the corridors between classes are packed — robes brushing, voices echoing off stone walls, the air thick with chatter and impatience. you’re walking beside hermione, listening as she talks about Umbridge’s latest decree, as harry and ron walk behind you two, when a group of Slytherins barrels toward you from the opposite direction.

one of them clips your shoulder hard enough to make you stumble slightly. before you can react, a warm hand wraps around your wrist and pulls you back. you’re suddenly behind Harry, his grip firm but gentle, as shoulders square instinctively, blocking you from view.

“watch where you’re going,” harry says, his voice low — controlled, but sharp enough to make the Slytherins pause.

draco smirks, eyes flicking past Harry to where you’re standing. ”protective, aren’t you, potter?”

hermione glances at ron, worried that draco is teasing too much, ron nods and puts an arm around harry’s shoulders, ushering him away. hermione slips next to me and links arms with you, smiling comfortingly. harry glances over his shoulder at you to make sure you’re okay.