Adrian POV
Leaving the meeting with Hermione, his hands free of the disillusioned owl he had come with, Adrian barely noticed the people, alive, portrait, or ghost. As he came down the main staircase he was called by a group of his friends. The only one who didn't have a normal expression on his face was Marc. Internally Adrian groaned. Marcus was not the most perceptive of individuals but he had been his friend all their lives. This made Marcus Flint an expert in regards to Adrian, more than anything else really. Well maybe quidditch but they did that together and it didn't bother him.
Marc didn't bother to say anything to the group of Slytherins he had been with, just walked away from them. Looking as dark and menacing as usual. Internally his mood lifted a bit. The guy wasn't a teddy bear but he wasn't an ogre either. Things were better once the curse that Ravenclaw had hit him with finally faded the beginning of this year. To his knowledge Marc hadn't peeked at a girl without her knowledge since. Which meant he hadn't at all. Wryly he admitted that was something they shared. Neither of them were a hit with the ladies. The teeth thing had turned most girls off Marcus and Adrian was just so aloof that few really tried after a couple brush offs.
They strode in silence down the stairs and into the dungeons. Taking a roundabout route to the common room entrance. Getting there he gave the password, spinefish, and walked without stopping to the sixth year corridor. All Slytherins got smaller room groups after first year and their own with an adjoining bathroom after fifth year. It hadn't taken any discussion for them to claim an adjoining pear and no one quibbled with them claiming the rooms that were a bit more secluded than the others in their year.
"What has been going on with you?" Marc was staying in the door from the bathroom while mirroring Adrian's actions of loosening his tie and cuffs. For a moment he considered not telling Marcus anything but that wouldn't last long. His best friend was like a hound when he had the scent and if he did that could draw attention.
Deciding he could share some of it with him, he let the nearly feral grin climb his face and couldn't help biting his lip to prevent some dopey smile from following. For a minute his friend just looked at him, puzzled, then had a hilarious incredulous look on his face.
"Granger. No way!" Still looking a bit disbelieving he waited for Adrian's small nod and then after another moment he walked to Adrian's trunk, on its stand. Pulling out a wooden box that he knew was the disguised bottle of firewhiskey, he just went and sat on one side of the desk. Both of them had their desks set short side to the wall, losing the walking space was worth it to have a table when they wanted to sit together. Both of them waved their wands and two glasses appeared while the box became a bottle two thirds full. After pouring one for each of them Marc raised his glass, ready to clink in celebration of whatever had put that look on his friends face.
"So?" Adrian could see that his friend, who did like to talk, had all of his attention on him. You wouldn't know it from his looks, but the guy loved to know things. He didn't say enough words to anyone but Adrian, for him to really be a gossip but he loved information as much as any Slytherin.
"I don't need to tell you.-" Adrian began, only to be cut off.
"Not to say a damn word to anyone about anything or to indicate in any way, to anyone else, anything about what you are going to tell me." Marc rolled his eyes and looked a bit pissed that his friend felt the need to mention it.
"Alright, alright. I've been talking to her, mother met her. Fuck it is just so, I can't explain it." Adrian didn't try very hard to appear calm or convey his usual air of disinterest. Marc had noticed years ago, they were usually together, that they crossed Hermione's path to frequently for it to be chance. It had been nearly two years before he had indicated that he understood that Adrian felt something for the young witch. Shielding him from idiot remarks, taking over more of the verbal dialogue and a few small shoulder claps had been it. That had been more than enough for Adrian to understand Marc felt for him and knew that his friend had other things on his mind.
"She is so perfect. Her magic and her lips." It seemed a coherent sentence was more than he could manage in this circumstance. Marc was surprised by his choppy speech and the lack of composure.
"Ade, your mum, and what happened just now? I've never seen you so wound up, even over her." Now Marc was grinning and leaning back in his chair.
"Mother met her in Hogsmeade, after we had lunch. Seemed to like her, they talked about curly hair and then mother sent her a letter. Hermione didn't have an owl. I just gave one to her." Adrian had taken his time and thought over what he could say. He didn't want to mention anything about the vows or what it covered. Since he also hadn't told him about the bond, and didn't want to confirm it if his friend had figured it out, he used his mother's actions to convey the change in their relationship. For a moment Marc looked nonplussed and then slowly an eyebrow rose incredulously.
"Cynthia Pucey met and approved of Hermione Granger as a young witch. Decided to begin a correspondence and gifted a Pucey owl to the witch. Which you presented to her and she accepted." Marcus spoke slowly and Adrian could see the implications becoming clearer as he processed the words he spoke.
"Well then, congratulations are in order. I'm happy for you man. The first step. If only you had added the witch knew what you were about. Haven't kissed her yet either? Old fashioned of you Ade. The girl will think you don't want her like that and you will be friend zoned, like Krum." His friend was grinning at him and Adrian enjoyed their continued conversation as it drifted to other topics. He was glad Hermione had Potter, Marc was a godsend and it had always been so easy between them. No jealousy or condemnation of each others faults. Acceptance and allowance were not common traits of their house.
After they finished their glass of whiskey and then grudgingly finished editing their transfiguration projects Marc headed back to his room. Alone, Adrian flopped back into the comfier of the two chairs, Marc had taken it as usual. If he let himself relax now then it would be a pain to get up. Sighing he headed for the shower. It had only been a minute when he fumbled around on the counter to get his wand. The wave of lust that rolled over him nearly caused him to drop it but he needed a silencing charm. Gasping out the charm he dropped his wand and leaned back into the shower wall.
Reaching for the tendrils of the bond he was surprised by how it felt, it felt like more of them or stronger ones. Letting his magic run across it he got a flash of her threading her fingers into his hair. Then leaning up to kiss him gently. The kiss became a snog and he groaned aloud. What was this? Merlin, it had to be her. Unaware of the transfer of feelings she was letting hers travel the tethers to him. Gods.
In an instant the scene he could see and feel when he closed his eyes changed. He was pressing her up against a stone wall. He could feel things a bit differently than he thought he would if he was actually there. It was her fantasy so it was more from her perspective. Her nipples were rubbing against him through their shirts and he could almost feel her tongue sliding along his.
With eyes still closed, he turned so he was facing the shower wall and braced an arm against it, much like he was doing with her, or what it felt like he was doing with her. His free hand reached down and roughly began pumping his cock as her feelings of rubbing against him came through. The feeling was such a sharp kind of pleasure, almost to much at once and he realised with a moan himself that she was touching herself. Fucking hell. That was her rubbing her clit with her fingers. Once this realization really sunk in he couldn't help the orgasm that rolled over him. As he spattered the wall and panted, he saw her back arch and heard her moan against his ear. Small shakes and the breathy groan she gave, making him sure she had just brought herself over the edge.
When he opened his eyes, it was a bit disorienting to see the ivory shower tiles and feel the spray of water hitting his back. Shakily he turned off the shower and wrapped a towel around his waist. There was no way his knees would hold him up to get clean.
Dear Cynthia,
If you are sure that I may call you by your first name then I will try not to feel disrespectful doing so.
I have made arrangements to go home for Easter Break as you suggested. it's a relief, while I would have stayed to support Harry, it will be nice to get out of the castle for a week. Your suggestion made me feel as if I wasn't just being lazy or a coward, so thank you.
Thank you for your letter, I got it the evening after the second task. To answer your questions in order of their request. No, I didn't agree or disagree. Professor McGonagall called Ron and I to her office and informed us we were being enchanted for the second task. There was very little explanation and no consent given, merely a wave of her wand. I was assured afterward that the suspension spells were placed on us by Professor Dumbledore himself.
Victor did apologize, very sincerely I believe. Harry had no idea they would take a person and Victor assured me that I hadn't crossed his mind as a hostage.
There is something I would like to ask your opinion on. Victor asked me to go visit him in Bulgaria this summer. Of course I don't know what things will be like then but I was suprised, and pleased to be invited. I've never been there. Something Harry said to me after Christmas has me thinking though. Could it be that he wants more than friendship? I enjoy spending time with him and appreciate his company. I am not sure that I would consider something more with him, outside of school. There is enough gossip and fodder for Rita Skeeter as it is. Is there a way to tell, do you think, his intentions I mean?
Lastly no, I have absolutely no memories from between the Professor waving her wand and my head breaking the surface of the freezing lake. This tournament is really beyond anything I could have had nightmares about. There is still one more task too, I am trying to enjoy a few days without thinking about what it could be.
No I haven't spoken to Adrian lately. As usual I see him in the library or great hall and yes I have noticed his friendship with Marcus Flint. I must say that I was glad to hear that was a curse and not his natural smile. As the daughter of dentists it was difficult to see and my parents were horrified when I told them the terrible teeth I had described were actually cursed.
I read the book you suggested on magical households and enjoyed the chapter on feeding latent magics and wards particularly. Please keep up the suggestions on reading material.
Looking forward to your next letter.
Yours, Hermione.
My Darling Son,
How are your classes? Has Marcus convinced you to go flying lately? Thank you for your letter on the second task, it made reading through the Skeeter article at least informative.
Now it isn't that I don't have hundreds of other questions for you but I am going to dinner with Narcissa and Felicity, so have little time. Since I know you hate answering the lists of questions I send you, I hope you will understand.
Did you know that an international quidditch star asked your bond mate to visit his family home? That is not only a baseless rumour. I needn't tell you that your bond will not like her considering another suitor and I should think that the son I raised would not tolerate his intended being assessed by another House.
Perhaps you have some reason that seems to you, erroneously, to be a reason not to pursue her in the usual fashion. I can tell you that you are wrong.
The girl is delightful and in the handful of letters she has written me seems quite open in sharing her thoughts and observations. She has asked for personal advice from me and I gave it, as if you weren't my son but any other negligent suitor.
Please don't feel chastised unduly by the tone of this letter darling. Know that it is only because I want your every happiness that I am interfering in this way. I look forward to introducing her to our home and elves. Seeing you in our home with the witch of your choice. Knowing that you have secured your happiness and it's longevity. Oh dear, your mother is getting emotional again Adrian. I am out of time and you know Narcissa detests sitting alone in restaurants, Felicity is always late. Do give my love to Marcus and I will send off some of the caramel cookies he likes when Pinny Mail's this for me.
All my love,
Mother
Snuffles,
If you receive this and have opened it, please speak his name.
Kitten
Kitten,
Where did you get this spell? Can't say you didn't impress me again. Is everything alright? How is he? You would tell me that's enough until we can verify security.
Snuffles
Snuffles,
It all checks out clear. Expect a letter from me in one complete cycle, be ready to provide a place.
Kitten
Snuffles,
I am ready. Let me know the place and day. Next two. Just you and me please. It's important.
Kitten
Kitten,
There is a Wizarding village outside Dartmouth. Take the Knight Bus there and pads will be by the bakery. Tomorrow. Whenever works.
Snuffles
Adrian POV
Something was wrong. At first he tried to keep calm, explaining away the change in the tenor of the bond. He had given up thinking of it as only a potential bond after the shower incident. That's what he called it in his mind's fantasy bank. Things had been going so well. He could tell in her demeanour that she was letting herself react to him more and it was harder for her to ignore him.
For about two weeks he basked in the sparks of attraction that he could feel from her. Curiosity and even a few sharp bursts of lust. The bond hummed in approval of their continuing increase in contact. Then it began to falter. Not for the first time he was frustrated by the lack of vocabulary or concepts that were explainable. There was no method for him to follow, no advice really except the basics. Never push your bondmate. Place their comfort and security above your own. All his life this had been part of his teachings and now it was beyond frustrating.
The first hint he got that she was actively trying to close the bond off was in the library nearly three weeks ago. He had been getting distress and even some fear for a week but suddenly it felt as if the bond was actually pulling him. She had a book open in front of her when he jerked his gaze to her figure a few tables away. Instead of any of the expressions he seen on her face before there was an expressionless mask. He could feel nothing of her, only what was the bond itself, straining. It didn't last more than a minute but that was enough. Without thinking he closed his eyes and sent his sudden feelings of fear and desperation to her, almost reflexively.
That might have been a mistake though, her chin came up and she quickly packed up and left. Not even looking in his direction. Marc had taken to making sure he was almost never alone. The sudden bouts of tension or even worse the frantic feelings combined with almost painful pulls on the bond was changing his life, and not for the better. There was a curious kind of lethargy when she managed to do whatever it was she was doing. He couldn't tell exactly only feel the results. Sometimes awful emotions came from her. Fear, shame, disgust, and sometimes a sad resignation. Twice he had tried to approach her and she had turned away, making sure to be among others. Even getting books and taking them to her common room. Usually it was too noisy, apparently he was worse than loud housemates. Potter was getting more concerned as well, bringing her food when she didn't come to meals or just sitting with her outside. Even meals had changed, she was never there for long. It had been a week since he had begun trying to make sure nothing got through to her. When he slipped up or hopefully let himself reach for her she was filled with panic.
Tomorrow he was going home for Easter Break, so was she. At least he wouldn't have to think about her being in the castle with Krum, hating him. The other wizard was not benefiting from Adrian's turn of luck though. His Hermione was miserable and all he wanted to do was break things or scream. Several times in the last two weeks he had gotten pissed. So drunk that he could pass out and not dream of her. The fact that she didn't want him changed nothing. He wanted her. More than ever.
He missed her, just Hermione being Hermione. Her smiles and thoughtful looks. Seeing her helping lower years, or really anyone that needed it, regardless of House or name. A few random guys had been sniffing around, Boot had said that if someone had messed up he could help her recover. The hopefulness in the younger boys voice made Adrian absolutely livid. Marcus had been there of course. Nonverbally, which had impressed Adrian later when he could think about it, Marc had silenced him and grabbed the back of his robes with one hand. The other was twirling his wand and Adrian could see the beams of spells leaving it. The younger Ravenclaw would not look the same, or be able to look at a girl without crying, for a week. Adrian had written a note to pick Marc up an extra nice birthday present, just so there was no chance of forgetting. A hollow victory.
He was going home and after a talk with his mother he would figure out what to do. This couldn't go on, he was losing her before he even had a chance to be with her.