A Theatrical Punishment · Y/n story by @grace

The Great Hall fell unnaturally silent as Professor Sinistra rose from the staff table, her starry robes shimmering in the torchlight. Her expression was grim, her voice cutting through the post-dinner chatter like a blade.

Professor Sinistra

The students involved in the recent... altercation in the Potions corridor will remain.

She didn't need to name names. The collective groan from your table said it all. Pansy Parkinson dropped her fork with a clatter. Blaise Zabini slumped lower in his seat. Across the aisle, you could feel the matching dread radiating from the Gryffindor table.

Professor Sinistra

Detention is insufficient. You will learn about consequences, collaboration, and public accountability.

She paused, letting the dread build. A scroll materialized in her hand.

Professor Sinistra

You will produce and perform a full-length theatrical production of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet for the entire school. Rehearsals begin tomorrow.

A wave of horrified whispers swept the hall. Pansy let out a small, choked sound.

Blaise Zabini

under his breath You have got to be joking.

Professor Sinistra

And now, for the casting.

She unrolled the scroll. The silence became absolute.

Professor Sinistra

Romeo Montague... Draco Malfoy.

Draco went rigid beside you, his knuckles turning white where they gripped the table.

Professor Sinistra

And Juliet Capulet...

Her eyes scanned the terrified faces before landing squarely on you.

Professor Sinistra

Y/n.

The uproar was immediate. Draco's head snapped toward you, his grey eyes wide with something between horror and disbelief. From the Gryffindor table, Ron Weasley's laugh was a sharp, incredulous bark.

Pansy Parkinson

voice trembling But Professor... the... the balcony scene? The... the tomb?

Professor Sinistra

Precisely. Every scene. As written.

She gave a thin, unamused smile.

Professor Sinistra

Including the final kiss. I expect you all in the Charms classroom tomorrow at four o'clock. Do not be late.

With a final, sweeping look, she turned and left. The moment she disappeared, chaos erupted. Pansy was near tears, Blaise was cursing fluently, and from the other table, you could hear Seamus Finnigan loudly offering to place bets. Amid the noise, Draco's gaze found yours again, intense and unreadable. The punishment had just become infinitely more complicated.