Chasing Shadows || Draco Malfoy x OC

Year 6- Ch. 171

Céline made her way to her common room after dinner. When she entered through the main doors she noticed Draco standing by the fireplace, staring off into deep thought. She thought about he was doing the same the night they had come back to school. As if something were weighing in his mind.

She walked over and hugged him from behind, bringing him out of his thoughts.

"What's on your mind?" She asked him gently.

He looked over his shoulder to her and gave her a smirk, his serious expression instantly fading away. "Wondering who you thought of when you smelled the potion in class today?" He teased.

"That's a silly question, when you already know the answer to it." She said. She stepped back, letting go of him.

"I never expected you to say out in front of the classroom, especially in front of Potter." He said and chuckled to himself thinking about the face Harry made when Céline had described.

Céline looked at him confused, "why wouldn't I? It's not like it's anything to hide. Harry knows how much I care about you." She shrugged. "Anyway, you seemed pretty upset that Harry won the Felix Felicis potion during class today."

Draco's smirk fell and his expression turned a bit sour at the thought of it. "He must have cheated somehow, he's always been rubbish in Potions."

"I think he's never been good at Potions because he always had Professor Snape breathing down his neck, expecting his failure." Céline said "Professor Slughorn seems... somewhat fair."

Draco scoffed at her. "Please, that old man is going senile." He said, rolling his eyes.

"You're just angry that he's put all the attention on Harry and not on you. You're use to getting some sort of favoritism from Professor Snape and you're also upset that Professor Slughorn didn't invite you to his little lunch on the train."

He looked at her with displeasure, "is that what you think? That I'm jealous?"

"Not jealous, upset. You've always been extraordinary in potions and Snape has never given you a hard time either. Come on, Draco darling. What's the big deal, so Slughorn didn't give you special treatment. So you didn't win the prize, who needs it?" Céline said placing her hand on his arm.

"I do." He said, snatching his arm away. She looked at him stunned by his behavior. Realizing what he said he cleared his throat and pulled her in for another hug. "What I mean is, who wouldn't want a lucky day?"

She looked up at him with concern, "are you sure you're alright?—I mean aside from potions and Slughorn and Harry— is there something else bothering you?"

He stared at her for a moment and then raised his hand to brush her cheek ever so gently. "Yeah..." he said, "I'm fine." She stared into his eyes and was unconvinced, his icy blue-grey eyes swirled with emotions as if he were conflicted with something.

She leaned up and kissed his cheek, "whatever it is... I hope that you can rely on me and tell me one of these days."

"There's nothing, I said—"

"Draco. Just like you're able to read me pretty well, I know when there's something weighing on you. You may be able to hide that from others. But not me." She said. "I won't force you into telling me. I would like for you to come to me on your own."

His lips were pressed into a thin line, and his brows were creased. She's said it already the other night, but for her to say it again, he knew she was worried about him. He nodded and sighed, then kissed her forehead without a word.

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For the rest of the week, Céline saw that Harry continued to use the Half Blood Prince's instructions. It honestly didn't bother her, he even offered her to use it, but she politely declined. The handwriting was a headache to make out and she sat next to Draco, so she was sure he would immediately find out how Harry has been making perfect potions.