At the End

VI

After that day Draco and I have been great, it's almost like nothing happened. He's started walking me to class like he used to, randomly coming up to me in the hallways and whispering Hello gorgeous. Contained in all this joy made me forget that there was something between us. I couldn't be merrier about this.

Following a particularly lengthy charms class on Thursday, I spent an hour in the library before my regular pre-dinner time study session to review the topics covered during the day.

Just then a first-year Gryffindor walked up,

Miss Ivory was summoned by Professor Sinistra," he conveyed before departing. Responding with a shrug, I gathered my belongings and proceeded to the professor's dungeon. Upon knocking on the door, I was granted entry. As I entered, I observed the professor engaged in conversation with a Ravenclaw. I approached, and the professor began to speak.

"Caleb Lee, who has been experiencing challenges in the subject. Acknowledging your exceptional performance in Astronomy, I was asked if you would be willing to offer tutoring sessions for Mr. Lee. Upon your consent, you were provided with the required materials for the tutoring sessions and encouraged to establish a schedule based on mutual flexibility."

Agreeing to this we were dismissed from the dungeon.

Upon exiting the dungeon, I proposed a meeting to Lee, suggesting that we can discuss the following evening before dinner to outline a schedule.

Lee expressed his agreement with the proposal and requested that we refrain from using last names, indicating his preference.

Acknowledging this, I referred to him as "Caleb" as I departed for dinner, albeit five minutes late, aware of Pansy's impatience.

As I approached the Slytherin table, Draco was the first to notice me and made room for my arrival.

"Good evening," I greeted as I took my seat.

"You were late because?" Pansy inquired, arching an eyebrow.

"First of all, I was only 5 minutes late," I responded as I served myself. "Professor Sinistra requested my presence," I added.

"May I ask why?" Theodore inquired.

"Professor Sinistra asked for my assistance to tutor a student named Caleb Lee who is struggling in Astronomy," I replied as I began eating.

"Is that so?" Draco inquired, turning his head toward me, and raising an eyebrow.

Lorenzo playfully teased Draco, "Feeling jealous, Malfoy?" earning a chuckle from Blaise.

"Over my dead body," Draco responded, as he reluctantly chewed on his meal.

"Come now, it is about time that both of you start dating," Blaise stated matter-of-factly. "I am highly confident that the two of you will announce your engagement following graduation."

Both Draco and I fell silent, our gazes drifting down to our plates of food. "Did I say something wrong?" inquired Blaise, his eyes fixed on the two of us.

"No, it's nothing," I responded, reaching for my bag and rising from my seat.

"Where are you going?" Pansy asked.

"I'm heading to the common room. I didn't have the opportunity to finish my homework earlier, so I'll do it now," I explained. "See you later," I said, blowing a kiss in her direction before walking away.

As I strolled towards the common room, my mind was preoccupied. His statement holds the truth. The arrangement was arranged several weeks before the wedding. Initially, only immediate family were called for this ceremony, with a subsequent public announcement for a separate event.

I hate this.

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A/N: I apologize for the delay in posting this chapter. I was away for a longer period than I anticipated, and I regret the inconvenience. I hope you enjoy this chapter. Thank you for your continued interest and support.

                                                                                            -Nora<3