Shadows & Serums

Mini Short Story #4

The day of Draco Malfoy's Quidditch match dawned with heavy clouds hanging low in the sky, casting a gloomy atmosphere over Hogwarts. Despite the weather, Draco was determined to give his best performance on the field as the Slytherin Seeker. Farrah Chutney, knowing Draco's dedication to Quidditch, decided to brave the weather and watch him play from the stands, her heart filled with quiet support and admiration.

The match was intense, the players darting across the sky amidst the swirling winds and occasional rain. Draco's determination and skill shone through, and he managed to catch the Golden Snitch in a breathtaking display of agility and strategy. The Slytherin team celebrated their victory, but Draco's thoughts quickly turned to Farrah, wondering if she had stayed to watch despite the unfavorable weather.

The next day, however, Farrah was conspicuously absent from Potions class, the first period they shared together. Draco's concern grew as the day progressed and she failed to appear in any of their mutual classes. By midday, he couldn't ignore his worry any longer and sought out the Head Boy, who granted him access to the Ravenclaw Tower and up to Farrah's room.

The Ravenclaw common room was quiet and dimly lit as Draco ascended the stairs, his footsteps echoing in the silence. He found Farrah's room and gently knocked on the door, his heart pounding with a mix of apprehension and relief when she weakly called for him to enter.

Inside, Farrah lay in bed, her complexion as pale as the Grey Lady herself, wrapped in blankets against the lingering chill from the previous day's weather. Draco's worry deepened at the sight of her frail state, but he masked it with a gentle smile as he approached her bedside.

"I was worried about you," Draco admitted softly, setting a tray with a steaming bowl of hearty soup and a cup of herbal tea on the bedside table. "You shouldn't have come out in that weather."

Farrah managed a weak smile, her voice barely above a whisper. "I wanted to see you play... I didn't expect to fall ill because of it."

Draco nodded sympathetically, pulling up a chair beside her bed. "Well, now I'm here to take care of you," he said with determination, picking up the bowl of soup and helping her sit up so she could eat. He stayed by her side, chatting softly and occasionally brushing a stray lock of hair from her face.

As the evening wore on, Draco brewed a soothing potion to ease Farrah's symptoms and readied another cup of tea. He insisted on staying with her through the night to ensure she rested properly and could make it to classes the next day. Despite her protests, Farrah couldn't deny the warmth and comfort of Draco's presence, and she eventually drifted off to sleep with a faint smile on her lips.

Through the quiet hours of the night, Draco kept a vigilant watch over Farrah, his thoughts filled with concern and a growing sense of affection for the Ravenclaw girl who had captured his heart in unexpected ways. As dawn broke over Hogwarts, Draco's resolve remained unwavering—he would be there for Farrah, through illness and health, just as she had been there for him in the stands, cheering him on under gloomy skies.

As the first light of dawn filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle glow over Farrah's room, Draco Malfoy continued his vigilant watch by her bedside. The night had been long, but he had managed to keep her comfortable, administering the soothing potion and making sure she stayed warm.

Farrah stirred, her eyelids fluttering open to reveal her hazel eyes, still clouded with the remnants of fever. She blinked a few times before her gaze focused on Draco, who was sitting by her side, his expression a mix of relief and concern.

"Draco," she murmured, her voice still weak but carrying a note of gratitude. "You stayed all night?"

Draco smiled softly, brushing a stray lock of hair from her forehead. "Of course, Farrah. I couldn't leave you like this. How are you feeling?"

Farrah took a moment to assess herself before nodding slightly. "A bit better, I think. The soup and tea helped."

Draco nodded, his relief evident. "Good. I'll make sure you have everything you need today. You just focus on resting and getting better."

Throughout the morning, Draco attended to Farrah's needs, preparing more tea and a light breakfast. He helped her sit up and encouraged her to eat, making sure she took her potion on time. As the hours passed, Farrah's color began to return, and she felt a bit stronger with each passing moment.

Around midday, a gentle knock came at the door, and the Head Boy, who had granted Draco access to the Ravenclaw Tower, peeked in. "How's she doing?" he asked softly.

Draco glanced at Farrah, who managed a small smile. "She's improving, thanks to your help."

The Head Boy nodded approvingly. "I'll inform the professors that Farrah will be back in classes tomorrow. You've done a good job, Draco."

As the afternoon wore on, Draco continued to keep Farrah company, sharing stories and even conjuring a few light-hearted charms to make her smile. The bond between them grew stronger, their mutual affection deepening in the quiet moments they shared.

As evening fell, Draco helped Farrah settle back into bed, making sure she was comfortable before preparing to leave for his own dormitory. Farrah reached out and gently caught his hand, her eyes reflecting gratitude and something deeper.

"Thank you, Draco. For everything. I don't know what I would have done without you."

Draco squeezed her hand gently, his eyes warm and tender. "You don't have to thank me, Farrah. I'm just glad I could be here for you."

With one last smile, Draco stood and made his way to the door. Just before stepping out, he turned back to Farrah, his voice soft and filled with affection. "I'll see you tomorrow then, my treasure. Goodnight."

Farrah watched him go, her heart light despite the lingering fatigue. As she drifted off to sleep, she felt a renewed sense of hope and warmth, knowing that Draco's presence had not only helped her recover but had also strengthened the bond between them.

The next day, Farrah returned to her classes, still a bit weak but bolstered by Draco's unwavering support. As they walked together through the halls of Hogwarts, hand in hand, they both knew that their relationship had blossomed into something truly special—a connection forged in care, affection, and the promise of a future filled with shared moments and unwavering support.