Misfire » Cedric Diggory | Draco Malfoy

67 - Trust the Slytherins to Throw a Party

Chantal's eyes shot to Nell.

''No, no...'' she instantly shook her head, hoping that neither Victoria nor Gerald heard it, as they were sitting right next to her as well.

Nell poked Chantal's left side.

''Only messing with you. I know Harry's got a thing for Ginny anyway. Everyone can see that. You've just been looking at him for a while now,'' she whispered with pauses in between.

Chantal returned a small chuckle and continued to watch the game, still catching herself looking at Harry often.

Even with the clear weather and Slytherin's solid team, the Gryffindor house roared with happiness at the end of the game. Despite that, Chantal, as prepared, was ready to celebrate at the Slytherin Common Room.

''Doesn't it feel weird going to a celebration like this? I'd rather have everyone sulk, so I could do homework,'' Victoria said, as they walked down the stands.

''Now you're starting to sound like me, dear, please have some rest,'' Gerald said, leaning in to kiss Victoria's cheek. ''seriously, Chan. Don't you agree?''

''I mean, I've known her regular working schedule for years. She's studying now as if it were exams already,'' Chantal replied.

''A party will do us good!'' Nell added. ''I'm sure we'll hear from the Gryffindors all night!''

''Shame Dina can't come,'' Victoria added, finally agreeing to the idea. ''I suppose I've been overworking... but I'm constantly afraid to fall behind.''

''We'll help and... you're definitely not behind stuff. It'll be good to let yourself relax. I know that the last grades before Christmas are coming soon but you've been doing well,'' Chantal smiled, turning her head to see Gerald wrap his hand around Victoria's waist as they walked. ''I know you'll do well.''

''You're so much better at this encouragement than me,'' Gerald smirked.

''Lots of experience,'' Chantal smiled back.

With Chantal's encouragement and Nell's advice, the two girls helped Victoria pick out a simple dress for the party as well despite the girl still wanting to sit in the corner with a few books.

''Thank you, girls,'' Gerald said, giving both Chantal and Nell a welcoming smile. ''I'll make sure to take good care of her and not let her go for the books.''

Nell waved to Gerald with her hand and returned a smile. Noticing her features, Chantal was instantly reminded of the warm smiles Nathaniel used to give her.

''Want to go grab a drink?'' Chantal suggested and her friend nodded.

The two girls drank in silence, watching as the Slytherin Common Room began to fill out with more people. It seemed that despite the loss, people were in the mood for a party.

''Nate's excited to see you during Christmas,'' Nell said.

Chantal's eyebrows raised in pleasure.

''He told you that?''

''Yeah, has he not written to you?''

''I sort of-'' Chantal began answering, seeing a familiar figure pass by their table. Draco's walk was nervous, instantly indicating to Chantal that something was off. He tried to play it off but he was walking a few steps in front of Crabbe and Goyle, ignoring the two completely. Chantal's eyes shot all around him, analyzing his features diligently. ''we haven't been sending that many letters anymore. I know he's busy...''

''True... but he still cares...'' Nell replied, nodding. ''it's Nate!''

''Ahh, summer was so nice... I hope we get to hang out like that soon again,'' Chantal added, starting to ramble while still holding her gaze on Draco.