Evelyn emerged from the washroom after ridding herself of the sticky webbing, wrapped in a towel, her damp hair falling in loose tendrils. The room was dimly lit by the soft glow of the moon, casting faint shadows across the walls. Her gaze fell on Draco, already asleep on the bed. Most of his clothing had been discarded, leaving him in just a white shirt that clung to his chiseled body. The thin fabric highlighted the definition of his muscles, and as his chest rose and fell with each breath, Evelyn felt a flutter in her chest. She couldn’t help but linger on the sight of him, so peaceful and effortlessly handsome in the moonlight.
Evelyn went to the wardrobe in the room, glancing over at her robes and clothes still draped on the chair, now sticky and covered in webs from the night before. Deciding against wearing them again, she opened the wardrobe and found, tucked at the bottom, an older-styled dress sundress.Evelyn then glanced back at Draco and noticed toward the end of the bed, her eyes catching sight of a neatly folded shirt that Draco had left there for her. It seemed he had found or acquired it with her in mind. She hesitated for a moment, her fingers brushing against the fabric. It was soft, simple, yet felt like a thoughtful gesture.
Smiling slightly to herself, she decided to leave the sundress in the wardrobe for tomorrow and slipped into the shirt instead, the oversized material falling loosely against her skin. As she dressed, the quiet gesture from Draco made her feel a little warmer, a silent connection lingering between them in the moonlit room.
As Evelyn slipped the shirt over her towel and let it drop to the floor, she began buttoning it up. Her cheeks flushed with warmth at the sudden vulnerability of the moment. She stole a glance at Draco, only to catch his eyes snapping shut, as though he'd been watching her. Embarrassed, she quickly turned back around, pretending not to notice, but the possibility that he had caught her in the act of changing made her heart race. She knew she could have retreated to the bathroom to avoid the situation altogether, but a small part of her wondered if she had done it on purpose. Had she wanted to gauge how Draco felt about her, to see if he would react? The thought lingered, leaving her feeling more uncertain—and perhaps a little excited—than ever before.
Draco pretended to stir, his timing far too perfect. He greeted Evelyn with a casual, "How are you feeling?" as he stretched his arms behind his head. The movement pulled back his short sleeves, revealing his strong, muscular arms, and for a moment, Evelyn found herself distracted, her thoughts slipping away.
Quickly regaining her composure, she replied, "Fresh and much better. How about you?"
Draco gave a nod of agreement. "Better too," he said, casually. He had already taken his shower before her and had even gone out to get her the shirt she was now wearing. When Evelyn asked where he had found it, Draco smirked and shrugged slightly. "Picked it up from the innkeeper," he replied.
Not wanting to dwell on the moment any longer, Evelyn shifted the conversation before it could get awkward. "Draco," she began, her voice steady now, "what happened the night we went to the library… after you left?"
Draco furrowed his brow, his expression pensive. "Peeves caught me, McGonagall gave me the detention," he admitted, his tone tinged with a touch of frustration. "She probably thought it would do me good to get my hands dirty, so to speak."
“I was sent to help Hagrid, of all people, helping with some groundswork around Hogwarts."
Evelyn raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the unexpected turn of events. "Hagrid? That's rather unusual. Why with Hagrid?"
Draco let out a soft sigh, his gaze distant as he reminisced. "Hagrid and I have had our share of tumultuous history, but despite everything, he's still rather kind. We had a conversation, and he started talking about the caverns below Hogwarts where he used to keep some of his more unique pets. I got curious."
Evelyn remembered how Draco led them to the doorway “It seemed like you knew your way, more than just someone who was a little curious”
Draco mused with a smirk “ I had just come from that direction when I heard your scream”
Evelyn nodded, absorbing the information. "It's certainly different from the Draco Malfoy I heard about during the war," she remarked softly.
Draco's lips quirked into a wry smile. "People change, circumstances change. Hogwarts isn't what it used to be, especially now that my family's influence here has waned."
As the conversation continued, Evelyn couldn't help but wonder about the mysterious connection that seemed to be drawing her and Draco together.
As Evelyn prepared for bed in the cozy inn room, she could feel the tension that had been simmering between her and Draco, palpable yet unspoken. Despite her best efforts to avoid acknowledging it, the energy between them felt different—warmer, more familiar. She quickly slipped under the covers, trying to hide the flush in her cheeks as Draco remained lying above the blankets, his eyes lingering on her with a mix of curiosity and something else she couldn’t quite place.
"So, Evelyn," he began, pulling the covers back on his side of the bed, "you never did tell me how you found your way into those caverns. It can't have been a mere coincidence."Evelyn bit her lip and glanced away for a moment, her heart still racing from the closeness between them. The question was a welcome distraction from the feelings she was trying to avoid, but even as she answered, she couldn’t shake the awareness of him lying so close beside her.
Evelyn, decided to employ a bit of playful banter to deflect. She raised an eyebrow and smirked at Draco. "Oh, Draco, are you implying that you think I had a secret plan to sneak into the dungeons and surprise you?"
Draco's eyes lit up, crinkling at the corners with his smile. They held a cool, silvery gleam, like polished metal catching the light, and were framed by long, dark lashes that accentuated their piercing quality. When he chuckled, a flicker of mischief danced within them."You have a knack for surprising me in strange situations," Draco said, his eyebrow raising in mock incredulity. "First the library, and now this." His eyes, still gleaming with amusement, seemed to reflect the unpredictability of the moment.
Evelyn couldn't help but blush at his compliment. Deciding to keep the flirtatious tone going, she leaned in slightly and said, "Well, you know what they say, Draco—curiosity often leads to…" She let her words trail off, her eyes sparkling as she gave him a mischievous wink.
Draco's curiosity was unwavering, and he found himself growing a bit impatient with Evelyn's tendency to deflect serious questions with her charm. Determined to uncover the mysterious circumstances that had led her to the caverns beneath Hogwarts, he leaned on his elbow, propped up on the bed, and raised an eyebrow with a challenging glint in his eyes. "You know," he said, his tone now more serious, "You know," Draco mused, "it's just a bit odd, isn't it? It's almost as if you're... seeking me out, Evelyn."
Evelyn's cheeks flushed slightly at the insinuation, and she tried to maintain her composure. "Oh, please, Draco. Seeking you out in secret caverns? That's a bit far-fetched, don't you think?"
Draco’s expression shifted as he sensed Evelyn still wasn’t ready to reveal the truth. "I’m getting a bit tired of your evasive answers. How about you tell me what really brought you down here?"
Evelyn tensed up a little. "A feeling," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
Draco’s tone lightened once more, a playful grin spreading across his face. He leaned in to meet her eyes, clearly enjoying their banter. "Well, you must admit, it does seem like quite the coincidence."
Draco's smile softened as he reached out to gently brush a strand of hair from Evelyn's face. "I did save you from those monstrous spiders tonight. I suppose that makes me your hero, doesn't it?"
Evelyn's heart skipped a beat at the tenderness in his voice. She couldn't deny the growing connection between them, and in that moment, it felt as though they were the only two people in the world, bound by the mysteries and secrets they shared.
The room seemed to crackle with a different kind of tension now, one that sent Evelyn's stomach into a flutter as Draco's silver-gray eyes locked onto hers. In that intimate moment, their faces drew closer, the air heavy with unspoken words and desire.
Draco leaned in, his lips mere inches from hers, and Evelyn's heart raced with anticipation. But just as their breaths mingled, she abruptly pulled back, her cheeks flushed and her eyes wide with surprise.
"Draco," she stammered, her voice unsteady, "we... we shouldn't."
The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
Draco blinked, his expression momentarily clouded with confusion, and then a flicker of hurt crossed his features. He quickly masked it with a tight smile, but the vulnerability had been there, if only for an instant.
Evelyn's hand reached out to touch his arm gently, her voice softening as she explained, "It's not that I don't want to, but... there's just so much we don't know, so much at stake. We can't afford to be reckless."
Draco nodded, his gaze dropping to the space between them. "You're right, Evelyn. We have a mission, and we can't let anything distract us."
As they lay side by side in the quite dark room, the tension between them remained, simmering just beneath the surface, an unspoken promise of what could be when the time was right.
In the quiet darkness of the room, Draco lay on his side, his back to Evelyn, but his mind far from restful. Thoughts of Evelyn consumed him, and he couldn't help but wonder how she had managed to slip into his life so unexpectedly. She was an enigma, a riddle he was determined to unravel.
As he stared into the shadows, Draco’s mind drifted back through their encounters—the library, the hidden caverns, and even the Potions class. He thought about all the years he had let her presence slip by, despite the undeniable magnetism she held. From the moment they had first met in their first year, there was something about Evelyn that had drawn him in. But with so much more at stake than mere school romance and crushes, he had kept his distance. Her intelligence, bravery, and the way she challenged him had always intrigued him deeply.
But it was more than that. It was the way she looked at him, those moments when their eyes met and he glimpsed a deeper, unspoken connection. It was the softness in her voice when she spoke to him, the gentle touch of her hand on his arm, and the way she had pushed him away just moments ago. Evelyn seemed to hold a key to a part of himself he hadn’t fully explored—a part of him that had been stifled in his early years. The weight of his family’s dark alliance had robbed him of much of his ease and happiness, leaving him unable to express himself or live normally. In Evelyn, he saw a chance to reclaim a piece of that lost self.
Draco couldn’t deny the growing curiosity that had taken root in his heart, extending beyond their mission and the mysteries they sought to uncover. He found himself increasingly eager to understand Evelyn—to learn more about the secrets she carried and to unravel the layers that made her who she was. Amidst all the dangers and uncertainties surrounding them, he couldn’t ignore the possibility that something more than camaraderie was blossoming between them. It was a feeling he couldn’t quite define, but one he was keen to explore, even if it meant navigating the treacherous path ahead.
Yet, there was a part of him that hesitated. After losing so much and so many, Draco feared that allowing himself to love someone meant they would inevitably be taken from him. He held his guard up, vowing that he wouldn’t let Evelyn disappear like everyone else had. Even if it meant repressing his growing affection and stifling himself once again, he was determined to protect her—and his own heart—from the pain of loss.
---
As the first light of morning filtered through the blinds, Evelyn stirred in her sleep. Her eyes fluttered open, and for a moment, she was disoriented. Then, she realized she was wrapped in a warm embrace, and her gaze landed on Draco’s peaceful sleeping face.
She couldn’t help but study his features as he slept. His typically composed expression was softened in slumber, and there was a vulnerability about him that she hadn’t seen before. Evelyn’s heart skipped a beat as she watched him, a rush of emotions swirling within her.
Her attention then shifted to the tangled mess of covers around them, noting how Draco had ended up under the blankets with her, unlike before when he had been atop them. She became acutely aware of her own state of undress—she was wearing only the shirt, which had ridden up and left her almost fully exposed. Her leg was pressed against a noticeable bulge, restrained only by the pants Draco had left on. The intimate proximity heightened her awareness, and she felt a mix of embarrassment and intrigue as she took in their entangled forms.
Just as she was lost in her thoughts, Draco began to rouse from his sleep. His gray eyes slowly blinked open, and he gave her a sleepy smile. "Morning, Blackwood," he murmured, his voice husky with sleep.
Evelyn, flustered by the proximity and the intensity of her emotions, practically leaped out of the bed. "Morning!" she stuttered, her cheeks turning a shade of pink. "We should, um, probably get back to school.Draco nuzzled his head into her neck as he pulled her closer.
Evelyn quickly untangled herself and pulled the shirt down as she got off the bed. Draco’s gaze followed her, a bemused expression on his face as he watched her fumble for words.
Draco sat up lazily, a playful grin on his face. "Relax," he said gently. "It's the weekend, and we've earned a break, don't you think? Besides, we’re in Hogsmeade. We could explore a bit, maybe even have a proper meal at the Three Broomsticks. What do you say?"
Evelyn's eyes met his, and for a moment, the worries and uncertainties of their mission faded into the background. She found herself nodding, a small smile forming on her lips. "Alright, I'm starving anyway."
Evelyn quickly dashed to the wardrobe to grab a sundress. She then retreated to the bathroom, unsure if she could trust herself not to give in to thoughts of Draco—how he had nuzzled close to her and the lingering sensations she felt against her leg. Shaking her head briskly, she tried to clear her mind.
As they prepared for the day, their interactions were filled with light-hearted banter and playful teasing. They packed their unworn robes and clothes into a bag found in the room, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie. Evelyn couldn’t help but notice how Draco’s smile seemed to make her heart race. She found herself laughing more than she had in a long time, enjoying the easy, carefree moments they shared.
Their exploration of Hogsmeade began after breakfast, with a visit to the bustling streets. They meandered through the quaint shops, exchanging stories from their respective houses.
Evelyn regaled Draco with anecdotes about the eccentric Ravenclaw students, describing their heated debates during game nights and their love for horror movie marathons in the common room. She mentioned how they had created a makeshift theater hidden from the professors, who had banned Muggle technology in the castle.
In response, Draco shared tales of Slytherin’s cunning pranks and the ambitious competitions among the students. His stories were full of mischievous details and humorous incidents, painting a vivid picture of the Slytherin house's competitive spirit. The exchange of stories and laughter added a layer of familial camaraderie in their houses.
As they ventured further amidst the shops, they discovered a hidden glen bathed in dappled sunlight. On the edge of the village, It was there, amidst the natural beauty, that Draco noticed a quaint boutique nestled among the trees. The sign read "Enchanted Trinkets," and it beckoned to them.
Draco couldn’t resist the opportunity to surprise Evelyn. "How about we explore this boutique?" he suggested, his gray eyes gleaming mischievously. The sparkle in his gaze hinted at his intention to treat Evelyn to something special.
Evelyn raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "Lead the way, Malfoy."
Inside the boutique, they were greeted by a warm and eccentric shopkeeper who seemed to know more about their desires than they did. The shelves were lined with treasures of all kinds, from enchanted jewellery to rare spell books.
Draco’s gaze settled on an exquisite emerald necklace, the gemstone’s deep green hue reflecting the glint in Evelyn’s hazel eyes. Without hesitation, he purchased it and then turned to her with a charming smile.
"Evelyn," he said, his voice soft and sincere, "this necklace reminds me of the beauty I see in your eyes. I think it would look perfect on you."
Evelyn's cheeks flushed with surprise at the forward compliment and gratitude as Draco delicately fastened the necklace around her neck. She felt a warmth spread through her, both from the thoughtful gift and the genuine affection behind his gesture. The emerald pendant rested gracefully against her collarbone, and as she looked up at Draco, she saw the sincerity in his eyes that matched the sentiment of his gift.
The necklace Draco chose for Evelyn was a stunning piece: a silver chain adorned with intricate, delicate leaves, creating an elegant, nature-inspired design. At the center hung a circular emerald, its deep green brilliance capturing the light with every movement. Surrounding the emerald were smaller, flower-like embellishments studded with tiny diamonds, adding a touch of sparkle to the overall design.
Evelyn was taken aback by the sheer beauty of the necklace and the speed with which Draco had purchased it. She didn’t catch the price or the transaction, but the heaviness of receiving such an obviously expensive gift made her feel both touched and overwhelmed.
"Draco, it's beautiful," she whispered, her voice filled with emotion.Draco handed her the velvet box the necklace came in, urging her to keep it safe. As he turned to put the box in the rucksack, Draco turned back to her, gently brushed her hair off her collarbone and smiled with a look of triumph. He clearly felt a sense of accomplishment, delighted by how well the necklace suited her and the effect it had on her.
Their eyes met, and in that moment, amidst the enchantment of the shop and the beauty of the necklace, there was a subtle shift in the air, a growing awareness of something deeper between them.
As Draco and Evelyn exited the charming boutique, they noticed a group of shady-looking individuals passing by and entering the shop they had just left. Their demeanor and whispered conversations piqued their curiosity. Exchanging knowing glances, they discreetly moved toward a nearby window to eavesdrop on the conversation unfolding inside.
The three shady characters confronted the eccentric shopkeeper, their voices low. Draco and Evelyn strained to catch their words. They were a menacing trio. One had a rugged appearance, with a scar running across his cheek, while another had a cold, calculating gaze that sent shivers down the spines of those around him. The third, who seemed to be their leader, had a sinister aura that made the shopkeeper quiver with fear.
"We know you've seen them," one of the figures hissed, producing a small stack of photographs. Evelyn's eyes widened as she recognized some of the pictures. "Those... those are Hogwarts students," she whispered to Draco, her voice trembling with concern.
Draco's gray eyes narrowed as he peered at the photographs. Indeed, they showed young students, some of whom had gone missing from Hogwarts in recent weeks. The connection between these mysterious figures and the disappearances was becoming alarmingly clear.
However, a new realization dawned on them. If these figures were searching for the missing students, it suggested that they might not be the ones responsible for their disappearance. The implications of this were unsettling, as it pointed to an even more complex and dangerous situation than they had initially thought.
The shopkeeper's eyes darted nervously between the pictures and the menacing trio. "I-I don't know what you're talking about," he stammered.
Another of the figures leaned in closer, his tone dripping with menace. "Don't play games with us," he warned. "We've been watching this town, and we know you've had some unusual visitors who came in."
The shopkeeper's fear was palpable as he glanced at the photographs and finally admitted, "I recognize one of those students. They came here looking for a rare conduit object of ancient origin. They were willing to pay a hefty sum for it."
Draco's eyes narrowed as he exchanged a quick, concerned look with Evelyn. This was a significant piece of information. It hinted at the involvement of the missing students in something far more profound than they had initially suspected.
Evelyn leaned in closer to Draco, whispering, "We need to find out what that conduit object is” Draco nodded in agreement.
As one of them leaned in to demand more information about the conduit object, a sudden clatter filled the air as Evelyn accidentally knocked over a small display of magical trinkets from the window. The noise echoed through the shop, causing the trio to whirl around, their hands instinctively reaching for concealed wands.
Before he could divulge more, the leader of the group hissed, "We're done here. But remember, we'll be back."
Draco and Evelyn, hidden away from the shop's window, watched the menacing figures exit the boutique and disappear into the bustling streets of Hogsmeade. The weight of the situation hung heavy on their shoulders, knowing that they had uncovered something.