Slytherin secrets.

shifting shadows.

FOUL LANGUAGE.

NOT REALTED TO THE BOOKS OR MOVIES.

The days turned into weeks, and the tension within Hogwarts grew thicker as the rivalry between Slytherin and Gryffindor reached its peak. Yet amidst the chaos, I found myself caught in a whirlwind of conflicting emotions, particularly concerning Draco Malfoy. At first, he just seemed the bully of the school but then I heard things that wasn't meant to be heard by me.

Draco continued to maintain his usual aloof demeanor, but I could sense subtle changes in him. Whether it was the fleeting glances he shot my way or the way he lingered just a moment longer than necessary during our interactions, I couldn't deny that something was shifting between us. 

One rainy afternoon, the weather outside matched the mood of our Potions class. As Snape droned on about the importance of careful measurements, I felt a sense of restlessness in the air. My mind wandered to the upcoming Quidditch match, and I caught sight of Draco seated a few rows ahead, his platinum hair gleaming even in the dim light of the dungeon.

"Y/N," Blaise whispered from beside me, snapping me back to reality. "You, okay? You seem distracted."

I sighed, glancing back at Draco. "I'm fine. Just thinking about the match."

Blaise raised an eyebrow, a teasing grin spreading across his face. "Or about someone in particular?"

I shot him a warning look. "Don't start, Blaise."

He chuckled softly, but I could tell he was enjoying my discomfort. My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the bell ringing, signaling the end of class. As we gathered our things, I felt a gentle nudge against my shoulder. Turning, I found Draco standing beside me, an unreadable expression on his face.

"Can I talk to you for a moment?" he asked, his voice low enough that only I could hear.

I hesitated but nodded, curiosity getting the better of me. We stepped outside the classroom and into the dimly lit corridor. The distant sounds of students filling the Great Hall faded into the background. I found this interaction very odd not to mention the fact Draco hates my guts and bully's me every day.

"What's up, Malfoy?" I asked, crossing my arms defensively.

He ran a hand through his hair, a gesture that made my heart skip a beat. "I wanted to say... I've noticed you've been spending a lot of time with Blaise lately."

A rush of heat flooded my cheeks, and I couldn't tell if it was embarrassment or annoyance. "So? He's, my friend."

"Right," he replied, his tone slightly sharper than intended. "Just... be careful. Not everyone has the same intentions in Slytherin."

"Are you suggesting I can't take care of myself?" I shot back, irritation creeping into my voice.

Draco sighed, rubbing the back of his neck as if the conversation was more complicated than he anticipated. "No, that's not what I meant. It's just... I've seen how things can go wrong here."

I narrowed my eyes, searching for the underlying message in his words. "And you think you're the expert on Slytherin loyalty?"

He looked taken aback, his expression softening. "I never said that. I just... don't want to see you hurt."

For a brief moment, the tension between us shifted. I could see a flicker of something vulnerable in his gray eyes, something I hadn't expected. But just as quickly, he masked it with a familiar bravado.

"Whatever, Malfoy. I can handle myself," I replied, my voice more composed than I felt.

As we walked back toward the Great Hall, I stole a glance at him, trying to decipher the emotions churning beneath his cool exterior. Did he actually care? Or was this just his Slytherin instinct to protect what he saw as his territory?  

The next day was filled with tension and unspoken words. I noticed Draco's gaze lingering on me more often, and he even began to join my conversations with Blaise and the girls. At first, I was taken aback by his presence, but it soon became apparent that he was starting to feel more at ease around me.

One evening, while studying in the common room, I found myself sitting across from Draco. The flickering firelight cast shadows across his face, illuminating the contours of his sharp features. We were both lost in our books, but every now and then, I could feel his eyes on me, watching as I scribbled notes in my textbook.

"What are you working on?" he asked suddenly, breaking the comfortable silence.

"Just some notes for Potions. I want to make sure we ace the next practical," I replied, trying to sound casual despite my racing heart.

"Right, because we wouldn't want Snape to think we're slacking off," he quipped, a teasing glint in his eyes.

I smirked, feeling a warmth spreading through me. "Exactly. I refuse to spend another Saturday cleaning cauldrons."

Draco chuckled, and for a moment, it felt like the walls that had always existed between us were beginning to crumble. We exchanged jokes and playful banter, the atmosphere around us lightening with each passing moment.

"Y/N," he said suddenly, his voice serious. "Why did you get put in Slytherin."

I paused, taken aback by the sudden shift in conversation. "I-I can't really choose what I get put into."

He nodded, his gaze unwavering. "Do you really believe that?"

"Of course," I replied, my conviction rising. "We're not just here to follow rules. We're here to make our mark."

Draco's expression shifted, a contemplative look crossing his features. "You're different, you know."

"And how's that exactly huh? I didn't let you get under my skin for the first six weeks of school like everybody else and I don't obey what you say, and I don't look up to you as some big lord." I said, challenging him.

He regarded me for a moment, and I could see the gears turning in his mind. "You might be the first person I've met who isn't obsessed with me."

I blinked in Suprise. "Wow." I say sarcastic. 

"You know what I mean Y\N" he added, the smirk returning. "I'm still better than you at Potions."

I laughed, shaking my head. "Keep dreaming, Malfoy."

One day I was sitting in the courtyard all by myself while everyone else was in class. It's because the breeze was nice, and nobody was there to ruin it, so I sat down and began reading my favorite books. When I feel someone tap on me from behind it was Draco. Me and him still hated each other at least, I think. Ever since I'd been hanging out with Blaise Malfoy has been around and less torturous to me. So I didn't know what we were. 

"What do you want Malfoy?" I said blocking the sun from my face. "I have a proposal for you." I was intrigued to know what it was. "What might that be?" "Can we just be civil?" I stood up and closed my book. "What's the catch, Draco." "There is no catch Y\N." I was trying to hide my big smile knowing I finally have him off my back. "Yes, I'd like that very much." I smiled at him. "Yeah, well don't get all happy about it your just not worth my time or breath or energy." I rolled my eyes when he walked away. I was so happy for the first time since school started, I could be free from Draco. 

It felt as if a wave a relief went over my whole body as if one-hundred-pound weights just dropped off of my back.