Shadows and Starlight | Draco Malfoy X Reader

Unwanted Attention

The aftermath of the Yule Ball left Y/N feeling more exposed than ever before. As she walked through the corridors of Hogwarts, whispers followed her like a shadow. Students from Slytherin and Ravenclaw pointed and stared, their words laced with accusation and disdain. It seemed everyone had something to say about her night with Draco Malfoy.

In the Great Hall during breakfast, Y/N kept her head down, trying to ignore the curious glances and hushed conversations that surrounded her. Gryffindors giggled behind their hands, Hufflepuffs exchanged knowing looks, and even the usually composed Ravenclaws whispered amongst themselves.

"She's the girl who went to the Yule Ball with Draco Malfoy."

"Why would a Ravenclaw like her get involved with someone like him?"

"It's all over the castle. I heard they were together in his room afterward."

Y/N felt the weight of their words like a physical blow. She had hoped the Yule Ball would be a magical night, a chance to forget the prejudices of Hogwarts and enjoy herself for once. Instead, it had turned into a nightmare of gossip and judgment.

As she hurried to her next class, Y/N caught sight of Draco leaning casually against the wall, a group of Slytherins gathered around him. His silver eyes met hers briefly, unreadable behind their usual mask of indifference. Y/N felt a pang of betrayal-had he known this would happen? Had he planned it all along as some cruel joke?

Avoiding his gaze, Y/N quickened her pace, desperate to escape the scrutiny of her peers. But before she could reach the sanctuary of her classroom, a voice called out from behind her.

"Well, well, if it isn't the Ravenclaw who caught Draco Malfoy's eye."

Y/N turned to see Pansy Parkinson, flanked by two Slytherin girls, wearing a smug smile. "You must feel so special now, don't you?"

Y/N clenched her fists, her heart pounding with a mix of anger and humiliation. "Leave me alone, Pansy," she said through gritted teeth.

Pansy's smile widened, her eyes gleaming with malice. "Oh, but I'm just getting started. You think Draco actually cares about you? You're just a pawn in his game."

Y/N's hands shook with fury. "You don't know anything about us," she shot back, her voice trembling despite her attempt at bravado.

Pansy stepped closer, her voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "Oh, I know more than you think. Draco may have taken you to his room, but don't fool yourself into thinking you mean anything to him."

Before Y/N could respond, Draco's voice cut through the tension like a knife. "That's enough, Pansy."

Everyone turned to see Draco striding towards them, his jaw clenched with barely concealed anger. Pansy's smirk faltered for a moment before she recovered, crossing her arms defiantly.

"Stay out of this, Draco," she retorted, her tone challenging.

Draco's gaze flickered to Y/N, a silent apology in his eyes before he turned back to Pansy. "You have no right to harass her."

Pansy scoffed, her eyes narrowing. "She's the one who doesn't belong here, Draco. You know it as well as I do."

Draco's fists clenched at his sides, but before he could respond, Professor McGonagall appeared at the end of the corridor, her stern voice echoing through the hall. "What is going on here?"

The students scattered, Pansy shooting a final glare at Y/N before she disappeared into the crowd. Draco stood beside Y/N, his expression unreadable as he watched Pansy go.

"Are you okay?" he asked quietly, his voice tinged with concern.

Y/N nodded, her throat tight with unshed tears. "I'm fine," she managed to say, though she knew it wasn't entirely true.