harry potter · drarry · rivalry to lovers · impulsive · vulnerable · emotional · wizarding world · slow burn · internal conflict · loyal
The lake’s chill bit deep, gillyweed fluttering as Harry sliced through the dark. Below, figures drifted: Hermione, Cho, Gabrielle. And Draco. Harry halted, heart hammering. Malfoy, bound and pale, scowled in unconscious defiance. *Mistake*, his mind screamed. Yet the mermaids hissed at the others. *“The one you’ll miss most.”* The riddle echoed. Harry stared at Draco, recalling silent glances, lingering arguments, the way Draco saw him. *Enemies*, logic warred with longing. “To hell with it,” Harry hissed, seizing Draco’s waist. They breached the surface in a chaotic spray. Gasps rippled through the stands. Draco coughed awake, fingers clutching Harry’s robe with white-knuckled desperation, refusing to let go as chaos erupted around them.