Chapter 11
Draco hadn’t expected to see him.
Not after all these years.
But fate had a cruel sense of humor, and so, on an otherwise ordinary afternoon, Draco walked into a high-end wizarding café with Pansy—only to freeze the moment his gaze landed on a familiar figure across the room.
Broad shoulders. Strong hands wrapped around a steaming cup of coffee. The same messy red hair, slightly longer now, tied back in a loose ponytail.
Charlie Weasley.
Draco’s first heartbreak.
—
Pansy noticed immediately. "Well, well," she murmured, smirking. "Now this is interesting."
Draco rolled his eyes, forcing himself to move. "Shut up."
But of course, Pansy was already dragging him over, her grin absolutely wicked.
Charlie looked up just as they approached, his eyes widening slightly before softening into something warm. "Draco Malfoy." He smiled, setting his cup down. "It’s been a long time."
Draco swallowed. "Weasley."
"Charlie," he corrected, still smiling. "Just Charlie."
Pansy kicked Draco’s foot under the table as they sat down, clearly enjoying his discomfort.
Draco shot her a glare before turning back to Charlie. "What are you doing in London? I thought you’d never leave your precious dragons."
Charlie chuckled. "I’m only here for a while. Helping out with a new conservation project." He tilted his head. "What about you?"
Draco exhaled, swirling the tea that had appeared in front of him. "Let’s just say, I’m going through some… changes."
Charlie studied him for a moment before nodding. "I heard about you and Harry."
Draco stiffened. "Of course you did."
Charlie hesitated. "I’m sorry."
Draco let out a short, bitter laugh. "Don’t be. I’m moving on."
Pansy perked up at that. "Yes, he is. In fact, Draco, didn’t you have a massive crush on Charlie back in school?"
Draco choked on his tea. "Pansy!"
Charlie blinked before laughing—a deep, genuine laugh that sent an embarrassing warmth through Draco’s chest. "I remember that."
Draco groaned, covering his face. "Merlin, kill me now."
Charlie grinned. "You were adorable, you know."
Draco peeked at him through his fingers, heart skipping just a little. "You rejected me."
Charlie’s expression softened. "You were too young back then, Draco." He paused, eyes searching Draco’s face. "But you’re not anymore."
Draco’s breath caught.
For the first time in weeks, he wasn’t thinking about Harry.