Author's note: This series follows the books but will include details from the movie series for drama. Please note that the major events of the story remain true to the series and will be summarized into small sections to help progress to the story's love interest. I do not want to be claimed for plagiarizing but the original story line is needed to explain the changes in character development.
M rating for sexual content anticipated to start in year 4.
Disclaimer: I own nothing of the Harry Potter series. Thank you to J.K. Rowling for bringing us the wonderful Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
** Sorry for the delay. I have been struggling with how to proceed with this next portion of the story. Hopefully you all like what I've done. Things will really start to pick up from here. Enjoy! **
The Doting Rival
Chapter 17
Draco
Where is she? Draco had just arrived at the Great Hall. He rapidly scanned the Gryffindor table in search for Adelyn. He could barely concentrate through his Divination exam worrying about her. He could describe that look on her face with only one word: fear. His primal drive was pushing him to protect her. And he was not going to question it.
It didn't take long before he spotted her huddled with Ron and Hermione. They were conversing quietly amongst themselves, as usual. Her studied her profile noticing the color had returned to her complexion. And yet, her worry was evident in the way she fidgeted and played with the food on her plate, only taking a few bites.
"There you are, Draco." Pansy Parkinson sauntered toward the entrance to where Draco was leaning against a pillar. "We've saved you a seat." She nodded her head toward the other Slytherins.
Draco glanced only a moment in her direction. From the corner of his eye, Adelyn had stood and begun to take her leave from the Great Hall.
"Right. I'll be there momentarily." Draco brushed off Pansy. She watched as he strode and weaved between the other students. Her pride took over and she huffed back toward the Slytherin House table.
Draco was not the tallest of the students meandering the hall, but he was forceful in making a path for himself. Determination radiated from him and some were stepping out if his way. Except Adelyn, who was trying desperately to make herself smaller by hugging herself and looking at her feet.
"Adelyn." He stepped in front of her, abruptly halting her. She looked up at him. He gazed into her emerald green eyes fiercely wishing he knew what she was feeling. "Are you alright?" he blurted out.
"Oh. You've heard, I presume." Hey eyes fell and her face gently dropped. The fear he saw before his exam was now replaced with sadness.
"Unfortunately, I haven't. I've only just completed my exam. But I suspect it's about Buckbeak. . ."
Adelyn's lack of response was answer enough. She discreetly looked back and forth. She wants to leave. "Come with me." Draco turned, opening her path to the exit. She followed.
He sat on one of the benches on the opposite side of the entrance hall and motioned for her to join him. Once she did, he noticed a tear gently rolling down her cheek. He gingerly cupped her face in his hand, wiping the tear with his thumb. "Adelyn, I can't tell you how sorry I am. For all of this."
She looked at him softly, red rings forming around her eyes as she fought back more tears. Look what you've done, Draco. You've caused this pain. "This is all my fault." He dropped his hand and averted his gaze. He couldn't bear to see the hurt he caused her.
He felt her soft hand grasp the top of his. "Draco, you've more than mended any role you had in this. There are always things beyond our control." She gave a soft squeeze.
How has this become about comforting me? "Adelyn. Earlier, when you were leaving Divination. I couldn't help but notice how quickly you left. . ."
Adelyn's body suddenly stiffened. She returned her hand to her lap and cleared her throat. It was evident she was uncomfortable. "Yes, I had just got the news of Buckbeak from Professor Trelawney."
Draco knew she was lying. He was about to press her further but was suddenly interrupted.
"Adelyn, there you are." Hermione approached from across the room. "Ron and I have been looking for you."
"Sorry. That's my doing." Draco stood to meet her.
"Thank you for your concern, Draco. But I really should be going." Adelyn gave him no time to respond and followed Hermione up the stair case. He watched until they were no longer in view and proceeded to dinner in the Great Hall.
"Oy! Draco. You hear me?" Goyle brought Draco out of his thoughts. A large group of Slytherins were joking and laughing over dinner.
"Sorry. Damn exams have me beat. Think I'll be off of the night." Draco excused himself. Usually, the other Slytherins were a great distraction for him. They were never dull and always had new information to share. But Draco couldn't get Adelyn off his mind.
As the other students were heading toward their respective Common Rooms, Draco discreetly made his way upstairs. Whenever he found himself lost in thought, he would seclude himself to the Astronomy tower. The vast night sky reflected endless possibilities. It made him feel free, less constrained.
Draco was struggling with his emotions. How could a girl make him act with such impulse? When it came to Adelyn, he simply reacted. His usual methodical ways nowhere to be found. He typically stuck to decisive plans. Less so than usual.
What is wrong with me? She probably doesn't see me that way. Draco recalled their recent interactions. She smiled more. The conversations were longer. There were definitely more casual physical interactions. Not as much as compared to Fred Weasley. Ugh! Even when he was not around, Fred had a presence with Adelyn. Anyone could see that. But she never mentioned dating anyone. Though, why would she? They never talked of things like that. Maybe I could ask Hermione?
Draco grew more restless as the night went on. The Astronomy tower was not having the usual effect tonight. I best head back to the dormitory. As he readied to leave, he caught sight of movement outside on the lawn. He leaned closer to the window. Professor Snape was swiftly making his way toward the castle from the forest with three stretchers floating in tow.
The moon shined brightly, casting light across the faces that lay still. It was easy to make out the mass of curls of Hermione's hair. Draco's heart race increased. Oh, no. Please. He strained his eyes at the second small figure with black hair. "No. No!" He could make out a small scar on her forehead. "Adelyn."
Draco raced towards the fourth floor as fast as his feet would carry him. What was she doing in the forest? Who was the third person on the stretchers? It was evidently not Ron; the hair was too dark. As he entered the Grand Staircase, Draco could make out muffled voices below. He leaned over the railing to see Professor Snape meet up with Madame Pomfrey. "Right this way," she ushered.
Draco followed at a distance. He kept himself hidden behind suits of armor or large pillars. The hospital wing was bustling. Outside the doors was Professor Snape and The Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge.
"What amazes me most is the behavior of the dementors. You really have no idea what made them retreat, Snape?"
"No, Minister", Snape replied. "By the time I had come 'round, they were heading back to their positions at the entrances . . ."
"Extraordinary. And yet, Black, and Adelyn, and the girl -'
"All unconscious by the time I reached them. I bound and gagged Black, naturally, conjured stretchers, and brought them all back here."
Adelyn, what have you done? Draco watched on quietly, waiting for the right moment to sneak into the Hospital Wing.
"WHAT?!"
Draco breathed a sigh of relief hearing Adelyn's voice. He watched as the Minister and Snape rushed into the Hospital Wing. There were many voices. He had a hard time making sense of the conversation. Soon, Dumbledore appeared and also entered the hospital wing. Draco desperately wanted to move closer, but things were changing too quickly. He was already at risk of being caught. Moving now would guarantee it.
Suddenly, Madame Pomfrey came out in a huff. "Honestly, is this a hospital wing, or not?" She stormed down the hall to her office.
She was soon followed by Fudge. He looked at his gold pocket watch before turning in Draco's direction. Oh, no. Draco was currently tucked in the doorway of a broom closet. He tried the handle to find it locked. "Alohomora." Draco unlocked the door and slipped inside. He kept his ear against the door and heard Snape catch up to Fudge.
"The dementors should have arrived by now. Are you joining me, Snape?" Fudge asked.
"Absolutely, Minister."
Draco waited a few moments after he could no longer hear footsteps before exiting the broom closet. He looked left toward the Grand Stair case and saw no one. As he turned to the right, he jumped.
"Mr. Malfoy. It is quite past curfew, is it not?" The headmaster looked down with a raise eyebrow.
"Yes, sir. I couldn't sleep and heard a commotion."
"I see."
Draco couldn't help but ask. "Are they alright? Is Adelyn alright?"
"Now, now. They are fine. Ms. Potter included."
"Could I see her?"
"She needs her rest. You may call on her tomorrow morning. Now, back to the Slytherin Common room." Dumbledore gestured his hand out towards the Grand Staircase. He proceeded to follow Draco, reasonably not trusting him to return unaccompanied. Draco reluctantly, obliged.
Adelyn
The next morning, Hermione and Adelyn were quietly updating Ron on the turn of events he had missed while passed out.
"Honestly, Ronald. I don't know how you slept through all the noise." Hermione shook her head in astonishment.
"Hey," Ron answered defensively. "That concoction Madame Pomfrey gave me was strong! Had I known what was going to happen, I would've refused to take it."
As they laughed amongst themselves, Madame Pomfrey approached from across the wing holding a vase of white roses. "Your admirer never forgets, does he, Miss Potter?" She placed them on the night stand next to Adelyn's bed. "You lot are free to go at noon today." She grabbed their breakfast trays as she left.
"Again?" Hermione asked with a smile on her face.
Adelyn drew in a long breath letting the aroma consume her. She was growing fond of the consistent roses.
"What do you mean, 'again'?" Ron was genuinely confused.
"For most of the year, Adelyn has received a bouquet of white roses whenever she is either in the hospital or in celebration," Hermione casually explained.
Adelyn eyed her with reprimand. She wasn't ready to talk about it with a boy. Even one that was her best friend.
"Girls like that sort of thing?" Ron asked curiously.
"Yes, Ronald. We do," Hermione answered matter-of-factly. "You may want to remember that in your future."
The next day was end of term. Ron, Hermione, and Adelyn had passed all their exams. Adelyn was surprised she made it through potions, but she dare not question it. She was happy to be done with class. But the reality of the school year was truly sinking in as they watched the students' luggage being transported to the Hogwarts Express.
There were many stories circulating about the night Sirius and Buckbeak disappeared. Only Ron, Adelyn, Hermione, and Professor Dumbledore knew the truth. Even Hagrid didn't know.
"Bin celebratin' since yesterday!" He exclaimed.
"That's wonderful!" Hermione congratulated.
"And," Hagrid continued, "Professor Dumbledore and m'self are discussin' maybe havin' dragons next year fer protection."
"How exciting! You have a lot to look forward to," Adelyn congratulated.
"Next year will be bet'er, jus' ya wait and see." Hagrid hugged them farewell as they boarded the Hogwarts Express.
Adelyn watched as Hogwarts disappeared from view behind a mountain. It would be two whole months before she saw it again. And she had to return to the Dursley's. Though Adelyn knew she had achieved wonders of savings Sirius' life, she was never in worse spirits. That half hour with Sirius beneath the night sky was the happiest she had ever been. Now, there was no way she could live with her godfather.
"Oh, cheer up, Adelyn!" Hermione coaxed as they settled in their cabin.
"I'm okay," Adelyn quickly responded. "Just thinking about the holidays."
"Anything from the Trolley?" cried out the trolley operator.
Adelyn jumped up to get some snacks for the cabin. She was looked back and forth between the trolley and the cabin and Ron continued their conversation.
"I've been thinking about them too. Adelyn, you've got to come and stay with us. It's the Quidditch World Cup this summer! Dad usually gets tickets from work. I can fix it up with Mum and Dad, I'm sure of it."
"Yes, you wouldn't want to miss it," a quite smooth voice whispered from just outside the cabin.
Adelyn quickly looked up to find Draco holding a small bundle of sugar quills out to her. She accepted the sweets and a smile crept across his face. "Plus, I'll be there too." He handed the trolley operator a handful of bronze Knuts. "The quills are on me." He glanced back at Adelyn, gave an effortless wink, and walked away.
Adelyn watched him in stunned silence. Did he just hit on me?
"Anything else, dear?"
"Oh - yes." Adelyn focused back to the trolley. "These as well please."
It was not long into the ride that a small, fluffy grey owl started flapping against their cabin window, desperately trying to keep up. Adelyn quickly pulled down the window and helped the small creature in. It dropped a letter into her seat and started jumping up and down very pleased with itself. Adelyn picked up the letter and shouted, "It's from Sirius!"
"What?" said Ron and Hermione. "What does it say?"
Adelyn skimmed ahead and summarized aloud. "He and Buckbeak are safe in hiding. He won't say where for risk of interception. He wanted to specify the Firebolt was from him -"
"Ha!" Hermione said in triumph. "I TOLD you it was from him!"
"And we told you it hadn't been jinxed!" Ron countered.
Adelyn continued. "He said it is thirteen birthdays' worth of presents from him. He has enclosed something else that will be helpful next year at Hogwarts."
Adelyn opened the envelope further to find an additional piece of parchment. Inside, it read:
I, Sirius Black, Adelyn Potter's godfather, hereby give her permission to visit Hogsmeade on weekends.
"That'll be good enough for Dumbledore!" Adelyn smiled widely. She looked back at the letter. "If I need him, send word. Hedwig will find him. And he asks that I write soon. . . hang on. There's a P.S. here. . . Ron can keep the owl, seeing as he is the reason you no longer have a rat."
"Seriously?" Ron's eyes widened. He scooped up the owl and held him out to Crookshanks. "What do you reckon? Definitely an owl?"
Crookshanks purred in reply.
"That's good enough for me. He's mine," Ron happily exclaimed.