Chasing Shadows || Draco Malfoy x OC

Year 4- Ch. 64

As they sat at the table, they began to eat enjoying the decorations of the Great Hall.

Céline was incredibly impressed with how much the Great Hall transformed for the ball. The walls were covered in shimmering silver frost, with hundreds of garlands of mistletoes and ivy crossing the starry black ceiling.

Instead of the four long tables that ran across the room, there were about a hundred round tables with lantern centerpieces that seated around twelve people.

She looked around the main table she sat at, Fleur talking to the Ravenclaw boy, who in all honesty didn't look like he was hearing a single thing she was saying.

Harry was speaking to a familiar curly redheaded, Percy, whom Céline just noticed was there in Mr. Crouch's seat. She looked at Parvati, thinking she might be upset that she's being ignored by Harry, but she seemed to be reveling in the attention she's getting from other people at the other tables.

Krum and Hermione were leaning semi close to one another in deep conversation.  It was the most expression Céline had seen on Krum, usually he's stoic, almost blank faced, but there he was speaking to Hermione with much enthusiasm, talking about his school, Durmstrang.

She continued looking around the table, when she locked eyes with her former Headmistress, Madame Maxime. The large woman nodded at her and smiled politely at her, in which she returned.

After eating, chatting, and a little a bit of bantering from Professor Dumbledore and Professor Karkaroff, and a bit of grumbling her displeasure from Fleur, Dumbledore stood up and asking all the students to do the same.

Once they all did, the professor flicked his wand, making all the tables zoom back towards the walls, leaving the center of the room clear. He then conjured up a stage with various instruments. Moments later, the Weird Sisters marched along the stage, grabbing their instruments.

The room applauded wildly, excited to watch them perform. That was the champions and their partners queue to head to the center of the room, so they may start the first dance.

Céline walked over arm in arm with Cedric, and as soon as they were in the center, they faced each other. Cedric placed one hand on her waist and took her other hand, as she placed her free hand on his shoulder. They exchanged beaming smiles to each other.

She glanced over to Harry who looked lost, she cleared her throat and he looked over. She gestured at her and Cedric's position and he nodded unsure and copying their stance.

The music began with a slow strum, and their feet began to move. Céline was relieved to know that Cedric was a very good dancer and their movements were in sync.

"You look beautiful, by the way." Cedric said in a low voice as he stared into her eyes. She smiled at him softly.

"Thank you, Cedric." She said genuinely. This felt nice, she thought. Being there in the moment with her boyfriend, felt comfortable and genuine.  She felt... happy.

The music continued and soon more people joined in with their partners. They twirled around for the remainder of the song. Once the last note was strummed, Céline saw Harry practically dragged a displeased Parvati to the same table where Ron and a dissatisfied Padma were sitting. She couldn't help but giggle at her friend who was so desperate to get out of the center of the room.

Céline and Cedric continued dancing for a few more songs. Before he went to get them something to drink and she went over to half her friends who were sitting at one of the tables.

"Hey Cél," Daphne grinned, "you having fun out there?"

"Very much." She smiled, "I still owe you a dance by the way."