Y/N x Draco Malfoy (Enemies to Lovers)

Thrown into the flames

Y/N's POV

The cold November air prickled my skin as we sat in the stands, waiting for the first champion to enter the arena. My stomach churned with nerves, not only for Harry but for all the champions about to face dragons.

As Fleur stepped into the arena, the crowd hushed. Her graceful movements and sharp focus kept the dragon's attention away from its nest, but the tension in the air was suffocating. My heart pounded in rhythm with the dragon's growls, and I clutched Hermione's arm for support.

"Miss Y/L/N," Professor McGonagall's voice came from behind me.

I turned, confusion etched on my face. She motioned for me to follow her, her expression unusually grave. My pulse quickened, and I hurried after her, throwing a glance back at my friends.

Professor McGonagall led me down a corridor to a tent near the arena. Inside stood Dumbledore, his usual calm demeanor replaced with something sterner.

"Miss Y/N Potter," he began, "I regret to inform you that your name has been entered into the Goblet of Fire, and it has chosen you as a champion."

I froze, my thoughts colliding in a frantic rush. "That's impossible. I didn't enter my name!"

"Nor did Harry," Dumbledore said gravely. "And yet, here we are. Someone seems determined to involve you both in this competition."

"I don't want to do this!" I exclaimed, panic rising in my chest.

"I understand," Dumbledore said gently. "But the Goblet's decision is binding. You must participate."

Before I could respond, a loud cheer erupted from the arena. Fleur had successfully retrieved her egg. My heart sank as I realized what this meant.

"You will be called after Mr. Potter completes his task," McGonagall said softly.

I nodded numbly, my legs shaky as I returned to the stands. Hermione and Ron bombarded me with questions about where I'd gone, but I couldn't find the words to respond.

Harry's POV

The Hungarian Horntail's roar echoed in my ears as I gripped my Firebolt, my hands slick with sweat. The crowd's cheers blurred into white noise as I soared into the air, dodging flames and sharp talons.

Every second felt like an eternity, but when my fingers finally closed around the golden egg, a surge of relief washed over me. The cheers were deafening as I landed, my chest heaving.

I stumbled back toward the champions' tent, my legs shaking from the adrenaline. But before I could fully process what had happened, Ludo Bagman's voice boomed again.

"And now, our unexpected champion: Y/N, Y/N Potter!"

I froze, my breath hitching. Y/N? My Y/N?

"What?" I muttered, disbelief coursing through me. I turned toward the entrance of the tent, my heart pounding as I saw her stepping into the arena. She looked terrified, yet there was a determination in her eyes that made my stomach twist.

"How is this possible?" I demanded, grabbing Dumbledore's arm as he passed. "She didn't enter her name!"

"Nor did you, Harry," Dumbledore said gravely, placing a hand on my shoulder. "But the Goblet has spoken."

I turned to watch her, my chest tight with fear. This couldn't be happening.

Draco's POV

When I heard Y/N's name announced, it felt like the ground had been ripped out from under me. I shot up from my seat in the stands, my fists clenching.

"She can't do this!" I hissed, my voice sharp with panic.

Blaise grabbed my arm. "Draco, sit down. You're drawing attention."

"I don't care!" I snapped, pulling away. My mind raced as I watched her step into the arena. She looked so small, so vulnerable against the massive Welsh Green guarding its nest.

I started to move, desperate to stop this madness, but a firm hand grabbed my shoulder. I turned to see Snape, his expression icy.

"Sit. Down," he ordered, his voice low and commanding.

"There's no way she'll—"

"She has to," Snape interrupted, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Do you want to put her in more danger by interfering?"

I swallowed hard, fury and helplessness warring within me. All I could do now was watch.

Y/N's POV

The Welsh Green's emerald scales glistened in the sunlight as it snarled, its massive tail sweeping the ground. My wand felt heavy in my hand, and every instinct screamed at me to run.

Focus, Y/N.

I took a shaky breath, recalling everything I'd read about dragons. Conjuring water might distract it. Summoning rocks could provide cover.

The dragon's eyes locked onto mine, and I raised my wand. "Aguamenti!"

A jet of water hit the dragon square in the face, momentarily throwing it off. I darted toward the nest, my heart hammering. But before I could grab the golden egg, the dragon recovered, letting out a deafening roar.

It swung its tail, narrowly missing me as I dove to the side. Pain shot through my arm as I landed hard, but I scrambled to my feet, determined not to give up.

"Accio egg!" I shouted, and the golden egg flew into my hands just as the dragon's fiery breath scorched the ground where I'd been standing.

The crowd erupted in cheers as I stumbled out of the arena, clutching the egg tightly.

After the Task

I barely made it to the champions' tent before collapsing onto a chair, my entire body trembling. Harry rushed to my side, his face pale.

"What the bloody hell were you thinking?" he demanded, his voice shaking.

"I didn't have a choice," I muttered, my voice weak.

"Y/N—"

"Potter, let her breathe," Draco's cold drawl interrupted.

Harry glared at him. "This is your fault, isn't it? You and your bloody family!"

"Don't start," I said, cutting him off.

Draco knelt beside me, his usual smirk replaced by genuine concern. "Are you hurt?"

"No, just shaken," I admitted.