Ten Questions (Harry Potter x Slytherin reader)

Chapter 33 (End of Year Four)

The next couple of days, there are whispers among the school, especially with the Slytherins, about the return of The Dark Lord. Most students are dismissive, saying that Harry is lying for attention. That if he really did return, it would be made obvious. But most Slytherins know the truth. We don't acknowledge it, but we know.

A funeral is held in the great hall to honor Cedric, and despite Dumbledore's speech that affirmed Harry's claim, most students are still skeptical. During these days, I avoid Harry. I spend most of my time in the Slytherin common room and away from the library, from the kitchens and potion classroom, places where I know he'll be. I think about what I would say if I did see Harry, and all of the questions I would ask. Whenever I think about him, Adrien's voice rings through my head. I have to stay away, or else I might be seen as an enemy to my supposed allies. Allies that I want nothing to do with.

During the ride on the Hogwarts express, the ride is somber. Although it has been days since the third task, most students are silent. Even Daphne, who is usually quick to lighten the mood, is quiet during the ride. When I look into her and Blaise's eyes, I know that they also know the truth- that Voldemort is back, and that we too could soon become death eaters. Nobody says a word.

About halfway through the ride, I stand up and begin to leave the compartment.

"Where are you going?" Daphne asks, a confused look crossing her face.

"Bathroom," I reply before slipping away. I slide the compartment door shut behind me and take a deep breath. I glance behind me, wondering if anybody can see me. When I see the hall is empty, I make my way towards the back compartment where nobody is sitting. I am careful to make sure that nobody is watching me.

When I slide the door open, Harry snaps his head towards my direction, and then instantly relaxes when he sees that it is me. He is sitting alone, the compartment empty. I wonder to myself how long he has been sitting there. He lets out a relieved sigh and stands up.

"Y/n, you have no idea how glad I am to see-"

Before he can finish what he is saying, I wrap Harry in a tight hug and bury my face into his shoulder. He looks surprised for a moment before hugging me back, wrapping his arms around me and pulling me closer.

"Harry, I am so sorry," I whisper. "I wanted to see you, but I just couldn't-"

"I know." Harry pulls back and looks at me, studying my face and giving me a faint smile. "Your letter explained everything."

I nod, a feeling of relief washing over me. About a day after the third task had ended, I had written to Harry explaining everything, even about Adrien. I explained that I had wanted to see him, but I wasn't sure how to. I figured that meeting on the express would be the only way.

Harry looked at me nervously. "But you- you're not...?"

I roll my sleeve up, revealing my bare forearm. I shake my head. "Not yet. But soon."

Harry's brow furrows. "Well, do you know when?" he asks, concern lacing his voice.

Again, I shake my head. "No," I say. "I don't know when, but I'm safe... for now."

Harry falls silent. After a few moments, he nods, understanding.

"Look, Y/n... before the third task, there was something I wanted to ask you. But I couldn't, because of Moody, and, well-" Harry falters when he sees the quizzical look on my face, hesitant to continue.

Despite everything going on, I let out a small laugh. "God, Potter, for a Gryffindor, you really are a wreck."

To my surprise, Harry laughs too. "Okay, well... I know it may come as a shock to you, Pucey, but I like you. And even if you like to pretend that you don't, I know you do too." I open my mouth to protest, but he continues, "And I was wondering if you would be my girlfriend."

Although my first instinct is to instantly say yes and wrap him into a hug, my smile fades. There is a long moment of silence before I speak again.

"How are we going to hide it? I'm not allowed to be seen with you."

"I know," says Harry. "And to answer your question, I don't know, but we'll figure it out." He takes a step closer towards me, and my heart skips a bit. He stares at me intently. "But I want to be with you, Y/n. I have wanted to be with you for a while. I know that you're you and I'm me, but I will do anything to make it work."

I am too shocked to say anything. My heart is beating fast, and I try to quickly think of what to say next. Harry panics at my silence and quickly adds, "If you don't feel the same, that's fine. I'll just-"

I roll my eyes. "You can be such an idiot sometimes, Potter."

And then I grab him by the collar of his shirt and pull him into a kiss. It doesn't take long for him to slide his hands down to my waist, gently resting his hands there. What feels like seconds slowly fades into minutes, and I think to myself that I could stay in this moment forever.

Slowly, Harry pulls away, his eyes shining as he takes in my face. He grins.

"A Gryffindor and a Slytherin," he says mockingly, echoing my words from all those months ago. "Who would have thought?"

I laugh.

"Promise you'll write to me this summer?" I ask, my voice soft.

Harry tucks a strand of hair behind my ear before looking into my eyes. He smiles again, then nods.

"Of course," he says. And I believe him.

He kisses me again, and in that moment, despite everything that is happening, everything that I had been worrying about for the last few days slips away and fades into nothing. At that moment, I forget about Voldemort, about Adrien, my family, the death eaters, and about the fact that I shouldn't even be seeing Harry right now.

Abruptly, I pull away from Harry. He opens his eyes, confused.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing," I say, shaking my head. Then, very slowly, a smile creeps across my lips. "Actually, do you want to play ten questions?"

Harry instantly grins. "Absolutely," he answers. He sits down, and I promptly follow him. For the first time in a long time, I don't feel worried or scared. I realize that this moment is perfect, and that although I know I will have to confront my fears soon, I can focus on this moment with Harry. For the first time in a while, I feel as though everything is going to be okay.

We play for the whole ride back.