Chasing Shadows || Draco Malfoy x OC

Year 4- Ch. 60

A few days passed, and Hermione had still not spoken to Céline. She tried to keep her mind off of it, but when she would see the trio and she would approach, Hermione would be quick to run off somewhere.

Céline was at the end of her transfigurations lessons, listening to Professor McGonagall who wanted everyone's attention for an important announcement.

"Now that I have everyone's attention," she said to the class, "The Yule Ball is approaching, a traditional part of the Triwizard Tournament and an opportunity for us to socialize with our foreign guests. Now, the Yule Ball will be open to our fourth years and above- although, if you would like to invite a younger student, you may."

Most of the students began to murmur with excitement. Especially Pansy who sat in the very back, she was giggling with her friends while making glances towards Draco, who ignored them.

"Dress robes will be worn," she continued, "and it will start at eight o'clock on Christmas Day and end at midnight in the Great Hall."

Céline finally understood why she had to pack a dress this year.

"The Yule Ball is of course, is a chance for us all to— er— let our hair down." Professor McGonagall said, causing Pansy and her friends to snort.

"But that does NOT mean that it will be an excuse to not act as a proper Hogwarts student. I suggest you behave well, I'm sure your head of house, Professor Snape, would not like you all to embarrass his house during the ball." She said.

The bell rang and everyone got up and shuffled out of class. Céline needed to go to the library to drop off a book she had borrowed to study. Daphne and Tracey offered to go with her, but she declined since it was between lessons, so it was rather unlikely for her run into any former schoolmates.

As she was walking to the entrance of the library, she heard her name being called out. When she turned around, she saw Cedric quickly approaching her.

"Hey Cedric," she smiled up at him as he stopped in front of her with his usual beaming smile.

"Hey Cél. Do you have lessons right now?" He asked as he tucked in a loose strand being her ear.

"Yeah, I have divinations soon, I just needed to return a book very quickly." She said.

"Oh okay, well- er— I wanted to ask you something." He said, his cheeks turning a bit pink. "So you know the Yule Ball is coming and, well, I know it's probably not necessary to ask, but I thought I should anyway..."

She looked at him in anticipation.

"Well, I wanted to ask if you wanted to be my partner for the Yule Ball? I know you're my girlfriend, but I thought you might still liked to be asked properly anyways." He said.

Her smiled widened, "yes, I'd love to. I also figured we'd go together," she giggled, "but I really do appreciate you asking me anyways. It's very considerate. Thank you, Cedric." She got on her tip toes and pecked his lips quickly.

He was beaming, "all right then. Great!" He checked his watch, "sorry I can't stay longer, I need to run off to my next lesson. I'll see you at dinner?" He asked. She nodded at him and waved him goodbye.

As soon as he was out of sight she turned around and stopped again, as she faced another, less than pleasant, face. Hannah DuPont, one of the Ravenclaw girls who had bullied her for a good portion of her last year.

"Wow... so you and Cedric really are a thing." She said with and unimpressed expression, looking behind Celine, in the direction where Cedric had left to. "And you two are going to the ball together.."

"Yes. Of course we are, we're in a relationship." Céline said flatly.

"Well, majority of us all thought it was all a gimmick really, You cozying up to a champion and all. I thought you and Malfoy were a thing, based on how he came to you last year." Hannah said as she checked her nails.

Céline sighed, "what do you want anyway?"

"I just wanted to know how much you dating Cedric has hurt others." She shrugged. Céline frowned at her.

"Who? You?" She asked.

"Not me." Hannah sneered, "Cho."

This surprised Céline. She hadn't expected Hannah to bring up Cho Chang. "What does Cho have to do with this"

"Cho was very heart broken that Cedric started dating you. You see, her and Cedric are very close and there was clear chemistry between them, but then you appear out of nowhere, wedging yourself in between them, stealing Cedric's attention. Of course, Cho is too sweet for her own good to say or do anything about it. But she cried that night the article came out about you two. Have you never noticed how close they are? They were always together, I mean even now he's still hanging out with her while you're not there." Hannah said, crossing her arms at her.

"They're just friends hanging out. Why would that matter?" Céline said indifferently. "Besides who are you to tell me all this? if this was truly a problem, Cho should come to me and say something. And she doesn't act uncomfortable around me either, we get along just fine."

"Like I said... Cho is just too sweet for her own good. I'm honestly surprised he even asked you out, you three years younger than him. You're practically a child." Hannah said in a slightly irritated tone.

Céline rolled her eyes, "Look if you're trying to get under my skin, it's not working. Who I am dating has nothing to do with anyone. So if you're done here, I suggest you leave. Unless you want to risk Draco seeing you near me."

Hannah flinched a little at the thought of Draco.

"Don't forget, Draco isn't one to break his promises." Céline smiled sweetly to her, before stepping into the library.

And feeling of happiness she felt from Cedric just moments ago are gone. Hannah's appearance put a huge damper on the wonderful mood she was having.

Céline was confident in her relationship with Cedric, she had no reason to question him, because he never gave her a reason. He's always been sweet and caring and attentive towards her when they were spending time together.

She sighed and decided to brush off everything that Hannah had said. Not know that the seed of doubt was already planted in the back of her mind.