Y/N x Draco Malfoy (Enemies to Lovers)

Shadows of the Future

Draco's POV

The letter felt heavier than any Howler or punishment I'd ever received. As I unfolded it in the solitude of my room, my father's impeccable handwriting sliced through me like a blade.

"Draco,

Your reckless actions continue to disgrace our family. If you do not end this foolish entanglement immediately, I will ensure that her family—your precious Y/N's loved ones—bear the consequences of your defiance. Consider this your final warning.

Additionally, preparations for your role in the Dark Lord's plans are underway. You are expected to meet the expectations of our bloodline without hesitation.

Do not fail me.
Lucius Malfoy"

The knot in my chest tightened with every word. Y/N's face swam into my mind: her laugh, the way her eyes sparkled when she teased me, the way she looked at me like I was something more than a Malfoy. And now, because of me, her family was in danger.

My fingers curled around the parchment, crumpling it. I should end it. Let her hate me, even if it killed me inside. But how could I? How could I push away the only light in my life, knowing the darkness waiting on the other side?

Y/N's POV

Draco's silence was killing me.

For days, he'd been distant. He barely met my eyes, barely spoke unless I forced him to. I knew it wasn't me—I could feel it in the way his hand lingered near mine, the way he glanced at me when he thought I wasn't looking. Something else was eating at him.

Tonight, I decided enough was enough. I cornered him near the library after dinner, where the hallways were quiet. "Draco," I said firmly, stepping in front of him, "what's going on?"

"Nothing," he said, his voice clipped.

"Don't do that," I replied, crossing my arms. "Don't shut me out. I know something's wrong. Is it your father?"

The flash of guilt in his eyes was answer enough. "Y/N, it's complicated."

"Then uncomplicate it," I said, grabbing his hand. "We're supposed to be in this together, remember?"

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. For a moment, I thought he'd tell me everything. Instead, he muttered, "He knows I did not end it."

My stomach dropped. "Your father?"

He nodded, his jaw tight. "He's furious. He... He threatened your family, Y/N. If I don't end this, he'll go after them."

The air left my lungs. "Draco..."

"I can't let him hurt you," he said, his voice breaking. "Or Harry. Or Lupin. I... I should end this. I should let you go."

"No," I said quickly, stepping closer. "Don't you dare. We'll figure it out. Together."

"You don't understand," he said, shaking his head.

"Then make me understand," I insisted, my voice trembling. "Because I'm not letting your father control our lives. I'm not letting him take you from me."

For a moment, his walls crumbled. He reached out, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "You're too good for me, Y/N," he whispered.

"And you're stronger than you think," I replied. "We'll get through this, Draco. I promise."

Draco's POV

Her words filled me with a bittersweet hope I didn't deserve. She had no idea what I was hiding from her, how much worse things were than she knew.

If I told her about the other part of my father's letter, about the Dark Lord's plans, she'd look at me differently. She'd see the weight of what I couldn't say, and I'd lose her for good.

But for now, I let her believe we could face it together. I held her hand tightly, as though I could anchor myself to her and ignore the storm brewing around us.

Y/N's POV

As we walked through the empty halls, I felt the weight of Draco's fear pressing against us like a heavy fog. His father's threats terrified me, but what scared me more was the thought of losing him to that fear.

"I'm not going anywhere, you know," I said quietly, squeezing his hand.

He glanced at me, his expression softening. "You're too stubborn for your own good."

"And you're too quick to take the weight of the world on your shoulders," I replied.

For the first time in days, he smiled—a small, fleeting thing, but it was there.

But deep down, I knew this was only the beginning. Lucius Malfoy wouldn't stop until he got what he wanted. And I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more Draco wasn't telling me