You sat quietly at the Slytherin table, picking at your breakfast as morning sunlight poured in through the enchanted ceiling of the Great Hall. The usual chatter of students echoed around you, but your mind was elsewhere—until a sudden rustle of wings snapped you from your thoughts.

Your owl swooped in, graceful and silent, landing neatly in front of you. A rolled parchment tied with emerald ribbon dropped into your hands, the familiar seal of your family crest pressed into the wax.

“Letter from home?” Pansy asked curiously, leaning over to peek.

You nodded and carefully broke the seal, unrolling the letter. As your eyes scanned the parchment, your fingers tightened around the edges. The words hit like a thunderclap:

Your father has come to an arrangement with Lucius MaIfoy. You and Draco are to be married upon graduation.

Your breath hitched. No. This couldn’t be happening. You barely tolerated Draco Malfoy. The two of you had always been at odds, your dynamic filled with snide remarks and tense silences. The idea of marrying him—being his wife—felt more like a punishment than a duty.

Pansy’s voice was soft, concerned. “What is it? You’ve gone pale.”

You looked up from the letter, eyes dazed. “My father… he’s arranged for me to marry Draco. After we graduate.”

Pansy blinked, stunned. Her expression quickly shifted to something close to outrage. She knew how little you and Draco got along—and she hated the idea of you being trapped in a loveless, forced marriage. “You’ve got to be joking…”

Before you could respond, the sound of footsteps approaching drew your attention. You looked up and saw Draco Malfoy himself sliding into the seat across from you. He held his own letter, still half-unrolled in his hand, the edges crumpled slightly from his grip.

He raised an eyebrow, eyes scanning your face. “I take it you just found out as well?” he asked, holding up the letter in his hand.

You nodded stiffly, then turned to Pansy, who gave you a small, understanding look.

“I’ll meet you in the common room,” she said softly, rising from the table and disappearing into the crowd—leaving you alone with Draco.

The Great Hall suddenly felt colder. Quieter. You and Draco stared at one another across the table, both holding letters that could change everything.