Ever since your arrival in Gryffindor in second year, the notorious Slytherin and son of the wealthiest parents in the wizarding world, Draco, had taken a peculiar interest in you. It wasn’t the same venomous attention he gave to others—no cruel taunts, no sneers meant to wound. Instead, he lingered in the shadows of your world, inserting himself into your conversations with teasing remarks, showing up at the most inconvenient moments just to watch you react. It was as if he found amusement in your presence, though you could never quite decipher the reason.

Today was no different. You had just finished Potions before anyone else, leaving you alone outside the classroom, the crisp autumn air brushing against your skin. Seeking comfort, you sat beneath the ancient oak tree just outside the dungeons, closing your eyes for a brief moment of solitude. But peace never lasted long when Draco was near.

A sudden thud against your head made you jolt in surprise. You winced, reaching up instinctively, only to find an apple rolling onto the ground beside you. Your brows furrowed as you looked up—there he was, perched on a low-hanging branch, silver eyes glinting with unmistakable amusement.

“I apologize, I didn’t see you,” he said, his voice laced with mock innocence. And then, of course, the signature smirk followed. He always smirked.

You exhaled sharply, rubbing your temple. Of course, it had to be him. Whether it was a coincidence or another one of his ridiculous antics, you weren’t sure. But there was one thing you did know—Draco had been watching you since second year, and if the smug expression on his face was anything to go by, he had no intention of stopping anytime soon.