gape at him.

I stop, my mouth hanging open. He stops walking and spins to me, still holding out the money. "For helping me." He says as if this were a normal situation. I shake my head incredulously.

"Are you serious?! This," I hiss flicking my hand between us, "Isn't some transactional relationship."

He looks guilty, the notes fluttering in his shaky fingers, "Look, Y/N, I've caused you enough trouble, just take it." He fumbles, squeezing his eyes shut. His hand crumples the notes as he clenches his fist.

I suck my bottom lip in between my teeth, chewing anxiously. He avoids my eyes, his hand still thrusted out to me. I sigh guiltily.

My hands find their way to his, cupping his shaking hand in mine. "The trouble was kind of fun." I huff, a nervous laugh slipping out. His head falls and he breathes deeply.

"Sorry." He whispers and I shake my head, feeling stupid considering he can't see me. "Let's forget about this?" He asks, lifting his gaze to meet mine.

"Already forgotten." I smile, giving his hand a tight squeeze before returning them to my side.

We walk in silence once again, neither one of us daring to speak. Our hands brush against each other once or twice and each time we both draw away quickly.

Draco lets me go inside the common room first, letting me pass with a bow of his head. The echo of the common room bounces off the small passageway leading from the dungeons. The chatter is unusually loud, most likely due to the first task beginning in less than 24 hours.

I pay it no mind as we enter the common room together. I smile politely at the students staring at me from the couches by the fireplace. I flick my gaze back to Draco when the group starts to whisper amongst themselves. He shrugs, clearly he couldn't care less.

He makes to move around me but I latch onto his arm. "What?" He asks irritably. He stares at me for an answer but I just gesture around the room. Students whisper behind hands, their gazes raking over me. Then I notice him tense. They aren't looking at just me. They're looking at us.

"You're sure Astoria kept her mouth shut?" I hiss, more of an accusation than a question. I pull him down to me so I can speak into his ear. The whole room seems to bristle at the movement. He mutters a curse under his breath and I scowl. "Well the whole school probably thinks we're dating by now." I groan, squeezing my eyes shut.

The whole room seems to be engrossed by all of this, everyone except for my group of course. They sit blissfully unaware, Peyton braiding Enzo's hair as best she can, Blaise with his head in his hands and Tom speaking to him, a stern and fed-up expression plastered on his face. Mattheo and Theo are engaged in a very heated discussion, waving their money in each others faces.

My hand slips in Draco's hand and I drag him across the room to my group. I glare at the girls throwing stuck up looks my way and push through the crowd surrounding one of the couches. I spot Astoria sat on the leather coat, a smug look on her stupid face. She fiddles with her hair as groups of girls pry gossip out of her.

With a roll of my eyes I dash to the group, Draco in tow. Peyton mutters a quick greeting before returning to the task of keeping Enzo's head still. The boys flick a distracted hand at me, a pathetic attempt of acknowledgment.

"Shouldn't we be interrogating Astoria?" Draco asks, nodding his head towards the gaggle of girls all staring at us. When they catch my eye they all quickly flick their heads away from me, pretending to be engrossed in whatever they're supposed to be doing. "Not your crew of-"

"I know one of them let something slip." I announce with a cough, making sure they all hear. Peyton stares at me expectantly, shoving Enzo's head to look at me. He grunts out a disgruntled sound, immediately falling silent upon seeing my angry expression. The rest of the group slowly turn to meet my gaze, Blaise raising his head from his tear-stained History of Magic text book.

I don't have time to acknowledge it right now. "I'm assuming you guys knew where I went that night?" I state, waiting expectantly for an answer. They look at each other guiltily, Mattheo nudging Theo with his elbow. I catch it out of the corner of my eye and I groan. "Alright but why did we decide it to be a smart idea to tell Astoria?" I spit, whacking Mattheo when he tries to blame it on Enzo.

"Well no one here except Enzo is gullible enough to tell her when she asks." He grumbles, leaning back in the chair he's sitting on. When he everyone glares at him he shrugs, "Am I right? Or am I right?" He says, rolling his head back onto the back of the chair. I notice Peyton admiring the movement of the muscles in his neck, watching his throat bob as he swallows.

She blushes faintly before fiddling with the ends of Enzo's hair. Enzo avoids my gaze, chewing on the inside of his cheek. "Look, I don't care who, I just care why." I groan, rubbing the bridge of my nose.

"Why aren't you saying anything Malfoy?" Theo mutters, obviously just loud enough for me and Draco to hear. "Must be enjoying this?" He says, intentionally provoking Draco. Draco squeezes my hand that is still laced with his. "Hell, maybe he even told Astoria." Theo laughs.

I feel Draco tense with shame and I whip around to him, flinging my hand out of his. "You told Astoria?" I whisper, failing to hide the hurt in my voice. The rest of the group cringe away from the conflict, silently returning to quiet conversations. Theo watches with intrigue, watching his plan unfold.

Draco scoffs, running a hand through his hair anxiously, "Of course not." He uttered, stuffing his hands into his pant pockets. My hand suddenly feels lonely without the press of his hand against mine. I squash the feeling. "I was inundated with threatening letters and had no choice but to fold." He hisses, glaring at Theo.

My head swims with anxious and angry thoughts. I flick between them, watching Theo's lazy demeanour suddenly tense and Draco's relax. "Merlin, Theo." I groan through my hands that are pressed against my face. I drag my hands down, pressing them against the table they're sat at.

"Why can't you two just get along, It's giving me a migraine." Tom mutters from the furthest side of the table. "It's incredibly immature anyway. This is no time to be fighting over girls, especially those who have so much on their plate." He groans, pointing to a sentence in the textbook in front of Blaise without so much of a glance. Blaise however, whimpers covering his face with his hands.

Me and Peyton share a confused look. Mattheo and Enzo sink in their seats, knowing Tom wasn't just talking about Theo and Draco. Sure the OWL's start next year but that's about all that's on my 'plate'.

I open my mouth to question him but he raises his hand to stop me. I find myself resigning, feeling the weight of his implication. Theo sinks into his seat, folding his arms across his chest. Draco scoffs, tossing his head away from the group.

"A lover's quarrel perhaps." I hear someone giggle behind us, purposely raising their voice for us to hear. The hairs on the back of my neck bristle and the skin heats up. I find myself stomping over towards the voice. Gripping Astoria by the collar of her shirt. She squeaks in fear, raising her hands defensively, trying to push me away.

The girls around her squeal remarks like; 'Get off her!', 'Leave her alone' but don't make an attempt to stop me, quivering behind each other. I scoff at them, gripping my wand in the hand not holding her captive. She squirms against me but I grip her harder.

I feel Draco try and wrestle me off of her, flicking casual degrading remarks at Astoria as he does so. The room buzzes with excitement. Not even the Prefects budge from where they're sat, ready for the fight that was bound to happen from the start.

I throw Astoria down onto the couch she's sat on with a disgruntled groan. She shoves hair out of her face, flailing her hands at me and squeaking out, "No wonder Draco chose you over me." She says with a pout, flattening out the creases of her shirt. "You're both bullies." She spits, scrubbing away fake tears.

I whip around to her, throwing away the progress I made of removing myself from the situation. Even Draco bristles beside me. Girls fawn over her, patting down her hair and shooting accusatory glares at me. "Then what would that make you, Greengrass." Draco spits, pushing me behind him.

I shove around him, moving to stand next to him. He glances down at me quickly before glaring at Astoria again. She fumbles for an answer, her face reddening with anger. "Certainly not a bully." Her face lights up with hope and she smiles giddily, flicking a triumphant glare at me. "No," He continues, approaching her. I raise my eyebrows in amusement, a smirk tugging on my lips. "You're just so much worse." He spits, bending down so their faces inches apart.

She scrambles away from him, wiping real tears off her wet cheeks. I shove down the feeling in my stomach that feels bad for her and replace it with pride in Draco for standing up for someone else who isn't himself.

The common room quickly returns to frantic conversations, feigning normality when Draco shoots a fiery glare at them.

"You certainly get a message across, very chivalrous of you." I huff through a smile. He shakes his head, dragging me roughly by my hand towards the stairs. I stumble to keep up with his long strides, running up the stairs behind him.

He pulls me into the boys dorm, barking an order at the boys inside and I watch them scramble out of the room, slipping out the door and down into the common room.

He mutters a locking curse, flicking his wand at the door. My eyes widen, startled.

I notice my heart beat quicken, my stomach twist and turn and my palms beginning to bead with sweat.

He backs me against the wall, his breath ragged and his eyes darting from my eyes to my lips to my body and back. I blush ferociously, staring up at him, his hair hanging in my face. I stutter out a retort as he grabs me, one hand on my waist and the other gripping my arm. "Draco I-"

His lips slam into mine and I gasp against his mouth, feeling him smirk as he presses deeper into me. "Oh, okay." I contently mumble against him, pulling him closer to me by his belt loops.

Chapter Text

The kiss is biting and desperate, his mouth moving across mine eagerly. I gasp breaths through the feverish kissing, cupping his face and drawing him closer to me. He uses the wall behind me as a leverage point, pressing on hand beside my head. The other hand grips my hip, pulling it closer to him.

My stomach tightens and my skin heats up as his fingers graze the skin under my shirt hem. "Stop." I say breathlessly against his mouth. He groans angrily, drawing away from me impatiently.

I shake my head, "Draco, what are we doing?" I ask sadly, watching his face contort into hurt.

I stand awkwardly against the wall as he paces about the room, a hand pushing through his hair. I pant quietly, still trying to catch my breath. I sheepishly tame my hair which is now sticking up at odd angles.

"What were we ever doing Y/N." He hisses, stopping in his place. My shoulders sag and I only stare at him, waiting. "I can't keep up with this idiotic 'just friends' thing." He says with air quotes highlighting the 'just friends' part. "The whole bloody school already thinks we're dating so why not just go through with it?" He spits, avoiding my eyes now. "Or are you still stuck up on Theo."

I sharply suck in a breath, grabbing at my tie and fiddling with it. "I was never stuck up-"

"Y/N, come on." He groans, approaching me carefully. He moves to grab my hand but hesitantly draws away, just as quick as he reached for it. "Even I can see it and I try so hard to ignore it." He mutters, flicking his eyes down to the floor. His mask cracks and the softness of his expression slips through the usual sternness of his face.

I swallow, not daring to breathe. This is what I wanted all along wasn't it? To have.... something with Draco? "Me and Theo aren't like that," I whisper, "I promise." I add hopefully, with a slight smile.

He looks up at me, searching my face with furrowed brows. A grimace slides across his face before he hangs his head once again. "I want to believe you, I do." He says softly, "But not when I see the way you look at him when you think no one's looking at you." He says even more gentle, raising his eyes to meet mine.

I can't help but freeze, my stomach sinking. "But I'm always looking." He continues, his face growing sad, "I'm always looking at you, Y/N."

I squeeze my eyes tight, not allowing any tears to form. My breath shakes and my heart squeezes. "I don't think I could wait for you to realise, so I had to make myself clear. It was a moot point, I suppose." He adds, a disappointed smile tugging at his mouth.

I reach for his face but he grabs my hand, gently guiding it back to my side. "I'll stop." He says, his posture straightening, "I'll stop and let you figure it out for yourself. I'll even keep doing this 'just friends' thing if it means I'll get to be with you in some sense." He scoffs lightheartedly.

His cheeks redden with embarrassment and the mask of seriousness slides back over his face once again. "Why on earth do we always end up having these deep discussion when we're left alone." He huffs, crossing his arms.

I laugh patting my cheeks, checking for moisture. When my hand comes away dry I reach for Draco. I pull him into a tight hug, resting my head on his chest, hearing the rapid beat of his heart. He hesitantly returns it, resting his head on top of mine.

He's the first the pull away, with an awkward cough. "I don't think our private meeting really helped our situation." He says nodding to the door with his head. I sag, rubbing my face in frustration.

"We could give them what they want..." He questions loosely, watching me carefully for my reaction.

"That just negates everything you just said." I say, quirking an eyebrow. I feel my heartbeat quicken and my stomach flip in excitement.

"I never said I was a man of my word." He smirks, raising his eyebrows. My heart flutters.

"So you didn't mean what you said?" I ask amused, watching him fumble around for words. I laugh softly, "I suppose we could pretend for a little while." I resign, giving into my heart's desire. He grins, slipping a hand around my waist.

"That's what I like to hear."

‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾

"So you aren't actually dating?"

Mattheo grunts angrily when Blaise slaps him upside the head. Blaise gestures with his index finger pressed to his lips and his other hand waving wildly at the rest of the students in the Great Hall. Drawing more attention to us than Mattheo speaking.

He then nods towards me, "Go on M'lady."

I shake my head, my shoulders rising with laughter. Enzo and Peyton stare at me intently, waiting for the rest of my explanation. I notice Tom elbowing Theo and Theo groaning angrily, begrudgingly meeting my eyes. Draco tenses next to me opening his mouth, ready for the chance to argue with Theo.

I pinch his leg under the table and his mouth shuts, a frustrated and somewhat pleading glare shot at me. "But we need you guys to act like we are." I say, answering Mattheo's initial question.

"Why didn't you just pretend you were dating and not tell us. They're all dumb enough to believe it." Tom says waving vaguely to our group, the slightest smile spreading across his lips. Peyton gasps a few seats down from him.

Draco shoots a smug look at me, knowing he said that just before in the boy's dorms. 'Everyone in your little group but Tom is gullible enough to actually believe us.' Draco said. 'I can't just not tell them. Keeping up a lie with them is too hard anyway.' I said then, not knowing how hard actually telling them would be. 'Suit yourself.' He said.

"I didn't think of that." I huff, stabbing at the food on my plate. Draco snorts beside me and I groan.

"Why are you acting so smug Malfoy? Isn't this exactly what you wanted when you told Astoria you two were dating?" Theo jabs from the opposite side of the table.

"Theo-" Tom begins harshly, grabbing his arm to calm him down. Theo shakes out of it.

"No. Don't 'Theo' me," He spits at Tom, pushing himself up to stand. "I'm right aren't I?" He taunts Draco, leaning over the table so he's face to face with him.

"Why would he plan something like this?!" I exclaim, pressing my hands on the table. The plates and cutlery clatters as I stand up. A few students watch us, nudging their friends. I glare at Theo and we both hesitantly sit back down. "Just be a good friend for once and go along with it." I hiss through my teeth.

He scoffs, poking at the food on his plate. "Yeah sure, of course." He mutters, his sentence dripping with sarcasm.

I groan, glaring at the top of his head as he bends it over his plate. Draco's hand slips over my thigh, squeezing it. I let out a shaky breath, feeling the tips of my ears burning.

Blaise drums the table across from me, trying to break the awkward silence. He lets out a low whistle and Mattheo fiddle with the butter knife next to his plate, spinning it on its point. "Theo!" Blaise says enthusiastically, clearly coming up with an idea.

Theo slowly raises his eyes from his plate, side-eyeing Blaise. "D'you think Potter will make it through the first challenge." He asks a bit too eagerly. Theo raises an eyebrow at him before shaking his head in amusement.

"I'm surprised he's even attempting it." Theo mocks, perking up a little bit. I smile gratefully at Blaise and he taps my leg with his foot comfortingly.

"Here's to hoping the first challenge kills him." Draco adds, slipping a mouthful of food into his mouth. Mattheo raises his glass, chewing the too-big mouthful of food he stuffed into his mouth only moments before. Enzo follows suit, raising his glass enthusiastically. Peyton lifts her as well, not completely sure as to why.

I smile warmly, glancing at Draco. I squeeze his hand that still rests on my thigh. "Here's to hoping."

‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾

"Bloody dragons..." Peyton gapes, clenching the wooden seat she sits on.

The arena below the seats we sit on, the rocky edges jutting high and the golden egg glimmering in the pale winter light. The rattling of the cages below the arena is accompanied by the dull roars of the beasts. I shiver, unnerved.

"Maybe someone Harry will actually get killed." I mutter uncertainly. Hermione makes a disgruntled sound behind me, obviously overhearing our conversation. I ignore her and she makes a louder 'hmph!' sound.

I whip around to her annoyed. "Yes?" I drawl, eager to turn around again as I hear the announcement of the next competitor announced. The crowd roars around me and Hermione is drowned out by everyone else.

I groan inwardly, nodding at her before whipping back around. "What'd she want?" Draco asks, leaning into my ear as he speaks, competing with the crowd. I shrug, popping the lollipop Peyton unwrapped for me in my mouth.

He watches me, flicking his eyes to the stick poking out of my mouth. He slips it out of my mouth and analyses it. I barely have time to process the theft of my lollipop before he presses his lips to mine. He sucks gently before pulling away. His hand still snaked around the back of my neck.

The people behind us slow their claps, processing what just happened in front of them. I can hear Blaise whistle next to us.

I gape at him, "Strawberry?" He asks innocently, a smirk tugging at his mouth. My mouth flaps open and closed and I'm certain my cheeks are blazing furiously. I grab his hand, trying to pry the candy of of his hand. He only uses this to his advantage, drawing me closer and pressing another kiss to my mouth. "Maybe strawberries and cream?"

I push his face away embarrassed, hiding my own face in Peyton's shoulder. She startles, lowering her head to my ear, "What're you doing! You're gonna miss Harry getting squished by the dragon!" She says, shrugging her shoulder so my head raises.

I turn around to Draco, who smiles smugly at me, the stick of my lollipop hanging out of his mouth. "You're impossible." I groan, shoving him away from me.

His sentence is interrupted by the deafening roar of the next dragon. It rises from the centre of the arena, its wings stretching as wide as all three dragon's before it put together. But, the wingspan isn't the most terrifying part. Even Hermione, who was so cocky before, makes a startled noise when it opens it's mouth to bellow a loud roar.

It's razor sharp teeth line it's mouth, glistening with a layer of saliva. My stomach drops even further when Harry walks into the ring.

The dragon struggles against the chain around it's neck, snapping at the boy. A horn blares through the stadium and the crowd roars once again, signalling the start of Harry's test.

Harry stumbles around the rocks, diving and scrambling for cover from the searing heat of the dragon's breath. The dragon yanks and pulls at it's chain, desperate to free itself. Harry takes this chance to start towards the golden egg.

He whips out his wand, yelling something into the air as he bolts for his prize. The dragon's eyes pierce through Harry and it starts to advance on him, snapping its hungry jaws at him. I squeeze my eyes tight, not ready to witness the death of a student when something whizzes overhead.

A broom flies down to Harry, determined to get to it's owner. Surprisingly, Draco's cheers next to me, raising his arms. I smirk at him and he lowers his arms, a bit embarrassed.

As soon as the broom touches Harry's hand, he speeds off into the sky atop his broom. He dives down to the egg, narrowly escaping the jaws of the dragon. There's a deafening snap and the chain around the dragon's neck suddenly loosens. It rears its neck triumphantly.

I instinctively grab Draco's hand, with Peyton grasping at my arm. Harry points his broom straight to the sky, ditching his plan to get the egg. The dragon flaps his wings, rising into the sky. It begins to chase Harry, higher and higher roaring angrily.

I gasp when Harry zips past the crowd, the dragon on his tail. Students scream as the dragon seemingly flies straight for the stands. Draco grabs me by the waist and drags me close to him, raising his arm over us. I press into him, burying my head in his neck.

I hear the dragon roar furiously, it's wing beats gaining closer and closer to us. Students shuffle around us, panicking. I hear the clatter of students diving under the seats and the exclamation of frightened students.

My hand clenches the jacket of his suit and I squeeze my eyes tight. He covers me protectively, pulling me even closer.

"SHIT!"

Chapter Text

( slightly suggestive stuff in this chapter so if you're uncomfy with it you may want to skip)

I shove out of Draco's grasp hearing Blaise yell. As my eyes adjust to the bright light of the world outside Draco's jumper I see a small crowd gathered around Blaise. He raises his hand triumphantly, a stream of blood trickling down his hand and onto his arm.

He beams at me, pointing to the deep gash on his arm enthusiastically. Peyton stares at him, her face as pale as a ghost. I assume she watched the whole ordeal.

I stutter out a panicked "How?!" as I make my way over to him. He smiles proudly at me as I reach him. His smile fades as I pull out my wand, throwing his hand in the air so I can't reach it.

"NO! If you heal it with magic I won't have a cool scar from the dragon!" He whines, holding his hand high enough that I can't reach it. "I wanna heal it the muggle way so it scars." He says, grabbing my wand and stuffing it into his pocket.

"The dragon?!" I gape, grabbing his arm and dragging it down to my face. He doesn't resist this time as my wand is in his possession now. He nods victoriously, analysing the cut with me.

"As soon as I saw the dragon coming I climbed to the top seats," He begins, nodding to the crowd of people gathering themselves on the top seats of the stands, "Because I had the best idea to get a crazy looking scar so girls'll feel sorry for me." He states, staring dumbly at me. I raise my eyebrows, not impressed. Despite this, he continues, "I mean I didn't think the spines on the tail hurt this much..." He trails off, pulling his hand closer to his face.

I shake my head disbelievingly at him, slowly being pushed away by flocks of concerned girls. How this boy is so popular with the girls at Hogwarts is beyond me.

I barely have time to relay this information to a not so concerned Draco before said dragon whips over us once again. I scramble for the rail of the stands, searching the arena for Harry. I hear the cheers and roars of victory before I see Harry raise the golden egg above his head.

I unintentionally sag with relief, letting out the breath I was unconsciously holding. "Who knew I'd actually be nervous for Potter." Peyton says, sliding next to me. I nod in agreement, watching the dragon stop in it's tracks, bound by magic it seems.

Draco scoffs behind me, "I wasn't nervous for a second." He says proudly. Me and Peyton share a glance before turning to face him.

"Oh?" I ask, crossing my arms and leaning against the rail.

"Did you have that much faith in him, Malfoy?" Peyton adds, raising her eyebrows in amusement. Our lips turn up at the corners, in an attempt to quell a smile.

He groans, tilting his head away from us. "You know I didn't mean it like that." He mumbles, stuffing his hands into his pocket. He spins away from us, pushing through the crowd. We laugh amongst ourselves before I resign to the fact it's my job to chase after him.

I elbow through people waving their arms and whooping, using his white hair to track him down amongst all the house colours. He slips down the staircase leading under the stands and back onto the field outside the arena. I mutter various apologies as I squeeze through groups of people and a couple near the stairs.

I hurry down the rickety wood careful as to where I place my feet, making sure I don't fall.

My eyes have trouble adjusting to the darkness and my ears are flooded with the sound of people running and stamping across the seats above me. I call out a soft, "Draco?" chewing my lip nervously when I don't hear a response.

I open my mouth to call again. "I knew you'd chase after me." He whispers cooly in my ear. I shiver as I feel his breath against my skin. I spin around to him, feeling his hands snake around my waist. "I didn't chase after you." I say plainly, resting my hands on his chest. I straighten the folds of his suit jacket, pulling him closer in the process. "I just didn't realise that we struck a chord with Harry." I smile, trailing my finger along his jaw.

His fingers slip under the back of my jumper, his fingers grazing my bare skin. My cheeks flush hotly and the slits of light through the seats highlight it. He smirks knowingly, tracing small circles on the bare skin of the small of my back. "No chord was struck, I just wanted to get you alone..." He purrs, staring deeply into my eyes.

I press closer to him, feeling the bones of his hips press against mine. His gaze falters as I do so, flicking down to our proximity to each other. It's my turn to smirk at him.

He grabs my waist tightly, drawing it even closer before he leans close to my mouth, purposely teasing me. I slip a hand up his chest and behind his neck, feeling the ends of his hair brush against my fingers.

I lean into his mouth, feeling our lips brush against each other. I feel him shiver against me before he closes the gap between us. When our lips press together he guides me backwards and I feel the rough wood against my back. His body presses mine against the wall as he deepens the kiss.

The cold metal of his ring presses against the skin of my waist under my shirt. He pulls away briefly, his eyes unsure but when I nod they darken again. He presses more passionately against me and his tongue flicks against my lips. I part my lips, letting him in.

I gasp against him when his other hand slides up my thigh and underneath his thigh. I freeze against him, feeling my heart flutter uncontrollably. His hand stops uncertainly and he begins to move away. I grab his hand before it can leave. I slide it back to where it was and I cup the back of his head, pulling him closer to me.

I suck in a breath when he pulls away, only to gasp again when I feel his lips against my neck. I stare nervously at the shoes of people walking on the stands as his mouth trails various marks down my neck and underneath the collar of my shirt.

My fingers bunch up his hair as he presses the last mark at the base of my neck, a proud smirk tugging at his lips. I cup his face, resting my thumb on his bottom lip. I tug it down gently. "You smell good." He whispers against me and I laugh.

"That's because I smell like you." I say, letting him pepper soft kisses down my jaw. He shakes his head, hugging me tight to his chest, his arms wrapped around my waist. He breathes me in, "It's so much better than that." He sighs, pressing me back against the wall.

I shiver at the tenderness in his voice. "You smell like the sun right after it rains and the dew on the grass." He says sheepishly, tucking a loose hair behind my ear. I fiddle with his jacket, a deeper blush blooming on my cheeks. "You smell like a new book as you're curled up next to a fire." He whispers, punctuating it with a kiss against my mouth. "You smell like warmth." He mutters against my lips.

"Well I was just gonna say you smell fresh." I laugh against him, watching his mouth hang open before a smile tugs at his mouth.

"It'll do for now." He groans mockingly, drawing me in for another kiss. I smile against his lips, slipping my hands under his jacket and around his back. The warmth of his body seeps into mine.

The heat from before returns to his eyes and I gasp when he roughly grabs my hips. I laugh to myself admiring the duality of his personality. I grab at his belt to pull him closer, receiving a surprised noise in return.

His hand finds it way back to my thigh again, creeping closer and closer to the hem of the stockings I'm wearing. His fingers hook under the sheer fabric, grazing the skin of my upper thigh.

My body jerks as a reaction and my hips press against his very suddenly. He groans, breaking the kiss momentarily. "Sorry!" I gasp, bringing a hand to my mouth, "Did that hurt?!" I ask, watching his face morph into an amused expression.

He grabs the hand covering my mouth, "Not at all..." He mutters, brushing his lips against mine, "Actually quite the opposite." He purrs, a smirk tugging against his lips.

Chapter Text

"I had a feeling that's what happened." I laugh nervously, feeling my body rising against him. I try and distract myself from the sheer closeness of...him. I notice through the slats in the seats that students are beginning to pack up their various ribbons and flags bearing the faces of the champions. I nod my head vaguely as I move out of his grasp.

"I don't think teachers seeing us down here alone would be wise." I say, trying my hardest to flatten the various creases of my clothes. I pull my skirt around so it's facing the correct direction. Draco is oddly quiet so I tilt my head quizzically at him.

He grabs my chin and jerks my mouth towards his and the next moment we're kissing again. I wind my hand around his wrist, gripping him out of shock. When we pull apart he holds my gaze stubbornly. I hear the faint scuff of shoes against wood and I spin to meet the eyes of Theo.

He stands frozen, his shoulders tensed and his fists are balled at his sides. He says nothing. The silence is suffocating. A blush has formed on my face, more ashamed than embarrassed. "Sorry." He rasps out, seemingly choking on his words. He struggles keeping it cool and I'm sure even Draco can tell.

"You're fine." I mumble, watching my feet kick against the floor.

"Everyone was worried so I uh-" He says, pointing a thumb over his shoulder. I nod, smiling awkwardly.

"Well let's go-"

"I'll meet you back at your dorm." Draco says, and I'm sure Theo hears because I hear his sharp intake of breath. I mutter an agreement and I watch his back as he walks down another set of stairs towards the grounds of the school.

"Thought you were just pretending." Theo says, a lot closer than he was before. I whip around to him with his arms crossed against his chest.

"Yeah..." I say vaguely with a deep sigh.

We both stand staring at the space Draco was, shoulder to shoulder. He lets out a defeated sigh, hanging his head. "You like like him don't you." He mutters, his eyes closed. I laugh at the language we used in the playground when we younger. I keep laughing, using the time to formulate an answer.

He stares at me expectantly, his face hopeful. "It's complicated." I sigh, cringing. His face immediately falls but he has no time to respond as Blaise and Mattheo crash tackle us, nearly bringing us to the ground.

I watch Theo sadly and he stares back at me, a despondent smile hanging on his lips. I pinch Mattheo's arm that's wrapped around my neck in a death grip. He releases me with an angry groan.

I latch onto Peyton's arm as she walks past me, desperate for an escape from Theo's questions that I don't think I even have answers for.

She nudges me with her elbow as she leans into my ear, "Does he taste like money?" She whispers. I turn to stare at her, my face contorted in confusion.

"Draco?" I whisper back.

"Yes Draco. Or were you kissing Theo? You kissed Theo!"

I slap a desperate hand over her mouth, urging her with my eyes to quiet down. She nods anxiously, dragging my hand away from her mouth. "I did not kiss Theo." I groan, checking behind to make sure no one heard.

The boys seem completely oblivious, trading money with angry mutters. Tom cashes in the various bills he won and the rest of the boys glare at him, well, mostly pouting. Satisfied they didn't hear, I turn back to Peyton.

"Peppermint." I whisper through the side of my mouth, not turning my head to face her. But, despite my precautions her head flings right into mine. We rub our heads, laughs escaping our lips. And through giggles she manages to say, "I suppose I could've seen that coming."

I cock an eyebrow at her and she fumbles out, "Well he's so... fresh?" She seems to question her own words. I hit her arm excitedly.

"I said that!" I gasp, falling back into a fit of laughter.

We struggle to walk in a straight line as we laugh, forgetting why we actually started laughing.

‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾

"So you've all congregated in the girl's dorm because..."

"We love you?" Blaise says, more unsure of his answer than anything. Enzo nods enthusiastically, playing with a very unenthusiastic Salem.

"It's because Draco's coming isn't it?" I say plainly, staring at them from my bed. The other girls who are usually in here have opted to spend the evening in the common room until the boys leave. I don't blame them. If I could join them I would, but unfortunately I'm left babysitting these boys.

All of them flick their eyes to each other anxiously before nodding sheepishly. "I mean you can't expect us to leave you here alone with a boy!" Mattheo says sarcastically, smirking at a very flustered Peyton.

"Peyton would have been here." I state, pleading Peyton to back me up with a desperate look. Her thoughts must be muddled as she open and closes her mouth hopelessly.

She regains control of her words, "I wouldn't want to be here when you and Draco are together." She says, a mischievous smirk growing on her face. I latch onto my guitar in my lap, wishing I could throw it at her.

"I don't blame her." Theo says, leaning back on the bed frame of one of the other girl's beds. He spins his wand in his hand aimlessly, fumbling with it when he realises he spoke out loud. Everyone whips around to stare at him. "I mean they practically reproduce whenever they see each other." He says, deciding to use this opportunity to insult me.

As much as the insult stung, I can't help but smile. The old Theo is back. "I appreciate you all so much." I mumble, falling back onto the bed, the guitar resting on my chest. I pick at the strings as the conversations begin to pick up.

I sit up and fumble through my drawers, searching for my capo. My hand crashes into a large, cold bottle. I grasp it, making sure not to raise my hand out of the drawer. I spin the Gillyweed in my hand, recalling the deal I made with Fred and George.

I drop it back inside, cringing as it crashes against my jewellery.

I groan angrily as I realise I didn't grab the capo. As I turn towards the drawer I hear the conversations suddenly grow hushed and I feel 7 pairs of eyes on me. Slowly, I turn around, gripping my guitar's neck in a balmy hand.

Draco stands in the doorway, flicking his eyes between me and the small village gathered in the girl's dorm, made up by people who shouldn't be here. Said small village stare dumbly between me and the boy in the doorway, anticipating my reaction.

"Well come on mate, join the festivities." Blaise coughs, waving his hand at him, beckoning him over.

Draco slinks into the room, joining me on the bed after I insist. I feel the mattress dip under his body and I stupidly blush. Draco is on my bed. "Is this a trap?" He whispers in my ear, eyeing the group laughing loudly and jeering.

I huff out a laugh, suddenly nervous sitting next to Draco. The butterflies in my stomach are more insistent now, flapping aggressively all throughout my body. My palms begin to bead with sweat.

"You fake date me, you fake date them as well." I sigh, gesturing with a limp hand at them all. He huffs out a raspy laugh.

"I suppose if someone were to real date you they'd have to real date them as well." He whispers into my ear, slipping a hand around my waist. I shiver at his breath on my cheek and I turn away from him, scolding my face for burning so angrily.

My whole body tightens as I realise what he said, "Wha-"

"Y/N!" Mattheo yells, spinning around to me. I flinch. "Can you play this song?" He asks, accompanying the question with vague humming. I laugh, grateful for the distraction.

I pluck a few strings on the guitar and strum some chords, "Yeah, I know the song." I say, my eyebrows furrowing in concentration as I recall the chords. They seem to flow back into my fingers, creating the melody that is so familiar.

Theo, Blaise and Mattheo wrap their arms around each others shoulders as they begin to sway and sing. Their voices are so obviously off-key but so happy I don't dare to tell them. Peyton and Enzo soon begin to join in, fumbling the lyrics between laughter.

I feel Draco watching me and I flick a side smile at him. He leans back and closes his eyes, drinking in the music. He feet tap the beat and his mouth hums out a surprisingly sweet melody.

I hear Tom angrily protest as the group drag him into the swaying mosh pit in the middle of the room. I blink back tears pricking my eyes.

I wish I could freeze this moment, keep it forever. I watch my friends, my best friends. All singing as I play a song. A boy sitting next to me who's so far from perfect that he's... well, perfect. My hands fumble some of the notes as my eyes cloud with tears.

Peyton glances at me, a wide smile still plastered on her face. Her face immediately falls into concern as she races over to me. She rips the guitar out of my hand before drawing me into a tight hug. I don't even need to say anything.

My body shake with sobs and I mutter out a choked, "They're happy."

"Happy?" Blaise says from behind Peyton, grasping her shoulders. I stand with a shaky nod of my head. I didn't even notice Draco squeezing my hand until I go to move away. He stands with me and I fall into his chest, hugging him tightly.

Mattheo tuts out an exaggerated, "Aww!" before dragging me and Draco into hug.

Draco mutters angry curses at Mattheo but the latter blissfully ignores the first. Blaise then follows suit, squeezing close behind me and wrapping his long arms around us. Theo does the same and soon, so does Enzo. Peyton squeezes in between the boys and wraps her arms around me. Tom is the last the join the the almost dog pile.

We all stand there for not long enough. In each others embrace, not saying a word. We just share this moment together, and even Draco relaxes into it.

"Thank you."

Chapter Text

"I don't even understand why teachers are bothering assigning homework when the entire cohort of students is too preoccupied with the tournament."

Blaise rub his face angrily, pressing the heels of his palms to his eyes. Various books are laid out in front of him accompanied by scribbles on parchment. Beside him, Tom answers his question before it leaves his mouth, "Being a Virgo has nothing to do with Astronomy." Tom sighs, circling a paragraph in one of the books with the end of his pen. Blaise grumbles.

"Ooh, 'cohort', big word for Blaise." Draco jabs at Blaise, smirking. A smile tugs at Blaise's lips but he immediately slaps a hand to his mouth and mumbles, "Oh shut up."

I smile at the table, feeling my cheeks warm. It's not been even a week, and Draco has already made a place for himself in our group. Sure, the tension between Theo and him is still high but it's managed to tone down to a reasonable level.

I groan angrily, clapping my hands to either side of my face. "Blaise is right, this is so dumb." I mutter angrily before letting my head rest on the open book in front of me.

I managed to convince Blaise to come study with me and Draco in the library because I promised he'd be able to concentrate better. It seems my promise fell short. We recruited Tom as a last ditch effort to get some studying done but his presence seemed to only make Blaise more antsy to get out.

"Let's just leave, it seems no work is going to be done."

Everyone stares at Tom in disbelief as he packs up his things. "I'm more than books and study." Tom adds, watching us carefully.

Blaise laughs in bewilderment, moving to stand quickly. "Well I'm not complaining Tommy." He says, shoving his stuff into his bag.

Tom moves so quickly I can barely see it. He grabs Blaise's arm and points his wand at his chest. "Call me 'Tommy' again and I'll make sure you go to the next task needing to be wheeled in." He hisses before releasing Blaise and climbing over him to leave.

Blaise sits in shock, completely frozen. Me and Draco share a look before leaving silently. Letting Blaise come to his senses by himself.

Me and Draco can't help but laugh as we leave the library, to the librarians anguish.

"Next thing we'll know is Blaise having a section dedicated to him in the newspaper over his mysterious disappearance." Draco says, tucking a hand into his pocket, his robe pushed aside and behind his hand.

I laugh in response ending with a long and drawn out sigh. "I think he learned his lesson." I add, turning down a corridor leading out of the castle and into the greenhouses. I'm surprised to find Draco sticking stubbornly by my side as we walk across the castle grounds and towards the small glass buildings.

"I didn't know you liked plants?" I ask as I hang my bag on one of the hooks outside the door of the largest greenhouse.

"I don't." He states, hanging his bag next to mine, dusting the leather of the bag gingerly when he spots the specks of dust and soil on the door. "They're terribly dirty and hard to take care of." He finishes, brushing his hands on his pants then cringing at the dirt now on them.

"Why would you come here then?" I ask, gesturing vaguely to the plants hanging off the railings and the walls. He watches me for a few moments before flicking his eyes away to look at the plants.

"For you of course." He says, walking away from me and further into the house.

His voice implied no burden and no frustration. I stand watching him truly stumped, doubts are whirling in my mind. Unsure of whether he followed me here because of our little stunt or whether he truly came for me and me only I move to chase after him.

I hear disgruntled groans and startled cries up ahead and I race to Draco's side. Neville lies on the floor of the greenhouse, clutching a potted plant in one hand and rubbing his head with the other. Draco simply stares at him in disgust.

I shove past him and bend down to Neville, thrusting my hand out to him. Neville takes it sheepishly and I heave him up onto his unsteady feet. "S-sorry..." He mumbles out, staring down at his shoes.

Draco opens his mouth for a surely rude and impolite comment. I pinch his arm warningly and he shut its deftly. "We invaded, don't worry about it." I say, moving to pick up the sheet of paper on the floor I assume to be Neville's.

He gasps before crouching down and slapping his hand over the weathered page. He lifts the page to his chest, clearly labelled 'Gillyweed' and shifts his gaze nervously from me to Draco.

"I'll uh- I'll leave you guys alone now, I was just leaving anyway." He says abruptly, stumbling away from us and making his way towards the door.

"Wait- Neville!" I yell after him. He stops, not moving to turn around. "Did you need Gillyweed?"

‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾

"How you tolerate Longbottom enough to give him this I have no idea." Draco sighs, watching me fiddle with the small jar in my hands. The seaweed like plant inside is packed so tightly that it has no room to move, creating a deep dark jungle green colour.

"I'm sure if you spent your time getting to know him rather than insulting him you'd have a much better opinion of him." I huff, tucking the jar into my robe pocket. Draco scoffs. "Speaking of, please be nice to him okay? He's already scared of you as is." I say, nodding towards the greenhouse where we bumped into him, it's where he said to meet him.

"I can't make any promises Y/N." He says, running a hand over his hair and flattening it. I roll my eyes at him, sure he couldn't see. He yanks me by my arm behind one of the walls outside.

"You seem to be rolling your eyes a lot at me."

"I don't think I do it enough actually." I hiss back playfully. I wince slightly as my back digs into the uneven stone of the wall behind me. I can't complain though, despite the quite compromising position Draco has put me in. His arms braced either side of my head and his body blocking me from escaping.

"Someone has to put Draco Malfoy in his place." I add, watching that beautiful smirk play at his lips. I reach out my hand to touch it, tracing a finger over the soft pillows of his lips.

He leans into me, pressing a biting kiss against my lips. My hands are trapped between his chest and mine as his lips move against me. The feel of it is so familiar to me yet the butterflies in my stomach never seem to cease when we share moments like these.

He peppers kisses down my jaw and onto the bare space of my neck above my collar. He barely dusts over the skin before returning his mouth to mine. I breathe him in, savouring the feeling of his hands running up and down my body. My skin itches for him to touch it, to move the clunky grey sweater away and touch my bare skin.

I press my hands against his chest, hearing him grumble in discontent as we pull away from each other. "I know for certain Neville will panic if we don't go to meet him now." I sigh, ducking under his arm and walking back to the gravel path we were just on.

Draco mutters something angrily about 'Stupid Gryffindors' and their 'Stupid faces'.

As I predicted Neville is standing outside the greenhouse, rubbing his hands together anxiously. He makes this situation out to be more suspicious than it needs to be. When I approach him he flinches when I speak, obviously not hearing us when we were walking towards him.

I simply hand him the jar as he clearly isn't itching to have a conversation with me this close to curfew. We exchange gratitudes and farewells before he speeds off back into the castle, stuffing the jar into the pockets of his trousers.

I feel Draco's hand slipping around my wrist as we follow Neville back into the castle. I nearly gasp when he fingers slide into mine, squeezing gently. He seems to be holding his breath and only when I lace out fingers together does he release it.

We walk hand in hand into the castle before he quickly releases my hand. He coughs awkwardly as people walk past, rubbing the side of his neck.

I gingerly tuck my hand into my pocket, feeling the weight of his withdrawal. The silence is no longer comfortable and I nearly sigh of relief when we get to the Great Hall.

Inside, students are bustling and anxious for the next task tomorrow. Various students hand out badges with Harry Potter's face, one shoving one into my hand before I could decline. Other's don the faces of the other champions. Only when I look down at the badge in my hand do I realise that Potter's face has shifted to two words: 'Potter Stinks.'

I swallow a laugh as I tuck it into my pocket. No point feeling bad for him when he has such little consequence in my life.

As I sit down Peyton practically force feeds me some food claiming it to be 'God-like'. After swallowing the mysterious food that Peyton shoved at me, I begin to pile on food for my meal.

I stare at Draco across from me and he expertly avoids my eyes. I let my head fall onto my hand as I pick at my food. I struggle to understand the ups and downs of him and the sheer duality of him. Peyton notices me deep in thought and decides to jab my in the side to get my attention.

I squeal before slapping a hand over my mouth. She doesn't laugh but instead stares at me expectantly, waiting for an explanation. I just shake my head and return to my food. She sighs but decides not to push any further.

"Is Theo still in the dorms?" Enzo asks through a mouthful of food, dabbing at the sides of his mouth with the sides of his fingers.

"Haven't seen him all day but he might be holed up in there." Mattheo says, gesturing towards the door with the sharp side of his fork.

I press my hands on the table and push myself up, excited for any out of this hall. "I'll go see if he's there." I say. I don't wait for anyone else to say anything, I just walk out the doors and make my way down to the dungeons.

Chapter Text

"Theo?!" I yell for the third time into the dark room. I hear the muffled sounds of shuffling for the first time since I began yelling for him into the abyss of the boy's dorm. "Come on!" I whine, moving to lean against the door frame.

I drag out my wand and point it into the room. I open my mouth to utter the Lumos charm when the room floods with light. My eyes have a hard time adjusting to the new light and I barely catch Theo stumbling out of his sheets before he drags me inside the room roughly, slamming the door behind me.

His arm reaches around me to lock the door. I stare up at him quizzically when I see the dark rings surrounding his eyes. I lift a finger to touch them when he slaps my hand away. Once satisfied the door is locked, he pulls me over the pile of sheets and his duvet that are scattered on the floor of the dorm.

He motions for me to sit on one of the pillows strewn about the space. As I sit down I eye the various book thrown out in front of me, some weathered and ancient. "Where did you find these?" I ask, fingering some of the pages carefully, frightened they may tear by breathing too heavily around them.

He searches my face quickly before nodding his head towards a carefully made bed, the decorations sparse. "It seems Malfoy has some secrets." He says vaguely, a proud smile tugging at his lips. Said smile falls when he looks back at me.

"You went through his stuff?!" I groan, pressing my hands to my knees. He rubs his eyes in frustration before muttering, "It was provoked."

I raise my eyebrows skeptically at him. "What're you talking about?" I ask, exasperated.

He taps on various books, "Draco's been acting suspicious. First, he sneaks you out of someone's house in the middle of the night to talk to you. Then, Astoria tells the whole school you two are dating and then you conveniently start developing into just that, dating." He says, punctuating each point with a new raised finger.

"You told Astoria about us meeting." I say pointedly. He groans.

"He started the rumour." He hisses back, shaking his head to get back to his point. "Then I find this book," He says, waving a leather bound book at me, its edges fraying and the leather heavily damaged, "Under his bed."

"Someone could have planted that there," I say, grabbing the book and reading the cover, 'Marks and their Magic', "Plus I don't see the problem learning a few runes, it's in the curriculum after all." I finish, handing it back to him.

He looks at me like he might implode. He blinks rapidly, a tell that he's angry. "It's not about runes, Y/N," He grumbles, opening the book and flicking to a page seemingly out of habit. He flips the book around, carefully holding open a page so I can see. "It's about Dark Marks." He spits, watching for my reaction.

"There was just an incident at the World Cup where that mark," I say, pointing at the snake and skull imprinted onto the page as if by fire, I double-take, swearing it moved, "Was floating in the bloody sky."

"That's the fucking point, Y/N." He seethes through his teeth, moving as if to throw the book but deciding against it and carefully laying it down on the floor beside the other books. I flinch, screwing the hem of my jumper in my fingers anxiously. He presses a hand to his forehead and groans. "And no one could have planted it," He mutters, pointing towards the book.

I glance down at the cover and I see it. I see it etched into the worn leather.

"His family crest is burned into it."

‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾

"And you're sure no one else has any sort of access to it?"

Draco stares at me, expectedly annoyed. "Of course not," He says reaching over me and stirring the bubbling cauldron I left unattended. "Why do you keep asking?" He whispers, noticing the few wandering eyes staring at us.

I let my gaze brush over the other students in the potion classroom and Professor Snape stood stoically at the front of the class, watching the students with an unfaltering and perpetually annoyed glare.

"I'm just intrigued..." I say as vaguely as I can muster, glancing down at my book and tracing a line under and ingredient with my finger. I pop open a jar, cringing away from the fumes that waft up to my nose. I dump it in the cauldron before I throw up in it.

"Theo said something didn't he." He says, rather than asks, seemingly knowing the answer already. I tense up, gripping my quill so tight it nearly snaps.

"What makes you say that?"

"Well, it's always him isn't it? Always him who plants these seeds into your head, trying to get rid of me any way and any means possible. Don't give me that look, you know it just as well as I do." He says, not a single words sounding accusatory or insulting.

"He's just protective."

"He's jealous, Y/N."

We stand in silence, listening to the bustle of the class around us. He busies himself with finishing the potion. I sigh out deeply, my heart knows he's right but I can't bring myself to say it. "It's more complicated than that." Is what I mutter out.

He doesn't react. I glance at him, not moving my head but simply side-eyeing him. His face is crinkled and his eyes are as dark as Theo's were last night. I feel him tense up as I slip a hand over his. "Sorry." I apologise, not even understanding what for.

Gingerly, he slides his hand out of mine and my heart sinks. I feel my cheeks burn with shame. But, I feel his fingers graze my hand and then before I know it he's laced his fingers with mine. "There's nothing to be sorry for." He whispers, barely audible.

I smile unconsciously, squeezing his hand tightly. Although, the moment is short lived and when my hand slams against the edge of the table as I try and fling away from him. Mattheo stares at us suspiciously.

"Sorry, did I interrupt your hand sex?" He says walking around the back of us and to my side of the table. I cradle my hand, embarrassed and feeling it sting, knowing it'll bruise tomorrow. Draco clenches his hand around his quill, his ears burning red.

"Peyton turned our potion pink and I don't want to fail another one of Snape's classes. I'm sure he's had enough of me in detention anyway," He says winking at an oblivious Snape. "So, I'm joining your group."

"You're gonna let Peyton fail by herself?"

"Hey, It wasn't a team effort throwing in the whole classroom's supply of Newt spleen and then saying the wrong charm." He says, poking around our ingredients. He holds up our jar of Newt spleen, "This will become a rare item if Peyton is allowed to make potions." He says waving it at me.

I push his hand away from my face. "She's about to burst out crying, then you'll be even more embarrassed." I say, pointing towards a quivering Peyton. She jabs the cauldron with the stirring spoon anxiously, watching it fizz and spurt weird gasses.

He rolls his eyes before stomping off back to Peyton. He leans over the cauldron, analysing the mess that's been created. Stupidly, he pokes a finger into the solution after he deemed it 'safe'. An echoing boom sounds through the classroom and I stifle back a laugh. Mattheo turns to glare at me, blinking pink soot from his eyes.

"You knew she made an erumpent potion?" Draco whispers in my ear.

"As well as you did." I say, not able to hold back my laugh anymore.

Peyton stands frozen, her hands clasped around her mouth and her eyes wide. She snickers quietly as does the rest of the class. Snape's lip curls up in disgust as he drawls, "I suppose I'll be seeing both of you after class today to clean up this mess?" It's a question but there's only one answer.

They both nod sheepishly and Mattheo wipes his face and then rubs it onto Peyton's shirt. She gasps, brushing it off angrily muttering, 'I just washed this you arsehole.' or something along those lines.

"How come you didn't take any points from them, but you did when I blew up the cauldron last week?!" Seamus huffs from the front of the class. Everyone collectively, stares at the boy, already cringing in anticipation.

"Are you volunteering to take the brunt of the punishment Mr. Finnigan?" Snape says, clearly enjoying terrorising the boy. "Ten points from Gryffindor." He finishes and I swear I saw him smile ever so briefly.

Every single Gryffindor in the class groans or throws balled up parchment at Seamus. I hear, 'It's gonna be your bloody fault if Slytherin beats us again', 'I swear you do this on purpose mate' and then I see Harry tap Seamus' back supportively. "You were trying to do the right thing mate." He says, pushing up his glasses.

Blaise claps Seamus on the back as well, a cheeky smirk playing at his lips, "You're not as bad as I thought Finnigan."

"Shove off Zabini." I hear Ron mutter. Too scared to actually say it to his face, but rather saying it to his book in front of him, hoping Blaise didn't hear. Blaise huffs out an amused laugh and various 'ooh's and 'aah's sound through the classroom.

"I think that's enough." Snape drawls, waving an unenthused hand at them.

Blaise spins away from the boys at the front and walks towards his table at the back next to us.

The class falls back into conversation and the rest of the students return back to their potions. Meanwhile, Seamus, Harry and Ron all huddle around their cauldron already wincing in anticipation. I watch as their solution bubbles and boils, threatening to flow over the side of the cauldron. It smokes, turning various shades of pink like flashes of lightning and then it puffs out an exhausted plume of smoke, engulfing the classroom in a sheet of darkness.

Only the most dramatic students squeal, causing panic. I hear the fumbling of students and the crashing of jars.

I press a hand to my face and then draw it away about only an inch. I can barely make out even the silhouette of it. I slide my hands across the table, trying to catch my bearings. I bump into the cauldron and nearly send it catapulting off the high table.

"Y/N?" I hear someone say over the cacophony of panic. I reach out beside me, to where I heard the all too familiar voice. My hands meet skin and then the brush of hair. Draco's hands slips over mine guiding it off his face and into his hand instead.

"Blaise, Is the view any better up there?!" I hear Peyton yell before she lets out a disgruntled grunt as she collides with what I believe to be the table behind her.

"Can you find your wand Draco?" I ask, shoving a hand into my pocket and rummaging around for my own. I cringe, remembering I left it somewhere on the table and trying to find it would do more harm than good. "Everyone else in this classroom is too stupid to use a cleaning charm so we need to do it ourselves." I huff.

I hear him shuffling around in his pockets in front of me. Unconsciously, I pat my hands down his torso, feeling for the wand. I don't register this movement until my hands are already on the pockets of his pants. I freeze, as does he. I don't dare to move my fingers and inch, too mortified to even breathe. I stutter out an apology but I feel his fingers graze my own.

His fingers push into the pocket and I feel the slide of his wand out of his pocket. I know he has it in his grasp now but he doesn't move to utter the charm. Instead I hear the clatter of the smooth wood against the table next to me and then I feel my back pressed against said table.

I register his arms beside me and his breath on my face. I notice him pressed harshly against me, the rise and fall of our chest in sync. "Draco?" I mutter, shivering as I feel his hand run up my leg and slide under the hem of my skirt.

"Mm?" He hums and I feel his mouth centimeters away from mine. His fingers trace light circles on the skin of my thighs. I grip his sleeves, feeling the all too common burn of my cheeks. It's become a usual occurrence around him it seems. I don't bother finishing what I was going to say.

I close the distance between us and feel the pressure of his lips against mine. I press into him further feeling him suck in a breath against my mouth. I smirk and then I feel his other hand snake around my waist and the hand on my leg grip harder.

I gasp, his hand higher than it's ever been. I slap a hand over his making sure he doesn't think I'm uncomfortable.

"Don't stop."

Chapter Text

"Don't stop."

I reach for his face and trace the muscle of his jaw, feeling his hair tickle the ends of my fingers. His breathing becomes more rapid and I can feel his heartbeat quicken against my chest.

I lean my head in the crook of his neck as his hand slides higher. I breathe in, drinking in his smell. Did he get a new cologne? I lean back, letting my hands roam across his chest.

He presses a kiss to my jaw, trailing up to my mouth. I shake off the thought, deepening the kiss. The sinking feeling in my stomach doesn't disappear.

I tentatively run my hands over his face, feeling the unfamiliar rises of his face under my finger tips.

Frantically, I grip the hand under my skirt, yanking it away from my leg. I push the person away from me, crashing back into the table behind them. "Who are yo-"

Someone mutters the cleaning charm and with a sharp flash the smoke clears as quickly as it flooded the classroom. My hands grip the table behind me until my knuckles turn white. Draco dusts off his robe to the left of me, arguing with Mattheo.

I can feel the sweat building on my palms and the sinking of my stomach is overwhelming. My breathing is rapid and I hold myself up on the table, keenly aware my legs about to give out.

The boy in front of me pushes his hair back with a lay back slide of his hand. I'm trapped in place by his blue eyes, drilling deep into my own. "Why didn't you stop." I hiss, drawing him to the side of the classroom with great protest from my shaking legs.

"You told me not to."

I fling his arm out of my grip, crossing my arms and putting as much space between us as possible.

"You knew what you were doing." I seethe, searching his face. Theo scoffs, stuffing his hands in his pockets. I flick my gaze back to the rest of the class when I meet Draco's concerned gaze. I freeze up, dread filling my veins. Theo leans into me, locking eyes with me. "Don't pretend to be innocent here Y/N," He whispers.

I flinch, my mouth involuntarily hanging open. "Excuse m-"

"Are you sure you didn't know it was me?" He asks, watching me before swiftly making his way back to his table with Blaise. I stand frozen, completely still.

I wring my hands together, willing the shaking to end. I knew. I knew. I knew something wasn't right. I knew and I kept going.

I notice Draco approaching me, shaking soot from his hair. He reaches for me and brushes off some that landed on my face. My body tenses and I'm acutely aware how rough Theo's hands were compared to the tender skin of Draco's. "What's wrong-" He begins.

Snape coughs and the collective stare of the whole class is on us. "If everyone has settled down?" He asks, only moving his gaze from us when he begins his next sentence, "I will be coming around to check your potions."

Me and Draco make our way back to our table in silence. I notice the frequent glances he shoots at me as we wait for Snape to reach our table. Despite his obvious concern he doesn't speak a word.

‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾

"You seriously didn't know?"

I groan inwardly, regretting even telling Peyton at all. "I'm sure you would've made the same mistake, it was dark and everyone was wailing like children." I say, chewing on the skin around my fingernail.

"Uh, no," She says, pressing a defensive hand to her chest. "I wouldn't be making out with someone in the middle of class, as soon as no one can see us." She finishes, chucking her bag onto her bed as we enter the dorm room.

I glare at her and she shrugs, busying herself with unpacking.

I don't bother responding, knowing she already won this argument. I wouldn't have had time anyway as a knocks sounds at the door. I turn around and see Theo standing by the open door.

"Why is it whenever someone knocks on this door it always has something to do with me?" I groan as I walk over to him.

He shuts the door behind me as we make our way into the common room in silence. We make ourselves comfortable in the table in the corner, shielded from the rest of the room by a large bookshelf. I run my fingers over the familiar carving of a 'L+N' scratched into the corner of the dark wood table. I remember finding it first-year and the prefects telling me it's been there since they were in first-year as well.

"Just because we're in the spot where everyone makes out doesn't mean I'm going to willingly do it with you." I huff, leaning back in the plush sofa-bench hybrid I sit on.

"Of course," He says, "You can see me this time."

I scoff, letting my mouth gape open. He interrupts my retort with a raise of his hand and the slam of books on the table. I didn't notice the bag slung over his shoulder until now.

He pushes the leatherbound book towards me like he did before. I look up at him, skeptically. "Seriously? This again?" I ask, sliding it back.

"Look, you were right." He admits, glaring at me through his eyelashes.

Despite, my triumphant look, my chest constricts. "As happy as I am hearing that come out of your mouth... do you mean?" I say, leaving the question hanging. He nods.

"Someone planted it there. Someone who knew something Draco doesn't, and someone who wanted me to find it." He answers, flicking through the pages of the book. He points to the dog-eared page, bookmarking the page about the dark mark. My wrist stings looking at it and I glance down at the scars, and the memories flood back...

‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾

"Get off me!"

"It is the greatest honour sweetheart." My mother whispers in my ear. I struggle against her arm wrapped tightly around me, binding my arms to my side. I thrash, tears flowing down my cheeks, leaving trails in the muck on my face.

A woman in a robe stands before me, a mask covering her face. "The dark lord chose you to bare this mark of honour, do not disobey child." She croaks out, as if she's been crying. crouching down to me she reaches out her surprisingly smooth yet weathered fingers and grasps my wrist, ever so gently.

I glance towards my father who watches, his face impassive and bored. I shriek as the cloaked woman presses her wand to my skin.

My mother's grip tightens and I feel the shifting of her own mark against my skin. It squirms in anticipation at another joining it's ranks.

Sweat beads on my forehead as I continue to throw my body against the vice-like grip of my mother's arms. I feel an unparalleled sizzle on my skin as the woman begins to form the mark. Whispers fill my mind and no matter how loud I scream I can't seem to drown them out.

I'm still screaming when people break down our door and burst into our house. I'm still screaming when they grab my parents and restrain them with iron clasps. The lady in the robe seemed to disappear in this moment. I'm still screaming when someone grabs me and wraps me in a scratchy blanket.

"Y/N?"

‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾

"Y/N!"

I jump, slapping a hand over my wrist. "How do you know?"

"What?" Theo says, his face crinkled with concern.

"That someone planted it?" I ask, finishing my question and swallowing a shaky breath, then wiping my sweaty palms on my skirt. He searches my face for a moment before sighing and finishing his explanation.

"It was placed in a way that only I could find it, the title tilted towards my bed next to his," He says, drawing the layout of their beds on the table with his finger. He shows how his bed is in the furthest corner and Draco's is next to his. The book was placed under Draco's bed so only he could see it. "Plus, this page was folded over, meaning they wanted me to see it." He says, casting his gaze over the page.

I squeeze my arm as I stare at the dark mark of the long dead lord. "How does that prove anything?" I ask, not able to tear my eyes from the page.

"If Malfoy was trying to hide it, he would've hidden it. Not left it in the open for me to see. He's isn't that stupid."

"Why can't we tell the rest of the group?" I ask, changing the subject of Draco's innocence. Theo glares at me as if I'm stupid.

"Because," He begins, closing the book. I blink rapidly and finally meet his eyes. "Peyton would freak and shut down permanently. Enzo would probably blab about it. Blaise would ask Draco and ruin the in-conspicuous part of it. Mattheo probably wouldn't care so I guess we could tell him, but he'd also knock Draco out knowing his.... tendencies. Tom would be the only rational one," I open my mouth to suggest telling him but Theo interrupts me, already guessing my words, "Although, he wouldn't be the most sympathetic to Draco about it and then you'd get upset." He finishes with a quirk of his eyebrow.

"Fine." I groan, pressing the heel of my palm to my eyes.

"It's not like there's a time limit to this little investigation anyway." Theo sighs, leaning back in the chair.

"I guess..."

‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾

"Did you know Neville would give Potter the gillyweed?" Mattheo asks, a victorious smile tugging at his lips as we walk back to our dorms from the second task.

"If I knew I wouldn't have given him it." I grumble, handing over a few notes of money into Mattheo's palm. The first and the last time I bet on anything with Mattheo. I only bet on it because I was certain Harry would fail the second task when it was announced they had to rescue someone underwater in the Black Lake. Everyone knows all sorts of creepies live there.

I nearly broke my hand when I slammed it into the seats of the grandstands when Harry and not one, but two other people breached the surface of the lake. Leave it to Harry Potter to be the hero and nearly kill everyone he's trying to save in the process. And to rub salt in the wound, I wouldn't have lost my money if I didn't give Neville that jar of Gillyweed.

"You were your own downfall." Blaise mumbles through a mouthful of fudge beside me. I glare at him and he raises his hands that hold the bag of fudge. "Just saying."

"He's suspiciously good at these tasks." Fred says behind me.

"Yeah, you weren't the only one who lost money today, Y/N." George mutters angrily. I slow down and fall into step with the twins, walking between them.

"You bet on him losing? I thought you guys were 'family' or something like that." I say, flicking my head between them.

"Look, we were on the same page as you missy." Fred says with a jab in my side.

"We knew the other three would finish the task, I mean, Fleur was a bit of a dissapointment." George adds, with a wave of his hand.

"But Harry was never going to do it." Fred says with a snicker.

"Guess we were all wrong, huh?" I say with a huff. They both nod dejectedly.

I'm aware of them casting wary glances at each other as we walk together. George even shrugs when Fred mouths something at him.

"Okay," I groan, grabbing their shirts and dragging them around a corner, "What is it." I say, crossing my arms.

They look at each other, smirks growing on their faces. They lean onto the wall behind them, completely in sync. The glance down the hall and after they deem it safe they whisper, "You and Draco aren't really dating are you?" They both ask together. George cocks and eyebrow and Fred crosses his own arms.

"W-what?" I sputter out, glancing towards the floor. Looking anywhere but at them.

"There there, Y/N," Fred says, pushing off the wall and placing a hand on my shoulder, "You can't help me and George being this incredibly smart." He adds, leaning towards my face. I shiver as he runs his hand down my arm before returning his hand to its crossed position.

"You didn't tell anyone did you?" I ask desperately. This situation is more messy than it needs to be and I don't need the Weasley twins making it worse.

Despite their confidence, Fred and George's eyes widen in shock. "Perhaps our skills lie in investigation, Fred." George says to Fred.

"You were guessing?!" I gap incredulously. They ignore me for a moment as they discuss their 'incredible skill'.

"Or gambling." Fred says. They both nod, pleased. "Lucky guess I 'spose." Fred adds with a shrug.

Their whole demeanor changes when they push off the wall. They watch me carefully, their gazes roaming my face.

"Oh, but tell us more Y/N." George says, approaching me. Fred follows suit.

"You grow more entertaining by the second." Fred says, tucking a hair behind my ear.

I swat Fred's hand away and he huffs out a laugh. "You two are painful." I mutter, shaking my head in frustration.

They look at each other briefly before smirking, "We get that a lot." They both say, wiggling their eyebrows at me.

Chapter Text

"What do you get out of this, huh?"

They share a glance before turning back to me. I wait expectantly for an answer from them, my arms firmly crossed across my chest. "Nothing really." George says, straightening his uniform unconsciously.

"It just seems..." Fred begins, a smirk staying firmly in place on his face. I fan my hands expectantly, growing more annoyed.

"Where is he now?" George interrupts, placing a hand on Fred's shoulder.

I shake my head, confused. "What- Probably in the dorms I don-" I stutter out.

I barely have time to react before the twins thrust out their arms, beckoning me to loop my own around theirs. I glance anxiously between them. "Come on Y/N, aren't you curious." Fred says, leaning further towards me.

"Curious? About what?!" I ask, thoroughly confused. They don't answer me but I gingerly loop my arms around theirs. As soon as I do they begin to drag me out of the small corridor we were in and back into the main halls.

"I could be better than him, Y/N." Fred whispers into my ear. I shiver but I don't move to get out of his grip.

I huff out a shaky laugh, "I'm not sure what you mean." I say, spotting the group ahead of us, waiting outside the Great Hall. I feel Fred's searching gaze on me. "Alright, stop it." I groan, feeling the blush threatening on my cheeks.

As we approach I feel Draco's glare before I even see him. I shrug out of the twin's grasp, accompanied by overdramatic whining on their part.

"How cruel of you," Mattheo begins, "Making a starving man wait." He groans before shoving open the door and waltzing inside. I smile when he spins around and grabs Peyton's wrist. He drags her in after him.

I startle when I feel a hand snake around my waist. "What did the Weasel boys want?" Draco whispers into my ear. I feel his breath on my neck and I tilt my head so I can see him. He pulls me away from the doorway and turns me so we face each other. "They're my friends, you don't need to be jealous." I say, watching his eyes flicker with uncertainty.

"Sure." He says plainly, leaving me and walking into the Great Hall. I stare after him, my brows furrowing.

"What?" I huff after I catch up to him. He shrugs off my attempt to question him and continues striding towards the table we usually sit.

I don't get a chance to continue as he sits down with the rest of the group, abruptly starting a conversation with a slightly concerned Tom.

Blaise stares at me from across the table as I sit down. He shovels a spoonful of mash potato into his mouth before nodding his head sideways, gesturing to Draco. He then shoots me a questioning look. I shrug, 'The twins?' I mouth. Blaise nods as if it were obvious.

My own spoon barely makes it into my mouth before Theo kicks my leg from under the table. I muster the fire-iest glare I can and shoot it his way. I lean down to rub the inevitable bruise that's going to bloom on my shin.

He mimes opening a book and I stare at him a few seconds before it sinks in. I wave him off, stubbornly ignoring him. He prods me with his foot again and I huff angrily. "Knock it off." I whisper, leaning towards him.

He rolls his eyes before faintly drawing a vague shape on his left wrist with his finger. My mouth hangs open in disbelief. I kick him harder than I intended and his knee flies up into the table, knocking the plates around.

Everyone around us flicks wary glances towards me and Theo, immediately turning away when he thrusts out his middle finger.

"You could at least do me the favour of not flirting with him right in front of me." Draco hisses into my ear.

I startle, my spoon nearly slipping out of my hand and onto the table. "Think I'm stupid Y/N?" He says, reaching past me for the pepper. "Kissing Theo as soon as no one can see?" My stomach sinks when he says that. And I suspect Theo overheard as he abruptly rises and leaves the hall.

"Astronomy tower," He says, rising himself and moving to leave, "Now?" He asks impatiently.

‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾

The cold breeze stings my cheeks and I draw my robe tighter around myself. I see him standing where he stood the night he asked me to the ball, his hair mussed from the wind.

My hands shake as I walk up behind him. I reach out for him as I usually would but immediately draw back, clutching it close to my chest. I open my mouth, ready to apologise.

"Don't bother Y/N. Even I know you don't mean it." He says, his voice startlingly choked up.

He spins around and leans on the railings, his hands hanging limply. I stare into the ever so familiar grey eyes, a wet shimmer glazing them. "Did you know it was him?" He asks quietly, flicking his eyes to the floor.

"No." I say, moving to the rail beside him, I lean on my forearms looking out onto the landscape surrounding the tower. "I can't believe I even thought it was you."

He tenses and he whips his head towards me. "That's insulting." He says, accompanied by an unexpected laugh.

I squeeze my eyes shut and nod, laughing myself. "I guess." I say. I run my hands through my hair, pushing back the hair flying across my face from the wind. "You're mad?" I ask, already knowing the answer.

"Oh, Incredibly." He admits, turning to face me. "Was it good?" He asks, a bit embarrassed.

I wave my hand dismissively. "Very... grabby." I say, making a grabbing gesture. He doesn't say anything, or even breathe. He turns and faces the way I do, his fingertips brushing my own hand.

"You like him though." He says, so quietly. I whip around to face him but he stubbornly avoids my stare.

"What?!" I gasp, staring angrily at the side of his head. "Theo?" I ask, trying to wrap my head around what he's saying. The amount of people who said the exact same thing to me flick through my mind.

"Who else would I be talking about?" He says bitterly.

I sigh. "Draco..." I begin, watching him slowly turn his head to look at me. "Do you really think that?" I ask, suddenly embarrassed. I turn my head back to the view. The trees sway drunkenly in the late winter breeze. Snow soaks into the ground and saturates all the colours of the environment around us.

"Would I be stupid to?" He sighs, carding through his hair with his hand.

I groan inwardly, "Thats-Thats not what I'm saying."

"Well what else am I supposed to think?!" He says, his voice raising. I flinch, watching him push of the railing and stand up tense. "That you secretly care so much for me while you go off kissing other people and flirting whenever you can? Is that it?!" He almost yells, panting.

He spins away from me.

"Draco-"

"I just- It makes no sense. I don't even know why I thought this would be a good idea! So damn stupid. Fake dating? Merlin, who came up with that?!"

"Draco."

"You know, I was so hopeful something real could happen with us. Wishful thinking, huh?"

I grab his arm. He whips his head towards me, glaring. It softens as I lift my mouth to meet his.

"Would you shut up?"

Chapter Text

We stare at each other for a few moments, my hand lingering on his cheek. His eyes flicker but he doesn't move. He doesn't speak. I suck in a deep breath.

"We're being a bit dramatic aren't we?" I say, a soft laugh escaping my lips. I glance down nervously, staring at the laces of my shoes. A cold breeze flies past us but neither of us notice. A stray snowflake delicately drifts onto the leather of my shoe and I tilt my head up and towards the sky.

Snow starts to fall in a drifting dance. I slip my hand from his face and draw my robe tighter around my body.

"But, I don't expect you to forgive me," I sigh, shivering when the breeze brushes past me. "Let's just go back to how we were before-"

"No."

My eyebrows crease as I whip around to face him. "That's- That's ominous..."

He releases a frustrated groan. His fingers pinch the bridge of his nose as his eyes shut. "You know what I meant."

"Well, I'm hoping what I'm thinking is what you meant..." I breathe, my heart squeezing anxiously. I look into his eyes hoping to find the answer I'm looking for. His mouth tugs with the slightest smile.

"I'm making a mistake aren't I?" He laughs, placing his hands on my waist and tugging me towards him slowly.

"Oh, most definitely."

He moves so quickly I barely register his hand behind my head and his lips on my skin. His mouth brushes my cheek. "It's not as romantic as I'd like it to be but," He whispers against my skin as he peppers kisses down by jaw and onto my neck, "I- well," I managed to huff out, sliding my fingers into his hair.

"Let's do something stupid."

I nearly collapse when he says that. Out of relief or shock? I'm not sure. I grip his arms and he pulls back, fear burned onto his face. "Oh god- Sorry I-" I stutter out, more flustered than I've ever been I'm sure. My whole body burns in what I'm hoping is just embarrassment. "Right now?! On top of the astronomy tower?! I don't-"

Who knew Draco was like this? I mean, I think Theo or even Blaise would do something like this but Draco?! No, I must have missed something. Sure, I wouldn't object to it somewhere else , but I'm not sure I'm the 'On top of an astronomy tower in the open where I'm sure Professor Sinistra would find us and pitch us off the tower itself' kind of girl.

"Oh Merlin-no- Sorry, I rushed into this," He says shakily, running his hand through his hair where I previously had my hands, "but I thought since everyone thought we were, it wouldn't be that big of a deal. I should've thought about you-" He says breathlessly, his eyes wide in shock but he doesn't move his hands where I thought he would.

"-What??" I ask, my mind frazzled. "Everyone- Everyone thinks," I say my voice quieting for the next part, "We're... doing it ??"

The silence couldn't have been more suffocating. I nearly cry out of relief when Draco bursts out in laughter, his head tilted towards the sky. "Merlin- Y/N" He manages to huff out between howling laughter, "That's not what I meant." He stares down at me, tears of humour pricking his eyes. The smile on his face is infectious.

"O-Oh!" I say, my face nearly melting off from the heat burning on my cheeks. I bury my face in my hands, shielding my embarrassment from him. "W-what did you mean?" I mumble, not daring to meet his eyes.

I don't have a choice but to when his hands cup my face and force me to look at him. "I was really hoping I wouldn't have to say it but," He begins, clearing his throat as a chuckle escapes his mouth. "Will you be-"

"Yes." I say. My heart flutters, threatening to burst out of my chest at any moment. I nod furiously, not caring about my burning face anymore. I didn't need to hear the rest of his question, I could see it written all over his face. "Yes I will."

"You will?!" He huffs, his eyes crinkling with the smile that reaches his eyes, "You will." He repeats, almost reassuring himself.

I slap my hands on either side of his face, more violently than I intended but I got the job done. I frantically press a kiss onto his mouth. He groans against my lips, deepening the kiss by dragging me closer. "You thought I wanted to have-" he begins before I slam my lips back into his.

He laughs and I feel it rumble through his chest. "On top of the astronomy tower?" He finishes against my mouth. "I'm not an animal..." He purrs, sliding his arms tighter around my waist.

I hit his arm playfully, pulling away just so I can glare at him. "You're very vague with much of what you say." I grumble, pinching the spot I slapped.

"Well, Heaven forbid I wanted to 'do it' with you." He whispers into my ear. I'm sure he intended it to be mocking but my body aches in that moment. I grab his face and kiss him, feeling his tongue brush my bottom lip. I press my body closer to him, aching for his skin on mine. I bunch up the front of his shirt in my hands as I open my mouth, letting his tongue roam my mouth.

"You're creasing my suit." He groans mockingly against my mouth. I suck in a breath and take that time to say, "I'm in the moment, so, shut up."

He raises his hands in surrender then grabs my waist. His hands run up and down my body desperately. He grabs my hips, my shoulders, my arms, my face. My hands do the same, searching for the heat of his skin.

"Well that's disgusting."

Me and Draco break apart, taking several steps away from each other. I rub my lips, feeling how swollen they are. I glance to Draco's and his are the same, a bright red tint burning on them.

"Look, I'm all for makeup makeouts but everyone is completely obsessed with me and followed me up here." Mattheo says, gesturing behind him with his thumb, directing our gaze to the staircase where the rest of our groups heads pop out from.

I glance from Draco to the group and he catches my eye, a smirk playing at his lips.

"For this whole 'fake' thing you two are awfully..." Blaise tuts, his arms crossed in false disapprovement. Peyton lugs a bag up behind him, food assuredly packed into it.

"Real?" She pants, dropping the bag carefully onto the stone bricks. "Yeah, It's suspicious guys." She says, smirking knowingly at me. How she always seems to know these things before me never surprises me at this point.

"Congratulations!!" Enzo whoops as he rushes up the stairs, he hooks an arm around Peyton's neck, grinning from ear to ear.

Tom and Theo straggle up after them. Peyton sighs, a smile still plastered on her face while Enzo whips his head around, painfully oblivious. "Oh." He says, his mouth making an 'O' shape. "I missed the cue."

"No, there wasn't even a cue but you still managed to miss it," Tom says, patting him on the back, "Somehow." He whispers at the end incredulously.

Draco joins my side, sliding a hand around my waist and I sneak a glance at Theo, expecting a glare but met with a smile. A smile that doesn't reach his eyes but a smile nonetheless.

"So you guys knew?" I ask, watching Blaise flick his head between everyone just as I am. The same confused look on his face I'm certain is plastered on my own.

"What? No?" Blaise says.

"We just assumed considering your current state." Theo says gesturing vaguely to our hair and our ruffled clothes.

"But Enzo?..."

"Thought you meant to give Harry the gillyweed and in turn helping him win the second challenge." Tom adds, nodding towards a guilty Enzo. Enzo waves a hand excusing himself so he can dig through Peyton's bag.

"What's with the bag." Draco says, flicking his head towards the swollen bag.

"A picnic!" Peyton exclaims, throwing her hands in the air, noticing the snow falling. "Shit." She mutters, staring up at the sky, watching the snow. Tom walks in front of her and lifts a hand over her head, his wand clutched between his fingers. Peyton stares up at him, utterly frozen.

Tom mutters out some sort of barrier charm, casting an invisible ceiling of solid air above us blocking the snow.

"Show off." Mattheo mutters next to me. I jump not realising he was that close to me. "You know, he does that on purpose?" Mattheo continues, prodding me in the side with his elbow and nodding towards Tom and Peyton.

"What? Get Peyton flustered?" Draco asks. Mattheo groans angrily.

"No, that's just a given with him," He says somewhat dejectedly, "I'm talking about the spell. You know, doing all those impressive spells in front of me just to make me feel stupid." His mouth slips from its usual playful smirk into a frown.

He blinks a few times and his mouth turns up as usual. "But, whatever. We all know Peyton has a little crush on me." He sighs, laughing to himself.

"What about your little crush on her?" I ask, smirking. I watch him, tense up and whip his head towards me. A blush flooding his cheeks that i've never seen before. He fumbles for an answer before breathing out. "Pssht, crush."

He begins to walk away, repeating that to himself. Trying to convince his feelings to relax.

"Must be something in this snow." Draco mutters beside me, squeezing my side. He smirks down at me when I look towards him. He continues when he sees my confused expression. "Well I won't be surprised if Mattheo gets down on his knees and confesses his undying love to Peyton tonight as well."

"As well? I spin to face him and his hands acclimate to rest on the small of my back. "I got no confession of your undying love." I say sarcastically, not expecting anything in particular.

He slides his hand to cup the back of my head. "Oh? Did you want one?" He smirks, knowing what he's doing to me.

I panic. "O-Oh? What was that? The food is getting cold? Well that makes sense," I say wriggling out of his grip, blushing, "Considering it's snowing and everything." I say waving my hand vaguely to the sky, or more like the barrier blocking the snow.

He chuckles and grasps my wrist, dragging me back to him. I gasp unexpectedly when he presses a biting kiss against my mouth. It softens then he pulls away, the corner of his mouth tilted up.

"Stop it you two, I'm in a fragile state right now." Blaise huffs a few paces away.

Everyone turns to look at him expectedly. He smiles awkwardly, "Sorry, just wanted some attention, I'm fine." He says with a bright grin, shrugging.

"Oh, whatever, come sit, these tarts may only last a few more minutes if someone doesn't restrain Tom." Peyton grumbles, whacking Tom's hand away from the plate of strawberry tarts she must've nicked from the tables in the great hall.

Theo pats a space on the blanket next to him- that Tom probably conjured up somehow- and beckons me to sit.

As I sit he hands me a glass, filled with some sort of liquid. It bubbles and glistens in the dying sunset. I look around and find everyone else holding a glass- all mismatched- of the same liquid. Draco stares at his own beside me, analysing what it is.

"If I have to go through this everyday," Theo whispers into my ear casually, alluding to me and Draco, "Then you've gotta do me a favour."

"I don't think you're in the position to ask me a favour." I shoot back, watching everyone clink their glasses together.

"Hey, I basically made this happen." Theo retorts, clinking his glass with mine and I watch drops of the drink bubble over the side and slide down the glass. "So you'll do it?"

I raise my glass and reach around to tap my glass with theirs. Once everyone is satisfied and their drinks are shook up enough from the collisions we all shout "Cheers!"

I reach down a pluck a blueberry from the punnet in the spread of food before me. I pop it into my mouth as I turn to him.

"Fine. But for the record," I say, watching his eyebrows shoot up his forehead, "You didn't help, you just made it harder."

He laughs, wrapping an arm around my neck and dragging me into him. I grasp his arm as I laugh myself.

Chapter Text

"Leave it alone." I hiss at Theo. I crumple up the sheet of parchment he slid to me then I toss it into his lap. He scowls down at it. I'm sure what's written on there won't be any different from the notes i've received all this week. In each one he blabs about some new person who's affiliated with You Know Who and each time I wrote back asking him how people can be in You Know who's little fanclub if he's not even alive.

"There are dots that I have connected," He grumbles, snatching the parchment I was writing on right from underneath my quill. I glare at the line drawn from the top corner down to where my quill rests now then move to glare at him. "And you choose to ignore me. Fatal error number one."

"You haven't connected shit, Theo. So stop this whole detective act and write down the bloody notes." I hiss, dragging back my now ruined parchment.

He throws up his hands in anguish before jabbing a finger at the ball of crystal sat in front of us. He squirms on the cushion he sits on as he says, "What do you want me to write?! 'The smoke is wiggling inside this stupid fucking ball.'?!"

I side-eye him before turning back to the ball. He continues to grumble about Divination. Professor Trelawny shuffles around the classroom, running her fingers across each crystal ball and muttering something cryptic to each student. I watch carefully, analysing each stroke and movement of her fingers, replicating it with my own hands under the table out of habit.

I scratch down a note, roughly drawing a flow of movement for my hands, flicking my eyes towards the Professor to check. I glance up, noticing her gone from the group in front of me. Confused, I whip my head around, checking for the flash of her bright purple scarfs.

"Dear girl, why are you hesitant?"

I jump, nearly slipping off the embellished pillow I'm sat on. I turn and find myself meeting the bug-eyes stare of my professor. She tilts her head in question, her eyes flicking nervously from the eye-contact. "E-Excuse me?" I ask, turning back towards my paper.

She gently but eagerly pushes past me before pointy one of her spindly fingers towards my page. She taps on one particular part of the paper. The words 'results' is written, a large blank space left next to it before my writing continues. "I'm certain you are confident, so why do you hesitate?" She pushes her glasses up her face.

I'm certain every pair of eyes in this classroom is on me, all of them judging and waiting. I shift nervously, staring directly in the whirl of smoke inside the ball. "I don't have the sight, miss."

She moves swiftly, tapping her long finger in the middle of my brow, "Your sight is the most powerful I've seen, girl," She draws her finger to the same spot on her own head, "Do not shame it." Her glasses slide down and she pushes them back up without a second thought.

I nod, wringing my hands together as sweat beads the palms. Theo stares at me, his eyebrows creased and his eyes searching my face. The rest of the class does the same it seems because when I glance over the crystal ball I catch the stares of at least six people.

My professor gestures towards the ball, not all at impatiently. Her eyes are kind, urging me to place my hands on the crystal. I wipe my palms on my skirt before raising them, shakily, towards the ball. "Now close your eyes and let the whispers of the fates inside your mind, just as you have memorised." She adds with a flourish by tapping my parchment.

I do as she instructs, feeling the cold surface underneath me. It seems to buzz in anticipation, restless for me to use it. "Close your eyes my dear." She says quietly and the students around me shift impatiently.

My eyes flutter closed and a wave of bubbling power crashes down on me. My hands nearly fall off the ball.

At last

Coming from all angles a whisper of a thousand voices tickles my mind, drifting the wisps of its power across the borders of my mind.

'Show me what I seek.'

The words never leave my mouth by the sound echoes off the depths of my mind. It hums in response, sending shivers of power down my spine.

You don't want it child

I feel my fingers begin to tremble and my stomach clenching.

'Yes I do. Show me.'

Liar.

A searing, blinding, flash of lights flares behind my eyes and when I open my eyes the light seems to flood the room around me. My skin tingles with the strange hum of power I felt as the voices spoke to me.

As the light vanishes, it leaves a glaze of shimmer on everything I see. I glance down at the ball just as the smoke begins to clear. The smoke spins and whirls, deepening to the blackest black.

"We missed you sweetheart."

I suck in a breath, moving to wrench my hands from the ball. My arms go limp as my hands stick, harder and harder to the crystal surface. No. No. No.

I'm sure those words slipped out of my mouth by as I look at the reflection of the two people in front of me in the crystal ball, I'm sure much more is escaping my lips.

"But you don't have to worry anymore, we will see you soon my love."

I feel the shake of someone's hand on my shoulder but my eyes won't leave the faces of those inside the crystal ball. Their smiles draw me in, locking me in place. I'm not sure if I'm breathing anymore. I'm not sure if I'm living either.

"Our lord misses you so-"

The deafening shatter of glass fills my ears. My hands flying up to my ears. I thrash against the arms of the person holding me. I scream until my throat runs raw.

"Shh, shhh, It's me Y/N." He whispers into my hair as he strokes it soothingly.

I bunch up the front of his shirt in my fists, pressing it to my face. Willing my brain into remembering this is real life, that they weren't here, that the'll never be here. I already feel the wetness of my cheeks but I don't choke on the tears, they just run down silently.

My professor stands silent by me and Theo as he cradles me, whispering into my hair. "My god." She mutters, her glasses slipping down her face a smidge and she doesn't move to push them up.

The air buzzes with the talk of other students and the hum of power that was throbbing through my fingers just moments before.

I grip Theo's arm, their faces flashing through my mind again. "They-" I stutter, not able to finish the sentence, "Did you see them?"

He shakes his head. "You were saying something but no one could understand you, and then," He fades off with his sentence as he swallows, "And then the ball just... exploded."

I stare into his eyes, searching for the joke but when I see no sign of it I turn towards the mess of crystal on my desk. The shattered fragments sparkle in the candle light, wisps of smoke floating off of them. I reach out for them, grazing my fingers over each shard. My fingers don't bleed, in fact, I don't feel any pain from them.

I stumble as I push myself up frantically. Theo reaches for me and stables my arm as I stand. I glare down at my table, my stomach sinking further and bile rising my throat. My hands curl at my sides, shaking uncontrollably.

"My parents."

Theo bristles and the rest of the class practically stops in time as I continue to speak.

"They were what I saw, they did this," The shards of glass glint up at me, whispering quietly. "And it wasn't an accident." Even Professor Trelawney seems frightened by what I said and when I meet her eyes she nods understandingly. It's no surprise the faculty know of my parents but as I stare down at the dark mark burnt into the wooden desks, lighting the cloths and paper around it with embers, no fear fills my body.

Students gather around our table, hands raised to their mouths. Some students frantically write notes, ready to notify the whole wizarding world. I whip my head to them.

"NO." I say a bit more forcefully than I intended but I stick with it, my voice still rattled. "Don't give them want they want, they want panic." I plead with my eyes, watching terror and uncertainty flicker through their eyes. "No one tells anyone, got it?" I announce, my voice shaking.

Students look between each other, then towards our professor who mutters under her breath. She glance up and makes a startled sound. She then nods frantically, clasping her hands together and winding them around each other. "Yes, yes. This stays in our classroom, I will notify the other faculty though. Students you must keep a vigilant and stubborn lock on what happened here today."

The classroom nods collectively. I can't meet the gazes of anyone as I stare down at the snake curling around and out of the skull on the table.

If my parents could contact me... No. Only one person has escaped Azkaban and my parents aren't even close to Sirius Black in any aspects. It was just a figment of my imagination. My cruel, cruel imagination...

Chapter Text

"Yes I'm sure. It was just a fluke, I was uh- thinking about them last night."

Theo stares at me, not believing a single word of what I'm telling him. I twist one of Peyton's hair absentmindedly in my lap. She doesn't stir as she sleeps but she does snore softly, breathing out of her mouth.

"You've been having the dreams again." He says, not a question. I sigh before nodding reluctantly. I notice him sneak a glance at the bag he seems to be carrying around regularly, no doubt holding Draco's book inside. "And I was shoving that stupid book in your face."

"Yes you were, you're despicable." I half laugh, lifting Peyton's head and placing down on the bed beneath me. Her eyes shutter but the sounds of her snoring tells me that my movement did little to nothing in waking her.

"What did you do to her today anyway?" I gesture to Peyton with a flick of my hand. I only saw a brief moment of Quidditch training this afternoon when I went to meet Peyton after her practice. We planned on getting to dinner early so we'd have time to finally hang-out, just the two of us. But when I got there Peyton was laying face down on the field her arms flailing angrily at Adrian Pucey - The Slytherin Quidditch captain- who tried desperately to get her up. Mattheo then filled me in that what happened was Theo's fault.

I stared pointedly at Theo, waiting for an explanation. Her rolls his eyes, "She got me to race her and her deal was 'Whoever wins gets to make the loser run around the field as many times as they so desire,' A rookie mistake," He says, smirking, "I won obviously, so I took full advantage of it and made her run laps until I lost count."

I stare at Peyton who winced when she rolled over, a hand tiredly squeezing her leg. Her eyes flutter open and she groans, "This is insulting, and I think it's time for you to leave, prick." She grumbles, reaching for a pillow. I reach over her frantically before she grabs hold of the potted plant on my side table. I can tell by the bend in her elbow that she intends to throw whatever she can get a hold of at the boy sitting in my bed.

"It'd be best if you left, I mean, whatever would the girls of Hogwarts do if their Slytherin heartthrob walked into the dining hall tomorrow with welts and bruises over his oh so perfect face." I say, staring pointedly at the door, waiting for him to get up and leave.

His eyebrows raise as he gets up, "I'll take heartthrob over prick any day." He says, winking at me slyly. Peyton managed to get a hold of my pillow and I don't have time to react before it hits Theo across the side of his face at point blank range.

He stumbles out of the room, muttering curses at Peyton through breathy laughs.

"Poor guy." Peyton says vaguely, pushing herself up, her legs stiff. She moves to stretch them but makes a startled noise instead.

I shake my head, "Who? Theo?"

She doesn't meet my stare as she slides off my bed and towards the sofa chair looking out into the black lake where Harry and the other champions had their trials just a week before. "Well he obviously still has feelings for you, I mean," She stares back at me, her eyes wide with knowing, "He's had to push them down you know, all that emotional repression kind of stuff." She says lightly, not realising the weight of her words.

My mouth hangs open, a surprised breath whooshing out of it. "Peyton, you have such a delicate way with words." I laugh, still in shock. She shrugs.

"There's no way to get it into your head otherwise." She says plainly, crossing her legs up onto the sofa chair then picking at the thread of her socks. She turns away from me and I watch her eyes follow a fish that drifts aimlessly past the window. "I'm sure if Theo did something before Draco you still would have chosen Draco?" She asks knowing my answer because she continues, "I mean, you've known Theo since first year, but hey, go for it and choose the boy you only noticed because he grew up. Grew up and doesn't look like a little boy anymore."

My feet are frozen in place and my blood freezes as well. I stay silent and that seems to quiet her down. Well, not until she says, "But, everything's changed hasn't it?" And I realise she kicked Theo out to protect him from this outburst. To tell me off.

"Why are you all of a sudden opposed to this?"

"Are you sure I wasn't the whole time and I'm just a good actor?" She says, drops of venom seeping into her tone. I walk over towards her, moving in front of the window she stares out into.

"What's wrong, Peyton."

"Which book was Theo talking about?" She asks, the fire in her eyes burning deep into my soul as she glares at me. Her arms are crossed across her chest but her legs is shaking anxiously. My body grows restless, suddenly I regret my decision to stand in front of her. "It had something to do with your parents didn't it?"

I don't move, I'm not sure if I'm breathing anymore. I stare at the door behind her, not confident in myself to stay together if I look in her eyes. She takes my silence as the answer because she rises out of her seat.

"And you didn't tell us?!" She says, her features stoney. "At least me..."

I raise my eyes to hers. "Why would I? Just so you run away even at the mention of them? Just so you could do exactly what you did the first time I told you what they were? Risk being shunned by my best friend again? You're a miserable person if you think I'd tell you."

We stare at each other with wet eyes and curled up fists. She's the first to move, her shoulders shuddering as tears roll down her face. I stare at her, my mouth gaping in horror and my whole body shaking. All the blood rushes from my face and floods into my stomach. I go cold, watching my best friend cry, her hands wrapped around her body protectively.

I move to her, my hand shaking wildly and mutters of apologies on my lips. She slaps my hand away, raising her head to glare at me. My whole body sinks when she looks at me like that. "That was years ago Y/N. I've apologised- God I've apologised almost every day for it, but that was low." She hisses at me, no mercy in her eyes. "I think you should leave." She seethes, her gaze not faltering as mine is.

My mouth opens but she cuts me off with a sharp flick of her hand. "Leave me alone." She says with such finality, my body feels like I shrunk to the size of a pea. I shuffle around her, grabbing my bag as I leave. When I get to the doorway I wait, hoping, wishing, She'll turn around and scream for me to wait so I could apologise but she doesn't. She stands tall, her shoulders shaking with her silent sobbing.

I click the door shut behind me and then the sobs tear out of me, shaking me to my core. I hit the side of my head with the heel of my palm as I choke out cries. I sniff back my cries as I walk down the hall, no idea where I'm going, only to who.

‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾

"I need to a favour."

Harry watches me, unsure whether I'm actually talking to him. He shakes his head, his glasses sliding down his face as he does. "The last time I did you a favour you..." He says, staring intently at me.

"Yes, I'm aware." I say waving my hand impatiently. I'm keenly aware of my swollen eyes, my red face and the makeup running down my face and how he's staring at it. I shut him down before he asks me whether I'm okay. "I don't need your pity, okay?" My voice is still cold from my talk with Peyton. I wince at the thought. "Just say you'll do it, please." I ask, humiliated by helpless I sound.

He looks around the Great Hall warily, probably searching for a trap of some sort. He breathes out deeply before nodding reluctantly. "Fine. But you owe me." He grumbles, pushing out of his seat and packing up his stuff.

I put my hand on his as he pushes his stuff into his bag. "No, not right now. I need you to do me a favour in the trial."

He sits back down warily and slowly, glancing nervously between the spot where our hands touch and at my eyes. "Wait, are you and Draco..." He asks vaguely. I stare at him confused, my mind a whirl of things but none about Draco. I shake my head in an attempt to clear my thoughts.

"No." I put plainly, taking this moment to withdraw my hand and tucking it in the crook of my crossed arms. His eyes flutter and his cheeks flare with colour. "R-right, of course." He stutters out, staring at the cracks and crevices of the dining table.

My eyes roll unconsciously and I sit down on the bench, straddling the seat so I can look at him. "You can't win the next trial." I say, impatient to get this over and done with. His head whips to mine at the blunt comment. "What." I practically growl at him.

"Well, I knew the whole school was against me but, It's just a bit of a surprise to hear someone say it to my face." He says, pouting slightly.

"Why?" I ask impatiently, sick of his whining, "You expect to be loved by everyone just because you're the 'chosen one'?" I say, air quoting the last two words, "Well get over yourself okay? You'll have dickheads working against you always and now isn't the time to sook about it." I groan.

Something flickers in his eyes but I wave my hand, dismissing him. "That wasn't a pep talk so don't thank me." I say dismissively. "What I meant was, you can't win the last trial. Someone else has to."

"I'm confused."

"Well that's nothing out of the ordinary," He scowls when I say that but stays silent until I finish. "You can't win but you need to be right behind the winner."

"You know the next task?"

"No, of course not."

"Then-"

"Just make sure you do it okay?" I stare at him, waiting. "Please." I wince as I say that, hoping I didn't embarrass myself for nothing.

He nods eventually, rubbing his face. "Yeah alright."

I smile weakly at him. Thank you. I want to say thank you but I resist. I just stare at him sad and tired. "I'll leave you alone then." I say, getting up and stretching.

As I walk away I turn my head over my shoulder, "Good luck, Harry." He blinks back at me as I say that, watching me walk away.

‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾

Draco draws soft circles on the small of my back, his head resting on the top of my head as I cry into his chest.

I didn't even say hello, I just walked up to him and started crying. I couldn't stop it. The rest of the boys in the dorm found somewhere else to go when I came in, leaving us alone. I blurted out a jumble of words before Draco silently led me to his bed and let me lie down. We've been in the same position for a while now but the tears never stopped.

"She'll never forgive me." I manage to blubber out, sniffing back the stubborn tears that won't stop falling. I end up crying just at how angry I am at the fact I'm crying.

"She always will, Y/N." He says softly, his voice husky from his sleep I rudely awoke him from. He doesn't seem fed up when he says it but he does sound tired. I push myself off of him, enough that I can look in his eyes.

He stares up at me confused, tucking my away from my face. "She won't," I say with a shake of my head, "And I'm not just saying that because I want to be coddled." I say, wiping my face with my sleeve.

He nods, grabbing my hand and using his own sleeve to dry my face. "I know, Y/N. You are the last person I expected to fall into someone's arm and start crying but-"

"No. No I'm telling you, she won't forgive me. Because I'll-" I start, interrupted by a shudder of tears. I collapse into Draco's embrace, feeling my tears soak into his shirt. I relish in the soft material, the smell of sleep on it.

"It's okay, you don't have to explain yourself." He says, stroking my hair just as Theo did in the classroom earlier today. I bury my face further into him, ridding my mind of Theo. I just want to forget this day and everything that happened.

Chapter Text

(Going into Draco's perspective oOooh)

"How long will the boy's be gone?" I hear her say, her hands resting in the dip between my chest and my neck. I drag the sheets of my bed over her body.

"As long as you need." I managed to rasp out. I swallow and I can feel her fingers on my neck as she watches me breathe. It's hard enough having her in my bed this close but especially after those stupid dreams.

I run my hands through her hair just to distract myself. She's crying for Merlin's sake, Draco. I press the heel of my palm into my eye, clearing my head. When I open my eyes I find her staring at me, her eyes analysing me like they always do. She blinks more rapidly, the tears in her eyes finally slowing. "Sorry I woke you up." She mutters and I can feel her voice vibrate through my chest as she practically lies on top of me.

I move her slightly to the side, tucking her into the crook of my arm instead. I notice her give me a quick look of confusion before her usual gaze settles onto me again. I shake my head, "I was barely asleep anyway." I smile at her, willing the faint burning of my cheeks to settle. I couldn't have been more awake before she burst through the dorm door.

Merlin's beard, Draco. Why can't you just be a supportive boyfriend right now. Boyfriend. Woah.

"You look distracted." She says, a silent demand to tell her what I'm thinking. I watch her face carefully as she moves to sit up on her elbows again. The tears on her face now completely dry. I barely notice my hand snaking around her waist. "Come on, it's your turn to talk."

I open my mouth to protest but she shushes me with a flick of her finger, "It's only fair." Then she stares at me expectantly, the dull light reflecting through the lake into her eyes. I give in with a sigh, brushing a hair away from my face.

"I was uh-" I interrupt my sentence with an awkward cough and her eyebrows crease, a smirk tugging at her lips, "I was having a dream before you came in." I say, my voice barely a whisper. Her smirk turns into a devilish grin.

She pushes herself up so she can look directly down at me. "And to think I came in here for comfort." She says, feigning her insulted look. I cover my face, letting out a low groan. She pries my hands away and leans into my face.

I don't notice it but my mouth opens slightly, expectantly. "I can't believe you were having dirty dreams about me." She purrs, her breath tickling my lips. I'm acutely aware of every inch of her skin that touches me. Her hands, one on my chest the other pressed into the mattress by my head.. Her legs that brush against mine as moves her hips over me.

I steady my breath and will my heart to stop beating so quickly. "Well, heaven forbid." I say, swallowing my nerves and mustering up courage. I run my hand down her inner arm lightly, feeling her shiver under my touch. Her gaze flickers darkly before she presses a deep kiss to my mouth and I can taste the salt of her tears as I flick my tongue over her lips.

I swallow a gasp as she shifts the weight of her body on top of me, her hips resting just above mine with her legs straddling my body. I slide my hand up the front of her shirt, feeling the warmth of her stomach against my hand.

I move my right hand to her wrist, sliding my fingers under the wristband of her sweater unconciously, she seems to flinch at this.

She breaks the kiss just to look at me, her eyes wandering my face as if she's trying to remember it. I cup her cheek as a stray tear slides down her face. "Y/N?" I ask, panicked. "This is too fast, we can stop."

I push myself up, holding her in my lap carefully with my back braced against the headboard of my bed. Her arms wrap around my neck as I tighten my grip around her waist. She cries silently into the crook of my neck, utterly still. "I want to, I do." She chokes out but I just run my hand through her hair, untangling it.

"It's okay, you're okay."

I stroke her back, feeling her hiccup as she cries. She doesn't hear the door open behind her but I do, and I also see Mattheo poke his head in impatiently, gesturing to his shirt on his bed frantically. My eyebrows crease then he points to his bare chest and back to the bed. I roll my eyes and gesture for him to be quick.

He tip-toes inside, avoiding the creaky floorboard between his and Blaise's bed. He snatches the shirt and I wonder how long he was out there before he noticed he wasn't wearing a shirt. Although, knowing him, he was completely conscious of it and only came in to snoop.

He blows me a kiss as he leaves the room and I see Blaise behind him making kissy faces at me. I make a vulgar gesture at them before returning my hand to Y/N's back.

"What did Mattheo want?"

I huff out a not-so-surprised laugh as she says that. "A shirt." I laugh, feeling an identical soft ripple of laughter against my chest. Her laugh.

"Why? Did he rip it off in a frenzy of passion or something." She mutters, pulling away from me. She reaches down to her wrist, sliding off one of her hair ties. She takes her hair in her hands, combing through it with her fingers.

"I don't think I'll let my mind wander there." I admit, letting my hands rest on the top of her thighs, relishing the blush that creeps onto her cheeks as I do so. She watches me as she pulls her hair back and ties it up. She stares at me so intently, tracing every detail of my face with her eyes. "I love it when you look at me like that." I say, lacing my fingers with one of her hands.

She tilts her head to the side a bit, "Like what?"

"Like you see me, like you want to see me. You're the only person to ever look at me like that," I stroke my thumb in circles on the top of her hand as she squeezes my hand tighter. "I don't think anyone has bothered to look past my face and see... me, like you have."

Her lips press together as a slight, sad, smile tugs at them. She uses her finger to trace the features that her eyes were tracing just before. "I couldn't think of anything better than seeing you." She says, her voice almost a whisper.

I can't help but bury my face in the crook of her neck between her shoulder and nape. My face burns hot against her skin and I wonder if she notices. If she does she doesn't point it out.

"I'll miss you..."

I whip my head up fast enough that I nearly knock her out. She flinches back, almost falling out of my lap but I splay my hands on the small of her back. "What? What do you mean." I ask, unable to hide the panic in my voice. She's also looked at me just as sadly as she is now, many times before and each time the sinking feeling in my stomach grows.

She looks as startled as me, her eyes wide and mouth parted slightly. "When I go back to my dorm?" She clarifies, watching me anxiously.

I sag with relief, verbally sighing, She moves her head, trying to catch my eye as I bow my head. "Right, yes, of course," I look up to her, smiling, the fear still imprinted on face obviously as she clasps my face in between her hands.

"What did you think I meant? is everything okay?"

I press one of my hands to hers, lowering them from my face. "It's fine, don't worry." I press a kiss to her cheek and she stares at me, unconvinced. She sighs before, slipping out of my grip and off my lap.

She stretches before rising and making her way to the door. I watch, shifting awkwardly in my bed. She turns back, remembering something. And then she races over back to me, stopping just short of colliding with me. The kiss she presses to my lips is warm yet sad and I can put my finger on why.

"See you at the trial!" She says as she clicks the door closed behind her. I hear the shuffles of her socks as she walks towards her dorm.

Then I'm graced with the presence of the boys who were most definitely waiting outside. Mattheo is first, the shirt he grabbed draped over his shoulder. He smirks at me before flopping on his bed.

I barely register Blaise entering the room before he leaps on top of me, "Draco! Comfort me!" He says, his voice a pitch higher. I shove him off and the thud on the floor seems to wind Blaise. "You are an evil specimen." He groans, clutching his back as he rises.

I throw the blankets off my legs so I can stand and stretch. I pat down my hair, combing through it and untangling the mess we made of it.

"I hope you two used protection."

I nearly fall over at Mattheo's comment. He fiddles with a piece of wood, shaving the bark off it with a pocket knife he's managed to smuggle into school. He's blissfully smug as he does so, glancing up to catch my reaction.

I choke out, "She was crying."

"Oh? It was that good, huh?" Theo adds, chucking a deck of cards at Enzo who shakes them out of the packet. Enzo begins to shuffle as Theo stares at me, waiting.

"I understand why you two are friends now." I groan, tugging off my shirt and draping it over my bed. I rummage through my drawers and pull out a tooth brush and some toothpaste. I snatch the towel that hangs on the footboard of my bed and begin my journey to the bathroom that's connected to our dorm.

"Want me to deal you a hand?" Enzo shouts after me as I begin to close the door. I halt, before leaning out of the gap in the door.

"No if the Riddle's are playing, I've lost enough money to them already." I say back, watching Enzo's face drop in disappointment.

He then springs up and says, "Alright you two, get out. Draco's more fun than you and I want him to play so-"

I don't hear the rest of the conversation as I close the door. But I do hear the choked scream of Enzo, most likely admitting defeat against Mattheo.

The hiss off water drowns out the boys in the common room and begrudgingly, I'm left alone with my thoughts. I place my toothbrush in the only clean space on the sink and I stare into the mirror. Looking at the dark circles, the seem to darken every day.

I run my fingers over them before stepping into the too-hot shower. I toggle with the hot and cold knobs, then deciding to forget about it, letting the hot water hiss over my skin.

I have no doubt Nott found the book I took from the restricted section under my bed. He's been acting awfully more arrogant than before and I pretend to ignore the little meetings he has with Y/N to discuss my innocence or guilt.

I press my hands to the wall in front of me, letting the hot water run onto my hair and down my back. I breathe in the steam, slightly light-headed when I close my eyes.

Let him talk, I don't have to prove anything to him, let alone my loyalties to the bloody dark lord of all people. It's my father who needs to prove himself. He must truly think I'm stupid for not suspecting something amiss when he disappeared from our private box at the world cup. Then, the projection of the Dark mark practically confirmed my theories.

I get out of the shower only when I notice the water going cold and my skin coming up in goosebumps. I step out and wrap a towel around my waist. I take the time to brush my teeth.

As I spit the remaining toothpaste the sink I let the tears fall. The tears I hadn't let fall, not in front of her when she was breaking as well. I bite my lip to stop from sobbing as my shoulder shake. The tears drip down the sink and I toss my tooth brush in with them.

I sag down the wall behind me, running my hands through my hair. I let the sobs rip through me, muffling the sound with my fist.

"Let them talk, let them talk." I repeat to myself in choked whispers. "Just don't let them be right..."

Chapter Text

"You wanna be in the school band?"

Peyton expertly avoids eye-contact as she talks to Enzo, his face almost completely covered by the large monstera plant he's standing next to. Professor Sprout toddles around the classroom, helping the students kill and then revive their chosen plant as per her lesson plan. I fiddle around with the plant me and Neville are attempting to reanimate, straining to hear Enzo and Peyton's conversation.

"Well, yeah," Enzo states matter-of-factly, spritzing his newly dead plant with water, groaning when it doesn't miraculously sprout again. "They get free tickets to basically every school event, plus, I've always wanted to be in a band..." He says the last part shyly, turning his head to he doesn't see Peyton's incredulous expression.

"Why didn't you tell me?" She asks, her voice wavering with a hint of hurt. I catch a glimpse of her face and flinch at the identical expression that she had during our fight in the dorm room. We still haven't mentioned it, let alone tried to resolve it.

"You would've made fun of me." He states, digging in his pockets for his wand.

"So you told Blaise instead?!"

He nods sheepishly, meeting her gaze for a split second before deciding that he doesn't particularly want to feel Peyton Thatcher's wrath.

"Did he make fun of you?"

He nods sheepishly again, "But he didn't give me that," He gestures to her face, "Look. Why are you giving me that look anyway?" He turns back to his plant that begins to wilt further at his attempt to bring it back to life.

She presses a hand to her face that then slips over her hair, smoothing it down. With a wave of her hand she whispers, "Y/N is still ignoring me- Well, I'm still ignoring her." She resigns, checking over her shoulder to see if I was listening so I immediately busy myself muttering charms at my plant. I nearly flinch when the plant physically pops back to life and It nearly prompts Neville to faint. "I didn't mean it you know? The whole miserable person thing. I just- nevermind." She groans, thrusting her wand at her plant and making it wilt faster.

Sprout creeps up behind Neville and me, examining our work. "Impeccable work as usual, good job you two." She says with a clap on either of our backs. I can feel the dirty glares from the rest of the class and my cheeks flare with embarrassment.

Neville seems to notice as well and whispers, "I think it's cool that we're smart so don't worry about it."

I turn to him and give him a weak smile before nodding. "I guess, yeah."

‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾

"I guarantee Harry is going to pee his pants the next task, I've heard it's brutal." Enzo says with a swift flick of his fork, a pea flinging off onto a Gryffindor girl's skirt. She exclaims and whips around to a pleading Enzo.

"Maybe you could play his death march." Mattheo snickers from beside me, warranting a glare like fire from Enzo. Mattheo mimics the playing of a trumpet esque instrument with his spoon. Mattheo then crumples with an anguished groan, his face contorted in pain. "You people can use words instead of abusing me to shut me up."

"If only." Tom grumbles. His book abandoned as he observes Mattheo gripping his shin. Blaise has a look of guilt plastered across his face one of his hands sliding onto his face. Enzo whips to Peyton, blindly missing the clues of who revealed his secret.

An almost brawl breaks out between Peyton and Enzo before Blaise frantically intercepts. I shake my head in disbelief, catching Peyton's eye amidst it. We grin widely at each other before we realise what we did. Both of us swiftly turn away.

Draco stares at me, one of his eyebrows quirked ever so slightly. I shake my head already knowing the question. He sighs, slipping a hand over my thigh and squeezing comfortingly. I lean my head on his shoulder for a moment in silent thanks before returning to my meal.

He squeezes again and I glance at him confused. He stares pointedly at the table it seems so I glance down. On the table, everything seems in order so I open my mouth to question him. "There's ink on your hand." He says, flicking his thumb over a spot just below my thumb, where my hand meets my wrist.

I move to touch it but he draws it up from under the table. I watch as he licks his thumb and wipes it slow circles on the tender skin. My heart speeds up and I glance around the room, finding no one watching. He wipes off the smudge of ink expertly before returning it to my lap.

"Did that make you nervous?" He asks, somewhat concerned but the smirk that plays on his lips tells me otherwise. I shake my head, glancing away from him, hiding the blush on my ears with an expert flick of my hair. "No, of course not." I nervously huff out a laugh. "You don't make me nervous like you used to." I say, a smile playing on my face.

"Be careful, I may take that as a challenge."

"I'm devastated." I say, turning back to my plate. The hand still on my thigh taps impatiently.

"You're lucky I have some decency," He purrs in my ear and I unconsciously grip the fork i'm using to stab the meat in my soup. "If I could I'd have you-"

"That's enough, thank you." Mattheo grumbles, drawing out the 'you'. He gags dramatically behind his hand before almost stabbing Peyton's hand that reaches for the piece of bread on his plate. "Back off." He grumbles before accompanied by a choked laugh from Peyton.

"So we're meeting outside the dorm tomorrow night aren't we?" Theo says, finishing up with his meal. Blaise nods through the mouthful of food he stuffed in his face in an attempt to beat Theo. Peyton nods enthusiastically, taking the time to whack Mattheo up the back of his head.

"I'll meet you guys there, I have to give some extra homework to McGonagall." I say, pushing around the meatball floating in my tomato soup.

"Can't you do it tonight?" Tom asks, eager for a late night tutoring session. Or rather a 'Tom gets to push around someone for at least an hour without repercussions'. I shake my head seeing the evil look brewing on his face.

"She needed me to do it tomorrow, not sure why." I say, scooping a spoonful of the now cold soup into my mouth.

Blaise stares at me suspiciously before saying, "Well you'll miss out on our 'Potter heckling warm-up'." He says, Theo clapping him on the back.

"Oh god, how will I recover?" I say, pressing an over-dramatised hand to my forehead.

Chapter Text

"Where are you going?"

Peyton shoves on her shoes behind me, shaking the bed as she struggles to put them on. She waits for an answer to her question, the room silent as she waits. The rest of the girls left already to go get good seats for the third trial.

I shrug on my book bag, full of the extra homework McGonagall wanted me to do. "McGonagall." I answer plainly, still facing away from her as I untuck my hair from under the strap of the bag. She makes a sound of recollection and I hear the bed groan as she gets up.

"I'll come with."

I turn to face her, my eyebrows furrowed. She stares back, finishing one of the plaits in her hair. "We need to talk." She says pointedly and I watch as she walks out the door. She turns around and beckons me and with a shake of my head I follow her.

"Why did she even want this extra homework?" She asks as we stroll down the hall and down the staircase. I bristle. All the students in my divination have kept their promise of keeping their mouths shut and I'm not about to be the first person to break that vow of silence, even if it was my vow in the first place.

I swallow roughly before speaking, "I made the mistake of telling her I wanted more 'mentally stimulating' homework."

She sucks in a breath through her teeth. "Guess that's on you, huh."

"Yeah..." I say with a sad laugh.

How I'm supposed to shake her off before I get to professor Trelawny's office is a mystery.

I spot our group gathered in the almost empty common room, Enzo and Theo covered in Slytherin colours and Tom with a headband with Cedric's face on the little flags taped to it. As we get down, Mattheo looks like he's about to strangle Peyton and me. I raise my hands in surrender knowing it's about the time we took to get ready.

"Why're you wearing Slytherin colours when there isn't a Slytherin champion?" I ask, digging through my book bag for a pen. Draco's expectant palm is held out to me and I slip some sort of marker into his hand.

"A bit of house pride never hurt anybody." Enzo says proudly, handing Peyton a scarf. I raise a suspicious eyebrow at him but he dutifully ignores it.

The marker pen makes it's way around the group and at the end everyone except myself has a inky star scribbled on the back of their hands. Peyton turns to me with the marker, a weak smile on her face.

I search her eyes for a moment before sliding my hand into hers. I watch carefully as she traces the shape of the star onto my skin. "This isn't a quidditch match so I'm not one-hundred percent sure why we're putting our lucky mark on but," She looks up at me as she finishes, "I guess it's a comfort thing now."

I smile in agreeance, patting the ink to make sure it's dry before tucking it back into my coat. "Go with them, we can talk later." I whisper, nodding to the boys. She opens her mouth to protest but I interrupt. "I promise." I say, my pinky finger stuck out to her.

My stomach sinks as she loops her own pinky around mine and I shake off the feeling as nerves for the trial.

Begrudgingly, she shuffles over with the rest of the group and I make my way to the exit of the common room. A soft hand wraps around my wrist before I can make it and before I know it Draco has dragged me aside. "Just give her the homework tomorrow." He says, his finger circling on the sensitive skin of my wrist.

I quirk an eyebrow, "You want a breathing girlfriend, no?"

He groans, "Fine, just be quick." He says, brushing my hair away from my face before rejoining the group.

‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾

(Peyton)

"She'll be here soon, shut up."

Theo drops his head in his hands and taps his feet impatiently. "She has my wallet," He groans, dragging his hands down his face before looking towards me, "Don't look at me like that, carrying around my wallet is a two person job."

I roll my eyes but I can't help but search around for her as well. The last task is about to start and she still hasn't come back from McGonagall's office. My leg shakes nervously and the sinking feeling in my stomach hasn't gone away since this morning.

I flinch as Tom's steadying hand lays on my knee, stopping the bobbing of my leg. The exchanged is silent and I quickly go back to watching the staircase where students filter in.

"Look," Mattheo nods in the direction I was staring and I look down at him as he sits in front of me, "Here she comes."

I resist the urge to jump up and signal her over so I opt with a subtle wave. Obviously Theo had the same initial thought as me because I nearly fall off the seat as he jumps up rapidly, waving his hands desperately.

I whack him up the back of his head as he sits back down and he whacks me back. As Y/N sits down she chucks me a tired but glad smile and my head clears at the gesture.

"Anything interesting happen yet?" She asks, slamming Theo's wallet into his lap. He groans and I take this time to respond.

"That guy on the tuba," I say, pointing at the red-faced boy sitting on one of the benches, "Swallowed a 'Harry stinks' badge through his tuba, somehow..."

"And then he choked so now he's wallowing in his embarrassment." Draco says from behind her, his hands sliding onto her shoulders. She leans back into him, her head resting in his lap.

I open my mouth, ready to initiate the conversation both of us have been avoiding but of course, I'm rudely interrupted. The band plays enthusiastically as the champions walk onto the field in front of us. The hedge maze behind them seems to bristle at their presence.

Mattheo passes back his bucket of sweets and I dig my hand in before circulating is around the rest of the group.

‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾

(Back to Y/N)

"So, how was Mcgonagall?" Draco whispers to me, his hands not leaving my shoulders as the rest of us applaud.

"As tight-arsed as possible." I groan, crossing my arms across my chest as the crowd calms down. He huffs out a laugh, his hands squeezing my shoulders and rubbing my neck. "You think there's something inside there?" I say, referring to the towering hedge maze.

"If only, I'd like to see Potter crying when he comes out." He jokes and I choke out a laugh.

"Cruel, cruel man."

Chapter Text

"Well she's going to miss everything!"

Peyton bites down hard onto one of Enzo's snacks. "Oh yes, she's going to miss the leaves rustling in the wind and the band winding themselves from playing for twenty minutes straight." She says, her hand gesturing vaguely to the towering maze of hedges.

An unexpected laugh huffs out of me and I dust down my pants from the bucket of popcorn Mattheo vaulted at me. Y/N left her bag in front of me and I shift the latch of the bag open with the toe of my shoe. The corner of a book peeks out from the fabric, the corner worn and flaking.

"Draco."

I slide my foot back swiftly, tucking my hands into my jacket. Theo places his cup between us, the drops of water splashing on the wood of the seat. "She's not dead, she's just peeing." He says, stretching his hands above his head then resting them on his knees.

"She has your book in her bag." I say, watching the muscle in his jaw clench.

"What book-"

"The one that you've been having those little meetings about." I hush my voice and lean in subtly and he coughs uncomfortably. "That I've been researching for Professor Flitwick? Or did you think that I was a death eater, hm?"

"Look, your whole thing is suspicious. Let's not play the blame game."

I lean down towards her bag and I drag out the book. I move to place it on his lap but he shove my hand away. "I believed you, no need to cause a scene."

"I wouldn't dare." I say, dropping the book back into the bag.

A sudden roar goes through the crowd, people rising up onto their feet. The band begins to play their stupid chirpy tune, swaying their instruments around. Students clap and cheer, including those around me. Theo rises, his gaze sliding off me.

Blaise ruffles Peyton's hair, quite to her dismay. She throws her scarf in his face, momentarily blinding him and making him fall back onto the people behind him.

I groan before standing up myself, might as well figure out the cause of this commotion. I shift my head, looking over the shoulders of the hufflepuffs in front of me that wave their hands like lunatics.

I see Potter crouched on the ground as well as Cedric, both of their faces pale. Harry is speechless for a moment, no doubt from losing.

Mattheo taps Enzo on the shoulder and begrudgingly Enzo hands him a few notes and his pride. Peyton adds to the pile, her eyes not leaving the two students crouched on the field in front of us.

The crowd suddenly hushes and the professors bolt down to the boys. Cedric doesn't move to greet them, Cedric doesn't move at all. Harry cries something and my stomach sinks, students don't dare make a sound.

Dumbledore grapples with Harry's thrashing body, dragging him back from Cedric. Hands cover mouths and students blanch. Harry cries, his face contorted with pain. Cedric's father pushes through the crowd, his voice cracking as he screams for his son.

The man falls onto the ground beside Cedric's limp body. His arms shake as he squeezes him to his chest, crying out to bring him back.

Students clutch onto each other, some crying. Mattheo grapples for Peyton's frozen body and he turns her towards his face. He whispers something and she practically melts into his hug, sobs shaking through her. Mattheo himself can't tear his eyes from the scene before him.

Tom grabs Mattheo's sleeve, dragging both of them into his own arms. Mattheo's eyes are wet as he surrenders to Tom.

Theo looks like he's about to throw up and Enzo rubs his back in soothing circles. Blaise grips onto the girl standing next to him, her blonde hair curling around his arms.

Then I see her, her frame tumbling out of the hedges where the champions went in, just hours before. She tears at the vines twirling around her arms and strangling her. Her face is distressed and her hair flings wildly as she spins around, trying to hide.

I see the blood running down her arm before she sees it herself and I lunge in my seat, about to bolt down to her. She tears her sleeve, tears staining her eyes. Then she squeezes her wrist, bolting away from the maze.

I barely register my legs moving as I skid down the stairs of the stands and onto the field below. I stumble along the dew dampened grass. I hear her panting in front of me, her breaths choked by sobs.

She lands against the grass below her, her body shuddering with her crying. I skid onto the grass beside her and she physically flinches away from me, hair plastered onto her face as she whips around to me. She backs up from me, her eyes red with tears. "N-no- Leave." She stutters out, thrusting her hands out towards me, blocking me from getting any closer.

I reach out to her but she slaps my hand away, clutching her bleeding arm to her stomach. I shake my head, tugging her wrist towards me. She cries out, struggling against me. Her eyes are completely terrified as I tilt her wrist to my eyes.

I cup her face with my other hand, making her look at me. Her tears slide down my hand and onto the grass below us. "Let me help you." I say, my voice hoarse. She tilts her head slightly as a 'no'.

"You can't- and you won't." She says interrupting my retort and shoving me away, not harshly but sadly. She moves to stand up and I grab for her.

Then I see it- or feel it. It slithers under my fingers and I flinch back, able to see the writhing mark burned onto her skin. My heart falls out of my chest and my eyes sting. "Y/N..."

She shoves herself away, wrapping her hands around her wrist and the mark searing on her skin. "Draco-"

"You're one of them."

I'm not sure if my voice is leaving my mouth or if my body is responding to my thoughts. She stares up at me, saying something but it doesn't register. I don't hear her. I don't hear the screaming behind me, back at the stands. I know what they're screaming at. I know because one of them is standing in front of me.

One of them is walking away from me, stumbling as she grips her marked arm to her chest. Holding back the choked sobs. I chase after them, my arms colliding with her body, wrapping around her and drawing her to my chest.

They press their wand to my throat.

Chapter Text

(Draco)

"Back off." She hisses at me, pressing the sharp end of her wand to the soft flesh of my neck. I can smell the blood running down her wrist, mixed with the soot and ash dusted in her hair.

"Y/N, why are you-"

"You know why so, back off," She swallows, "Malfoy."

Something in her eyes screams 'shut up' and she presses the wand harder into my throat, careful to avoid my trachea. I keep my shoulders from sagging as she squeezes my hand by my side. The contact is swift and fleeting.

Her whole body bristles when she stares over my shoulder and her hand falters around the wand in her hand. A starkly cold wind rushes past me and lingers around the two of us in a circle of frost. The sense of death settles around me and as I stare into Y/N's eyes I know not to move.

In here eyes, a white silhouette stands behind me, his smile toothless and gray.

"Ah, we meet at last, Draco." His voice is as cold as ice and his presence as looming as death.

His cold hand slithers over my shoulder and it takes my whole being not to reel away from him. His breath brushes against the skin on the back of my neck and it smells of rot and ash. "I think it's time I introduce myself." His voice moves around my head as he takes a place next to Y/N.

She doesn't lower her wand but she does avoid her eyes, studying the stirred up ground beneath us.

Lord Voldemort stands before me and his smile chills me to the bones. "Though, It seems you already know me."

‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾

(Back to Y/N)

"Let her come to me." He whispers into my ear, his fingernails digging into my shoulder and I lean away from his mouth. "Then, you'll have your time." He hisses, sending shivers down my spine.

Draco is bound behind me and I hear him thrash against the charm placed around his limbs, keeping him in place. I throw a warning glance at him but he doesn't subdue. "You stay here, Malfoy." Voldemort spits and I watch in horror as Draco collapses and blood runs down his face from his nose.

I grip my wand in my hand to stop from retaliating.

Voldemort spins to face me, his grin not reaching his eyes. "Shall we?" He asks, holding out a wrinkled hand, skin flaking off the knuckles. I glance down to Draco then back to him and with a shaking breath I slip my hand into the cold grips of his.

"We shall, my lord."

‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾

"Now now everyone," Voldemort announces, drawing both his arms out from under his cloak and raising them towards the crowd. Students cower at the movement and professors fall to the ground around us.

His death eaters holds the head of the headmaster up and Dumbledore makes no move to escape.

I don't even try to look where my group is because I already know how they're looking at me. And as a young girl is dragged down the steps I don't look at her either. I don't look at her a she screams out a desperate cry, as she falls to the ground before me.

Voldemort's fingers dig into my face as he angles my face down towards the girl. His nails draw blood on my cheek as he practically throws my face towards her. "Look at her," He hisses into my ear, "Let her see you when you do it. Let them all see it." He yells, throwing his arms up. He saunters over towards my headmaster.

"Ah, Albus, long time no see." He laughs, propping Dumbledore's chin up with the toe of his shoe. "Too bad it's under such," He gestures around him, to the dozen of death eaters circled around the field, "Dire circumstances."

He turns and smiles at me, "A little while longer sweetheart." He tuts and my stomach turns at the nickname.

I stare down at the girl before me, my mask of disregard faltering before I blink it back. Her dark curls fall around her face, sticking the wetness of her cheeks. She pleads with me quietly but I just silently stare back. She continues, scrambling towards my feet and her small hands latch around my legs.

I suck in a breath as a flash of light slams into her side, sending her flying across the field. Her body crumples against a tree and her breathing shudders. "Oh dear, this won't do." Voldemort hisses, sliding a hand down my hair and I close my eyes to stop from pushing him away.

He raises a spindly finger towards the stands and students gasp as he points towards one of the furthermost row. I can't block out the screams as Peyton begins to be dragged towards him, his power allowing it to be contactless.

"You'll do perfectly." He soothes, running the back of his hand down her cheek. She flinches back, shooting a fiery glare at him. She thrashes her body against the invisible binds around her body.

"Y/N? I think you should do the honours." He says, beckoning me over with a swish of his hand.

I make the mistake of looking towards my friends. Looking at the sheer devastation on Blaise's face, at Mattheo arms wrapped around his body, holding him back. At Theo who's glare remains unfaltered and Tom who stands pale and tall. Enzo makes a move to dash down the stairs but I plead desperately with my eyes and he stops, his eyes wet.

My stomach twists as I see Blaise staring towards the tree the young girl was flung at moments before. I almost throw up. His sister, she was here. Why was she here?!

"Do you not remember that invite you sent to the Zabini's? Inviting them to the final task." Voldemort croons, shoving Peyton in front of me. He watches my face as it twists in horror. No. "Zabini's aside, I think it's time to show your peers why we've graced them with our presence."

I stare, wide-eyed at Blaise but as a tears slips down his face, I already know the damage was done. I already know that Voldemort has won. Despite the horror and the bile threatening in my throat I nod.

Peyton stares up at me and her mouth opens expectantly. I squeeze my eyes shut as I slip out my wand and raise it between us. "Let yourself hate me, It'll make it easier."

She makes a startled sound and I dare to open my eyes. Tears wet her eyes and realization dawns on her face. "You know I can't."

"Well you have to." I whisper, my voice breaking slightly as I look down to her. "So, say it."

Chapter Text

A stray tear slips down her cheek when she shakes her head. "I won't." Peyton whispers through clenched teeth.

I begin to open my mouth to speak but no words come out, only a choked back sob breaks loose. I dig my fingernails into my palm and I can feel the warm beads of blood dripping down my fingers. "Then," I swallow, sliding out my wand, "I'm sorry."

I hear the cackle of the dark lord as the curse leaves my lips. Shrieks sound around me and I hear the choked screams of my friends.

It's like my breath was ripped from my throat as I unleashed a mistakingly victorious cry, curling in upon myself.

Peyton's body thrashes on the ground before me and I can't tear my eyes away from her, away from my outstretched hand. The end of my wand still simmers with the embers of the unforgivable curse.

Her eyes squeeze shut as she clutches and claws at her chest where the crucio charm struck her. I think I dropped my wand because the dark lord presses it into my chest as he whispers, "I knew I could count on you for the entertainment."

I shiver and the taste of bile rises up my throat and into my mouth. My hands itch to bend down and fix it, fix her, fix me. I grab my wand and shakily point it towards her once again. I glance down at the bleeding crescent moon shapes on the fleshy part of my palms and I wipe them on my pants, still keeping my wand raised.

Just a few more minutes. Just until he's made his point, then you can leave.

Coward.

My head flies around and I almost collapse when I see her. Her hair swept over her shoulder in a cascade of smoke and ebony. Her cheeks are sullen and gray, the scar trailing from her hairline to her chin the only colour on her face.

My body freezes and I taste the vomit in my mouth now.

"Now, come give your mother a hug."

‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾

I'm certain I'm screaming but the ringing in my ears won't let me hear anything but her. I can't escape her embrace and the tears streaming down my face drip onto her cloak.

My whole body is frozen and every inch of it is screaming at me to run away but nothing responds. I shake violently as she strokes a hand down my hair and the world spins.

She can't be. Not here. No.

I watch wordlessly as my mother releases me and stalks towards Peyton. Her cloak hisses behind her and the scent of her trails behind. Peyton comes to and immediately seizes up when she sees my mother crouched over her body.

Her bony finger trails down Peyton's cheek, drawing trails in the dirt and blood splattered on her face.

"I suppose it's time I introduced myself, hm?" My mother drawls, standing up and tucking her hands into each other. I watch in horror as she flicks her wand at my friend and Peyton begins convulsing once again.

I know I'm screaming now because I can feel it tearing at my throat. I move to dash towards the pair but strong hands clamp around my mouth and waist. I feel his calluses scratch against my cheeks but I don't stop screeching.

I know my father is behind me when I spot the dark mark writhing on his wrist and the marriage band on his left hand, the ruby gem set into it, identical to the behemoth gem sitting on the ring finger of my mother.

His rumbling voice coos me to quiet down but I simply bite down on his hand in response. As he cries out in pain, cursing I dash across the field and raise my hands to claw at my mother's face, add a new scar, make her feel pain.

The world stops and I begin to freefall. Freefall into complete pitch darkness.

No need for you to embarrass us as well.

Chapter Text

‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾

My face slams into a plot of cold, damp earth and I stagger as I shove myself onto my feet. I whip around, my hair flying into my face. Strands flatten on my face like tattoos as they stick to the mud and tears on my cheeks. My hands fly up to my hair and I scream. I just scream.

It's not long before I taste blood and I can feel the mud underneath my knees as I sink down into the earth. I look down at my wrist and I scratch at it, as if I can purify it from the curses it created. I claw at my skin until it's raw and wounded. The marks slithers persistently against my attack and it throbs as if it were mocking me.

I then hear the whisper of a breeze and the razor sharp whipping of robes. A shiver runs up my spine as I hear boots tramping through the earth towards me.

"Y/N darling," My mother coos, stretching her hand out to me. I whip around and slap her hand away. I scramble backwards, glaring at her. Her hand clamps around my neck and she drags me off my feet, her gaze murderous. "Look at me." She hisses at me, baring her teeth as she speaks. "You are an embarrassment of a child." She whispers before she tosses me away from her as if I were nauseating.

I clasp my neck as I gather air in my lungs.

"I had to finish your job for you," She turns to me slowly, a disgusting smile tugging at her ruby lips, her eyes flash in enjoyment at my horror. "Such a pity, she was such a pretty girl." She studies her nails as she speaks and I choke as I see the blood crusting under the sickly pale nails.

I stagger backwards and my tears fall into the earth. I can't feel my legs. I can't even feel my chest rising with my breaths. Am I breathing? I'm quivering. Am I cold?

"Y/N."

My mother's voice sounds fuzzy as a piercing ring echoes through my ears. I look at her, my eyes hazy with tears and then I all of sudden feel the comfort of the earth underneath my head.

‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾

It feels like floating and I can feel my heartbeat trickling down my chest to my fingertips. A soft kiss of breeze tickles the back of my neck. I turn to look at the source of the breeze but it feels like I'm wading through tar.

I open my mouth to call out but then my breath is smothered by a slithering feeling being poured into my mouth. I choke and I claw at my throat as I whip around. My eyes seeing nothing. Not darkness - nothing.

Then a flash.

A bright light beams behind my eyes and I gasp as I look around.

It's a field. A familiar field. I see people running through it- no, running from something. I look around, my heart constricting and the slithering feeling begins to choke me. I see the clouds above me crack open with the jaws of lightning accompanied by the percussion of thunder. I cover my ears but I can't stop hearing it. Then I hear something much worse. I hear her screams. I hear them pierce my eardrums, straight into my soul. I writhe against the howling and wailing of her crackling voice.

It stops.

‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾

"Y/N!!"

I fling my head into the pillow I'm now lying on, my cheek stinging. I look up and I scream as I see the piercing eyes of my mother. She rolls her eyes and scoffs in disgust. She pulls her hand away from where she struck me across my face.

"Dinner will be ready soon, dear." She says with a venomous smile before she skulks out of the room and I hear the familiar lock of the door. I sit up in a panic and I wince at the chains wrapped around my wrists. I yank against them and I hear the sound of them digging into the headboard of the bed I'm in and my stomach sinks.

I look around the room I'm in - my room. I gag and I look around. I see my wallpaper. I see my old rug. I throw up. I can't stop the throwing up and it splatters onto the all too familiar floor.

no.

NO.

NO.

‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾