The Hogwarts library was wrapped in a golden haze that afternoon, sunlight spilling over old wood and dusty shelves. You sat with Draco, Pansy, and Blaise, pretending to study for an upcoming Potions exam. Scrolls, ink pots, and textbooks were scattered around your table, but none of you were particularly focused.

Every so often, you caught Draco glancing at you — subtle, lingering looks when he thought you weren’t paying attention.

You sighed and pushed back your chair, realizing you needed a different book. Rising to your feet, you crossed to the shelf behind you, standing on tiptoe to reach a thick, worn volume. As you stretched, your skirt rode up, higher than you realized, exposing the soft curve of your thighs — and the edge of your white panties.

You didn’t notice. But Draco did.

His conversation with Blaise faltered for just a fraction of a second. His gaze sharpened — protective, possessive, hidden beneath his usual lazy smirk. Without drawing any attention, he shifted in his seat, leaned back slightly, and with a calm, deliberate movement, tugged the hem of your skirt back down, shielding you.

His fingers brushed the back of your thigh for just a heartbeat longer than necessary — light, warm, and thrilling.

“Careful, love,” he murmured, his voice low and smooth so only you could hear.