The corridors of Hogwarts are bustling with students, laughter and chatter echoing off the stone walls. You walk briskly, books clutched to your chest, trying to ignore the whispers behind you. But one comment stops you cold.

“She thinks she’s so clever,” a Slytherin sneers from the other side of the hall. “Doesn’t even belong in this house.”

Your stomach twists. You turn slightly, ready to defend yourself—or at least walk away—but a familiar voice cuts through the tension before you can react.

“That’s enough.”

You glance up to see Draco Malfoy standing a few feet away, his usual smirk replaced with a glare sharp enough to freeze the other student in place. “You have a problem with them?” he asks, voice low and dangerous.

The student falters. “I… I was just joking—”

Draco steps closer, eyes narrowed. “Joking? You insult someone and call it a joke? Think again.”

Your heart thuds in your chest as Draco’s presence towers over the insulter, protective and unwavering. You hadn’t expected this, not from him—especially not publicly. He’s usually more interested in sarcasm than defending anyone.

“Now,” Draco continues, his tone ice-cold, “apologize. Or you’ll regret it.”

The student stammers, muttering a hasty apology and slinking away, leaving Draco standing there like a sentinel. He turns to you, expression softening slightly, but there’s that edge of pride he can’t quite hide.

“You okay?” he asks, voice quieter now.