silent affections || draco malfoy

Chapter 5: Room of Requirement

The Great Hall buzzed with the usual morning chatter as students gathered for breakfast. Veronica sat with Harry, Ron, and Hermione, her mind still reeling from the previous day's events. She barely noticed when Professor Slughorn approached their table with his characteristic joviality.

"Ah, Mr. Potter!" Slughorn exclaimed, his eyes twinkling. "I was hoping to catch you. I've arranged a little gathering this evening for the Slug Club, and I do hope you'll be able to attend."

Harry looked up, slightly wary. "Er, sure, Professor. I can come."

"Splendid!" Slughorn clapped his hands together. "And feel free to bring a friend. Miss Granger and Mr. Weasley, you're welcome too, of course." He beamed at the trio before turning and making his way to another part of the hall.

Harry turned to Veronica, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Would you like to come with me, Veronica? I think you'd enjoy it, and it would be nice to have you there."

Veronica smiled, touched by the invitation. "I'd love to, Harry. Thank you."

Ron gave Harry a look of mock betrayal. "And here I thought I was your best mate. Replaced already, am I?"

Harry laughed. "There's always next time, Ron. Besides, I think you and Hermione have your own plans, right?"

Hermione blushed slightly, and Ron mumbled something under his breath, making everyone laugh. The mood lightened, but Veronica couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled over her since her last encounter with Draco.

---

Later that evening, as Harry and Veronica made their way to Slughorn's party, Draco Malfoy was hidden away in the Room of Requirement, his mind consumed with the task at hand. The Vanishing Cabinet loomed in front of him, a constant reminder of the dangerous mission he was forced to complete.

He worked tirelessly, trying to ensure every detail was perfect. Failure was not an option. He couldn't bear to think about what would happen if he didn't succeed. But no matter how hard he tried to focus, his thoughts kept drifting back to Veronica.

His frustration boiled over when he heard the door to the Room of Requirement open. Draco was there for three hours, he was tired. He turned sharply, ready to snap at whoever dared to interrupt him, but his words died in his throat when he saw Veronica standing there, her eyes wide with curiosity and concern.

"Draco," she said softly, stepping into the room. "What are you doing here?"

"You shouldn't be here," Draco hissed, his heart pounding. "Get out, Veronica."

Veronica's expression hardened. "Not until you tell me what's going on. Why are you always pushing me away? What are you hiding?"

Draco clenched his fists, struggling to maintain his composure. "It's none of your business. Just leave."

"No," Veronica said firmly. "I'm not leaving until you tell me the truth. I know you're in trouble, Draco. Let me help you."

Draco's eyes flashed with anger and desperation. "You can't help me, Veronica. No one can. Just go, before you get hurt."

Veronica stepped closer, her eyes pleading. "Draco, please. I care about you. You don't have to do this alone."

Draco turned away, his voice breaking. "I don't need your help. Just go."

Veronica reached out and touched his arm, her touch gentle and comforting. "I'm not giving up on you, Draco. No matter what you say."

Before Draco could respond, the door to the Room of Requirement opened again, and Professor Snape walked in, his eyes cold and calculating. "What is going on here?" he demanded, his gaze sweeping over the scene.

"Nothing, Professor," Draco said quickly, stepping away from Veronica. "I was just working on... something."

Snape's eyes narrowed as he looked at Draco, then shifted to Veronica. "Miss Adams, you should leave. Now."

Veronica cast one last, desperate look at Draco. "Please, Draco. Think about what I said."

Draco didn't respond, his expression unreadable as he watched her leave. As the door closed behind her, he felt a crushing weight settle on his shoulders. He knew he couldn't keep pushing her away, but he didn't see any other way.

---

Outside the Room of Requirement, Veronica walked in silence, her thoughts consumed by Draco. She was so lost in thought that she didn't notice Harry waiting for her at the end of the corridor.

"Veronica, are you alright?" Harry asked, his eyes filled with concern.

Veronica managed a small smile. "I'm fine, Harry. I needed the bathroom. "

Harry sighed, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I know you are lying, I know you."

Veronica shook her head. "I- saw Draco"

Harry nodded, his expression serious. " be careful."

"I promise," Veronica said softly.

---

As they headed to Slughorn's party, Draco remained in the Room of Requirement, his mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. He couldn't deny his feelings for Veronica, but he knew he had to keep his distance to protect her. As he resumed his work on the Vanishing Cabinet, he couldn't help but wonder how much longer he could keep up the charade.