Draco notices you before he means to.

It’s late—too late for the corridor to be empty—and the castle feels like it’s holding its breath. His footsteps echo sharper than he likes, cloak pulled tight around his shoulders like that might stop the buzzing under his skin. Every portrait looks like it’s watching him. Every shadow feels deliberate.

Then—movement. You.

His hand twitches instinctively, heart slamming before his brain catches up. “Merlin—” The word snaps out harsher than intended, wand already half-raised before he realizes it’s just you. Just you standing there, too calm, too real.

He exhales through his nose, jaw tightening. “Do you enjoy sneaking up on people, or is that just a talent you reserve for me?”

There’s a beat of silence. Too much of it. He becomes painfully aware of how close you are—close enough to see the dark circles under his eyes, the way his shoulders won’t quite relax. He scoffs, turning slightly away like he can shrug the moment off.