Dragon's Rose (A Draco Malfoy Fanfiction)

Brain & Heart

"Relax," Harry told Adeline as he took in her incorrect stance. "Your wand arm is too stiff."

"I'm trying." Adeline said, taking a breath. It was no surprise that she was stressed over this.

"May I help?" Harry questioned cautiously. He made his way over to her.

"Please." replied Adeline.

Harry put his hands on her shoulders and slid one of his hands carefully to her wand arm where he held gently. His touch was welcomed and felt comforting to Adeline as she braced herself once more.

"Alright," Harry began, his voice steady. "Now take a deep breath and try to relax."

She did as he asked, inhaling the sharp scent of broom handle wood, campfires, and a delicate cologne that no doubt belonged to Harry. She repeated the process, inhaling through her nose, holding it, and then out through her mouth.

When her shoulders and wand arm relaxed, Harry said. "Brilliant. Now, think of that happy memory."

Adeline flicked through all of the happy memories she could muster. She thought of when she was a child, when life was easier and sweet. When she didn't worry about being good enough, and could actually get a good nights sleep.

When her and Ben dressed up like pirates and mermaids and went swimming in the lake. When her mother would take the time each day and plait her hair while it was wet so that she could have it curly the next day. When her father would put her on his shoulders and make her laugh so hard she cried. When her and Theo would make secret handshakes and poke fun at the kids in the galas that seemed like they had sticks up their arses. When she would have tea parties with Josephine in her bedroom of pure pink and gold along with her stuffed animals.

Adeline nodded. "I have one."

"Now, with me, ready?" Harry asked, his hands steady against her shoulders.

She nodded again. "Yes."

"Three, two, one," Harry began. "Expecto Patronum."

"Expecto Patronum." Adeline waved her wand in the proper movement.

Adeline opened her eyes just to be disappointed when nothing uttered from her wand. She turned to Harry with a sad gleam in her eyes. "I did it wrong, didn't I?"

Harry released her shoulders and gave her a wry smile. "It's not your fault, Addy. You're just tense. It's also possible that your memory just isn't happy enough."

Adeline bit her lip before looking around the room to see Ron with his jack russell terrier running around him wagging its pale blue tail. Hermione had her otter practically swimming around her, she was laughing as it swam past her. Luna even had her rabbit patronus hopping around her relentlessly.

Ginny had just conjured her horse patronus when Harry laughed, pleased. "Excellent work, Ginny!"

Adeline couldn't fight the envy as she turned back to her wand feeling awfully disappointed in herself. Harry saw her look this way and frowned, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You'll get it, Addy. I know it."

"Thanks." She mumbled. Harry made his way over to his beloved Cho Chang and Adeline inclined her head in the opposite direction.

She watched as almost everyone managed to produce a patronus. Fred and George produced identical magpies; with Harry's help, Cho managed a swan; Micheal Corner a squirrel; Ernie a boar; Anthony Goldstein a reindeer; Seamus's a fox; and even Parvati with a bengal tiger. There were plenty more as well.