CHAPTER FORTY-ONE ───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───── "I think we've found the perfect spot."
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
─── Y/N POV ───
The next day, I stood outside the Slytherin common room, waiting for Draco Malfoy as I anxiously shifted my weight from one foot to the other. Suddenly, Umbridge's voice echoed through the halls, dripping with authority: "All student organizations are henceforth disbanded. Any student in noncompliance will be expelled."
I bit back a curse, letting out a frustrated sigh. My jaw clenched as I ran a hand through my hair. This was bad. How were we supposed to find a secret place to practice, with that wretched woman hovering over every move we made?
A soft chuckle sounded behind me, and a familiar voice broke the tension. "Ouch, I hope you weren't talking about me."
I couldn't help but smile as I turned around to face the boy, who's signature smirk was already in place. Before I could respond, he closed the distance between us, his lips finding mine in a quick, warm kiss.
I grinned against his lips as I pulled back, trying to play it cool. "Maybe I was, maybe I wasn't."
His smirk deepened, his gaze searching mine. "Is that so?" Draco's hands slid to my sides, his fingers grazing my skin before he launched into a round of tickling.
"Stop! Stop!" I squealed, trying to wriggle away, but Draco only laughed, like he knew exactly how to get under my skin.
It went on forever, but eventually, he relented, pulling me back to face him, his grin still lingering on his face.
"Who were you really talking about?" he asked, tilting his head.
I couldn't help but laugh, even though my heart wasn't fully in it. "Umbridge."
Draco's eyes rolled dramatically. "This again?"
I felt the frustration flare up again, but I bit it back, not wanting to start yet another argument. "She's evil, Draco. You can't possibly think she's—"
"Y/n," Draco stopped me. "Remember what I told you yesterday. You need to be smart. Don't go doing anything that will get you in trouble."
"I can handle it, Draco. You know I'm not afraid to fight for what's right."
"I get that," he replied, running a hand through his hair. "But this isn't just about you. It's about your safety. You don't know how far Umbridge is willing to go."
"Okay, Draco."
Of course, it was a lie, but I could tell he was genuinely worried about me, and I wasn't going to make matters worse by unveiling the truth of what I was getting into. So, I agreed, and together we made our way down to the Great Hall for breakfast.
───────────────
After Draco left for class, I wandered through the hallways alone, but the familiar feeling of frustration never quite left me. I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't notice Neville Longbottom until I saw him shoved roughly to the side by Crabbe and Goyle, their laughter echoing off the stone walls.
"Which way you going, Longbottom?" Goyle taunted.
Neville's shoulders slumped, a defeated look crossing his face as he started to shuffle away.
"Hey! Go find somebody else to tease!" I called out, my voice sharp as I shot them a stern glare.
The two boys exchanged glances, a flicker of uncertainty crossing their faces before they nodded slightly and walked away. I guess being Draco's girlfriend meant they had to listen to me, too.
"Neville! Wait up!" I shouted, quickening my pace to catch up with him.
"Hello, y/n," he replied shyly, his cheeks tinged pink.
"Have you found somewhere we can meet yet?" I asked, trying to keep my tone upbeat despite my growing concern.
"No, not yet," he sighed, looking down at his shoes.
"Want to help me look?" I offered.
"Sure," he said, a hint of relief in his voice.
A smile crept across my face as we started wandering through the winding halls of Hogwarts. After about five minutes of searching, I heard a soft rumble. Curiosity piqued, I turned to my left, my eyes widening as I noticed the wall beside me shifting, revealing a concealed door.
"Hey, Neville. Look at this!" I nudged him excitedly.
The door creaked open to reveal a massive, secret room bathed in the glow of enchanted lights. It was spacious and cozy, with couches scattered throughout the area, the kind of place where we could meet in secret, away from prying eyes.
"I think we've found the perfect spot," I said, grinning from ear to ear as I looked around the room. A place that could be ours, away from Umbridge's eyes.
