Enemies to Lovers Draco Malfoy x Y/N Y/L/N

Legacy of Choices

A/N: Last chapter of this year so excited!

Harry, Ron, and Y/N stood before Professor Dumbledore in his office. The room was bathed in the warm glow of Fawkes' perch, and the sword and Sorting Hat rested on the desk, their significance not lost on the trio.

Professor Dumbledore looked at the three students with a mixture of amusement and seriousness. "You all realize, of course, that in the past few hours, you have broken, perhaps, a dozen school rules."

Harry, Ron, and Y/N exchanged glances. "Yes, sir," they said together, their voices steady despite their exhaustion.

"And there is sufficient evidence to have you all expelled."

"Yes, sir," the trio responded, their faces a mix of fatigue and nervous anticipation.

Dumbledore's expression softened, and he allowed a smile to touch his lips. "Therefore, it is only fitting..." He paused, making them exchange curious looks. "That you all receive special awards for services to the school."

Harry, Ron, and Y/N's faces brightened with surprise and relief. "Thank you, sir," Harry said, his voice filled with sincere appreciation.

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled as he stood up, handing some papers to Ron. "And now, Mr. Weasley, if you would, have an owl deliver these release papers to Azkaban. I believe we... we want our gamekeeper back."

Ron nodded, taking the papers with a grateful expression. "Of course, sir." He exited the room to handle the task.

Dumbledore then turned his attention to Harry and Y/N, his gaze gentle but probing. "Harry, Y/N... first, I want to thank you both. Harry, you showed me real loyalty down in the Chamber. Nothing but that could've called Fawkes to you. And Y/N, your bravery and quick thinking were invaluable in the fight against the Basilisk and the destruction of the diary."

Y/N's cheeks flushed slightly at the praise. "Thank you, Professor. I was just doing what needed to be done."

Dumbledore nodded with a warm smile before addressing Harry's concerns. "Now, Harry, I sense something is troubling you. Am I right?"

Harry nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Yes, sir. I couldn't help but notice certain things... certain... certain similarities between Tom Riddle and me."

Dumbledore's gaze grew more serious. "I see. Well, you can speak Parseltongue, Harry. Why? Because Lord Voldemort can speak Parseltongue. If I'm not mistaken, Harry, he transferred some of his powers to you the night he gave you that scar."

Harry's eyes widened in amazement. "Voldemort transferred some of his powers... to me?"

Dumbledore nodded. "Uh-huh. Not intentionally. But yes."

Y/N's eyes widened slightly, and she stepped forward. "Professor, if I may, I can speak Parseltongue too. I'm in Slytherin, so I've always thought it was because of my house. Is that not the case?"

Dumbledore looked at Y/N with a gentle nod. "Ah, yes. Parseltongue is indeed a trait associated with Slytherin, but not exclusively. It is a rare ability, often inherited from one's ancestry. In your case, Y/N, it may be linked to Salazar Slytherin's bloodline."

Y/N's gaze flickered to Harry, understanding dawning. "So, it's not just about being in Slytherin. It's more about a connection to the founder and the legacy of his magic."

Dumbledore smiled. "Precisely. Salazar Slytherin himself was a Parselmouth, and that trait can be inherited by those who are descended from him or connected to his legacy. It is a part of who you are, Y/N, just as the connection Harry has with Voldemort is a part of his heritage."