I Am Poison || hogwarts fanfic

6. Lessons in the Library

The cold stone of the castle's corridors helped soothe my still pounding head as I made my way to the library. After the strange tension in Potions class, I needed a break. But instead of finding the usual silent peace I get with books, I was tutoring Draco.

It was Pansy's idea, actually. She cornered me after lunch last term.

"He's falling behind, Navy. You know he won't ask for help, but you're good at Potions, and he... you know, likes you... in his own way!" she finished with a smile.

I  didn't mind at the time, I was happy, eager even, to help out a friend. But... maybe it was the weird dynamic between us that involved his protectiveness and lingering glances,  or the mysterious scent from Potions class that was still gnawing at my mind, but I was not so excited for this weekly session.

As I reached the entrance to the library, I found Draco leaning casually against one of the stone pillars, his usual smug expression firmly in place.

"You're late," he said, crossing his arms. I rolled my eyes and pushed him playfully in the shoulder. 

"I'm here, aren't I?" I replied, "Besides, it's not like you're a fan of studying anyway."

"Ouch," he mumbled. I rushed to apologise for my harshness, but then realised he was teasing, a twinkle in his eye. 

"Bad day?"

"It's only 11," I snorted, "but yeah, a weird one at least." I let my gaze rest on him a little while longer.

He smirked, falling into step beside me. "Maybe so, but tutoring sessions have their perks. After all, you get the honor of my company to cheer you up."

I smiled, teasing back. "Oh, joy."

We found a quiet corner at the back of the library, far from Madam Pince's ever-watchful eyes. The sunlight filtering through the arched windows bathed the tables in a soft golden light, making me slightly sleepy.

We unpacked our books, and for a moment, silence filled the air as we each flipped through the pages. But it didn't take long for Draco to break it.

"So, what was all that about in Potions today?" he asked, his voice low as he fiddled with the corner of a parchment.

"What do you mean?" I replied without looking up, pretending to be absorbed in the text.

"You know exactly what I mean," Draco said, his eyes now fixed on me.

I met his gaze, my heart beating a little faster. I didn't want to admit it, but it had been bothering me all day. The fact that Mattheo and Draco's love potions had carried the same scent as my perfume...

"I don't know what you're talking about," I said finally, keeping my voice steady, brushing it off.

Draco's eyes narrowed, and for a second, I thought I saw something flicker in them. He then just shrugged it off, although his eyes followed me for a few seconds longer than usual.

I took a deep breath and tried to focus on the task at hand.  I smiled up at him, noticing that his gaze softened. "Let's just get through this tutoring session, shall we?" He nodded, and I realised that he had inched his chair closer to mine. I blinked, deciding to ignore it.