The Keeper of Secrets. (Draco Malfoy x Reader)

A Lesson in Ridikulus

The next morning, Ophelia awoke with a heavy heart. The events of the previous evening replayed in her mind, and she felt a deep sense of betrayal. She had always known Draco to be a bit arrogant and proud, but she had hoped that beneath it all, he had a good heart. Having known Draco since infancy, she had seen a few sides of him—both his arrogant and proud exterior when it came to people he disliked, but also his kind side when it came to those he cared for.

But after yesterday? Well, she wasn't so sure who Draco had grown into.

Ophelia looked at the bed beside her own. "Hmm... Seems Hermione is up and about already." Yesterday evening, Ophelia's mood had been rather tarnished, and Hermione had helped her unpack and settle in. To Ophelia's happy surprise, she was to share her room with Hermione and three other girls: Lavender Brown, Parvati Patil, and Fay Dunbar. All very sweet girls, whom welcomed her to their dorms.

Ophelia dragged her body out of bed and looked at her clock. Breakfast had only just started, so Ophelia had no reason to rush. Luckily, Ophelia was in no mood to rush through her morning skincare and makeup routine. Having a mother from France who had raised her to be... well... a lady, Ophelia had grown up with a certain level of expectations when it came to taking care of herself. Though she did not go crazy with either, she enjoyed and was relaxed when doing her morning and evening routine. She applied her skincare, sunscreen, and a simple layer of blush, mascara, and lip balm.

As she dressed in her Gryffindor robes, she resolved to focus on her studies and her new friends, but the ache in her chest was hard to ignore. She would give Draco some space and give him a chance to do right with his actions. Her parents had always taught Ophelia to be strong in what she thought was right, but she also understood the importance of giving people a chance.

With that, Ophelia looked at her reflection in the mirror and slapped her cheeks lightly. She made up her mind to have a serious chat with Draco later and give him a chance to correct his errors and explain himself properly.

With that, Ophelia grabbed her bag with books and left for breakfast.

At breakfast, Hermione, Harry, and Ron were already seated. Ophelia slid into the seat beside Hermione, who gave her a reassuring smile.

"Good morning, Ophy!" Hermione greeted. "How are you feeling today?"

Ophelia forced a smile. "I'm alright. Just... thinking about a lot of things."

Ron glanced up from his plate, concern etched on his face. "You did well last night, Ophelia. Standing up to Malfoy like that... it was brave."

Harry nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it takes guts to confront someone you've known for so long, especially when they're in the wrong."

"Thanks," Ophelia said softly, appreciating their support. "I was just very surprised with it all... but no more chat about that! So what's up for today, guys?" Ophelia put on her brightest smile as a means to lighten her own mood. The conversation shifted to their classes for the day.

After breakfast, the four of them started to head to the first lesson of the day: Defence Against the Dark Arts. Ophelia had heard from Hermione that it was a new teacher to teach them this year.

The classroom buzzed with anticipation as the students filed in for their Defence Against the Dark Arts lesson. Professor Lupin stood at the front, a kind smile on his tired face. The room was devoid of chairs and tables, so the students stood in a semicircle around him. Ophelia, standing between Hermione and Harry, noticed the friendly yet mysterious air about him.

"Good morning, class," Professor Lupin began, his voice gentle but commanding attention. "Today, we will be learning about a spell that can help you defend yourself against one of the most common creatures you might encounter—a Boggart."