Hermione

"Detention?" Draco echoes, his brow furrowing as we walk toward our first class. He's carrying my books, our shoulders brushing with each step.

"Detention," I sigh, shaking my head. "I get that the rules are in place for a reason, but we're 8th years now. I'm an omega, and–"

"There's no real reason for this," he cuts in, shifting the books to his other hand and lacing his fingers with mine. "You said she was just... waiting for you?"

I nod, frustrated. "Yeah, like she was expecting me. I don't know if someone reported me or if I missed some sort of meeting. Slughorn didn't pull you aside this morning?"

"No," Draco replies, shaking his head as we enter the classroom. Draco places my books on the table before settling into the seat next to me. His pale hand reaches up, gently tucking a loose curl behind my ear. "Maybe she doesn't think you deserve special treatment?" he muses, his voice low. "Didn't you mention she hinted at that before?"

I lean toward him, angling my body closer, resting my knee against his. With my head propped on my hand, I meet his gaze. "I think so, but this feels different—like it's personal. Targeted."

His hand slides to rest just above my knee, giving a reassuring squeeze. "We'll just have to be more careful with the rules, then." His lips press against the side of my head briefly.

The sudden shift in the air cuts through our moment as my alpha leans back—Theo's scent, sharp and annoyed, crashes into our bubble. Draco's presence dominates, his scent overwhelming mine, his fingers tightening slightly on my thigh. I straighten, instinctively drawing away as I look up at Theo.

Oh no. The dance. Guilt floods through me as I remember saying yes, only to return from break with a boyfriend—and not just any alpha. "Theo," I say, trying to mask my surprise. "How was your holiday?"

His expression is stormy, anger simmering just beneath the surface. "So, the rumors are true then," he mutters, a bitter edge to his voice. "Did you say yes to me knowing you were going to end up with him?" The raw anger of his alpha presence is almost tangible.

Draco stiffens beside me, his confusion giving way to tension as Theo's hostility grows. His instinct is to protect, leaning in closer, his eyes flicking between us. But I don't have time to soothe Draco, not with Theo's angry presence looming in front of me.

A few sharp retorts rise to the surface, but I push them aside, focusing on diffusing the situation. "Yes, the rumors are true—Draco is my boyfriend," I say, my tone gentle. "But no, I didn't knowingly lead you on. What happened between Draco and me wasn't planned. I'm sorry, Theo." My voice is soft, a hint of submission in my words, hoping to ease the alpha's rising anger.

"Sorry?" Theo's snort cuts through the air, his glare locked onto Draco, completely dismissing my words. The temperature of the room seems to drop, and I feel the weight of their combined anger pressing in on me.

Bloody Merlin.

Draco tenses further, a low, dangerous growl rumbling from his chest. I feel his alpha instincts clawing at the surface, pushing to protect, but I can't comfort him—not without setting Theo off further. I can't risk that. My eyes stay trained on Theo, trying to navigate this without it spiraling out of control.

"You think saying sorry makes this alright?" Theo spits, his voice heavy with resentment. "You said yes to me, Hermione. Then you come back with him? What, I was just a placeholder?"

"That's not fair," I bite out, irritation growing alongside my guilt. "You're twisting this. I didn't plan for any of this to happen."

"Right," Theo shoots back, his eyes flicking to Draco, his voice dripping with bitterness. "But now you've gone and chosen him. Of course."

Draco's growl deepens, the tension rolling off him in waves. He's barely holding back, and it's only making things worse. I can feel the pulsing heat of his frustration beside me, but I'm too angry myself to care anymore. Theo's words sting more than I want to admit.

I square my shoulders, something sharp rising in my chest. "Don't you dare act like you own me, Theo. I don't owe you anything. You're angry because you didn't get your way, not because I hurt you."

Theo's nostrils flare, but before he can respond, the professor strides into the room, clapping his hands. "Alright, enough of this. Mr. Nott, to your desk. Now."

Theo glances at the professor before casting one last glare my way, his jaw set tight. Begrudgingly, he turns and stalks to his seat, his fury palpable even from across the room.

I exhale slowly, trying to push down the knot of guilt lodged in my throat, but the second Theo leaves, Draco explodes. "Unbelievable," he mutters darkly, leaning in close. "You're apologizing to him?"

I whip around, my frustration boiling over. "What did you want me to do? Start a fight in the middle of class?"

Draco's eyes narrow, his jaw clenched. "Maybe don't act like you've done something wrong when he's the one harassing you."

"He's not—" I cut myself off, too annoyed to finish the sentence. "I didn't ask for this either, Draco. I'm just trying to manage it."

His gaze burns into me, a mix of anger and something softer—hurt, maybe. But right now, all I can focus on is the rising tension in my chest. I feel trapped, pulled in too many directions, and the last thing I want is to deal with two angry alphas.

I huff, turning away from him. "Just... drop it. Please."

"Fine but you're not sitting next to him in History of Magic. I'll have Blaise walk you to class while I go talk to the professor." His tone is clipped, leaving no room for argument, as his eyes shift forward.

"I want you to walk me to class," I mutter under my breath and pick up my quill.

A long finger reaches over to flick my thigh and I let out another huff but try to focus on the lesson.

Draco

I can't shake the image of Theo standing there, glaring at her like he had any right to be angry. It's infuriating. He's pissed because he didn't get his way? Because Hermione didn't "pick him"? For a school dance? He can't stand it, and I can't stand him.

The whole class, I'm replaying it in my head, the way she tried to calm him down. Apologized. To him. Why? Why would she do that? My blood boils at the thought, and it's all I can think about.

I hear the scratch of quills on parchment around me, but I'm not really here. I'm stuck in that moment, in her voice saying, "I'm sorry, Theo." As if she did anything wrong. As if she owed him something. Every time the memory surfaces, my fingers clench the quill so hard, I nearly snap it in two.

He was right there, practically accusing her, like she led him on. Like she planned this. I wanted to tear him apart. And yet... she apologized. It feels like a punch to the gut, the way she softened her tone for him. I get why—she's trying to avoid making things worse—but damn it, it felt like a betrayal. I know why she didn't turn to me, why she couldn't. It's not about trust—it's about timing. She didn't want to escalate things, and I understand that. Doesn't make it any easier to deal with. It's stuck in my head, festering. The idea of him thinking he's got some claim to her, the fact that she had to manage him while I sat there, feeling useless. Helpless.

I glance over at her now, at the way her hand moves as she writes and the way she leans forward slightly. She looks so... unbothered like it's not eating her up the way it is me. But it has to be. It has to. My fingers drum against the desk, trying to focus on the notes in front of me and failing miserably. I'll make sure he knows, one way or another—he doesn't get to look at her like that again. Not without consequences.

Her gaze flickers toward me. Her eyes are darker than usual—she's not as calm as she wants to appear. For a second, the anger in me softens, but it's still there, lingering under my skin, clawing at the back of my throat. She looks upset too, her lips pressed together like she's holding something back. Her hand slips under the desk, gently brushing against mine. It's a small, subtle touch. Her fingers curl around mine for a second, and it feels like she's trying to pull me back from the edge.

But it's not enough to quiet the storm in me. I still feel the anger, the frustration, the damn jealousy. Why did she have to apologize to him? It gnaws at me, even as her hand offers comfort. I grip her fingers tighter.

Her touch is gentle, but the tension between us is thick, and I know she feels it too. I glance back at her, and this time, her eyes hold mine for longer. There's an apology in her gaze, a silent plea for me to calm down. She's trying to soothe me, trying to keep things under control.

But every time I think about it—Theo's words, his anger—it just makes my blood boil all over again. I can't focus on anything but the way he looked at her, like she was his to lose. And the way she handled it. My jaw tightens, but I force myself to squeeze her hand back, just a little, even if I'm still seething.

When the class ends, Hermione takes her time tucking her notes into her bag, deliberately slow, trying to hold on to some semblance of calm. But I can't keep still. My eyes are fixed on Theo as he walks past, his lingering gaze making my blood simmer all over again.

"Petal, take your time," I mutter, my voice clipped as I instinctively position myself between her and him. I can feel my pulse quicken as my fists clench at my sides, a rising need to confront him, to put an end to this once and for all.

I start to stalk towards the door, ready to give him a piece of my mind, when Hermione's voice cuts through my haze of anger. "Draco Malfoy!" She hisses, her words sharp but filled with concern. I stop mid-step, the tension in my shoulders not easing. I can hear the pleading in her voice, and it roots me to the spot. She slings her bag over her shoulder and walks up to me, eyes locking with mine. "Please," she says softly, placing her hand on my arm. "I already have detention. I don't need you in trouble either."

I want to argue, to tell her how infuriating it is, but the way she looks at me makes it hard to hold onto that anger.

"I'm not mad at you," I say, finally, the edge in my voice softening as I meet her gaze. "I'm just... mad that he thinks he can make you feel guilty for something that isn't your fault."

Hermione's eyes soften even more, and she takes a step closer, closing the distance between us. Her hand slides up to cup the side of my face. "I don't feel guilty for being your girlfriend or your omega."

Her words melt the tension in my body, and before I can stop myself, I lean in, pressing my lips against hers. The kiss is slow, soft, and filled with all the frustration and need.

When we finally pull apart, her forehead rests against mine, and she smiles. "Feel better?"

I nod, though a part of me is still frustrated, but the weight of it feels lighter now, with her so close. "Yeah," I murmur. "But I'm still not happy about that git."

She laughs softly, her breath warm against my skin. "I know," she says.

I can't help but smile back, feeling a bit more at ease as I lace my fingers with hers, walking out of the classroom together.

Hermione

"Such a good girl," Draco pants against my neck, rutting his hips against me.

My back is pressed firmly against the stone wall, Draco's hand is up my skirt, and two long fingers move in and out of me, his thumb rubbing circles around my clit.

"Alpha," I whimper, my fingers clutching at his robes. "Please," I babble, grinding my hips in time with his hand. His two middle fingers are stroking the deepest part of me. But as I grow more desperate to cum all over his hand, he eases the pressure, slowing things down, his movements deliberate yet intense.

My teeth dig into his shoulder with a muffled cry and he grinds his palm against my clit. I tighten around his fingers and the fire in my belly blazes, my whole body trembling, consuming me as I soak his fingers, trapping them in me. His thumb brushes lightly over my sensitive skin around my clit, soothing and grounding me as I ride the aftershocks of the moment.

His tongue runs over my bonding gland. "Gods, Granger. The most beautiful witch to come undone." His words are somewhat breathless as he pulls his fingers from me with a wet sound. His silver eyes glint with admiration as he watches me come back to myself.

My head is resting against the cool stone as I stare up at him, still feeling dazed. Draco brings his hand to his neck and subtly rubs against his scent glands. His gaze locks onto mine, filled with a soft intensity, as he pushes his fingers into my mouth to clean them.

I could have slipped into an omega space with that simple act alone. He's mine. I suck on them until he pulls them out slowly and grips my chin. "My pretty omega," he rumbles, lids low. "Try not to think too much about me while in detention, hm?" Draco's tone is full of quiet command.

"You'll be waiting for me when I'm done?" I ask, rubbing my hand over the bulge in the trousers, my breath heavy.

Draco nods, leaning in to give me a gentle peck. "I promise."

"Okay. Well, I better not be late," I huff, finding my balance as I adjust my damp panties and pull my thigh-highs back into place. They're not exactly doing much against the cold, but between the warmth from Draco leaves and the heating charms, I can manage.

With a quick breath, I smooth my skirt down, re-button my blouse to hide the fresh marks he left on my skin, and dig through my bag. The light is dim, but I find Draco's Quidditch jumper and slip it over my head, his scent still clinging to the fabric.

We step out of the broom closet, and I give my appearance a quick once-over, patting my hair down and brushing my hands over my skirt. Draco watches me the entire time, his eyes filled with that infuriating smugness that both distracts and grounds me.

Draco chuckles, far too relaxed as he straightens his own robes. "You look fine. No one's going to know, Hermione. And even if they do, what's the big deal?"

I shoot him a look, my face still flushed. "The big deal is that I have detention with Onyx. She already thinks I'm a disaster, and I don't need to give her more reason to tear me apart."

His smile softens, and he steps closer, tucking a stray curl behind my ear. "You're not a disaster." His thumb lingers on my cheek, in subtle reassurance, and it helps me breathe a little easier.

We walk down the hallway together, the quiet murmur of students in the castle broken by our footsteps. His hand finds mine, fingers laced tightly, but there's still a weight in my chest that won't go away. Detention is looming over me.

Draco's the one to break the silence. "I don't like this," he mutters. "You shouldn't even be in trouble. You're top of the class, for Merlin's sake. Turning in homework early and learning how to fly. What's Onyx's problem with you?"

I sigh, running a hand through my hair again as we approach the classroom. "I don't know. Maybe I missed something. But fighting her won't help. I'll get through tonight, and maybe she'll back off."

Draco scowls at that but doesn't argue. When we reach the classroom, he stops me before I can step inside. His fingers catch mine, and I turn to face him.

"Don't let her get to you," he says, his voice steady but intense.

I nod, though my stomach tightens with nerves. "I'll be fine," I whisper, though it's more for him than for me.

He pulls me in for a quick kiss, his lips soft against mine but full of promise. "I'll be waiting when you're done," he murmurs.

"Promise?" I ask, a small smile tugging at my lips despite the anxiety gnawing at me.

"Always," he replies, stepping back and giving me a final look before I turn and push the door open.

The air inside the room is colder, and sharper, as if it's been waiting for me. Professor Onyx stands by the desk, her eyes locking on me the second I enter. Something is unsettling in her gaze, a hint of satisfaction.

I won't let her get to me.

Draco

As Hermione slips into the classroom, the door closing behind her, I stand in the empty hallway, allowing myself to let the anger slip back out. I told her not to let Onyx get to her, but here I am, letting everything fester inside of me. The situation with Nott earlier is still gnawing at me like a thorn lodged deep under my skin. The way he looked at her, the things he said… I won't let it slide.

I stalk down the corridor, my hands balled into fists, every step fueling the fire simmering in my chest. Nott needs to be reminded that he's not going to get away with trying to interfere, not with my omega.

It doesn't take long to find him. He's lingering near the Slytherin common room entrance, talking to some other students. The second he sees me, his eyes narrow, and the smug expression on his face does nothing to quell the anger surging through me. I dismiss the others with a glare—they scurry off, sensing the tension.

"Nott," I call, voice sharp and full of alpha authority. I don't give him a chance to respond before I shove him back against the wall, my hand tight around his collar.

"Careful, Malfoy." His voice is low, but there's a mocking edge to it as if he doesn't take me seriously. That only makes my grip tighten.

"You think you can disrespect her? You think I'll just stand by while you let your alpha drag you around?"

Nott's smirk falters, but he's trying to maintain his cool. "I don't know what you're talking about."

My fist slams against the wall beside his head. "Don't play dumb with me, Theo. You knew exactly what you were doing earlier, shaming her and trying to challenge me—"

"Challenging you?" He spits back, his eyes flashing with irritation now. "I wasn't the one making it a public display, Malfoy. And don't act like you haven't taken something that wasn't yours."

That's it. I slam him harder against the wall, rage boiling to the surface. "Hermione was never yours," I hiss through gritted teeth. "She doesn't belong to anyone." From Nott trying to use his alpha to appeal to Hermione's omega and now this. He doesn't learn.

Nott's lips curl into a sneer. "You're not the only alpha around here, Malfoy. And if you're so confident, why do you feel the need to mark your territory so publicly?"

Before I can even process what I'm doing, my wand is in my hand, pointed at his throat. "You'd be wise to keep your mouth shut, Theo."

He looks down at the wand, then back at me, a glimmer of fear crossing his face, though he quickly hides it behind a sneer. "Whatever you say, Malfoy. But don't think this is over."

I release him, letting him stumble forward. "It is over," I snap. "You've had your last warning. Next time, I won't be so lenient."

Without waiting for a response, I turn on my heel and storm away. The anger remains, but there's a small sense of satisfaction knowing I've made my point clear.

As I make my way back through the castle, my thoughts drift back to Hermione. I told her I'd be waiting. Now, I need to cool down before she gets out of detention. The last thing she needs is to deal with my anger on top of whatever Onyx is putting her through.

I lean against the wall just outside the classroom where she's serving her time, trying to get my breathing under control. A few deep breaths later, I'm calm enough, though Nott's words still echo in my mind. I'll deal with him if he dares to push further, but for now, my focus is on her.

When the door finally opens, and Hermione steps out, her eyes find mine almost immediately. There's a weariness in them, but the sight of me brings a small smile to her lips.

"Everything okay?" she asks softly, though I can tell she already knows something is off.

I nod, pulling her close and pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Yeah. Just had to deal with something." My voice is calm, but there's still a protective edge in it.

She studies my face for a moment, then rests her hand gently against my chest, soothing the storm that's still swirling beneath the surface. "You didn't do anything reckless, did you?"

I shake my head, placing my hand over hers. "Nothing I couldn't handle."

Her lips curl into a small smile, though I can tell she's not fully convinced. "You're a terrible liar."

I smirk, leaning down to kiss her softly. "Come on, let's get you out of here."

Hermione

I settle into my seat, forcing myself to stay composed as I lay out my parchment and quill. The room feels oppressive, and silent except for the faint flicker of candlelight casting long shadows. I can feel her eyes on me, waiting—calculating. My chest tightens with the weight of the confrontation to come, not from fear, but from the inevitability of the tension that hangs between us.

"Miss Granger," Professor Onyx says, at last, her voice smooth but carrying an edge as cold as the room itself.

I glance up, meeting her sharp gaze, though I stay silent. She's waiting for something, but I won't give it to her.

She crosses her arms, leaning back slightly in her chair. "I've been considering your academic arrangements... particularly regarding your flying credit."

"Academic arrangements?" I frown, though I know where she's going with this.

"Your tutoring," she clarifies, voice hardening, "by your now alpha."

My spine stiffens at the accusation embedded in her words. I expected criticism, but her tone, her insinuation, strikes something deeper. I am prepared for this, but I can feel my pulse quicken.

"Surely you see the moral dilemma," she continues, never breaking eye contact. "You, an omega, being tutored by your alpha—your boyfriend. How can that possibly be fair or unbiased?"

Her words hit like a blow, but I hold steady. "There's no unfairness in it. Draco is simply helping me improve. He would do the same for any other student if asked."

"Would he?" she counters, a faint, patronizing smile playing at her lips. "Or is the dynamic of your relationship influencing that? An alpha's instincts are to protect and shield, and yours are to submit. Can you honestly claim there's no power imbalance in your situation?"

I feel the fire rise in my chest, but I swallow it back. "Draco doesn't coddle me. If anything, he pushes me harder because he knows I'm capable. Just like I was before we got together."

"Ah, but that's the problem, isn't it?" Onyx hums as if this is all a game to her. "That relationship clouds things. No matter how you try to frame it, your emotions are involved. And emotions weaken judgment. They make you... vulnerable."

Her words burn. I want to argue, to refute every twisted assumption she's making, but I know what she's doing. She's goading me. Still, I can't help but respond.

"You're suggesting that because I'm in a relationship, I'm incapable of thinking for myself? That being an omega somehow makes me less competent when it comes to flying?"

Her cold smile doesn't falter. "It makes you susceptible, Miss Granger. You can't deny the biological pull between an alpha and omega. The need to submit is written into your very nature. Can you say with confidence that you're truly thinking for yourself? Or are you merely following his lead?"

Her words scrape at my composure, but I grit my teeth and keep my voice steady. "I am capable of thinking for myself, professor. Draco and I are equals, and we respect each other."

Onyx's smile fades into something more sinister. "Respect? Or is it simply that he dominates, and you allow it? Think carefully, Miss Granger. Is this truly what you want—a life where your choices, academic or otherwise, are dictated by your alpha's desires?"

Her insinuation makes my blood boil, but I take a slow, deep breath. Losing control here would only prove her point.

"I make my own choices," I say, each word deliberate. "Draco doesn't dictate anything. We work together because we choose to, not because of instinct."

Onyx raises an eyebrow, the slightest flicker of doubt in her expression. "Instinct is stronger than you think, Miss Granger. You may resist it now, but eventually, you'll see how much power he holds over you. And when you do... will you still believe you're truly independent?"

I tighten my grip on my quill, the tip digging into the parchment as I fight to keep my composure. I want to lash out, to tell her that she's wrong about everything. But I know better. That's what she wants—to see me unravel.

Instead, I hold her gaze, calm and unbroken. "Is this conversation still about my secondary biology and Draco, Professor?"

For a moment, there's silence between us, the tension thick and palpable. Her lips twitch, but for the first time, she falters. The victory is small, but it's there.

"I'll be speaking with the headmistress. Dismissed," she says coldly, her eyes dropping back to the papers on her desk.

I take my time packing up, my hands shaking slightly with the adrenaline still coursing through me. I leave the room, her words echo in my mind as I give Draco a tired smile.

"Everything okay?" I ask softly, already sensing that something is off. His energy is different—tense, protective.

Draco nods, pulling me close and pressing a kiss to my forehead. "Yeah. Just had to deal with something." His voice is calm, but I can hear the edge of something unsaid.

I study his face for a moment, the line of his jaw tighter than usual, and without thinking, I rest my hand on his chest. The steady rhythm of his heartbeat is grounding, though I can still feel the storm beneath the surface. "You didn't do anything reckless, did you?"

He shakes his head, placing his hand over mine. "Nothing I couldn't handle."

His words are smooth and reassuring, but I'm not entirely convinced. His eyes hold something he's not saying. My lips curl into a small smile despite myself. "You're a terrible liar."

He smirks, leaning down to kiss me softly, and for a moment, the weight of whatever he's carrying seems to lighten. "Come on," he murmurs, his voice softer now, "let's get you out of here."

Draco

I sit across from Hermione at the back of the library, the dim light casting shadows on the worn pages of the books stacked between us. She's been fidgeting with her quill, her thoughts miles away. I know that look. There's something heavy weighing on her, and it's not just the usual stress from classes or even Onyx.

"I don't think she knew I was an omega at first," Hermione says quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. She glances around, ensuring we're still alone in our hidden corner of the library. Her brows are furrowed, her mind likely replaying every recent encounter with Onyx.

I frown, leaning in slightly. "What do you mean?"

She takes a deep breath, shifting in her seat. "Onyx... when she first started targeting me, I think she just saw me as a threat. I was already struggling with being paired with you—" Hermione pauses, her eyes flicking up to meet mine, and I can feel the old tension between us.

"And now?" I ask, my voice a little tighter. "What does she think now?"

Hermione sighs, running a hand through her hair, clearly frustrated. "Now, she's using the fact that I'm an omega against me. Like it's some... vulnerability, or that I'm weaker because of it. At first, I thought maybe she paired us together because she expected me to fail... to make me slip up in some way, or because she didn't think I could handle being around you."

I grit my teeth, the frustration bubbling under my skin. "So now she's changed tactics, is that it?"

She nods, her eyes locking onto mine, and I can see the strain there. "After today, I'm sure of it. She's using the fact that I'm an omega against me. She went on and on about how being with you weakens me. That our relationship clouds my judgment."

The words hit me harder than I expected. Anger curls in my chest. "That's absurd. You're stronger than ever. If anything, I've seen you push yourself harder."

She doesn't respond at first and sits there with that same furrowed brow, clearly fighting to process everything. "It's more than that, Draco. She's treating me like I'm fragile... like I'm some sort of liability because of what I am. And she's using you to get to me."

I narrow my eyes. "Me?"

Hermione bites her lip and looks away for a moment before speaking again. "She's fixated on the fact that you're an alpha, and I'm an omega. That there's some... imbalance. She even implied that you're dominating me, influencing my decisions, controlling me—"

My hands clench into fists on the table. The sheer audacity of Onyx to insinuate something like that… "That's absurd. She's trying to manipulate you, Hermione."

She nods, but I can still see the doubt lingering in her eyes. "I know. But it's hard to shake, Draco. After everything... I never expected to be in a position where anyone would think I'm weak just because I'm an omega. Or that I'd have to prove myself all over again just because of it. I'm not sure why she is targeting me."

I lean forward, taking her hand. "You don't have to prove yourself to anyone."

Hermione smiles faintly, but I can still feel the weight of the conversation hanging between us. "Thanks, Draco. I just... I hate that she's doing this."

"You shouldn't," I say firmly. "She's bitter. She knows she can't break you academically, so now she's trying to tear you down personally." I try to make my words sound sincere, even though I know there's more to it than I'm willing to admit.

Hermione

I know there's more behind her actions than just targeting me, but I decide not to push the point. Instead, I lean in to give him a light kiss before turning my attention to the textbooks in front of me, pretending to focus. The hours crawl by, and despite my distracted thoughts, I complete my homework. When I roll up my final homework scroll, I lean against my fist and look up at the handsome blonde in front of me.

His gaze is already on me."Let's get you back before you get another detention," Draco tries to tease, closing the book in front of him. His smile turns into a smirk as he pulls out his handkerchief. He taps his own nose and holds it out to me.

"Again?" I huff, wiping at my nose, frowning at the dark ink blotching his handkerchief.

"Some things never change," he plants a kiss on my cheek and stands up.

"Ha, ha," I say with a look as I pack my stuff up. As we fall in step together, he reaches for my hand.

The castle feels unusually quiet tonight, our footsteps soft on the stone floors as we make our way through the corridors. It's late enough that most students are in their common rooms, and the stillness gives me space to think. Draco's hand is warm in mine.

I glance over at him, catching the determined set of his jaw, the protective way he walks just a bit closer to me than necessary as if daring the shadows themselves to try something. There's always this tension under the surface with Draco, this readiness to fight—especially when it comes to me. It's comforting, in a way.

Putting away the thoughts around Onyx, they drift towards the memories Narcissa gave Draco for our project. Draco's hand is warm in mine, but I know that if I don't say something soon, I'll lose the nerve.

I stop, gently tugging him to a halt. He turns to face me, his expression softening but still guarded, like he knows something is coming.

"What is it?" he asks quietly.

"I've been thinking," I begin slowly, careful with my words, "we still haven't looked at the memories your mother gave us."

Draco's expression tightens for a second, his brow furrowing. "Don't you think we should wait until the weekend? Especially if it requires more research?

I tilt my head, studying him. I know this isn't about convenience. "Why wait?" I ask, keeping my tone soft, not accusing, just curious.

His eyes flick back to mine, and I can see the internal conflict there. "Because," he begins slowly, "once we see them, there's no going back. Whatever's in there… it'll change things."

I pause, letting his words settle between us. He's right. Whatever memories Narcissa entrusted to him are bound to reveal secrets, maybe even painful truths. But I need to know. We need to know.

"I understand," I say gently, squeezing his hand in reassurance. "But… it's not something we can really ignore."

Draco lets out a slow breath, his thumb absently tracing a pattern over my knuckles. He's quiet for a moment, clearly mulling it over. Finally, he nods, though his expression remains cautious. "Alright. Tonight."

I nod, relieved that he's willing to do this with me. "The Room of Requirement?"

"After curfew?" he asks, his lips twitching into a small smirk.

I roll my eyes at the teasing tone. "Yes, after curfew. We'll meet there."

"Breaking the rules again, Granger?" he says lightly. "You're getting bolder." Draco starts to lead us down the corridor once again.

As we continue toward the tower, a playful idea starts to take shape in the back of my mind.

I stop walking again, turning to face Draco. "One more thing," I say with a teasing smile, leaning in slightly.

His brow arches, intrigued. "What now?"

"Well, if we're sneaking out after curfew... We might be in need of some incentive to keep our nerves steady," I say, my voice soft, but suggestive.

He smirks, catching on to where this conversation is going. "Incentive, darling?"

I give him a small shrug, though I can't hide the grin forming on my lips. "Maybe just... a little something to look forward to? Satisfying?"

His eyes darken just a touch, and his lips curl into a wicked smile. "Insatiable, you are." He takes a step closer, lowering his voice. "I can think of a few things to satisfy you."

"Oh, I'm sure you can," I reply, raising an eyebrow. "But I'm thinking... something specific. Maybe... something involving that talented mouth of yours?"

Draco's grin widens, his hand coming up to brush a stray curl from my face. "You mean my excellent communication skills?"

I laugh, my eyes gleaming with mischief as I lean in closer, my lips brushing the edge of his ear. "Yes, Malfoy. Your communication skills. Especially the ones you use during... oral presentations."

I feel the sharp inhale of his breath, and the tension between us thickens instantly. His eyes darken, and I know I've got him. "Omega," he groans, his voice rough with barely concealed frustration. "Must you always be this much of a tease?"

"Mhm," I hum, my voice a low whisper as I stand on tiptoe, letting my lips hover just a breath away from his. "Because I'm very interested in perfecting my oral presentations as well," I whisper, standing on tiptoe to brush my lips against his in a soft kiss that promises a lot more.

He groans against my mouth, and when I pull back, there's a fire in his eyes that wasn't there before. "You're impossible."

"You'll manage," I reply cheekily, giving his hand a squeeze before starting to walk again.

Draco chuckles, falling into step beside me, his hand slipping around my waist as we make our way to the tower. As we approach the portrait, I turn to face him one last time. "See you?"

His eyes flicker with mischief as he leans down to kiss me again, this time longer, deeper, a promise in the way his lips move against mine. "See you."

"Good," I whisper against his mouth, before pulling away, flashing him one last smile as I slip inside the common room.