The Pact

I knock on the door to Aurélien’s room a few hours before the party, not sure if I’m even expecting him to be in there or not. I just can’t help myself, because the tension between us has become unbearable.

Just as I’m about to walk away, I hear the door click open, and I take in the sight of him.

The carefree expression I’m so used to is wiped from his face, his hair is a mess, and it’s evident that he hasn’t been sleeping well. My heart breaks and I have to stop myself from physically reaching out to him.

“What do you want, soleil?” he snaps, though there’s no real edge to his words.

I shift my weight uncomfortably, tugging on my sleeves. “I just… can we talk?”

Aurélien sighs, running a hand through his messy curls before stepping aside to let me in. His room is dimly lit, the curtains drawn tight, and the usually tidy space is cluttered with books and clothes strewn across the furniture. It’s so unlike him, and it makes my chest ache.

“You’ve got five minutes,” he mutters, leaning against the doorframe once it’s closed. He doesn’t look at me, his eyes fixed somewhere on the floor.

I swallow hard, fidgeting with my sleeves as I stand awkwardly in the center of the room. “I hate this,” I admit softly. “I hate that we’re not okay.”

His head snaps up at that, his expression twisting into something between frustration and pain. “Do you think I like this?” he asks, his voice low but intense. “Do you think I want to feel this way every time I see you with him?”

I flinch, guilt twisting in my stomach. “Aury, it’s not—”

“Don’t,” he interrupts, holding up a hand. “Don’t tell me it’s not like that. I see the way you look at him. The way he looks at you. You don’t owe me an explanation. I just—” He cuts himself off, shaking his head as if he’s trying to clear his thoughts.

“I didn’t mean for this to happen,” I say quietly, taking a step towards him. “I didn’t mean to hurt you, Aury. You’re one of the most important people in my life. You always have been.”

“Then why do I feel like I’m losing you?” he asks, his voice breaking slightly. He finally meets my gaze, and the raw vulnerability in his eyes nearly undoes me. “You’re slipping away from me, soleil. And I don’t know how to hold on without hurting us both.”

Tears sting my eyes as I cross the room to stand in front of him. “You’re not losing me,” I insist, my voice trembling. “You’re my best friend, Aury. You always will be. But I… I don’t know how to fix this. I don’t know how to make it okay.”

He lets out a bitter laugh, his shoulders sagging. “You can’t, can you? Because as much as I want to believe otherwise, I know you don’t feel the same way I do.”

I open my mouth to protest, but he holds up a hand again, his expression softening. “It’s not your fault, mon étoile. You can’t help who you love. Neither can I.”

For a moment, neither of us speaks. The silence is heavy but not unbearable, filled with all the words we’re too scared to say.

“I just want you to be happy,” he says finally, his voice barely above a whisper. “Even if it’s not with me.”

My heart shatters at his words, and without thinking, I reach out to take his hand. “You deserve to be happy too, Aury. More than anyone I know.”

He squeezes my hand lightly, a faint, bittersweet smile tugging at his lips. “Maybe someday I will be. But for now, I just need some time, okay?”

I nod, my throat too tight to speak. He lets go of my hand and steps back, his gaze lingering on me for a moment before he turns toward the window.

“Can I just ask you for one favor? Even though I know I don’t deserve it right now,” I mutter, wrapping my arms around myself.

He doesn’t turn around, just inclines his head and hums a little, “Hm?”

“No more fights. Please.”

Aurélien is silent for a long moment, his back still to me. I almost think he isn’t going to respond until I hear a quiet, strained chuckle.

“No more fights,” he agrees, his voice softer now. “I’ll try, soleil. For you.”

Relief washes over me, but it’s tinged with sadness. “Thank you,” I whisper, my arms tightening around myself as if that will keep me from falling apart completely.

He finally turns to face me, his expression unreadable but his eyes holding a flicker of the warmth I’ve missed. “Just don’t forget about me,” he says quietly, his tone almost pleading. “Even if it feels like I’m pulling away. I’ll find my way back… eventually.”

My breath catches in my throat, and I have to blink quickly to keep tears from spilling over. “You’re stuck with me, troubadour. You always will be.”

He nods once, a small, wistful smile crossing his face. “Good. I’d hate to think I’ve wasted all this time on someone who’d let me go so easily.”

Despite everything, I manage a faint laugh. “You? Wasted time? Never.”

Aurélien takes a step forward, brushing his hand lightly against my shoulder—a fleeting gesture, but one that speaks volumes. “Go on, soleil,” he murmurs, his voice steady but low. “I’ll be fine.”

I linger for a moment, wanting to say more, to offer something that might fix this rift between us. But the look in his eyes tells me he needs space, and I won’t take that from him.

“See you later, Aury,” I say softly, backing toward the door.

“See you later,” he replies, his gaze following me until I slip out of the room.

The door clicks shut behind me, and I take a deep breath, leaning against the wall for support. My heart feels like it’s been wrung out, but at least the air between us feels a little less heavy. For now, that will have to be enough.

~

The anticipation buzzing in the Slytherin common room is almost tangible by the time I make my way toward the dungeons. The faint thrum of music echoes through the stone corridors, growing louder with each step I take. My nerves are already heightened, and the energy radiating from behind the door isn’t helping.

I pause just outside, smoothing my hands over my clothes. The truth is I have no idea how this night is going to go. A Hufflepuff sneaking into a Slytherin party isn’t exactly subtle, but after everything lately—especially with Draco—I feel like I can’t sit this one out.

I straighten my shoulders and push the door open, greeted immediately by a wave of warmth and sound. The common room has been transformed—dark green and silver drapes line the walls, enchanted lights float lazily near the ceiling, and students are scattered everywhere, lounging on sofas, laughing in clusters, and dancing to the music.

A few heads turn when I step inside, curious looks quickly replaced with smirks or faint nods of approval. Blaise is the first to greet me, a glass of something amber in hand as he leans casually against the fireplace.

“Lavigné,” he drawls, his sharp grin almost predatory. “Look who decided to grace us with her presence. And looking stunning, no less.”

I roll my eyes but smiled faintly. “Don’t get used to it, Zabini. This might be a one-time thing.”

“We’ll see about that,” he replies smoothly, tipping his glass toward me.

I scan the room quickly, searching for a particular blonde head of hair. It doesn’t take long to spot Draco—leaning against the far wall, arms crossed, looking entirely too at ease as he watches the chaos unfold. His gaze catches mine immediately, and something unreadable flickers in his expression before his lips curl into the smallest smirk.

I hesitate, my stomach twisting strangely under his gaze. But before I can decide whether to go to him or find somewhere else to blend in, Pansy appears at my side, tugging me toward a group of girls.

“Snake charmer!” she exclaims, looping her arm through mine. “I was starting to think you chickened out.”

“Not a chance,” I reply, letting her pull me into the crowd.

Still, even as I try to focus on the chatter and laughter around me, I can feel Draco’s eyes on me from across the room, like a tether pulling me closer without either of us saying a word.

Pansy maneuvers me toward a velvet-cushioned corner where Daphne and Astoria Greengrass are seated, their postures elegant but their expressions sharp with interest. Daphne’s gaze flicks to me like she’s sizing me up, while Astoria offers a sweeter, albeit knowing, smile.

“Ladies,” Pansy drawls, plopping down beside them and patting the empty spot next to her. “I thought it was time we got to know her better. After all, she’s practically an honorary Slytherin by now.”

Daphne arches a brow, her voice laced with amusement. “Honorary? That’s generous. She’s still wearing Hufflepuff colors, isn’t she?”

Astoria chuckles softly, leaning in. “Oh, come now, Daphne. She must be something special if she’s got Draco so… domesticated lately.”

I bristle slightly, though I force a polite smile. “Draco and I just happen to work well together. Nothing more to it.”

Pansy tilts her head, smirking as if she’s uncovered a secret. “Oh, come on, snake charmer. No need to be modest. You’ve certainly got his attention, and that’s no small feat. Is it, girls?”

Daphne takes a slow sip of her drink, her eyes never leaving mine. “It is curious. I mean, Draco’s always been… selective. So naturally, we’re dying to know—what exactly is it about you that’s got him acting so… not himself?”

Astoria pipes up, her tone sweet but probing. “You must admit, it’s a little unusual. He’s never been one for teamwork, yet here he is, practically glued to your side these days.”

I glance down at my drink, trying to brush off the heat rising to my cheeks. “Draco and I are just friends,” I say evenly, though my voice wavers slightly.

“Friends,” Pansy echoes, her smile turning sly. “Well, if that’s true, then you won’t mind answering this, will you? Hypothetically, if Draco weren’t Draco—if he weren’t so insufferable—would you consider it? You know, more than friends?”

The question catches me off guard, and my silence only seems to encourage them.

Daphne leans forward, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “Don’t worry, we won’t tell him. We’re just curious. Purely hypothetical.”

Astoria giggles. “Unless, of course, it’s not so hypothetical.”

I glance across the room, catching sight of Draco leaning casually against the wall, his piercing gaze locked on our little group. My chest tightens, the tether between us tugging at me harder than ever.

“I don’t see how that’s relevant,” I say finally, my voice cool as I lift my chin. “What Draco and I are—or aren’t—is none of your concern.”

Pansy claps her hands together, clearly delighted by my answer. “Oh, I like you. You’ve got bite after all.”

Daphne exchanges a look with Astoria, her lips twitching into a small, amused smile. “Interesting. Very interesting.”

I resist the urge to roll my eyes, but I can’t shake the feeling that whatever game Pansy is playing, I’m right in the center of it.

“I’m surprised he isn’t over here yet,” Pansy chimes in, eyeing Draco suspiciously. “He seems so protective over you.”

“He knows I can handle myself,” I say quickly, trying to keep a cool demeanor. “Besides, I didn’t tell him I was coming.”

Pansy’s lips curl into a smirk that makes my stomach churn. “Didn’t tell him, hmm? Interesting. And yet…” She gestures subtly toward Draco, who’s now seated in a leather armchair across the room, one ankle resting casually on his knee as he surveys the party with his usual air of detached superiority.

“And yet he hasn’t taken his eyes off you since you walked in,” Daphne finishes, her tone teasing.

Astoria giggles softly, her gaze flitting between me and Draco. “It’s almost like he’s waiting for you to go to him.”

I shake my head, feigning indifference even as my pulse quickens under Draco’s steady, piercing stare. “You’re reading too much into it.”

Pansy leans in, her smirk turning wicked. “Oh, are we? Tell you what, snake charmer—why don’t you prove us wrong?”

My brows furrow in confusion. “Prove you wrong how?”

Daphne grins, her voice dropping to a cheeky whisper. “Go sit on his lap.”

The words hit me like a Bludger to the chest, and I blink at her, utterly floored. “Excuse me?”

Astoria giggles again, her tone syrupy sweet. “You’re not scared, are you? It’s just a little harmless fun.”

Pansy tilts her head, her eyes gleaming with mischief. “Unless, of course, you’re worried he‘d push you off or something.”

My jaw tightens as my pride flares. “I’m not worried about anything.”

“Then go,” Pansy challenges, her smirk practically daring me to back down.

I glance at Draco, who hasn’t moved an inch but is clearly aware of the brewing chaos in our little corner. His gaze sharpens as if he knows he’s just become the centerpiece of whatever this is.

My fingers tighten around my glass as I weigh my options. Backing down would mean letting Pansy win, and there’s no way I’m giving her that satisfaction. But walking over there and sitting on Draco’s lap in front of everyone? That’s a whole other level of madness.

Still, something about the way his eyes hold mine, steady and unreadable, gives me the tiniest spark of courage.

“Well?” Pansy prods, her voice dripping with faux innocence. “Are you going to show us how ‘just friends’ you are, or do we have our answer?”

I look between the girls one last time before lifting my drink to my lips, downing the rest of what’s inside. “Never let it be said that I’m one to back down from a challenge.”

They all eye me with curious anticipation as I stand up and make my way over to Draco, who’s face softens a bit when he sees me.

“Care to tell me what you’re—” he starts, but I cut him off quickly by causally plopping down into his lap.

He blinks in surprise but smirks with curiosity. “Comfortable?”

“Very,” I say casually, giving him a flirty grin.

I half expect him to roll his eyes or question me, but he doesn’t. Instead, he just wraps an arm around me, his hand settling onto my waist, holding me steady.

The moment he pulls me closer, the air in the room shifts. It’s like every conversation has paused, every set of eyes discreetly—or not so discreetly—flickering in our direction.

Draco’s smirk deepens, his fingers brushing casually against my side in a way that sends an unbidden shiver through me. “Bold move,” he murmurs, his voice low enough that only I can hear.

“You like bold,” I counter, my tone equally soft, though my heart pounds in my chest.

Across the room, Pansy’s jaw practically drops. She exchanges a quick, wide-eyed look with Daphne and Astoria, who both seem to be caught somewhere between disbelief and giddy excitement.

“No way,” Astoria whispers, clutching Daphne’s arm.

Daphne, ever the queen of composure, narrows her eyes slightly, watching the interaction like she’s studying the subtext of a play. “She actually did it.”

Pansy recovers quickly, though, her lips curling into a grin that doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “Well, I’ll be damned. Guess there’s more to little Miss Beauxbatons than I thought.”

Across the way, Blaise lets out a low whistle, leaning back in his chair with a look of pure amusement. “Now this is interesting,” he drawls, nudging Theo with his elbow.

Theo raises an eyebrow, his gaze darting between me and Draco before landing on Blaise. “I didn’t think she’d actually do anything those girls put her up to.”

“I did,” Blaise replies smugly, sipping from his drink. “She’s got guts. Gotta respect that.”

Theo snorts softly, shaking his head. “Yeah, but look at Malfoy. He’s eating it up.”

Draco, for his part, doesn’t seem remotely fazed by the audience we’ve inevitably drawn. If anything, he looks infuriatingly pleased with himself, his smirk a perfect mixture of smugness and satisfaction.

“You’ve got everyone’s attention now,” he murmurs, his thumb brushing lazily against my waist.

I give him a pointed look, my lips twitching with amusement. “I’m aware.”

He leans in slightly, his breath warm against my ear. “You sure you’re not just doing this for me?”

I don’t miss the teasing edge in his voice, but instead of rising to the bait, I let my fingers trail along the edge of his collar, my own smirk firmly in place. “Why, Malfoy, are you saying you mind?”

His eyes flash with something indecipherable, but before he can respond, Pansy clears her throat loudly, drawing both of our attention back to the group.

“Well,” she says, her tone thick with forced cheerfulness. “I think it’s safe to say we’ve got our answer.”

Daphne tilts her head, her eyes sparkling with interest. “The question is… what’s the answer?”

“If I told you, that would ruin all the fun,” I quip, resting an arm casually around Draco’s shoulders. I let my hand find its way to his hair, casually running my fingers through it with a steady rhythm.

Astoria giggles behind her hand, and even Theo cracks a faint grin. Blaise just shakes his head, looking thoroughly entertained.

Draco’s hand tightens ever so slightly on my waist, anchoring me in place. “Careful, Lavigné,” he says smoothly, his voice laced with warning and amusement. “You might start something you can’t finish.”

I glance at him out of the corner of my eye, my heart racing despite my composed exterior. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

The tension simmers between us, thick and electric, while the others watch with rapt attention, as if waiting for the next act in whatever show we’ve inadvertently started.

Blaise claps his hands, standing up. “Well, I think now is as good a time as any to start playing some party games, yeah?”

“Party games?” Daphne asks, raising a skeptical eyebrow.

“Come on,” Blaise says with a smirk. “What’s a Slytherin gathering without a little fun? Or are we too refined for that now?”

Theo, already following Blaise’s lead, gestures toward the couches in the corner. “Let’s sit, then. I’ve got just the game in mind.”

The group slowly moves toward the plush seating area, the hum of intrigue in the air. Draco stands, offering me his hand, and I take it without thinking, letting him guide me to the couches.

We end up sitting together on one end, but before I can fully settle, Draco casually grabs my legs and swings them over his lap, resting his hand lightly on my knees.

I freeze for a split second, caught off guard by the unexpected gesture, but he looks so nonchalant about it that I can’t help but relax. My heart, however, doesn’t get the memo, pounding wildly in my chest.

Daphne and Pansy exchange a look but say nothing, while Astoria hides a knowing smile behind her glass. Blaise and Theo, of course, don’t even attempt to mask their amusement.

“So,” Theo begins, leaning forward slightly, his expression deceptively innocent. “How about a classic game of truth or dare?”

“Seriously?” Pansy asks, wrinkling her nose.

“Oh, don’t act like you’re above it,” Theo shoots back. “We’ve all got secrets, and what better way to pass the time than dragging them out into the open?”

Blaise grins wickedly, already sold on the idea. “I’m in. This should be good.”

Astoria nods eagerly, her eyes sparkling. “Me too. Sounds fun.”

Pansy sighs dramatically but shrugs. “Fine. But only if it’s interesting.”

Theo’s gaze shifts to me, and he arches a brow. “What about you, Lavigné? You game?”

I glance at Draco, who’s already watching me with an unreadable expression. “Why not?” I say with a shrug, feigning nonchalance. “Might as well.”

“Perfect,” Theo says, rubbing his hands together. “Let’s make it interesting, then. No backing out of dares unless you’re willing to forfeit something important.”

“And the truths?” Daphne asks, tilting her head.

“No lies,” Blaise says firmly, his grin widening. “We’ll know if you’re bluffing.”

I smirk, reaching into my bag. “Let’s make this interesting, shall we?”

The Slytherins all look at me with arched eyebrows, wondering what I’m doing as I pull out a small vial of veritaserum, the liquid shimmering under the light.

“If anyone is suspected of lying, they have to take a sip of truth serum spiked fire whiskey.”

Draco’s mouth drops open in disbelief for a moment before it settles into a mischievous smirk. “Did you get that where I think you did?”

The others watch with rapt attention as I grin, tossing the vial to Blaise to pour into a glass of fire whiskey in the middle of the circle. “You thought I wouldn’t take it with me?” I lean closer to his ear, dropping my voice to a whisper. “It’s not like we used all of it at your manor.”

Draco chuckles under his breath, the sound low and rich. “You’re full of surprises, aren’t you?”

I pull back with a wink, the heat of his smirk lingering as I turn to face the others.

Theo picks up the glass of spiked firewhiskey, inspecting it like it’s some priceless artifact. “Now this is the kind of chaos I can get behind. Well done, Lavigné.”

Blaise grins wickedly as he sets the drink in the center of the circle. “Alright, new rule: anyone caught lying has to take a sip. No exceptions.”

“Even you?” Daphne asks, arching a brow.

“Especially me,” Blaise replies smoothly, sitting back in his chair like he’s already planning everyone’s downfall.

Astoria claps her hands, clearly thrilled at the added stakes. “This is going to be amazing.”

Draco leans back, his hand still resting lazily on my knees, looking entirely too comfortable as he watches the scene unfold. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you lot when this gets out of hand.”

“Getting out of hand is the point,” Theo retorts, rubbing his hands together like a villain in a storybook. “Alright, who’s going first?”

The group exchanges glances, and naturally, all eyes land on me.

“Of course,” I mutter with a dry laugh. “I should’ve seen that coming.”

Theo grins, clearly enjoying himself. “Truth or dare, Lavigné?”

I meet his gaze, weighing my options. The spiked firewhiskey glints in the light, a quiet reminder of what’s at stake. Finally, I smirk.

“Dare.”

The circle erupts in delighted gasps and murmurs, the energy crackling like a live wire.

“Oh, this is going to be fun,” Theo says, his grin growing wider. “Let’s see… I dare you to tell us something about Draco that none of us know.”

The room falls silent, every pair of eyes locked on me. Even Draco tenses slightly, though his expression remains cool and unreadable.

“Make it good,” Blaise adds, his voice laced with amusement.

I glance at Draco, his gaze steady but curious, and feel the weight of the dare settle over me. A hundred possibilities race through my mind, but I know exactly which one will leave the room buzzing—and it doesn’t even involve a lie.

I take a breath, my lips curling into a mischievous smile. “Alright. Something none of you know…” I grin, earning a look from Draco. “Little Lord Malfoy over here has a ten step skincare routine he does before bed.”

The room erupts into laughter, a mix of incredulous gasps and delighted cackles.

“No way,” Blaise manages between laughs, clutching his sides. “Ten steps? Draco?”

Draco leans his head back against the couch, groaning, though the faintest hint of a smile tugs at the corner of his mouth. “You’re insufferable, you know that?”

I shrug, my grin widening. “It’s true, isn’t it? And honestly, it’s working. Your skin is flawless.”

Astoria, still giggling, leans forward. “Wait, wait. What’s in the routine? You have to spill.”

Draco cuts her off, holding up a hand. “Absolutely not. This game was not designed to expose my personal hygiene habits.”

“Oh, but it is now,” Theo chimes in, his laughter still lingering. “Come on, mate. Share your secrets with us mere mortals.”

Draco gives him a withering look, though his cheeks are tinged slightly pink. “You lot wouldn’t understand the importance of self-care even if it hit you in the face.”

“Does the serum come before or after the toner?” Daphne teases, and the group dissolves into laughter again.

I lean back smugly, crossing my arms as I watch Draco try to maintain his composure. He glances at me, his gray eyes narrowing slightly.

“You’re going to pay for that,” he mutters under his breath, his hand on my knee giving a light squeeze.

“Worth it,” I reply, flashing him a cheeky smile.

Theo clears his throat, still grinning as he gestures to the group. “Alright, that was a brilliant start. Next victim?”

Astoria, ever eager, points to Blaise. “You. Truth or dare?”

As the game rolls on, the teasing continues, but I can’t help noticing how Draco’s hand stays on my knee, his touch grounding me amid the chaos.

On Astoria’s turn, Daphne asks her, “If you had to pick any bloke from our house to snog, who would you choose?”

Astoria hesitates, a sly grin tugging at her lips as she looks around the circle, clearly weighing her options. “Hmm, tough one,” she drawls, her eyes flicking toward Draco, then back to the group. “I’d say… Theo, just to mess with him.”

The group laughs, but Blaise, ever the skeptic, raises an eyebrow. “I don’t believe that for a second.”

Astoria’s smile falters, but she tries to cover it with a shrug. “Why? It’s true.”

“No, no,” Blaise insists, crossing his arms. “That’s a lie. Drink up, sunshine.”

He pushes the glass of fire whiskey spiked with Veritaserum toward her, and Astoria glares at him, clearly not thrilled by the prospect.

“Fine,” she mutters, clearly annoyed, but she takes a gulp. As soon as the liquid hits her tongue, her face contorts with the burn, and she winces.

“You’ll have to tell the truth now,” I remind her with a grin. “No getting away with it.”

Astoria rolls her eyes. “Alright, alright,” she mutters, rubbing her temples as the effects of the potion start to kick in. “If I had to pick anyone from this room… it would be Draco.”

The entire group pauses. There’s a beat of stunned silence, before Blaise bursts out laughing, and Theo’s eyes widen in surprise.

Draco, though, stays remarkably still, his expression unreadable. His hand, still resting on my knee, tightens ever so slightly, and I glance up at him.

I can’t help but feel a burning jealousy deep in my stomach, though I try to mask it. I don’t need to give them any more fuel to tease me with, and I certainly don’t want to complicate the comfortable friendship we’ve developed.

All that aside, though, I don’t stop myself from wrapping an arm around his shoulders, gently running my thumb over the side of his neck. Draco doesn’t seem surprised, but he raises an eyebrow at me playfully. I ignore it.

Astoria continues, her voice now more resigned than playful. “I mean, who wouldn’t? He’s got the looks, the charm… the skincare routine.”

I laugh politely along with the other snakes, though it isn’t genuine. Draco seems to sense my discomfort,  but the alcohol in his system causes him to just smirk at me knowingly. Hopefully he doesn’t see straight through me.

“Well, well, Astoria,” Blaise teases. “Didn’t expect that, but I think we all saw it coming.”

Draco looks at me briefly, and for a moment, his expression softens before he looks back to Astoria. “Good taste, at least,” he says with a forced chuckle.

Astoria, now visibly flustered, tries to brush it off with a wave. “Alright, alright, I’m done.”

The game continues, but there’s a noticeable shift in the air. I can’t help but wonder if Draco’s thoughts are already drifting toward the unexpected confession, or if he’s just putting on a mask like he always does. Either way, the tension between us only seems to grow thicker.

The game moves along smoothly, each dare more outrageous than the last. Laughter fills the room, but there’s an underlying tension in the air—an unspoken curiosity about the only Hufflepuff in the room.

It’s Theo who raises the question, his eyes glinting with mischief. “Alright, your turn, snake charmer. Truth or dare?”

“Truth,” I reply without hesitation, though my stomach flips with unease. I can already feel their collective gaze zeroing in on me.

Theo grins, leaning forward in his seat. “What’s going on with you and Prince Charming?”

My heart skips a beat. I know exactly who he’s talking about—Aurélien. Of course, they’d want to know. I give a small shrug, hoping to brush it off, but I feel the weight of their eyes on me.

“There’s nothing going on between us,” I say, my voice steady, though a part of me feels the tension rising. I know they won’t believe me—not with the way things have been between me and Draco. But it’s the truth.

“Come on,” Astoria chimes in, leaning forward eagerly. “You can’t tell me there’s nothing. Beauxbatons is all over you like a knight in shining armor, and you’re just—what? Not interested?”

I bite my lip, trying to hold my ground. “He’s my friend, Astoria. That’s it. There’s nothing else there.”

Blaise raises an eyebrow. “Not buying it,” he says with a smirk. “Drink up.”

Before I can protest, the glass of Veritaserum-infused fire whiskey is shoved toward me. I hesitate, but with everyone’s gaze locked onto me, there’s no escaping it. I take a deep breath and sip the mixture, feeling the familiar burn as it hits the back of my throat.

“Now, tell us the truth,” Theo presses, his voice almost too sweet.

The serum works its way through my system quickly, and I feel the weight of honesty flood over me. “I don’t have feelings for him,” I say, my voice unsteady despite the clarity in my words.

There’s a beat of silence. I brace myself for more questions, but instead, I find myself speaking before I can stop myself. “But… he hates my relationship with Draco.”

The room goes dead quiet.

Draco’s hand freezes on my knee, his fingers tightening ever so slightly. He doesn’t look at me, but I can feel his tension rise. I don’t even know if he’s heard me correctly. I hadn’t meant to say that—hadn’t meant for anyone to know.

“What?” Pansy’s voice is sharp, almost too loud. “Aurélien hates Draco? Is that why he’s been so… odd?”

I nod, my mouth going dry. “Yeah, he… doesn’t like it. He doesn’t like me being close to Draco at all. He thinks it’s dangerous. But it’s not his place to tell me what I can or can’t do.”

The room is still for a moment, everyone absorbing my words. Draco’s gaze flicks to mine, but it’s fleeting, quickly masked by a mask of indifference.

Astoria leans back in her chair, a smirk on her lips. “Well, looks like you’ve got yourself a little love triangle, then.”

I feel a mix of embarrassment and frustration flood me, but I try to steady myself. “It’s not like that,” I say, shaking my head. “It’s not a triangle. Aurélien and I are just friends.”

Draco leans back, his posture almost defensive, but he doesn’t say anything. His silence speaks volumes, though.

Blaise claps his hands together, cutting through the silence. “Alright, alright, enough drama. Let’s move on.”

But the air between us feels charged now, heavier than before, and I can’t shake the feeling that things have shifted in ways I wasn’t prepared for.

The tension in the room doesn’t let up, and everyone’s attention stays fixed on me and Draco, their curiosity now fully piqued by the new dynamics in the air.

Theo leans forward, grinning mischievously. “Alright, Draco. Truth or dare?”

Draco raises an eyebrow, eyes glinting. “Dare.” He doesn’t hesitate, as if he already knows what’s coming.

Blaise’s grin widens. “We dare you to kiss the prettiest girl in the room.”

There’s a collective hush as the group waits, eyes darting between Draco and me. He doesn’t even look at the other girls in the room. His gaze just flicks to me, and my heart does a little flip in my chest.

His voice drops low, just for me, though everyone else is watching with rapt attention. “Can I kiss you?” His words are quiet, almost like a whisper, but I can hear the unspoken question beneath them—he’s asking for permission, not just as part of the dare.

My stomach flutters, and the room feels impossibly small as I meet his gaze. My heart pounds in my chest, but I don’t pull away. I nod just barely, my lips parting in a breathless response.

Draco doesn’t waste any more time. He gently pulls me onto his lap, and I feel the heat of his body under mine, his hands finding their way to my waist, steadying me. The tension in the air grows thicker as everyone watches us, their eyes darting back and forth between us.

He leans in, his lips hovering just above mine for a brief moment, and then—he kisses me.

It’s soft at first, tentative, like he’s waiting for me to pull away, but I don’t. I place one hand on his chest to steady myself, the other cupping his jaw, surprising him enough to tighten his grip ever so slightly. The kiss deepens and I can feel the warmth of his touch spreading through my body, making my skin tingle.

For that moment, everything else fades. The game, the room full of people, even the distant laughter—all of it disappears, leaving just the two of us.

When the kiss finally breaks, Draco pulls back just enough to look me in the eyes, his expression unreadable, though there’s something in his gaze that makes my heart race even faster. He doesn’t say anything, but his hands still rest on my waist, his fingers gently pressing into my skin as if to ground both of us to reality.

The others are silent for a beat, and then a burst of laughter erupts from the group, though it’s far less playful than before. Pansy, eyes wide, leans back in her seat, clearly stunned. “Well, I didn’t expect that.”

Blaise chuckles softly, but there’s a strange look in his eyes now—one I can’t quite place. “Guess that settles the dare.”

Theo leans back in his chair, arms crossed, eyes twinkling with amusement. “It’s about time, really. We all saw it coming.”

But despite the teasing, I can feel Draco’s hands tighten slightly, the unspoken words between us clearer than ever.

My cheeks are flushed from both the kiss and the alcohol starting to get to me, and I start to put a little bit of distance between us. Before I can, Draco tightens his grip, furrowing his brow.

“Where are you going?”

His voice comes out light and teasing, and my heart skips a beat. He seems entirely unaffected by what just happened, so I figure maybe I’m just being dramatic.

When I see the steady playfulness in his gaze, I relax into him, chuckling. “Nowhere, apparently.”

Draco's lips curl into a smirk, and he shifts slightly, pulling me even closer to him. The warmth of his body against mine sends a shiver down my spine, and I realize just how much I don't want to leave his side.

He's still got that playful glint in his eyes, like he's enjoying this moment more than he's letting on.

"You sure about that?" he teases, his voice low, almost daring me to try to move away again. His fingers gently trace the curve of my hip, sending a wave of warmth through me.

I swallow, trying to steady my breathing.

The fire whiskey, the kiss, his touch—it's all a heady combination that's making everything feel a little too intense. Still, I can't help but smile up at him, the playful tension between us making it all the more electric.

"Alright, I'm staying," I admit with a soft laugh, leaning back against him. "Not like I have much choice, do I?"

He chuckles, his hand now resting more comfortably on my knee. "I'm not one to force anyone to stay, but you should know you're in good company."

My cheeks flush again, and this time I can't blame it on the alcohol alone. The way he says it, the way he looks at me, sends a warmth spreading through my chest. His fingers tap lightly against my knee, a steady rhythm that almost calms me, but only in the way that draws me even further in.

As the others begin talking again, I realize that we've become the center of attention once more-whether I want to be or not.

But for now, I'm content. With Draco so close, his presence settling over me like a blanket, I can't bring myself to care about the others.

It's just us. And somehow, that's more than enough.

The laughter around the room dies down as the game makes its way around the circle. Eventually, Pansy grins mischievously, her eyes glinting with that familiar sense of trouble. “Alright, my turn. Truth or dare, badger?”

I tense up a little, but I can’t handle any soul searching right now. “Dare.”

“How about a little spin the bottle, hm? Let’s see who our lovely guest here will end up kissing.”

My eyes widen in shock, but before I can protest, the bottle is already set in front of me, and all of the guys are eyeing me with varying degrees of interest—Blaise with his usual lazy smirk, Theo with a raised eyebrow, and Draco, whose gaze has hardened to something almost protective.

I hesitate, my fingers playing nervously with the hem of my sleeve, but just as I’m about to open my mouth to refuse, Draco’s voice cuts through the air, sharp and commanding.

“Absolutely not,” he says firmly, his eyes narrowing at the group of guys, particularly at the bottle. His posture is suddenly stiff, a quiet, simmering tension radiating from him as he leans forward, his gaze never leaving me. “She’s not playing.”

The room goes still for a moment, and I feel the weight of everyone’s stares, but I’m too focused on Draco to care about the others. His protective tone isn’t lost on me, but I can’t help but wonder why he’s reacting this way.

Theo, ever the curious one, raises an eyebrow, his voice laced with teasing. “You sure you’re not a couple?” He looks between Draco and me, clearly enjoying the growing tension. “You’re awfully possessive of her for just being… friends.”

The way he says the word ‘friends’ sends a little shock through me. Everyone around the room is clearly waiting for some sort of response, and I can feel the heat creeping up my neck. I glance at Draco, whose jaw is clenched tight, his eyes still locked on Theo. His protective instincts are on full display, and the air between us feels thick with unspoken words.

Draco doesn’t even flinch, his voice cutting through the room with a cold edge. “She’s not interested in your games, Nott. So I suggest you find something else to amuse yourselves with.”

I feel my stomach flutter with a mixture of warmth and confusion at Draco’s words. He’s standing his ground, and it’s clear that the idea of anyone else kissing me has struck a nerve with him. He shifts his weight, pulling me impossibly close, and I can’t help but feel like he’s staking a claim on me.

Theo just laughs, raising his hands in mock surrender. “Alright, alright. No need to bite my head off.” He winks at me, clearly not offended, but the tension is palpable.

I catch Draco’s gaze, and he gives me a slight nod, as if to assure me that he’s got this under control. My heart skips a beat, a mix of gratitude and something else swirling in my chest.

Pansy, sensing that the mood has shifted, quickly moves to change the subject, “Fine, no spin the bottle. But we can always think of something else,” she says, her voice light, though there’s still that sharp glint of mischief in her eyes. I find myself shifting a little closer to Draco, suddenly more aware of how much his presence matters.

“How about a truth instead?” she chirps, leaning closer. “What’s your deepest, darkest secret, princess?”

I stammer, caught off guard. “Uh—I don’t really have one. I’m an open book.”

“Oh come on,” Blaise chimes in, his face darkening. “You’ve gotta have something interesting under the surface.”

I give Draco a slightly panicked look, and he furrows his brow. “I really don’t know,” I say quietly, my heart racing.

“I think she needs to drink,” Astoria says, her tone sickeningly sweet.

Astoria’s comment earns a few chuckles from the group, but Draco tenses beside me, his hand lightly brushing against my arm in what I can only guess is a subtle attempt to reassure me.

“I don’t think that’s necessary,” he says firmly, his sharp tone cutting through the laughter.

But I can feel the pressure building, the weight of their expectations pressing down on me. My hands tremble slightly as I pick up the glass, my mind racing for something, anything, to say that will appease them without giving too much away. As the veritaserum sticks to the roof of my mouth, I feel an urge to ramble.

Before I can stop myself, the words spill out. “My parents have been training me to do dark magic for years, and I’m scarily good at it.”

I see their eyes go wide, and even Draco seems to tense. “Dark magic?” he says lowly, and I nod, upset with myself for admitting it.

“How do you even practice without getting caught?” Blaise asks, looking at me like he wasn’t sure whether he didn’t believe me or simply didn’t want to. “Wouldn’t the Wizengamot catch it on your wand?”

“That’s the thing,” I continue, really wishing I’d shut my mouth. “They’ve been training me to do it… wandlessly.”

The room falls silent, the air thick with shock. Pansy’s smirk falters, replaced by a look of genuine surprise, while Blaise and Theo exchange uneasy glances.

“Wandlessly?” Daphne whispers, her voice barely audible. “But that’s… that’s super advanced.”

“I know,” I admit, the serum loosening my tongue further. “They said it was a rare skill, and they wanted to harness it for… family purposes.” My voice wavers, and I glance at Draco, whose expression has gone cold and calculating. “But I hated it. I hated what it made me feel. Like I was losing pieces of myself every time I practiced.”

I shift uncomfortably, my hands twisting in my lap. “When I was thirteen, I couldn’t take it anymore. I ran away.”

“Ran away?” Astoria repeats, her wide eyes searching mine. “Where did you go?”

“I lived like a Muggle,” I confess, my voice breaking slightly. “I took what little money I had, changed my appearance, and disappeared into London. For six months, I faked my age and identity, worked at a little café, shared a flat with some strangers, and pretended magic didn’t exist. It was the happiest I’d ever been until...”

I look at Draco, knowing he would be able to fill in the blank. Until I met you.

The confession stuns them all into silence. Blaise finally leans back, letting out a low whistle. “You—our little princess of Hufflepuff—ran off to live as a Muggle? That’s… insane.”

“Wait.” Pansy narrows her eyes, crossing her arms over her chest. “What brought you back? Or who?”

My stomach twists, and I can feel my throat tighten. “My mother,” I mutter. “She found me. Dragged me back home. Made me swear I’d never embarrass our family like that again.” I let out a humorless laugh, avoiding meeting anyone’s eyes. “She beat me black and blue for that. Could hardly move for weeks.”

I swallow hard, trying to steady myself. The Slytherins gathered around me watch me with a burning intensity, confusion and intrigue flickering across their faces. “That’s when things got worse. She doubled down on the training… on everything.”

Draco’s jaw tightens, and his hand unconsciously moves to cover mine. “You mean the way she treated you at my manor… you said that was just a one-off,” he says softly, though his voice is laced with anger. Not at me, though. I know where his anger is aimed, and it’s most certainly at the woman who birthed me.

“I lied,” I say quietly, guilt swirling in my stomach. I can’t look at him, but I shake my head. “It’s been like that for as long as I can remember. She said I needed to be ‘stronger’—that I had to be prepared for what our family expects of me.”

The room is quiet again, the weight of my words settling heavily over the group. I feel suffocated, their stunned stares pressing down on me, and I can’t take it anymore. I stand abruptly, clearing my throat.

“I need some air,” I mutter, avoiding their gazes as I head for the door.

Draco calls after me, his voice steady but tinged with concern. “Wait—”

“I’ll be fine,” I cut him off, already halfway across the room.

In the distance, I hear Pansy mutter, “At least there’s something interesting about her now,” to which Draco responds, “Do you ever shut the hell up, Parkinson? I ought to hex your mouth shut for the way you’ve been speaking to her all night!”

I can’t bring myself to turn around, but there’s no mistaking the whine in Pansy’s voice when she says, “Dray, I didn’t mean—” and the ice in Draco’s tone when he cuts her off. “That’s Malfoy to you. I’ll deal with you later.”

I miss whatever aftermath follows, already slipping out of the room and into the cool air outside of the party. I lean against the wall of the Slytherin common room corridor, closing my eyes and letting the silence wash over me. My heart pounds in my chest, and for a moment, I wonder if I’ve just made everything worse.

After maybe a minute, I hear the door open beside me, and I don’t have to look up to know who followed me out.

Draco walks over to me, fidgeting with my ring. I can’t bring myself to look at him.

Without saying a word, he just wraps me up in a hug, pulling me close to his chest. The scent of cologne and fire whiskey floods my senses as I sink into him, burying my face in his shirt.

Draco doesn’t say anything, just holds me tighter, his hand coming up to cradle the back of my head as if I might shatter if he lets go. For a moment, the world feels distant, and the chaos in my mind quiets.

“You should’ve told me,” he murmurs, his voice low and rough.

I shake my head against his chest, clutching the fabric of his shirt like it’s the only thing grounding me. “What difference would it have made? It’s not like anyone can stop her.”

“It makes a difference to me,” he says firmly, pulling back just enough to meet my gaze. His grey eyes are fierce, a storm of emotions swirling in them—anger, sadness, protectiveness. “I thought I understood what happened at the manor, but this… Merlin, you’ve been dealing with this alone?”

I look away, guilt twisting in my stomach. “I didn’t want anyone to know. If my parents found out I’d told someone…” My voice trails off, and I feel tears prick at the corners of my eyes. “It’s just easier to keep it to myself.”

“Easier for who?” he demands softly, his fingers brushing against my cheek to turn my face back toward him. “You’re not alone in this, alright? You have me.”

The sincerity in his voice threatens to undo me completely. I let out a shaky breath, the weight of his words settling over me. “You don’t have to—”

“I want to,” he interrupts, his tone leaving no room for argument. “Don’t you get it? You’re not just some random girl to me. You—” He stops himself, exhaling sharply, as though he’s unsure how much to say. “You’re important.”

I blink up at him, my heart pounding. “I… I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything,” he replies, softer this time. “Just let me take care of you. That’s all I want.”

Tears finally spill over, and I bury my face back into his chest, letting the warmth of his embrace soothe the ache inside me. For the first time in what feels like forever, I don’t feel like I’m carrying the weight of my secrets alone.

He strokes my hair softly, murmuring reassurances in my ear. “I’ve got you… it’ll be okay… I’m not going anywhere.” The gentleness in his voice completely shatters what little resolve I have left, the walls I spent years building cracking under the weight of his grace and patience. I can feel myself go slack as my body is wracked with sobs, and he holds me up effortlessly, keeping me close to him. I feel his guilt, his anger, his sadness, his pity, and his complete and utter worry in my chest, which makes my heart ache even more for putting him through this with me.

Draco shifts slightly, adjusting his grip as though he’s afraid I might slip through his fingers. His hand slides down to rub soothing circles on my back, his other hand still gently cradling my head. “Let it out,” he whispers, his voice tight but steady. “You don’t have to hold it in anymore.”

I can’t stop the flood of emotions crashing over me. It’s all too much—the years of fear, the endless weight of my mother’s expectations, and now the crushing guilt of dragging him into my mess. Yet, through it all, Draco doesn’t waver. He’s steady, like an anchor in a storm I can’t escape.

“I’m so sorry,” I choke out between sobs, my voice muffled against his chest. “You shouldn’t have to deal with this—with me.”

He pulls back slightly, just enough to tilt my chin up so I’m forced to meet his gaze. His expression is softer than I’ve ever seen it, his grey eyes searching mine with an intensity that takes my breath away. “Stop apologizing,” he says, his tone firm but not unkind. “You didn’t ask for this. None of it is your fault.”

“But it’s dragging you down,” I whisper, my voice barely audible. “You don’t deserve—”

“I can handle it,” he interrupts, his voice sharper this time, almost defiant. “Do you hear me? I want to handle it. You don’t have to protect me.”

His words hit me like a thunderclap, and I can feel my resolve cracking even further. I nod weakly, unable to argue with the sheer conviction in his voice. His hand moves to brush a stray tear from my cheek, his touch impossibly gentle.

“You’ve been through hell,” he says quietly, his voice tinged with something raw and vulnerable. “But you’re not going through it alone anymore. Not as long as I’m here.”

I feel another sob rising in my throat, but this time it’s mixed with something else—relief. Relief that, for once, someone knows, and they’re not running away. Relief that maybe, just maybe, I don’t have to face this on my own. I lean into him again, my arms wrapping around his waist as he holds me tightly, like he’s afraid to let go.

For a long moment, we just stay like that, the world outside fading into nothing. In his arms, for the first time in years, I feel something I thought I’d lost.

Safety.

After a while, my breathing slows to match his, and our heartbeats sync up. I pull away from his chest, taking a deep but shaky breath.

I see the spot on his shirt from my tears and spell it away wandlessly, feeling bad for making a mess of him. He looks mildly impressed but quickly puts on a sarcastically offended face.

“Why’d you do that? I wanted to keep your DNA in case you went rogue on me with all your dark magic.”

I sniffle, a smile tugging at my lips. “You’re not funny.”

“I’m not? Then why do I sense a smile?” he says, giving me a genuine toothy grin. The sight alone is enough to clear up any leftover doubt I had that he’d want to bolt.

I shake my head, not able to fight the smile anymore. “Shut up.”

He tilts his head affectionately, brushing my hair out of my face. “Come on, sweet girl. Let’s get you cleaned up.”

He turns to open the common room door and completely misses the confused panic on my face. Did he just call me… a pet name?

Really?

I convince myself I imagined it as we walk back into the party, multiple heads turning to face us. I do notice, though, that Pansy and Blaise are wrapped up in a conversation in the corner, totally oblivious to our arrival.

Draco starts to lead me to the Slytherin dorms, clearly not caring. But as we come up behind Blaise and Pansy, I hear a snippet of their conversation.

“Come on, Pans. She’s cool. She’s got edge,” Blaise says, arms crossed over his chest.

“I don’t know, there’s just something off about her,” Pansy responds, holding her drink protectively. “She’s just so… disarming.”

“I seem to have that effect on people,” I chime in, startling them both.

Blaise chuckles, recovering quickly as he turns to face me. “Eavesdropping now, are we? That is very Slytherin of you.”

“Is it eavesdropping if you’re standing in the middle of the room?” I quip, crossing my arms with a smirk. “And what’s this about me having ‘edge’?”

“Just saying it like it is,” Blaise replies, giving me a once-over with a sly grin. “You’re not like the rest of us. You keep us guessing. It’s refreshing.”

I raise an eyebrow at his oddly genuine compliment. “I’ll take that as a good thing.”

“It is,” Blaise confirms, his tone turning teasing. “Though I’m sure Malfoy already told you. He’s probably composing sonnets about your ‘edge’ as we speak.”

Draco, who had been silent up until now, rolls his eyes and steps closer, his hand brushing against my back. “You’re hilarious, Zabini,” he says dryly. “Truly.”

Pansy’s gaze flits between Draco’s subtle closeness and my expression, her lips pressing into a thin line. “Well, I wasn’t trying to offend you,” she says, her tone tight. “But I do think it’s fair to question how someone who claims to be all sunshine and light is so… comfortable with dark magic.”

The air shifts, tension creeping in. Blaise’s smirk falters, and even Draco straightens up beside me. I meet Pansy’s gaze evenly, forcing myself to stay calm.

“Comfortable with it?” I repeat, my voice steady but cold. “No. I didn’t ask to be trained in it. I didn’t ask for any of it. But I didn’t have a choice.”

Pansy blinks, clearly caught off guard by the weight of my words. Draco seems fed up with her antics, his arm falling around my shoulders protectively.

As he turns to lead me away, Pansy’s voice cuts through the air, stopping us both in our tracks. “Wait,” she says, her tone surprisingly soft. “Are you okay?”

I blink, turning back to face her. “Are you…” I pause, narrowing my eyes. “Are you actually concerned for my well-being? Are you okay?”

Pansy crosses her arms, glaring at me in annoyance. “Don’t make me regret it. I’m just asking.”

A flicker of amusement breaks through the tension, and I can’t help the small smile tugging at my lips. “I’m fine,” I say, softening my tone just a fraction. “But, uh… thanks, I guess.”

She shrugs, avoiding my gaze. “Don’t mention it. Seriously. Don’t.”

Draco sighs, tugging at my arm. “Can we go now, or do you two need to exchange friendship bracelets first?”

Pansy rolls her eyes, but I catch a faint smirk on her face as she turns back toward Blaise. I follow Draco without another word, my thoughts swirling as we leave the common room behind.

On our way through the crowd, I hear a student whisper, “He’s taking her to his room!” and I groan in annoyance.

I know exactly what people are going to be asking tomorrow.