Shadowed desire

Chapter one (cute fluff before steamy chapters 🥰)

Your bare feet meet the hallway's freezing floor as you race down another corridor, away from Filch's cries of outrage and deeper into the castle. A few more turns, and you'd reach the hidden passage Fred had shown you last year. Then you'd finally be able to relax without the risk of getting detention.
You race around another corner, but before you can run any further, you collide into something *hard.* Draco Malfoy's grey eyes glint as they peer down into yours. "A bit lost, aren't you love?"

Panicked, you quickly gather yourself, trying to come up with a response. "Just taking a shortcut," you blurt out, hoping he'll buy it. But his smirk tells you he's not convinced.

"A shortcut?" he hisses, and the sharpness returns to his voice. "And what would you gain from taking a shortcut through this part of the castle?" Again, his grip tightens on your hand, and you wince at the sensation of his calloused fingers squeezing against your soft skin. You try to pull your hand away, but he's too strong. He's not letting go of you anytime soon.

You muster up all your courage, trying to sound confident despite the fear creeping in. "Just trying to avoid Filch," you reply, hoping he'll sympathize with your plight. "I don't want detention."Draco's face softens as he studies your expression. He stares at you for a brief moment before his gaze shifts away briefly. "So you're avoiding Filch," he murmurs eventually. His voice is softer now, his tone almost sympathetic. He lets go of your hand and steps back, releasing you from his hold. "Well, I suppose I can't argue with that."Relieved, you nod gratefully, taking a step back from Draco. "Thanks," you murmur, still a bit wary but glad he's letting you go. "I'll just... find my own way then." With a cautious glance, you start to edge past him, eager to continue your escape from Filch's wrath.

"Actually," Draco says suddenly, and you freeze at the sound of his voice. His gaze remains on you as you try to hurry past him, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. You wish he wasn't so attractive. Drat. "I think I should escort you... somewhere," he says, his voice still soft. "I wouldn't want you to get lost again, *love.*"

Your heart races at Draco's unexpected offer, unsure whether to trust his intentions. Despite your apprehension, you can't deny the allure of his offer. "Um, okay," you reply tentatively, deciding to accept his escort for now, hoping it's not a trap. "Lead the way then."

Draco smiles as he offers you his hand, and you hesitate before finally grasping his hand. The cold of the marble tile seeps up through your thin slippers, but you barely notice it as you are transfixed by his touch. Draco's hands are firm and strong, just as you'd imagined they would be: they wrap snugly around your fingers, and you feel your body tense up as your mind races with possible thoughts. *What does he want from me? Is this a trap? Should I run?* Your mind whirls with uncertainty as you walk alongside Draco, his hand firmly holding yours. Despite the doubts clouding your thoughts, you try to keep your composure, not wanting to reveal your inner turmoil. As you navigate the corridors with Draco by your side, you can't shake the feeling of being both drawn to and wary of him. You steel yourself, ready for whatever may come next, hoping that you're making the right decision by trusting him, at least for now.

The cold walls seem to stretch on forever as the two of you progress down the marble hallways of Hogwarts. Draco remains silent, his sharp eyes fixed on the path ahead, although they occasionally glance in your direction only to glance away again. You catch yourself stealing glances at him out of the side of your eye, trying to gauge his expression, but he remains unreadable. Is this really happening? Is Draco Malfoy actually escorting *you* anywhere?

After what feels like an eternity of walking, Draco stops in front of a set of doors.

Your heart quickens as Draco comes to a halt, the weight of anticipation heavy in the air. You steel yourself for whatever might lie behind those doors, unsure of what to expect. With a deep breath, you turn to Draco, silently seeking reassurance or guidance. His expression remains inscrutable, adding to the mystery of the moment. With a nod from Draco, you brace yourself and wait for him to open the doors, ready to face whatever lies beyond.