Memories of the Heart || Harry Potter x Reader

Y4 ~ The Second Task

Y/N couldn't sleep the night of the Yule Ball. Despite the dazzling lights, the enchanting music, and the stolen glances that had made her evening unforgettable, her mind refused to rest. The recurring nightmare clawed its way back to the forefront of her thoughts: the chilling graveyard, Pettigrew's hollow gaze, Voldemort's cruel sneer, Nagini's serpentine presence, and the man cloaked in shadow. It was the same nightmare she inexplicably shared with Harry, an unspoken bond that now felt like a curse.

The dormitory felt suffocating, the soft snores of her roommates a mocking reminder of the peace that eluded her. Wrapping herself in the solace of warm, worn-in sweatpants and her favorite oversized hooded sweater, Y/N slipped out of bed. Her movements were careful, her breath held as she crept past the sleeping forms. The Gryffindor common room was eerily quiet, the embers of the dying fire casting flickering shadows on the walls. Pushing open the portrait door, she stepped into the cold embrace of the castle's silent corridors.

The faint golden glow of enchanted torches illuminated her path as she wandered aimlessly. Her footsteps echoed softly against the stone floor, the chill seeping through her slippers and biting at her skin. Eventually, her wandering brought her to a secluded tower, its brick windowsill beckoning like an old friend. She climbed onto the ledge, the rough stone pressing against her hands as she settled herself. Beyond the window, snow fell gently, blanketing the grounds in a serene white. The icy air kissed her cheeks, painting them a delicate pink, while her loose hair, tangled from restless tossing, caught the faint light.

In her lap, she held a small, delicate butterfly clip—blue with intricate silver accents. It was a gift from Harry, given to her during their first Christmas together with the Weasleys. A bittersweet smile played on her lips as she ran her fingers over its smooth wings, memories swirling in her mind. Once, it had been a token of joy and closeness. Now, it felt like a tether to something lost, a reminder of the fractured bond between her and Harry.

Her solitude was broken by the sound of measured footsteps approaching. Y/N tensed, clutching the clip tighter as the figure emerged from the shadows. It was Draco Malfoy. The soft glow of the torches cast his features in sharp relief—his pale skin, the tired lines around his usually guarded eyes, and the faint vulnerability in his expression. He was dressed more casually than she had ever seen him, his sleek robes replaced by a soft, charcoal-grey jumper and dark trousers.

"Y/N," Draco said softly, his voice cutting through the stillness like a whisper in the wind. He paused, as if waiting for permission to draw closer.

Her lips curved into a faint, melancholic smile as she looked back at him, her voice barely above a murmur. "Hi..."

He moved closer, his footsteps echoed within the tower grounds. "Couldn't sleep?" he asked, leaning against the stone wall beside her.

She simply shook her head, her voice barely above a whisper."No. Sleep and I don't get along these days."

There was a moment of silence, the snow outside creating a quiet backdrop for their shared unease. Finally, Draco spoke again, his voice uncharacteristically gentle. "Mind if I join you?"

Y/N nodded, scooting slightly to the side, though the windowsill barely had enough room for the both of them. Draco climbed up anyway, his movements graceful but hesitant. The stone's chill seemed to creep through their clothes, but neither commented on it.

"The nightmares," Y/N admitted after a long pause, her gaze fixed on the swirling snow. "They won't stop."

Draco's eyes softened with empathy. "I know the feeling. I have my own demons," he said quietly. "They can take over if you let them."