invisible string || D.M · Y/n story by @unethical

The Great Hall hummed with restless energy, every table crammed with seventh years in dress robes. Candles drifted overhead, their glow catching the silver goblets and polished braids. At the front, Professor McGonagall stood beside an ancient stone pedestal, a single roll of parchment resting upon it.

Professor McGonagall

Draco Malfoy.

Daphne Greengrass

leaning toward Astoria, smiling Finally. We've been waiting all night.

Astoria Greengrass

laughs, smoothing her dress It's fine. He's obviously mine.

Pansy Parkinson

sotto voce Merlin, Stori, let the magic speak first.

Draco rose from the Slytherin table, tugging his cuffs as if this were all rather beneath him. But his step was steady, his jaw set with easy confidence. He glanced back once—at Astoria, who beamed—then continued to the pedestal.

Draco Malfoy

placing his hand on the parchment, muttering Clearly it's Astoria. Let's not waste everyone's time.

The parchment began to glow. Silver light spilled over Draco's fingers, then the enchanted script burned itself into the surface. A hushed pause. The Hall leaned in.

Professor McGonagall

reading, her voice carrying across the still air Y/n.

Silence. The kind that swallowed sound whole. Someone dropped a fork.

Astoria Greengrass

voice brittle, bright That's not funny.

Theodore Nott

quietly It's not a joke.

Mattheo Riddle

low whistle, then a snort Oh, this is going to be a nightmare.

Draco remained frozen at the pedestal. His hand lowered slowly. He looked as though he wanted to argue, laugh, accuse the parchment of a mistake—but the magic didn't lie. It never had.

Draco Malfoy

voice tight, almost inaudible What?