Hogwarts.
In the place the wizarding world called its greatest school, there were no flowers this winter—only snow drifting down in thick, silent sheets.
It was still a sacred place.
But right now, in that same sacred place, a boy dressed way too flashy stood holding a bouquet of roses.
Draco Malfoy had combed his hair back into that perfect slick style and put on his sharpest suit. On most people the outfit would've looked rich and grown-up. On him it just screamed "overdressed butler."
He clutched the roses like they were his last hope, took one step toward the door, then stopped and spun around.
"Tom, how do I look? Be honest. Will Isabelle think I'm trying too hard?"
The person he was asking wasn't Tom.
It was Hermione Granger stuck in Tom's body.
Hermione scratched the back of her neck, stalling.
Ugh. You're asking me?
Fashion advice wasn't exactly her strong suit. Every piece of clothing she owned—including her underwear—had been picked out by Tom.
She cleared her throat. "Honestly? You look… fine. Better than the robes, at least."
Draco's face lit up like someone had just handed him the Quidditch Cup. "Really? Great! If anything feels off, tell me now—I can still fix it. Your taste is perfect, so—"
My taste? Hermione wanted to scream. That's all Tom!
She forced a smile. "You're good. Let's just go."
Draco pumped his fist and marched inside like a man on a mission.
Hermione sighed and followed. This is going to be a disaster.
The second they stepped through the door, the only person in the Potions lab was Isabelle. Professor Snape was nowhere in sight.
Draco didn't waste a second. He thrust the bouquet forward, voice loud and proud. "Isabelle! These are for you—ninety-nine roses. I also got you those cakes from Mrs. Sharon's near King's Cross, the ones you like. And this book—I read through dozens until I found the perfect one. Will you… will you get engaged to me?"
Isabelle didn't even glance at him.
She was busy stirring a potion, completely focused. Draco's long speech finally broke her concentration. She turned, eyebrows raised.
Then her whole face brightened.
A huge, dazzling smile spread across her lips—the kind that could stop traffic.
Draco's heart did a backflip. That smile… she's going to say yes!
"Isabelle, will you—"
"Of course!" Isabelle snatched the roses without looking at him, spun on her heel, and marched straight past Draco to the person behind him.
She threw her arms around "Tom" and hugged him tight. "Tom, if you wanted to propose you could've just said it yourself. You didn't need to send your butler. But I get it—you're shy. It's okay. No matter what, Isabelle will always be happy."
Draco stood frozen, roses dangling from his hand.
Wait… what?
"Hold on—Isabelle, I'm the one proposing! Me! Draco Malfoy!"
Isabelle blinked, tilting her head like she was seeing him for the first time. "You?"
Draco's face went beet red. "Yes! Me! The pure-blood! We talked twelve times last week! Four of them you started!"
Isabelle shoved the roses back into his arms. "Sorry, I thought you were Tom's butler. My mistake. Still friends, though."
She grabbed "Tom's" arm and started pulling him toward the door. "Tom, let's get breakfast. I'm starving."
Draco's world cracked in half.
Again? It's Tom. It's always Tom.
He stood alone in the empty lab, roses wilting in his grip, feeling like the universe had personally slapped him.
---
Back in the Great Hall, Isabelle clung to "Tom's" arm like a koala that had found its favorite tree.
Misha spotted them from across the room and charged over like a tiny missile, slamming straight into Isabelle's chest.
"Isabelle!" Misha yelled. "What are you doing?! In the middle of school, in front of everyone! Have some shame!"
Isabelle rubbed her sore chest and glared. "Says the girl who just head-butted me. You're the one acting like a crazy person!"
Misha shoved between them, wedging herself against "Tom." "I'm not letting you embarrass Tom in public!"
Hermione watched the two of them bicker and felt a strange pang of envy.
They really are like sisters… except they both want the same guy.
She took a slow breath and tried to think like Tom would.
He treats them both like real people. That's why they're so loyal.
It was the same reason the professors adored him, the same reason Draco kept getting crushed, the same reason she herself couldn't stay mad at him for long.
Tom Riddle saw them as human.
That simple fact made him different from everyone else.
---
Meanwhile, far away in the Momo Mountain Range, a fire dragon named Galo opened one ruby eye.
She had been waiting since dawn.
She'd even brought back a fresh sheep and some berries, worried the boy who visited every day might skip breakfast.
But today… he never showed up.
The cave was quiet. Too quiet.
Galo let out a long, low snort and closed her eyes again.
Just another annoying wizard. Who cares.
Still, she couldn't settle. She kept thinking about the boy who had brushed her teeth, polished her scales, and talked to her like she was an old friend.
Maybe something happened to him?
She shifted, tail thumping against the stone.
No. He's probably just busy.
But the thought kept circling.
If he doesn't come back tomorrow… I might have to go look for him.
Galo huffed, annoyed at herself, and tried to sleep.
It didn't work.
For the first time in years, the ancient fire dragon felt something she hadn't expected.
She felt lonely.