Draco Malfoy was not known for his kindness. At Hogwarts, he had a reputation for being a little bit mean. But one day, Draco saw Tessa Valentine, a girl he had never noticed before. Tessa was from a different wizarding house, and she always stood up for what was right.
Tessa had bright eyes and a wide smile that seemed to light up the room. Draco didn't know why, but he felt drawn to her. 'Why are you always so nice to everyone?' Draco asked her one day in the library.
Tessa looked up from her book and shrugged. 'Because that's how you make friends and help people. Why? Don't you agree?' Draco wasn't sure what to say. He had never thought about it like that.
The two started talking more and more. Draco learned that Tessa loved magical creatures, and she was very brave. He liked how she thought about the world and started to question if he had been looking at things all wrong.
One day, Tessa was being made fun of by some other students. Draco felt something in him snap. He stood up and said, 'Leave her alone!' It was the first time he had stood up for someone else.
Tessa gave him a small smile and whispered, 'Thank you.' That's when Draco knew he had made his first real friend. And his feelings for her were more than just friendship.
They began to study together and helped each other with difficult spells. Dumbledore's Army noticed and welcomed them. Tessa taught Draco that being part of a team felt good.
As time passed, Draco found himself trying to be kinder, like Tessa. He even stood up for students in other houses. People at Hogwarts started to notice the change in him.
The end-of-year ball was coming up, and Draco wanted to ask Tessa to go with him, but he was nervous. 'Tessa, would you... like to go to the ball with me?' he finally asked one day.
Tessa smiled her wide smile and took his hand. 'I would love to, Draco. I'm glad you asked.' Draco felt his heart soar as they walked together to Charms class.
The night of the ball, Draco and Tessa danced together, laughed, and had a wonderful time. He realized that Tessa had helped him become a better person and that he had fallen in love with her.
As the music slowed down, Draco looked into Tessa's eyes. 'Thank you, Tessa, for showing me there's a better way to be.' And with that, they shared their first, small kiss under the stars.
Reflection Questions