The library is supposed to be my escape. My sanctuary. A place where I can focus, drown in books, and forget about things that shouldn't be on my mind.

Like Draco Malfoy.

But again, I can't seem to stop thinking about him. No matter how hard I try, his face lingers in my thoughts. Those sharp silver eyes, the way his lips curve into a smirk, the effortless confidence in his stride.

And the way he looked at Astoria.

My stomach twists at the memory. Everyone says she's going to be his fiancée one day, that their parents are arranging it.

And the worst part? He doesn't seem to mind.

I snap my book shut. The sharp crack of the binding echoes down the aisle. A few students glance my way, but I don't care. I need to stop this. I need to get a hold of myself.

With a sigh, I push away from the table and start weaving through the towering bookshelves, hoping movement might help clear my thoughts.

That's when I see her.

Astoria Greengrass.

She stands near the Advanced Healing Spells section, her fingers grazing the spines of books with a kind of absent elegance.

She's stunning. The kind of beautiful that feels effortless, with her sleek, dark blonde hair falling in soft waves over her shoulders and her perfectly poised stance. She carries herself like the pureblood daughter she is.

Graceful, untouchable.

I don't want to admire her, but I can't help noticing.

She mutters something under her breath, frustration flickering across her usually composed face.

"Of course, it's gone."

I freeze mid-step. My first instinct is to turn around, pretend I didn't see her, or hear her frustration.

But I do hear her. And I already know what book she's looking for.

I hesitate, fingers curling around the edge of the bookshelf.

Why should I help her?

She's Astoria Greengrass. The girl everyone whispers about. The girl sitting so close to Draco these days. The girl who, according to rumor, will be his... stop thinking about it, Hermione.

Maybe if I just turn around now-

But before I can decide, she notices me. Her cool blue eyes meet mine, and for a second, something flickers across her face. Surprise? Annoyance? Indifference?

"What?" she says. Not rudely, but not kindly either. Just… neutral.

I should walk away.

Instead, I cross my arms. "You're looking for a healing spell book, aren't you?"

Astoria blinks, then sighs. "Yes… but the one I need is already checked out."

I don't let myself think too hard. My fingers trail along the shelf until they find the one I'm looking for. I slide it out and hold it toward her.

"Try this instead. Same spells, just a different author."

She doesn't take it right away. She just studies me, like she's trying to figure out whether there's some ulterior motive. Then, cautiously, she reaches for it.

"You didn't have to do that," she says, her voice quieter now.

I shrug. "I know."

A small, reluctant smile tugs at her lips. "Thanks, I suppose."

I should stop here. I should nod and walk away. But curiosity, as always, gets the best of me.

"Why do you need healing spells anyway?"

She hesitates. Her fingers tighten around the book. "I have my reasons."

Not an answer.

I tilt my head. "Wouldn't have anything to do with Pansy Parkinson making your life miserable, would it?"

She stiffens slightly, then lets out a dry laugh. "So you do notice things."

"I notice a lot of things. Like how Pansy and her little gang love tormenting people they see as competition."

Astoria exhales and leans lightly against the shelf. "It's not worth fighting over. Pansy's petty, but she doesn't matter."

I frown. "She seems to think you matter quite a bit."

Astoria meets my gaze. There's something unreadable in her expression. Then, almost too casually, she says, "She's just jealous. That's all it is."

"Because of Draco… Malfoy?"

The words slip out before I can stop them. I almost say Draco.

Astoria doesn't react the way I expect. She doesn't look smug or offended. Instead, her expression flattens into something unreadable.

"That's what people assume, isn't it?"

My throat feels dry.

It's not just an assumption. It's a rumor. A strong one.

I swallow. "Is it true?"

She tilts her head slightly, then sighs. "Why do you care?"

I don't have an answer. Not one I can say out loud.

Before I can even try, a voice cuts through the silence.

"Astoria-"

I freeze.

I know that voice.

Draco Malfoy steps into view, as effortlessly composed as always. His platinum hair somehow perfect, his uniform crisp and sharp. When his eyes land on me, something shifts in his expression.

His brow furrows slightly. Confusion. Suspicion. Maybe amusement.

"…Granger?"

The way he says my name. It's like he doesn't quite believe what he's seeing.

Astoria sighs. "Draco, don't look so shocked. We were just talking."

He flicks his gaze between us, suspicion creeping into his features. "Since when do you and Granger have friendly chats in the library?"

I roll my eyes. "Since when is it any of your business, Malfoy?"

His lips twitch, like he's fighting a smile. "Just surprised, that's all. You don't usually go out of your way to help Slytherins. Especially not ones people think I'm close to."

My heart skips.

Ones people think I'm close to. He says it so casually, but it stings more than it should.

Astoria, thankfully, rolls her eyes. "Honestly, Draco, you act like I've betrayed the entire house just by talking to someone outside of it."

He shrugs. "Can you blame me? People talk, you know."

Suddenly I feel restless. Like I need to leave before I embarrass myself.

"Well, you two can carry on with whatever it is Slytherins talk about. I'll be going."

I turn on my heel, eager to escape.

But then his voice stops me.

"Wait."

I freeze.

I shouldn't stop. But somehow, I do.

I don't turn around. I don't trust myself to look at him right now.

"You've been acting weird lately, Granger." His tone is lighter now, almost teasing. "Is there something you're not telling me?"

My breath catches. I swallow hard. Then, slowly, I turn to face him.

I meet his gaze, forcing myself to stay steady.

"I don't know what you're talking about, Malfoy."

He tilts his head, watching me too closely. "Right," he murmurs, his smirk deepening. "I'm sure it's nothing."

Astoria stays silent, but I can feel her observing everything.

I need to get out of here. Now.

Without another word, I turn and walk away, refusing to look back.

He doesn't notice anything, does he?