She's right in front of him.
Draco finds it impossible to avert his eyes, captivated by the radiance of her smile and the enchanting sound of her laughter. It stands out starkly against the world he is accustomed to, yet he can't resist the emotion...
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8th Year
While Y/N was engrossed in her thoughts in the busy Hogwarts hallway, she unintentionally ran into someone. Glancing up, she saw Harry Potter standing right in front of her.
"Oh, sorry about that," Y/N said, seeming a little taken aback by the unexpected meeting.
Harry smiled, dismissing the bump. "No problem at all. I should probably watch where I'm going too."
Harry started chatting with Y/N as she was ready to go on her way. "I've noticed you around lately. You seem to be spending time with Malfoy. It's good to see someone willing to be friends with him." Harry said.
Y/N smiled, appreciating Harry's observation. "Yeah, he's not as bad as some people say. Everyone deserves a chance, right?"
Harry nodded, "Absolutely. Malfoy has his moments, but there's more to him than meets the eye. It's nice to see someone giving him a chance."
With that, Y/N and Harry exchanged a friendly nod, and they continued on their separate paths through the magical corridors of Hogwarts.
As Y/N continued down the corridor after her conversation with Harry, a voice suddenly pierced the air, "What did you and Potter talk about?" Startled, she turned to see Draco standing there, an inquisitive look on his face.
Surprised by his sudden appearance, Y/N replied, "Oh, hey Draco. We just chatted about you, actually."
Draco raised an eyebrow, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. "Me? What could Potter possibly have to say about me?"
Y/N chuckled, "He mentioned that he's glad someone is willing to be friends with you. We were just talking about giving people a chance, you know?"
Draco's expression softened, and he smirked, a rare warmth in his eyes. "Potter said that? Well, that's unexpected."
Y/N shrugged, "People can surprise you. It's not about houses or pasts; it's about who you are now."
Draco nodded, a thoughtful look crossing his features. "Fair point. Well, if Potter approves, who am I to argue?"
Draco, his usual confident self, asked casually, "So, what's your next class?"
Y/N checked her schedule. "Defense Against the Dark Arts."
Draco smirked, "Well, what a coincidence. That's my next class too. Mind if I escort you there?"
Surprised by the unexpected offer, Y/N hesitated for a moment before nodding, "Sure, why not?"
As they walked together towards the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, Y/N couldn't help but feel curious and confused at the same time. She was surprised by Draco's willingness to go to class with her, and she couldn't get rid of the notion that there might be more to him than meets the eye.
A quiet curiosity spread among the students as Y/N and Draco entered the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom together. As they saw the unusual duo arrive side by side, whispers and glances were exchanged.
Feeling the weight of the inquisitive looks, Y/N glanced at Draco. He remained calm, as if the attention didn't bother him. They found two vacant chairs, and their peers watched them until they occupied those seats.
The professor, momentarily pausing the lecture, acknowledged their entrance with a nod before continuing.
Amidst the professor's lecture, Draco leaned towards Y/N, a smirk playing on his lips. "Who would've thought we'd end up sharing a table in Defense Against the Dark Arts? If someone told me this last year, I would've laughed."
Y/N chuckled, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, it's surprising how things can change. I guess Hogwarts has a way of throwing unexpected friendships our way."
Draco raised an eyebrow, "True. But hey, at least it's not as dreadful as Potions class, right?"
Y/N laughed, "You've got a point there. I still appreciate the help you gave me, by the way."
Draco waved it off. "No problem. We're in this together now, I suppose."
As the professor delved into the intricacies of magical creatures, Y/N and Draco found themselves engrossed in conversation.
The professor's tone shifted, announcing a practical lesson. "Today, we'll test your combat skills against these practice dummies. It's crucial to be prepared for any future challenges or conflicts that may arise. Hogwarts has seen its share of wars, and it's our responsibility to ensure you're ready."
As the dummies were conjured, murmurs rippled through the room. Y/N couldn't help but notice the sidelong glances directed at Draco. The memory of the previous war at Hogwarts lingered, and many eyes were fixed on the Slytherin who had been on the other side.
Draco, however, remained unfazed. He ignored the stares and carried on, focusing on the lesson at hand. Y/N, appreciating his resilience, decided to do the same, determined to prove that people could change and that the past should not dictate the present.
The clash of spells against the practice dummies filled the room, a tangible demonstration of the students' growing prowess in Defense Against the Dark Arts.
Draco, having completed the task efficiently, noticed Y/N struggling with her aim. He approached her quietly, his steps barely audible against the background of magical clashes. Leaning in, he whispered, "You're overthinking it. Relax your grip a bit."
As Draco guided Y/N's hand to adjust her wand, an unexpected tension hung in the air. His proximity, the shared focus on refining her technique, created an atmosphere that extended beyond the practice dummy.
"See, it's all about the wrist movement," Draco murmured, his voice low. Y/N, feeling his breath on her neck, couldn't help but shiver slightly. The close collaboration, combined with Draco's subtle guidance, sparked a connection that went beyond the magical lesson.
Draco, still standing behind Y/N, adjusted her stance and whispered, "Now, take a deep breath and focus. When I say, fire at the dummy."
Y/N felt the weight of his command, and with a determined nod, she steadied herself. Draco's voice cut through the room, "Now!"
Y/N cast the spell, and this time, the burst of magic hit the dummy dead center. The room fell into a brief silence as the impact resonated, and then a subtle cheer from nearby students acknowledged the success.
Draco, a satisfied smirk playing on his lips, stepped back, releasing his hold on Y/N's hand. "There you go. It's all about confidence and precision."
As the tension eased, their eyes met, a shared sense of accomplishment lingering in the air. The moment, charged with unspoken understanding, hinted at a connection that surpassed the boundaries of a mere magical lesson.
