A Moment of Intervention

The darkness that had seemed to close in around Erin and Draco was suddenly pierced by the sound of footsteps echoing down the corridor. Draco's eyes narrowed, his gaze still fixed intently on Erin's face, as he sensed the interruption. Erin's own eyes flickered towards the sound, a spark of hope igniting within her. As the footsteps drew closer, Draco's expression darkened, his jaw clenched in annoyance. Erin took advantage of the distraction to take a step back, her eyes never leaving Draco's face. "Ah, Potter," Draco drawled, his voice dripping with disdain, as Harry Potter turned the corner into the corridor. Harry's eyes scanned the scene before him, his gaze locking onto Erin and Draco's tense stance. "Erin," Harry said, his voice warm and friendly, as he strode towards her. "I was looking all over for you. I've got a meeting with Professor McGonagall about the Quidditch team, and I wanted to make sure you were coming." Erin felt a surge of relief as Harry's presence broke the spell that had held her captive. She smiled, her eyes sparkling with gratitude, as she turned towards Harry. "I was just... discussing something with Malfoy," she said, her voice light and casual. Harry's eyes flickered to Draco, his expression neutral, but his tone was laced with a hint of warning. "I'm sure it can wait, Erin. We don't want to be late for Professor McGonagall." Draco's eyes flashed with irritation, his face darkening with jealousy. "I think Erin and I were in the middle of a conversation, Potter," he said, his voice cold and menacing. Harry's gaze met Draco's, his eyes unwavering. "I'm sure it can wait, Malfoy," he said, his voice firm. "Erin, shall we?" Erin nodded, her smile growing wider, as she turned to leave with Harry. As they walked away, she could feel Draco's eyes boring into her back, his anger and frustration palpable. "Thanks for the rescue, Harry," she whispered, as they turned a corner out of Draco's sight. Harry grinned, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Anytime, Erin. Besides, I think I owe you one for helping me out with that tricky Transfiguration homework last week." Erin laughed, feeling a sense of camaraderie with Harry that she had never quite experienced before. As they walked, she realized that she was glad to be leaving Draco's intense gaze behind, and that Harry's presence had been a welcome intervention. As a Slytherin, Erin was well aware of the rivalries and tensions that existed between the different houses at Hogwarts. She had always been careful to keep her distance from the likes of Draco Malfoy, but she couldn't help feeling that Harry's interruption had been more than just a coincidence.