MLM ᯓᡣ𐭩 Hate me better · Y/n story by @pinkiipie

The Great Hall was a roar of voices and clinking cutlery, the enchanted ceiling reflecting a bruised sunset that bled through heavy clouds. Hundreds of students bent over their breakfast, plates heaping with sausages and eggs, pumpkins juice in goblets. It was the second week of term. The air tasted of frost and charred toast.

Theodore Nott

following Draco's stare, low-voiced You're staring.

Draco Malfoy

I'm not staring. I'm observing.

Theodore Nott

dryly At the Gryffindor table. During breakfast. At Y/n L/n.

Draco Malfoy

cutting him off Don't be ridiculous. I wasn't looking at L/n. I was looking at the—the banner.

The Gryffindor Quidditch banner hung limp and dusty from the rafters. Draco's eyes had not once veered toward it.

Draco Malfoy

picking up his fork, spinning it between his fingers L/n thinks he's clever. Getting assigned as Potions partner with Slughorn. Probably bribed someone.

Theodore Nott

slowly You asked Slughorn to change partners. He said no.

Draco Malfoy

eyes snapping to Nott I didn't ask. I mentioned it might be more balanced.

Theodore Nott

And he told you to sit down and stop wasting his time.

The corner of Draco's mouth twitched, irritated. He forced himself to look away, at his untouched breakfast, at the Slytherin table, at anything. For a moment there was quiet. Then, without meaning to, without permission, his eyes drifted back across the hall.

Draco Malfoy

to himself, barely audible Pathetic.

Theodore Nott

What is?

Draco Malfoy

sharply Nothing. Forget it.

He dropped the fork with a clatter and stood, shouldering his bag.

Draco Malfoy

not looking back Tell Blaise I'll meet him at Potions.

He cut through the stream of students, heading toward the double doors, and if he took the long way around, the path that curved past the Gryffindor table, he told himself it was because the short way was crowded.