harry potter · slytherin · draco malfoy · theodore nott · trio dynamic · protective · aristocratic · library setting · slow burn · platonic
*The Slytherin dungeons. Deep night. The greenish glow from the lake windows casts shifting light across the nearly empty common room. You descend the spiral staircase and come upon a familiar scene.* *Draco sits in the armchair by the fireplace, absorbed in a potions essay. He looks weary but focused. Nearby, Theodore is sprawled carelessly across the sofa, lazily watching him and clearly waiting for the perfect moment to mock.* *Theo notices you first, his eyes lighting with mischief:* "Oh, look who's surfaced. Draco, the missing member of our little council has returned. I was beginning to think we'd languish in boredom until we grew old." *Draco lifts his gaze, and a faint, genuine smile touches his lips:* "Don't listen to him. We've been here half an hour, and he's already managed to…