a snape and a Malfoy

CONFUSION

Cera Snape sat at the Gryffindor table in the Great Hall, surrounded by Harry, Hermione, and Ron. The conversation was lively, and the trio's laughter filled the room, but her mind wandered back to Draco Malfoy.

“You seem miles away,” Ron said, breaking into her thoughts. “Something on your mind, Cera?”

She forced a smile. “Oh, it’s nothing. Just thinking about some things.”

Hermione raised an eyebrow but said nothing, shifting the topic back to their upcoming exam. Cera tried to focus on the discussion, but her thoughts kept drifting to Draco. Ever since their argument and his subsequent coldness, she had been unable to shake him from her mind.

That evening, Cera found herself in the library, trying to escape her turbulent thoughts with a book. Hermione, always perceptive, joined her. “You know, Cera, you can talk to us if something's bothering you. We’re friends.”

Cera closed her book and sighed. “It’s Draco. I... I don't know what’s happening. Ever since our fight, I can’t stop thinking about him. And I don’t even understand why.”

Hermione looked thoughtful. “Sometimes, feelings can be complicated. Maybe you need to figure out what you really want.”

Cera nodded, though she was far from convinced. Later that night, as she was heading to bed, she saw Draco in the hallway. His expression was unreadable, and for a moment, their eyes met. Cera’s heart skipped a beat.

“Draco,” she started, her voice trembling slightly. “I need to talk to you.”

He turned away, coldly. “There’s nothing to discuss, Cera. You made your decision.”

“I’m sorry,” she said, stepping closer. “I didn’t mean to hurt you. I just... I don’t know what I’m feeling. I thought I was doing the right thing, but now it’s all so confusing.”

Draco’s eyes softened, though he tried to maintain his stern demeanor. “I don’t understand why you’d agree to a marriage when you have no feelings for me. Why are you with Harry if you’re not in love with him?”

Cera’s voice faltered. “I don’t know. I thought I was doing what was expected of me. But now...”

Draco’s face revealed a mixture of frustration and longing. “Cera, I loved you. I still do, despite everything.”

Her heart ached at his words. “I didn’t realize how much it would hurt to see you like this. I don’t even know what I want anymore.”

He sighed deeply, turning to leave. “Maybe you need time to figure it out. But right now, I can’t be around you if you’re just going to hurt me.”

As Draco walked away, Cera felt a pang of regret and sadness. She sank to the floor, her emotions a whirlwind. She had been so focused on what was expected of her that she hadn’t realized what she truly wanted—or what she might have lost.

The next day, she sat with the Golden Trio, but her thoughts were miles away. She was more determined than ever to understand her feelings and figure out her path. For now, she knew one thing: she needed to confront her emotions and make sense of the choices ahead.