adiaphoron | d.m

TWELVE

➸ BREAK TIME

WITH A WEARY SIGH, Cecilia left the makeshift hospital near the dragon enclosure, Madam Pomfrey's gentle dismissal a welcome break from the ordeal she had just endured. The nurse's examination had revealed only minor scrapes and scratches, mercifully sparing her from further attention.

As she made her way back to the castle, each step seemed to draw energy from her already depleted body. But the sight of the common room's stone entrance came into view, and Cecilia's pace quickened with anticipation. All she craved was a warm shower to wash away the lingering fatigue and a soft bed to succumb to her exhausted body, the first task having sapped what little energy she had left.

She whispered the password and slipped into the common room, where the warm glow of green and silver decorations enveloped her. Slytherins mingled about, their dark robes a stark contrast to the festive atmosphere. Balloons and candles drifted lazily through the air, while streamers curled around the room like snakes. The soft pops and crackles of tiny fireworks illuminated by wands added to the magical ambiance, transforming the space into a festive room.

"Adwell!" Blaise exclaimed, her voice carrying across the room like a spark that ignited a blaze of excitement. The Slytherins surrounding her erupted into a frenzy of cheers and applause, their faces aglow with elation as they surged forward to congratulate her. Cecilia stood transfixed, her eyes drinking in the whirlwind of activity as the room seemed to spin around her.

Daphne materialized at her side, a sly glint in her eye as she grasped Cecilia's hand and pressed a glass into it. "Come on, you've got to celebrate," she said, her voice husky with amusement. "You got first place after all." The glass was filled to the brim with a golden liquid that shimmered like treasure in the candlelight.

​​The attention had been overwhelming, but it was worth it to have secured first place alongside Harry and Krum. She glanced around at her fellow Slytherins, who were still congratulating her on her win.

As the congratulations continued to pour in, Cecilia's eyes met Daphne's, and she shot her a look that was equal parts gratitude and skepticism. The glass, it seemed, contained Firewhisky, a potent and fiery liquor that burned the back of her throat as she downed its contents. The others cheered on, their voices fading into the background as Cecilia's attention was drawn to the faces around her.

"That was terrifying watching you down that treacherous obstacle course," Tracey spoke, her eyes widened. "I could barely keep my eyes open, I was so nervous for you. What if you'd gotten hurt? What if-"

Blaise's expression was unimpressed. He leaned against the nearby table, his eyes fixed on Tracy with a hint of amusement. "If you had your eyes opened, you would've seen that there was nothing to worry about," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "She knew what she was doing, Tracy. She's not some fragile little flower who's going to break at the first sign of danger."

Tracy's face flushed with annoyance. "Well, excuse me for caring about our friend," she said, throwing up her hands in exasperation. Her voice was laced with emotion, and Blaise's gaze softened ever so slightly as he took in her upset.

"I do care about her," he said, his voice low and even, as he pushed off from the table. "I just knew she was going to be fine," he shrugged, muttering under his breath

"You did amazing out there," Daphne said, beaming with excitement. "I mean, especially at the end, when the dragon almost burnt you to a crisp - I thought it was going to be the end, but you held your own."

Daphne bounced over to Cecilia, her eyes shining with enthusiasm. "Wow, you were absolutely incredible out there!" she exclaimed. "I mean, I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, but especially when the dragon almost burnt you to a crisp- I thought for sure that was it for you! But you saved yourself."