-Mine-( Harry Potter x Reader)

Chapter 5

"Meet me in the afterglow tell me that you'er still mine tell me that we'll be just fine even                 when I lose my mine."

                                                                   -Taylor Swift-

                                                                    -Afterglow-

Y/n's POV

Sunlight spilled through the tall windows of the Gryffindor dormitory, casting golden streaks across the four-poster beds and stacks of books and clothes scattered across the floor. I sat on the edge of my bed, running a brush through my curls and trying to tame them into something halfway presentable. Hermione had been up for hours, no doubt organizing her notes and muttering about schedules and class preparations, while Lavender was probably still lounging in bed, hair a wild mess and humming some tune under her breath.

I let out a soft sigh. Today felt... different. Exciting and a little tense all at once. After yesterday's chaos with Buckbeak and Draco's dramatic trip to the hospital wing, I couldn't stop replaying every moment in my head. Hogwarts had a way of throwing surprises at you, and I had learned to expect the unexpected.

I slid into my robes, smoothing the fabric over my shoulders, and tied my hair back into a loose ponytail. I checked the mirror, seeing sleepy eyes, flushed cheeks, and a determined set to my jaw. Today, I decided, I would face whatever came my way—classes, creatures, even Draco, if fate insisted on it.

Downstairs in the common room, Lavender was already waiting, twirling a strand of her hair and giving me a mischievous grin. "Morning, Y/n! You look... extra sparkly today," she said, nudging me playfully.

"Thanks, Lav," I said with a small smile, brushing imaginary lint off my robes. "You're looking... like you actually tried."

She gasped, mock offense written across her face. "I always try, Y/n. Don't make me lie to myself, okay?" She grabbed her bag and fell into step beside me as we headed for the Great Hall, Hermione bringing up the rear with her usual organized stride.

The morning air was crisp as we passed through the castle corridors, the scent of polished stone and lingering candle wax filling my senses. The Great Hall opened up before us in all its glory, sunlight streaming through the enchanted ceiling and illuminating the polished tables, the floating candles, and the chatter of excited students.

I spotted Harry and Ron waving from our usual spot and started toward them, Lavender practically skipping beside me. And then—across the hall—my eyes caught Draco Malfoy. His arm was still in a sling from yesterday, but he sat straighter than usual, silver hair catching the morning light. Our eyes met for a brief, startling moment.

He didn't smirk, didn't sneer. He simply looked at me, and I felt a strange tug in my chest, a flutter of curiosity and something unspoken. I quickly looked away, focusing instead on the warmth of the Gryffindor table and the comforting presence of Lavender and Hermione beside me.

"Y/n, you're daydreaming again," Lavender whispered, elbowing me gently. I laughed softly. "Just thinking," I said, cheeks warming.

Harry gave me a quick smile from across the table, his green eyes steady and reassuring. I returned it, feeling a calm settle over me. The hall buzzed with conversation, the clatter of breakfast dishes, and the occasional squeal of first-years rushing past.

Lavender leaned over, peering at my plate. "Do you think we'll get homework today? Or is Hagrid planning another wild adventure?"

I rolled my eyes. "With Hagrid? Always the latter. But I wouldn't trade it for anything. Last year was full of surprises... and you know me, I like surprises."

Hermione piped in from the other side, already scanning her schedule, "We need to make sure we get to Divination on time. Trelawney is unpredictable, and she'll have a whole speech ready if we're late."

I nodded absently, my mind wandering back to Draco for just a second before Lavender jabbed me again. "Stop staring into the distance, Y/n! You're creeping me out."

I chuckled, glancing once more at Draco before turning my attention back to my friends. Something about the way he had looked at me yesterday and again this morning lingered, a quiet thread of curiosity. Maybe it was just my imagination. Maybe it wasn't.

The rest of breakfast passed in a blur of chatter, pumpkin juice, toast, and shared jokes. Lavender was animatedly recounting a story from the train, gesturing wildly, while Hermione tried to keep track of the schedule and I simply listened, enjoying the comfort of my friends around me.

By the time we left the Great Hall, the morning had settled into a rhythm. Hogwarts felt alive, magical, and full of possibilities. Every corner held a secret, every shadow a story waiting to be discovered. And somewhere across the hall, Draco Malfoy's silver hair caught the light again, and for the first time, I wondered if maybe there was more to him than the usual Slytherin arrogance.

(801 Words)