Adeleine Potter: The Shifting Shadows, Draco fanfic

Part 27

I stepped out of the empty classroom, Draco's words echoing relentlessly in my mind.

My heart was heavy, aching with the weight of what we had said—and what we hadn't said.

His touch still lingered on my skin, his kiss still burning on my lips.

And yet, the reality of it all was clear: We couldn't be together, no matter how much I wanted it. No matter how much he did.

I walked quickly down the deserted corridors, wiping at my eyes before anyone could see the tears that threatened to spill. I had to pull myself together. There was a ball going on, and Mattheo—he was waiting for me.

I couldn't afford to let him see the turmoil inside me. He didn't deserve that.

The closer I got to the Great Hall, the more the lively hum of music and laughter enveloped me, pulling me back into the reality of where I was supposed to be. But no matter how many steps I took, I couldn't shake the weight on my chest. I could still feel Draco's breath against my ear, the tenderness in his voice .

I pushed open the grand doors, re-entering the glittering world of the Yule Ball. The warmth of the room hit me like a wave, the floating candles casting a soft, magical glow over everything.

Everyone looked so carefree, so lost in the enchantment of the night.

I felt like an outsider, standing there with my heart in pieces.

"Ad!" I spotted Pansy waving me over from across the room, her keen eyes already focused on me like a hawk.

She was standing near the long buffet table, her perfectly manicured nails tapping the glass of champagne she held.

There was a sharp look in her gaze—one that made me nervous. I forced a smile onto my face, even though my chest felt tight. Walking over to her, I prepared myself for the inevitable inquisition. I couldn't afford to slip up. Pansy was many things, but oblivious wasn't one of them.

"Where've you been?" she asked as I reached her, her voice sweet but edged with suspicion.

Her sharp eyes roamed over me, taking in every detail.

I could practically see the wheels turning in her mind as she tried to piece together why I had disappeared for so long.

"Oh, just needed some air," I replied, my tone light, hoping it would satisfy her.

But Pansy wasn't buying it. Her gaze narrowed slightly as she glanced around the room, searching for something—or someone.

"Draco's been gone too. I wonder where he might've run off to..."

My heart stopped. I could feel her eyes on me, watching for any reaction, but I refused to give her the satisfaction. Instead, I feigned nonchalance, shrugging.

"I have no idea where Draco is."

Pansy studied me for a moment longer, her eyes narrowing even further.

"Hmm," she murmured, clearly unconvinced but choosing, for now, to let it go. "Well, whatever. Just don't disappear on us again, alright?"

I nodded, grateful that she didn't push the issue. My heart, however, was still pounding in my chest. The last thing I needed was Pansy figuring out what had really happened.

Just then, Mattheo appeared by my side, his presence like a lifeline in the storm of my thoughts. His dark eyes softened when they met mine, his usual mischievous grin replaced with concern.

"You okay?" he asked, his voice gentle, but there was a trace of worry underneath. He studied me carefully, his brow furrowing slightly. "You've been gone for a while."