𝐒𝐇𝐀𝐃𝐎𝐖𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐓 ━━ golden trio era

[005] THE SERPENT'S BIRTHDAY

As the ancient clock in Malfoy Manor struck midnight, its somber chimes echoing through the vast, shadowy halls, Draco found himself standing before Juliet's chamber door. His heart raced, a mix of anticipation and trepidation coursing through his veins. He raised his hand to knock, hesitated for a moment, then rapped his knuckles softly against the ornate wood.

The door creaked open, revealing Juliet bathed in the soft glow of candlelight. Her fiery red hair cascaded down her shoulders, and her hazel eyes, usually sharp and guarded, softened at the sight of him. "Draco," she breathed, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Happy birthday, Jules," he said, using the nickname that had become second nature to him, even though it was Theodore who had coined it. The familiar pang of jealousy flickered in his chest at the thought.

Juliet stepped aside, wordlessly inviting him in. As Draco entered, he couldn't help but notice how the candlelight danced across her features, highlighting the delicate curve of her cheekbones and the fullness of her lips. She wore a simple nightgown, its silvery material clinging to her form in a way that made Draco's breath catch in his throat.

"I didn't think anyone would remember," Juliet said softly, closing the door behind him. The click of the latch seemed to seal them in their own private world, away from the darkness that lurked beyond.

Draco turned to face her, his grey eyes intense with unspoken emotion. "I could never forget," he murmured. He reached into his robes and withdrew a small, intricately wrapped package. "I have something for you."

Juliet's eyes widened in surprise. She took the gift with trembling hands, her fingers brushing against his in a touch that sent electricity coursing through both of them. Carefully, she unwrapped the package, revealing a delicate silver locket adorned with emerald snakes.

"Draco, it's beautiful," she gasped, tracing the intricate design with her fingertip.

"Open it," he urged gently.

As Juliet complied, a soft melody began to play ── a haunting, melancholic tune that seemed to encapsulate all the unspoken feelings between them. Inside, she found a miniature magical photograph of the two of them, laughing together during a rare carefree moment in the Slytherin common room.

Tears welled up in Juliet's eyes as she looked up at Draco. "I don't know what to say," she whispered.

Draco stepped closer, his hand reaching up to cup her cheek. "You don't have to say anything," he murmured, his thumb gently wiping away a tear that had escaped down her cheek.

They stood there for a moment, lost in each other's gaze, the air between them thick with tension and unspoken desires. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, they began to lean towards each other.

Their lips met in a kiss that was both tender and desperate. Years of longing, of stolen glances and suppressed feelings, poured into that single moment. Draco's arms encircled Juliet's waist, pulling her closer, while her hands found their way to his chest, clutching at the fabric of his robes.

As the kiss deepened, Juliet felt herself being gently backed up against the wall. Draco's body pressed against hers, solid and warm, a stark contrast to the cold stone at her back. His lips left hers to trail kisses along her jaw and down her neck, eliciting a soft gasp from Juliet.

"Draco," she breathed, her voice a mix of desire and desperation. "We can't ── we shouldn't."

He pulled back slightly, his forehead resting against hers as they both caught their breath. "I know," he said, his voice rough with emotion. "But Merlin, Juliet, I can't keep pretending I don't feel this way about you."