Adeleine Potter: The Shifting Shadows, Draco fanfic

Part 21

The following day, I was given the chance to rest after the tournament and my recent exertions, which meant I could skip classes for the day. I finally got up around lunchtime and made my way to the Great Hall.

 "How are you feeling?" Theo asked, his concern evident. All eyes turned to me, including Draco's. He glanced my way, his gaze lingering as if assessing whether I was truly okay before he seemed satisfied.

I gave a weary nod. "Yeah, I'm pretty tired, but otherwise, I'm fine."

Daphne chimed in with her usual snide tone. "Aww, does someone need a bit of sympathy?" She pouted dramatically, trying to look concerned. 

I mirrored her pout and tone with a smirk. "Aww, does someone need attention?" I teased, enjoying the way her face fell. "Doesn't your boyfriend give you enough attention?" 

Under the table, Lorenzo gave me a friendly fist bump, while Theo coughed to hide his laughter. 

Suddenly, Draco stood up abruptly, he strode off quickly, his expression a mix of frustration and determination.

 "What's he up to now?" Pansy asked, a hint of irritation in her voice. I shrugged, feigning indifference, but my curiosity was piqued. I followed the crowd to see what was happening. 

Draco had grabbed Harry by the collar, his face flushed with anger. "How could you put her in such danger?" he hissed. 

Hermione rushed over and grabbed my arm, pulling me towards the heated scene. "Do something! What's Malfoy up to?" she urged, her voice anxious. 

I pushed through the crowd, trying to get a clearer view. "Draco!" I called out, but I was too late to stop him. "What? You think Adeleine was there because of me?" Harry laughed derisively. "She was there because of Cedric. Didn't you know?" Harry's words only fueled Draco's fury. 

As Draco's anger reached its peak, he lashed out at Harry, and I hurried over to Harry's side. I grabbed his arms, my voice filled with concern. "Are you okay?" "Clearly not," Harry replied, wincing as he held his bruised eye. "How could you betray me like this? And with Malfoy, of all people?" He glared at me, searching for the culprit, but Draco was already gone, probably looking for his next target—Cedric. 

"I... there's nothing between us," I stammered, though even I didn't quite believe it. Harry's anger was palpable, and despite my reassurances, I knew I had to find Cedric quickly before Draco did. 

Fortunately, I spotted Cedric on the courtyard by a bench, surrounded by a few other students. "Cedric!" I called out, waving as he looked up with a smile. "How about our date? I heard you saved my life yesterday," I laughed, making him blush. "That's true," Cedric said, his cheeks turning a shade of pink. 

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Draco watching us from a distance. "How about Friday afternoon by the lake?" Cedric suggested, and I smiled, nodding in agreement. 

The final two school days of the week flew by. Unfortunately, I had to miss Quidditch practice as per the rules, due to my earlier adventure in the lake. 

Friday afternoon arrived, and I dressed carefully for my date. I chose a grey pleated skirt, a light sweater that exposed my shoulders, and high boots that showcased my pale knee socks. I left my hair straight and flowing, applied a touch of lip gloss, and Pansy observed me with a scrutinizing eye.

 "You're putting in a lot of effort," Pansy commented, her tone a mix of admiration and sarcasm. "Yes, Cedric seems like a genuinely nice guy," I replied, adjusting my outfit and smiling at my reflection. "He's neither a Malfoy nor a Riddle and doesn't have issues with me, my family, or my brother."