The low hum of conversation and the clinking of glass echoed off the stone walls of the dimly lit potions classroom. Shelves lined with jars of strange ingredients cast shadows across the long tables, giving the room a slightly foreboding feel — perfect for a subject that demanded caution, precision, and just a hint of fear.

Professor Snape’s sharp eyes swept across the classroom, and the students shuffled nervously, eager to avoid his glare. When he finally spoke, his words sliced through the room like a knife. “Pairs. Each of you will work with the student assigned to you for today’s project. No exceptions.”

A hush fell over the room as he began calling names. And then it happened.

“Malfoy… and Y/N.”

Your stomach skipped a beat. Across the room, Draco’s icy grey eyes lifted from the cauldron he’d been pretending to inspect, glinting with that familiar mixture of arrogance and curiosity. He rose smoothly from his bench, every movement measured, and crossed to where you were standing, his presence immediately filling the space between you.

“Seems we’ll be… partners,” he said, voice low and deliberately smooth, tilting his head in that signature sly expression