Behind His Facade [Draco x Reader]

Chapter 16: Resolving Friendships

[A/N] Sorry there was lowkey an unmentioned timeskip, but its been months since Hermione confronted
Y/N. She'd been thinking about Draco's interaction after the confrontation for months, which is why she mentions it'd been months near the end of the chapter.

-

I sit in Professor McGonagall's Transfiguration class, staring blankly at the chalkboard.

Equations and diagrams blur together as my mind drifts.

I replay our conversation, analyzing every glance, every tone.

Why did he reveal that vulnerability?

And why did he take it back?

My thoughts swirl, a maze with no exit.

"Y/N, are you with us?" Professor McGonagall's voice snaps me back.

I nod, attempting to focus.

"Yes, Professor."

But my attention falters.

I zone out again, lost in the labyrinth of my thoughts.

The classroom fades into the background.

I'm back in the Slytherin common room.

Draco's eyes lock onto mine.

His voice whispers in my ear.

"I'm not always cruel, Y/N..."

-

The class ends, and I gather my belongings.

I walk back to Slytherin Dungeon, lost in thought.

No one approaches me.

No one asks if I'm okay.

I'm grateful for the silence.

But a part of me longs for connection,

for someone to understand.

I then spot Ron walking adjacent to me down the corridor, hoping he'll understand, I approach him.

"Ron, I need to talk to someone," I say, my voice barely above a whisper.

"I know things have been strained between us lately," I continue,

"and I understand if you're still wary. The things you learned about me... I don't blame you for questioning our friendship."

Ron's expression softens, and he nods.

"Y/N, I'm sorry, for ignoring you..." he says,

"...what's going on?"

I take a deep breath.

"It's about Draco," I say finally.

"Our conversation... it really got to me. I feel like I saw a different side of him, but then he took it back. I'm confused, Ron."

Ron listens attentively, his expression empathetic.

"I'm sorry, Y/N. I had no idea," he says, his voice genuine.

We stand there for a moment, the tension between us dissipating.

"Ron, I'm sorry too," I say, my voice cracking.

"I know I hurt you, and I regret it," my voice trailing.

Ron's face relaxes, and he opens his arms.

"Y/N, you didn't hurt me. We'll get through this together."

I step into his embrace, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders.

We hug, the silence between us comforting.