#draco reader insert

You kept to yourself really and scored the jackpot on your Slytherin dorm mates. Millicent Bulstrode and Tracey Davis. Neither mean girls but they weren’t super nice either but nice enough.

Many people were quite confused as to why in the world you were placed in Slytherin when you were quiet and friendly to most. That’s how you continued your hogwarts years until 4th year. You had grown up entirely.

Your hair was longer cascading down to your waist and your body had matured completely. You received some slight attention from people, just prying eyes now and then. You didn’t notice it much.

You were sitting in Transfiguration with Hannah trying to focus on whatever boring shape shifter spell Mcgonagall was yapping on about. She leaned over ‘Hey, I see Dean staring at you.’ she giggled. You rolled your eyes ‘Yeah right.’ and looked in his direction.

She was right he was literally staring right at you, to which you gave him a small wave before looking back towards the board. ‘He’s cute right?’ Hannah questioned. ‘Sort of. He’s not really my type.’ you insisted as you shrugged ‘You never know.’ she encouraged you. But you hadn’t seen Draco’s eyes lingering on you from the other side of the room.

Astoria noticed his distracted state and had put her hand on Draco’s ‘What are you looking at Draco?’ he flinched away from her touch and tore his gaze off you ‘Nothing. Leave me alone.’ she scoffed ‘Alright then.’ He had recognised your beauty since 3rd year. He found you remarkable and fascinating at how you could do so little and still manage to look stunning at the same time.

He never dreamed of approaching you, but lately he felt as if something was pulling you towards him. The bell rang to signify the end of the school day ‘I’ll be in the library as usual.’ she nodded and hugged you ‘Okay. I’ll see you later.’ You entered the library and headed to your usual spot in the corner near the back of the library ‘Hi Madam Pince’ you called out as you passed her to go to the muggle literature section.

‘Hello dear.’ she smiled. Draco was also in the library when he heard your soft elegant voice greet the librarian and saw your long hair flow past effortlessly as you went towards your area. He spent most of his time in the library too, little to your knowledge. It was the only place he felt slightly peaceful. You scowered your finger slowly along the bookshelf and picked out your favourite novel, Emma by Charlotte Brontë.

She was your favourite author. Something about her work enraptured you and made you want read for hours, which you usually did. As the book came away you gasped as you saw Dean Thomas looking back at you through the gap. He chuckled and came around the corner as you sat yourself down and opened the book.

‘Y/N.’ he greeted you and leaned against the bookshelf. ‘Hello Dean. What can I do for you?’ he moved to your table and pulled out the chair opposite ‘Do you mind?’ he gestured at the chair. You shook your head and he sat. ‘I was wondering if you wanted to go Hogsmeade with me this weekend?’

You internally cringed. He was lovely but just not your type. Sadly you had a small thing for boys more like Blaise or Draco. It was no secret that Draco was the best looking boy in Hogwarts. It was the dominance that attracted you not the personality or attitude problem. You’d heard the rumours about Blaise with girls but never Draco. He claimed hogwarts girls as a ‘waste of time’.

You tilted your head ‘Dean, you barely know me. We’ve never even spoken.’ He raised his eyebrows and tried to talk smoothly to you ‘True. But maybe this could be our chance.’ you had to stifle a laugh ‘Look you’re lovely. But Sadly, I’m just not interested. I’m sorry.’ He furrowed his brows ‘But you said you didn’t even know me so how cou-’ before he could even finish a voice came up behind you.

‘She said no, Thomas. Now get out of here.’ Draco sneered. Dean held his hands up in defeat, got up from the table and left the library. You barely registered Draco and carried on reading your book. He looked down at you ‘Are you okay?’ bewildered, you looked up at him and nodded ‘Yes. Thank you.’

He lingered for a few seconds before asking ‘May I join you?’ you certainly weren’t going to deny the Slytherin prince. ‘If you want.’ you shrugged. He placed himself opposite in the chair and got out his own book about Salazar Slytherin. He wasn’t actually reading and neither were you. Both calculating what the other might do or say. You were kind of terrified. Why was he even sitting with you?

‘What are you reading?’ He asks. ‘Oh uhmm it’s called Emma. By Charlotte Brontë. It’s a muggle romance novel.’ he grimaced. ‘How can you read muggle books? Such rubbish.’ you returned the grimace ‘How can you not? Muggle literature is the best. It’s poetic and the descriptions are so beautiful and detailed. It’s like being in another universe.’

For the next 10 minutes he listened to your express why Muggle novels were so amazing. He hung on to your every word as the sentence fell past your lips. Draco saw how your face lit up as you spoke giving you a soft glow in the dim orange and yellow lights of the library. He was in awe.

He was falling for you very fast and tried to remain as calm as possible, trying not to grab your face and kiss you as you finished speaking ‘Oh. I might have to borrow that book from you once you’ve read it then.’ he squeaked. You laughed and handed it to him ‘I’ve literally read it 100 times. It’s all yours.’

He examined the book and read the title ‘Emma.’ then looked back at you ‘But...what are you going to read now?’ you hummed and walked behind him, turned to the bookshelf and pulled out In Cold Blood by Virginia Woolf.

‘I’ll read this.’ He gave you a small smile before you placed yourself on your chair again. You both sat there all evening and actually read before you gave a small yawn from behind your book. You looked around and the library was empty. ‘Draco.’ you said softly. He hummed on reponse. ‘I think I’m gonna call it a night.’ You placed your book in your bag.

‘Okay, I’ll walk you to your dorm.’ he smiled. That’s how you continued for the next 3 months. You’d sit in the library he’d sit with you and you’d simply read and make sweet small talk. By this point you had developed feelings for one another. You’d even interact in class and at lunch.

Whenever Draco saw you enter any room his heart fluttered. You’d just go about minding your own business looking effortless as usual as you did so. You never liked to bother him when he was with his friends though he wished you would. Sometimes, Draco hated being the Slytherin Prince he just wanted to be Draco and that’s how he felt when he was with you.

It had been another long school day and you had exchanged notes with Draco to meet in the library in your spot, as usual. You followed your regular routine with Draco and read till late. Most nights the library was empty so Madam Pince left you two to lock up. Tonight was one of those nights.

‘Draco I’m tired. I think I’m gonna head up.’ You rose from your chair and proceeded to walk out when Draco grabbed your wrist as you barely walked 4 steps from the table. ‘Wait.’ he stood up. You whipped your head around towards him ‘What’s wrong?’ he guided you to the bookshelf and you stood in front of him, very confused.

He tucked a fallen strand of hair behind your ear and came closer to you. Your heart was racing. ‘Y/N could I just?....’ he whispered as he leaned in and softly placed his lips on yours. It was like a dream. Draco Malfoy was kissing you.

For split second you contemplated shoving him and running out the library, thinking that he’d probably made a mistake and would embarrass you about it. But then you realised one fundamental issue. You were absolutely loving it. So you closed your eyes and gave in to the kiss.

Draco slowly leaned back and you just stood there and blinked before asking ‘Why?’he scratched the back of his neck ‘To be honest, I’m falling in love with you. I know it sounds like fake or like I’m trying to manipulate you or something but I’m not. I really am falling in love with you and I think it’s because I’ve come to realise for the past year and a half that you are utterly gorgeous and you make me feel comfortable and like I can be myself.’

You blushed furiously ‘I’ve fallen for you too. I’ve realised that you’re not so bad yourself..’ he cupped your cheek ‘I was worried because I’m usually a git to everyone and I thought it would be weird if I suddenly stared acting all nice. But lately you make it harder for me to contain myself.’

You laughed ‘Come here Malfoy.’ You pulled him by his tie and gave him another kiss before trailing kisses along his jawline earning small whimpers from his throat ‘You know, I’m not as quiet and as nice as people think I am.’ you teased. ‘Oh I bet your not.’ he growled.

You wrapped your arms around the back of his neck and jumped up to hook your legs around his waist. he smirked into your heated kiss and pressed your back into the bookshelf. ‘Undress me Draco.’ you demanded.

His eyes darkened as you felt his hard-on against your inner thigh ‘Careful what you wish for darling.’ you smirked at him ‘I’ve been wishing for this for a long time.’ you admitted as you ran your hands through his hair. Draco laughed ‘You have no idea.’

You began loosening his tie and he attacked your neck with his mouth as he aggressively unbuttoned your shirt. His lips parted at the sight of your sheer lace green bra. ‘Fuck...’ he breathed. You giggled and started to unbuckle his belt as he hiked you up his waist. ‘Try not to be loud...this a library after all.’ Draco teased.

‘No promises.’ you purred in his ear. He placed you down, standing again and bunched your skirt around your hips before removing your lace panties. He stuffed them in his pockets and then discarded your shirt and bra. You were sculpted like an angel. Draco kissed up your arms to your shoulders mumuring ‘beautiful’ inbetween each kiss.

Small moans fell from your mouth and you helped to get rid of his shirt and pants. ‘You’re beautiful too.’ you declared as you saw his long throbbing cock. Your mouth fell open at the sight. Draco wasn’t super muscly but just the perfect amount that his abs weren’t all that prominent. But you had absolutely no complaints.

Draco blushed furiously and picked you up again and pressed you back into the bookshelf for extra support. He kissed each of your tits and licked your earlobe ‘Are you ready sweet girl?’ ‘Oh Dray..please love.’ He grasped the undersides of your thighs as he held you up and slid you onto his cock.

‘Draco!’ you screamed. He grunted as he set a comfortable thrusting pace. ‘Please more...fuck yes baby.’ you cried. He sucked on your neck again before whispering in your ear ‘I’m gonna cum inside you. Fill you up deep.’

You euphorically smiled and gasped as he hit your g spot ‘Oh deeper...I need you Draco.’ his cock kept brushing your cervix as he thrusted impossibly deep. ‘There! Yes. Right there..fuck me harder.’ you yelled

‘Y/N i’m gonna cum.’ Draco whined. Within a matter of seconds you felt his warm essence fill your pussy sending you into orgasm. ‘Cum of my cock, kitten.’ he breathed sweetly in your ear. You arched your back as you clenched around him and moaned pathetically.

You looked at each other sharing a few more passionate and slow kisses before a pulled out of out and put you down. He dressed himself as quickly as possible just so he could then help you back into your own clothes. ‘Can I have my panties back?’ he smiled innocently. ‘No. I want to see my cum leaking from you.’ you bit your lip ‘I wish I hadn’t enjoyed that sentence so much.’ he hummed sweetly in response.

You intertwined your hands together as you left the library. ‘You realise this means you’re mine now?’ he said causally. You looked at him with doe eyes ‘Wait, really?’ he nodded ‘No one else can have you and if anyone tries anything tell them I’m your boyfriend.’

you smiled ‘Okay. And I’m your girlfriend?’ he furrowed his brows ‘Well obviously yes.’ You got to the common room but draco kept grip of your hand as you diverted from the girls dorms. ‘Draco where are we going?’ he looked back at you ‘To my dorm of course. You can sleep in my bed with me from now on if you’d like.’ your face lit up ‘Sure.’

He dragged you into his room shut the door and then threw you on the bed. He crawled above you, between your legs ‘Also....you didn’t I think I was finished with you in the library did you?’

He kept you up all night. You guess wishes do come true after all.

i love writing my fantasties. Lmao jus baited myself frr. Oh well we love that x

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“Look, it’s (Y/n).” You hear the whispers surround you as you walk to the Slytherin table in the Great Hall. This is a natural dinner-time occurrence since you are the most popular girl in school. You’re the player of the school, the girl who can get any guy and always drops them in the next couple of months and breaks their heart. It’s a reputation you love to uphold.

“Hey, girls.” You sit down next to your friends, flashing them all a blinding white smile. Every boy within a ten-foot radius swoons at the mere sight.

“Hey, (Y/n). How was potions today?” One of your friends asks, completely ignoring every boy nearby. 

“It was alright. You know I don’t like Snape, so that’s never fun, but at least my potion didn’t blow up this time,” You chuckle, the smile never leaving your face. Part of your charm to boys is your natural confidence and kindness. Even though you have the reputation of a heartbreaker, you’re still kind to everyone. It’s an odd dynamic, but it’s the dynamic you’re known for.

“Hey, (Y/n).” A boy sits down next to you. You’re not quite surprised, just startled. You turn to see Harry Potter next to you, a smile donning his face at seeing you. You smile in return.

“Hi, Harry.” You turn to face him. You had already been down this road before. You dated Harry in sixth year, and it’s currently seventh year. Maybe he thought time would change things, but it hasn’t for you.

“How was your day?” He asks, fiddling with his hands in his lap. You feel bad for making the poor boy so nervous, so you try to be as casual as possible. You’re still human, after all.

“It was decent. We had potions together today, right?” You hum, turning slightly to your plate to eat a bit as you chat.

“Yeah, we did!” Harry brightens at the fact that you noticed him in class. You give him a polite smile.

“Well, you know how Snape can be. You’re not the only one who doesn’t like him,” You say, a small laugh escaping your lips. Harry looks triumphant at your laugh in the conversation.

“Yeah, I get it. He’s a pain.” He runs a hand through his already messy hair. As much as you enjoy a pleasant conversation with someone every once in a while, you really wanted to get going. You needed to get to the astronomy tower for some alone time. Boys had been hanging off of you all day long and you’re looking forward to a much-needed break.

“Indeed, he is. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go. I’m terribly sorry, but I’m feeling the beginnings of a headache and I’d like to lie down.” You smile pleasantly at him and stand up from your seat. You had finished your food quickly so you could go to the astronomy tower sooner.

“Oh, of course. I’ll see you around, (Y/n).” Harry gets up and heads over to Ron and Hermione, talking animatedly to them as he arrives. Ron’s ears perk up at something he says and he immediately gets up and walks over to you on your way out.

“(Y/n)!” Ron grins at you as you approach the door to the Great Hall. 

“Hello, Ron.” You smile politely again. This was tiring every day.

“I heard you have a headache. Do you need any assistance?” He asks, real concern swimming in his eyes. You chuckle softly.

“No, but thank you, Ron. You’re very sweet for asking.” You brush past him in the politest way possible. You had dated Ron just a little bit before Harry in sixth year, and he was as persistent as anyone to get back together with you. Before Ron, you had even dated Fred, George, and Cedric back in fourth and fifth year. Like you said before, you’ve dated quite a bit and you’re always the one to break up with them.

Once you’re past Ron, you make a beeline for the astronomy tower. No one stops you on the way.

Once you arrive at the top of the astronomy tower, you finally let your guard down and relax. You look up at the stars, closing your eyes and relishing in the moment alone. That is, until you hear a voice next to you.

“Needed to get away?” 

You whip around, seeing Draco Malfoy sitting in the corner, likely annoyed that you had shown up. Draco’s one of the few, if not the only, boy in Hogwarts who isn’t throwing himself at you at any given moment. You hadn’t talked to him much, but you also didn’t plan on it in case he turned out like the rest.

“Yes. Sorry for bothering you.” You scramble to stand up. Draco shrugs.

“Suit yourself, leave if you want. I’m not one of your fanboys, though, so if you stay I’m not going to try and endlessly chatter with you. I’m here for peace and quiet, too.” His voice seems offended that you immediately wanted to leave, likely because you thought of him as a “fanboy.”

“Right. I suppose I’ll stay, then.” You sit back down, relaxing slightly when he doesn’t make a move to continue the conversation. 

You decide to test the waters after a few moments of silence.

“So, why are you up here?” You hum, looking up at the sky instead of at him. He grunts in annoyance.

“For peace and quiet, didn’t you hear me the first time?” He grumbles, obviously annoyed that you’re disturbing his peace. You chuckle. You’re not used to this reaction from guys, so this is a nice change for you.

“I did. Just wanted to see if you’d change your answer, that’s all.”

“Change it to what? Because I wanted to see you? Please, I’m not one of your meddling nosey little--”

“Fanboys?”

“Yes.”

“I bet you would be.” You smirk, finally looking over at him. He looks like you just slapped him across the face.

“Excuse me?” He growls, annoyance spreading across his features.

“You would be. If you knew me.” You smirked. You’re not sure where this arrogant confidence came from, you would never dare talk to another boy like this.

“Yeah, right. I bet I’d have you groveling at my feet before I fell for you.” He scoffs, crossing his arms.

“Not true. I’d break up with you like every other guy I’ve dated.” You sigh, looking away again.

“Is that a challenge?” Draco asks, standing to his feet and walking over to you. You hate how he looks down upon you, so you stand up in front of him.

“And what if it is?” You quirk an eyebrow, suddenly intrigued by the conversation.

“Let’s make a bet, then, shall we? Whoever falls in love first loses and gets broken up with.” He holds out his hand for you to shake. You look down at it.

“And what does the winner gain?” You ask, eyeing his hand cautiously.

“The satisfaction of humiliating the other person, being right, and ruining their player reputation in school.” He states matter-of-factly. You narrow your eyes at him.

“And the conditions? What are we doing exactly?” You ask.

“Well, that’s easy. We’ll be a couple. We will date until one of us falls in love, which will be you, and I’ll break up with you.” He smirks arrogantly. You grab his hand and give it a firm shake.

“You’re on. I won’t lose this bet.” You scoff, letting go of his hand immediately after. He chuckles.

“I wouldn’t be so sure about that, darling.” He lets the pet name roll off his tongue gracefully, annoying you. He walks down the stairs of the astronomy tower, a new pep in his step. If he’s already using pet names then he’s going to fall for you so much harder and faster than you would for him.

Oh, yeah. You’ve got this in the bag.

~+~

You walk down the hallway to your next class, hips swaying absentmindedly as you carry your books. You ignore the whispers around you, silently wishing that people would stop talking about you behind your back. Whether it’s good or bad things, you’ve always been talked about. It’s been getting on your nerves lately.

“Hey, (Y/n), is it true?” One of your friends sidles next to you, matching your pace down the hall. You furrow your brows.

“Is what true?” You ask, turning slightly to look at her.

“That you’re dating Draco now,” She states matter-of-factly. You deadpan. Right, you had almost forgotten about the stupid bet you made with that slimeball.

“It...is.” You force a sweet smile onto your face as if you’re happy about dating Draco of all people.

“Wow. I never took him for your type, but I’m happy for you! Although, I know other people aren’t so optimistic…” She trails off, frowning. The smile almost immediately drops from your face.

“Oh? And what do you mean by that?” You hum, pretending to care. You honestly don’t give a crap about who likes or doesn’t like your relationship, because you have half a mind to tell everyone that you don’t like it either. But that would be forfeiting. 

And you’re no quitter by any means.

“Oh, well I just mean some of our other friends who had a crush on Draco. They won’t be happy. And also...Pansy. But you can take her! I have full confidence in you.” Your friend pats you on the shoulder, a small yet nervous smile resting on her face. You frown.

“Take her? What do you mean? She’s a just another girl, what could she do--”

“(Y/n) (Y/l/n),” You hear your name shrieked down the hallway. Your head swivels to see Pansy Parkinson standing at the end of a hallway branching off to your right. You internally sigh. Of course, at the moment you’re on the verge of saying she’s no big deal, she shows up.

You look back to your friend only to see that she’s already gone. So much for backup.

“Hi, Parkinson.” You deadpan, continuing your walk to class. Only a little bit left to go before you’re at potions class.

“So, tell me, is the rumor true?” She matches your pace much like your friend did, except her footsteps are more akin to stomps than anything.

“That I’m dating Malfoy--”

“Yes, that you’re dating Draco!” She interrupts you with her horribly shrill voice. You clench your jaw in annoyance until you see the potions classroom coming up.

“I’ll let you figure it out for yourself, Pansy. See you around.” You suddenly duck into the potions classroom, looking triumphant for getting rid of her so easily. She wouldn’t dare yell at you while in the presence of Snape, mostly because he already finds her annoying and doesn’t seem to mind you so he’d probably give her detention. 

“(Y/l/n), care to have a seat?” Snape asks you, one brow arched at your arrival. You realize that you’ve just barely made it to class on time, and everyone is already in their seats. Good thing Snape doesn’t already hate you.

“Yes, sorry.” You timidly look around for the remaining seat and making your way toward it.

Oh, great. Look who it’s next to.

“Glad you could finally join us, darling,” Draco says, smiling maliciously at you. You roll your eyes and sit down.

“Says you, Malfoy.” You groan, taking out your potions book. Draco tsks next to you.

“Calling your boyfriend by his last name? If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you don’t like me.” He sneers. You shoot him a glare.

“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you’re taunting me.” You growl. 

“Malfoy, (Y/l/n), are you listening?” Snape eyes the two of you, anger evident in his posture and tone. You duck your head, embarrassed. 

“Yes, professor,” You and Draco murmur. Surprisingly, Snape lets it slide this time. 

“You’re lucky you were talking to me. Otherwise, you’d be in big trouble.” Draco smirks at you. 

“And what does that mean?” You whisper back.

“I’m a Malfoy. I don’t get in trouble. For hardly anything.” He winks at you.

“Oh, shut up and listen.” You hiss.

“If you insist, darling.”

~+~

Things had been going...amicably, to say the most. You’ve been “dating” Draco for about two weeks at this point. Your first tactic was to just hate Draco and then you’d never fall in love, but it was easy to see that it wasn’t going to work. First of all, you may not fall in love with him, but….he also wasn’t going to fall in love with you that way, either. So you decided to switch things up a bit starting today.

“Hey, baby.” You smile and sit down next to Draco in the Great Hall. It’s lunchtime and you cannot wait to throw him off for the rest of the day.

“Ba-” Draco chokes on his drink as soon as he hears your new pet name for him.

“What’s wrong? Are you okay?” You fake concern, trying to make it look as real as possible. If he believes you’re in love with him, then he’ll fall in love, too. At least, that’s the plan.

“Y-Yeah I’m...fine.” He clears his throat, setting his drink back down. You smile and get your own plate, making sure that you’re sitting as close as possible to him while still being able to eat.

He seems slightly uncomfortable, but easing into it since the two of you are in a “relationship” and it’d be weird for him to be uncomfortable around you. Besides, he’d had his fun with his pet names and smooth lines. It’s your turn.

“God, you’re a bit much don’t you think, (y/l/n)?” Pansy groans from across the table. You look up at her, a passive smile gracing your face.

“I’m sorry you think so, Pansy. Fortunately, you’re not my boyfriend, so I don’t quite care what you think. Isn’t that right, darling?” You muse, turning to Draco and using his own nickname on him. Draco smirks, knowing the game you’re playing and how he’d get to poke fun at Pansy at the same time.

“Of course, love.” He puts an arm around your shoulders and pulls you even closer to him. You’re startled, but you don’t let it show. Instead, you lay your head on his shoulder and smile. Pansy snarls and gets up, leaving from the Great Hall. 

Surprisingly, neither of you move, you just stay there wrapped up in each other. You can feel Draco’s heartbeat under your head, getting slightly more rapid as the seconds drawl on.

“Oi, are either of you two listening?” Blaise Zabini asks, waving a hand in front of you and Draco. The two of you break apart and turn to look at him, sheepish smiles on your faces.

“Sorry, what were you saying, Blaise?” You ask, a heat creeping up your neck. You wave it off as embarrassment.

“Couple of lovebirds, you two are. I was just saying it was funny how you showed Pansy up.” Blaise rolls his eyes. You turn back to your food, hyper-focusing on that instead of a quiet Draco next to you. Then it dawns on you.

Love? He called you “love.” Is that a new nickname?

~+~

It’s been another month since you and Draco had started dating. In total, it’s been a month and a half. By now, Draco has caught on to your lovey-dovey style and has followed suit. Now it’s a true battle. 

“(Y/n)? Love?” Draco grabs your hand, startling you out of your thoughts. 

“Hm? Sorry, baby, I got lost in thought.” You smile, rubbing a thumb over the back of his hand. This has become a regular thing for the two of you now. Hugging, holding hands, his arm around your shoulder, pretty much anything up to kissing. You had yet to kiss him, and you didn’t plan on it any time soon. 

“I was just asking if you’d meet me at the astronomy tower tonight?” He hums, affectionately leaning the side of his head against yours. You smile out of habit.

“I’d love to, what time?” You ask, leaning your head on his shoulder to be more comfortable.

“Does eight sound alright?” He asks, his thumb raking smoothly over your hand that he holds in his. You keep from shuddering at his touch. No, you’re not in love. You don’t even have a crush on the boy. This is all a game.

A game that you’re going to win.

“Sounds wonderful. I’ve got to get to class, but I’ll see you tonight.” You stand up straight and turn to him, a small smile resting on your lips. He smiles back at you, but you can tell it’s more of a forced smile. That’s one thing you’re better at. Hiding your true intentions. He may be smooth, but smiles are not his strong suit.

“I’ll see you tonight, dear.” He lets go of your hand. You turn and walk to your divination class. What does he have planned for tonight?

~+~

When tonight rolls around, you’re not sure what to wear. You don’t want to dress too informally in fear that he’d not like your outfit and it would hurt your chances of wooing him, but you also don’t want to dress too nicely and look like you’re expecting too much. So, you opted for a nice blouse and a skirt. A good middle ground.

“I cannot believe you’re still dating Malfoy,” Hermione sighs as you step into your common room. Although she’s not Slytherin, you had let her in so she could be there for you. You needed someone to rant to, and she has been a saving grace during these times. See, she doesn’t know that you’re not really dating Draco, but that’s exactly what you need. She hates him, and you need a person in your life telling you that he’s no good for you. Every other girl just swoons over him and says how you’re so lucky. 

“I know, ‘Mione, you say it every time.” You smile at her as you descend the stairs. 

“Just making sure I keep you on your toes,” She says, giving you a small smile back. You know she disapproves, but she’s been a good friend recently. And disapproval is what you need, too, so she’s helping more than she realizes.

“Thank you. I’ve got to go now, but thank you for helping me get ready tonight. I owe you one,” You giggle as the two of you step out into the dungeons.

“Yeah, you do. Now...go have fun.” She gives you a weird smile. You laugh and walk away from her, making your way to the astronomy tower.

You walk up the long set of stairs up to the top of the tower, nerves gnawing at you the whole time. Why did he ask you here? This is private. Why did he need to talk to you in private?

“There you are. I was afraid you weren’t going to show.” You hear Draco’s voice as you reach the top of the steps. When you reach the peak, you look before you to see that Draco has set up a cute little picnic in front of the railing. You’re taken aback by the gesture.

“Draco, this is…”

“Is it too much?” You look to him and see that there’s...genuine worry written on his face? No, this is some cruel trick.

“No, no. It’s perfect.” You smile and sit down as he sits down next to you.

“I had some chocolate strawberries prepared for us. That, and I got some chocolate frogs. I know they’re your favorite.” He smiles what seems like a genuine smile at you. You’re surprised. When did this Draco show up? And what game is he playing here?

“Draco, I don’t know...I just--”

“Shh, I know...I know you’re going to talk about the bet. I don’t...I don’t want to think about that for tonight, alright? Let’s just...relax. Talk. Be normal, for once.” He takes your hand in his, and now you’re beyond confused. But you play along. Although you’re confused, this is still...really nice. You don’t hate it. You don’t hate him.

“Alright.” You agree, relaxing next to him. You lay your head on his shoulder and the two of you gaze up at the stars.

“Are you familiar with constellations?” He hums, picking up a chocolate strawberry to eat. You think for a second.

“No, not really. Are you?” You hum, getting more comfortable by the second. In all honesty, this is an ideal date if it were under better circumstances.

“More than. Would you like me to point out a few to you?” He asks, suddenly turning the chocolate strawberry to you. He raises his eyebrows as if to offer you the strawberry. Is he...planning on feeding it to you?

“For me?” You giggle, looking up at him. He smiles bashfully and nods.

“For you. Open up,” He says, leaning the strawberry in more. You open your mouth and take a bite of the strawberry, relishing in the sweet chocolatey taste. You hum and grin up at him. 

“Delicious,” You say, smiling widely. You’re not sure you’ve ever had this much actual fun with him before. You’re not sure how to feel about it.

“Oh, you’ve got something,” He leans in a bit and locks eyes with you, “...here.” He wipes something off the corner of your mouth. For a minute, you’re locked in each other’s eyes, neither of you able to move.

You break out of the trance first, ducking your head to avoid him seeing your blush. This is still a bet.

“Thank you,” You murmur, hoping he didn’t see your blush.

“Of course. Constellations?” He asks, a sheepish smile tugging at his lips as well. You smile.

“Please,” You hum, leaning your head back on his shoulder. The two of you spend the next three hours pointing out constellations and talking about nothing and everything at the same time.

Once the date is over, you help him pack everything up, and the two of you sneak downstairs and back to the Slytherin common room. It’s past curfew, so you try not to get caught. You’re successful.

“I had fun tonight,” Draco says as the two of you walk back into the common room. You stay between the two sets of stairs leading to the differently gendered dorms.

“Me too,” You admit, smiling truthfully at him. He gives you a small smile back. You’ve decided that you like his genuine smile.

“I’ll see you tomorrow...love,” He gets slightly closer to you on the last words. Your breath hitches in your throat. Is he about to kiss you?

“Yeah, see you tomorrow,” You mutter quietly, not daring to move a muscle. He swoops in and plants a sweet kiss on your cheek before swiftly turning around and walking up the steps to the boys' dormitory. You stand there for a moment, speechless, until you follow suit and leave to go to your room.

One question plagues you as you walk back to your dorm, the trip seeming agonizingly longer than usual. Why would he go to such lengths tonight if the two of you were in private? There was no reason to do this since it’s not putting on a show for others. No, he knew this was just for the two of you. So why do it?

This leads you to another startling conclusion:

You’re starting to have feelings for Draco Malfoy. And you think he might feel the same.

~+~

A week after the date, things are going swimmingly. The dynamic has shifted just a bit, with the two of you being even more affectionate than you were. The hand-holding and hugs have turned into that and more. The small brushes of hands, his hand on the small of your back, have all elevated your feelings toward him and you’re just hoping that he feels the same way. You’re not in love. At this point, he can still fall in love before you and you can break it off. Just because you have slight feelings for the boy does not ruin the bet. Besides, you’ve had feelings for all of your other boyfriends at one point, and look where they all turned up. Dumped. You’ve still got this in the bag.

“Are you going to the quidditch game tonight, darling?” Draco hums, intertwining his fingers with yours as the two of you walk to potions class together. You grin at him.

“Of course. You told me you’d let me wear your old jersey, so I’ve got to go out and support my boyfriend, right?” You smirk, nudging his shoulder with yours. You don’t miss the small blush that spreads across his cheeks. It’s like he becomes a different person when no one’s watching the two of you and he has no arrogant reputation to uphold.

“Well, with your support, I know I’ve got this win against Gryffindor in the bag.” He grins and kisses your cheek. You bite your lip to keep from smiling so widely.

~+~

That afternoon, at the quidditch game, you find your spot amongst the crowd. You’re sitting with a few of your Slytherin friends as well as Ron and Hermione, surprisingly. They’re still wearing their Gryffindor scarves and hats, but you’re glad they’re sitting by you. You know Ron’s still infatuated with you, so you’re not surprised that it didn’t take a lot of convincing to get him over here, but you’re glad Hermione’s with you. Besides, Ron has stifled most of his flirting now that you have a boyfriend.

“Blimey, you look great (Y/n).” Ron smiles at you. You did say most of his flirting.

“Thanks, Ron. It’s Draco’s old jersey. I figured I’d better support my boyfriend.” You smile and show off the jersey, throwing Ron off. He grumbles something under his breath but keeps up his happy act.

“Well, I’m just hoping to get this game over with soon. I need to get back to studying for the test in DADA tomorrow.” Hermione huffs as she finds her seat next to you. 

“Hermione, you’re literally the smartest witch at Hogwarts. You’ve got this test without even studying.” You snort, watching the players take their place on the quidditch field.

“Says you! You’re just as smart, (y/n).” Hermione scoffs. You laugh and shake your head, mostly focused on finding a certain platinum-haired boyfriend of yours. You find him off to the side, looking for you. Your hand shoots up and waves. You see his head turn to your area and he grins at you, winking. You blow him a kiss back and he pretends to catch it as he mounts his broom.

“God, you two are sickening.” Hermione gags next to you. You scrunch your nose up.

“Are not.” You huff. She laughs.

“Sure.”

“Hey, (Y/l/n),” You hear a shrill voice to your right. Great, she’s back.

“Do you mind, Parkinson? I’m trying to watch my boyfriend play quidditch.” You groan, not even turning to face her.

“Too bad your precious boyfriend was snogging me before charms earlier today,” Pansy smirks as you finally turn to face her.

“That’s nice... if I believed you. God, Pansy, everyone knows you’re desperate for my boyfriend. I can smell your lies from a mile away. Try tricking someone more gullible next time.” You roll your eyes and turn back to the field, easily finding Draco hovering as he looks for the snitch. You hear a high-pitched ‘hmph’ and footsteps walking away from you.

You see Draco’s eyes light up as he spots something across the field. He’s off in a flash and you see Harry try to follow behind him. 

You watch as the golden blur darts around the stadium, coming close to a stop almost right in front of you. Your eyes focus on the two boys dashing after the golden snitch that are about to run into you. Your eyes widen as they approach.

Harry, to avoid hitting you, veers up at the last second and misses the snitch. However, Draco flips over you sideways at the last second and grabs the snitch mid-air, landing not-so-gracefully behind you. He holds the snitch up and the entire Slytherin section goes insane.

“And Draco Malfoy catches the snitch! Slytherin wins!” You hear the announcer shout.

“Almost hitting me, huh?” You turn back to Draco, a smile playing on your lips. He grins at you.

“But I didn’t hit you, did I? Made sure of it.” He smirks playfully. You look down and lock eyes with a seething Pansy Parkinson who’s glowering at you with Draco. Thinking back on it, that’s probably why you did what you’re about to do next.

You reach up and cup Draco’s cheek, bringing him down to you and connecting your lips. You feel him tense up in shock for a moment before he relaxes and kisses you back. The seconds feel like an eternity before you pull away, breathless. You hear cheers around you, most likely from your kiss and the win. You’re not sure if he’s breathing heavily from the stunt he just pulled or that kiss, but he looks at you with his lips slightly parted and a faraway look in his eyes as he processes what just happened. 

“Hey, Draco, get down here!” You hear one of the Slytherin teammates call to him. He shakes off some of his shock, blinking a few times before he mounts his broom again. A wide smile finds its way back to his face and you’re left wondering if you made the right decision or not. It was a heat of the moment thing, it didn’t mean anything...right?

Right?

~+~

“What was that?” Draco asks you once the two of you’re alone after dinner. 

“What was what?” You feign innocence, not really wanting to talk about it in the first place.

“The kiss,” He states incredulously. 

“Oh, that! Yeah, um...it was a heat of the moment decision to get back at Pansy. Sorry.” You laugh it off. That’s not the entire reason, but it’s also not a lie, so you roll with it.

“Oh, that’s it?” He asks. He seems almost...disappointed? No, that’s not right.

“Yeah, why?” You ask, concern finding its way into your voice.

“No reason. I’ll, uh, see you around. I gotta go.” He presses a hasty kiss to your cheek before walking off.

He didn’t want it to be real...did he? Did you?

~+~

Another month later, you’re officially in deep crap. It’s been almost three months, and that was the deadline you had set for yourself to make Draco fall in love with you. In reality, the opposite had happened. You’re afraid that you’ve fallen in love with him. 

Scratch that, you know that you’re in love with him, and that makes you very afraid. However, he seems to be reciprocating everything you’ve felt, so you’re wondering if he’s in the same situation. No, you’re sure he’s in the same situation. It’s written all over his face every time you kiss. You see the love in his eyes.

Yes, you kiss regularly now. It’s been happening quite a bit since the quidditch match, and in all honesty...he sneaks in kisses when you’re in private, too. Which is why you’ve planned when you’re going to confess to him.

“You ready for our date tonight, darling?” Draco hums, a smile playing at his lips as he walks up to you and slides his arms around your waist. He lifts you up and gives you a small peck on the lips. You giggle.

“Of course I am.” You grin, kissing him again. 

“Remember, the Room of Requirement. Eight o’clock.” He sets you down, pressing another kiss to your forehead.

“Can’t wait.” You start to walk off, blowing him a kiss. He “catches” it and stuffs it in his pocket.

“For later,” He whispers, winking. You giggle and part ways with him.

Yeah, you’re definitely in love.

~+~

When eight rolls around, you’re ready. Draco told you to dress nicely for this date, so you opted for a nice winter dress. You make your way to the Room of Requirement, finding it quite easily despite its reputation for not showing up a lot of the time.

Inside, Draco has set up floating candles all around the outskirts of the room and you see a small speaker in the corner of the room.

“What’s this?” Your eyes light up, taking in your surroundings. 

“I set up some candles and this….phonograph, I think is what the muggle-borns called it? It’s supposed to play music, and I thought it fit the atmosphere…” Draco trails off, looking at you for your opinion.

“It’s beautiful, Draco. And it fits the mood perfectly. I mean...I know I’m special when the Draco Malfoy uses a muggle contraption for our date.” You tease him, walking up to him. He bows his head as a blush takes over his features.

“You know I want the best for you, (Y/n/n).” He lets your nickname slip, meeting you in the middle of the room. You smile fondly at him and he mirrors your expression. 

“I love it.” You murmur quietly. You want to say something else instead of ‘it’ but you hold your tongue. It’s not the time yet.

“Care to dance?” Draco holds out his hand to you as a soft ballroom song starts to drift out of the phonograph, flowing through the room, giving it a sweet aria. 

“I would love to.” You take his hand and the two of you start to glide across the floor. You’re no expert dancer, but you’d been to a Yule Ball before, and you’ll be going to another one this year. You like to be prepared.

“You’re quite the dancer, (Y/n/n),” He murmurs, capturing your eyes in his. You can’t look away.

“I have a good partner,” You blush, moving to a more intimate dancing stance. Your arms wrap around his neck as his wind around your waist. Your inches from his face, staring into his eyes. 

The music seems to fade away as Draco leans down and kisses you deeply, stopping your dance across the floor. Your eyes flutter closed and your hands find their way up into his hair, pulling him impossibly closer to you.

When you finally break apart, you feel like you’re the only two people in the world. You feel ready to conquer the question that’s been aching in your heart for the past few weeks.

“(Y/n/n), will you go to the Yule Ball with me?” Draco murmurs, stroking his thumb across your cheek. You smile fondly at him.

“Of course. I...I have something to tell you, Draco.” You whisper, afraid that speaking too loudly will scare him away from you.

“Yes?” He asks, his eyes so full of love that you want to just shout it out right now. Him asking you to the Yule Ball only fuels your desire, since that’s at least a month away. He expects you two to be together for a long time.

“I...I love you.” You admit, feeling a large weight lifted off your chest. A large grin breaks out across Draco’s face.

“You do? You really do?” His eyes light up and you want to cry tears of relief.

“Yes, I really do.” You laugh a little, tears of joy pricking at the corners of your eyes.

“Oh my god, I thought...I was afraid you were just really good at acting,” Draco lets out a puff of air, running a hand through his hair.

“No, I-I love you, Draco.” You smile, feeling your heart soar. He loves you, too.

“That’s a relief. Well, I suppose I can drop this facade, now.” His hand drops from your face and he takes a step back.

You feel your heart shatter at those few words. 

You look at his face to see that his usual genuine (or so you thought) fond smile is gone, replaced by his usual arrogant smirk.

“W-What?” You ask, your tears of joy turned to tears of devastation. 

“I mean, really? You really thought that I was in love with you? Maybe I should go into acting, I mean, I seemed to fool you.” He laughs, crossing his arms in triumph. Your lip quivers as tears spill down your face.

“You- you liar!” You cry, wiping madly at your face to stop the tears but they’re too fast.

“Come on, (Y/n/n), we’re through. We both knew it was going to end this way. Spare me the heartache. I won.” He spits bitterly at you, rolling his eyes in annoyance. The cocky smile never disappears.

“I thought it was real,” You choke out, feeling your breaths coming out raggedly as you go through the heartbreak you thought you had avoided.

“Well, you thought wrong, darling.” The sarcasm drips from his words heavily.

“Don’t call me that! Don’t- don’t speak to me ever again!” You scream, running out of the Room of Requirement.

“Oh, don’t be so dramatic!” You hear him call as you run out. You dash through the halls wildly, not sure of your final destination. You finally find a closet that you hide in, locking behind you as you sink to the ground and cry your eyes out. You stay in there for a while, sobbing into your knees until your heart’s content. Although you stop crying after a while, you still feel the heartbreak and suffering. The pain doesn’t go away. Not for a long time.

You thought he felt the same.

“You thought wrong, darling,” Draco’s cruel words echo in your mind endlessly. You thought wrong.

You thought wrong.

~+~

You don’t get out of bed for the next two days. On the third day, one of your friends finally drags you out of your bed and makes you go to class. 

“You can’t let your grades slip, (Y/n),” She had told you.

You were honestly willing to let anything slip as long as you didn’t have to see Draco anymore.

On your first day of going back to classes, you try to block out the whispers.

“Did you hear that Draco broke up with her?”

“That’s the first guy to break up with her right?”

“What happened to being the playgirl of the school?”

“I guess she’s not all that anymore,”

“I doubt boys will even give her a second glance after this,”

You try to block them out, and you’re partially successful until Pansy comes along. 

“What’d I tell you, (Y/n)? Draco would always come back to me. We both knew it,” Pansy says snarkily as you pass her in the hall.

“Oh, shove it, Pansy. He’s not even with you, he just--”

“Oh, that’s right, you haven’t been here for the past two days because you’ve been pathetically staying in bed. He asked me out yesterday,” She cackles, her freshly manicured hands taunting you as she laughs.

“He...what?” You’re dumbfounded for the second time this week, feeling tears prick at your eyes again. He never had feelings for you. At all.

You didn’t get out of bed the day after that, either.

~+~

After another day of staying in bed and letting everyone’s words get to you, you finally get up again. You put a little effort into your hair and makeup, trying to maintain at least some of your dignity as you force your way back into the world.

“(Y/n)! You’re back!” Hermione runs up to you as you walk into the Great Hall. She tackles you in a hug and you numbly hug her back, not sure if you’re feeling anything right now besides heartache still. 

“Hi, ‘Mione.” You mutter, your eyes finding their way to the Slytherin table on their own. You see Draco hand in hand with Pansy, striking your heart with a sharp pang.

“Come on, come sit with me and the boys.” Hermione leads you away, forcing you to tear your eyes from the platinum-haired boy. You don’t feel his eyes on you as you sit between Harry and Hermione across from Ron at the breakfast table.

“Hi, (Y/n).” Harry and Ron speak up sympathetically. You give them a pathetic wave, digging into your breakfast quietly. No one says a word.

“Well, (Y/n), you have quite a bit of school work to catch up on. We have a test in transfiguration today, and of course, there’s always potions to catch up on, Snape is quite the…” Hermione continues on, but you tune her out as you continue to eat. 

“Hey, are you okay?” Harry sets his hand on your shoulder, breaking you from your thoughts. You turn to look at him, eyes glazed as you take in the concern on his face. You force a small smile on your face.

“Never been better.” You lie. You see a small frown form on his lips. He knows you’re lying, it’s not hard to tell.

~+~

It goes like that for a couple of weeks, the same draining day after day after day. You get used to the lifeless routine, hoping that one day color will return to the world. Everything seems duller than it used to be. You can’t bear to look at the constellations the same way anymore, either.

That is, until one day.

“(Y/n), can we talk?” You hear a pained voice behind you. You turn around, a blank look staying steady on your face.

“No.” You deadpan, seeing Draco standing there.

“Please...I need to speak with you. Alone.” He begs, going as far as to stop you when you try to walk away from him.

“You already won, what more could you want from me?” You ask, your tone staying even and deadly with venom.

“It was...Please, let me speak to you alone--”

“No!” For once, you’re feeling more than heartache. You’re feeling anger.

“(Y/n/n)...”

“You don’t get to call me that! You lost that privilege when you ripped my heart out, tore it to shreds, and stomped on it right in front of me! Sure, it was in our little bet to break each other’s heart, but you didn’t have to be so cruel.” You seethe, letting your pent up frustration go on him.

“That’s what I want to talk about-”

“You can save your apology because I don’t want to hear it! I don’t want to hear how you still hate me but you--”

“It was a mistake, okay!” He yells at you. You see people start to stare at the two of you. You grab his arm and shove him into the empty hallway, slamming the door behind you.

He starts to say something, but you hold your hand up to silence him.

“No. You do not get to waltz back into my life with your smooth lines as if you didn’t completely ruin it with your words just a few weeks ago. You said it yourself, Draco, we’re through. You even have Pansy now.” You growl, tears pricking at your eyes again. No way would he get away with this. Not again.

“Please just...hear me out. I know it’s not as easy as just saying sorry--”

“No, I’m done, I’m leaving. I can’t-- I can’t…” You start to choke on your own words again, the tears finding their paths down your cheeks. The barricades have broken again and you’re left with the rivers you thought had finally dried up.

“No. I’m not leaving you alone until I tell you this. I do love you. I did back then, too, I just...I let my pride get the better of me. I couldn’t tell what love was until I lost it. You left a void in my heart and...and I tried to fill it with Pansy but I didn’t need another girl I...I needed you. I broke up with Pansy just a few days after being with her.” You hear his voice turn hoarse and you look up to see tears running down Draco’s cheeks, too. In all your years of knowing him, you had never seen him cry.

“Your smooth lines…got us into this mess. You and your stupid bet,” You growl, wiping the tears off your cheeks furiously.

“And I hate myself for it! I had feelings for you back then, dammit, I just knew I wouldn’t be able to ask you out normally with you accepting. I’m not even sure I knew that I had feelings at that point. I messed it up...I mess everything up... with my reputation and pride.” He admits, reaching a hand out to you. You look at it and shake your head.

“I’m not...I’m not convinced,” You sniffle.

“Please, I’ll do anything to convince you. No matter how long it takes. I want you back (Y/n), and I promise I’ll do whatever it takes, however long it takes, to gain your trust back little by little. Until you’re mine again.” He promises. 

You look into his eyes and see through the cracks tiny pieces of hope. You think maybe, just maybe, that the genuine smiles and love that you saw were real. The genuine kindness that you so ache to see again. And maybe now you have a chance to see them again. What does he have to gain at this point? Why is he confessing all of this right now? It’s ruining his reputation as a player and flirt, which is exactly what the bet was all about. Why?

“....One more chance. And it’s not coming easily. You’re working for it, Malfoy, I am not one to win back easily. Any wrong moves and you’re gone. For good.” You promise him, the tears finally slowing down until they’re reduced to occasional sniffs.

“That’s all I’m asking for.” He reaches for your hand, but you pull it away from him.

“We’re not a couple. I’m not ready for that. I hardly trust you anymore. We’re friends and that’s it right now. We’ll see how it goes.” You warn him. He nods vigorously.

“Anything for you.” He nods.

For the first time in weeks, there’s a small kernel of hope in you that wasn’t there before.

~+~

It’s been two years since that day, and you and Draco are back together and happily dating. You have been for almost a year at this point. You’re sure he’s the one after he went through a year of torture trying to get you back. He finally earned your trust and love back and the two of you have been happy ever since. He hasn’t done anything to deter you. Nothing big, anyway.

“Draco, fetch me the mistletoe, will you?” You hum, grinning at your boyfriend as you finish decorating your new apartment for Christmas. The two of you have been out of schooling for a year and a half, happily enjoying the new freedom. You’ve both gotten amazing jobs as Aurors, getting to work side by side in the ministry of magic as you catch dark wizards and put them behind bars. Things honestly couldn’t be better.

“Here you go, love.” He goes to hand you the mistletoe, holding it slightly out of your reach above your heads. You giggle and lean in, kissing him deeply. He kisses back, wrapping a hand around your waist as the other continues to hold the mistletoe above you.

“That was sweet, but I do want that mistletoe now,” You joke, reaching up and taking the mistletoe from him. He complies.

“I was thinking...it’s a few days before Christmas, would you mind opening one of the gifts I got you early?” He asks, gesturing to a big box sitting next to the tree.

“Draco, we’re supposed to wait until Christmas to open gifts,” You jokingly complain and he grins, knowing you won’t say no to opening a gift early. 

“Oh, come on, it’s just one gift.” He teases, sliding the box over to you. 

“Oh, alright, if you insist.” You grin at him, tearing open the outside wrapping paper. You open the big box and find another slightly smaller box inside, only to open that one and find another smaller box inside. You giggle as you continue to open boxes and find smaller ones inside until you finally reach a small box that fits into your palm, wrapped neatly in wrapping paper.

“Go on, open it,” Draco coaxes you on. You smile.

“But it’s so small and cute,” You hum, admiring the cute little wrapped box.

“I think you’ll like what’s inside more.” He chuckles. You giggle and tear the wrapping paper off of it, showing a small velvety box. You gasp, tears pricking at your eyes. Draco takes the box from your hand, getting on one knee as he opens it up to you, revealing a sparkling diamond ring in it.

“Draco, I--” You choke on your words, tears of joy brimming your eyes.

“(Y/n/n)...you make me the happiest man alive. I’m so lucky you gave me another chance because I cannot imagine my life not by your side. So...will you do me the absolute honor, and marry me?” He asks. You notice his hands shaking and you let out a short burst of air before nodding vigorously.

“Yes, yes of course I’ll marry you, Draco!” You cry, tears finally spilling down your cheeks. Draco stands up, excitement clear on his face as he takes the ring out of the box and slides it on your finger. He delicately lifts you in his arms and kisses you passionately. Your hands wrap around his neck, pulling him as close as possible. 

“Okay, but just for a little bit, all right? Supper will begin any minute now,” she rushed, making Draco grin. He pulled you along with him, running up the stairs before his father could realize where they were going. Closing the door to his room, he turned back at you, pointing at his hand.

“You won’t believe what I just got!” He whisper-screamed to you, watching as your eyes light up as you grabbed his hand to get a better look at it.

“A ring?”

“Not just any ring, (Y/N). It’s supposed to lead me to my soulmate… if they put the ring on and it doesn’t come off, they’re destined to be with me.” Automatically, you grabbed the ring and stared at it, before Draco pushed your hand away, shocked.

“What’re you doing!?”

“I wanna tryyyyyyy, pleaseeeeeeee.” You nagged, “I wanna be your soulmate, Draco.” Draco shook his head, moving his head behind his back as he stepped away from you.

“No, not yet, I’m too young.” He retorted childishly, his cheeks filled with air as he looked away from you, his face turning pink. You gasped, before grabbing his hands with yours.

“Then promise me then!”

“Promise you what?” He asked almost immediately, afraid of what you’d say.

“Promise we that in ten years from now, I’ll get to try it on! To see if I’m your soulmate or not!”

“And if we’re not?” He asked concerned, raising his eyebrow at you as you bit your bottom lip, in deep thought, until another idea sparked. “Then if neither of us finds our soulmate by a certain point, we’ll marry each other.”

“Are you insane? I can’t just marry my best friend!”

“Of course you can, people do it all the time. Most people were best friends before they were a couple, Draco. Or at least, that’s what my parents always say,” you finished with a shrug of your shoulders.

“If you don’t want to, though, it’s fine.” Draco watched as you failed to keep yourself happy, your expression slowly turning saddened and bleak. His heart tugged a bit as he growled under his breath, intertwining his tiny fingers with yours.

“Fine! Ten years from now, we’ll be… sixteen? Seventeen? We’ll do it then,” Draco shouted, stunned that your expression had altered so quickly, hugging him tightly before pushing him away.

“Pinky-promise?”

“Yeah, sure. Pinky-promise.” He groaned, lacing his pinky with yours before the calls from both your parents were heard from bellow.

“We should probably get going,” he stated, making you nod. As you both hustled down the stairs, you quickly whispered.

“Remember, you can’t break a pinky-promise, or I’ll be mad.”

Draco and you had been friends from as long as he could remember, probably since birth, honestly. The two of you were constantly clinging onto one another, whether it was for comfort or to simply annoy the other… you both were inseparable as the years dragged on.

—————

“Draco Lucius Malfoy! It’s time!” You scolded at him, attempting to tackle him to the ground in order to steal the piece of jewelry on his finger. He dodged at the last possible second, however, grinning from ear-to-ear as he watched you trip.

“Better luck, next time, love.” He teased, sticking his tongue out and playfully sending a wink your way. You immediately flushed bright red, blowing away a strand of your hair before charging towards him once again.

“Draco Malfoy! You made a promise that I get to try on the ring! Let me, already!” You scolded, your finger jabbing into his chest as you tried to reach for his hand, but he seemed to be much quicker as he waved it in all directions. He then took the initiative to remove the ring from his fingers, placing it in the palm of his hand and tauntingly waving it in your face, before extending his hand as high as he could.

“I don’t see why you’re so obsessed with this ring, (Y/N). Or the promise, you should be focused on something else,” he tried to persuade, knowing that you weren’t listening to a word he said. “Besides, it hasn’t officially been ten years, since then… you still have another month or so.”

“Oh shut up, will you? Just give me it!” You interjected, jumping to try and grab his hand. He twirled around you and smirked, ruffling his hair as he steadied the ring back on his finger.

“Unfortunately, class begins soon… guess you’ll have to try later--” his sentence was cut off short as he began to run, you trailing behind him in a frenzy towards your class; his laughs echoed the hallways as students made sure to clear a path, avoiding eye-contact with him and you (pretty much because you threatened to hex anyone who got in the way as you were running).

----------

Normally, you wouldn’t have even batted an eyelash towards his heirloom, or bring it up in a conversation. But as the day got closer, it kind of started to bring a sense of uneasiness to you… the promise. The scenarios playing in your mind as you slept, or daydreamed through some of your classes.

But it made you think. For once, it was odd. To imagine your future as a sixteen-soon-to-be-seventeen-year-old, nonetheless with your best friend. He must’ve thought it wasn’t big, but it definitely was to you. You weren’t an idiot at the age of seven, you knew what you were getting into when you made that promise. Hell, you even wrote it in a little journal you had afterward, it wasn’t hard to deny it. You fancied Draco.

For years, so the thought of being his soulmate made you feel excited and absolutely terrified. Pansy had often reassured that all would work out, and things would pan out the way it should… but it still bothered you. As much as you tried not to, it was the only thought that remained.

Maybe I should just forget about it, he’s probably someone in mind anyway, you thought as you slumped in your chair, it wouldn’t have been the first.

“Hey! (Y/N), are you even paying attention?” Pansy nudged your shoulder, asking through her teeth, her eyes widening as she forced you to look down into your textbook before the professor noticed you were spacing out.

“Still obsessing over Draco?” She whispered, resulting in a bitter laugh to emit from you. Pansy had had an overwhelming obsession with Draco for the first few years until one day, it seemed the message of him not reciprocating her feelings had become clear, and then she changed.

Much better, if you were being honest. She had her own personal glow-up and was focused much more on devoting time reflecting and helping you.

“Maybe you should pretend to lose interest? That might make him give it up,” she suggested, “Or just steal it from him? You know, unexpected--”

“How am I supposed to steal it? It’s on his finger, Pansy,” you jeered, continuing to write utter nonsense in your notebook as you stared at it with intent, hearing her sigh loudly. “I don’t know, but you have to do something, maybe even tell him… ever given that a thought?” She questioned, staring at you concerningly as you shifted under her gaze uncomfortably, trying to stir your attention away from anything but the topic at hand.

“I don’t know…” you dragged on, making eye-contact with Draco from across the classroom, seeing him happily sending you a smile; you tried your best to return the favor, however, it seemed a bit forced, causing Draco’s to waver.

Oh, bloody hell…

“Well, now he knows something’s up,” Pansy piqued, giving you a knowing gaze as she gave a quick glance at him, before grabbing your hand to prevent you from writing any longer. “You have to do something, I’m not saying you should steal the ring or stalk him, but do what your heart tells you to do, when the time comes.” You smiled softly as you grabbed her hand, uttering a sincere ‘thank you’ before returning to your work.

Pansy gazed back up at Draco, seeing his concerned gaze towards you before mouthing to Pansy a series of phrases, and answering them swiftly before you had the chance to notice.

-------------

Draco had no idea what was going on with you. One minute, you were giddy and incredibly engaged in your own world, the next you were shouting at him about his promise and the ring, and then you give him a pathetic attempt of smiling at him… and suddenly he had no clue what was going on with you.

He’d been talking to Pansy lately about the issue, but she’d either reassure that everything would be fine or give the curt response: “Go ask for yourself”

Normally, Draco would’ve given a snarky response back, but she’d always managed to run away before he could press on more about you.

“What happened to (Y/N), Pansy?” He asked through gritted teeth, “You make this so much harder than it has to be.” Pansy raised a brow at him, amused, twirling the strands of her hair with her finger.

“Someone’s not happy…” she taunted before shrugging her shoulders. “Unfortunately, I can’t tell you.”

“Why not? Aren’t you her best friend?”

“Aren’t you?” Pansy countered quickly, watching Draco’s mouth hung open, before closing silently. “You two have known each other longer than I have; if you think something’s wrong ask (Y/N) yourself.”

“I can’t if (Y/N) won’t talk to me,” he pressed on, staring at his friend’s eyes as he grabbed her wrists. “Please, I need to know--”

“Draco, do you fancy (Y/N)?” Pansy inquired, removing his hands off of her, settling them back on her lap as she stared at him knowingly. Draco frantically shook his head at her, ruffling his hair in the process.

“Where did that question even come from, Pansy? Have you gone mad--”

“No. But it seems you will, soon. Why won’t you let (Y/N) try on the ring? A Malfoy sticks by their word, don’t they?”

Draco’s mouth became instantly dry, struggling to form any coherent sentence as his ears began to grow bright. Pansy’s eyes glimmered in realization.

“You’re afraid (Y/N) isn’t the one, aren’t you?” Draco remained silent as she titled her head to meet his gaze, to which his gaze moved away again. “Or are you afraid (Y/N) is the one?”

“You’re deranged, Parkinson.”

“Perhaps I am, but the one thing I’m not Draco… is a coward.” She grunted, resulting in Draco staring up at her, shocked. Pansy was a female that often spoke her mind and criticized others, but not him. She certainly changed.

“You’ve been friends for ages, Draco. And even when I was too “preoccupied” with you I still knew it; (Y/N) won’t be around forever, and if you don’t act soon someone will sweep them off their feet because that’s what they deserve. And you’ll never know the truth,” Pansy flicked his forehead, making Draco whine at the impact. “You’re incredibly dense, sometimes. I wonder what I saw in you…” Draco’s eyes trailed down to the floor, before a sudden laugh shook, startling him.

“But I know (Y/N) sees it… saw it longer than I had, maybe… besides, I got myself… someone. So go get yours.” Draco’s eyes stared up at his long friend, staring at her both thankful and apologetic.

“Oh stop with the sappy look, will you? I’m not telling you to confess and I’m not asking for pity. But when the time comes… do it.”

————

A few weeks had passed since then, and your nerves had remained calmer than ever. It seemed Pansy was right, and being able to dial down on your turmoil was as simple as clearing your mind… from all of the thoughts of his heirloom.

Of course, you took that route. Instead of confessing to him… and Pansy had egged you to pursue him while respecting your decision. It just seemed easier, you noted, to distract yourself for a while.

“Why are you spacing off, again? Someone caught your eye?” Draco quipped, staring down at you. You rolled your eyes as you readjusted yourself on his lap, giving him an irritated look.

“Does it matter? Even if I was, it’s none of your business,” you ended while sticking out your tongue, noticing Draco’s eyes had slightly clouded at your remark.

“I should probably leave soon, Umbridge will be scouting soon…” Draco murmured, as you let out a frustrated growl.

“Oh yes! The sadist, who only lives to ruin student’s lives… I find it concerning that she’s so fascinated in kids…” you whispered the last part, Draco letting out a hearty laugh. “Pipe it down, I heard she has eyes and ears everywhere,” he added on, the both of you snickering.

“Watch out, she might hide under your bed too, I wouldn’t put it past her.” Draco grabbed your hand and squeezed it as he let out another laugh, the cool metal of his ring sending a shiver down your spine. As it died down, he released your hand, before his eyes traveled down to his hand, and his ring. He removed his other hand cradling your head and removed the hoop slowly.

“Here, a deal’s a deal.” You let out a huff, knitting your eyebrows as he dropped the ring into your hands.

“Why so suddenly… well, I guess I’ll try it. After all, you’ll probably be getting it back.” The statement broke your heart, but in reality, it seemed fit to say. And Draco cracked a smile, so he must’ve been hoping it to happen too.

Sliding the ring on your finger, another shiver sent down your spine, your eyes lost in the details of the loop. Your breath hitched suddenly as you paused your movements, watching for something to happen. A sign.

Looking up, you saw Draco staring just as intensely as you had at your hand, the curves of his mouth downward and grim.

“See? I told you,” you sighed, reaching for the ring again and attempting to tug at it.

Attempting.

However, as you tried, you realized you couldn’t take it off.

“Uh… Draco? Can… Can you give me a hand?” You pleaded nervously, his eyes widening as he adjusted his position, panicked.

“Yeah, of course.” He responded, gently grabbing your hand in his, his fingers hanging over the ring, deep in thought, before he dropped it, staring at you.

“(Y/N)... it won’t come off,” he said quietly, a small smile dancing on his features.

“How would you know? You didn’t even try,” you tried to defend, grabbing the ring again and tugging it. This time, the ring had gotten looser, only for the snake to hiss at you, its jade eyes leering. You removed your hand almost instantly, letting the creature hum in content before slithering itself around you again, this time, a bit tighter than before.

“This has to be a dream, it can’t be real… can it?” You gaped, thinking that you were daydreaming again. Hallucinating maybe?

“I don’t think it’s a dream,” Draco started, his thumb playing with the ring on your finger, a bright smile plastered on his face as he stared (almost) lovingly at it. “But if it is…” he intertwined his fingers with yours, staring into your eyes with a lovestruck gaze.

“I don’t ever want to wake up.” He paused, before leaning down to capture your lips with his.

“I think it’s better than any dream, actually.”

Extra:

Months later, your head was resting on Draco’s shoulder, as he seemed to be engaged in a conversation with the boy across from him; Theodore Nott, Pansy’s boyfriend, who looked to be a decently charming Slytherin, though he was extremely opinionated with whatever they were conversing about.

“Sorry for asking, but I’ve been a bit curious about the ring on (Y/N)’s finger?” Theodore suddenly inquired, making you lift your head up to see Draco had been playing with the ring on your finger the whole time, twirling it rhythmically.

“Oh, isn’t it obvious? We’re engaged.” He smirked deviously, a gasp coming from you as you pushed him away, laughing. “Yeah right--”

“Aren’t we?”

“You didn’t even propose!”

“Don’t you have a ring? I can’t give you another one, this one isn’t coming off--”

“You didn’t ask and we’re still in school! Plus it’d be nice if you at least made the effort to ask--”

“Do you want me to ask? I can do it, plan it out if you want…It’s not like my parents would disapprove… my mother’s absolutely smitten for you.”

“That sounds nasty.”

“You know what I meant by that.”

“Even cuter, Theo, they’re soulmates…” Pansy whispered to him, as both of you bickered with one another. Theodore nodded in understanding, leaning down to Pansy’s ear. “I assume you helped… I don’t think Draco wouldn’t have done it anytime soon otherwise.”

“I can hear you,” Draco announced, pink dusting his cheeks as he sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck, “And I would’ve eventually… though I’m glad Pansy helped…”

“Of course I had to,” Pansy smiled proudly, “And look how it turned out. I’m great at what I do.”

“You mean not minding your own business?”

“DRACO!”

———

Permanent Tags;

You were about to dive into your meal when the daily owl post arrived. A heavy package dropped in front of you which almost made you spill your drink. You took the envelope attached to it and opened it.

—

Our dearest Y/N,

Your father and I could practically feel the excitement in your letter! Don’t worry sweetheart, we know how much you’re looking forward to it. We will make sure to get you the finest gown there is so our lovely daughter could outshine everyone! Oh, and by the way, I’m not really sure which record you were specifically asking for so I just sent everything. You know your dear mother is not familiar with your belongings. 

Anyways, I hope you have fun in the ball, dear! We’ll send you your gown as soon as we get it made. We love you!

Love, 

Mother

—

No wonder the package was heavy. You took it from the table and placed it underneath. After placing the letter in your pocket, you grabbed your spoon and started eating.

“So Y/N, has anyone asked you out for the dance yet?” Pansy asked. You looked up from your meal and saw that Draco was looking at you. You smiled at him and his eyes quickly darted to his right, a blush creeping up his face. You didn’t notice this since you immediately looked at Pansy to answer her question. 

“None yet, actually.” You replied. “Although with a partner or not, I’m pretty sure I’ll be able to enjoy the ball.” You took a sip from your orange juice as Pansy pointed at the Hufflepuff table. “I heard from someone that Macmillan is actually planning to ask you to the ball.” You were caught off guard with what Pansy said that you choked on your drink, resulting in orange juice coming out of your nose. You knew she was bluffing, she must be, but just the mere thought of someone thinking about asking you out surprised you.

You quickly hid your face in embarrassment as you heard the rest of your friends laugh, save for Draco, who had his arm stretched out, handkerchief in hand. “You’re such a klutz, Y/N.” He said as he pressed his handkerchief into your face. You just pouted at him in response and wiped your face clean. 

“I wonder what would happen to Y/N if Draco wasn’t around.” Blaise said in a joking manner. Draco nudged him with his elbow, hard enough that he almost fell off his seat. Such a shame that he didn’t fall completely.

You and Draco have known each other since who knows when. Your mother often scheduled you to playdates with other kids from pureblood families which led you to Draco. For some reason, your mother realized that you and the Malfoy heir got along well that most of your playdates were now with Draco. Not that you mind, you actually enjoyed his company. He would talk about the things he would love to do once he’s all grown up and you enjoyed listening to him. He once mentioned that he wanted to be the best quidditch player in the entire wizarding world, which you cheered him on. 

When you both got your Hogwarts letter, you swore that you’ll both make sure to be in the same house. Slytherin, to be exact. Obviously, that went well seeing you’re all currently sitting at the Slytherin table, eating breakfast with your friends.

“I’m pretty sure I could manage without Draco, Blaise.” You glared at him, which made him laugh more.

“Then who will hand you a handkerchief if you got orange juice running down your no —OW” Blaise howled in pain as you kicked his shin from underneath the table. Pansy shrieked in laughter and you caught Draco cracking a smile. 

“You two cut it out, there are people who are actually eating.” Theo said as he shoved a spoonful of pancakes in his mouth.

“Anyways,” Pansy interjected. “How about you boys? Asked anyone out for the ball yet? Have any girls in mind?” She straightened her back and grinned at the boys in front of her. Pansy leaned over to your side.

”I bet you five galleons none of them have asked anyone yet.” You smirked as you glanced at Theo. “Alright.” You agreed.

“Actually, I’ve already asked someone and she said yes.” Theo boasted. 

Pansy crossed her arm and huffed as she handed you five galleons which you quickly placed in your pockets. You knew Theo had already asked someone, but who it was, you have no idea.

“No way,” Draco said in disbelief. “You got a date before me? This is unbelievable.” 

“Who did you ask?” Blaise asked, his face filled with curiosity.

“Daphne Greengrass” Theo grinned at the two boys in front of him.

You and Pansy shared a surprised look. Daphne agreed to be Theo’s date? What a world. You were definitely asking her about this later. Your eyes met Pansy’s. As if reading your thoughts, you both nodded. You two are DEFINITELY going to ask her later.

You suddenly remembered the package that you placed under the table and brought it to your lap. You were glad that the Slytherin common room has a record player. Breakfast wasn’t even halfway done when you stood up and excused yourself. Draco shot you a confused look.

“Where are you going?” He asked.

“I’m going back to the dorms to put these in my room.” You gestured to the package in your arms. “Also the first class doesn’t start in two hours so maybe I’ll just hang in the common room or something.” You smiled at them one last time before heading out.

You quickly made your way to the dungeons and into the Slytherin common room. You whispered the password and went inside as fast as you can. The common room is empty, just like you expected. Everyone’s either in the Great Hall or walking around school, making their way to their first class which means one thing: You have the entire common room to yourself.

Quickly, you opened your package, grabbed a record from it, and made your way to the record player. You made one last look around to make sure you were really alone before finally putting down the player’s reproducer. A familiar tune —your favorite tune—  started playing and you started dancing along with it.

You missed doing this back in your own room. Your favorite tune softly playing in the background as you move your body to the rhythm. The wind blowing through your open windows. You were so lost in the music that you didn’t notice that a certain blonde boy was standing by the common room’s entrance, watching every move you make.

“I haven’t seen you do that dance in a while.” You squealed in surprise when you noticed Draco standing by the entrance, watching you.

“How long have you been standing there?” You asked, face turning red as you quickly turned off the music. Draco gave out a genuine laugh that made your heart flutter. You rarely hear him laugh in a way that’s not mocking or insulting nowadays. 

“Oh please, don’t act so embarrassed. It’s not like I haven’t seen you do that multiple times when we were kids.” He made his way to where you were standing. 

He wasn’t wrong. You two actually shared a few dance lessons back then. You have no clue why it was necessary, but it’s not like you cared. To you, it just means you get to spend more time with Draco.

“In fact, I’m pretty sure I can still recall this one certain dance you taught me.” He sneered as he started the music. You were surprised that he still remembers it to this day. It’s been years since you taught him about it, after all. He bowed in front of you and stretched out his arm.

“May I have this dance?”

—

“Come on, Draco!” You grabbed Draco by his arm. You two were around 10 years old and your dance lessons for today has just finished “I promise you this is going to be an easy dance. If that’s what you’re worried about.” The blonde boy rolled his eyes but allowed himself to get pulled by you anyway.

“It’s not that I’m worried it’s going to be a difficult dance.” He pulled his arm away. “I just think it’s ridiculous.” He scoffed, crossing his arms across his chest. “Besides, today’s lesson was tiring. Aren’t you tired?” “Nope!” You exclaimed as you reached for your favorite record. “Please Draco, just do this dance with me, pretty please???” You held both of your hands together and tried your best to make a pleading face. Draco sighed and gave in.

“Alright. But I’m only doing it this time.” 

You squealed as you started the music. You took both his hands in yours and pressed your palms against his. 

“Ok, so it goes like this…”

—

You took Draco’s hand and squeaked when he pulled you closer to him. He pressed his palms against yours and did the steps you taught him years ago flawlessly. When he pulled you in and wrapped you around his arms, you felt your heart beat faster. You’ve done so many dances with him before but for some reason, this one felt different from the others. When his hands gently stroked your arm, you felt butterflies flutter in your stomach. 

You pulled away from him, rather harshly, which surprised Draco. You were trying to calm yourself down and making sure your face didn’t look like you just ate a bag of Pepper Imps.

“What’s wrong?” He asked, his voice laced with concern. He turned off the music and placed a hand on your shoulder. “You okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine just —  ” You paused. What were you going to say?  “I’m fine I just felt like my heart’s about to explode when I got close to you”? Of course not. You are never telling anyone that. “Just remembered I left something important in the Great Hall!” You panicked and returned your record to its container. For a moment, you swore you saw Draco frown, but it was gone and replaced with a neutral expression in a blink of an eye.

“Anyways, there’s actually a reason  why I followed you here.” He said, a slight blush flooding his face and up to the tip of his ears. You tilted your head to the side in confusion.

“I was gonna as — ”

“That something important better be us, Y/N!” Pansy yelled as she barged in the common room. Behind her was Blaise, Theo, Crabbe, and Goyle. Pansy threw herself on the couch as the others just made their way to the other seats.

“So,” Blaise looked at you, a grin plastered on his face. “What are the two lovebirds doing in the common room by themselves?” 

You didn’t even realize it, but your face was so red you could’ve blended into the curtains in the Gryffindor common room. Draco was blushing as well but covered it up with a cough. He grabbed a pillow from Pansy and threw it directly at Blaise, which he avoided. 

“Bug off, Blaise.” He said as he sat on one of the chairs. You shook your head, trying to shake off the heat on your face and sat beside Pansy. 

“What are you guys doing here anyway?” You asked.

They all looked at you as if you’ve gone mad.

“Y/N” Pansy took a deep breath, placing her hands on both of your shoulders.

“We’re classmates. We share the same schedule, you idiot.”

Oh. Right. You totally remembered that.

“Oh.” was all that you managed to say. Everyone started laughing at you, including Draco. “Merlin, why is every embarrassing thing happening to me today. I don’t deserve this”  You thought.

You grabbed the pillow Draco threw at Blaise and buried your face in it.

The portrait of the common room’s entrance opened and everyone’s head turned to look (except you, you just peaked from the pillow with one eye as you refuse to show your flustered face) who has entered and it was one of the prettiest girls in your year—oh, and also your friend—Daphne.

“Daph!” You exclaimed as you jumped from your seat to her direction. Daphne had a surprised expression on her face as you grabbed her hand and led her to the girls’ dormitories, Pansy just right behind you. 

The boys were confused when you all left but shrugged it off as soon as the three of you were gone.

“They’re probably going to talk about me.” Theo interrupted the silence.

“Don’t be so full of yourself, mate.” Blaise snorted. “Besides,” He moved his gaze from Theo to Draco. “You didn’t answer my question earlier. What were you and Y/N doing before we arrived.” His grin was so wide that Draco got tempted to just go ahead and bury his fist on his face.

“None of your business.” He replied as he sat on the spot where Pansy was just sitting and laid himself on the couch.

Blaise sighed and gave up on pestering Draco. There was silence between them. Theo had his nose deep in a book, Blaise was now staring at the fireplace, and Crabbe and Goyle were nowhere to be seen. Draco then thought about what happened earlier. Why did Y/N suddenly pull herself away from him? He hoped he didn’t make her uncomfortable. 

He closed his eyes and tried to remember your dancing figure. Your hands swayed as you danced gracefully. He remembered those times where you and he would dance in front of visitors whenever they attended a party. You would always grab him and ask him to dance with you whenever music starts playing. He would rest his hands on your waist and the rest of the world just seemed to fade away.

He was determined to have you as his partner for the Yule Ball. He wouldn’t have it otherwise. His mind lingered on something Pansy said earlier during breakfast. 

“I heard from someone that Macmillan is actually planning to ask you to the ball.”

He’d be damned if some puny Hufflepuff managed to beat him into asking Y/N. Whether Pansy was bluffing or not wasn’t his concern. He was going to make sure he gets to ask you first. 

Meanwhile, in the girls’ dormitories, You and Pansy have been pestering Daphne about her agreeing to be Theo’s partner for the ball. Daphne sat on one of the beds as you and Pansy sat on the floor across her.

“Come on Daph, you didn’t even make him beg for it.” Pansy huffed and pouted. She crossed her arms across her chest and looked at your direction. “Right, Y/N?”

You purse your lips as you looked at Pansy then at Daphne. Well, making Theo beg was probably too much, but it’s Pansy. She’d probably have someone get down on their

knees if they want her to be their partner. “How exactly did he ask you?” You raised an eyebrow at Daphne, who was furiously blushing. 

“It wasn’t really that extra.” She said. “He just came up to me the other day after class and asked me. He was really flustered and I thought he looked cute…” Daphne trailed off as she set her gaze on the floor, probably trying to remember how Theo looked back then.

Pansy sighed and fixed her gaze at you. 

“What about you?” She asked

“What about me?”

“What were you and Draco doing before we arrived?”

You felt the blood in your face rising again. You shook your head in an attempt to get rid of it. “Nothing, really.” You blurted. Pansy wasn’t convinced.

“Nothing my ass!” She exclaimed. “Draco immediately followed you after you left and you’re telling me that nothing happened? You’re not really a great liar, Y/N.” 

“Alright, fine.” You held your hands up in defeat. 

“We were just talking.” You lied. “It was nothing much. I left because I wanted to have the common room to myself when I saw him standing by the entrance.” You glanced at the two women. They were looking at you expectantly, waiting for you to finish your story. You didn’t really want to tell them about that dance you and Draco shared. It was something personal.

“Please no more questions.” You thought. You were already in conflict with yourself especially with how you felt when Draco was so close to you. Pansy’s incessant questioning wouldn’t help at all.

As if hearing your plea, you heard Blaise’s voice echo from downstairs.

“Hey, Pansy! Y/N! We’re going to head out. You girls coming or what?”

Pansy sighed and stood up. You and Daphne followed as the three of you grabbed your robes and bags and quickly made your way downstairs. 

Once you reached the common room, you saw the boys waiting for you by the room’s entrance. You looked at Draco, who happened to be looking at you as well. You made your way to his side as all of you walked out of the Slytherin common room and made your way to your first class, which was Potions.

“So, what did the three of you talk about?” Draco asked. You just shrugged.

“Nothing much. We just asked Daphne how Theo asked her out for the ball and it wasn’t even that exciting.” You said, leaving out the part where Pansy asked what the two of you were doing before they arrived. 

The rest of the journey to the Potion’s classroom was filled with silence, save for Pansy occasionally whispering about random students and making fun of them. 

Your entire group entered the classroom and you made your way to the nearest table. Pansy sat beside you while Draco and Blaise sat across the two of you. You were unpacking your materials when you heard a group of Hufflepuffs entering the classroom. You noticed that Macmillan was one of them. He turned his head and the two of you made brief eye contact before you both looked away, blushing. “ Oh, dear.”  You thought.  “Maybe Pansy wasn’t bluffing.”

You didn’t notice Draco’s jaws tightening in front of you. He clenched his fist around his book as he watched the scene in front of him unfold. Just as he was about to get up from his seat to approach Macmillan, Snape arrived and everyone was already in their seats. Snape then started talking about the ingredients to a certain potion he didn’t quite catch. He took one last glance to where Macmillan sat and instantly regretted it. He was looking at you. It made his blood boil. He was now more determined to ask you out as soon as possible.

—

Snape had dismissed the class a little early. You packed your items and made your way outside the classroom with your friends. You were walking beside Draco when you noticed him slowing down.

“What’s wrong, Draco?” You asked, slowing down as well to keep up with his pace.

Draco waited for a bit to make sure the rest of your friends were at a certain distance before he began to speak.

“About what I was going to tell you earlier…” He trailed off. You remember him saying something just right before Pansy interrupted him. It slipped your mind and you wouldn’t really have remembered it if he didn’t mention it.

“It’s now or never.” Draco thought. He took a deep breath.

“I was going to ask y-”

“Hey, Y/L/N” a voice once again interrupted Draco. You turned to your back to see who it was.