Dragon's Rose (A Draco Malfoy Fanfiction)

Nicknames

The cold November air nipped at Adeline's bare skin as she left the warmth of the castle. It was the middle of the night and she had only just avoided being caught by Filch and Mrs Norris.

She couldn't sleep. She was going to sit by the lake in hopes that it will help her anxiety levels come down.

She made her way down the grounds and past Hagrid's Hut and eventually took a seat by the water. It hasn't snowed yet, but some pre-winter frost has taken its place on the grass.

She sat with her knees to her chin and crossed her arms over her legs, almost like she was holding herself together; scared she might break.

The sound of the light waves and howling wind calmed her a bit, making her tilt her head ever so slightly and drink in the salty smell of the water.

She hasn't seen Harry for weeks. It was mid-November as of today and Harry and Hermione have been hard to catch during the day. Hermione is only seen in the dorms before bed and during the morning. She sees Harry and Hermione during classes too, but Harry seems distant and easily agitated, while Hermione seems worried and is always pale.

Adeline was beyond worried for Harry. She didn't think he put his name in the Goblet anymore, but still, the horrid things that the other students had said about him made her want to cry.

She focused on the lake, feeling the frozen nip of the wind and taking in the light sounds the lake made when the waves overlapped each other. It was beyond relaxing.

The howl of the wind made the hairs on her neck stand up and she let her hands roam on the prickling grass underneath her.

Her hands were cold, but she didn't mind it. It numbed her a bit, and made her wake up a bit more. Even though she came out here to help with her sleep.

"Hello, Princess."

Adeline stiffled a groan and frowned automatically. She was going to get worked up again, so it was no use coming out here anymore. She sarcastically thanked Malfoy in her head before turning around and giving him a faux smile.

He was just a figure in the dark from where he was. She assumed that he knew who she was based off of the moon shining on her skin and hair.

"It's humerous how you call me that when you're known as the Slytherin Prince." Adeline retorted.

Malfoy chuckled from where he was in the distance. She heard his footsteps on the grass and the coldness that surrounded her was threatened by a slight warm hue and the strong smell of cedar and that expensive cologne.

Adeline debated moving to the opposite side of him to be petty, but then remembered her deal with Theo and thought better of it. She also wanted to see what inspired his actions.

"That is one of my lesser nicknames." Malfoy drawled a bit too late.

Adeline hummed. "I don't recall you having any good ones, Malfoy."

It was quiet for another couple minutes before Adeline spoke. "Don't call me 'Princess' anymore, please. I don't like it."

"What am I supposed to call you then?" He asked, mocking her.

"Adeline or Fawley is fine." Adeline said, shortly.

"Those aren't good enough. I like 'Princess' better." Malfoy smirked.

She could she the side of his pale face in the moonlight. She tilted her head as she looked at him.

The conversation she had with Lavender and Parvati the other night made her think a lot.