The hospital wing was steeped in a hushed tranquility, bathed in the soft glow of enchanted windows. Evelyn lay upon the crisp white sheets, the faint scent of healing potions lingering in the air. Madam Pomfrey bustled quietly, her sharp eyes surveying each patient with the practiced care of someone who had seen far too many battles within these walls.

  Seated beside Evelyn, Seraphina offered a reassuring smile, her hands folded neatly in her lap. The sunlight filtered through the window, casting warm golden hues over the scene.

  “How are you feeling?” Seraphina asked, her voice low and filled with genuine concern.

  Evelyn shifted slightly, testing the soreness in her limbs. “Just a bit shaken,” she admitted. “Madam Pomfrey says I’ll be fine after a good night’s rest.”

  Seraphina sighed in relief, her shoulders visibly relaxing. “That’s good to hear. Draco and Cassius went to fetch your things. They should be back soon.”

  “Thank you, Seraphina,” Evelyn replied with a small smile. “You really didn’t have to stay.”

  “Nonsense.” Seraphina dismissed her gratitude with a wave of her hand. “Friends stick together, especially with everything going on. Besides, Rosie would never forgive me if I left you alone.” She hesitated for a moment before leaning in, her expression softening. “Evelyn, I know things have been… complicated lately. Especially with Draco. Is there something I should know?”

  Evelyn tilted her head, a flicker of amusement crossing her face. “Complicated is an understatement. Hogwarts has become a maze of mysteries.”

  Seraphina smirked knowingly. “I meant more about you and Draco. You two seem closer than ever.”

  “Well,” Evelyn began, a playful glint in her eyes, “Hogwarts does have a way of bringing people together in unexpected ways.”

  Seraphina arched an eyebrow. “Unexpected ways, huh? Care to elaborate?”

  Evelyn evaded the question with a mysterious smile. “Some things are better left to unfold on their own.”

  Before Seraphina could press further, Draco and Cassius entered the ward. Draco carried a neatly packed bag, while Cassius strode in with a smug grin. Evelyn’s heart skipped as Draco’s eyes immediately sought hers, lingering for a moment before he approached.

  Cassius grinned. “Rosie packed your things, Evelyn. She wanted to come herself, but Draco here insisted you were fine. She did, however, leave a note promising to visit tomorrow—with Twinkle Toes.”

  “Twinkle Toes?” Evelyn’s brow furrowed in confusion.

  Cassius gestured toward Draco with a chuckle. “Ask him. Apparently, Rosie decided the cat needed a name in your absence.”

  Evelyn laughed softly, shaking her head. “I’ll ask her tomorrow.” She glanced at Draco, offering a quiet “Thank you” as she took the bag.

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  Madam Pomfrey approached then, her sharp gaze settling on the group. “Alright, that’s enough excitement for today. Miss Blackwood needs rest, and you lot need to give her peace.”

  Cassius and Seraphina shared a glance before dutifully dragging Draco away. “You’ll see her tomorrow,” Seraphina teased as Draco hesitated at the curtain. Madam Pomfrey shot him a stern look, leaving him with no choice but to leave.

  Evelyn watched him go, her fingers brushing the edge of the Slytherin cloak she still wore. Before Draco disappeared completely, she called out, “Do you need your cloak back?”

  Draco turned, his lips curving into a faint smirk. “I’ll come by later to get it.” His gaze flicked toward Madam Pomfrey, daring her to object. She raised an eyebrow but said nothing, herding the group out.

  Once the ward was quiet again, Madam Pomfrey approached Evelyn with a soft smile. “Freshen up, dear. It’ll do you good. Leave the robe on the chair, and I’ll make sure it finds its way back to Mr. Malfoy.” Her eyes twinkled knowingly, and Evelyn flushed under her gaze.

  “Thank you, Madam Pomfrey,” Evelyn murmured as she stood and made her way to the washroom.

  Evelyn awoke hours later to find the ward bathed in the soft glow of twilight. She stirred, her eyes adjusting to the dimness, and her heart skipped as she noticed Draco slumped in the chair beside her bed. His head rested on his folded arms, his normally impeccable hair tousled and falling into his eyes. One of his hands lay close to hers, his fingertips brushing her palm.

  The vulnerability in his sleeping face made her chest tighten. The lines of tension and pride that usually defined him were absent, replaced by something softer, almost fragile. In that moment, Evelyn realized just how deeply their bond had grown, tangled in ways she hadn’t fully understood until now.

  Careful not to wake him, she slipped her hand free and reached for her bag. The Marauder’s Map, thoughtfully tucked inside, caught her eye. Rosie, she thought with a fond smile. Always one step ahead.

  Unfolding the parchment, she whispered, “I solemnly swear that I am up to no good.” Ink spread across the page, revealing the intricate layout of Hogwarts. Her eyes darted over the tiny footprints, searching until she found Harry’s name.

  She frowned. “What are you doing, Harry?” she murmured under her breath.

  “What’s he doing?” The sudden voice made her jump, and the map slipped from her hands. Draco was awake, his gray eyes sharp despite the lingering haze of sleep. He leaned forward, his expression hardening as he picked up the map. “What’s this?”

  “It’s nothing,” Evelyn stammered, but Draco arched an eyebrow, his skepticism clear.

  “Don’t lie to me,” he said quietly, his voice edged with something that made her chest tighten. “If we’re doing this—figuring out what’s happening—you can’t shut me out.”

  Evelyn hesitated, Filch’s warning ringing in her ears. “Eyes and ears at Hogwarts don’t only lie within the paintings… Be careful, especially with Malfoy.” She bit her lip, torn between caution and trust.

  Finally, she took a deep breath. “It’s called the Marauder’s Map. It shows where everyone is in the castle. I found it by accident. Harry doesn’t know I have it.”

  Draco studied her intently. “And you thought you couldn’t tell me?”

  “I wasn’t sure,” Evelyn admitted, her voice trembling. “Filch warned me… He said my ability isn’t as secret as I thought. And he hinted that you… that you might not be what you seem.”

  Draco’s jaw tightened. “Filch doesn’t know me. He has no idea what I’ve been through or what I want now.”

  Evelyn searched his face, her voice soft. “Then tell me, Draco. Why did you lie about Harry and Ginny?”

  Draco’s gaze dropped for a moment, his hand running through his hair. When he looked back at her, there was a flicker of vulnerability in his eyes. “Because I was jealous,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. “I saw you with Potter, and it… it got to me.”

  Evelyn blinked, caught off guard by his honesty. “Draco…”

  He shook his head, his usual mask slipping back into place. “Forget it. Let’s focus on the map.” He handed it back to her, his tone firm but not unkind. “Show me how it works.”