Chapter 3

"What is that?" Clara asked, her blue eyes staring right at her friends' neck with concern.

Adira pulled the collar of her shirt a bit higher wishing she had remembered to button the starchy white shirt all the way up. She hadn't anticipated Clara to be so observant that morning, especially since they had woken up late. Adira bit the inside of her cheeks nervously, "It's nothing," she replied, a pink blush spreading across her face. But Clara would not relent, and before Adira could stop her pretty friend she had practically pulled her uniform down to her collarbone, some of the buttons miraculously popping open as if Merlin himself wanted the world to see Adira's purple splattered neck.

Clara's probing fingers poked at the tender skin where it was obvious someone had forcibly held Adira, her thin brows furrowed in frustration when the pretty brunette pulled away quickly, redoing the buttons and tightening her green and silver tie, "I said it's nothing Clara, could you not be so annoying about it?" Adira snapped, her golden eyes ablaze with an emotion Clara hadn't seen in a long time.

"Sorry," Clara mumbled her apology, reviewing her timetable after Professor Snape had made a few changes. Clara hadn't received an Outstanding on her O.W.L's for Potions, but apparently Professor Slughorn only required an Exceeds Expectations, which she indeed got on the exam. Clara was relieved to know that she and Adira would have most of their classes together, especially now after seeing those horrific marks on her best friend.

She hated to even say his name let alone speak of him, but seeing how tense she was when Maximus came around after breakfast to give her a quick kiss, Clara needed to know for her own peace of mind if Maximus was behind Adira's suddenly defensive behavior. If Adira was remotely comfortable in her relationship with Maximus, Clara knew she wouldn't be so nervous under her scrutiny.

"How's Avery?"

Adira froze, her knuckles turning white as she attempted to calm herself by squeezing her shoulder bag straps; could Clara know what had transpired last night? She had been in such a rush that morning with the beauty charm, which obviously failed miserably; she hadn't anticipated a conversation about Maximus, "Fine." She replied in a clipped tone, "He's great, trying out for Keeper again this year which I'm sure he'll get the position. He's an excellent player. He practiced over the summer at the manor with his cousin, I was very impressed."

Clara's frown turned into a grimace as they made their way through the busy hallway, Adira never rambled unless she was hiding something. "Adira," Clara spoke softly now, as if she were dealing with an injured animal, "If something is on your mind you know you can tell me. I'm your best friend, we've known each other since we were in nappies," she chuckled, noting that Adira's panicked expression smoothed into a small smile. When they had talked about Draco, Adira's reaction had never been one to leave a foul taste in Clara's mouth; if anything it made her feel incredibly happy that her childhood friend had something good in her life even if he was a right twat most of the time. This was something different entirely, this was bad, this was dangerous and Clara was never one to ignore her intuition much like Adira never ignored hers.

"I know Clara, but honestly everything is fine." Clara nodded her head; the finality in Adira's voice was not one to argue with. If she didn't want to talk about it, Clara would not force her but everything was not fine. Clara wasn't stupid, and she wasn't blind, those were absolutely bruises scattered across her neck resembling very distinctly that of a hand. Adira was skirting away from the conversation of her boyfriend and her disposition when his name was brought up raised alarms; Clara would be damned if she let this continue any longer especially if he was getting violent.

The two girls walked along the outside corridors around the west wing courtyard, watching students milling about during their free morning period. Clara and Adira quickly sat on one of the stone benches, claiming the spot before a group of Hufflepuffs snatched the sun kissed sitting area. They basked in the morning light, discussing their timetables and when they would meet up in order to walk to class together. Eventually half way through their hour break Blaise and Theo joined them, "Clara, move over, you take up so much bloody space." Blaise teased whilst he sat between the two witches with ease. Clara rolled her eyes; Blaise had thrown his arms over both Adira and her shoulder, looking absolutely ridiculous and far too pleased.

"Yeah alright Zambini. Did you lads have class this morning?"

Theo shook his head, shaggy brown hair falling into his hazel eyes, Adira could have sworn she saw him glaring at Blaise's hand currently resting on Clara, his finger's absentmindedly twirling a strand of her now lavender blonde hair.

"We've got Defense coming up and then after I've got Herbology but Zambini has a free period."

"Don't be bitter mate, you've got that free period after lunch," Blaise smirked, "I'd rather have that than endure—" Adira and Clara's schedules floated out of their bags and right into his hands, "Potions, Transfiguration and Charms?"

With a shout of protest Adira and Clara snatched their papers back, "Really, I can't seem to escape you bloody banshees."

"I resent that," Clara shoved Blaise's hand away from her, a playful scowl on her face whilst Adira laughed, "Face it Blaise, you're stuck with us for all of eternity, our loud screeching voices and all."

"Not likely," he snorted, "I'd rather throw myself out of the Owlery," Blaise shook his head, "Actually scratch that, I'm not getting owl shit anywhere near my body."

Adira grinned, "And has that happened to you before Blaise?" The brunette girl knew it had occurred just from the perturbed expression on Blaise's handsome face.

"Shut it Reed." He grumbled sitting up to grab his own bag and standing next to Theo who looked rather pleased at the thought a bird had relieved itself upon Blaise's head.

"Wait, how the hell did you get into Potions and I didn't?" Theo appeared confused, shooting Clara an odd yet awed look.

Blaise chuckled, "Brilliant question Nott, how did you get into Potions; I mean Adira should have been a Ravenclaw, it makes sense for her to be in her N.E.W.T courses, but you…" Blaise looked rather gleeful as his dark eyes glanced over towards Theo, both boys smiling like Cheshire cats even when Clara whipped out her wand and chased the boys around the courtyard.

Adira clutched her stomach she was laughing so hard; Clara had gone red in the face, shouting obscene things back at the boys even as they split up weaving through groups of students. Clara was right annoyed when she gave up, her chest heaving from the effort of running after the tall boys.

"I swear on Merlin's soul I will get them back when they least expect it."

Adira believed it; Clara had a mischievous glint in her aqua eyes, her mind no doubt working out a way to prank the boys for irritating her on the first day of school. The Slytherins ignored the dumbfounded looks on the faces of other students around them, continuing to bicker and chat all the way to their class, thankful that they managed to be in the same courses together for the most part.

When they reached the queue outside of Professor Snape's classroom, Blaise and Theo joined Draco near the door, leaving the two girls to themselves. Adira's stomach began to churn, her cheeks flushed when she and Draco locked eyes. His steel grey gaze burned into her, his focus solely on her at the front of the line whilst Blaise was trying to get his attention.

"Merlin's beard." Adira breathed directing her attention elsewhere and overwhelmed by Draco's presence. Clara merely smiled looking over at where Draco and Blaise stood in their little group.

"I bet you anything Blaise is telling them about how clever he thinks he is." She said, pouting and sticking her tongue out in their direction. Adira giggled, she loved how Clara could change her mood in an instant. Even this morning her friend managed to ease Adira's insecure mind, distracting her from the pessimistic thoughts she was having about what Maximus's next horrific exploit would be.

"You know for someone who insists he's moved on, Malfoy stares after you like a love sick puppy far too much. I think he's even making Potter feel sick just from all the pining." Clara baited, pleased when she noted how pink Adira's cheeks grew, a small smile tugging at the corner of her full lips.

"Don't let Pansy hear you say that," Adira spoke softly, spotting the shorter pug faced girl cackling at the end of the line with her friends. She was looking over at Draco hungrily but Adira was certain Draco wasn't paying attention to her at all and she was very satisfied by that revelation.

Finally Professor Snape allowed his pupils to enter the large darkened room. Gruesome pictures were spread out evenly on the wall, depicting nasty acts of violence produced by dark curses. Adira had a feeling this would be an interesting course. Dim lit candles floated above them in clusters, every once in a while they passed by a painting, its subject shrieking silently in pain. How morbid, Adira thought to herself, but it was better than everything pink when Umbridge was around.

She took her seat in the back with Clara, partially annoyed that Blaise, Draco and Nott took up the space too. Pansy glowered at the girls, taking a seat at the long dark table behind them with her posse; the same girls she showed up with to the Reed dinner party.

Adira felt like the universe was truly out to get her when Blaise practically shoved Draco down into the chair next to her, taking the other seat next to Clara to Theo's dismay. Draco glared back at Blaise his lips pursed and posture rigid, his attempt to keep his body as far away as he possibly could from Adira was comical considering Adira was practically doing the same thing.

When the tall and foreboding professor finally allowed them to pair up in practicing non-verbal spells, Adira was relieved Clara had taken her place in front of the dark haired girl. "Right," Clara huffed, "How the bloody hell are we supposed to do this?"

She held her wand tensely between her slender fingers, eyes darting between groups, Adira had to bite her tongue from chortling. Snape had hissed at most of them to stay quiet, primarily Harry Potter and his lot, leaving the Slytherins ample space to whisper their jinxes.

Finally with an annoyed groan, Clara quickly whispered a jinx, Adira blocking it with a hushed reply of her own. After Harry's rather thrilling spat with Professor Snape, the two girls linked arms; ready for their next course together and then a well deserved break which the two girls spent working on their course work much to Adira's displeasure.

Lunch came and went and Adira was relieved that Maximus had gone off with his Ravenclaw pals to their House Quidditch tryouts. She spent the hour making fun of Pansy with Clara and Blaise; Draco even seemed content to listen in on their teasing though he didn't partake.

"Aren't you brilliant at potions Adira?" Blaise asked, after Adira questioned him on what sort of Professor he assumed Slughorn to be while they walked out of the Great Hall.

"Yeah, but my father is an escaped death eater and a loyal follower of the Dark Lord," she spoke quietly back, careful to keep their conversation between the small group. Adira could feel the back of her head tingle, knowing very well that Draco was hovering close behind them; watching her no doubt as he had during lunch. Blaise and Draco had tagged along with the girls to class given they were walking to the same place.

"I get that, but what's that got to do with anything?"

Clara snorted, "You are so dim."

With a pointed look Adira nudged Clara in the side, causing the petite girl to yelp, "You really think a professor at this school is going to be rubbing elbows with the daughter of a notorious death eater?" Adira explained.

"Figures why I wasn't invited to the 'Slug Club' either," Draco's voice still managed to make Adira feel like she had a nest of fairies in her stomach. She looked over at him, observing how his lips titled into a snarl, hard lines etched into his forehead like he had taken to frowning rather than that playful smirk she was accustomed to seeing. "Clearly only pathetic people like Toss Pot and wankers get invited."

"Oi!"

Adira couldn't help but laugh at Blaise's reaction, "I was invited mate, does that make me a wanker too?"

"No, that just makes you a knob." Clara and Adira sniggered together; watching Draco and Blaise throw plucky insults at each other was always entertaining.

The group stood around the door to the Potions classroom, noting how there were only a handful of students waiting to enter the class. Adira couldn't help but roll her eyes when she noticed Harry, Ron and Hermione approach, the two boys with annoyed glares pointed directly at Draco and herself.

Professor Slughorn finally allowed the class in, patting Blaise on the back with great enthusiasm. Adira watched Clara grab Blaise's shoulder, mimicking the professor's actions. She beamed, they had to like each other; the flirtatious tension was palpable especially when Blaise squeezed Clara's side whilst Clara smacked his hand away all with a smile on her face. No wonder Theo had been upset with his friend, it was no secret the tall gangly boy had a crush on Clara since last year.

"Honestly, they should just admit they fancy each other," Draco whispered in Adira's ear, a cool shiver running down her spine. Adira hummed in reply, breathing deeply in an attempt to calm her pounding heart.

The four Slytherins walked to an empty table with a large cauldron centered atop. Its contents gurgled with a clear odorless liquid that none of them bothered to get a better look at. The group pulled out their scales and potion kits as instructed by their teacher noticing that the two other tables around them had their own potions bubbling away.

Draco's arm brushed against Adira's when he grabbed his Advanced Potion Making book from his bag, an accident on his part that left both Slytherins with flushed cheeks, both too embarrassed to acknowledge the contact. Adira scolded herself for acting like an infatuated little girl; she had a boyfriend for Merlin's sake. Even if she was questioning her relationship, she was still committed to Maximus and she couldn't imagine doing anything to make the older boy angry or suspicious of her. He already claimed she was longing after Draco; his forceful actions last night was a reminder of how demanding and controlling Maximus could be.

Her eyes glanced to the Ravenclaw table; she was certain one of the lads was on the Quidditch team and friends with Maximus. She felt like she had to be cautious of her actions, especially around Draco and anyone who was affiliated or friends with her current boyfriend.

Adira didn't realize she had retreated into the recesses of her mind until Hermione's voice startled her out of her stupor, "It's liquid luck! It makes you lucky!"

Felix Felicis, a luck potion that brought whoever drank its contents success in anything they did. The large walrus of a man was offering a small vial of it to whoever managed to successfully make Draught of Living Death; a potion Adira knew to be quite advanced and infuriating to make. She groaned, every one around her was scrambling to the right page; even Draco was feverishly searching his book and pulling out his scales in great haste.

Adira began to work, irritated by how competitive everyone was; yes it would be lovely to have a perfect day for twelve hours, imagine the possibilities! She could confess to Maximus all her insecurities about her relationship with him, maybe even suggest they take a short break; she could even tell Draco how she still had feelings for him, maybe discuss what went wrong in their relationship and gather the courage to ask him what was on his mind.

But at the end of the day, twelve hours was nothing, it wouldn't change anything. Her father would still be home, bossing her mother around and treating her like manure, the Dark Lord would still hold power over his ever-loyal followers and her family, and Harry Potter and his gang of do-gooders would still abhor her.

Adira kept to herself, struggling here and there with the ingredients and the process of adding it to the boiling contents in her cauldron. Adira knew if she had more time she would have been able to brew a decent Draught but the hour marker Slughorn had set for them was not enough time to complete her task and the Felix Felicis went to Harry Potter.

Draco was fuming and Adira couldn't understand why; after all it was just a simple potion. "Can't believe tosser won." He grumbled, pulling his bag roughly over his shoulder.

Adira frowned, "It wasn't a competition Draco, it's just a potion," She was surprised he hadn't stormed off yet, Draco was always one to throw temper tantrums when he didn't get his way, even with her, "Besides what did you need it for? There's nothing really you can do about the cards you've been dealt, one day won't make a difference."

They silently walked the corridors together, neither noticing Blaise and Clara had gone off on their own towards their next class; Adira had a free period until Transfiguration as did Draco.

"Are you sure you're not just projecting your own thoughts?" He said tensely, leading the two towards the library, "Maybe I needed the luck for something, something important with a deadline."

Draco's brows furrowed, his face seemed to age by years in that single moment. Whatever this task was, it was weighing heavy on his mind and Adira wished he would confide in her, ease his worries. "What is so important that you don't trust in your ability to get it done?"

Adira opened the heavy oak door to the library, her voice in a hushed whisper as they made their way to an empty secluded table warmed by the sun peaking through thick clouds, "You're smart Draco, and you're resourceful. Whatever it is I know you will succeed in your task. Don't doubt yourself."

Draco's frown deepened, sitting down he pulled out his Defense book to begin on Snape's assignment. He hadn't realized how automatic his actions were with Adira; he hadn't meant to lead them here, or do homework with her; some how they still gravitated towards old habits. Except last year, their trips to the library were mostly spent flirting and running from Madam Pince whilst they had a cheeky snog behind the tall bookshelves.

"I don't think you understand how important this task is Adira," he couldn't help himself, he hadn't meant to continue talking about the Dark Lord's assignment, but Adira had been his confidant, his friend; there was a level of trust not even Blaise could compete with.

"I jeopardize everything if I don't succeed." Adira's blood ran cold, what was Draco talking about? What sort of task could sound so sinister? His eyes were cast down with fear for a split moment before he quickly masked his emotions with an impassive glare. He began to scribble upon his parchment, concentrating on his assignment rather than look at Adira who had froze mid action at his chilling words.

It was just like him to pretend he was fine. Draco was struggling with something, and whatever it was didn't sound like normal teenaged problems. This was darker, this was serious and Adira was determined to find out exactly what Draco was hiding. Behind those cool looks and his aloof behavior she knew there was something dodgy brewing.

Was this the reason he had cut off all contact with her over the summer? Why she hadn't heard from him once they got home? Tentatively, she placed a hand atop Draco's wrist, stopping him from writing. She held her breath until his icy eyes met hers; she was startled by his vulnerability.

Her touch had stirred something within him, something he hadn't felt since the end of their fifth year. He still didn't understand his feelings towards the dark haired girl sitting across from him, but he knew he needed Adira. She managed to make him feel hope in an otherwise hopeless situation and she had no clue that Draco's actions could put her life at risk.

"Darling," Adira's stomach lurched uncomfortably, she quickly pulled her hand away from Draco.

"There you are, I—" Maximus's smile slipped off his face when he noticed who Adira was sitting across from, "Oh, Malfoy." He nodded his head in greeting, completely ignoring Draco afterwards and focusing on Adira.

"I wanted to apologize for the other night," he began, "I didn't mean to be so pushy—" Draco scoffed, he had started working on his school work once he realized who had approached them, but he made his disapproval of Maximus clear.

"Sorry, is there a problem?" Maximus's deep voice rose slightly, Adira was surprised Madam Pince hadn't found them and told them off.

Draco smirked, "Not at all Avery, just sounds like there's trouble in paradise."

Adira wanted to crawl underneath the table and escape, the testosterone was unbearable as the two boys stared each other down, refusing to break eye contact.

"I was talking to my girlfriend, Malfoy, best mind your business." Maximus hissed, placing his large hands down on the table in an attempt to intimidate the younger boy.

But Draco wasn't bothered, "You're doing a great job at being her boyfriend aren't you Maximus; she practically ran from you this morning."

Adira's golden eyes grew wide; she hadn't realized Draco was at breakfast this morning or that he even noticed the brief interaction. Her face felt warm and her palms began to sweat, "Why are you with this git?"

Though his eyes continued to bore into Maximus' she knew the question was directed at her and she knew Maximus was seconds away from causing a scene. His fingers twitched as if he wanted to reach for his wand and curse Draco into oblivion. Yet Adira couldn't intervene, she had never been in a position like this before. Here was her ex-boyfriend and her current boyfriend having a go at each other over her. On top of that, she had no idea what to feel towards either of them.

Part of her wanted to back Maximus, after all Draco did go after him first, but the other part of her felt more loyalty towards Draco, considering their past and she still had feelings for him.

She had feelings for him. Adira's throat constricted, she had feelings for Draco and yet she was in a relationship with Maximus whom she knew she did feel something for despite his aggressive behavior. He was apologizing after all for forcing himself onto Adira; she had to acknowledge that he was attempting to be a better boyfriend for her. But what Adira felt for Draco was much stronger, and that terrified the young witch because she wasn't sure if she was ready to admit to herself just what her heart was telling her.

Panicked, she quickly stood up surprising both Draco and Maximus out of their alpha male staring contest.

"Alright boys, that's enough." She said whilst packing her bag. She slipped her arm around Maximus's bicep, squeezing lightly, and whispering in his ear, "You can make it up to me later Maximus, let's just go."

The tension in his shoulder's eased and Adira knew the smug expression on his face irked Draco to no end, "Draco—" Adira paused, biting the inside of her cheek for a moment, she needed him to understand that her leaving with Maximus didn't mean he lost, "I'll see you in class," she said softly, placing her hand gently upon his clenched fist, "We can study later."

Draco relaxed his hand, trying to hold on to the sensation of Adira's warm fingers atop his own even as she walked away, arms linked with Maximus Avery. He had to find a way; he had to finish his task as soon as he could. Draco wasn't sure how long he could bear to watch Adira in the arms of some twat when he knew she should be with him. With the thought of Adira and the Dark Lord's task tangled in his mind, Draco slammed his book shut and rushed out of the library; schoolwork could wait.