Adeleine Potter: The Shifting Shadows, Draco fanfic

Part 12

I slipped into a pair of shorts and a t-shirt, the fabric comforting against my still-damp skin. When I returned to my bedroom, I found Draco seated on the edge of my bed, freshly changed as well. The way he looked at me, with a mix of apprehension and something deeper, made my heart beat just a little faster.

"Draco, why didn't you say anything?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper as I began to towel-dry my hair. The room felt smaller with him in it, the air heavy with unspoken words.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair in a gesture that screamed uncertainty. His usual confident demeanor was absent, replaced by something more vulnerable. "You know, after the Quidditch match on Friday," he began, his voice low, "I overheard you and Harry in the locker room. I heard about your panic attacks."

I froze, the towel hanging limp in my hands as I processed his words. The idea of him hearing me in such a fragile state sent a shiver down my spine. But then, I noticed the way his eyes softened, the concern etched into his features. He waited, as if bracing for my reaction.

Surprised, I felt a smile tug at my lips, despite everything. "Thank you, Draco." My voice wavered, but the gratitude was genuine.

His own lips curved into a small, almost shy smile, a rare sight for Draco Malfoy. He stood from the bed, the moment between us lingering in the air. "You should rest. Snape's bound to hex all of us tomorrow," he said, attempting to lighten the mood, though his eyes still held that same concern.

I chuckled, a sound that felt foreign after everything that had happened. "Goodnight, Draco," I whispered as I watched him leave, his presence still lingering long after he'd gone.

Sleep claimed me quickly, only to be interrupted by the morning light and the sound of Pansy and Daphne bickering.

"What's going on?" I murmured, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. The door slammed shut as Daphne stormed out, leaving Pansy standing by my bed, her expression a mix of worry and guilt.

"The usual drama with Daphne," Pansy sighed, coming over to sit beside me. Her eyes softened as she took in my disheveled appearance. "How are you feeling today? Adeleine, I'm so sorry we didn't tell you anything."

I took a deep breath, willing the memories of the previous night to remain at bay. "It's okay, Pansy," I reassured her, my voice steady. "Draco already explained."

She pulled me into a tight hug, her arms a comforting weight around me. "No more secrets, okay?" she asked, holding out her pinky with a hopeful smile.

I managed a small, genuine smile and linked my pinky with hers. "No more secrets," I agreed.

We dressed quickly, slipping into our Slytherin robes, and made our way to breakfast in the Great Hall. The moment we entered, I could feel the weight of dozens of eyes on me, whispers following us as we walked. My discomfort grew with every step.

"What's everyone staring at?" I muttered, glancing down at myself as if the answer might be written on my robes.

Before Pansy could respond, Harry appeared, grabbing my arm and pulling me outside. His expression was a mix of anger and distress, and I could feel the tension rolling off him in waves.

"Is it true what Blaise is saying?" Harry demanded, his voice low but urgent as he looked at me with wide, worried eyes.

My heart dropped into my stomach, dread pooling in my chest. "What exactly is Zabini saying?" I asked, bracing myself for the worst.

He hesitated, clearly uncomfortable, before finally speaking. "He's telling everyone that you two...that you slept together. And that you're together now, but he cheated on you, which is why you hit him."