#potter verse reader insert

“Josh is taking me to Hogsmeade” You smile “Like I told you last week?”

“Would remember if you told me, sweetheart” He grinned which made his brown eyes shine “So… Is it a date?”

“You really didn’t listen to a thing I said” You sighed, remembering the study afternoon quite clearly. You went to the library together to write your stupid potion essay. And while you worked and told him all about Josh and his adorable blush, Fred seemed more concerned with a recent prank on the teachers table. Really it was for the best that you’d given up hope he’d ever notice you as more than a study partner and occasional prank help.

“Wait… you were serious about letting potion Josh take you out?” Fred looked at you funny and stopped walking. Since his arm was still firm around your shoulder you were forced to a stop too. “Potion Josh? (Y/n), you know you can do better than that.”

“Actually I think he’s really nice and sweet” you told him firmly, hiding the surprise he actually remember anything about your conversation at all.

“And since when do you want nice and sweet?” Fred raised his eyebrows in question as he turned to face you. In a dramatic gesture he put his hands on both your shoulder and looked you right in the eyes to get his point across firmly “You’re a trouble maker, sweetheart. You don’t play it safe with a blushing and probably stuttering idiot.”

“Hey don’t be mean” You protested half-heartedly. You knew he was right, but since the guy you wanted wasn’t interested and Josh was cute enough, you didn’t see any reason why you shouldn’t give nice and sweet a try. Worst case the date went horrible and you’d never look again at each other in class. Really you had nothing to lose.

“Cancel your plans” Fred suddenly insisted “I want to show you something.”

“I’m not cancelling a date because you say so” You insisted shaking your head.

“Come on. Just ask for a rain check. I want to prove to you that he’s not even close to what you want.”

“Since when do you know what I want?”

“Cancel and I’ll show you.”

You shook you head, but Fred had gotten you curious. With a sigh you nodded your agreement and went to find Josh to ask for that rain check.

The two of you made plans to meet by the lake next weekend and you told him a million times how sorry you were for having to postpone. Apart from where he looked totally devastated when he thought you’d cancel altogether it went fine. If an almost crying year five student was considered fine. For a moment you could see where Fred was coming from. Apparently in this case nice and sweet came in a package with insecure and a tendency to cry. Not exactly what you wanted. But maybe it was just an initial thing who knew.

“You keep me from a date to hide in a supply closet from Filch” You were shaking with laughter while trying to actively suppress it. Right after you had cancelled plans with Josh, Fred had grabbed your hand to pull you towards the great hall.

You were now first-hand participant in the prank he had planned the other day. Unfortunately his panning hadn’t foreseen Filch checking in after he heard you giggling. While he searched under every table in the whole hall you had sneaked out, finding a hiding place in the closest closet.

And there you were now, pressed together in the small space both trying not to give away your whereabouts by laughing too loud.

“Well if you hadn’t been so loud…” His voice trailed off teasingly.

“Oh I’m sorry who dropped the red paint bucket?” You asked raising an eyebrow at the cheeky Weasley. The plan had involved lots and lots of Gryffindor red paint and the chair of a teacher who would most certainly object to the colour choice, Professor Snape.

“You distracted me” Fred claimed, trying to raise his hands to look innocent. But the closet was too small, all he did accomplish was creating noise and making you tip over to fall against him.

“I did literally nothing that could have distracted you” You claimed as he shifted some more. Now his arms were holding you in place, still pressed right against him. You were so close you could feel his chest rise and fall from breathing.

“You did” His voice only a whisper now “Wanna know what?” You nodded and could instantly feel him shift some more. His hot breath was right next to your ear now as he leaned closer. For a moment your heart seemed to stand still. What was he even doing? “You were looking absolutely gorgeous, laughing at my poorly planned prank and still all dressed up for that nerd from class.”

“Fred…”

“Listen to me, (y/n), please? I made you laugh and I know you really want to go out with him. But think about it. Is his boring ass really what you want? I can make you smile, take you on stupid adventures and if you insist I’ll even take you on silly couple walks on Valentines and stuff.”

“Fred… what…”

“All I’m trying to say is, what does that clown have that I don’t? You like being crazy and silly. You’re not boring like him. You’re the coolest girl I know actually.”

You could hear the frustration and confusion in his voice. Never would you have thought laidback Fred Weasley could get so worked up over something. But here he was rambling about why he was so much better for you than your date. A smile formed on your lips, starting small but soon forming a wide grin. Fred Weasley was jealous!

Before he could get both of you caught and put in detention you decided to shut him up. Standing on your tiptoes you firmly pressed your lips onto his. At first he was utterly shocked and even tensed up. After a moment he recovered and returned the kiss passionately, holding onto your shoulder like he never wanted to let go.

When you had to pull away for air you saw the loopy smile on his lips. You wanted to judge him till you felt a similar one on your own lips.

“Be quiet or we’ll have our first date in detention” You winked at him.

“Ever gonna tell her?” One of his team mates asked, a knowing smile on his face as he followed Cedric’s line of sight. The captain only sighted, shaking his head.

“She’s got only eyes for one player” Cedric answered dramatically, finally taking his eyes off of you. He didn’t know what you saw in Potter, but he wouldn’t make a fool of himself by attempting to take the girl from Harry freaking Potter.

Cedric walked off to get changed just in time to miss the look you were throwing his way. You had come down to talk to your friend Harry, once again hoping Cedric might come over to talk. But whenever you were around he never seemed to stick around and congratulated the winning team like he usually did. You started to suspect it had something to do with you, because normally Cedric was a good sport and not one for sulking after a loss.

“I love seeing you, (Y/n)” Harry started following your longing look “But maybe I’m not the one you should talk to right now.”

“He’s already left anyway” You sighted, tearing your eyes away from where Cedric had been seconds ago “So I’ve got all the time in the world for my favourite Gryffindor seeker.”

“I would be so honoured if we had any other seeker on the team” Harry laughed and pulled his arm around you. You laughed too till Harry let out a sharp hiss of pain at raising his arm. Immediately you changed into protective friend mode. You knew it!

“That bludger did get you, you fucking liar” You hissed at him. He had told you he was totally fine when you came down to check. Damn him and playing strong quidditch player. Pushing his hands away from where he was holding his side, you started to lift his shirt to check out the already bruising skin.

“Damn you, Harry Potter, I swear to everything…” Before you could finish that sentence however someone was wolf-whistling. Still mad you snapped your head around to see Cedric and his team leave the changing rooms. Some of them were grinning at you still holding Harry shirt, dirty smirks on their faces. You didn’t have time to check if Cedric was being an asshole like his team, because one of them spoke up. “Hey, get a room!”

“No defiling the field, man!”

Your eyes bore angrily into that guys eyes and for a second the smirk was wiped of his face. No one was an asshole to your friends and some quidditch jock wouldn’t talk to either of you like that. You were about to tell him exactly what you thought of him, when Harry got hold of your hand.

“He’s not worth it” He told you quietly “I can think of something more fun than listening to these clowns anyway.”

Finally your eyes drifty by Cedric when you tried to turn back towards Harry to send your friend a confused look. Cedric looked like he was going to be sick. Great, your crush was sick by the mere idea of someone actually wanting you and your friend Harry was about to get rumours about your non-existent sex life started. Sometimes you hated guys.

“Come on, baby” Harry actually purred, which made you almost busted out laughing. If he was this terrible a flirt with Cho too you finally understood why she wouldn’t want to go out with him. “Let’s get out of here?”

You were about to laugh and tell him sure whatever baby, but someone else found his words first. And hell was that a surprise.

“Potter!” Cedric was yelling across the field making his way over with big steps and eyes filled with determination. He seemed super pissed and for a second you were worried he’d take the whole defiling the holy quidditch field serious. His eyes were serious and sparked with anger. The two of you were clearly in trouble.

When the captain of the Hufflepuff team reached the two of you his hand landed protectively on your shoulder. No idea what was happening now you shot him a confused look, but he totally ignored you still glaring daggers at Harry.

“Leave her alone, Potter” He growled “The whole school knows you’re into Cho. (Y/n) won’t be second best for your arrogant ass.”

“She was about to say she’d come” Harry challenged right back “Weren’t you, baby? Don’t listen to Cedric here, it’s not like he cares anyway. He’s just pissed he lost. Again.”

Slowly the wheels in your brain clicked. The so untypical smirk on Harry lips and the way he rubbed the win in Cedric’s face were so unlike him. Plus the Gryffindor seeker hadn’t once in his life been sure about a girl. He’d probably apologize in an hour or so for even trying to call you baby. He was way too sweet to fit the role of quidditch jock. Tough Cedric seemed to buy it alright.

His hand tightened on your shoulder when he shot Harry one last dirty glare before spinning you so you would face him. His eyes softened when he looked at you and he had to swallow before he could actually talk to you. “(Y/n), you’re better than that. He doesn’t like you like you deserve. You… ahm… deserve the world, you know. Not some player who is head over heels for someone else.”

“Uhhh maybe he does care…” Harry was about to get punched and you’d later have to thank him so much for doing this. If the way Cedric looked at you was any indication, making him jealous was exactly what he needed.

“Damn right I care” His eyes softened and he brought up a hand to run through his hair. They were sicking adorably out in every direction when his brown eyes focused on you like you were suddenly the centre of the world “(y/n), you’re the most amazing girl I ever met. You’re smart, funny and you care so much about your friends. I don’t even know how someone so kind and loving can exist and here you are about to waste all your love on some idiot like Potter.”

The smile that was spreading on your lips irritated Cedric a little. You could see the sudden confusion and uneasiness in his stunning eyes. Minus the drama, this was everything you had ever dreamed about.

“Stop calling my friend an idiot and I’ll let you take me out to Hogsmeade on Saturday” You informed him as casually as you could with your heart beating loudly in your chest “I’ve got the feeling that with you – how did you put it? – my love wouldn’t be wasted.”

"Pansy, how was your day?" You asked staring at her oh so kissable and perfect lips. Then her stunning eyes looked at you in confusion, eyebrows high and lips slighty in a frown. How could a single person be so perfect?

"Okay I guess" Pansy answered reluctantly "You sick or something?"

"She must be…" Draco muttered, not able to make sense of any of your sudden behaviour. What had gotten into you? You normally didn't like Pansy one bit, something about her being Draco’s ex and her being a total bitch towards you.

"I'm perfectly fine. Thank you for asking." You smiled at Pansy while you played with your hair, trying to look as seductive as you possibly could with that huge as grin plastered on your face. "Did anyone tell you today how great Slytherin green looks on you, Pansy? It's amazing and your eyes sparkle so much brighter."

"What the hell is wrong with you?" The girl opposite you shriek, her voice a little higher than normal - Which was an achievement in itself. "Draco, will you get your moron pet under control?"

"Will you not call her that?" Draco ordered harshly, he always hated how Pansy would talk you down all to spite Draco. He knew full well how she would take him back in a heartbeat, simply because of the status that came with dating a Malfoy.

"Pansy" You batted your eyes lashes as best as you could while not wanting to look away from her marvellous face for a second "Let me be your pet, please? I'll pet your beautiful hair all afternoon if you want."

"That's enough" Draco slammed his hands on the table loud enough to make the other tables look over. There was anger written all over his handsome face and his hands were slightly shaking. "I don't know what you’re playing, (y/n), but this will end now."

"Who died and put you in charge, Malfoy?" You hissed back, now annoyed and angry with the boy too. "If I want to be nice to Pansy, you're the last person to forbid it! You dumbed her, although she deserves the world. It’s your own fault for not seeing that."

With an angry whoosh and almost all of the great hall starring at you, you ran out. After a less public fight Draco would always follow you and talk to you, he valued your relationship enough to know that if you let a girl ran off angry there's a good chance that's the last you see of her. However he also knew that whatever was wrong with you now, your normal self would hate him for making this even more of a public spectacular. So the young man sat at the table, raised eyebrow and showed outwardly no care in the world, while all of his inside screamed to find you and figure this out.

The rest of the lunch break was spent starring at Pansy, who seemed way too amused by your new behaviour, and rolling his eyes at the even gigglier Gryffindor’s. Draco hated the school and most people. The only one who truly made this place worth it was you.

"Heya, Malfoy" Oh great the Weasley twins as if his day could get any worse "So Ron mentioned you're a bit of an ass towards him and Harry. Jealous cos you didn't get into the Tournament? Or jealous cos both your girls rather hook up with each other than a slimy ferret?"

Suddenly it dawned on Malfoy. Of course it would be Hogwarts chaos twins to mess with the one person he really cared about. No one else would dare touch you.

"Oh please" Draco tried his best sarcasm while internally furiously yelling at the useless idiots "I'm simply enjoying the show. As you're saying they're my girls."

And with that he turned and walked towards the dungeons. He really wished he were as calm and collected as he pretended to be, but there was his heart that was beating a little faster and his hands that twisted restless. He needed to figure this out and get you back.

"Professor" Draco knocked on his house teacher’s door. It was almost curfew but he had to talk someone who know his potions. Any other time he would have asked you since you usually helped rescue him in potions class. He wouldn't have passed any exams over the last years, even before you got together, without your passion for the subject and your amazing patience. Especially your unbelievable patience was one of the things he loved so much about you.

"Come in" Snape’s annoyed voice was gruff and Draco braced himself to face whatever grim mood he might be in today. As he opened the door he saw Hogwarts most feared teacher at his desk most likely grading papers. Damn he was always in the worst mood when grading.

"What can I do for you, Mr Malfoy?" Anybody else would have gotten kicked out already, Draco knew that he was in the good books with the professor despite his obvious lack in potion skills - Being a Malfoy had his perks.

"It’s about (y/n)" Draco started to explain only to get a raised eyebrow from his teacher.

"Don't tell me it's about her almost swooning whenever your ex so much as looked at her today?" Snape crossed his arms after putting the essay he was grading away. This matter had his whole attention now.

"I'm afraid it is, professor. I suspect someone slipping her a love potion"

"Love potion?" Snape sighted exaggerated "Why can't you morons listen to simple instructions? No love potions. Not on Valentine's day. Not any other day."

"Can you fix her?" Draco burst out a hopeful light in his eyes that almost turned pleading "Please?"

That made Snape’s unreadable face slip for a second, he looked genuinely surprised before his expression settled into a softer form of unreadable.

"You really like this girl don't you?" If it weren't Severus Snape sitting there Draco would have assumed it was understanding in his eyes. But that couldn't be, so all Draco could do was nod with a slight blush on his pale face. He did indeed care about you a lot.

"We'll get her back." Draco was surprised by the softer tone, it wasn't like Snape to be an understanding and helpful man. "I'll make some reverse potion that should work on most love spells - If they won't wear off on their own within 12 hours."

"So she might be fine in the morning?"

"Mostly likely, yes." Snape nodded "If she still makes goo goo eyes at Mrs Parkinson come and see me before class."

Draco let a sight of relieve leave his lips, you would be fine. Back to normal, back to being his. A smile appeared on his face, a bright one no one had really seen on him in years - except you, his favourite reason to smile.

"Thank you so much" Draco breathed.

"You're welcome… Draco" Snape nodded towards his door, the softness had vanished from his face but not his eyes "I believe it's time for curfew. Good night, Mr Malfoy."

"Yes. Good night, professor. And thank you."

"Morning" You whispered groggily, falling into your seat next to Draco. Your head was thumbing, all your muscles arched and you generally felt absolutely horrible. Whatever you did yesterday, you were never doing it again.

"Morning" Draco replied with a wary and distant expression. All of your alarm bells rang at the sight, you knew Draco and his signs, and something was not okay. A frown showed on your face as you concentrated very hard on remembering yesterday. What the hell did you do?

Before you could ask the question aloud a smirking Pansy fell into the seat across from you. You seriously hated the girl, not just because she was Draco’s full of herself, snobby ex, but because she had been only dating Draco for his last name. Stupid bitch didn’t even know a good thing when it was right in front of her.

"Why, good morning, (y/n)" Her smirk only grew "How do you like my stunning hair today?"

The question confused you. What was she on about? You studied her hair closely, but couldn't see anything special about it. It was the same brown as always.

"Pansy, they're the same as every day?" You answered unsure still studying her god damn hair. "Did I miss something?"

"Not… hmm… what was that?" Pansy’s smirk didn't even falter "Stunning? Perfect? Extraordinary pretty?"

"Did someone hex her?" You asked Draco "That's a lot of arrogant bullshit even for her."

"Pfff" Pansy huffed her face growing a little red with anger "I liked you so much better yesterday"

And with that she left the breakfast table and her half eaten food, storming off towards the exit of the great hall. Your confusion only increased, seriously what was wrong with everyone today? Draco was distant, seemingly not even in the mood for a morning kiss and Pansy was just plain crazy.

"Anyone wanna explain?" You asked the table, but Crabbe and Goyle only focused on their food (typical) and Draco seemed lost in thought. Igh whatever, no one had world-changing ideas before breakfast, you poked Draco into the side getting him out of his thoughts and his whole attention finally on you.

"Draco, what the hell is going on?" You demanded "My head hurts, you won’t even look at me and Pansy is going nuts. A little explanation, please?"

"So you don't think Pansy is the most stunning girl in the world?" He asked with a raised eyebrow and a slow smile appearing on his lips.

"Ew gross"

"So I guess the potion wore off" His smile turned from a teasing smile into a genuine one, his eyes light up into an expression full of care and relief. For a moment it literally took your breath away to see all of that, but soon your brain you caught on to what else he said.

"Potion?!"

"Love potions" He clarified with a bitter and sarcastic undertone “The Wealeys send their love."

"I'm going to hex their sorry asses six ways to Sunday."

"After breakfast, you look like you just came back from the dead" He put his hand on yours and it was your turn to smile. Although most people didn't see this side of him, Draco was one of the most sensitive and caring guys you ever met.

"(Y/n)" You introduced "We went to school together?" Your words seemed to only confuse him further, his brows frowned as he wiped some blonde hair away from his face, his hair was same as his clothing soaking wet from the rain. A sympathetic shiver went through your warm body as you noticed his less than suitable clothing. What was he doing out here?

Malfoy never answered, giving any sign of recognition, with the next lightning bolt he jumped and fell. You didn't have any time to react before his body hit the ground and dark red blood started to slowly rinse down the side of his face. As soon as you got your nerves back you knelt in the dirt to see how bad it was, the blood was a steady but fortunately small stream but the Malfoy heir wouldn't open his eyes. You grabbed your wand to make the bleeding stop, but still no sign of life from the unconscious man. Panicking your hand tried to find a pulse on his neck, but in your state you couldn't tell if the soft thumbing was your own heart beat or really his.

The decision came easy after that, you snuck your arms around his unconscious and hopefully still alive body before apparating outside your home. You carried him the last couple of feet, the door flying open automatically for the two of you, and you put him on the sofa. Already your brain was filled with old classes, herbology and some healing spells, but as soon as your eyes landed on his unconscious body your head seemed empty once again.

Taking a deep breath you teared your eyes off him to check some books. You kept some of your old school supplies in some box somewhere, it had to be somewhere. Deciding to settle on basic muggle methods instead of uselessly searching for some outdated spell work, you ran into your kitchen to boil the kettle. After getting all you needed you made your way back with hot water, a clean towel and a bucket. While you were gone Draco’s facial expression had softened, he didn't look half dead anymore with a least a bit more colour to his normally pale face and his form relaxed to look almost asleep. Never had you seen him so peaceful.

"Malfoy?" You asked careful, not wanting to wake him while also desperately needing to reassure yourself that he was okay. When he didn't react to your voice you went over to sit on the couch next to him. Tenderly you pressed the towel to his face, washing away left over blood while also trying to warm him up by wrapping a magic blanket around him. You could have sworn he snuggled into the warmth and the sight made your heart jump a little.

His eyes opened slowly a couple of minutes later, confusion and shock written all over them. He pushed your hand away and sat up, immediately regretting the sudden movement.

"Careful" You said pushing him back down "You hit your head pretty good"

"Figures" Was all he said as he let himself be laid down again "What happened?"

"I… I'm not sure" You admitted "I was walking when we wet. Then there was a lightning bolt and you jumped."

"So we know each other?"

"Not really. We went to school together, remember?" You studied his face, fascinated and a little scared how you saw so many thoughts and emotions rush over it, while in the end settling on blank. "You don't remember. Well would have surprised me." You shrugged a bit hurt that he didn't even remember after all he did to you in school, but really you weren't surprised. He was a Malfoy through and through.

"You're from school" Malfoy muttered more to himself "I was outside in a storm…" He sighted shaking his head, anger now evited on his face "Why would I do that?" Even more emotions mixed in with the anger, his eyes grow restless until a sharp hiss of pain escaped his lips and he touched his head.

"Hey" Tenderly your hand landed on his arm "Careful with that head. You banged it pretty hard, remember?"

"I don't." Suddenly he was shaking, the second hand found his head and he curled up, both hands wrapped around his throbbing head. "I don't remember anything. Not school, not you, no storm… There is nothing but black and pain in my head."

The emotional outburst surprised you to say the least. Draco Malfoy had always been the bully who talked down others but would hide behind his daddy when things got tough for him. Him being emotional wasn't something you'd seen in all your years in Hogwarts.

"I'm sure it will come back" You tried to reassure him "For now… I'm (Y/n). Pleased to meet you, Draco Malfoy." With a reluctant face he pulled away one of his hands from his head, you sent him a reassuring smile as he took your hand in his to shake it. "Pleased to meet you, Miss."

"Morning" You called into your living room but got the reply from your kitchen. Upon entering you saw Malfoy at the table just staring at his folded hands.

"Early riser?" You asked casually while standing in the door frame.

"Couldn't sleep" He sighted "I tried to remember something."

You didn't need to ask if he came to any sort of conclusion, his slouched down position was answer enough, his memory was still gone. So instead you decided to change the topic.

"You hungry? I feel like waffles" Without waiting for a reply - because who would pass homemade waffles for breakfast - you swung your wand and your whole kitchen started to move. Malfoy’s eyes followed the flying flour package as everything went into bowl. A smile crept onto your face as you saw his stunned expression.

"Haven't been in a magic kitchen in s while?" You asked amused "I promise they taste amazing"

"I'm sure they will"

"Your waffles are amazing” Malfoy admitted over his still stocked plate.

"Thank you"

"So what do you do?" He asked casually as if you'd been friends for years, all his reluctance around you gone this morning. For some reason he seemed to trust you. "I can't really tell you much about myself"

"I'm working for the ministry. Nothing fancy and horribly paid, but I like it." You smiled thinking about your job.

"What is it exactly you do?" He kept asking "You seem to really like it"

"Education department. And how would you know?"

"Your eyes do this twinkle thing when you’re amused or happy. Waffles made you smile. And so does talking about your job." For a moment you were stunned by his observation. Malfoy wasn't even with you for a day but he already started to pick up on the little things about out. You weren't sure how to feel about that.

"Oh…" Was your very intelligent reply.

"Can you tell me about school?" He asked all of a sudden with an eager expression, his eyes shining curious like you never saw them before. All together the Malfoy sitting at the breakfast table with you was nothing like the boy you got to know in school, his nose wasn't high up in the air, his voice no shrill pitching and he wasn't talking to you like you were any less than him. To your own surprise you found the young man opposite you quite enjoyable company.

"Not much to trigger memories I'm afraid. We weren't friends or anything" You replied while sipping some tea. It wasn't a lie, but also far from the truth. You could tell him a hundred and one stories about how he made fun of you or called you degrading nicknames. But for some reason you didn't want this way nicer version of Draco Malfoy to know about that part of his past, at least this grown up Malfoy deserved better.

"You went to Slytherin" You smiled remembering your first day "Been the seeker of your house team. Oh and we had some classes together. I remember you being pretty good in some of them."

"Did we talk? Back then I mean" He paused a second before averting his eyes "You seem like a nice person, (Y/n)."

"No" you answered quickly, stunned by his admission "Ahm… I guess it just never seemed to click. We're probably just a bit too different."

"How so?" His eyes widened a little "We're talking now. And for not even remembering to know you, you seem like a very decent person. You took me in with a head injury and now you put up with all my stupid questions. I would have been an idiot for not appreciating kindness in someone."

"A bump in the head really changes a person huh?"

“What do you mean?"

"Nothing, I better clean up and get some work done." You rose from your seat quickly, not looking directly at Malfoy but muttering a quick spell to make the kitchen clean up. "Feel free to… I don't know wander the house or something." And with that and very conflicted emotions, you left a very confused man in your kitchen.

"Made you some tea" A voice called from the door of your study as you turned you noticed his curious look at all the books and papers scattered around the tiny room. You felt some redness on your cheeks, slightly embarrassed by the obvious mess the room made to everyone but you and your unique system.

"Thank you" You got up to accept the steaming cup. Malfoy was still looking fascinated at the coloured book marks and sticky notes - best muggle invention of all times.

"Quite the mess huh?" You asked.

"You didn't expect company"

"You sound like you think I'd tidy up for a visitor" You snorted while taking a sip of the hot liquid "Hot"

"Tea normally is" He raised an eyebrow and for the first time you saw a glimpse at the Malfoy you remembered - Only without the hurtful component to his sharp tongue.

"Smart mouth" You smiled.

"We're not friends and you call me names?" It was supposed to be a joke, but you felt your smile falter. Again memories of the young Slytherin filled your mind.

"Sorry" The Malfoy in front of you awkwardly took step back, hand coming up to scratch his neck "I… Teasing you seems to come natural."

"Figures" You snap sharper than necessary and then he actually deserved. "Thanks for the tea - Let me get some work done now."

"Sure" His expression was again confused and uncertain, but he didn't ask any more questions and backed out of your room. As the door closed you let heavy sight escape your lips. On one hand you wanted to never leave this room again, never deal with him again, but on the other all you wanted was to run after him and tell him that it wasn't his fault you snapped - while somehow it totally was.

When did your life and emotions become so complicating?

"Dinner?" You asked tired into the living room where a very awkward Malfoy sat, a book in hand, on your tiny sofa. He should have looked out of place, but for some reason your brain supplied that despite the stiff position, you could get used to the sight. What was wrong with you?

"Yes" His eyes met yours as he put the book aside to follow you into the kitchen, again they were reluctant and puzzled. He seemed to be constantly surprised by your behaviour.

As the two of you settled at the table same as you did in the morning silence settled in with you. There were a million and one unasked questions but neither of you voiced any. It didn't make the silence uncomfortable however, actually it felt nice to sit at the end of the day with someone. You had been alone ever since the war ended, most of your friends and the small family you had didn't make it. Moving on felt like replacing them with something no one would be ever able to replace. But this right now felt new and unknown, it wasn't chasing old times, it was different and made your nerves tingle.

"May I ask something?" Inevitably curiosity got the better of Malfoy.

"Sure"

"Why did you take me in?" His eyes met yours determined not to let you flee again "You seem to be uncomfortable around me. One moment you're relaxed and smile, then you run. I don't understand you. Why help me of you can't stand me?"

"I… I didn't expect you to have a concussion." I thought you were either dead or you'd wake up and blame me for the storm, the weather, your head, everything. "You're different like this. Not at all like I remember."

"You didn't like old me, did you?"

"I never got the chance to really know you…"

"Stop making excuses" There was a hint of anger and annoyance in his voice "You didn't like me. So I wasn't very likeable before. Stop sugar coating."

"We have a complicated history" You finally admitted averting your eyes from his "I'm sure it will come back to you and make sense at some point."

"I want to understand now" Suddenly his hand entered your field of vision and reluctantly made its way to lay on yours. The soft weight felt comfortable and you stared at your joined hands in awe. "You're the only clue I have to my past, and… I don't know you, (Y/n), maybe I never knew you like I wish I did. But… You're interesting, brave and… I don't know where I'm going with this. I guess I'm trying to say I wish things were different."

"Careful with what you wish for, Malfoy" You tried to smile still processing his words. This man seemed to regret mistakes he didn't even remember making, be seemed to genuinely like you and all you wished to do was to wrap your free hand around his and hold it. Hold on to him, hold on to this, hold on to things being different.

"Knowing you is something I'll never regret" His hand squeezed tighter around yours "And no matter the past, memories or no, I don't think that could ever change."

"I…" Suddenly your lips were met with his, all resistance crumbled at the feeling of joy and slight nervousness that settled into your stomach. Very reluctantly you returned to kiss, tasting and feeling all of him. At some point your eyes fell shut and all you could do was focus on his chipped yet still soft lips.

It felt like hours before you needed to pull away for air, the small amount of oxygen enough to make you come to your senses. What were you doing?!

Hastily you pulled away before his lips and the amazing feeling of just being close to him before it could lull you back in. In a second you stood, a couple of feet between you and Draco.

"(Y/n)?" He sounded confused, astonish, but mostly lost and broken. His eyes shone with hurt and a soft hint of red settled on his cheeks.

"Look" Your hand combed through your hair moving them nervously out of your face "You'll remember one day. And… I'm sorry. I can't let this happen and wait till one morning you wake up and remember. Remember how you feel about yourself - about me. I'm not ready to be called worthless again, not by you." And with that you left, stray tears falling as soon as you closed the kitchen door behind you. You would never be ready to face the cruel Draco Malfoy from school after tonight. You let yourself fall for him, realizing it only when it was too late.

Draco raised his hand to knock on your study door. So much about you didn't make any sense in his already clouded and confused head. But he gave up on trying to make sense of all the missing pieces, instead he wanted to focus on the small and sacred things he did know. And one of them was that whoever you were, you made him feel things that shook his already shaken world.

You took in someone you hadn't seen in years, someone you never really liked, some might call it stupid, but to him it was a bravery he never saw before. You faced him although you seemed to have only the worst memories about him, and you still managed to smile. Maybe it was your smile that he liked most about you, it made him feel welcome and safe even without a single clue about the past or present. He had been wondering more than once what kind of man he was now and what kind of person he had been in school. All he wanted was to be better now.

"(Y/n)?"

"Go away" Your voice was muffled from the heavy wooden door "Leave me alone, Malfoy"

Suddenly a sharp pain emerged right between his eyes, he closed them in a desperate attempt to shut the pain out, but to no avail. Things flooded back to his mind, so many things all at once, all things he had forgotten came rushing back.

 "If it isn't little (Y/n)" A very young boy with light blonde hair stood out on the field with two fat boys to his left and right. His stance and voice spoke of superiority and arrogance. "Almost wouldn't have recognised you with that stupid face of yours inside a book"

"What do you want?"

"My friends here and I were just wondering" his smirk grew into a cruel expression "What is it like to have utterly no talent in witchcraft and still go to a good school? What’s it like to be useless?"

The small girl standing all alone on the field closed her book with a very composed expression before she turned around and simply walked away. Only when her back was to the three older boys she let her expression fall and the tears slipped from your eyes freely.

 "Great day to waste everyone's time, isn't it?" The same young boy hissed as he walked by the girl in the hallway. "Stop standing in my way, you toad"

 "Her?" The blond boy pointed at the girl and his expression turned to utter disgust. "I'd rather take a pig to the Jules ball than anyone as useless as her. Please, Craig, I'm a Malfoy I have standards."

 "So your date ditched you? Good on him, I was surprised someone asked you anyway."

 "She's a worthless girl. I'd rather fail my exams then be teamed up with someone like her, professor." His voice was shrill "My father will her of your teaching techniques. I won't work with a worthless mud-blooded toad."

 “Dumbledore’s army?” The blonde boy snorted “As if you were of use to anyone, toad.” The girls face drained of colour as she looked right into his cold eyes, however for once her expression didn’t change into one of fear and shame. Instead her eyes spoke of anger, her fist clenched and her opponent shifted uncomfortable at the new reaction to his hurtful words. Before she could act on her anger however her fist unclenched again and the boy let go of his held breath, having experience with a strong willed girl slapping him. This girl was different though. Her (y/blue-grey) eyes met his, cold and sad at the same time, but not hurt like he remembered them from the million and one times he’d been cruel before.

“As long as there are bullies like you out there, Malfoy, I’ll always be of use” She replied coolly and collected “Now leave me alone. You’re the one who’s not worth my anger or time.”

 His head was still spinning, but at least the memory stream had stopped. Draco took a deep breath and tried to make sense of all the things he now remembered. A lifetime had crashed down on him and most tings he saw made him feel terrible about himself, the things he did and the life he led.

….

After Malfoy gave up after just the first knock you got a funny feeling in your guts. He had never been one to back off easily before. How much could a hit on the head change s person? Apparently a lot, you thought back to the kiss in your kitchen. On instinct your fingers touched your lips, your tongue still chasing his taste on your lips.

Desperate to get it out of your mind, you decided to sneak into your kitchen and get some more tea. Upon opening your study door your eyes fell on a bundle on the floor opposite your door. Malfoy was completely curled into himself, hands wrapped around his head protectively, his whole form shaking.

“Hey” In a matter of seconds your mixed feelings for him were gone as you crouched down on the floor next to him “Talk to me”

But there was no reply, only a soft whimper escaped his lips. You pulled him into your arms, trying to calm him, your hands rubbed slow circles on his back and you tried to get him to breathe more evenly. Slowly his nerves seemed to settle down a little, the shaking calmed down and so did his breathing. But with the calmness came something else, he stiffened under your touch still he totally pulled away. As he lifted his head out of his hands and you could look at his face for the first time you saw red eyes, a pale face and so much loneliness it almost hurt you physically.

“What did I do?” His voice sounded broken, his eyes unfocused and staring into the void. Another lonely tear ran down his already cried out and puffy eyes. “What did I do?”

“You’re memories are back…” Although he scoped away from you, you tried to pull him back and comfort him. Of course you didn’t know about all the things he had done during school and later during the war, but with the personality you remembered assuming the worst would still be too kind to him.

“(Y/n). Please.” Neither of you knew what he asked for, nothing you could do would ever take the burden of knowing off of him. Still you let your hands go back to rubbing smoothing circles on his back, this time he leaned slightly into the touch. “Please”

“I wish I could help” You whispered back. Suddenly he turned and pulled you into a tight hug, his face pressed into the crock of your neck and his hands almost left bruises from holding on so fiercely.

“Hate me” He demanded “Yell at me. Tell me that I’m a despicable person.” Broken sobs followed his pleas “I deserve to be hated. The things I did… for the dark lord, to all those people, to you. How can you even stand to be near me?”

“Malfoy” You sighted, not believing the words that left your mouth “Draco. You were a child. Children are despicable little things at times, they make mistakes. But that doesn’t make them horrible people. Children do grow up, you know.”

“But…”

“Come on” You offered him your hand with a genuine smile to help him get up “Let’s have some tea and pretend for a minute you’re not the Malfoy heir who just got a lifetime of shitty memories back.”

“And what does that make you?” He asked with a raised eyebrow, considering to take your hand but not yet convinced. His still tear strained face was so innocent and broken, your heart did break a little for him.

“What do you want me to be?”

“The woman who saved me.” His eyes met yours “The one good thing in all my life I’d like to keep.”