"Stop blaming me for your mistakes!" Your voice came out sharper than you intended, but you didn’t care. "Me being in Serpentine is not my fault, Harry! I wanted to stay home. I didn’t even want to join this school!"

Harry’s expression hardened. "That’s not-"

You cut him off, stepping forward with your hands clenched. "So me being in Serpentine, it is your fault! Everything that has gone wrong is because of you! You wanted me to come to this stupid school!"

For a moment, all you could hear was your own quick, unsteady breathing. Harry’s jaw moved as though he was about to argue, but no sound came out. His silence only made the anger in your chest burn hotter.

You stepped back, intending to create some distance between you, but instead you hit something solid.

Someone solid.

Before you could turn around, an arm slid around your waist, firm and unyielding, pulling you gently closer. You didn’t need to look to know who it was.

"Shh, darling…" Draco’s voice was low, the faintest whisper brushing against your ear. "Everything is going to be okay."

You felt the tension in your shoulders shift. Harry’s eyes flickered past you, narrowing when they landed on Draco.

"Of course he’s here," Harry muttered, every word dripping with bitterness.

Draco’s arm tightened slightly around you, his other hand resting loosely at his side, but his stance was protective. "You should watch your tone," he said evenly, though there was a sharpness underneath. "You’ve upset her enough already."

"This has nothing to do with you," Harry snapped, taking a step forward.

"It has everything to do with me," Draco replied, his voice calm but dangerous. "Because unlike you, I actually care what happens to her."

You could feel Harry’s glare burning, but you stayed where you were, pressed lightly against Draco’s chest.

"Let’s go," Draco murmured near your temple, his tone quieter again, meant only for you. "You don’t owe him anything right now."

You let Draco guide you away, his arm never leaving your waist. Harry didn't follow, but you could still feel his gaze on your back.