The Keeper of Secrets. (Draco Malfoy x Reader)

Questioning Old Ties

Ophelia sighed as she wandered down yet another unfamiliar corridor, trying to find the Great Hall after visiting Draco in the hospital wing. Though she was learning to appreciate Hogwarts' seemingly endless corridors and hidden paths, it was still easy to get lost in its vastness. Just as she rounded a corner, she collided with someone. 

"Oh! I'm so sorry!" she exclaimed, taking a step back and looking up to find herself face-to-face with a tall, dark-skinned boy. His closely-cropped hair framed a confident smile, and his dark brown eyes gleamed with mild amusement. 

"No harm done," he replied, his voice smooth, with a hint of a laugh. "I don't think I've seen you around here before—lost, are you?" 

Ophelia felt her cheeks heat up as she met his steady gaze. "Yes, actually... I was just trying to find my way to the Great Hall." 

"Oh, you were?" His smile deepened. "And why would such a pretty face as you be wandering around alone? Don't Gryffindors usually hunt in packs?" He glanced at her scarlet and gold robes with a playful glint. 

"Well, we do," she replied jokingly, caught off guard by his friendly, almost flirtatious manner, "but I still get lost easily, it seems." 

The boy chuckled. "Ah, well, I'll let you in on a secret—Slytherins don't often advertise their helpfulness, but we can't resist a damsel in distress." He extended a hand. "I'm Blaise. Blaise Zabini. And you are?" 

"Ophelia," she replied, shaking his hand. "Ophelia Fontaine. I'm new, which might explain my rather hopeless sense of direction." 

He looked genuinely intrigued, his smile turning mischievous. "Ophelia? As in Draco's 'Ophy'?" he asked, eyes twinkling. "He said you were pretty, but it seems he was downplaying things." 

Unused to such boldness, Ophelia laughed awkwardly, glancing away. "That's me," she replied, clearing her throat. "Though Draco might have been... exaggerating." 

Blaise raised an eyebrow, clearly finding her reaction amusing. "Not even a little, I'd say." He offered her his arm with a small, exaggerated bow. "If you'll allow me, I'd be glad to escort you to the Great Hall." 

After a brief hesitation, Ophelia took his arm. "Thank you, Blaise." 

As they walked together, Blaise kept up his flirtatious banter, which Ophelia answered with polite, if slightly awkward, replies. She was about to ask him about classes when she noticed a distinct blue and silver pin on the collar of his shirt: an arrow symbol. 

"Appleby Arrows?" Ophelia asked, glancing up at him in surprise.

Blaise stopped abruptly, looking down at her with raised eyebrows. "No way. You're an Arrows fan?" "Yes!" 

she replied, brightening. "Their Chasers have been incredible this season!" 

Blaise's grin broadened, his posture suddenly more animated as he gestured dramatically. "Finally, someone with taste! Can you believe the Harpies' seeker is still being considered as one of the league's top players?" 

"Right? She's missed every major shot for three weeks straight!" 

Blaise groaned. "It's about time someone else noticed." He launched into a passionate discussion about team tactics and players, and Ophelia laughed along, surprised by his Quidditch enthusiasm. They made their way through the corridors together, Ophelia warming to Blaise's charming banter, enjoying his company. 

As they reached the doors to the Great Hall, she felt a genuine sense of appreciation for Blaise's company. "Thank you, Blaise. I really enjoyed our little walk. I look forward to more Quidditch debates."