Chapter 4: a dangerous Confession

By the time I collapsed onto one of the squashy armchairs in the Gryffindor common room, my head was spinning faster than a Golden Snitch. The fire crackled softly, casting warm light over scattered books, half-finished homework, and students laughing in low voices. It should have been comforting. Instead, I was pacing.

“Sit,” Hermione ordered, closing her Arithmancy book with a sharp snap. “You’ve been wearing a hole in the rug for five minutes.”I dropped back into the chair with a dramatic sigh. Harry and Ron looked up from their game of wizard chess, both instantly alert. “Alright,” Ron said slowly. “What’s wrong?” I stared into the fire, my reflection staring back at me- Freckles, bright eyes, and an expression that screamed trouble.“I think,” I began carefully, “I might like Draco Malfoy.” Silence. Absolute, horrified silence. Ron’s knight clattered to the board. Harry blinked. Hermione’s mouth actually fell open.“You-WHAT?” Ron finally spluttered. “I know,” I rushed on. “I know he’s arrogant and cruel and thinks Muggle-borns don’t belong, and I know he insulted me in Potions, but-Merlin help me-there’s something about him.” Harry frowned, clearly trying to be gentle. “Melody… he’s not exactly known for being nice.” “Or human,” Ron added. “More like a ferret.” “Ron,” Hermione snapped, then turned to me, softer. “What exactly do you like about him?” I hesitated. “He challenges me. He doesn’t look at me like I’m fragile or special because of my dad. He looks at me like I’m… dangerous. Like I’m worth arguing with.” Hermione considered that, adjusting her sleeves. “That’s… not the worst reason I’ve ever heard.” Ron stared at her. “You cannot be serious.” “She’s allowed to have complicated feelings,” Hermione shot back. “Even if they’re inconvenient.” Harry rubbed the back of his neck. “Just-promise us you’ll be careful. Malfoy’s family is… tied to some dark things.” “I know,” I said quietly. “I’m not blind. I just… can’t stop thinking about him.” Ron groaned, leaning back in his chair. “This year’s going to be mental.” A comfortable silence settled in, broken only by the fire and the distant wind against the tower windows. “Well,” Harry said at last, offering a small smile, “if he hurts you, he’ll have to deal with all of us.” I smiled back, warmth blooming in my chest. “That’s all I needed to hear.” As I headed up to the girls’ dormitory later that night, my thoughts drifted-unwanted but persistent to cold grey eyes and a smirk that promised trouble. Liking Draco Malfoy wasn’t just dangerous. It was inevitable.