-Mine-( Harry Potter x Reader)

Chapter 13

                                            "I want it all, but I don't know what that means."
                                                                           -Gracie Abrams-

                                                                               -Feels Like-

Y/n's POV

The walk back to Gryffindor Tower felt slower than usual, like the castle itself was urging me to think—really think—about everything that had shifted that day.

The Fat Lady hummed approvingly as she swung open, and warmth spilled over me instantly. The common room was glowing, firelight flickering against stone walls, casting everything in honeyed gold. Laughter bubbled from a corner where a few younger students played Exploding Snap, but the rest of the room was calm—comfortable.

I slipped upstairs first, needing a moment to myself.

In the dormitory, I changed out of my uniform carefully, choosing something that felt like me. A cropped baby-pink cardigan with pearl buttons, a low-rise plaid skirt that swayed when I moved, sheer tights, and my favorite ballet flats. Girly, soft, a little early-2000s—like armor made of silk instead of steel.

The mirror smiled at me knowingly.

"You dress like someone who feels things deeply," it said.

"I do," I whispered back.

When I returned to the common room, Harry was already there, sitting cross-legged by the fire. Hermione sat beside him, knees tucked neatly under her skirt, a book open but clearly forgotten.

"There she is," Hermione said, looking up immediately. Her eyes flicked over my outfit with a small smile. "Cute skirt."

"Thanks," I said, sitting down across from them, tucking my legs to the side.

Harry leaned back on his hands. "You disappeared earlier. Lupin keep you?"

"Not long," I said. "He just... talked."

Hermione closed her book slowly. "About your Patronus?"

I nodded. "He thinks it's symbolic. Growth. Choice. Loyalty."

Hermione's eyes softened. "That actually makes a lot of sense."

Harry studied the fire. "Does it bother you? That it changed?"

I thought about the wolf—steady, watchful. "No. It feels right. Just... confusing."

Hermione reached out and squeezed my hand. "You don't have to figure everything out at once, Y/n."

"I know," I said, meaning it. "I just feel like something's coming. Like I'm standing on the edge of something."

Harry met my eyes then, his voice gentle. "Whatever it is, you won't face it alone."

That familiar warmth bloomed in my chest—the kind Harry always brought with him. Safe. Steady. Home.

And still... my lungs felt tight.

"I think I'm going to go for a walk," I said quietly. "Just to clear my head."

Hermione nodded immediately. "Take your time."

Harry smiled. "I'll save your spot."

(Time Skip)

The castle halls were quiet, my flats tapping softly against stone as I climbed higher and higher. The Astronomy Tower door creaked open, cold air rushing to meet me, lifting the hem of my skirt as I stepped outside.

The night was breathtaking. Stars scattered endlessly above, the moon bright and sharp. I rested my hands on the stone railing, breathing deeply.

For a moment, it was just me and the sky.

Then—

"You always come up here when you're overwhelmed."

I turned.

Draco Malfoy stood a few feet away, dark coat pulled tight, silver-blond hair catching the moonlight. His voice wasn't mocking—just observant.

"You've noticed?" I asked.

He shrugged. "I notice things."

We stood in silence, the kind that didn't demand filling.

"You looked... different today," he said. "After class."

"My Patronus changed," I admitted. "And everyone keeps telling me it means something, but no one can tell me what."

Draco stepped closer, stopping just short of my space. "Maybe it's not meant to be explained. Maybe it's meant to be felt."

I looked at him, surprised. "You're not usually this comforting."

A faint smirk tugged at his lips. "Don't get used to it."

Then, softer, "You don't have to be strong all the time, you know."

Something in my chest cracked.

Before I could stop myself, I whispered, "Thank you for seeing me."

He hesitated—then leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to my cheek.

It was brief. Careful. Intentional.

My breath hitched. "Why did you do that?"

His voice was low, honest. "Because I feel like you and I... have a connection. And I needed you to know I'm here. Always."

He stepped back slightly. "Sorry if that was a mistake."

I shook my head. "It wasn't."

I stepped forward and wrapped my arms around him.

For a moment, he froze—then his arms came around me, solid and warm. The hug was grounding, protective, like he was anchoring me to the present.

When we pulled apart, neither of us rushed away.

"I think," I said softly, "we should keep this between us. For now."

Draco nodded. "Our secret."

As I turned to leave, my heart felt impossibly full—and painfully unfinished.

Because for the first time, I didn't just feel safe.

I wanted more.

(734 Words)