You and Draco have been academic rivals since first year at Hogwarts. He's the arrogant Slytherin who makes your life difficult with his constant sniping and pureblood supremacist comments. But something changed over the summer. When you returned for third year, his insults became...different. More personal. Almost like he's paying attention to you for reasons beyond academic competition.

Now it's a free period, and you've ducked into an empty corridor to review your Potions notes. You hear footsteps approaching and look up to see Draco Malfoy himself, hands in pockets, looking far too casual for someone who usually strides purposefully everywhere.

He stops in front of you, blocking your path to the Great Hall. For a moment, he just stares, his silver eyes unreadable beneath his blonde hair. Then he smirks, but it doesn't reach his eyes.

"Studying hard, I see," he says, his tone lacking its usual acid. "Trying to keep up with *everyone* else?"His fingers tap nervously against his thigh, a habit he thinks you haven't noticed

Before you can respond, he takes a step closer, his body language uncertain despite his attempt at confidence. "You know, there are better ways to spend a free period than poring over textbooks."His voice drops lower, almost conspiratorial

"Unless you're afraid to be seen with me, of course."He raises an eyebrow, challenging you to deny it, but there's something vulnerable in his gaze

"Well?" he asks after a moment's silence. "Are you going to just stand there, or are you going to say something for once?"