The Keeper of Secrets. (Draco Malfoy x Reader)

A Class in the Woods

As they entered the Forbidden Forest, towering trees formed a leafy canopy overhead, dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves. The air was thick with anticipation as Ophelia could hear the rustling of students gathering near a large rock in the clearing, eagerly awaiting Hagrid's first lesson.

"Look at this place!" Ophelia exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She and Hermione made their way toward the rock, where several other students were already settling in.

"It's amazing, isn't it?" Hermione replied, her grin widening. "Just wait until you see the creatures Hagrid brings out. It's his first time teaching, but I'm sure it's going to be unforgettable."

As they reached the rock, Ophelia let out a sigh of relief as she set down her heavy books. Just then, a commotion erupted behind them. They turned to see Neville Longbottom grappling with a snarling Monster Book of Monsters. Laughter rippled through the watching crowd.

"Oi! How do you open this thing?" came a voice dripping with sarcasm. Hagrid's booming laughter followed, "Yeh've got to stroke it! Just be careful, or it might bite yer hand off!"

Ophelia chuckled at the scene, glancing at Hermione, who quipped, "Poor Neville..." before giggling softly.

"Should we help him?" Ophelia asked, concern creeping into her voice as she watched Neville wrestle with the book.

Ron waved her off, his tone casual. "He'll be fine. Neville's just making a new friend!"

As they enjoyed the moment, Harry approached, offering to help Ophelia with her heavy bag. "Here, let me," he said, flashing her a warm smile that made her heart flutter.

"Thanks, Harry! That's really sweet of you," Ophelia replied, feeling a blush creep onto her cheeks. She was still getting used to being around boys her own age and often felt shy in their company.

Suddenly, a voice cut through the chatter, dripping with sarcasm. "I can't believe Hagrid is teaching us. My father is going to hear about this!"

Ophelia's excitement dimmed as she found the snarky voice sounding rather familiar. She was still chatting with Harry about her enthusiasm for the class when she overheard Draco Malfoy's comment. Harry's expression shifted, his jaw tightening as he looked past her.

"Harry?" she asked, concern threading through her voice.

He didn't respond, instead striding forward with purpose. "Shut it, Malfoy!" Harry snapped, marching toward Draco and his friends.

Draco swaggered up to Harry, an insufferable smirk plastered across his face. He made a mocking "hoo hoo" as he approached, feigning menace. Suddenly, he glanced over Harry's shoulder, his expression shifting to exaggerated terror. "Dementor!" he shouted.

Panic rippled through the group of students, and they instinctively turned to look behind Harry, their faces a mix of fear and confusion. Harry glanced back as well, his heart racing, only to realize there was no Dementor lurking behind him.

As the realization settled in, everyone turned back to Draco, who had pulled his hood over his head along with his friends, striking a pose to imitate the dark, gliding creatures. Their laughter rang out, echoing through the woods, but Ophelia felt a chill at the mockery. Her frown deepened at the poor taste of their antics.

"Come on, Harry, let's go," Hermione urged, sensing Harry's anger rising. She and Ophelia moved closer to him, ready to pull him away from the taunting.

Just then, Draco continued, "What's the matter, Potter? Gotten a new girlfriend?" He and his friends laughed mockingly.

Ignoring Draco, Harry muttered to Hermione, "Thanks for that, Mione," then turned to Ophelia with a tight smile. "Sorry about that, Ophy."