the chase (draco malfoy)

chapter nine

Today is the day of the Yule ball.

Hannah woke me up just as the sun started to peek over the trees. Excited doesn't express how Hannah feels about today. She's been anticipating this day since Neville had asked her to go with him.

Hannah pokes my face until I groan and get out of bed. She's got our whole day planned. We're starting with showers, then we'll be painting our nails, hair, makeup, that sort of thing.

We'll be meeting Hermione and Ginny in the Gryffindor common room later today so we can all get ready together.

After our showers, Hannah quickly realizes that she started our day too soon and we'll be spending quite a bit of time waiting around. Tomorrow we're meant to go back home for Christmas, so I use this time to finalize some of my packing. 

At first, I was excited for the Yule ball. But as the days went on and my relationship with Cedric progressed, the pit in my stomach grew more and more.

I'd decided that pursuing a relationship with Cedric was not what I wanted. The guilt from my encounter with Draco had been eating me alive. However, I'd already agreed to go to the ball with him, and cancelling so late would just be rude.

So I decided I'd distance myself as much as I could, go to the ball, and let him down gently before we leave for Christmas break. 

I feel rotten about it.

Hannah knows of my intentions to break it off with Cedric, but she doesn't know why. She tried pushing me for an explanation, but eventually gave up the futile effort.

After I've finished packing, Hannah and I head downstairs to the common room. Cedric sits on the couch with a few of his friends. He smiles when he sees me and gets up to greet me. He wraps me in a hug. He's so kind to me, and I wish more than anything that I could return his affection.

"Are you ready for tonight?" He asks, placing his hands on my shoulders.

"Of course," I say, "I'm sure it'll be a great time."

My tone is unconvincing, but Cedric doesn't seem to notice. We sit and chat by the fire for a while before Hannah ushers me back into our room. 

"That's painfully awkward to watch," Hannah shudders, referring to my encounters with Cedric. "You're going to break his heart." 

I sigh. As if I need reminding.

"I think he'll be alright," I tell Hannah. Cedric has loads of girls patiently waiting to be his girlfriend. I don't assume it will take him long to bounce back.

As morning fades into afternoon, Hannah kicks it into high gear. We gather our outfits and makeup for tonight and head to the Gryffindor common room. Hermione is waiting patiently outside to let us in.

"I'm starting to get a bit anxious," Hermione admits.

"I know the feeling." I say, nearly chewing a hole through my bottom lip.

...

A few hours later, we're nearly ready to meet our dates. The four of us have decided we'll meet our suitors outside of the Great Hall. My long, dark curls fall down my back, pinned at the front. I don't usually wear makeup, but Hannah insisted I must for this special occasion.

Looking in the mirror, I truly don't recognize myself. A lot has changed this year, including my appearance. I don't look in the mirror and see a child anymore.

My stomach flutters with anticipation.

"Let's get this over with," I whisper to myself.

We exit the common room and make our way down the grand staircase that leads to the Great Hall. Harry, Ron, and Neville wait patiently at the foot of the stairs, the shock easily read on their faces. Cedric walks from behind them, looking stunning in his black suit.

Cedric takes my hand as I reach the bottom of the stairs, bringing it to his lips and planting a soft kiss on my fingers.

"You look... breathtaking," He smiles as redness covers his cheeks.

"As do you," I return his complement. He hooks my arm around his and we enter the great hall.

It's beautifully decorated, the stars shining through the enchanted ceiling. Professor Mcgonagall stands in a corner, seemingly proud of her hard work.

Cedric leads me to the dance floor where the Triwizard champions are to have their first dance. I suck in a breath as I try to remind myself to be graceful. 

Practices had been dreadful, I'd fallen several times. And now, I'm meant to dance in front of everyone, in heels. This will be a disaster.

Cedric takes my hand and wraps his other arm around my waist. He moves with such an elegance that I find it easy to move with him. He smiles down at me and I giggle as I stumble, recovering quickly.

Dumbledore invites the rest of the students to join us on the dance floor and I peek over Cedric's shoulder to watch the flood of students enter the dance floor. My eyes are instantly drawn to a platinum haired boy and his beautiful date. I'm surprised when his eyes meet mine.

I don't break eye contact and neither does he. He pays no attention to his date as they glide across the dance floor with an elegance and grace that I could never achieve. His grey stare is intimidating, and I find myself locked in a trance. It's as if we are the only people in the room. 

"Are you okay?" Cedric whispers in my ear.

I pull away slightly so I can look at him. His smile is so warm, he is so genuine and kind. I wish I could give him what he deserves.

"I know," He says, pulling me closer. 

"What?" I ask, confused, resting my chin on his shoulder.

"I know about Malfoy." He says. My eyes widen and I'm thankful that he can't see my face.

"I put two and two together when he cornered me last week," He continues. "He threatened that if I were to hurt you or put you in danger again he'd hex me into next year."

"Cedric-" I start, but he interrupts me, pulling me into a hug.

"Don't apologize," He says quietly, gently swaying to the beat of the music. "You care for him, and he cares for you too, even if he has a funny way of showing it."

I'm shocked and confused at the information Cedric has just dumped on me. 

"You aren't angry?" I ask quietly.

"Of course not," He says, backing away slightly so that he can look at me. He's smiling. "I could never be angry at you for wanting what you want, even if it's a little confusing."

As much as I had been dreading this night and my inevitable breakup with Cedric, I never could have imagined he would be this kind and understanding.

"Thank you Cedric." I smile and meet his eyes.

He steps away from me and grabs my hand, lifting it over my head and twirling me, then wrapping me back into his arms.

"So for tonight," He whispers, "How about you show him what he's missing?"