Chasing Shadows || Draco Malfoy x OC

Year 6- Ch. 174

The next day didn't go without a scolding from not only Daphne and Tracey, but also from Hermione after Céline told them what happened. Ron and Harry, though, were thoroughly impressed by her Seeker skills and congratulated her for winning the challenge. Though, they were also ready to give Wilmington a good wallop, after she told them about the bewitched broom and how he kicked her off.

Word quickly went around the school that Wilmington was kicked off the Slytherin Quidditch team in less than twelve hours of being on it. No one really knew why exactly, but plenty of rumors went around after seeing him with not only a bruised nose, but a black eye and a busted lip. Céline had an idea of what happened, but her dislike for him was so great that she didn't even question it or reprimand Draco for it.

Over the next few weeks, Céline had been noticing that Draco would sometimes disappear for a few hours, she didn't think much about it at first. She would only think he was busy with Quidditch practice, but he began to return to the common room a bit more stressed than usual. He would put it off as stress of being captain, but when she would ask Harry how he was doing as a captain he didn't really complain too much.

"Don't think of it too much, Cél." Harry said. "He probably had trouble taking control of his teammates." There was a little bit of satisfaction in his tone hearing that Draco wasn't adapting to his role as a captain too well. 

They were now in the second week of October and it was the first Hogsmeade visit. They weren't sure if they would even be allowed to leave the premises with all the Death Eater attacks, but to everyone's pleasant surprise they were given the permission for the afternoon.

Filch was standing at the top of the step making sure everyone had their permission slips signed. Céline was finally able to go this time after Mrs. Weasley offered to sign it as her guardian. It touched her heart knowing that they would gladly take her in without question and it made it better with how much she adored and cared for the Weasley family. 

Filch was also doing an extra precaution of checking everyone with Secrecy Sensors, the same ones he had used on everyone when they returned to Hogwarts. They were sensors that seeked out any Dark magic.

Céline wrapped herself in her cloak and scarf tighter in the very cold weather. The wind and sleet were strong and heavy the night before from what Céline could make out through the windows of the Great Hall. Now the grounds were covered in a white sheet of snow.

Draco wrapped an arm around her shoulder and pulled her in closer to keep her warm, which she greatly appreciated. It was quite a miserable walk with the wind stinging their faces. By the time they got to the Three Broomsticks their cheeks and noses were rosy and numb. Céline appreciated the warmth and coziness of the  Three Broomsticks.

"I'll get us drinks." Draco said. He walked away while Céline went to find a table for them. When she sat down upstairs, Draco was coming up with two butterbeers in his hands, he sat next to her and passed her the warmed mug.

They talked about different things and just enjoyed each others company while they warmed themselves up with their drinks, but Céline can tell that Draco looked distracted. Every now and then he would look around, she disregarded it and thought he was just people watching. Which in it of itself was already unusual for him to do.

"You looking for someone?" Céline asked as she looked around to see who he was looking for.

"Sorry, love, I told Crabbe and Goyle I'd meet them to buy some things for Quidditch at Spintwitches, they were suppose to meet me here, but it seems like those two idiots might be waiting at the shop. The weather is getting worse too, why don't you go back to the castle."