Slytherin Boys x Y/N Short Stories/Reacts

Redemption and Forgiveness - Draco Malfoy

Draco Malfoy walked through the grand entrance of Hogwarts, feeling the weight of the past year bearing down on his shoulders. The castle, though familiar, seemed different. The war had changed everything, including him. He was returning for his final year, not just to complete his education, but to seek some form of redemption.

Y/N was a new face in the crowd of students returning to Hogwarts. A Muggle-born who had decided to come back and finish her education, she was determined to start fresh, leaving behind the trauma of the war. She knew the whispers and stares would come, but she was ready to face them with her head held high.

In their first week back, Professor McGonagall paired the students for a year-long project in Advanced Potions. Draco found himself assigned to Y/N. The room fell silent as the pair exchanged awkward glances. She had heard the stories about him, but she was willing to give him a chance, despite her reservations.

"Hello, Draco," she greeted him with a tentative smile. "I guess we're partners now."

"Y/N," he replied stiffly, his face betraying no emotion. "Let's get started, then."

Their first few meetings were filled with tension. Draco was guarded, and Y/N found it hard to break through his walls. Yet, as weeks passed, she began to see glimpses of a different side of him. He was meticulous with his work, dedicated, and surprisingly knowledgeable.

One evening, while they were working late in the library, Y/N decided to break the silence. "Why do you always seem so distant, Draco?"

He looked up from his notes, his expression guarded. "I have my reasons."

Y/N sighed, closing her book. "We all have our reasons. But if we're going to work together, we need to trust each other, at least a little."

Draco stared at her for a moment, then nodded slowly. "You're right. I'm sorry."

As they continued to work together, Y/N began to see the cracks in Draco's armor. He started to share small pieces of his past, the pressures of his family, and the guilt that haunted him. She listened, offering understanding instead of judgment. Slowly, the distance between them began to close.

One afternoon, as they walked by the Black Lake, Draco opened up about his deepest regret. "During the war, I did things I'm not proud of, Y/N. I was a coward. I followed orders without question, and people suffered because of it."

Y/N stopped and looked at him, her eyes filled with empathy. "We all did things we regret, Draco. But what matters is what we do now, how we choose to move forward."

He met her gaze, seeing the sincerity in her eyes. "Do you really believe I can change?"

"I do," she said softly. "But you have to believe it too."

Their bond deepened, transforming from partnership to friendship, and eventually to something more. They spent more time together outside of their project, sharing their hopes and fears. Draco found himself drawn to her kindness and strength, while Y/N saw the good in him that he struggled to see in himself.

One crisp autumn evening, as they sat by the fire in the Slytherin common room, Draco took her hand in his. "Y/N, you've changed me. You've helped me see that I can be better. I think I'm falling in love with you."

Her heart swelled with emotion. "I love you too, Draco. I've seen who you really are, and I believe in you."

Their relationship blossomed, and with Y/N by his side, Draco began to make amends for his past. He apologized to those he had wronged and worked tirelessly to prove that he was no longer the person he once was. It wasn't easy, and there were setbacks along the way, but Y/N's unwavering support gave him the strength to keep going.

As the school year came to an end, Draco and Y/N stood together at the edge of the Forbidden Forest, looking out over the castle grounds. The journey they had shared had been one of healing and growth, of redemption and forgiveness.

"I'm so grateful for you, Y/N," Draco said, holding her close. "You've given me a second chance at life, at love."

She smiled, resting her head against his chest. "We've given each other a second chance. And I wouldn't have it any other way."

Together, they faced the future with hope, knowing that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them side by side.