adiaphoron | d.m

FOURTEEN

➸ CONFIDING IN SOMEONE

AS THEY WALKED AWAY FROM TRANSFIGURATION CLASS, leaving Tracey behind to chat with McGonagall about one of her assignments, Daphne turned to Cecilia with a curious expression. "Have you got anyone in mind?" she asked.

At the question, Cecilia's face contorted into a puzzled look, and Daphne quickly added, "For the Yule Ball."

Cecilia's response was immediate, her mouth forming an "o" shape and her lips pursing together as she replied, "No, haven't even considered anyone if I'm being honest."

As Cecilia's words hung in the air, Daphne's eyes grew wide with alarm. She grasped Cecilia's arms, halting her in her tracks, her voice trembling with urgency. "Cecilia, think about it - you'll be dancing in front of the three schools with your partner. You need someone who's exceptional."

Cecilia's face set in a determined line, and she shook off Daphne's gentle hold. "I don't care," she said, her voice firm but slightly tight. "Mother saw to it that I was well-schooled in dance as a child. I know my steps, and if I have to take the lead, I'll do just that. You shouldn't worry about it either."

Daphne's features remained a picture of skepticism, but her words were laced with a soft confusion. "It's strange, boys should be tripping over themselves to ask you out," she said.

Cecilia's eyes furrowed, as if seeking clarification on the strange comment. The silence between them hung suspended, like a fragile mist, until Daphne's words wafted in, carrying a warm breeze of sincerity. "Have you caught a glimpse of yourself lately? You're breathtakingly beautiful, Cecilia. And that first task performance... it was nothing short of mesmerizing – I'm sure it won you plenty of admirers."

Cecilia's attention wavered, her gaze drifting away from Daphne's words to fix on a familiar figure in the distance - Weasley, his scowl etched on his face as he rounded the corner, heading to the Great Hall. Daphne's brow furrowed as she took in the scene, a sudden realization dawning on her.

"Ah," she said softly, her voice breaking the silence. "I think I understand why no one's asked you out yet, Cecilia." Cecilia's glare didn't waver, nor did Weasley's, but Daphne continued, her tone gentle but firm. "You're intimidating. It's not just your beauty or your talent – it's your presence. You exude this... confidence that makes people nervous."

"That's probably true," Cecilia said, her voice tinged with a hint of resignation. She didn't expect anyone to ask her out, not with her reputation for being intimidating. "So, you're probably going to have to do the asking," Daphne said, her tone laced with a mixture of empathy and encouragement. Cecilia shrugged, her expression unreadable.

Cecilia laughed softly, her eyes glinting with amusement, and shot Daphne a glance. "This is Theo we're talking about - you need to be the one to ask him," she said.

Daphne's eyes widened in alarm, and she nodded slowly. "Oh, you're right," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'll ask him soon... once I muster up the courage to do so."

Cecilia nodded, her gaze never leaving Daphne's face. They had just entered the Great Hall and were making their way to their usual table, the long wooden benches and ornate decorations a blur as they walked. As they approached, Cecilia spotted Malfoy, Theo, Pansy, Blaise, Crabbe, and Goyle already seated at their table, having managed to snag a spot just ahead of them.

"Do you have an idea on what you're going to wear?" Daphne asked Cecilia, settling in beside her at the table. Cecilia's mind went blank as she tried to rummage through her mental catalog of gowns. But her thoughts came up empty, and she knew why - all her gowns were back at home, stored away in her family's vast wardrobe.