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.

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.

**Sorry for the delay everyone. I have had to re-write this portion a few times before I liked it. I hope it was worth it and you enjoy it. Leave me some comments and let me know! **

The Doting Rival

Chapter 32

It was obvious in Double Potions that Draco was not exactly happy with Adelyn's reply. Choosing to sit at a table that was already filled didn't help matters either. Shock was prevalent on his face when he entered to find no space available for him. He became curt. "Move, Longbottom!"

Neville cringed at the abrupt demand and began gathering his book and cauldron. Adelyn interjected. "Neville, you can stay right where you are." She made direct eye contact with Draco after she said this.

"Addy. . ." Draco said in a hushed, stern tone.

"N - no. I can sit so – somewhere else," Neville stammered.

"There is no need. You are already set up for class. There are other open seats Draco can have," Adelyn replied matter-of-factly.

Snape entered the room commanding his students. "Take your seats."

Draco huffed in frustration before claiming an empty chair two tables away. He slammed his books down, startling the fellow fourth years sharing the space. They looked at him cautiously. "What are you looking at?" he barked.

"What's got him so narked?" Seamus Finnigan mumbled.

"Open your books to two hundred and seventy-one." Snape instructed.

"Dunno," Ron replied. "Reckon he could use this though."

Adelyn chuckled in response. He referenced the day's lesson. The calming draught. Meant to calm the drinker after a shock, trauma, or, in this case, an emotional outburst. Fitting.

It wasn't long into class before an origami paper bird fluttered to settle in front of Adelyn. She slyly glanced in Draco's direction to find him staring. Waiting. She sighed.

"Who's it from?" Ron asked.

"No one." She slid it under her potions book. "Pass the skullcap?" Shredding was a bit therapeutic, allowing some of her pent-up frustration to be released. She slowly added it to her cauldron, intermittently stirring. She had to wait until it began to steam again.

Another origami bird disrupted her line of sight to her brewing potion. "Honestly?" she mumbled annoyed. She distinctly turned her head in Draco's direction. He raised his eyebrows momentarily, urging her to read it. She caved.

Please meet with me. - D.M.

Adelyn placed the parchment in the fire below her cauldron. She looked toward Draco and shrugged her shoulders. She didn't have anything left to say.

"What's next?" she asked her group at the table.

"Once the draught turns a pale green, infuse your intent. Concentrate on being calm for a deliberate result," Hermione receipted.

"Oh, great." Adelyn rolled her eyes.

"Just take a couple deep breaths. Clear your mind."

"Right." Adelyn closed her eyes. She inhaled slowly over a few seconds. Held her breath. Then exhaled. She repeated this twice more.

"We're out of peppermint at my table. Do you have some to spare?"

So much for being calm. Adelyn opened her eyes to Draco standing next to her. Without saying a word, she grabbed a handful of the herb and nonchalantly held them out to him. He seized it, as well as her hand, refusing to let go. He leaned closer to whisper. "Adelyn, I will meet anywhere you choose. Just agree to speak with me."

She attempted to pull her hand away, but his grip was firm. He was persistent; she'd give him that. "Fine," she whispered through clenched teeth. His grasp loosened slightly. "The Great Hall."

"Wha -"

"Mr. Malfoy. Why are you not at your station?" Snape asked tersely.

"Sorry professor. Just needed some more ingredients." He held up the peppermint for verification.

"Very well. Return to your potion."

"Yes, sir." He complied begrudgingly.

Adelyn wasn't sure how seriously he took her response. She didn't receive any more birds for the remainder of class. But she did catch him staring at her every now and again. He seemed lost in thought.

"Adelyn, did you concentrate your intent?" Hermione noticed the draught was more purple than indigo.

"As much as I could," Adelyn said defeatedly. She fiddled with the unopened origami she first received.

"Are you going to read it?" Hermione asked quietly.

"No." She tossed it into the fire, watching as the ends curled in the bright flame.

Dinner was the usual: tables jam packed with students, conversations filled the room, and wonderous amounts of food piled high. Adelyn had skimmed the Slytherin table but saw no sign of Draco. Her heart sunk a bit more. She didn't know what she expected. But she was currently disappointed.

"Don't fret, Adelyn," Hermione consoled. "Supper has only just begun."

"What are we fretting about?" Fred interjected, taking a seat next to George across from the duo.

Adelyn was at a loss for words. This was the first interaction she had with Fred since he asked her to the ball.

"Oh, just the usual," Hermione answered for her, casually waving her hand at nothing. "Studies, the Tournament."

"Ah. Well, the next task is not for another two months," George said.

"George is right," Fred concurred. "Plenty of time to relax and enjoy the holiday events before having to worry about it just yet." He smirked at Adelyn.

For the first time, she felt the intentions behind his words. He was alluding to the Yule Ball and how he asked her to be his date. He cheeks became flush. "I suppose that's true." She looked away, pretending to search for a particular item on the table.

"Maybe so. But it's best not to leave it too far from thought. After all, one can never be too prepared," Hermione said matter-of-factly. Hermione was as great at reading a room as she was her actual books. Adelyn locked eyes with her, saying thank you in that silent moment.

"Looking for this Adelyn?" Fred reeled her attention back, holding out a miniature shepherd's pie. "I know it's one of your favorites." He extended the pie across the table.

Adelyn took it gently. "Yes, thank you."

"Oy! What are you doing?" Ron made a raucous as he sat next to Adelyn. He eyed Fred suspiciously.

"Relax, little brother. I am merely sharing food from my side of the table." He was quite collected and calm compared to Ron's obvious annoyance and grumbling.

"Yea, that best be all."

"Honestly?" Hermione exasperated. "Would you two stop? Some of us would like to actually enjoy our meals."

"Exactly!" George added, lightening the mood. "I can't possible fathom how all this tastes with you two bickering back and forth."

Adelyn chuckled at the exchange. She could always rely on the Weasley's to brighten the mood. She felt herself relax for the first time in a few days. She almost forgot why she had been avoiding the common areas of the castle. Almost.

She casually looked around the Great Hall, her heart anxiously racing in hopes of seeing his platinum hair stand out in the crowd. She had been fastidious in her choice of seating as it meant the Slytherin table was straight ahead of her, making it simple for her to repeatedly scan that side of the room without drawing attention. But, half way through dinner, there had still been no sign of Draco. Her heart sunk.

"I think I'm gonna head up." Adelyn excused herself.

"Already?" Ron asked.

"Yea. I'll see you in the Common Room." She made her way toward the exit, scanning the students one last time, still hoping he would show.

"Adelyn, wait up." Fred trotted to catch up. He followed her toward the grand staircase. "Got you something for later." He held out a pair of chocolate eclairs.

She smiled. "Thanks."

"You seem a bit off lately. I hope it's not because of me. . ." He lowered his gaze to the floor. Was Fred Weasley nervous?

As she turned to face him, she caught sight of those bold grey eyes she had been painstakingly waiting for, peaking from behind the large pillar next to the Great Hall entrance. Her heart skipped a beat with excitement. Then it was quickly gone, chased away from the sudden realization that he couldn't do it. He was still hiding.

Draco

Draco remained in place, staring back into those bright green eyes. Her eyebrows rose high into her bangs, startled at finding him. But just as quickly, they furrowed and her face fell. He felt a pang deep in his chest when she averted her gaze.

She refocused her attention to Fred. "No, it's not you."

"Good. Cause I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable the other night." Fred stepped closer to her; his attention fixated.

What is he doing? Draco gripped the pillar he leaned against, his hand turning white with the force.

Adelyn half sighed half laughed. "Honestly, Ron is the one who made things uncomfortable. . ."

"Have you given it any more thought, then?" Fred's voice was oozing optimism.

Given WHAT thought? Draco's eyes darted back and forth.

"Uh. . . well. I – uh." Adelyn backed away, climbing the first step to the staircase, creating noticeable space between her and Fred.

Can't he see how uncomfortable she is NOW? Anger began to rise deep within Draco's chest. He had a strong desire to rush to her aid.

"I'm sorry." Fred noticed the distance as well. "I hope I'm not pestering you about it."

"No, you're not," Adelyn was quick to respond. "I just. . . have been. . . preoccupied lately. . ." Her gaze fell to the side, resting briefly, longingly, on Draco.

His anger melted away, replaced with an agonizing twist in his stomach. He sunk further behind the pillar, trying to hide the shame his self-preservation was bringing to light.

"Right, right. You have a lot on your plate," Fred said.

Draco noted the genuine understanding Fred was currently exuding. It made him disgusted with himself, turning away from the conversation. He hadn't expected to be privy to any of this and he wasn't sure he could take anymore.

"Tell you what," Fred continued. "You focus on what you need to and we can talk about this later." A relieved sigh escaped Adelyn's lips. "For now, why don't we take a crack at that egg back in the common room with these eclairs?"

"Alright. Sounds good," Adelyn said in a soft laugh.

Draco only peaked around the pillar as he heard their footsteps ascend the staircase. It was just in enough time for him to see Fred actively debating whether or not to place his hand at the small of Adelyn's back to guide her up. They disappeared from view before he could see the result of a decision.