Entranced (Draco Malfoy)

•three•

"Mr. Malfoy, what are you doing?" Professor Umbridge's whiny voice stops him from escorting Dove to the Hospital Wing.

"I thought she was part of Dumbledore's Army," he lies. "And I accidentally tripped her. She broke her nose, Professor. I'm taking her to the Hospital Wing so Madam Pomfrey can mend it."

"Is that Dove Taylor?" She questions, coming closer.

"Yes, ma'am," comes Dove's nasally voice. "I'm sorry you have to see me in such a state."

"Oh, no need to apologize, dear! Are you alright?" The professor questions, having always liked Dove considering she does her work without complaining and doesn't speak out against her.

"I will be here soon," Dove says grimly. "What happened tonight? Why were so many people running around?"

The young Hufflepuff has always been exceptionally skilled at lying, especially in times that need a good excuse. Luckily for her, Professor Umbridge buys her lie.

"Harry Potter formed an organization," Professor Umbridge says gravely. "I tried having my Inquisitorial Squad catch them as proof of them meeting, but none were able too. I don't blame you, Mr. Malfoy, you were just trying to help your girlfriend. Miss Taylor, I'd like you to stay after the next class we have together. I have a question I'd like to ask you. Now, go to the Hospital Wing you two."

Her heels click away, getting more faint with every second. Draco immediately scoops Dove into his arms, carrying her the rest of the way.

"Why did you tell Harry and Umbridge that we're together?" She questions, her head tipped forward to attempt to stop the bleeding.

"Potter fancies you," Draco admits. "And I do too. I'm sorry. If you don't like me, then obviously I'll stop telling people, I mean I shouldn't be telling people in the first place—"

"Draco," Dove says gently. "It's okay, really. I fancy you too."

She's still a bit confused as to why he wouldn't just ask her to be his girlfriend or ask her on a date for Merlin's sake! However, she won't press it. She doesn't really mind. At least he was honest with her. A smile graces his handsome features as they finally reach the Hospital Wing.

"Dove, I am so sorry for tripping you. Hell, I'm the reason your nose is broken!" He suddenly frets when they get inside, as if just remembering the situation.

"It's okay," Dove says as Draco lays her in a cot. She gasps as she sees him, "You're so bloody! I'm sorry!"

He shakes his head, "Don't apologize."

Madam Pomfrey comes bustling out of her office, shocked at the sight before her: a Hufflepuff covered in blood, stemming from her swollen and bruising nose, and a Slytherin also coated in blood, but a smile upon his face as he stares at the girl with oddly gentle eyes.

She has to take a long moment to decipher who the two are, even though she already knows: Dove Taylor and Draco Malfoy. Rumors had been flying around all day of the two, even to the staff. They'd been spotted together last night by Hannah Abbott, Taylor having kissed Malfoy's cheek.

Ever since then, the rumors had taken over the school. It's not every day that a Slytherin, especially the snide and mean Draco Malfoy, starts dating someone, especially a Hufflepuff and someone as sweet and lovely as Dove Taylor!

"What ever happened?" Madam Pomfrey asks, back to being strictly business.

As she mends Dove's nose, she listens to the story, hearing Draco's genuine feelings for the girl in his voice. The girl holds his hand tight, wincing at every prod from the healer, no matter how gentle.