Memories of the Heart || Harry Potter x Reader

Y6 ~ Unbreakable Vow

The train rattled steadily along the tracks, the rhythmic clatter merging with the distant murmur of students chatting in other compartments. A thick fog had settled over the countryside outside, blurring the outlines of trees and rolling hills into a ghostly haze. Inside their compartment, however, it was warm and cozy. The scent of chocolate frogs and the faint musk of worn leather from the seats filled the air.

Y/N nestled comfortably against Harry, her head resting on his shoulder, the familiar warmth of him seeping into her as she clung to his arm. Her Pygmy Puff, curled up on her left shoulder, let out a tiny squeak as its soft fur tickled her neck. The small weight of it was oddly grounding, especially on a day that carried the lingering tension of overheard secrets and unspoken thoughts.

Harry's thumb absently traced patterns on Y/N's forearm where his hand lay beneath hers, his mind preoccupied with the conversation they had overheard. Across from them, Ron slouched in his seat, arms crossed, staring out the window with furrowed brows. The reflection in the glass mirrored his troubled expression.

"Unbreakable Vow," Ron repeated, his voice low and uneasy. "You're sure that's what Snape said?"

Harry's emerald eyes darkened as he nodded. "Yeah. Why?"

Ron exhaled sharply, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's just... you can't break an Unbreakable Vow." His tone carried a weight that made Y/N sit up slightly, her fingers still loosely curled around Harry's arm.

"I worked that much out for myself, funny enough," Harry said dryly, though his stomach twisted uneasily.

"You don't understand. Oh, bloody hell," Ron muttered. A sudden fogging of the window broke the moment. They turned to see Lavender Brown pressed against the glass, exhaling onto it before drawing a heart with 'R+L' scribbled inside.

Y/N groaned audibly, her head tilting back against the seat in exasperation. "Oh, for Merlin's sake," she muttered.

Harry shared her reaction, averting his gaze to Y/N's hand as if it were the most fascinating thing in the world. He absentmindedly toyed with the charms on her bracelet, using the excuse to brush his fingers against hers. She didn't pull away.

Outside, Lavender pressed her fingertips to the window in an exaggerated display of longing. "I miss you," she whispered dramatically before disappearing down the corridor.

Harry rolled his eyes. "Lovely."

Y/N snorted. "That's not sanitary," she remarked, watching the condensation on the window smear under Lavender's touch.

Harry chuckled at that, shaking his head.

Ron groaned, slumping deeper into his seat. "All she wants to do is snog me. My lips are getting chapped, look." He leaned in toward them, pouting slightly to emphasize his point.

Without hesitation, Y/N placed her palm over his face and pushed him back. "Then we'll take your word for it," she deadpanned.

Ron landed back against his seat with a defeated grunt, while Harry laughed, his shoulders shaking. Y/N let her hand drop back into her lap, where Harry eagerly resumed playing with her charms.

His laughter faded as his eyes lingered on her wrist, his fingers halting. "Y/N... what happened to that ring you always wore? The one with the green diamond?" he asked, his voice quieter now.

Y/N's gaze dropped to her empty finger. She exhaled through her nose, lifting her chin slightly. "I returned it to its rightful owner," she said evenly. "Don't need junk from a jerk."

Harry's heart gave a small jolt of satisfaction. He knew exactly who had given her that ring—Draco Malfoy. His lips twitched into a small, pleased smile, knowingly.