but..? · Y/n story by @emeraldari

The train had long since passed the rolling hills of the English countryside, leaving behind the last traces of gray drizzle for the pale October sun that hung low over the Scottish moors. The compartment door was shut, but the laughter inside leaked through the gaps in the wood.

Draco Malfoy

I'm telling you, Pansy, if you'd just let me braid your hair, you'd see why the French Duchesses swear by it.

Pansy Parkinson

snorts, kicking her feet up onto the opposite bench The only thing you'd braid is my patience, Malfoy.

Blaise Zabini

lazily flipping through a Quidditch magazine He's not wrong. His mother taught him. I've seen the results.

Theodore Nott

quietly, from the corner where he's been watching the landscape blur past Astoria would love it if you braided hers.

The name landed like a stone in still water. The laughter didn't stop—not quite—but it rippled. Draco's smile flickered, a beat too slow, before he turned to look at Theodore.

Draco Malfoy

voice softer than before She's… not one for fuss.

Pansy Parkinson

rolling her eyes, but her tone gentler Whatever you say, darling.

Outside, the sky darkened. The train rattled over a bridge, and somewhere down the corridor, a first-year squealed as a trolley of sweets clattered past. Inside the compartment, the air grew thick with something unsaid.

Draco Malfoy

turning to you, a familiar glint in his gray eyes You've been quiet. No witty retort? No jab at my expense? I'm starting to worry you've gone soft.