Chasing Shadows || Draco Malfoy x OC

Year 4- Ch.40

Another week went by and Professor Moody notified them that he would be performing the Imperius Curse on each of them, to demonstrate the power and to see if they can resist its effects.

"But— but I thought it was illegal, Professor," Hermione said with uncertainty in her voice. Professor Moody was clearing the desks out of the way to make a large clearing in the middle of the classroom. "You said using against other humans was—"

"Dumbledore wants you taught how it feels like," he looks at Hermione, "but if you'd rather learn the hard way— when someone is putting it on you so they can control you completely— fine by me. Your excused. Off you go."

Her face turned pink from embarrassment, but she didn't budge. The professor then called each student in turn to the middle of the class to put the Imperius Curse in them. He was making students do extraordinary things. Harry was next, Professor Moody muttered the spell, then telling him to jump on the desk. But Harry looked like he resisted the urge to do so.

"Now that's what I'm talking about!" Moody praised. "Harry fought it and almost beat it. Well done. Everhart you're next. Come on." He gestured her over to the middle as Harry limped out of the way. He pointed the wand to her, "Imperio!"

All of a sudden, Céline felt light. Like all her worries and thoughts, that had been flooding her mind, went away. She felt like she was floating in the clouds  and filled with a relaxing sensation. She was vaguely aware of everyone staring at her.

Then, from somewhere in the back of her mind she heard Professor Moody's voice echo out: do a cartwheel... do a cartwheel...

Céline raised her hands obediently, preparing herself.

Do a cartwheel...

A cartwheel is a bit odd, though... another voice echoed through her mind. She felt her head twitch and tilt a little to the side.

Do a cartwheel... Moody's voice echoed again.

But I don't want to... the softer voice said, Why would I want to... no, I don't want to... the voice said firmly.

Do a cartwheel NOW Moody's voice shouted in her head. In one second, Céline went to start the cartwheel, but in another second, halfway through, she stopped herself and the echoing feeling left her mind and she was aware of everything. Making her lose her balance of the handstand she was in and falling to her back with a grunt.

She groaned in discomfort as she stood back up.

"Yes! That's more like it! Potter and Everhart resisted! They fought the urge to be controlled. They'll have trouble controlling you two." Professor Moody growled excitedly. "Now we'll do it again on the two of you. The rest of the class, watch their eyes! That's where you'll see it!"

By the end of class, everyone was exhausted. Everyone was starting to feel their workload catch up. They've noticed that all the professor's were giving them more homework.

Professor McGonagall explained that it was because we needed to start preparing for our O.W.Ls next year much to everyone's groans and protests.

Even Hagrid was adding to their workload. The Blast-Ended Skrewts were growing at a rapid rate, much to Hagrid's delight. He suggested that as part of the 'project', they would come down to the hut on alternate evenings to observe the Skrewts and take note of what they do.

"I will not," Draco said flatly to Hagrid. Céline nudged him, he looked at her with creased eyebrows, "I see enough of those foul things during lessons, thanks." Looking back at Hagrid, who's smile disappeared.

"You'll do what your told," he growled back, "or I'll be takin' a leaf outta Professor Moody's book.... I hear you make a good ferret."

All the Gryffindor students roared with laughter. Draco turned red with anger, but the memory of Professor Moody's punishment was still fresh enough to spot him from retorting.

Class ended with Draco in an unpleasant mood, while most of the Gryffindor students were still giggling.

They headed into the entrance hall, but were unable to go in any further from the large crowd of students gathered around a large sign that stood tall at the base of the marble staircase.

Céline went on her tiptoes to try to see, when she couldn't she tried to hop a couple times, but she wasn't able to see anything. Draco watched her and couldn't help but snort in amusement , as he was much taller than her at a five'nine.

He stood on his tiptoes to read the sign aloud to her and their friends:

TRIWIZARD TOURNAMENT

THE DELEGATIONS FROM BEAUXBATONS AND DURMSTRANG WILL BE ARRIVING AT 6 O'CLOCK ON FRIDAY THE 30TH OF OCTOBER. LESSONS WILL END HALF AN HOUR EARLY —

Céline's heart dropped. Draco glanced at her before continuing:

STUDENTS WILL RETURN THEIR BAGS AND BOOKS TO THEIR DORMITORIES AND ASSEMBLE IN FRONT OF THE CASTLE TO GREET OUR GUESTS BEFORE THE WELCOMING FEAST.

Daphne rubbed Céline's back in comfort. Céline looked over to her best friend who gave her a warm smile. "You'll be alright... you have us now. We're not going to let anyone try to bring you down."

Céline felt instant warmth from her words, releasing this wave of relief over the anxiety. She felt like she would be able to get through this year, thanks to the support of her friends. 

Author's Note::

This is a bit of a short one, but I hope you guys are enjoying the story!

Feel free to comment and follow!

I never know what to write in author's notes lol

Xoxo- Mari