Adeleine Potter: The Shifting Shadows, Draco fanfic

Part 6

The following morning unfurled with a tranquility that was a welcome change from the previous day's tumult. I took my time getting ready, applying a subtle eyeliner that accentuated my eyes and gathering my blonde hair into a stylish half-up bun. My outfit was a carefully chosen combination of a black skirt, dark green tights, and black boots, topped off with the Quidditch team sweater. The reflection in the mirror brought a rare sense of satisfaction.

"Adeleine, you look stunning! If Draco sees you like that, his eyes will be glued to you," Pansy remarked with an unmistakable hint of mischief.

"What do you mean?" I inquired, feigning ignorance despite the flutter in my stomach.

"Don't play coy," she teased. "The flirting between you two is palpable, and Draco's jealousy over Blaise is hardly a secret."

I dismissed her comment with a shake of my head, even as her words lingered in my thoughts.

Classes passed uneventfully, a stark contrast to yesterday's drama. I found companionship in Luna and even Hermione, whose skepticism couldn't mask her intrigue about the new Potter at Hogwarts.

With the day's lessons behind me, I headed to the Quidditch field, expecting to meet Blaise for training. After a twenty-minute wait, it was Draco who emerged, his broom in hand and a purposeful stride in his step.

What are you doing here Malfoy?", I asked with annoyance in my voice.

"I'm here to get you in my team.", he said coming closer to me with his broom in one hand.

"What happened to Blase? Or what did you do to Blaise?", I asked with my eyebrows furrowed together.

"I did nothing, he just got detention for the next few days.", he said with a small smoke playing on his lips.

"What? But he was my trainer. You did this on purpose, so I wouldn't pass the tryouts in two days.", I said my voice growing louder and louder.

"Potter, aren't you listening to me? I'm better than Blaise. And if you want to be in my team you have to be also better than Blaise. So I'm kinda helping you and myself in long-term.", he said and shrugged with his shoulders.

"So now get up on your broom Potter.", he said gesturing me to go on and stop staring.

Despite my reservations, I realized the opportunity before me. Nodding, I mounted my broom, feeling the familiar rush of excitement. Draco followed suit, his presence on the broom commanding and graceful.

As we soared into the sky, Draco began explaining the finer points of Quidditch strategy. "As a Chaser, your aim is to outmaneuver the opposing Beaters and score through one of the three hoops," he instructed, his voice carrying over the wind.

I listened intently, maneuvering my broom with growing confidence. Draco occasionally reached out, correcting my posture or guiding my broom with a gentle but firm touch. Each contact sent a jolt of awareness through me, leaving us both momentarily flustered.

We practiced passing the Quaffle, Draco demonstrating the quick, sharp movements essential for a successful Chaser. "Keep your eye on the Snitch, but never lose sight of the Quaffle," he reminded me, his hand briefly brushing mine as he handed me the ball.

Our eyes met, a shared understanding passing between us. It was more than training; it was a dance in the air, a push and pull that transcended the game.

As the sky turned a deeper shade of orange, signaling the end of our training, Draco proposed one final drill. "Let's see how you handle a mock scoring scenario," he said, positioning himself near one of the hoops.

I nodded, gripping the Quaffle tightly. With a powerful kick off the ground, I launched into the air, Draco mirroring my ascent. The wind whipped through my hair, carrying with it a sense of freedom and exhilaration.

I flew towards the hoops, Draco on my tail, his presence a constant challenge. As I neared the goal, I feinted left before swerving right, but Draco anticipated the move, closing in. In a fluid motion, he reached out, gently but firmly redirecting my path. Our hands brushed, sending an unexpected surge of electricity through me. Our eyes locked, and for a fleeting moment, time seemed to stand still. The intensity of his gaze, the proximity of our bodies suspended in the air – it was a moment charged with an unspoken connection.

The spell was broken as Draco pulled back, a hint of color on his cheeks. "Not bad, Potter. You're learning," he said, his voice betraying a hint of admiration.

Landing back on the field, the physical distance did little to dissipate the tension that had sparked between us. There was an undeniable chemistry, a magnetic pull that neither of us seemed able to ignore.

Draco cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "You've got potential. Keep practicing, and you might just surprise everyone at the tryouts."

I nodded, absorbing his advice. "I appreciate the help, Malfoy. Thanks, Coach," I teased, earning a reluctant smile from Draco.