𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐦 | 𝐃.𝐌

𝟎𝟎𝟓 - 𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

《❁》

𝐙 𝐎 𝐘 𝐀 𝐉 𝐔 𝐋 𝐕 𝐑 𝐈 𝐗

Zoya sat at a corner table in the library, surrounded by books on potions and ingredients. She adjusted her glasses and flipped open her notebook, ready to tackle the daunting assignment ahead. It was one of the most challenging potions tasks they had received all year, and she knew she needed to focus.

As she organized her materials, Zoya noticed Draco Malfoy approaching her table. He wore his signature smug expression, his blond hair perfectly styled. She sighed inwardly, not particularly thrilled about the prospect of working with him, but she knew they had been paired up for this assignment.

"Hello, Julvrix," Draco said, his voice dripping with arrogance. "Looks like we're stuck working together on this pathetic potion assignment. Try not to hold me back too much."

Zoya bit her tongue, deciding it was best not to engage in his usual taunts. She gestured to the empty seat across from her. "Just sit down, Draco. Let's get this done."

Draco took a seat, smirking as if he had won some sort of victory. They both began flipping through their textbooks, searching for the necessary information to complete the assignment. Zoya quickly realized that Draco had an impressive knowledge of potions, despite his haughty attitude. She couldn't help but acknowledge his skill, even if she disliked his demeanor.

They worked in relative silence for a while, occasionally exchanging information or clarifying instructions. Draco surprised Zoya with his attention to detail, and she found herself gradually warming up to the idea of collaborating with him.

But as they delved deeper into the assignment, Draco's comments became more snide and belittling. He made subtle jabs at her intelligence, questioning her every move. Zoya tried to ignore his remarks, determined not to let his words affect her concentration. However, one particular comment struck a nerve.

"Are you sure you're cut out for this, Julvrix? Maybe you should stick to simpler tasks like stirring cauldrons. Leave the complex potions work to someone who can actually handle it."

Zoya's face flushed with anger. She clenched her fists, feeling her patience wearing thin. She had endured Draco's insults for far too long, and she was no longer willing to stay silent.

"How dare you!" she snapped, her voice quivering with rage. "Just because you're talented doesn't mean you have the right to belittle others. I'm here trying my best, just like you. Don't think for a second that you're better than me!"

Draco's eyes widened in surprise, taken aback by Zoya's outburst. He seemed momentarily speechless, his smug expression replaced with a mix of shock and annoyance.

"You think I'm belittling you? I'm just stating the truth," he retorted defensively. "If you can't handle the pressure, then maybe you shouldn't be in this class at all."

Zoya's anger flared even brighter, fueling her determination to stand her ground. "You have no idea what I'm capable of, Draco. Your constant insults only serve to bring out the worst in people. You may be skilled, but that doesn't excuse your behavior."

The library around them fell silent as their argument echoed through the shelves. Students nearby cast curious glances their way, but Zoya paid them no mind. She was focused solely on confronting Draco and making him understand the impact of his words.

Zoya gathered her belongings, the anger still simmering within her. She couldn't stand being around Draco any longer. With a sharp exhale, she pushed her chair back and stood up abruptly, causing a few books to fall to the ground. Ignoring them, she shot Draco a piercing glare and stormed out of the library, her footsteps echoing down the corridor.