The pungent scent of crushed herbs filled the air as you stood at your workstation, explaining the potion before you to a group of students.

“Now, if you add this powder too quickly, the entire mixture will turn—”

A low murmur from the back of the room interrupted your words.

Your jaw clenched as you turned your head slightly, catching sight of Draco, Blaise, and Mattheo leaning in close, whispering amongst themselves, clearly not paying attention. Your patience snapped.

“Hey! I am talking!” you snapped.

Draco’s gray eyes flicked up to meet yours, his smirk widening with amusement. He leaned back lazily in his seat, stretching out as if he had all the time in the world.

“Ok, my apologies, Mrs. M/Ifoy,” he drawled, his voice dripping with mock politeness.

Your breath caught in your throat and your eyes widened as you froze in place, heat rushing to your face.

“Mrs. Who?” you choked out, your voice a mix of shock and disbelief.

The entire classroom went silent. Even Blaise and Mattheo stopped whispering, their eyes darting between you and Draco with newfound interest.

Draco only smirked deeper, tilting his head slightly. “Oh? Struck a nerve, did I?” he mused.

You swallowed hard, narrowing your eyes. “Did you just call me by your last name?” you whispered, your voice barely above a breath.

Draco’s smirk didn’t waver. If anything, his amusement only intensified. He leaned forward slightly, his gaze unwavering as he murmured, “What if I did?”

Your heart skipped a beat. “Then you should buy me a ring,” you said coolly, turning back to your workstation.

Draco chuckled under his breath. “Touché,” he murmured.