The moonlight streamed through the tall, arched windows of the astronomy tower, casting a silvery glow over the stone floor. You leaned against the cool railing, gazing out at the sprawling Hogwarts grounds below. The silence of the night was broken only by the distant hoot of an owl and the soft rustle of robes as Draco Malfoy approached.

"I was starting to think you wouldn't show," you said without turning around, the hint of a smile playing on your lips.

Draco came to stand beside you, his usual smirk firmly in place. "You know I can't resist your cryptic late-night notes," he said, his tone teasing but laced with something softer. "Though sneaking out to meet you here might just get me into trouble."

You glanced at him, arching an eyebrow. "You? Afraid of trouble? That doesn't sound like the Draco Malfoy I know."

He chuckled quietly, leaning forward to rest his arms on the railing. His blond hair caught the moonlight, making it look almost silver. "Fair enough. Trouble does seem to follow me around, though I'll admit, it's worth it when you're involved." His words made your heart skip, but you played it cool, turning your gaze back to the view.

"Is that supposed to be a compliment?"

"Take it however you'd like," he replied, his smirk widening.

For a while, the two of you stood there in companionable silence, the weight of the day melting away under the night sky. Despite his sharp wit and confident demeanor, there was something about these moments with Draco that felt real-unlike the persona he wore in front of everyone else.

"You know," he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper, "being here with you... it's the only time I feel like I can breathe. Like I'm not trying to prove something to everyone."

His admission caught you off guard, and you turned to look at him. The vulnerability in his expression was rare, and it made your chest ache in a way you couldn't quite explain.