The Hufflepuff.

Part 4.1 (Dracos POV)

Dracos POV:

Sunlight streamed through the tall windows of the Great Hall, casting a golden glow on the polished floors. I sat at the Slytherin table, my gaze fixed on the entrance, waiting for Y/N to make her appearance. The Hufflepuff girl was a constant thorn in my side. Her mere presence ignited a mixture of annoyance and intrigue within me.

I had stayed up late the previous night, meticulously penning my feelings onto parchment. The letter, a carefully crafted expression of my desires and hidden affections, was already sent. All that remained was to witness Y/N's reaction when she received it.

As she finally entered the Great Hall, my eyes locked onto her, searching for any hint of recognition or surprise. Y/N walked with a quiet grace, her steps deliberate yet unassuming. I observed her from a distance, my heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and trepidation.

Y/N's gaze momentarily met mine, her eyes flickering with a hint of curiosity before she turned her attention to Hermione and joined her at the Gryffindor table. It took all my willpower to remain seated and maintain an air of indifference, even as my mind raced with thoughts of the letter she was about to discover.

The owl post arrived, and I watched as the birds swooped down, delivering messages and parcels to the students. And then, it happened—a pristine white envelope gracefully descended onto the Gryffindor table, landing right in front of Y/N. It was my letter, the product of my sleepless night and the turmoil within my heart.

Y/N's delicate fingers reached out, her touch sending a shiver down my spine. I held my breath, waiting for the inevitable moment when she would open the envelope and read my words. Would she be intrigued? Repulsed? Would she see through the veil of hostility I wore whenever she was near?

Her brows furrowed slightly as she read the letter, her expression a mix of surprise and curiosity. My heart pounded, and I could feel the weight of the moment hanging in the air. It was a risk I had taken, baring my soul in those words, and now I anxiously awaited her reaction.

Y/N's eyes darted around the Great Hall, searching for the sender. But she wouldn't find me; I had taken care to keep my identity hidden. The truth of my feelings remained concealed, even as I yearned for her to see through the facade I presented to the world.

Our gazes met, and for a fleeting moment, I saw a flicker of confusion in her eyes. Did she suspect me? Could she sense the truth behind the carefully chosen words? It was a dangerous game, and yet, I couldn't help but hope that she would discover the depths of my feelings.

As she clutched the letter tightly, determination settled in her features. I watched as she made a silent vow, her resolve evident in the way her gaze burned with intensity.

Just as I was about to turn my attention back to the Slytherin table, my friends regarded me with concern. Blaise Zabini leaned closer, his voice laced with curiosity. "Draco, what's gotten into you? You've been unusually quiet this morning. Are you feeling alright?"

I shrugged nonchalantly, attempting to mask my nerves. "I'm fine, Blaise." Crabbe chimed in, his brow furrowed. "You sure, Draco? You look like you've seen a ghost."

A forced smile played on my lips as I reassured them. "I assure you, just a lot on my mind lately. It's nothing." Though my friends seemed skeptical, they let the matter drop, turning their attention back to their breakfast. As the chatter resumed around me, I couldn't help but steal glances at Y/N, still deep in thought about the letter she now held.