Chasing Shadows || Draco Malfoy x OC

Year 6 (Summer)- Ch. 157

Céline made her way to Harry and the others who were patiently waiting. Daphne had been quick to catch up to her.

"Sorry to keep you guys waiting." Céline said, giving Harry a sheepish smile. But before he could even respond, Hermione pulled her into an embrace.

"Oh, Céline." She cried out. "Please don't think for a moment that you no longer mean anything to us. You're our family. Like the sister I've always wanted, and that will never change."

Céline patted down her friend's bushy hair down and out of her face. She looked at Harry who gave her an apologetic smile.

"Sorry, I told them what you said." He shrugged.

"I meant what I said in the hospital wing, Cél." Said Ron. "You're still you and that's what matters." He nudged Ginny who was standing next to her. Ginny glared at her brother but then looked at Céline with a softened expression.

"Sorry Céline, I know whatever is going on between you and Malfoy, is you're business alone." She said. "I realized that my words hurt you too— and I hope I'm not the reason your not coming home with us, because—"

"It's okay, Gin." Céline said, giving her a small smile. "You're not the reason. I've got things I need to deal with first, but I'll be there at the end of summer."

"Come on, we'd better get going." Harry said. They all agreed and hauled their trunks through the brick wall that lead to the muggle side of the station, right in between Platform 9 and Platform 10.

Standing on the other side waiting for them were Mr. and Mrs. Weasley with Fred and George, Moody, Tonks and Professor Lupin.

"Ron! Ginny!" Mrs. Weasley cried out , rushing over to them and hugging them tightly. "Oh, and Harry dear, how are you?" She asked him, embracing him tightly as well. 

"Fine." He lied. Mrs. Weasley pulled away and eyed him before looking at Céline.

"Oh my dear Céline." She said hugging her as well. "And you? How are you?"

"I'm okay, Mrs. Weasley." She responded politely.

"What are those suppose to be?" Ron asked, his eyes narrowed at the twins jackets. Céline looked over to them and both of them were wearing tailored green scales suits. She glanced over to Daphne who was standing next to her, and saw how much she was blushing as she looked at Fred.

"Finest dragon skin, little bro." Said Fred, puffing his chest out proudly.

"Business is booming and we thought we'd treat ourselves."  Said George.

"I think they look great." Chimed in Daphne. She made eye contact with Fred for a moment and he gave her a smile.

"Of course you do." Ron said rolling his eyes.

"It nice to see you guys again." Said Daphne fully ignoring Ron's comment. "Thought I'd walk Céline out to everyone. You know make sure she's good." Her eyes never left Fred's. "You good Cél?"

"Yeah, I'm good Daph." Céline said suppressing her laughter, and then nudges her best friend. "I think your parents are waiting for you." She looked down the platform to Daphne's parent who were standing there with Daphne's sister. They looked uncomfortable being around so many non-magic people.

"Oh... yeah, right... my parents." Daphne said, finally ripping her eyes to look at Céline. "Don't forget write to me every week." She gave her a hug and then smiled again at the twins, mainly Fred. "I'll make sure to visit your new shop when we're in Diagon Alley."

"Look forward to it." Said Fred, giving her a smile and a wink, which successfully made Daphne's fair cheeks turn scarlet. She waved to them and hurriedly made her way to her family.