My Father's Only Rule {DRACO MALFOY X SNAPE'S DAUGHTER}

Chapter Twelve: Just Us

November 1994 - Hogwarts

Cedric was a triumph. I spent the entire time completely on edge, and then when he snatched the golden egg, every muscle in my body relaxed. The audience burst into applause. I couldn't contain myself. The second he walked out of the arena, I trampled over people trying to get to him. I ran all the way across the stadium to get to him, and when he noticed me, he started running toward me. And when we finally collided, he picked me up into the biggest hug. This, as usual, prompted lots of cheering and whistles. We were both breathing heavily, and I was crying a little.

"Promise me you will never fight a dragon ever again!" I demanded. He chuckled. "It's not funny, Cedric. That was the scariest thing I've ever had to watch. Say you'll never do it again."

"Alright, alright," he said. "I will never fight a dragon again." We both laughed before I ran into his arms again.

That night, in the Hufflepuff common room, I arranged for everybody to be there to congratulate him when he got in. When Cedric walked in the door with his friends, all of Hufflepuff (and me) were there to surprise him.

"Surprise!" we all shouted as he walked in the door with his golden egg. He laughed.

"Oh wow," he said. He was a little embarrassed. "Thanks, guys. This is really nice."

"Open the egg!" someone shouted.

"Yeah, open it!" Cedric looked around and everyone shouted in agreement. Then he shrugged and opened it. It let out a horrible scream as everyone covered their ears. Then he closed it.

"Well, goodnight everyone," he said. Everyone started to retreat back to their dorm. When he saw me he hugged me.

"So what are your plans for the rest of the night, champion?" I asked.

"I'm really tired," he said. "Thanks for this, but I'm gonna take a bath." He kissed me on the forehead and started to walk away. But then he turned around and pulled me in to whisper something.

"Oh," he said. "And feel free to join me. Prefect's bathroom. The password is 'Pine Fresh.' If you want."

What?

"What?" I asked, smiling.

"If you want to," he insisted. "No pressure." He smiled at me as he walked away. I turned to leave and a smile grew on my face as I hurried off to my dorm.

Everyone was asleep. As quietly as I could, I changed and put on my long silky black bathrobe. My heart was pounding and I couldn't contain my smile.

"Grace?" I heard a voice say. I turned swiftly to see Jane sitting up in her bed. "What are you doing? Why are you wearing a bathrobe?"

"Shhh," I said. I looked around to make sure everyone else was asleep. I sat on her bed. "Cedric invited me to 'take a bath' with him." Her eyes widened.

"Shut up," she said.

"I know," I said back.

"Wait are you going to, like, you know-"

"Why else would someone invite someone to take a bath with them?" I said.

"Aghh, I know, I know," she said. "Well, why are you still here? Go!"

"Okay, bye," I said, walking away.

"I wanna hear all about it tomorrow," she said as I walked away. I looked at her weirdly.

"You're so weird," I said. She laughed as I shut the door behind me. 

Each step towards the Prefect's bathroom felt like a moment suspended in time. I was swept up in the excitement of the moment, not pausing to consider if I was truly ready.

The door to the Prefect's bathroom opened with a soft creak, revealing a sanctuary bathed in candlelight. The warm glow of the candles danced across the marble surfaces, casting gentle shadows that mingled with the rising steam. The aroma of lavender and fresh soap enveloped me, heightening my senses.

Cedric was already in the tub, his back partially submerged, the golden egg resting beside him. The sight of him, relaxed and at ease, was both comforting and overwhelming. My initial excitement was abruptly tempered by a jolt of fear. My legs felt weak, and a knot tightened in my stomach.

I hesitated at the edge of the tub, the steam and scents making my nerves even more palpable. The reality of the situation was sinking in, and I suddenly questioned if I was truly prepared for this moment. The bath, with its inviting warmth and the intimate setting, now seemed daunting.

Cedric turned his head, noticing me with a soft, reassuring smile.

"Grace," he said, his voice gentle and calming. "Are you alright?"

I swallowed hard, my throat dry as I struggled to find my voice. "I- Cedric I-" My words faltered, my anxiety flaring up as I faced the overwhelming reality of the situation.

Cedric's gaze remained steady, filled with understanding. He reached out a hand, his fingers brushing against mine. "Hey, it's okay," he said softly. "You don't have to-"

"No I want to," I said with a shaky breath. "I just-"

"Grace," he said, quieting me. I sat down, dipping my feet in the in-ground tub, which felt like more of a jacuzzi. Then I slowly submerged myself in it completely. I took a deep breath and breathed in the scents. My eyes were closed, and Cedric took the moment to kiss me, making my stomach flutter, and I couldn't help but laugh a little.

"Are you ok?" Whispered.

"Mmm hmm," I assured him.

"You're so beautiful, Grace," he said as he kissed me again, tucking my hair behind my ear. "So...so beautiful."