Memories of the Heart || Harry Potter x Reader

Y6 ~ Just Friends

The sunlit corridor of Hogwarts stretched before them, golden light streaming through the tall, arched windows and casting intricate patterns onto the ancient stone floor. The distant chatter of students and the occasional flap of an owl's wings blended with the rhythmic echo of footsteps as Y/N walked beside Hermione, her bag swinging lightly against her hip.

It seemed impossible to walk anywhere these days without overhearing whispers about her and Draco. Their relationship had spread through the school like wildfire, a hot topic of gossip that left students stunned and divided. Y/N Nightengale, the beauty from Gryffindor, and Draco Malfoy, the enigmatic Slytherin prince—it was the sort of pairing no one saw coming.

Shock rippled through the halls as rumors swirled, the buzz fueled by the absurd irony of it all. How could she—the chosen one in so many eyes, the girl everyone assumed belonged with Harry Potter—end up with him? Draco Malfoy, the infamous pureblood Slytherin, Harry's rival and the last person anyone would associate with the Golden Trio.

"The beauty and the bad boy," one Hufflepuff had been overheard saying, disbelief dripping from their tone. "But seriously, Malfoy? Not Harry Potter, the actual Chosen One?"

Y/N had tried to ignore the whispers, but they clung to her like shadows in the daylight. It wasn't just her reputation that turned heads—it was the way Draco had changed around her. He wasn't just the sharp-tongued Slytherin heir anymore; he was softer somehow, his smirks less cutting when she was near, his swagger tempered by something unspoken.

"Do you ever get tired of being the school's hottest topic?" Hermione asked, breaking Y/N from her thoughts. Her voice was dry, but her eyes carried a glint of amusement as they passed a group of younger students whispering and stealing glances.

Y/N sighed, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Not exactly the title I wanted, if I'm honest," she replied, her voice low enough to avoid being overheard. "You'd think people would've gotten bored by now."

Hermione smirked. "Hardly. You're Y/N Nightengale, beauty of Gryffindor, and you're with Draco Malfoy. Add Harry Potter to the mix, and you're practically a walking headline."

Y/N rolled her eyes, though a smile tugged at her lips despite herself. "Brilliant. Just what I needed—tabloid fame in a castle."

"Well," Hermione teased, nudging her lightly, "it could be worse. At least the gossip keeps us entertained."

Y/N laughed softly, the sound blending with the hum of the corridor as they continued toward their next class, leaving the whispers behind them.

"What's our next class?" Y/N asked, adjusting the strap of her bag and glancing sideways at Hermione. Her voice carried a casual curiosity, but her gaze lingered on the passing suits of armor, their polished surfaces glinting faintly in the morning light.

"Potions," Hermione replied, not missing a beat as she pulled out her meticulously organized schedule. Her expression was calm, though a hint of excitement sparkled in her eyes—Potions was one of her favorite subjects, after all.

Ron and Harry had reached both girls and followed be behind them, Ron groaned audibly from behind them, his shoulders slumping as he turned to Harry with a hopeful glint. "We've got a free period, don't we?" he asked, his tone bordering on pleading as if willing Harry to confirm his wishful thinking.

Hermione halted in her tracks, spinning to face them with her usual no-nonsense air. Her gaze landed on Ron first, then Harry. "Well, Y/N and I have Potions," she began, her tone brisk. Adjusting the strap of her bag with a practiced motion, she continued, "You two aren't taking it this year because Snape only allowed students with Outstands in their OWLs into his NEWT class. So, if you'll excuse us, we need to head to the dungeon." With that, she turned sharply, her bushy hair bouncing slightly as she walked.