"What is it, do I have Horndrakers in my ears?" Adrian asked dryly, trying not to smile at the made-up creature.
She huffed, understanding his light jab but instead of that, she reached out with one finger to move aside a stray piece of his fringe.
"You have a scar," she mentioned quietly, "it's unusual. And it's cold."
Adrian rolled his eyes, "Merlin would be amazed at your observation. I am covered in scars."
"No," he argued sadly, "Those are warm and sting. This one is cold, empty. It makes me sad."
Adrian shrugged his shoulder and looked at her with a frown, "You say you're sad a lot around me."
"Maybe you make me sad."
"Why do you follow me around then?"
"You're the only one who would ever feed the Thestrals with me," she shrugged quietly, "You need a friend."
Adrian scoffed, "I already have a friend."
"No, you don't, not really." Luna sagely added, "but now you do."
Adrian pushed away from the stone wall, heading towards the extravagant front doors to the castle. Luna didn't make way to follow him, instead she started humming her single tune all over again, watching the sparkling water far below.
Adrian had made his way nearly through to the outer courtyards when he heard the commotion. Draco was standing there, panting and disheveled while for some reason pawing at his clothing. Draco gasped something strangled, flushing red in frustration or anger. He huffed, righting himself and visibly glaring at one tall adult in question- Professor Mad Eye Moody.
What had Adrian stumbled in on.
Draco spat something, inaudible over the distance. He turned as if to storm off, catching sight of Adrian.
Instantly his countenance changed, his hunched stance shifted to something stretched and arched as if prepared to leap. His hand was near his wand but now it grasped the wood tightly, as if facing Nagini on a hunt.
His skin had paled also, a slight tremor that must have been noticeable for even over the distance Adrian could see it.
Draco didn't comment, he didn't start his usual banter or curses thrown carefree around. Instead, he shoved past, not even acknowledging Adrian with his haste to get away.
Adrian didn't know how to feel, or how to acknowledge the twist in his gut.
The crowd turned to see what had made Draco storm off, and almost instantly dispelled with a few murmurs.
Skylar was there (when wasn't he?) and brightened on sight when he saw the Slytherin.
"Mate!" Skylar gasped, excitedly. He lurched towards Adrian, one hand landing on Adrian's shoulder and tugging him in an opposite direction eagerly, "Can I... Look, I need your help."
Adrian hunkered down and shouldered past, "No, I'm not in the-"
"Mr. Selwyn!" Professor Moody barked, shoving through the crowd with his lumbering walk and his sharp ended cane, "Come along!"
Moody was somehow in along with Skylar, shite that meant he had no hope of getting out of whatever mess Skylar made.
Adrian flinched and looked at Skylar who seemed apologetic. Skylar made haste to run after, Adrian following more resigned.
Moody led them through the hallways, clearing a wide berth with his ratty cloak and gnarled walking stick. Far too many times had students the misfortune of a single good whack from the wood, even this early in the year everyone knew to stay out of the path.
They eventually meandered their way to his office; Moody sighed in relief and dropped heavily on his chair with a grunt. Skylar walked in and took the opposite chair with the ease of having visited before.
That was peculiar, Skylar visiting Moody often. Obviously, it could be something to do with Dumbledore, Moody would be an excellent tutor for Skylar assuming they were somehow training him.
That only gave more questions, especially as to why Adrian was suddenly invited to these meetings.
"So!" Moody grunted, hoisting his prosthetic leg onto the nearest stool as if bearing weight pained him. Adrian wouldn't be surprised if it was all an act. "Potter here tells me you know a thing or two."
He...did. That didn't explain why he was here- was Moody wanting to know any information he had? His deals used to have a confidentiality exchange, there wasn't a way for Moody to ask about past transactions without possible harm to Adrian. Surely a teacher wouldn't endanger a student so carelessly.
Adrian shifted to stand solidly and coldly by the entryway to the office, not at all comfortable with the man. "I do." He stated coldly, trying to subtly ease his way to the exit passageway.
Moody grunted foully and waved his wand, locking the door in place. So much for subtly.
"Settle down there, Selwyn." Moody grunted with a scowl, "Stop glaring- makes your ugly mug look even worse."
Skylar winced and Adrian's face twitched.
"I've been making sure Potter here stays alive," Moody grimaced, pointing at Adrian straight off, "I've been told you have ways to get information."
....
Want to read ahead by more than 60 chapters. Then join my pa*treon now.
Link: pa*treon.com/Amelie796 (Remove the *)
Free members will get 2 chapters for free.