The Pact

When it’s time to go back to school, I’m hit with a bittersweet feeling. On one hand, I’m perfectly happy to get out of this dark, oppressive reality I’ve found myself in over the past few weeks. But on the other…

“I’ve really enjoyed spending time with you,” I tell Narcissa as she helps me finish packing.

She smiles at me, her eyes filled with a warmth I’ve come to take comfort in. “I’ve really enjoyed getting to know you, darling. And it’s been nice to have another girl in the house.”

I chuckle softly at her words, a flicker of joy cutting through the melancholy tension. “I’ll miss you. You’ve been… really kind to me.”

Narcissa reaches out, tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear in a motherly gesture. “And I’ll miss you. But remember, you’re always welcome here. No matter what.”

Her sincerity catches me off guard. For a moment, I feel a pang of sadness that this kindness wasn’t something I had growing up.

Before I can respond, Draco appears in the doorway, leaning against the frame with his usual air of casual arrogance. “Ready to go?” he asks, though his tone lacks its usual edge.

I nod, glancing back at Narcissa. “Thank you. For everything.”

She pulls me into a brief hug, surprising me, but I return it without hesitation. When we pull apart, her gaze lingers on me for a moment longer, as if she’s trying to say something she can’t put into words.

Draco clears his throat, breaking the moment. “Come on, we’ll miss the train.”

The trip back downstairs is filled with the usual Malfoy manor tension. Lucius barely acknowledges me, his gaze cold and calculating as ever, though I feel his eyes on me more than once. Narcissa gives Draco a tight hug and a soft murmur of encouragement, which he brushes off with an eye roll but doesn’t entirely hide the way his shoulders relax under her touch.

Before we can fully step out, Lucius clears his throat. “Draco.”

“Yes, father?” Draco responds, his tone flat.

Lucius gestures towards himself, looking hesitant. “Come here for a moment. I need to speak with you.”

Draco and I exchange confused looks before he sets his bags down and makes his way over to his father, who places a tentative hand on his shoulder.

“I just wanted to tell you, before you leave…” He pauses, looking uncomfortable as his jaw tightens. “Draco. You’re turning into a fine young man.”

“I… what?” Draco asks, caught off guard by the sudden sentiment.

Lucius sneaks a glance at me as if to say, “this is your fault,” which only serves to make me suppress a giggle before looking back at Draco with a fierce determination in his eyes.

“When your woman was in distress—”

“My woman?” Draco cuts him off, his tone incredulous. “Father, we’re fifteen.”

Lucius huffs in exasperation. “No matter, Draco. She was in distress and you were fiercely protective of her. That didn’t go unnoticed.”

Draco’s face softens a bit as Lucius presses on, though they both look a little out of place. Narcissa and I share entertained smiles as they have their moment.

“What I’m trying to say is… you’re a Malfoy, through and through. You proved that to me.”

Draco stands there, clearly torn between pride and discomfort, his mouth opening and closing as if trying to decide how to respond. “Uh… thanks, I guess,” he finally mutters, shifting awkwardly on his feet.

Lucius straightens his posture, smoothing down the front of his robes as though trying to reclaim his usual air of authority. “Yes, well. Carry yourself with the dignity of our name while you’re at school. And keep her out of trouble.” He jerks his chin in my direction, his tone sharp despite the underlying approval in his words.

“Right,” Draco says, picking up his bag. He hesitates for just a moment, glancing at his father as though he wants to say something more, but decides against it. Instead, he turns to me. “Come on. Let’s go.”

I tell my parents goodbye with our usual routine—clipped words from my mother and a tight hug from my father.

“Make me proud,” he whispers before letting go, sending me off with a hesitant smile.

We step out into the crisp winter air, the sound of our footsteps crunching against the gravel path. For a moment, neither of us speaks, the tension from the encounter lingering between us.

“That was… unexpected,” I say finally, glancing at Draco.

He lets out a dry laugh, his breath visible in the cold. “You have no idea. I think that’s the closest thing to a compliment I’ve ever gotten from him.”

I nudge him lightly with my elbow, a teasing smile playing on my lips. “Well, I’d say you earned it.”

Draco gives me a sidelong glance, his cheeks tinged pink, though whether from the cold or my words, I can’t tell. “Maybe,” he grumbles, though there’s no bite in his tone.

As we climb into the waiting carriage, I can’t help but steal a glance at him. For all his bravado, there’s a flicker of something softer beneath the surface—a vulnerability he doesn’t let show often.

The ride to the train station is quiet but not unpleasant, a strange sort of truce settling over us. When the Hogwarts Express finally comes into view, I feel a pang of relief at the sight of its familiar scarlet engine.

Draco helps me with my bag, and for a moment, as our hands brush, I think he’s about to say something. But instead, he clears his throat and looks away, gesturing for me to board first.

As I step onto the train, I glance back at him, a small smile tugging at my lips. “Thanks, Draco. For… everything.”

He smirks, his usual confidence returning. “Don’t mention it, Lavigné. Seriously. Don’t.”

I laugh softly, shaking my head as I step into the corridor. I take my spot in one of the compartments, half expecting Draco to go off and find his Slytherin friends, but he doesn’t. Instead, he sits down right next to me, pulling out a book.

As students shuffle through, greeting their friends after our winter break hiatus, I keep an eye out for whoever might join us.

I’m quite surprised when the first person is Blaise, followed by a disgruntled Harry Potter.

“What are you—” Blaise starts to question before Harry plops down next to him, completely ignoring his protests.

“Hey,” Harry says cooly, as if this is the most natural thing in the world.

Blaise and Draco share flabbergasted expressions before I cut through the silence.

“Hey. Is uh… everything okay?” I ask, raising a brow.

Harry leans back nonchalantly, adjusting his glasses. “Well, Hermione and Ron are at each other’s throats right now and I personally don’t fancy listening to it.”

Blaise looks between Harry and Draco, his expression caught somewhere between amusement and shock. “Okay, hold on,” he says, holding up a hand. “What exactly am I looking at here? Since when are you two… civil?”

Draco shrugs, looking unbothered as he flips a page in his book. “Since when do you care, Zabini?”

“Since Potter decided to sit here like it’s the Gryffindor common room,” Blaise retorts, narrowing his eyes at Harry. “I thought the whole rivalry thing was still alive and well.”

Harry smirks, unfazed. “Rivalry’s exhausting. Thought I’d take a break.”

“You’re so funny,” Blaise deadpans before turning to Draco, his voice dropping into something incredulous. “Seriously, what is going on? First you stop picking fights with him, now you’re sharing a compartment like you’re old pals. Did I miss something over the holidays?”

Draco rolls his eyes and finally sets his book down. “Not that it’s any of your business, but let’s just say Potter’s not as unbearable as I thought.” He casts Harry a quick glance, a flicker of respect in his expression. “He’s tolerable… for a Gryffindor.”

Harry raises an eyebrow, clearly amused. “High praise coming from you, Malfoy.”

“I’m not that impressed, Potter. Keep your ego in check,” Draco snaps, though the corners of his mouth twitch like he’s fighting a smirk.

I glance at Blaise, whose jaw has practically hit the floor. “You get used to it,” I tell him with a shrug. “They’re just like this now.”

“Like what?” Blaise gestures dramatically at the two boys. “This whole ‘we’re not friends but also we kind of are’ thing? It’s giving me whiplash.”

“Maybe you should sit back and enjoy the peace,” I suggest, giving him a pointed look. “It’s better than them hexing each other every five minutes.”

“Debatable,” Blaise mutters, but he finally drops into his seat, still eying Harry with suspicion.

Draco picks his book back up, as though this entire exchange is beneath him. “Are you going to make this a thing, Zabini? Because I can assure you, no one cares.”

“Oh, I care,” Blaise insists, leaning back and crossing his arms. “This is quality entertainment.”

Harry leans forward slightly, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “Don’t worry, Zabini. I won’t steal your best friend.”

Draco lets out an indignant huff, but I catch the flicker of a smirk on his face. Blaise, on the other hand, looks appalled. “He’s not my—ugh, whatever.”

The compartment settles into a strange but surprisingly comfortable silence after that, with Draco focused on his book, Blaise grumbling under his breath, and Harry glancing out the window. It’s odd, but somehow, it works.

For the first time in a while, I feel like everything might just be okay.

That is, until Theodore Nott comes stumbling into our compartment.

“Blaise, you’re never going to believe—” He cuts himself off, looking between me and Harry with his hands on the door frame. “What the actual—”

“Nott,” Draco interjects, his voice carrying a warning tone. “Watch your mouth.”

Theo stares at him suspiciously for a moment before tilting his head as though entertained. “Why? Because your little girlfriend is in here?”

Draco and I both groan as Theo chuckles to himself, crossing his arms. “I’m not even that surprised she’s in here, I know you’re obsessed with her and all—”

“I’m going to kick your arse,” Draco cuts him off once more, causing both Harry and I to have to fight back smiles.

“—I’m just more confused why you’re fraternizing with the enemy,” he continues, gesturing at Harry. “Since when is this a thing?”

Blaise (begrudgingly) scoots towards Harry, making some space for Theo to sit down. “Since now, apparently.”

Theo narrows his eyes at Blaise as he sits down. “What do you mean ‘since now’? You’re okay with this?”

Blaise shrugs, leaning back against the seat with an air of forced indifference. “I don’t know if ‘okay’ is the word I’d use, but apparently this is my life now. So, I’m rolling with it.”

Theo snorts, crossing his arms as his gaze flicks between Harry and Draco. “Alright, spill. What happened? Did you two duel to the death and decide mutual respect was a better option, or is this some elaborate prank I’m not in on?”

Draco sighs, finally closing his book with a snap. “Why does it matter, Theo? Just accept it and move on. Not everything requires a dramatic explanation.”

Theo raises an eyebrow. “Oh, but this does. I leave for one holiday, and suddenly you’re playing nice with the Boy Who Lived? Next thing I know, you’ll be knitting house scarves together.”

Harry leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “We could, if you want, Nott. Green’s not really my color, but I’ll make an exception.”

That earns a sharp bark of laughter from Blaise, who quickly masks it with a cough when Theo glares at him. Draco, however, glares daggers at Harry. “Do not encourage him.”

“Too late,” I murmur under my breath, earning a smirk from Harry and an exasperated look from Draco.

Theo shakes his head, his lips twitching like he’s trying not to laugh. “This is too weird. What’s next? You two going to start sharing gossip over tea?”

Draco leans back in his seat, his jaw tightening. “Keep it up, Theo, and I’ll make sure you regret it.”

Theo grins wickedly, clearly enjoying himself. “Touchy, are we? I’m just saying, this is very off-brand for you, Malfoy.”

Blaise rolls his eyes, throwing an arm over the back of his seat. “Let it go, Theo. It’s less exhausting this way. Besides, it’s kind of entertaining watching Draco and Potter actively trying not to hex each other.”

“Entertaining for you maybe,” Draco mutters, running a hand through his hair in frustration.

“Don’t worry, Theo,” I cut in, giving him an overly sweet smile. “You’ll get used to it. Eventually.”

Theo stares at me for a moment, clearly trying to make sense of it all, before letting out a resigned sigh. “Fine. But I reserve the right to point out how ridiculous this is every chance I get.”

“Noted,” Draco says flatly, already reopening his book.

Blaise and Theo look at each other and then at me, and I get the feeling they’re plotting something.

Blaise is the first to cut through the silence, tilting his chin up. “So. I heard you two have been getting pretty cozy over break, Lavigné.”

My eyes go wide for just a moment before I immediately turn to look at Draco, staring daggers at him.

“Care to explain?” I prompt, taking his book out of his hands.

Draco glares at Blaise before reaching for his book unsuccessfully. “Don’t worry about it.”

Harry leans forward and takes the book out of my hands, marking the page with his finger as he smirks mischievously. “If I didn’t know better, Malfoy, I’d say it sounds like you were writing about it.”

Draco sputters for a moment before I cut in. “What? When did you even find the time to—”

“Like you weren’t writing to Beauxbatons,” he says indignantly, narrowing his eyes.

“I wasn’t, actually,” I correct him with a scoff. “I was too busy training.”

Theo wiggles his eyebrows. “Trouble in paradise already?”

Draco groans, dragging a hand down his face. “For Merlin’s sake, will you all shut up? There is no paradise.”

“Sounds like denial,” Blaise quips, a sly grin spreading across his face. “Or deflection. Which one is it, Malfoy?”

Harry, clearly enjoying himself, leans back with an innocent expression. “Maybe both.”

I cross my arms and give Draco an unimpressed look. “You didn’t answer the question, Draco. What exactly have you been saying about me?”

Draco glares at me, his jaw tight. “Nothing. They’re just trying to wind you up.”

Theo snickers, leaning forward on his knees. “Come on, Malfoy. Admit it. You’ve been extra soft on her lately. Even your father noticed.”

Draco’s cheeks turn a faint shade of pink, and he mutters something under his breath.

“What was that?” Blaise asks, cupping his hand around his ear. “Didn’t catch that, mate.”

Draco shoots him a murderous glare. “I said I was being decent. That’s all.”

Harry raises an eyebrow. “Decent? That’s one way to describe it. Protective might be more accurate. You’ve been hovering over her like a mother hippogriff.”

Theo laughs outright at that. “Hippogriff! That’s perfect.”

Draco looks like he’s about to explode, but that doesn’t stop me from continuing on. “So let me get this straight. You’ve been telling all your friends—”

“Have not—”

“—that I’ve been staying with you over break—”

“Oh yes he did,” Blaise cuts in.

“—and now you’re upset that they’re calling you out for it!” I finish, tapping my foot impatiently. “And don’t say ‘there’s no paradise’ when I know for a damn fact you’ve been telling people—”

“That you’re dating?” Theo finishes for me, an evil grin spreading over his face. “Because he most certainly is.”

I freeze, my foot stopping mid-tap as I turn to stare at Theo, my jaw practically on the floor. “What?”

Draco groans loudly, pinching the bridge of his nose. “I never said that.”

“Yes, you did,” Blaise chimes in, his grin matching Theo’s. “You didn’t use those exact words, but you heavily implied it.”

“I what?” Draco snaps, looking genuinely horrified now.

Harry’s barely suppressing laughter as he leans forward, looking between us. “This just keeps getting better.”

I glare at Draco, my voice rising. “Why on earth would you tell people we’re dating without asking me first?”

Draco throws his hands up in frustration. “I didn’t say we’re dating! I said—” He cuts himself off, looking suddenly sheepish.

All three boys perk up at that. “Oh, do tell,” Theo says eagerly, leaning forward like he’s waiting for a particularly juicy bit of gossip.

Draco glares daggers at him before muttering under his breath, “I said we were close. That’s all.”

My face heats up involuntarily, but I try to mask it with irritation. “Close?”

Draco shrugs, avoiding my gaze. “Well, we are. You were staying at my house, for Merlin’s sake. What else was I supposed to say when people started asking questions?”

“Oh, I don’t know,” I say, throwing my hands up. “How about the truth?”

“And what’s that?” Blaise asks, grinning like this is the most entertaining thing he’s ever witnessed. “That you’re not dating but he’s still completely obsessed with you?”

Draco groans again, burying his face in his hands. “I’m surrounded by idiots.”

Theo leans back, smirking. “You know, Malfoy, this is oddly heartwarming. You’re usually so reserved. Who knew you’d turn into a sap?”

Draco peeks out from between his fingers, his expression murderous. “I will hex you into next week.”

Harry finally loses it and bursts out laughing, shaking his head. “This is priceless. Malfoy’s got a crush, and he doesn’t know how to handle it.”

“I do not have a crush!” Draco snaps, his voice cracking slightly.

“What?” we all shout in unison, splitting into laughter.

“Sure you don’t,” Blaise says, his grin practically splitting his face. “And I’m the Minister for Magic.”

Harry clutches his sides, gasping for air. “So we’re just lying now?”

I cross my arms, shaking my head. “You know, funny enough, I didn’t get that impression when you kissed me.”

Harry, Theo and Blaise all look at me with their jaws on the ground, and Draco flushes a deep shade of red.

Theo covers his mouth before leaning forward. “He kissed you? Voluntarily?”

“Like a dozen times,” I clarify, relishing in Draco’s shock for just a moment.

Blaise leans forward and pushes Draco’s shoulder. “And you didn’t think to tell me about this?”

Draco smacks Blaise’s hand away, his face somehow growing even redder. “It’s none of your business, Zabini!”

“Oh, it’s absolutely my business,” Blaise counters, grinning wickedly. “I’m your best mate! You’ve been holding out on me.”

Harry shakes his head, still laughing as he glances at me. “I can’t believe you just threw him under the Knight Bus like that.”

I shrug, a smirk tugging at my lips. “He deserves it. He’s been acting all high and mighty, pretending like there’s nothing going on.”

Draco glares at me, pointing a finger. “You—” He cuts himself off, his lips pressing into a thin line as Theo bursts out laughing again.

“A dozen times!” Theo repeats, clutching his chest. “That’s not just a crush, Malfoy. That’s practically a relationship!”

Draco groans, slumping back in his seat. “I hate all of you.”

Blaise sits back, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. “You know, this actually explains a lot. The hoodie incident, the way you were acting at the party, that whole thing with your father…” His eyes light up. “Merlin, you’re whipped.”

Draco shoots him a murderous glare. “I’m not whipped, Zabini.”

Harry smirks, leaning forward. “You kind of are, though.”

Draco throws his hands up, exasperated. “Potter, you don’t get to have an opinion on this!”

“Oh, I definitely do,” Harry retorts, grinning. “Especially when it’s this entertaining.”

I shake my head, fighting back a laugh as I watch Draco squirm under the combined scrutiny of Blaise, Theo, and Harry. “You’re not going to live this down, you know.”

Draco sighs dramatically, burying his face in his hands again. “Why do I even bother?”

Theo grins, leaning back in his seat. “This might actually be the best train ride of my life.”

Blaise wipes a hand over his face, his smile still lingering as he turns to me. “So… wait. Why are you mad he told people you were dating if you basically are?”

“I did not say that!” Draco groans, but we ignore him.

I shake my head. “I don’t care if people think we’re dating. I’m just offended he didn’t clear the announcement with me first, because we all know how quickly gossip runs through this school. Besides, we’re not doing labels.”

“No labels, huh? Classic Malfoy,” Theo remarks, rolling his eyes.

I quirk an eyebrow. “It was my idea, actually.”

“What?” Blaise asks, his eyes wide. “You’re telling me you had the chance to define your relationship but you just chose to sit in limbo?”

“Damn,” Harry adds with a low whistle. “She’s embarrassed of you, Malfoy.”

Draco snaps his head up, glaring at Harry. “She is not embarrassed of me.”

I smirk, crossing my arms. “Really? Because you’ve been acting like a secret admirer this whole time. Maybe I should be.”

Theo chokes on his laughter, pounding his fist on the seat. “Merlin, you’ve got him wrapped around your little finger.”

Blaise grins, leaning toward Draco. “Admit it, mate. She’s got a point. You’ve been pining like a lovesick owl.”

Draco’s face darkens, but his glare holds no real malice. “I’ll admit no such thing.”

Harry leans back, clearly enjoying himself. “You don’t have to, Malfoy. Your entire vibe screams ‘tragic romantic.’ I mean, the moody stares, the brooding silence—classic.”

Draco opens his mouth to retort, but I cut him off with a teasing grin. “Face it, Draco. You’re a cliché.”

He narrows his eyes at me, finally regaining some composure. “You’re really enjoying this, aren’t you?”

“Oh, immensely,” I reply, laughing. “It’s not every day you get to watch Draco Malfoy squirm.”

Blaise claps and rubs his hands together, his grin wide. “Cheer up, mate. At least she hasn’t dumped you yet.”

“Yet?” Draco repeats incredulously. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Harry smirks, shrugging. “She seems to be of interest to a lot of blokes. You should probably watch yourself.”

Draco groans, throwing his head back against the seat. “I should’ve stayed in my own compartment.”

“No, you shouldn’t have,” I counter, smiling softly. “Otherwise, you’d miss out on all this quality bonding.”

Draco side-eyes me but doesn’t argue, which, in its own way, feels like a small victory. Theo, Blaise, and Harry exchange conspiratorial glances, clearly plotting more ways to torment him, and I settle back into my seat, feeling a strange sense of contentment.

This is chaos. But it’s my chaos, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

~

The second I step into my dorm, Hannah is all smiles, wrapping me up in a hug.

“Hey! I missed you,” I chuckle softly, squeezing her tight. I say my hellos to Alice and Diana as well, and I can’t help but think about everything I have to tell them.

They beat me to the punch, of course.

“Care to tell me why I’ve heard from three different people that you and Draco are official?” Hannah asks with a raised eyebrow, hands on her hips.

I can’t help but to grin. “We’re not technically dating. But…”

Alice leans in. “You totally are!”

“Oh my Merlin,” Diana adds, covering her mouth. “You’re actually dating the Slytherin Prince?”

“It’s a long story,” I reply, starting to unpack. “But for all intents and purposes, yes, we’re exclusive.”

The room erupts into excited chatter before I can get another word in. Hannah flops onto my bed dramatically, clutching a pillow like it’s a priceless artifact. “You’re exclusive with Draco Malfoy? How is that not the headline?”

Alice grins, bouncing on her toes. “This is insane. I need every detail. Did he confess? Did he sweep you off your feet? Did he finally admit he’s secretly madly in love with you?”

I laugh, shaking my head. “It wasn’t exactly like that.”

“Then how was it?” Diana asks, sitting cross-legged on her bed, eyes wide with curiosity.

I pause, thinking back to the chaos of the past few weeks—the training, the stolen moments, the teasing on the train. “It just… happened, I guess? Over break, we were forced to spend time together, and things shifted. He’s not as bad as everyone thinks.”

Hannah narrows her eyes at me playfully. “Don’t you dare get all mushy on us.”

“Oh, don’t worry,” I assure her. “Draco Malfoy does not do ‘mushy.’”

Alice gasps. “Wait, wait. Have you two kissed yet?”

I blush, biting my lip. “Maybe.”

“Maybe?!” they all exclaim in unison, making me laugh.

Hannah grabs my arm, pulling me closer. “Details. Now.”

“It wasn’t a big deal,” I insist, though my grin betrays me. “It just… happened. A few times.”

“A fewtimes?” Diana repeats, her jaw dropping. “Okay, you’re officially living in a romance novel, and I am jealous.”

Hannah lets out a dreamy sigh. “I can’t believe you tamed Draco Malfoy. You’re a legend.”

I roll my eyes, but I can’t help but smile. “He’s still Draco. Don’t get carried away.”

“Oh, we’re already carried away,” Alice says with a smirk. “You’re going to be the talk of the school by breakfast.”

I groan, flopping onto my bed. “That’s exactly what I was hoping to avoid.”

Hannah pats my shoulder sympathetically. “Too late for that, love. You’re dating the Slytherin Prince. Scandal comes with the territory.”

I bury my face in my pillow as they giggle around me, wondering if Draco is dealing with the same interrogation on his end. Somehow, I wouldn’t be surprised.

“You guys are something else. I thought you all hated him?” I say skeptically, sitting up.

“Who cares?” Alice giggles, swinging her feet off the bed.

Diana plops down next to me, making the bed dip. “Honestly. You’re totally living in some dark and twisted enemies to lovers fantasy and I’m so jealous!”

Hannah shakes her head as she laughs, joining me. “You already know how I feel about it. As long as he makes you happy, that’s all I care about. But if he hurts you…”

“He’s totally screwed,” Diana interjects, crossing her arms.

“Oh, yeah. He’ll have to deal with the entire house of Hufflepuff if he breaks your heart,” Alice chimes in.

I can’t help but laugh, shaking my head at their antics. “Merlin, you all sound like you’re planning an ambush.”

Hannah smirks, throwing an arm around my shoulders. “We’re not planning anything. Just laying down the groundwork, in case.”

Alice leans forward, her expression mischievous. “So, what’s next for the two of you? Secret rendezvous? Romantic walks through the Forbidden Forest?”

“Or maybe,” Diana adds with a wink, “he’ll serenade you in potions.”

I roll my eyes, feeling the heat creep into my cheeks. “It’s not like that. We’re just… taking things as they come.”

“Sounds like code for he’s obsessed with you,” Alice teases, earning a round of laughter.

Hannah tilts her head thoughtfully. “You know, if anyone told me at the start of the year that you’d end up with Draco Malfoy, I’d have hexed them for being ridiculous. But now? It weirdly makes sense.”

“Does it?” I ask, raising an eyebrow.

She shrugs. “You’re both strong, stubborn, and have a tendency to surprise people. It works.”

The room falls quiet for a moment, their words sinking in. Despite the teasing, there’s an undertone of sincerity that makes me feel strangely grateful.

“Well,” I say, breaking the silence. “If you’re all done interrogating me, I’m exhausted.”

“Fine, fine,” Diana says, holding up her hands in surrender. “But don’t think this is the end of it. We’ll need updates. Constant updates.”

Alice grins as she hops off the bed. “I expect weekly reports. And details. Lots of details.”

“Goodnight, everyone,” I say pointedly, rolling my eyes.

They laugh as they retreat to their own beds, but I can still feel their amused glances as I settle under the covers. With their giggles fading into the background, my thoughts drift back to Draco.

The sparkly reunion is soon ruined when I wake up with a jolt, a pit of dread in my stomach.

I’ve hardly slept a wink since the meeting, and not having Draco with me makes it infinitely harder.

I lay back down, throwing an arm over my head as I try to steady my breathing.

I’ve gotten used to it enough that I’ve started to come back to reality almost immediately as I wake up, but that doesn’t make it any easier.

Maybe Lucius was right. I’ll get used to it… eventually.

But eventually isn’t today.

Hannah blinks groggily, lifting her head up. “You okay, sweet pea?”

“Yeah,” I reply, my voice shaky. “Just a nightmare.”

She nods, laying back down as I placate her concern.

The second time I wake up, she’s already at my side, shaking me.

“Y/n, hey, wake up. You’re okay. It’s just a dream.”

I flinch before reality sets in again, and the dark room starts to feel less suffocating, if only for a moment.

“What’s going on?” she asks softly, sitting next to me. “You were talking in your sleep, and then you were…”

She trails off, but she doesn’t have to finish the sentence.

I was begging him not to hurt anyone. Not to hurt me, or Draco, or our parents, or my friends. I was pleading and sobbing, no doubt.

I shake my head, rubbing my face with my hands. “I’m sorry.”

Hannah frowns, placing a gentle hand on my arm. “Don’t apologize. You’ve been through a lot. You don’t have to talk about it, but… you shouldn’t have to go through this alone.”

Her words make something inside me ache, but I force a small smile. “It’s fine. I’ll be fine.”

She doesn’t look convinced, her eyes scanning my face for any hint of truth. “Y/n, you don’t have to be fine all the time. You’re allowed to feel everything you’re feeling.”

I shake my head again, feeling the weight of her concern. “It’s just… complicated.”

Hannah nods slowly. “Complicated doesn’t mean you have to face it by yourself. You have me, Alice, Diana—and, well, Draco, too, apparently.” She smirks slightly, trying to lighten the mood.

I manage a soft laugh, though it feels hollow. “Yeah, I guess I do.”

“Promise me you’ll talk to someone about this,” she says firmly. “Even if it’s just Draco. Keeping it bottled up isn’t helping.”

“I’ll try,” I murmur, though I’m not sure I believe my own words.

Hannah gives my arm a reassuring squeeze before lying back down. “If you need me, I’m right here, okay?”

“Okay,” I whisper, watching her settle under her blanket.

As the room grows quiet again, I stare at the ceiling, the shadows shifting in the dim light. I know she’s right. I know I need to talk to someone. But how do you even begin to explain nightmares that are rooted in truths too dark to share?

I close my eyes, willing sleep to come again, but it’s no use. My mind keeps replaying the meeting, the muggle’s terrified expression, and the weight of unspoken threats hanging in the air.

Eventually, I slip out of bed, careful not to wake the others, and tiptoe out of the dorm. If I can’t sleep, maybe a walk will help.

The castle is eerily silent, the corridors bathed in moonlight. My feet carry me toward the one place that’s always brought me a sense of peace—the Room of Requirement.

Even if I can find some peace, though, I’m plagued by the fact that the shadows always seem to find me.

When I step inside, the room greets me as a cozy nook, a study corner maybe. Surprisingly, though, I’m not alone.

A head of messy brown hair jerks up when the door scratches closed behind me, and my gaze is met with Harry’s hauntingly green eyes.

“Couldn’t sleep either?” Harry asks, his voice low but steady, as though he expected me to appear.

I glance around the room, noting the warm glow of a fireplace and the cushioned chairs scattered with open books. “Something like that,” I reply, crossing my arms as I lean against the door.

Harry sets down the book he was holding, studying me with a quiet intensity. “Nightmares?”

I stiffen, caught off guard by how easily he sees through me. “What makes you think that?”

“You look like you’ve been running from something,” he says simply, his tone more understanding than accusatory. “Trust me, I know the feeling.”

For a moment, the weight of his words settles between us. Harry isn’t just another classmate or friend; he’s someone who’s faced more darkness than most people could imagine. If anyone would understand, it’s him.

I sigh, stepping further into the room and lowering myself into one of the armchairs. “I thought walking around might help, but it just led me here.”

Harry nods, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “The Room always seems to know what we need, doesn’t it?”

“Apparently, I needed company,” I mutter, more to myself than to him.

“Well,” Harry says, leaning back in his chair, “you’re in luck. I’m not much of a sleeper either.”

We sit in silence for a moment, the only sound the crackling of the fire. Finally, Harry breaks it. “Do you want to talk about it? The nightmares, I mean.”

I hesitate, the words catching in my throat. I’ve kept so much locked away, but something about Harry’s calm presence feels safe. “It’s… complicated,” I say at last, echoing what I told Hannah earlier.

Harry chuckles softly. “That seems to be the theme of our lives, doesn’t it?”

I nod, biting my lip. “It’s not just the nightmares, though. It’s everything. The pressure, the secrets, my parents…” My voice trails off, and I shake my head. “I feel like I’m drowning, and no one else can see it.”

Harry leans forward, his elbows resting on his knees. “I can see it.”

“You might be one of the only people in the world then,” I reply, my voice tinged with bitterness.

Harry doesn’t argue, just watches me with that same understanding gaze. “You’re stronger than you think, Y/n. But even the strongest people need help sometimes.”

I look away, the firelight dancing in my vision. “What if I can’t handle it? What if I mess everything up?”

“Then you pick yourself back up,” Harry says firmly. “You don’t have to be perfect, and you don’t have to face this on your own. You’ve got people who care about you. Me, Hermione, Ron… even Malfoy, apparently.”

His mention of Draco draws a faint smile from me, though it quickly fades. “I just don’t want anyone else to get hurt because of me.”

Harry reaches out, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. “We’re all in this together, whether you like it or not. And trust me, none of us would have it any other way.”

His words settle over me like a blanket, warm and reassuring. For the first time in what feels like days, I let myself exhale, the weight on my chest lifting just a little.

“Thanks, Harry,” I say quietly, meeting his eyes.

“Anytime,” he replies with a small smile. “Now, do you want to sit here and brood, or do you want to help me figure out what this room thinks I need to study?”

I laugh softly, feeling a flicker of lightness in my chest. “Let’s see what you’ve got.”

I settle down next to him, close enough to feel his body heat but not quite close enough to touch. He seems content with that, and I am, too.

As we pour over the books together, the shadows don’t feel quite so suffocating anymore.