Draco Malfoy

It wasn't the first time it had happened.

Not even the second one.

Not even the tenth.

There was something about the early mornings that always drew them to the same place: the stone bridge that connected the castle to the gardens. Nobody passed by there at that hour.

Draco was already leaning against the railing when he heard your footsteps.

—I thought you were going to ignore me today.

You didn't look up.

—I tried.

He let out a short laugh.

-Me too.

Silence fell between them. It was a familiar silence.

Then an owl flew across the sky and dropped a letter onto Draco's chest. He caught it before it hit the ground.

There was no need to read the sender.

“Astoria Greengrass”.

He folded it and put it in his pocket as if it meant nothing.

—Aren't you going to open it?

You asked without looking at him.

-After.

—It's always "later".

Draco swallowed hard.

—Because when I'm with you… I don't want to think about anything else.

He said it almost in a whisper, as if admitting it made it more real.

—And when dawn breaks?

He smiled bitterly.

—When dawn breaks, I'm going to be Astoria's perfect boyfriend again.

He lowered his head for a few seconds.

—And you're going to walk past me in the hallways as if you've never learned the color of my eyes.

The wind moved your tunic.

Draco took a step towards you.

—The worst thing is not lying to her.

His voice could barely be heard.

—The worst part is that every time I hold her hand… my head remembers how yours fits.

The castle remained silent.

There was still an hour until dawn.

And they both knew that was the only time they could feel honest.

🌅