The Hidden Promise

Chapter 3: Tension in the Air

Harry's POV:

My heart skipped a beat as I locked eyes with him. His platinum blond hair was perfectly styled, his gray eyes filled with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. The room seemed to grow quieter, the air heavy with tension.

I couldn't believe it. Draco Malfoy, the one person I never expected to see in this history class, was now standing at the door. Thoughts raced through my mind, wondering why he was here, what it meant, and most importantly, how I should react.

Hermione nudged me, breaking my trance-like state. "Harry, are you okay?"

I shook my head, trying to gather my thoughts. "I... I don't know. This is unexpected."

Ron, always the voice of reason, chimed in. "Maybe Dumbledore wanted Malfoy to learn more about the history of magic. It's not like he's ever been too interested in the subject."

I nodded, considering Ron's words. It made sense, but there was something more to it. I couldn't shake the feeling that this encounter was significant, that it held the potential for something more than just a history lesson.

My mind raced as Draco stood there. Why was he here? The whole class started whispering, their eyes fixated on him. I couldn't help but stare into his piercing silver eyes. They were so beautiful, captivating. Our gazes locked for a brief moment until the sound of whispering snapped him back to reality.

Professor Binns, seemingly unfazed by the commotion, finally managed to calm down the whispers. His monotone voice filled the room as he addressed the unexpected guest. "Dumbledore, what brings you here?" he asked, curiosity tinged his tone.

Dumbledore, his eyes twinkling with wisdom, replied, "Because of an incident Mister Draco caused, he will be staying with the Gryffindors for five months."

"Why them?!" Draco exclaimed, his voice filled with frustration and disbelief. Dumbledore didn't answer Draco's question, leaving us all in suspense. The class erupted into whispers once again, the curiosity and speculation spreading like wildfire.

Draco's voice cut through the noise, demanding attention. "Stop talking. I don't want to be here as much as you don't want me to," he declared, his words silencing the room. It was evident that Draco despised the situation.

Dumbledore continued, his voice calm yet firm, explaining the incident that led to Draco's unexpected relocation. "Draco was having a fight with another Slytherin. Professor Flitwick intervened and asked them to stop. They complied, but then Draco, in a fit of anger, levitated the poor boy into the air and threw him across the room."

The whole class was left in shock, their gazes shifting to Draco. I too looked at him, but my attention was drawn to his lips. The way he bit them and clenched his fists showed me the struggle he was facing, trying to restrain himself from lashing out at everyone around him.

"Now, Draco, go sit beside Harry. He will be your guide for the next five months. You will also be staying in his room," Dumbledore stated, sighing with a hint of weariness. Draco choked on air, his voice filled with disbelief and frustration. "Staying with the Gryffindors is one thing, but now you want me to stay with Potter?!"

My heart sank at his words. I knew he would never like me, but it still hurt nonetheless. Why did I develop these feelings for him out of anyone else? I couldn't help but question myself. Shaking off my thoughts, I refocused my attention as Dumbledore left to attend to another matter.

Draco, seemingly defeated, took his place beside me. I stole glances at him whenever I could, unable to resist the magnetic pull he had on me. After what felt like an eternity, he kicked my leg, breaking my trance. "Quit staring at me, Potter," he whispered, his words laced with annoyance.

I quickly averted my gaze, turning my attention back to Professor Binns and attempting to focus on the lesson.

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Word Count:647

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