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.

The Doting Rival

Chapter 35

The next morning, Adelyn woke to the most stunning Christmas decorations she had ever seen since coming to Hogwarts. Each suit of armor she passed was bewitched to sing carols. Though, it was a bit odd listening to an empty helmet stumble over lyrics it couldn't seem to recall. And students were already gossiping about Filch needing to extract Peeves from inside one where he hid to fill in the gaps of music with rude inventions of his own.

Still, it was evident the staff was determined to impress the visiting schools. One of the more mesmerizing decorations were the everlasting icicles. They covered the entire length of the marble staircase banisters. Every floor. They glistened as though the afternoon sunlight was shining indoors, but never melted onto the floor. When Adelyn touched one, it was unexpectedly warm. She found herself staring anytime she walked by.

The annual twelve Christmas trees in the Great Hall were magnificently ornate. The usual ribbons and various size ornaments covered the frosted figs. Additionally, luminous holly berries flickered occasionally and live golden owls hooted from the branches. The floating candles were replaced with soft, falling snow. The walls were entirely covered with thousands of garlands of mistletoe and ivy.

Staying at Hogwarts for Christmas was one of Adelyn's favorite times of the year. However, with the Yule Ball just around the corner, more students had signed up to stay at Hogwarts for the holiday. Adelyn stared down at the signup sheet Professor McGonagall left in the hall for breakfast. It was not going to be as peaceful as Adelyn was used to. And there was still the issue of opening up the Yule Ball she had to worry about.

"Are you not looking forward to the holiday, like usual?"

Adelyn froze, slightly startled from the unexpected voice leaning over her shoulder. But more so from the comfort it caused in her. She turned her head slightly, confirming it was indeed Draco. He had a notable air of composure Adelyn had not seen before. He stepped forward, one hand half way in his trouser pocket, the other gently cradling his lesson books to his chest. His slender fingers curled around the spines and she wished they were twisted in her hair instead. She didn't know if it was yesterday's grand apology or the poise he was currently demonstrating, but she found herself aching for him.

The events of the past week made no attempt to flood her mind. She answered casually, "It's quite different this year than I'm used to." A half-hearted smirk crept across her face as she returned to adding her name to the list at the front of the hall.

Just as she finished writing her name, Draco's soft hand gently found hers, coaxing for the quill she held. "May I?" he asked.

Adelyn cleared her throat as her eyes met his. Her cheeks become flush, blushing from his consuming gaze. His focus was only on her. Just like yesterday. She reluctantly let go of the quill.

"Hey! There's a line," a fifth year Hufflepuff chided from behind them.

The interruption brought Adelyn back to reality. She was not alone with Draco in the astronomy tower. She was in the Great Hall. Were students from three different schools could easily bear witness to the current interaction. She grew bashful. "Oh! Uh – excuse me." She hurried back to Hermione at the Gryffindor table, leaving Draco chuckling at the list.

"What is it?" Hermione asked, befuddled from the sudden demeanor change in Adelyn.

"Nothing," she exhaled. "Just ready for class."

Hermione obviously didn't believe her, but did not press her for a response. It was the last week of term before Christmas holiday. Everyone was becoming increasingly unruly. It was almost expected for people to act a bit out of sorts. So much so, some of the teachers gave up teaching.

Professor Flitwick allowed them to play games in his lesson, the students' minds prominently elsewhere. It was easier for him to join them versus fight against them. He spent most of the lesson talking to Adelyn about the perfect summoning charm she had used during the first Triwizard Tournament task. Other teachers were not as tolerant.

Professor Binns was never one to be deterred from his lectures in History of Magic. Even his own death did not prevent him from completing lessons. Not as strict as Professor Snape, he was still stern in the classroom. He always arrived before any student, floating in the middle of the U-shaped class to prevent dawdling amongst students. Adelyn had some regret choosing the front of the two rows this time.

She was surprised at how boring he made the goblin rebellions sound. Even when referencing bloody and vicious riots. She would have likely nodded off, had it not been for Draco choosing the seat behind her. She anticipated irritation from his close proximity, not the churning butterflies she was currently enduring.

"This time could be better spent for just us two to talk." Draco's voice was barely an audible whisper in Adelyn's ear. She slyly looked over her shoulder to find Draco was still in his own seat. He lifted his wand to answer the question readily on her face; he had cast a charm to converse with her in class. "Susurro," he mouthed.

She focused her attention back to the front. She was now nervous.

"Addy. . ." Draco's euphonic voice continued, asking her to respond.

She hardly moved her head side-to-side. Just enough to answer without drawing unwanted attention.

"I guess I can just do all the talking then."

Adelyn gave a heavy sigh in response. There was not much she could do. And Draco knew it. Surprisingly, she was more worried about Professor Binns noticing than she was irritated.

"I, uh, hope my apology was well received. . ."

The roses. She was conflicted about them initially. In the end, she placed them in a vase on her bedside table. Though, some petals were actively soaking in distilled water, prepping for her next batch of perfume.

"Because that's just the start."

Adelyn turned her head to the side, listening intently.

"I can't let this go. I can't let you go, Addy."

Adelyn's eyes began to water and a small smile formed on her face.

"Mr. Malfoy?" Professor Binns called, disrupting their conversation. Or rather, Draco's conversation.

"Quietus," Draco muttered before loudly reply. "Yes, Professor?"

"Which rebellion did Urg the Unclean lead?" His eyebrows raised.

Without so much as a pause, Draco answered, "the 18th century rebellions, sir."

"Correct." Professor Binns eyed him distrustfully before continuing the lesson.

Adelyn placed her head in her hands. She had not realized how on edge she was. She shook her head back and forth. Draco must have taken notice as he didn't try to continue the conversation for the remainder of class.

As Adelyn left class with Hermione, she felt a soft hand grasp hers.

"Adelyn, wait." Draco called, gently squeezing her hand to stop her.

She turned around, a bit surprised. "What is it?"

"I was hoping we could talk today." His eager eyes fell to their hands still clasped together. He stroked his thumb across the top of hers, patiently waiting for a response.

Her eyes followed, taking a moment to savor the touch. She missed this. "I, uh – ahem – suppose we could. . ." She looked back up to his eager smile.

"Great. When can we meet?" She felt his hand squeeze hers again with excitement.

"Well, I have study period with Hermione until supper. We were planning on spending it in the library."

Draco beamed at her response. "Alright. I will stop by after Transfiguration."

It was the first genuine smile Adelyn had seen from him in a long time. His features softened in response to the change. The scowls were not as becoming in comparison.

"Adelyn?" Hermione had patiently been waiting a few paces ahead to give them a moment.

"Oh! Coming!" She took a step in her direction, reluctant to let go of Draco.

He obviously felt the same, their arms stretching as they haltingly moved in opposite directions. He gave her fingers one final squeeze before letting go.

"Ugh! I'm not even sure where to go from here." Adelyn grumbled in frustration. She and Hermione has been sifting through a large stack of books, desperate to find some kind of lead on the golden egg.

"Here. Try this one." Hermione exchanged books with Adelyn. "I'll return these and see what else I can find."

Adelyn sighed irritably as Hermione wondered off, arms piled with books. They had been through at last ten so far and there was no change to the current knowledge they had. February didn't seem far enough away for them to figure it out in time.

"I was wondering who was making all that noise." Fred teased, peering around a nearby bookshelf.

"Oh! Sorry."

"You alright?" he sauntered over to the table.

"Just trying to figure out this egg." Adelyn threw her hand carelessly in the direction of the book in front of her.

"Doesn't sound like you've made any progress." He sat in the chair beside her, picking up said book.

Adelyn sighed. "Not at all."

"Well, I don't think Enchanted Relics of the 17th Century is going to help you either." He quipped, pushing the book across the table.

"Probably not." She rested her chin in her hand casually, turning to face him.

"It's almost Christmas. You ARE allowed a break, you know," he said.

"Yes, but this holiday is going to be quite different." She made a wry face.

"Doesn't mean it won't be fun. You just need the right partner to actually enjoy it," Fred countered with a playful smile.

Adelyn understood what he alluded to. She dropped her hand to sit up in her seat. "Fred -"

"Look," Fred interjected, hands up cautiously. "I know you've asked for time, Adelyn. But I also see how sad you've been lately. I know we'll have a great time together. We always do."

"I don't question that. . ." Adelyn looked down at her hands.

"I don't mean to make you nervous. I just – it's just – I like you Adelyn."

Adelyn peered quietly at Fred's face. She wasn't entirely surprise based on recent interactions. But she was a bit caught off guard by how forward he was being. Who was she kidding? One of the Weasley twins liked her. She should have expected this.

"Fred, I -" She was at a loss for words. It was only very recently that she had stopped viewing him as an older brother. She was still trying to process that change, recollecting on previous exchanges that she now understood to be early signs of his affection.

"Is there someone else?" His expression dropped, but was still kind.

"What?" Adelyn was barely keeping up with her thoughts before he asked a new question.

"I assume there is, what with the roses yesterday."

"Oh! Right." She shook her head slightly, as though the action would jostle an actual response from her.

"Was that an invitation to the ball?"

"Well . . ." Adelyn didn't know how to respond. Technically, it was only an apology. But there WAS someone else. She had been struggling internally on whether to continue to wait. She had barely two weeks left until Christmas. And here was a wonderful, kind boy asking her to be his date. Someone she was comfortable with. Someone who obviously didn't want her just because she was a Triwizard Champion. And yet, she couldn't answer.

"Yes. It was." Draco answered authoritatively, striding across the library in their direction.

Adelyn's shocked eyes stared at Draco is disbelief. Did he just say he wants to take me to the ball?

"Malfoy?" Fred turned in astonishment. "Draco Malfoy is your date to the Yule Ball?"

"Yea, I am. That a problem?" He sneered down his nose at Fred.

Fred turned to Adelyn perplexed. He waited for her to respond.

Adelyn's heart was racing. She stared a while longer at Draco, watching his face morph into a soft anticipative smile. "Ye - yes. Draco is my date." Adelyn was awestruck.

Fred scoffed in disbelief. "Seriously? You're going with this knob head?"

"What did you call me?" Draco grabbed Fred by his collar.

Fred stood up readily, towering over Draco.

"Whoa! Stop!" Adelyn jumped up, wedging herself between the two. She pressed a hand against each of their chests and pushed them away from one another. "I will not tolerate this from either of you. Am I clear?" She glanced back and forth at them.

Draco put his hands up in surrender. "He started it. . ."

"Out of respect for you, Adelyn, I won't say anything more." Fred moved away from the table to take his leave. He paused a moment. "But my offer still stands. Should you ever want it." He walked away before Draco could counter.

"Did he honestly just say that?" Draco stared after him, anger still threatening to erupt.

Adelyn stepped closer to Draco, bringing her other hand up to his chest. This drew back his attention. She was enamored by the sudden public declaration and couldn't stop herself from staring.

Draco's hands found her waist. "I didn't mean for the conversation to turn out this way. I just couldn't stop myself hearing him ask you before I got the chance." Adelyn's eyes glistened, tears threatening to run. Draco cupped her face in his hand, thumbing her cheek. "You'll go with me?" he asked softly.

"About time you asked," Adelyn chuckled.

"Is that a yes?"

"Yes! It's a yes."

"Thank, Merlin." Without hesitating, Draco's other hand slid to the back of her neck. He pulled her in, locking his lips with hers. The longing that had gradually built up over the past few days had erupted in a hunger she had not yet felt. His hands tousled her hair. His tongue parted her lips, begging for more. She was consumed by the intense desire that radiated from him. There was no more questioning. No more worrying. He made it very clear what he truly wanted. Her.

She coaxed him to stop, panting for air as their lips parted. He rested his forehead against hers as he held her against him, refusing to let go. "Oh, I've missed you," he exhaled.

A new reassurance washed over Adelyn as she relished in the overwhelming joy she so desperately needed.