Bound by Blood and Magic

Chapter 8: A Potion of Dilemmas

The morning sun filtered through the castle windows, casting a warm glow over Hogwarts. (Y/N) stirred awake, the memories of the previous night flooding back to her in a rush. The gentle hum of the morning was a stark contrast to the whirlwind of emotions she had experienced with Draco in the moonlight. With a sigh, she stretched and glanced at the clock on her bedside table—panic surged through her as she realized she was late for Potions class.

“Draco!” she called out, throwing the covers off and scrambling out of bed.

Draco, still tangled in the sheets, looked up at her with sleepy eyes. “What time is it?” he mumbled, rubbing the sleep from his face.

“Late!” (Y/N) shouted, hastily throwing on her uniform, the fabric wrinkled but still presentable. “We need to go—now!”

In a rush, they gathered their things, hearts racing from the thrill of their night and the urgency of the morning. (Y/N) quickly tied her hair back, glancing at Draco, who was throwing on his robes with a mixture of frustration and amusement.

“Let’s go!” he said, grinning as he grabbed her hand, pulling her out of the room and down the corridors of Hogwarts.

As they rushed through the hallways, (Y/N)’s heart raced not just from the adrenaline of being late, but also from the lingering excitement of their newfound connection. They burst into the Potions classroom, just as Professor Snape was about to close the door.

“Mr. Malfoy, Miss (L/N),” he drawled, his tone dripping with disapproval. “Nice of you both to join us. Ten points from Slytherin and Gryffindor for your tardiness.”

(Y/N) bit her lip, glancing at Draco, who looked unrepentant and merely shrugged. They made their way to their seats, trying to stifle their laughter.

The classroom was filled with the sharp scent of herbs and the soft bubbling of cauldrons. As they settled into their seats, (Y/N) felt the weight of eyes on her. She turned slightly and caught Harry Potter’s gaze across the room.

Harry sat at the front, his brows furrowed in concentration, but his eyes kept drifting toward (Y/N). There was something about her that mesmerized him—the way her hair caught the light, the softness of her features, and the confidence she carried even when faced with Snape's ire.

*She’s perfect,* Harry thought, feeling a strange mix of admiration and longing. Despite his friendship with Ginny and the awkwardness of the past year, he couldn't shake the feeling that (Y/N) was something special.

The lesson progressed with Snape at the front, demonstrating how to brew a potion that enhanced one's abilities. But Harry found it hard to focus. His thoughts were consumed by (Y/N) and Draco’s playful banter, which echoed in his mind.

“Did you see how they walked in together?” Ron whispered to Harry, breaking him from his reverie. “Like they didn’t have a care in the world. It’s like they think they own the place.”

Harry nodded, his gaze drifting back to (Y/N). She was laughing softly with Draco, their chemistry palpable, a playful spark dancing between them that made Harry's chest tighten with an emotion he couldn’t quite place.

“Do you think they’re… you know, together?” Ron asked, glancing between Harry and the couple.

“Looks like it,” Harry replied, his voice barely above a whisper. “But I don’t get it. Why her?”

Ron shrugged, looking exasperated. “You’re the one who keeps staring at her, mate. Just ask her out if you like her.”

The suggestion hung in the air, but Harry’s thoughts were clouded by doubt. He wasn’t sure if he was ready to pursue anything with (Y/N), especially with Draco in the picture.

As the class continued, Snape’s voice droned on, but all Harry could think about was the way (Y/N)’s eyes sparkled when she laughed, how she seemed to brighten the room around her. *I should talk to her,* he thought, *but what would I even say?*

The bell rang, cutting through his thoughts like a knife. The students began to gather their things, and Harry felt a surge of determination. This was his chance. He had to say something before they all rushed out of the classroom.

“(Y/N), wait!” Harry called, his voice cutting through the chatter.

She paused, turning around with a curious smile. “Yeah, Harry?”

Draco leaned back in his chair, arms crossed and a smirk playing on his lips, clearly entertained by Harry’s sudden boldness.

“I, um…” Harry stumbled over his words, feeling the pressure of everyone watching. “I just wanted to ask if you’d want to, you know, hang out sometime? Maybe study together?”

Draco’s smirk deepened, and he leaned closer to (Y/N), a teasing glint in his eye. “You should say yes, (Y/N). Harry’s a great study partner.”

(Y/N)’s eyes flickered between Draco and Harry, an amused smile tugging at her lips. “Sure, Harry. I’d like that.”

Harry’s heart soared at her response, but he couldn’t shake the feeling of Draco’s gaze burning into him. He forced a smile, trying to mask his anxiety. “Great! How about tomorrow after class?”

“Sounds good,” (Y/N) replied, her expression brightening even more.

As the students filed out of the classroom, Draco stood, placing a protective arm around (Y/N)’s shoulder. “I’ll walk you to your next class,” he said, casting a sidelong glance at Harry.

“Thanks, Draco,” she said, flashing him a grateful smile, her heart still racing from the thrill of both the night before and the unexpected interaction with Harry.

As they left the classroom, Harry watched them walk away, feeling a mix of hope and uncertainty. He had taken a step forward, but it seemed like Draco was always one step ahead, a constant reminder of the challenge ahead.

The hallways buzzed with the chatter of students, but all Harry could think about was (Y/N)’s smile and the way she had looked at him. Maybe there was still a chance for him, and he was determined to seize it—no matter what it took.