Chasing Shadows || Draco Malfoy x OC

Year 5- Ch. 124

Céline didn't finish her astronomy homework that evening. Instead she spent it hanging out with Draco. They went back to the Slytherin common room together.

"Don't you have prefect duties tonight?" Céline asked him.

"I do, but my shift doesn't start until after curfew." He said, checking his watch. It was half past eight. "I still have thirty minutes before I have to go."

They sat down at their favorite spot; one of the black leather couches. They sat next to each other, relaxing with the warmth of the fire. There was a moment of silence; Draco was playing with Céline's fingers like he often does to relax himself, while Céline was leaning back with her head resting on his shoulder as she stared into the fireplace.

Draco found it fascinating how, for someone like himself who hates being touched by others, he couldn't stop himself from wanting to constantly hold Céline's hand, play with her long hair, and kiss her. He didn't recognize this side of himself. But he felt okay with it.

"Draco?" Céline said, breaking the silence. He hummed in response. "Will you be heading home for the holidays?" She asked, but she knew the answer already. A little sliver of her wanted him to stay at the castle with her, that is, if she stayed.

"Yes, my father will be picking me up from the station like he always does..." he said, confirming what she already knew. But this time there was something different in his voice. Usually he would be excited to go home to be with his parents, but this time there was a bit of strain in his voice. He wasn't enthusiastic about it.

Céline tilted her head up to see his face and she saw the fret in his eyebrows. There was something on his mind, and she had a hunch of what it could be.

"What about you?" He asked, looking down at her face, "what will you do?"

Céline sat up straight and sighed, "I'm trying to stay here if I can. But I haven't been able to ask Professor Dumbledore."

Draco thought for a moment before speaking, "maybe you can come back home with me." He suggested. Céline stiffened for a moment. Part of her was wanted him to invite her to come, but she knew better. She knew who his parents were and she had a suspicion about who they're supportive of.

"As much as I appreciate the offer, I think that wouldn't be a good idea." She said.

"Why not?" He asked, his eyebrows had furrowed slightly at her rejection. 

"I'm worried that my father would find me there and take me." She said anxiously, then shook her head, "no I don't think I should. Sorry, Draco."She wasn't lying, that was also something she was worried about, but her main worry was running into death eaters.

Draco wasn't happy with that. He didn't want to leave her here, where she'd be all alone on the holidays. And as much as he wanted her with him, he also knew better than to put her in harms way. He wants to keep her safe and he had a feeling that her father would be visiting the Malfoy manor more often now.

"I'm going to try and talk to him before the end of the week, Professor Dumbledore that is." Céline said, determination in her voice. She wouldn't go back to the Everhart manor if she could avoid it, because she knew what was waiting for her if she did walk through those doors.

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Friday night arrived and it was the last D.A meeting before the holiday break. Céline got to the room of requirement early and saw Harry had arrived early as well. He was currently taking down banners that had his face on them with words that said HAVE A VERY HARRY CHRISTMAS.

Céline burst into laughter after closing the door, which startled Harry.

"Well isn't this cute." She said wiping a tear from her eye.