Adeleine Potter: The Shifting Shadows, Draco fanfic

Part 15

Seething with anger, I stormed down the corridor, my footsteps echoing off the stone walls. My heart pounded in my chest, a furious rhythm that matched the storm brewing in my mind. Without thinking, I found myself standing in front of Mattheo and Lorenzo's door. I hesitated, doubts clawing at the edges of my resolve. But before they could take hold, I knocked, the sound sharp and decisive in the stillness of the hallway.

The door swung open with a swift motion, and there stood Mattheo, his back turned as he conversed with Enzo. He hadn't noticed me yet, and I had a fleeting moment to take in the scene—the casual lean of his body, the way his voice carried an edge of lazy confidence. Then, as if sensing my presence, he turned and his dark eyes met mine. A flicker of surprise crossed his face, quickly replaced by a curious, almost amused expression.

From inside the room, I heard Pansy's laughter, a bright, careless sound that made me take a step back. "I didn't mean to interrupt," I mumbled, already regretting my decision to come here.

Before I could retreat, Mattheo's hand shot out, gently but firmly catching my arm. "She's here for Enzo," he said with a hint of a smirk playing on his lips. His eyes glittered with something I couldn't quite place as he added, "What brings you here, Potter?"

"I just..." I stammered, feeling foolish for the first time since I'd arrived. I held up the bottle of Firewhiskey I'd grabbed in my haste, forcing a smile. "I was wondering if you—if you'd like to pregame with me? You know, before the party?"

A deep, rich chuckle escaped Mattheo's lips as he looked me over, one brow arching in that infuriatingly self-assured way of his. He stepped aside, creating just enough space for me to slip past him into the room. "Come on in," he said, his voice low and inviting.

Pansy greeted me with a grin, her eyes lighting up as she took the bottle from my hand. "Adeleine! If I'd known you were coming, we could've gone together. I thought you might skip out after last time..."

"This time, I've got you all with me," I replied, forcing a small smile as I tried to shake off the lingering hurt from my encounter with Draco.

Enzo chuckled from where he lounged on the sofa, raising his glass in a mock salute. "Just make sure you're not the one disappearing into a bedroom this time."

Rolling my eyes, I sat down beside him, grateful for the ease that settled over me after a few drinks. As the alcohol worked its magic, the tension in my shoulders began to melt away, replaced by a warm, pleasant buzz. But as the night wore on and the time to head to the party drew near, my nerves began to tingle again.

We stood to leave, and I shrugged off the jacket I'd been wearing, suddenly feeling too warm. As I did, I caught Mattheo's gaze, his eyes darkening as they roved over me. My cheeks heated under his scrutiny, and I turned away, cursing myself for being so self-conscious.

"You look perfect," Mattheo murmured, stepping closer until I could feel the heat of his body next to mine. His voice was low, meant only for me, and it sent a shiver down my spine.

Flustered, I managed a smile before we all headed out into the corridor, our footsteps mingling with the echo of our laughter. The green and silver banners of Slytherin fluttered gently as we passed, the cool air of the dungeons doing little to quell the warmth spreading through me—whether from the whiskey or Mattheo's presence, I couldn't be sure.

"You're already swaying," Pansy teased, nudging me playfully as we walked.

"After five glasses of Firewhiskey, I'd like to see you walk straight," I shot back, grinning as Enzo laughed.

We descended the stairs into the common room, which was already alive with music, laughter, and the flicker of firelight. The atmosphere was infectious, and I found myself relaxing more with each step. But as Mattheo suggested grabbing another drink, I felt a pair of eyes on me—eyes I knew too well.