Y/N x Draco Malfoy (Enemies to Lovers)

Secrets and Burdens

Y/N's POV

The morning sun filters through the tall windows of the Gryffindor common room, casting golden rays across the furniture, but the atmosphere feels anything but bright. Whispers fill the air, bouncing from student to student, the news of Sirius's escape still sending shockwaves through the castle. I sit beside Harry, our fingers brushing occasionally as we exchange relieved glances. It's a silent acknowledgment of the weight of what we've accomplished together. But beneath the surface, I can feel a wariness about the future—what could come next after such a bold move?

"Can you believe it? He's actually free," Harry says, his voice low, laced with a mix of excitement and concern.

"Yeah, but it's not over yet," I reply, my stomach twisting at the thought of the dangers still lurking. I can hardly shake the image of Sirius's gaunt face from my mind. "We have to be careful."

As we talk, the chatter around us swells—a mixture of awe and fear. We've done something extraordinary, but the repercussions loom large.

Draco's POV

I slump into a chair at the Slytherin table, my heart still racing from the chaos of the night before. The news of Sirius's escape makes me feel a strange mix of emotions. Part of me admires the audacity of it all, while another part is naggingly concerned for Y/N. I haven't seen her since the night we shared that charged moment, and my mind keeps replaying the kiss we had in the Forbidden Forest. I can't shake the feeling that things are about to change.

Deciding I need some air, I make my way to the library, hoping for a quiet moment to sort through my thoughts. As I walk through the shelves, I catch a glimpse of Y/N. She stands with her back to me, her brow furrowed in concentration as she thumbs through a book. A flutter of excitement twists in my stomach, and I can't help but approach.

"Y/N," I call softly, and she turns to face me, surprise mingling with caution in her eyes.

"What do you want, Draco?" she replies, crossing her arms defensively. It only piques my interest more.

I hesitate, searching for the right words. "I just wanted to ask... why were you so secretive last night? You didn't seem like yourself."

Y/N's gaze drops to the floor, and for a brief moment, I see the vulnerability beneath her guarded exterior. Just as I'm about to push further, she turns away, walking towards the bookshelf.

"Look, I'm sorry about the breakup with Oliver," I say, surprising myself with the honesty. "But, honestly, I'm glad it happened. I hated seeing you with him." The confession tumbles out before I can stop myself, and the moment hangs in the air, thick with unspoken words.

I see Y/N pause, her shoulders tensing. She stands behind a bookshelf, hidden from my view but close enough to hear everything. A surge of hope mixes with nervousness, uncertain if she'll respond.

Harry's POV

After finishing breakfast, I find a quiet corner of the common room, my mind racing with thoughts of Sirius and the danger still looming over us. I spot Y/N standing apart, her expression thoughtful. I know she's been through a lot lately, especially with the breakup and everything else swirling around us.

"Y/N," I call, beckoning her over. She walks towards me, and I can see a hint of tension in her posture. "We need to talk about Sirius. I'm going to keep in contact with him. It's crucial we help him."

Her brow furrows, and I can sense her hesitation. "Harry, you know how risky this is. What if—"

"I know, but we can't just abandon him. He's innocent, and we need to prove it. But you have to keep this quiet, okay?" I lean closer, my voice low. "If anyone finds out, it could put him in danger."

Y/N nods slowly, but I can see the conflict in her eyes. "I understand, but it's just... hard to keep secrets, especially when things are changing so quickly."

"I get it. Just promise me you'll be careful. I don't want anything happening to you." My protective instinct kicks in, and I place a hand on her shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

As we share that moment, Y/N's expression softens, but I remain unaware of the deeper turmoil brewing within her—her feelings for Draco and the kisses that now haunt her thoughts. She can't reveal that part of her life to me, not when I'm so adamantly against Draco being around her.

Y/N's POV

As the conversation with Harry wraps up, my heart feels heavy. I've made a promise to him, but the weight of keeping secrets feels unbearable. I though about the shelves where I left Draco, feeling a mix of excitement and fear about what my feelings for him mean.

There's a thrill that comes with thinking of him, yet there's also a risk. The thought of Harry's reaction keeps me from voicing anything, and the knowledge of the growing divide between my brother and my own heart adds to my confusion.