The Dark Slytherin (Trilogy)

Ch 29- Echoes and Decisions

The grand ballroom had dimmed, and the guests at the Delacour's exquisite gathering were slowly drifting toward the exit, the last echoes of the evening's music fading away like remnants of some gilded dream. Hadrian let out a quiet sigh, catching his reflection in a nearby mirror. His tie hung loosely, his hair tousled from a long night spent between polite conversation, dancing, and keeping himself from slipping into thoughts he'd rather avoid.

 As Hadrian Potter prepared to leave, his heart was still racing from the whirlwind of emotions he had experienced throughout the evening. 

The night had been an intricate dance.

Fleur Delacour, her striking blue eyes gleaming with something unreadable, approached Hadrian as he stood near the entrance, waiting for Sirius and Tonks. There was an unmistakable sway in her step, a confidence that came with the knowledge of her Veela heritage and the power it bestowed upon her. She reached out, her fingers grazing Hadrian's cheek, sending a shiver down his spine.

"'Adrian," she whispered, her French accent curling around his name like a lover's caress. "You were magnificent tonight."

Before Hadrian could respond, Fleur leaned in, her soft lips capturing his in a kiss that was anything but gentle. Her tongue pressed forward, dominating the kiss in a way that left Hadrian breathless, his mind spinning with the force of her presence. His hands instinctively moved to her waist, feeling the curve of her hips, but Fleur was in control, pulling him closer, deepening the kiss until he was sure his heart would burst from the intensity of it.

When she finally pulled away, Hadrian's face was flushed, his lips tingling with the memory of her touch. Fleur smirked, a knowing look in her eyes as she whispered in his ear, "Until we meet again, mon cher."

Just as he prepared to follow Sirius and the others towards the door, a quick flash of pale blonde hair appeared in his peripheral vision. Daphne. Her blue eyes were sharp, focused, almost pressing into him with an intensity that wasn't typical of her. She approached with a quick stride, her face a mask of resolve and something else that Hadrian couldn't quite identify — something simmering beneath her carefully controlled expression.

He barely had time to blink before she reached him, her hand slipping around his wrist in a subtle but firm grip. Without a word, she pulled him towards a shadowed corner of the hall, her fingers cool against his skin, her head held high in a way that brokered no argument. Behind them, Sirius grinned, raising an eyebrow in an exaggerated look of amusement as he called after them, "Try not to get lost, you two. Hadrian might need a map!"

Hadrian managed a faint, lopsided smile in response, but something in Daphne's expression had caught his attention. She was serious — more serious than he'd ever seen her. Her face was taut with purpose, her lips pressed together as she led him around a column, out of view of the others. He followed, instinctively quiet, a hint of tension unfurling in his chest as he caught the faint crease between her brows, the way her eyes darted with restless energy.

When she finally stopped, she took a breath, loosening her hold on his wrist but letting her fingers linger just a moment longer before dropping her hand. Her gaze shifted away, almost evasive, before she looked back at him, her expression tight and unreadable."Hadrian," she began, her voice softer than usual, almost hesitant. He raised his eyebrows, sensing the weight of whatever she was about to say.