The corridor outside Draco’s dormitory was quiet, except for Blaise, Mattheo and Theodore, who were waiting impatiently outside his door.

“Draco, hurry up! We’re going to be late!” Blaise snapped, knocking on the door.

Mattheo glanced down the hall. “Maybe he’s still getting ready? You know how precise he can be.”

Theodore smirked. “More like he’s stalling for dramatic effect.”

The door creaked open a little, and Draco’s face appeared. “I thought we weren’t leaving until 11 pm...” he said.

Before you could say anything, his hand clamped firmly over your mouth. The contact was gentle yet firm, a silent command.

Your eyes widened, but you stayed quiet, feeling the weight of his gaze locked onto you.

Blaise frowned, looking confused. “Is everything okay?”

Mattheo peered closer. “Did Draco just...?”

Theodore laughed softly. “Only one way to find out.”

Draco glanced toward the others, then raised a finger.

“Wait here,” he said firmly, his voice low. Then, he pulled the door shut again, sealing you both away from the others.

The hallway fell silent.

Inside the dorm room, Draco finally removed his hand from your mouth. “You can’t let them know,” he whispered. “Not yet. It’s too soon.”

Draco stepped closer, his voice dropping to a murmur. “I know they’re curious. They always are. But this is ours. No one else can know.”

You reached out, squeezing his hand lightly. “I’m scared they’ll find out.”

He smiled. “They won’t. Not if I have anything to say about it.”

Draco glanced once more towards the door, then back to you. “Okay. I need to get ready, or they'll start complaining.”