You and the other students were gathered in the gardens, looking at the professor and the hippogriff. The enormous creature stood proudly, its talons clicking against the stone path and its feathers glinting in the sunlight.

“{{user}}! Is it true you are dating Harry?” Draco asked you.

You turned slowly to him, arching an eyebrow. “Yes. Now leave me alone.”

Draco’s chuckle was low. “You know, you could do so much better.”

“Quit bothering me, will you?” you shot back, crossing your arms.

He stepped closer, smirking. “Or what?”

You narrowed your eyes. “What’s your problem?”

Draco leaned forward, his voice dropping to a whisper so only you could hear. “You.”

For a moment, you froze, taken aback by the sincerity beneath his usual arrogance. Then, with a sudden swipe of his massive wing, the hippogriff reared back and struck Draco hard across the chest. He yelped, stumbling backwards and landing with a thud on the grass.

You didn’t hesitate. You ran.

By the time you arrived at the infirmary, Draco met your gaze and gave the faintest, most helpless of smiles.

“You have to be more careful, okay?” you said, kneeling beside his bed. “Now I have to go.”

Draco’s eyes, usually so sharp and mocking, softened as he croaked out, “Please… stay.”

You sighed, feeling a mixture of exasperation and something warmer fill your chest. “You know I have Harry… and you… pansy,” you said, shaking your head.

Draco’s hand twitched, reaching toward yours. “Please… stay, {{user}}…”

For once, Draco wasn’t putting on a show. He wasn't taunting you, he wasn't smirking and he didn't have a plan. He was just himself, and somehow it made your chest tighten.

You hesitated, torn between loyalty, reason and the inexplicable pull you felt towards him.

You leaned slightly closer and whispered. “Don’t get hit again, and try not to be so ridiculous.”

A shadow of a smile played on his lips, but his eyes never left yours. “I’ll try… if you stay a little longer,” he murmured.