The Potions Mistress and The Order of the Phoenix

A Heavy Cross to Bear.

Aidy woke to the sound of feet just outside of the door, but jolted back into true awareness when the owner of those feet knocked on the door. Draco arched his back as he too woke up.

"Adriana, are you and Draco in a suitable state for me to come in?" Dumbledore asked, and she imagined that the headmaster was smiling faintly as he said it.

"Yes, sir." Aidy replied, sitting up straight and flattening her hair down. Draco shuffled a little bit to straighten his jacket. He'd only watched her sleep for about fifteen minutes before succumbing to the same fate.

The old man stepped inside, looking tired and without any of the smile that Adriana had heard in her voice. She was frightened in less than a second. "Did Harry-"

"The Court has expunged his record. Cleared of all charges."

"Oh, thank god." Aidy said, leaning back into the seat and placing a hand over her eyes. Draco rubbed his arm, looking away to avoid a snide comment that would offend Aidy. He pressed a kiss to the back of her hand instead.

"Draco, your father will pick you up in an hour or so, yes?"

"Yes, sir." Draco replied curtly.

"Aidy, Arthur is waiting for you downstairs to bring you and Harry home."

"Thank you. I'll see you soon, sir?" Dumbledore looked at her with sadness as he nodded.

"Yes, of course. You two will want to say your goodbyes. He's waiting. I'll see you in a few days."

"Goodbye." The door shut behind Him. It was quiet between the two teens for a moment.

"It's not that long, until we get to see each other, is it? Just a few days..."She gripped Draco's hand, and then his body. His hug was tight and desperate.

"I worry, y'know? About you. I can see the fear..." He pulled back a bit to brush his fingers down her unblemished cheek. "It's plain to see." He kissed he where he had just touched her. "You don't have to be afraid with me, you know that, right?" She didn't reply, and he just sighed, remembering Snape's warning. She's going to need you more than you can fathom. "I don't want you to leave."

"And I don't want to leave." She said quietly, and picked up her cloak from the floor, fastening it around her pale throat. "But I must. Speak to Dumbledore again, maybe I can see you again before school starts."

"And what if we can't?" Aidy smiled softly.

"Well, then you'll have to wait for me in an empty compartment on the train, won't you?" She asked, backing up towards the door. He matched her footsteps.

"I'll do that anyway." He caught her waist. "I love you."

"I love you too." He kissed her. She gained a sly smile as she pulled away.

"I'll see you at work." She teased as she pulled away. He shook his head and chuckled.

"I'll see you at school. Love you, Angel."

"I love you more."

"Impossible."

"Bye."Aidy slipped out of the room and shut the door, holding her chest and smiling like she was in a daydream. But then she remembered that she had responsibilities, and she headed down a nearby staircase to go find Harry and Arthur. She passed by a few wizards and witches that she knew, muttering their names as she went by.

"Good day Iggi, hello Amelia; Frank, you look splendid! Gary, how's your wife? I'm glad. Eponine, I'm so sorry about the incident with your cat, I'm glad they were able to put your eye back in- Arthur, there you are!" She had finally spotted the Weasley patriarch and Harry, standing at attention and waiting for her.