Entranced (Draco Malfoy)

•three•

"Mr. Malfoy, what are you doing?"

Professor Umbridge's high-pitched voice sliced through the corridor, halting Draco just before he could carry Dove through the Hospital Wing doors.

"I thought she was part of Dumbledore's Army," he lied smoothly, though his jaw clenched. "And I accidentally tripped her. She broke her nose, Professor. I'm taking her to Madam Pomfrey to get it mended."

"Is that Dove Taylor?" Umbridge asked, heels clicking as she came closer.

"Yes, ma'am," Dove replied in a nasally voice, her hand still cupped under her bloody nose. "I'm sorry you have to see me in such a state."

"Oh, no need to apologize, dear. Are you alright?" Umbridge's tone softened slightly. She had always favored Dove, since the girl did her work without complaint and never challenged authority.

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

Dove had always been good at lying. She knew how to say exactly what people wanted to hear, especially when it mattered most. Tonight was one of those moments. Her voice carried just enough confusion to sound believable.

Umbridge didn't hesitate to believe her.

"Harry Potter formed a secret organization," she said, her voice thick with distaste. "I sent my Inquisitorial Squad to catch them in the act, but unfortunately none of them were able to. I don't blame you, Mr. Malfoy. You were simply trying to help your girlfriend."

Dove blinked.

"Miss Taylor, I'd like you to stay after our next class together. I have a question I'd like to ask you. Now go on, get to the Hospital Wing, both of you."

Her heels faded into the distance. The moment she was gone, Draco tightened his grip and lifted Dove back into his arms without hesitation.

"Why did you tell Harry and Umbridge that we're together?" Dove asked, tilting her head forward in an attempt to stop the bleeding.

"Potter fancies you," Draco said after a beat. "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 have said anything in the first place—"

"Draco," she said softly, cutting off his spiral. "It's okay. Really. I fancy you too."

He stared at her for a moment before a smile touched his face, subtle but sincere. It lit something in his usually guarded features. By the time they reached the Hospital Wing, the corner of his mouth was still curved upward.

"I'm so sorry for tripping you," he said suddenly, as though only just realizing what had happened. "Hell, I'm the reason your nose is broken."

"It's okay," Dove said as he carefully laid her down in one of the beds. She gasped when she looked up at him. "You're covered in blood. I'm sorry!"

"Don't apologize," Draco said, brushing her concern away with a shake of his head.

Madam Pomfrey emerged from her office in a rush, eyes widening at the sight of the bloodied pair. A Hufflepuff with a broken nose and a Slytherin with blood on his robes, smiling at her like it was nothing.

It took her a second to fully recognize them, though she already knew. The rumors had made it to the staff by now. Dove Taylor and Draco Malfoy, spotted together under the stars the night before. Hannah Abbott had said Dove kissed him.

Rumors had a way of growing overnight. A Malfoy dating a Hufflepuff? It was the kind of thing that spread fast.

"What happened?" Madam Pomfrey asked sharply, her voice shifting into brisk professionalism as she examined Dove.