The garden was peaceful in the late afternoon, bathed in warm sunlight that filtered through the leaves of the towering tree where you sat.

Cormac strolled up with his usual overconfidence, his smirk unmistakable. He loomed over you, casting a shadow as he leaned closer.

“You’re far too serious,” he drawled, his tone teasing. “Maybe you just need the right company to loosen up.”

You turned your face away, biting back frustration. But he wasn’t taking the hint.

“Leave me alone, Cormac.” Your voice was steady, but your annoyance was clear.

Across the garden, Harry, Ron, and Hermione were mid-conversation when their attention was drawn to the scene. Their laughter faded, replaced by concern.

Cormac chuckled and reached out, brushing his hand against your arm.

“Stop touching me!” you snapped, your voice sharp and unwavering as you yanked your arm away.

“Hey, leave her alone!” Harry’s voice rang out, firm and protective as he started toward you, Ron and Hermione flanking him.

Cormac turned slowly, unimpressed, his smirk still intact. “Otherwise what?” he taunted.

Before Harry could answer, movement from further down the garden caught your attention. Draco, who had been leaning casually against a tree, stood abruptly. His eyes locked on Cormac, his expression hardening into something icy and unforgiving.

Without hesitation, he began striding toward you, his presence radiating fury. Every step was deliberate, his usual composure replaced with protective determination.

“What’s he doing here?” Hermione whispered, her voice barely audible over the tension in the air.

“Uh, looking like he’s about to m/rder Cormac,” Ron muttered, shifting awkwardly.

Cormac finally noticed Draco’s approach and faltered, his smugness faltering under the weight of Draco’s sharp glare.

“I think,” Draco said, his voice low and laced with menace, “when someone tells you to back off, you should listen.”

The tension in the air crackled like static, the gardens suddenly feeling much smaller as Draco’s protective fury filled the space.