the chase (draco malfoy)

chapter six

It's not long before the entire school is buzzing with the news of the kiss Cedric and I had shared at the lake. Cedric has always been popular at school. As I walk into the great hall for dinner, I can't help but notice the whispers and not-so-subtle glares coming from the girls.

I can feel the redness in my cheeks as I find Hannah sitting at the Gryffindor table. I sit down and avert my gaze from Harry, feeling especially guilty.

"Well, well, well..." Hermione asks, smiling. I look up to find them all smiling, including Harry. I shoot him an apologetic look.

"Oh stop it, Annie," Harry says, playfully pushing my shoulder, "Cedric is a friend of mine. Just because we're competing against each other doesn't mean we're sworn enemies." 

Relief washes over me. I tell my closest friends about how Cedric had asked me to the Yule ball, mentioning to Harry that he should try putting his egg in water. He's thankful for the tip.

When dinner is over we say goodnight and leave to go to our separate dorms. Hannah and Neville head to the library together to work on a herbology assignment. I didn't see Cedric at dinner, and I'm glad. He's nice and all, but I don't want to take things so quick. Our public kiss was mortifying. 

A strong hand grips my upper arm and yanks me into a broom closet.

"You've got yourself a boyfriend, do you Avery?" Draco smirks, his face mere inches from mine in the tight space. "You're the talk of the school," He continues.

"Let go of me," I insist. He releases his grip from my arm and moves even closer to me.

"After all the fame and glory, eh? Hoping to ride his coattails all the way to the top of the social pyramid?"

"No!" I shout and push my hands against his chest, but he doesn't budge. He gathers both of my wrists in one of his large hands and holds them tightly.

"What is it then? What's so special about Diggory?" He asked, every word laced with venom.

Cedric is kind, he's smart and funny. He's attractive... but honestly until today I never saw him as more than a friend. His invitation to the ball had taken me by surprise. I was certain he was asking as a friend, but his kiss warned me of other intentions. I don't want to hurt his feelings, and maybe I could see myself with him, but I think we're just too alike to be a couple.

Draco grips my wrists tighter when I don't respond.

"It just happened, I never intended to kiss him..." I trail off and his hold on me loosens. "I assume he just got caught up in the excitement of the moment."

Draco lets go of me completely and backs away.

"You mean he touched you without your permission?" He asks, his eyes twinkling with what looks like rage.

I roll my eyes and look down and my wrists where he had grabbed me, soft indents left from his rings. I hold my hands up to show him. 

"You're one to talk." I say sarcastically. 

He gently grabs my hand and turns it from side to side, examining the marks he had left on my skin.

"I'm sorry," he says softly, surprising me. He looks up at me, silver eyes filled with regret. This is a side of Draco I've never seen, even when we were children. 

Without another word, he turns and leaves. Leaves me, mind scrambling, butterflies dancing in my stomach, skin ignited from his touch, alone.

...

Five weeks go by with no sign of the youngest Malfoy.

This isn't unusual. I had spent my first three years without an ounce of acknowledgement from him. But I have to admit I was getting used to seeing him around. 

I've been spending a fair amount of time with Cedric, preparing for his next task. The more time I spend with him, the more charming he becomes. We typically spend our Saturdays together, watching the leaves fall outside as October slowly ran into November. 

The second task is set to take place tomorrow.

My classes for this dreary Friday seem to last for ages. The time passes painfully slowly, each tick of the clock echoing in my mind.

Luna sits next to me in potions class and studies my expression. She reaches over and softly grasps my hand, absentmindedly stroking her thumb over the back of it. I sigh. I've been spread thin lately, with Cedric, my friends, my studies, and Luna seems to be the only one who notices. I don't mind, however. The golden trio has enough on their plate.

When Professor Snape finally dismisses us, I'm beyond relieved. Cedric awaits outside the door of the classroom. Luna winks and walks away with an elegance that only she can manage.

"I'm so glad today is over." I sigh as Cedric's hand clumsily interlocks with mine.

"Rough day?" He asks.

"Not particularly, just a long one." I said. We enter the Hufflepuff common room and sit next to each other on the couch.

"Are you ready for tomorrow?" I ask, my voice trembling with concern.

"I'm more than prepared. We've been practicing the bubble head charm for weeks." He says, coolly. I smile as I recall the long nights we had spent in the library researching ways for Cedric to breathe underwater for a lengthy span of time. I nestle my head in his neck and he wraps his arms around me.

We spend our night together by the fire, enjoying each other's company and conversing with the occasional supporter come to wish Cedric luck tomorrow. 

When it's almost time for bed, Hannah enters the common room. 

"Annie," she says, "Professor McGonagall needs to see you."

I shoot her a puzzled look and she shrugs. I plant a quick kiss on Cedric's cheek and rise from the couch to leave.

My mind races as I climb the stairs to McGonagall's office. Surely I'm not being punished. I can't remember breaking any rules.

The door to the professor's office is cracked open, and I tentatively walk in, only to find Ron, Hermione, and Fleur's sister Gabrielle.

"What's going on?" I whisper to Hermione.

"I'm not sure. I believe something to do with the task tomorrow." She shrugs.

McGonagall looks up from her desk and welcomes us. All of the blood drains from my face as she explains the role that we are meant to play for tomorrow's task. I suddenly wish I had never met Cedric Diggory.