Chapter 14: Ripples and ressolve

By the time lunch rolled around, Hogwarts was buzzing in a way that made my stomach twist. Whispers trailed down every corridor. Some were curious, some amused, and a few… sharp with judgment. But I felt a quiet steadiness today- Draco’s hand resting in mine gave me courage. He was waiting for me near the entrance to the Great Hall, leaning casually against a pillar. When he saw me, he straightened, and his smile was small but firm, something more determined than usual. “Ready?” he asked, voice low. “Ready,” I said, matching his tone. We walked together into the hall, side by side, aware of the eyes that followed but refusing to flinch. A group of Slytherins muttered under their breath, and even a few Gryffindors snickered, but Draco held his chin high. I squeezed his hand, silently telling him he wasn’t alone. Halfway through lunch, Pansy Parkinson appeared at the edge of our table, eyes sharp. “So… you’re still together,” she said, voice just loud enough to sting. “Yes,” Draco said without hesitation, his voice calm but cutting through the murmurs around us. “We are.” Her eyebrows shot up, clearly taken aback. “Even with… that?” she said, gesturing vaguely toward me. I tilted my head, meeting her gaze. “Yes, even with that,” I replied, my voice steady. Draco reached across the table and rested his hand over mine. “I’ve made my choice,” he said firmly. “No one else matters here.” Pansy’s lips pressed into a thin line, and for a moment, I saw the calculated mask slip. Then she spun on her heel and stalked away, leaving whispers in her wake. I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding. Draco’s gaze softened as he leaned closer. “You okay?” he asked. “I am,” I said. “Because you’re… standing up for yourself. For us.” He smirked, but there was warmth in it. “Took a lot of convincing,” he admitted. The rest of lunch passed with a quiet ease. No one dared interrupt us after Draco’s small declaration, and for once, I felt that Hogwarts’ gossip couldn’t touch us- not when we faced it together. Afterwards, we wandered toward the library, letting the chatter fade behind us. The sun had broken through the gray clouds, scattering light across the castle grounds, and it felt like a promise- something bright in a place that often thrived on shadows. As we reached our corner table, I looked at Draco. “You know,” I said softly, “I’m proud of you. Standing up… it’s not easy.” He shrugged, brushing a hand through his hair. “I’m learning,” he said quietly. “And I’m glad you’re here… helping me.” I smiled, letting the warmth of the moment settle in. “Always.” And as he reached for my hand again, intertwining our fingers, I knew that no matter what came next-whispers, expectations, or judgments-we’d face it together. And for the first time, I felt that our choices weren’t just reactions to Hogwarts or its rules-they were ours. Together.