Adeleine Potter: The Shifting Shadows, Draco fanfic

Part 5

As the echoing corridors of Hogwarts began to empty, I spotted Harry's retreating figure ahead. "Harry! Harry, wait!" My voice, tinged with urgency, bounced off the ancient stone walls. He turned, a look of surprise quickly giving way to recognition and concern.

"Adeleine, I thought you needed more time?" His words were laced with worry, reflecting our newfound sibling bond.

Waving off his concern, I approached him, my heart heavy with the weight of unspoken words. "I'm sorry, Harry. Everything just hit me all at once, and I needed a moment to process it."

His eyes softened, understanding flashing across them. He offered a weak smile, a silent acknowledgment of the complex emotions we were both grappling with. Together, we sought solace outside, away from the watchful eyes of Hogwarts, finding a quiet spot by the old bridge, a place where secrets could be safely shared.

Seated side by side, I turned to him, the question that had been haunting me finally finding its voice. "Harry, do you remember the same things I do?" My gaze lingered on his face, watching as a myriad of emotions played across it.

"Yeah, I think so," he replied, his voice low, a hint of nervousness creeping into his words. The silence that followed was heavy, filled with shared memories and unasked questions.

Harry broke the quiet, his voice hesitant. "Where have you been all this time, Adeleine? What happened, and why didn't you look for me?"

The questions struck deep. "Harry, I had no idea about any of this. About being a witch, about having a brother... I didn't even know how I got here." My words were a mix of honesty and omission, the full truth about shifting still a secret too complex to share.

He nodded, a gesture of understanding and empathy. To Harry, my confusion was a natural reaction to the magical world, but for me, it was more about reconciling this reality with the life I had known before.

Our conversation meandered through forgotten memories and newfound revelations, a journey of rediscovery for both of us. It wasn't just a chat; it was a bridge connecting our separate lives, a bridge we were only beginning to cross.

As the sky turned a deeper shade of twilight, Harry glanced at his watch. "We should head back for dinner. Are you able to eat with those bruises?" His concern brought me back to the present, the physical reminder of my altercation with Riddle.

I shrugged, half in jest. "I'm so hungry, I think I can manage."

As Harry and I made our way into the Great Hall for dinner, a palpable shift in the atmosphere greeted us. Our joint entrance seemed to draw every eye, a sea of curious and speculative gazes following our every move. The weight of their attention was almost tangible, prompting a silent agreement between us to part ways for the meal, hoping to dispel the unwarranted scrutiny.

I navigated towards my usual spot, where Pansy, Theodore, and others from Slytherin awaited. Their expressions transformed from concern to jubilation as I approached.

Theodore was the first to express his appreciation, his embrace conveying more than words could. "Adeleine, thank you! You have no idea what you've done for us," he exclaimed, his voice filled with sincerity.

Draco, however, remained seated, his eyes fixed on his plate, a storm of emotions brewing beneath his stoic exterior.

Blaise's approach brought a lighter mood, his gratitude manifesting in a gentle kiss on my cheek and a whisper of thanks. My cheeks flushed with the unexpected affection, and I noticed Draco's subtle reaction – an eye roll that betrayed his feelings more than he realized.

Pansy, ever the comforting presence, ushered me to sit next to her. "We've been trying to think of the perfect way to thank you," she said, her arm wrapping around me in a sisterly hug.