"Yet your still here"

Draco walked through the Ministry’s bustling corridors, his chin held high despite the unease twisting in his stomach. He could feel the stares following him, hear the whispers that trailed in his wake. It wasn’t unusual for people to talk about him—he was a Malfoy, after all—but lately, the tone had changed.

“Did you see him in the training room last week? Took out five dummies with one spell!”

“I heard he accidentally shattered a ward during practice. A ward, for Merlin’s sake.”

“Someone said his magic’s gotten stronger—like, ridiculously strong. Maybe he’s been experimenting with something dodgy?”

Draco’s jaw tightened as he quickened his pace. He hated how rumors spread like Fiendfyre in the Ministry, each one more exaggerated than the last. By the time he reached the Auror Department, he could practically feel the tension in the air.

“Morning, Malfoy,” a fellow Auror called out, his tone edged with something between respect and wariness.

Draco gave a curt nod in response, not breaking stride. As he passed the open door to one of the briefing rooms, he caught snippets of conversation that made him pause.

“I’m telling you, there’s no way he’s just ‘naturally’ that powerful,” a voice said, low and conspiratorial.

“Maybe he’s got some kind of artifact boosting his magic,” another replied. “Or… what if he made a deal? You know, with something dark?”

Draco stepped into the doorway, his arms crossed. “If you have questions about my magical prowess, feel free to ask me directly,” he drawled, his voice cutting through the room like a blade.

The two Aurors stiffened, their faces flushing as they scrambled for excuses.

“Malfoy! We didn’t mean anything by it,” one said hurriedly. “Just, you know, you’ve been… impressive lately.”

Draco’s eyes narrowed, his irritation clear. “And yet you’d rather speculate behind my back than address me like a professional. Noted.”

Before they could stammer out another excuse, a familiar voice cut in from behind him.

“Something wrong, gentlemen?”

Draco turned to see Orion approaching, his glowing eyes sharp and unyielding. The two Aurors visibly paled, mumbling their excuses as they quickly left the room.

Orion stepped closer, his gaze never leaving Draco. “You all right?”

Draco sighed, running a hand through his hair. “It’s fine. Just more nonsense about how I’ve suddenly become a magical powerhouse. They’re convinced I’ve been up to something nefarious.”

Orion smirked faintly, leaning against the doorframe. “Or they’re intimidated because you’ve been outperforming everyone.”

Draco scoffed, though his lips twitched upward. “Intimidated? Please.”

“Draco,” Orion said, his voice softer now. “You’ve always been brilliant, but what’s happening with your magic—it is extraordinary. You’ve grown in ways most people can’t comprehend. Let them talk. They don’t matter.”

Draco hesitated, studying Orion’s face. The sincerity in his voice was undeniable, and for a moment, Draco felt the tension in his chest ease.

“Maybe,” Draco said finally, his tone less sharp. “But it’s still bloody annoying.”

Orion chuckled, clapping a hand on Draco’s shoulder. “Then show them why they’re right to be in awe of you. Let them see what you’re truly capable of.”

Draco smirked, his confidence returning. “You know, for someone so annoyingly smug, you’re surprisingly good at pep talks.”

Orion grinned, his glowing eyes flickering with amusement. “And for someone so stubborn, you’re surprisingly good at taking them.”

Draco shook his head, but he couldn’t help the small smile that lingered as they walked down the hallway together. Let them whisper, he thought. Let them speculate. He had nothing to prove—except to himself.

~

Draco sat at a corner table in the bustling cafeteria, picking half-heartedly at his lunch. The whispers had been growing louder over the past week, and even in the cafeteria, they followed him like a persistent shadow.

“Did you hear? Malfoy’s been blowing things up left and right in training.”

“Yeah, and his magic’s off the charts. You don’t just get that kind of power. Not without… you know.”

“I bet he’s dabbling in something dark again. Leopards don’t change their spots.”

Draco’s grip on his fork tightened. He was used to rumors, but this level of scrutiny was grating on his nerves. Across the room, Orion leaned against the wall, arms crossed and his glowing eyes narrowed as he listened to the murmurs. Draco caught his gaze and shook his head slightly, silently pleading for him not to make a scene.

But before Orion could step in, another voice cut through the chatter like a sharp knife.

“You lot are unbelievable,” Harry Potter said loudly, his tone full of disdain as he approached the offending group of Aurors.

The room fell silent, all eyes turning to Harry as he stood tall, his gaze hard and unyielding.

“You’re spreading gossip about a colleague, someone who’s been nothing but professional and competent,” Harry continued, his voice steady and commanding. “Do you have any actual proof to back up these accusations, or are you just bored and looking for someone to tear down?”

One of the Aurors, a younger man with a nervous expression, stammered, “We—we weren’t accusing him, exactly. Just, you know, wondering—”

“Wondering if Malfoy’s up to no good, again?” Harry cut him off, his green eyes flashing dangerously. “Because that’s what this is, isn’t it? You can’t let go of the past long enough to see the man he is now.”

Draco’s eyes widened slightly, surprised by the forcefulness of Harry’s defense. He hadn’t expected Potter, of all people, to come to his aid.

“Malfoy has been nothing but dedicated to his work as an Auror,” Harry continued, his voice rising. “He’s risked his life alongside all of us, and the fact that his magic is stronger than yours doesn’t give you the right to tear him down out of jealousy or fear.”

The group looked thoroughly chastised, their heads lowering as Harry’s words settled over them.

Harry turned on his heel, his robes swishing dramatically as he walked straight toward Draco’s table. Orion smirked from his spot by the wall, clearly enjoying the show.

Draco raised an eyebrow as Harry reached his table. “Potter, to what do I owe the honor of such a fiery defense?”

Harry snorted, dropping into the seat across from him. “Don’t let it go to your head, Malfoy. I just can’t stand idiots like them.”

Orion finally stepped over, his smirk still firmly in place as he clapped Harry on the back. “Well said, Potter. If you hadn’t jumped in, I was about five seconds away from telling them all to shove off.”

Harry smirked up at Orion. “Figured I’d save you the trouble.”

Draco leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable as he looked between the two. “For what it’s worth, Potter, I appreciate it. Even if your timing means Orion will now be insufferable about agreeing with you.”

Orion grinned. “Always happy to find common ground, especially when it involves putting idiots in their place.”

Harry stood, his expression softening as he met Draco’s eyes. “Don’t let them get to you, Malfoy. Some people will always need a villain, but that doesn’t mean you have to play the part.”

Draco nodded slowly, his lips curving into a faint, genuine smile. “Thanks, Potter.”

As Harry walked away, Draco turned to Orion, who was watching him with a mixture of pride and amusement.

“Looks like I’ve got more allies than I thought,” Draco muttered.

Orion’s grin widened, and he slid into the seat beside him. “You’ve got more than you realize, Draco. And if anyone else has a problem with you, they’ll have to go through me first.”

Draco rolled his eyes, but there was warmth in his voice when he replied, “Merlin help them, then.”