Chasing Shadows || Draco Malfoy x OC

Year 4- Ch. 77

A couple of months had passed since the second task, they were now at the end of April and there was new gossip going around the school. Céline was walking to the Great Hall with Daphne and Tracey when they overheard a few girls passing by. Céline glanced at the girls who quickly hushed as they saw her.

There was word going around that Cedric and Cho began dating. So many of the girls would look at Céline with pity,

Cedric and Cho are dating, Céline must be heartbroken.

Wow, Cedric moved on so fast from his last relationship.

"Just ignore them," Daphne said to Céline, looking over at her with concern. She worried that Cedric's new relationship had affected her friend. "Older guys are different. They move on so fast."

"Daph," said Céline, "really, I'm fine." When she first heard that the two had started dating, she was expecting to feel hurt or sad, but none of that came. That made her really think about how she really felt about Cedric, if she had ever loved him. She definitely liked him and cared for him, but she didn't think it was love.

"We can get you a better guy." Daphne said as they sat down at the table.

"I appreciate you looking after my love life, but I think I'm good." Céline laughed. "I don't think I want to go out with anyone anytime soon."

Draco who was sitting next to her, choked on his pumpkin juice. Céline looked over and quickly started to pat his back.

"Are you alright, Draco?" She asked as she passed him a napkin.

"That's what you say now." Said Daphne with a knowing smirk. Céline was too busy checking on Draco to hear her, but Draco's ears had a tinge of pink.

"I'm fine, I'm fine." He said between coughs, taking the napkin from her hand to wipe his mouth.

"Miss Everhart?" Someone called out from behind her. She turned to see Professor McGonagall standing there.

"Oh, hello Professor. Did you need something?"

"Professor Dumbledore asked for you to come to his office, he wished to discuss something with you." She said, giving her a small smile. Céline looked at her surprised, she didn't know why he would call for her.

"Yes, of course." She stood up from her seat and looked at her friends. "I'll see you guys in class." And then followed Professor McGonagall to the entrance of Dumbledore's office. Once she climbed to the top she knocked, before entering.

"You wished to see me professor?"she said politely.

"Ah, yes Miss Everhart. Please sit down." Professor Dumbledore said to her, he was sitting behind his desk with a letter in his hand and his expression hard to read.

She walked over and sat down at the seat in front of his desk.

"How have you been faring this year so far, Miss Everhart? I see you've been doing well in your classes, and it seems your social life has been busy as well." He asked.

"Honestly, I think I've been doing okay." She said honestly.

"Have you been bothered by anyone in particular?"

Céline thought for a moment, "there has been a couple of instances... but I've been really lucky to have the support of my friends. I even had a bit of courage to stand up for myself." Céline said as she fiddled with her hands.

"I know you are strong enough, and of course it's great to have your friends with you. My help, of course, is always there for you, if you ever need it." He said kindly.