Hermione
Draco lays his button down over my legs before staring at the lake in front of him. My mind is reeling. The secret I've spent so long keeping has been ousted by a mere dip in the lake because I fell off a bloody broom. There is a good reason not to trust those bloody twigs.
We sit in a still silence until dusk falls and the chill sets in, causing me to tremble from the cold. His head snaps to me before he stands up and retrieves our bags. With a flick of his wand, he mumbles exaresco, and our clothes dry, allowing warmth to return to our bodies. "Move your arms, Granger," he instructs. I move my arms, careful to keep my shirt closed. Another mumble escapes Draco's lips, but the missing buttons on my shirt remain unfixed. "The bloody buttons," he says under his breath while glancing around, searching for the buttons. But we both know there's no way to repair the shirt without them.
He picks up his button-down shirt from my legs and holds it out for me to slip my arms into. Turning his head to give me privacy, I quickly remove the ruined shirt and put on his button-down, buttoning it up as fast as I can. Once I'm changed, Draco drapes his robe over my shoulders and sits back down next to me, and silence fills the air again. His scent is swallowing me whole but I can't bring myself to care. I let myself enjoy the sense of security I feel, fully aware that this might be the only comfort I'll receive.
As my cold tremors subside, I swallow hard, realizing that one of us needs to break the silence. And it's obvious that I'm the one to do it. As I prepare to break the lingering silence, Draco's hushed voice interrupts me. "How long have you known?" he trails off, letting the question hang in the air.
My tone is equally as subdued, "I presented in third year." I wrap Draco's robe around me tightly, my gaze fixed on my knees. I hate how it subdues the omega screaming on the other side of the wall I built between us. She's crying out for her alpha and begging me to finish what we started.
His voice breaks the stillness once again, "Hermione, I'm truly sorry about what happened. I-I had no idea about your status as an omega, but regardless, an alpha has no right to behave that way." He turns his head to face me, his eyes filled with regret.
I can understand why he's feeling regret. From his perspective, he just took advantage of a mudblood while he has a perfect, pure-blooded girlfriend waiting for him back at the castle.
"We both know that our secondary biologies can be rather demanding… and it's not like you consciously made that decision, especially with a girlfriend. And my omega was encouraging it as well, I don't blame you at all for what happened," I say softly, still staring down at my lap. "No need to apologize."
I can sense he wants to argue with me but stays silent. We sit in the quiet for a few beats until I clear my throat and finally meet his gaze, "I know there's no reason for you to, but can you please, please keep this information to yourself? The only people who know are Ron and Harry, and they didn't find out until last year."
"Have you been navigating being an omega on your own?" Draco's brows furrow in a frown as he asks, his voice tinged with concern.
"I have," I nod shortly, "my parents obviously didn't know what was happening and wcouldn't offer me any answers or help. I took matters into my own hands and researched as much as I could into this. When I discovered omegas area rarity, I knew I couldn't let that jeopardize my future. So, I developed a scent-inhibiting potion, had my muggle doctor write a note so I'm-well I was–able to remain undetected." I explain, even though I know he doesn't care. I draw my knees up to my chest and bury my face in them, feeling the weight of the situation hit me. It's difficult to trust someone who has spent all his time at Hogwarts bullying me. But that didn't matter to my omega as she set her sights on him. Hot tears start to pool in my eyes and I hug my knees tighter. "Please, Draco," I beg quietly. Though I find the idea of begging Malfoy beneath my dignity, the gravity of my current situation leaves me no choice but to set aside my pride.
"I won't tell anyone, Hermione. I promise," he vows quietly.
I look up at him with wet eyes, "you won't?" He won't? The Draco I've spent the last month with is not the same person who was spitting the word mudblood at me every chance he got and trying to kill me. I guess I'm not the only one trying to rebrand myself this year.
"No, I won't," he responds, meeting my eyes as he shakes his head. "Actually, I want to offer my help. My family has a history of omega presentations and pairings. Malfoy Library has personal diaries and old books that delve into our secondary biologies. I can have my house elf owl them over."
"Really?" I ask, my surprise evident in my voice. Despite my practiced occlumency, my omega begins to tear down the wall separating us. I quickly clear my throat, disguising the faint purr that escapes me. "That, um," tears well up in my eyes once again, damn my hormones, "that would be great. Thank you, Draco, for offering the books and diaries… and for keeping my identity between us," I say, my voice laced with gratitude and emotion. As I glance to the side, I notice a white silk cloth within my peripheral vision. "Thanks," I mumble and reach for the silk before wiping the tears that spilled over.
"No need for tears, Granger," he bumps his shoulder against mine. "You're not alone in this."
A different kind of warmth unfurls in my stomach, and I can't help but feel a growing fondness for this silver-haired Slytherin. For Draco. A small, shy smile plays out on my lips and I tighten the robe around me.
"We can head back to the castle when you're ready… do you have more of that potion for your, uh, scent?"
At this point, I'm sure our scents are so thoroughly intertwined that I'm confident no alpha could scent me out particularly. And I don't want to confess that I don't want to lose his scent. So I lie. "I actually used the last of it before our lesson… I tend to apply quite generously. And I certainly didn't anticipate taking an impromptu swim," I give him a pointed look.
He nods, offering his assistance with a touch of subtlety, "I can walk you to the Fat Lady portrait if you would like me to. You know, to be safe."
Caught off guard by his unexpected offer, I pause for a moment, my mind racing with mixed thoughts. To be safe? Is this a genuine concern or is he trying to soothe his guilt for what happened earlier? Regardless, navigating the corridors alone where I could potentially encounter an alpha isn't too appealing and neither is losing his scent. Having Draco with me should be enough to have his scent mask mine, "I think that might be a good idea… you know, to be safe."
Draco's lips quirk up to the side in a half smile, "of course."
Draco
Guilt is eating away at me as I watch Granger hastily move off my lap and fold her arms over to cover herself up. Instinctively, I reach for my shirt and drape it over her legs to provide a bit of warmth as we dry. The scent of her slick hangs thick in the air, but the physical space between us allows me to keep hold of myself.
The silence weighs heavily on us, allowing the tension to grow as we stare at the water. From the corner of my eye, I catch her trembling. Can't let my omega be cold, my alpha growls behind the wall. I come to my feet and retrieve our belongings. As I return to my spot, I quietly cast a drying spell, ensuring our clothes are no longer soaked.
However, the issue of her shirt, which I so recklessly tore open, still remains. "Move your arms, Granger," I instruct and wait until her arms are at her side as I mumble reparo. Nothing happens and frustration grips me when I realize that her shirt's buttons are too scattered for it to be repaired. "The bloody buttons," I mutter under my breath. It's clear the next best, and only, option would be for her to dress in my button-down shirt instead.
Carefully picking up the shirt covering her legs, I extend it toward her while averting my gaze. I don't allow myself to even peek from the corner of my eye as she discreetly changes into my shirt, wanting to respect her privacy in this vulnerable moment. Considering what happened, it's the least I can do. Once my shirt is on her, I take a moment to appreciate the way she looks in it. The sleeves dangle past her hands, and the white fabric seems to engulf her delicate form. A mixture of vulnerability and allure emanates from her. Still concerned about her ability to warm up, I drape my robe over her shoulders for an extra layer of warmth. From the books I've read, I know omegas often struggle to maintain their body heat. Once I'm confident she's able to warm up, I sit back down beside her, and the heavy silence settles over us once more.
Unable to bear another moment of suffocating silence where my guilt eats me alive, I gather the courage to break the stillness. It takes a few beats for the words to leave my lips, but I finally muster the question that has been nagging at me, "how long have you known?"
She answers in a quiet, vulnerable tone, "I presented in third year." I feel a surge of warmth unfurl within me as she tightens my robe around herself.
Amidst the chaos of my thoughts, my alpha's possessive voice resounds in my mind, relentlessly claiming ownership. All I can do is ignore the demands of my alpha as the weight of guilt consumes me, overshadowing any desire that might surface. I'm not entirely oblivious as to why she would hide this either. Granger wanted to keep her biology a secret, ensuring that alphas wouldn't take advantage of her or use their tone that she couldn't resist. The fact that I lost control so easily fuels my shame. She deserves protection, whether she's an omega or not. "Hermione, I'm truly sorry about what happened. I-I had no idea about your status as an omega, but regardless, an alpha has no right to behave that way." I meet her gaze, hoping that my expression conveys the depth of my regret and the sincerity of my apology.
Granger doesn't bother looking at me as she answers in a quiet tone, "We both know that our secondary biologies can be rather demanding… and it's not like you consciously made that decision, especially with a girlfriend. And my omega was encouraging it as well, I don't blame you at all for what happened. No need to apologize."
Astoria. She's been completely absent from my thoughts throughout this entire ordeal. The weight of shame and guilt intensifies, knowing that I've neglected my betrothed in favor of my own desires. And now, Granger seems to attribute our actions solely to our secondary biological identities. Regardless of the circumstances, I should have never imposed myself on her. My actions were inexcusable.
Hermione clears her throat and meets my eyes, "I know there's no reason for you to, but can you please, please keep this information to yourself? The only people who know are Ron and Harry, and they didn't find out until last year."
"Have you been navigating being an omega on your own?" I furrow my brow as this realization sinks in, a wave of worry washing over me. The thought of Hermione facing this situation alone, navigating the complexities of her status as an omega, fills me with concern.
"I have," she nods shortly, "my parents obviously didn't know what was happening and wcouldn't offer me any answers or help. I took matters into my own hands and researched as much as I could into this. When I discovered omegas are a rarity, I knew I couldn't let that jeopardize my future. So, I developed a scent-inhibiting potion, had my muggle doctor write a note so I'm-well I was–able to remain undetected." As she speaks, she draws her knees to her chest, hiding her face in them. "Please, Draco," her plea laced with desperation.
Her anxious scent permeates the air, igniting my instinct to provide comfort and reassurance. I already knew I would never do anything to cause pain or damage to her ever again. "I won't tell anyone, Hermione. I promise." I assure her, emphasizing the sincerity in my voice.
As her tear-filled eyes meet mine, a gentle tug pulls at my heart. "You won't?" Her tone carries confusion and I understand her disbelief, unfortunately.
"No, I won't," I affirm, meeting her gaze with unwavering determination. "Actually, I want to offer my help. My family has a history of omega presentations and pairings. Malfoy Library has personal diaries and old books that delve into our secondary biologies. I can have my house elf owl them over," I propose, hoping to convey my genuine willingness to assist her. It's the least I can do.
"Really?" Her voice resonates with genuine surprise. "That um," she pauses, taking a moment to compose herself, and swallows audibly. Her eyes begin to well up once more, and I fight the urge to reach out and cradle her face in my hands. "That would be great. Thank you, Draco, for offering the books and diaries… and for keeping my identity between us." A few tears escape her eyes, prompting me to retrieve my silk handkerchief from my bag. I hold it out to her, silently offering solace. "Thanks," she mumbles gratefully, using it to wipe the stray tears away.
"No need for tears, Granger," I lean closer to her and gently bump her shoulder with mine. "You're not alone in this."
A shy smile graces her lips as she directs her gaze to her lap. A rush of warmth envelopes me as I catch sight of the first smile she's directed my way.
As much as I don't want this moment to end, I can't ignore the fact that it's getting late and we both have responsibilities waiting for us. I imagine she must be hungry, and we both have coursework to attend to. Also, the need for us to bathe after the unexpected swim lingers in my mind. Despite this, I find myself reluctant for it to come to an end. "We can head back to the castle when you're ready… do you have more of that potion for your, uh, scent?"
"I actually used the last of it before our lesson… I tend to apply quite generously. And I didn't certainly didn't anticipate taking an impromptu swim," she says, shooting me a pointed glare.
Ignoring her directed jab, I nod, "I can walk you to the Fat Lady portrait if you would like me to. You know, to be safe."
She ponders for a moment before nodding, "I think that might be a good idea… you know, to be safe."
My lips come up in a half smile, "of course."
We sit together for a few moments before she starts to stand, "we should head back. It's dark out." Her gaze drifts towards the lake, and she asks, "do you think my boots are beyond saving?"
As I rise to my feet, I peer out at the dark waters and raise my wand, "Accio Granger's boots." We both wait in anticipation, but her boots never resurface. "I believe something down there has claimed them," I offer with a remorseful expression. "I'll replace them. It's my fault."
She rummages through her bag, retrieving a pair of pumps and stepping into them. With a hint of resignation, she remarks, "not surprising."
Embarrassment tinges my cheeks, and I try to explain myself as we walk side by side towards the castle, guided by the gentle glow of the stars and rising moon. "I only wanted to show you with the right motivation, you're capable of flying."
She glances at me, her tone laced with disbelief, "so you faked stealing my familiar just to test your theory?"
I meet her gaze squarely, "did you or did you not reach the buoy?" I challenge.
Her voice carries a playful edge as she argues back, "did I or did I not plunge into the lake and lose my boots for a mere transfigured piece of wood?"
I raise an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at my lips, "in that case, we find ourselves at an impasse, Granger."
She lets out a disbelieving laugh, shaking her head, "you should count yourself lucky it wasn't actually Crookshanks. You'd be in grave danger."
We continue walking, our banter lightening the serious mood, and I can't help but feel a sense of camaraderie forming between us. Although I know I will never fulfill the role of being her alpha or mate, especially considering she deserves the best alpha there is, I find comfort in the thought of being her friend. All I can do is hope she's open to forming a genuine friendship with me. It feels like there's no turning back now that there's this secret between us.
As our banter gradually transitions into more serene conversation about school and our respective projects, I seize the chance to savor her delicious scent. I sneak deep inhales, basking in the scent that won't be there tomorrow, leaving me only with the memory of it. The castle is fairly quiet as we walk through together and nobody is paying too close attention to us. Once we get to the portrait of the Fat lady we both pause.
"Thank you for walking me back," she says, turning to look at me, "I appreciate it."
"Of course, safety first," I shrug and share a knowing smile with her. "Do you think that you will be okay getting through the common room to your room?"
"Yeah, don't worry. Um," she looks down at the borrowed robe and shirt, "I'll have these cleaned and returned to you."
I nod, not caring if I get them back or not, "No rush."
She faces the portrait and mumbles the password so quietly I'm not able to make it out. The portrait swings open and she steps in, "see you."
"Granger?"
"Hm?" She turns to face me.
"Tell Crookshanks I say hello," I tease, winking at her, despite the disapproving glare she sends my way.
"Good night, Malfoy." She starts to stomp away as the portrait swings shut. I ignore the look the Fat Lady gives me and start to walk to the dungeons.
My body moves mechanically as I navigate the staircases and the corridors, relishing the fact that I'm right. Granger is an omega–the only omega at Hogwarts. With my occulmency barriers slightly lowered now that I'm no longer fighting the intoxicating omega pheromones, frustration, and irritation starts to trickle in. All my alpha wants is to bring Granger back to my room and hope she will find comfort and nest with me.
Entering the Slytherin common room, I notice Astoria seated by the cackling fire. A wave of tension washes over me, but I gather myself and make my way toward her. "Astoria?"
She glances up at me and I notice the faint flush on her cheeks and small beads of sweat forming at her hairline. "Hi, Drake," she responds, her voice carrying a hint of unease.
"Are you feeling alright, dove?" I inquire, instinctively moving closer to check her temperature.
Astoria leans back in her chair, evading my touch. "Yes, I'm fine," she assures me, mustering a feeble smile. "Just had a spicy Bertie Bott's jelly bean, that's all."
"Okay… I hope you weren't waiting for me. Community service hours ran late today," I explain, casually leaning against the side of the chair.
Astoria's gaze remains fixed on the dancing flames as she responds, her voice void of emotion, "I'm actually waiting for Pansy and Daphne to return from the library."
I nod, "I see. Well, I'm going to head up to bathe and head to bed. I'll see you in the morning for breakfast?" I offer, leaning in to kiss the top of her head.
"Mhm," she doesn't break her gaze from the fire.
"Night, love," I hum as I head to my room. Closing the door behind me, I lean against it, allowing the cool surface to ground me. The lingering scent of Granger envelops me, drawing me closer to my alpha. I turn my head towards my shoulder, inhaling deeply, and a rush of desire courses through my veins. The subtle hint of amber ignites a fire within me, stirring my senses and setting my skin ablaze as my alpha dismantles the wall entirely.
A surge of primal energy floods my veins, causing my dick to grow almost painfully hard in my trousers. Without hesitation, I remove my trousers and pants, tossing them in a heap on the floor. I tear my shirt off next, baring my skin to the room's cool air. A moment of stillness overtakes me, and my gaze falls to the pile of discarded clothing.
Granger's presence lingers in my mind, the memory of her pressed against me and grinding is still vivid. She was pressed firmly against my crotch and I know she was leaking slick from her shorts. I reach down and pick up my trousers. With a mix of curiosity and desire, I bring them closer to my face, inhaling deeply. The scent that comes from the fabric causes my knees to buckle. It's a heady blend of her sweet essence and the allure of our shared encounter. "Omega," I growl out into the darkness of my room. Am I in a rut? There's no way. But it wouldn't be the first time Granger caused a rut.
My cock is throbbing, craving for release. Another low growl escapes my lips. I lewdly spit in my hand before gripping the base. My eyes close and all I can see is Hermione with her eyes fully blown, looking at me as if I was the only alpha on earth. I take another whiff of my trousers and feel my dick twitch in my hand. I gradually increase the pace of my hand, reliving the memories of her moans and desperate pleas to fill her with my knot. A restrained moan escapes my lips, urging me to quicken my movements even more. With a deft twist of my wrist and the pressure of my thumb against the sensitive tip, a louder moan comes from me. "Omega," I pant out, my hand starting to move faster.
Heat flashes across my body, causing beads of sweat to form on my forehead and chest. Despite my desire to savor this moment and prolong the pleasure and relive the memories, the overwhelming sexual frustration driven by my alpha instincts leaves me with no choice but to succumb to the demands.
With another deep inhale of the scent off my trousers, my body tenses and my hand quickens its pace. Her desperate, whimpered pleas echo in my mind, yours, alpha please, need alpha's knot. The memory of her pulling my face to hers, our hips grinding together, and the vivid image of her soft, inviting body beneath me intensifies the pleasure pulsing through me.
"Fuck," I curse in frustration, moving my hand faster, imagining Hermione's hand on me instead and she's begging for me to cum for her. As I'm about to spill over my fist, I feel the base of my cock starts to swell. Moaning loudly, I shove the trousers against my face to muffle the noises of pleasure as I finish. A muffled 'omega' comes from me as my knot expands and cum starts to drip onto the floor. "Fuck," I curse again, this time panting. I look down at my knotted cock and shake my head in disbelief. There is no drive to jerk off again so it's not a rut. But my run-in with the omega was enough to make me knot. I quietly retrieve the shirt from the floor, tucking it away with my trousers into the depths of my closet, my actions driven by the forbidden desire to preserve the lingering scent of Hermione.
After I clean up the rest of my mess, I force myself to take a cold shower.
Hermione
Never in my wildest imagination would I have thought there would be a day when Malfoy and I would engage in playful banter and share genuine laughter, especially in the aftermath of something so intense. I can't help but suspect he's making an effort to ease my discomfort after the revelation of my deepest secret, but strangely enough, I find myself able to trust him about this.
"Thank you for walking me back," I say, meeting Draco's gaze, "I appreciate it."
"Of course, safety first," he nonchalantly shrugs and a knowing smile passes between us. "Do you think that you will be okay getting through the common room to your room?"
"Yeah, don't worry. Um," I glance down at the shirt and robe I'm currently wearing, both of which belong to him. My intention was to cast a disillusionment spell before walking into the common room to avoid drawing attention to the borrowed attire. "I'll have these cleaned and returned to you."
A short nod comes from him, "no rush."
I turn towards the portrait and quietly utter the password. As the portrait swings open, I step in, "see you."
"Granger?" Draco's voice catches my attention.
"Hm?" I turn to face him, curious.
There's a mischievous glint in his eyes as he teases. "Tell Crookshanks I say hello," he says, punctuating his words with a wink
I shoot him a disapproving glare, "good night, Malfoy." I retort firmly, turning on my heel and walking away as the portrait swings shut behind me. I quickly cast a disillusionment charm and practically run through the common room, making my way up to my room. Once I'm through the door, relief floods me and I break the charm.
A sleepy meow comes from the window seat, and a rush of emotions surges within me as I catch sight of my familiar. "Crookshanks! I've missed you!" My voice is filled with joy and relief. I scoop up the fluffy orange cat into my arms, hugging him and planting gentle kisses on his head. A disgruntled meow comes from him and I let him back down and he saunters back to the window.
With a sigh coming from me, I find solace as I lay down in my nest, allowing my eyes to close. Exhaustion begins to seep into my bones, as a result of the emotional rollercoaster I've been through. Yet, amidst the weariness, I feel comfort from the lingering scent of Draco's clothes. It only offers a small measure of tranquility amid my restless thoughts. I delicately drape a part of his robe over my face, savoring each deliberate breath as I allow myself a moment of pure omegan existence. The soothing fabric caresses my skin, lulling my senses into a state of tranquility. My omega begins to purr contentedly, finding solace in the familiar scent that lingers on the garments. But discomfort begins to set in from the confining shorts. I unzip the side of my skirt and pull it off with the shorts, discarding them carelessly onto the floor. Now left in my stockings and panties, I remain still, relishing in the softness of my body against the robe.
Moving the fabric off my face, I slowly unbutton the borrowed shirt and trace my fingers over the various paths Draco's fingers had traced just a couple hours ago. Warmth unfurls in me and my eyes flutter shut as I relive the memories of what happened. The intoxicating desire that burned through me when I was beneath Draco isn't comparable to anything I've experienced before. Even being with Ron. Nothing compares.
As I lay there, my thoughts drift to the sensation of Draco's hardness pressing against my center, leaving me with an insatiable emptiness that yearn to be filled. The memory of his teasing tongue tracing along my neck, tasting my skin, sends shivers down my spine. Feeling breathless, I remember his gentle nibbles on my scent glands and it ignites a fiery desire within me. Slick begins to soak through my panties, coating my inner thighs.
My omega's desires grow louder and more insistent, pleading for release. With my legs spread on the bed, I surrender to the vivid imagination of Draco pressed between my thighs once more, a comforting and grounding weight on top of me. "Alpha," I sigh out, my hand trailing from my chest down between my breasts and to my navel like he did before. But my hand doesn't stop. Slipping my hand into my panties, I coat my fingers in my slick and tease around my clit. My omega, desperate for fulfillment from Draco, pretends that it's his fingers teasing me. "Please," I beg the empty room, my voice full of longing. I start to rub my clit in tight circles, craving the sensation of being filled, knowing that my own fingers won't satiate the deep kneed within me. Need alpha's knot.
His knot. He would fill me up so well, keep me full. Heavy pants fill the room as I teasingly slip a digit into my needy core, maintaining a steady rhythm with my movements. My free hand moves up my body and pinches a nipple through the fabric of my bra, sending a jolt of pleasure through me, and causing my body to arch against the bed. It doesn't take long for the warmth to spread through my entire body. Every nerve-ending tingles with anticipation as my stomach tightens and I'm about to surrender to the intense pleasure. I turn my head so my face is pressed against the robe and cum to the scent of my alpha.
Soft, breathy whimpers and moans come from me, merging with the sound of my pounding heartbeat as the pleasure crashes over me like a tidal wave. Sensations of ecstasy ripple through my body, causing my nipples to harden and become sensitive against the fabric of my bra. I tighten instinctively around the teasing finger at my entrance, my desire reaching its peak.
With each labored breath gradually returning to normal, I surrender to the blissful aftermath. Slowly, I remove the borrowed shirt, placing it against the pillow under me. I unclip my bra, freeing my aching breasts, and discard my panties and stockings, allowing my body to bask in the unrestricted comfort. Drawing the robe over me as a makeshift blanket, I nestle my face into the pillow, relishing in the familiar scent and emitting a deep, contented purr.
I know I need to shower, but I'm not sure my omega would let me wash away his scent yet.
Shifting Focus
Daphne and Pansy burst into the common room, their eyes widening with urgency as they rush over to Astoria.
"Where is he?" Daphne scans the room anxiously, her voice laced with concern.
"Went to bed," Astoria replies curtly, her tone clipped and tense.
Pansy had been discreetly observing Draco during his "community service" ever since she had spotted the two of them being a bit too chummy from her spot in the shadows. Growing increasingly uneasy about his interaction with the mudblood she confided in Daphne, who in turn shared her concerns with Astoria. Initially, Astoria had been skeptical, but today the three of them concealed themselves in a secluded spot in the corridor and discreetly followed the couple as they made their way toward the Gryffindor common room.
Granger was wearing an oversized shirt and a Slytherin robe, engaging in laughter and effortless banter with Draco. Astoria's unease deepened as she witnessed their familiarity. When they said goodbye, Draco casually mentioned her familiar's name. All of it unsettled Astoria. When she realized he was getting ready to head back, she raced through the corridors to reach the common room before him, hoping to gauge his demeanor in her presence.
"Did he say anything?" Pansy presses, eager for any sign that might confirm their suspicions.
Astoria shakes her head, her voice tinged with worry. "Just that he hopes I wasn't waiting for him, community service ran late today, and that he'll see me in the morning before saying good night," she explains. "Do you think he would really go against his promise to me and his mother?"
Pansy shrugs, expression uneasy, "I wouldn't think so. But something is unsettling about the way they act so friendly. It just doesn't sit right."
Daphne frowns, her expression mirroring their concerns. "What bothers me is his lack of transparency. If there's nothing to hide, why keep it a secret?"
Astoria rubs her forehead in frustration, her voice laced with confusion. "I just… I'm not sure what to make of it. Especially knowing that Granger is seeing Viktor Krum. Draco didn't act any differently towards me either."
The other girls share a concerned glance, acknowledging the confusion of the situation.
"Don't forget that Granger was wearing his shirt and robe. Even if he's acting normal… that's weird," Daphne points out, her tone full of suspicion.
"I'll keep an eye on it, Tori," Pansy says in a soothing tone, rubbing her friend's shoulder in a gesture of support.
Astoria, feeling the tendrils of jealousy beginning to eat at her stomach, can't help but be overwhelmed by her emotions. Her eyes well up and she nods, "please."