Chapter 32
The incident in Second year
Draco Malfoy prowled the darkened corridors of Hogwarts, the thrill of being out past curfew coursing through his veins. He knew the risk, but the exhilaration of breaking the rules was a heady sensation he craved. Tonight, he had no particular destination in mind; he was simply enjoying the freedom.
As he turned a corner, he collided with someone small and soft. Books clattered to the floor, and he found himself staring down at Hermione Granger, her eyes wide with surprise and fear.
"Out past curfew, Granger?" he sneered, relishing the power he felt in this moment.
She glared at him, trying to muster her usual defiance. "I could say the same for you, Malfoy."
Draco’s smirk widened, a cruel idea forming in his mind. "Touché."
On impulse, he grabbed her wrist, dragging her into a shadowy alcove. Her struggles only fueled his excitement. This wasn’t the first time he had cornered her alone, and each encounter left him craving more. "Let me go, Malfoy!" she hissed.
"Relax, Granger," he whispered, leaning close enough to feel her shiver. "No need to get all worked up."
He pressed her against the cold stone wall, pinning her with his body. The power he felt was intoxicating. He could feel her fear, her uncertainty, and it thrilled him.
"What are you doing?" she demanded, her voice trembling.
Draco’s smirk faded, replaced by a burning curiosity and a desire to see just how much control he could exert over her. "I just want to see something," he murmured, his hand sliding down her side.
Her gasp was sharp and quick as his fingers brushed against her thigh, slipping under her robes. She struggled harder, but Draco’s grip tightened, his fingers moving with a mix of uncertainty and boldness.
"Stop it," she pleaded, her voice breaking. "Please, stop."
But her pleas only pushed him further. His fingers ventured to places they had never been, his touch clumsy and exploratory. It was the first time he had ever done something like this, and the power of it was overwhelming.
Suddenly, footsteps echoed down the corridor. Panicking, Draco pulled back, his heart pounding. He stared at Hermione, her eyes wide with a mix of fear and something he couldn’t quite place.
"Don’t say a word," he hissed, before pulling away as the Gryffendor Head of House approached.