Hey guys! Just a quick thank you to all of you who favorited and reviewed! This chapter is probably one of my favorites so far just because it was fun to write and easy to put together. Hope you enjoy!
CHAPTER ELEVEN: CHEERS
Reading the Daily Prophet did nothing for my mental stability. I didn't know why I even bothered sometimes. These days it was all about covering up the disappearances of witches and wizards around the world, making sure that Potter's claim to the Dark Lord's return was false, and peppering in some small stories of how the Ministry was the best at keeping everyone safe.
All of which were lies.
Reading the silly words that I knew were lies and that everyone else seemed to soak up as truths was making a pounding headache make its way to my poor skull.
That and the fact that Parkinson was yammering on about something or other across from us in the common room and her piecing voice wasn't helping my situation.
"Pug!" I snapped. She stopped speaking and glared at me from across the room.
Most of my classmates had clearly been startled at the fact that I had spoken so aggressively out of the blue. Theodore did not look surprised at my outburst, and that was why he was best friend.
Parkinson's ugly little face was pinched and turning red as I glared daggers at her. I was in no mood for it today.
"What?" She sneered. Wow, she actually responded to Pug now?
"Are you going to shut your annoying mouth any time soon? Or will I have to do it for you?"
Draco, next to me, rolled his eyes at me but I could see the nasty smirk he was trying to hide under his annoyance.
Pug's eyes glowered at me and her face looked about ready to pop with how red it was and I simply looked at her as though to dare her to try something. I was itching for a fight. I was so anxious and annoyed with the Daily Prophet, antsy about all the upcoming essays that were due, and on top of that trying to keep my cool about the fact that I was lying to everyone I cared about after having joined sides with the bloody Gryffindors and I did not have time for her squealing voice to be making my head pound any harder than it already was. Plus, hexing her might make me feel a little bit better.
But instead of saying anything back to me she looked over at my brother, although I didn't know why she tried he rarely stood up for her and he wouldn't even try if it was against me. He said nothing, as predicted, and she practically growled as she ran off with her friends towards her dorm. I looked over at Draco and saw his self-satisfied smirk.
"Not doing Puginson anymore?" I asked, genuinely curious. Last I had checked they were still shagging here and there but that was when our parents had come to visit and I had noticed his cold demeanor towards her as of late. In fact, he seemed to be warming up to Tracey as she was sat right by his side, quietly studying. He had been choosing to let her sit by him for quite some time now. Hmm. I couldn't help notice her small smile at his actions towards the Pug as well.
Draco's cheeks went red at the mention of it and I rolled my eyes. Personally I believed if he was embarrassed about it then maybe he shouldn't have been doing it in the first place but who was I to tell my brother what to do?
"Not anymore,-" He said quietly and I beamed at him. "Don't give me that look."
"I don't know what to say, Draco-," I was smiling at him. "I-I'm just so proud." I pinched his cheek to which he swatted my hand away and gave me a harsh glare. I laughed it off. Theodore looked amused as well and Tracey now had her book right up to her face to hide her cheerful look, I'm sure. Lovebirds in the making if I ever saw a pair. It's too bad Draco was so hopelessly oblivious to things like that sometimes. Sure, he adored attention and being the Prince and all but when someone gave him genuine affection? Hopeless.
"Knock it off, Cessy." He growled at me as I teased him some more and poked and prodded at him.
"Well, now that you're rid of her, hopefully for good, I believe it's time to get checked out by Madam Pompfrey. You don't know what kind of diseases,-"
"I will knock you off your broom in our first game if you even think about finishing that sentence." He glared. I laughed.
"Fine then. Would you rather I go back to being mopey about reading this rubbish?" I held up the Daily Prophet and he grabbed it from me, tossing it into the fireplace that was placed right behind us. I stared, open mouthed at him.
"You can't be mopey if you can't read it. Now get over it." He shrugged and went back to his potions book.
"He's right, Cessy, you shouldn't read it anyway. It only makes you upset." Theodore spoke softly and looked at me kindly with a look I knew well. It said 'why do you do this to yourself anyway?' Truth was that I liked to be kept informed, the paper lied about almost everything, but with my deductive reasoning it was easy to figure out what they really meant. I just wanted to know how much danger we were actually in and considering the wizards taking 'holidays' were becoming more and more frequent, I'd say the danger was growing quickly.
It's just too bad I couldn't tell any of my friends this.
I knew who I could tell, honestly, I just didn't want to really look at him after our last encounter when he had called me brave.
Absolute prat, Potter was sometimes.
Just then Greengrass had come strolling into the common room, a small excited gleam in her eye as she approached our table. We looked over curiously as she carried a rather large black bag in her arms. She looked excited and mischievous, a trait most Slytherin's shared.
"What do you have there, Daphne?" Theodore asked. I looked at him strangely to which he ducked his head and blushed ever so slightly. Interesting. I didn't think I had ever heard him call her by her first name before. For some reason unknown, it made me a little uncomfortable. Since when were they on a first name basis? Theodore clearly saw the surprise on my face.
"I'm glad you asked-," She smiled brightly, "-Now I know we've all been undergoing a lot of stress lately with school and certain professors,-" She glanced at me and my scar on my hand itched. It usually did when Umbridge was mentioned. "-so I thought we could all use a little break and relax. I called in a favor from my Aunt Violet and with a lot of begging she finally delivered, on the premise that I not tell my father, of course." She gently placed the bag on the table and inside I heard the unmistakable clinking sound of glass on glass.
Curiosity got the better of me, I stood and opened the bag quickly and nearly gasped when I saw the contents.
"You want to get drunk?" I asked. Draco's eyebrow rose in intrigue. Tracey careened forward to peak at the bag and Theodore's cheeks went red again.
"No, I want all of us to get drunk." Greengrass beamed at me and seemed oddly chipper. I couldn't deny the idea was appealing, I hadn't drank much at all, only the occasional glass of wine with Mother when we would read together at home. Lucius didn't like when I indulged with her too much so we kept it our little secret. I knew Draco liked to drink with Blaise on occasion so once again, he was the better Malfoy when it came to tolerance. Poor Theodore hadn't drank since fourth year when he had admitted he fancied me which was why I could see the clear hesitation on his sweet face. I didn't know whether or not Tracey drank often or at all.
I glanced at my brother and then looked back at Daphne. She had been much happier as of late with me since our small alliance had taken place in our dorm and I couldn't say I was as annoyed with her either, which was more surprising than not, so it was easy to say yes.
"I'm in."
Apparently Blaise, who had been sitting on the sofa halfway across the room had overheard and decided to invite himself with his award winning smirk on his face. Draco nodded, seeming excited about the idea.
"Sure, let's do it,-" I said, "-good call Greengrass."
She smiled proudly and since Draco was now agreeing to drink Tracey had agreed as well. My brother and Blaise left to go invite Crabbe and Goyle as well, much to my annoyance but there wasn't much I could say. What was a Prince without his goons?
All that was left to join in on our little adventure was Theodore. I looked over at him and saw him looking at me with his subtle panic in his blue eyes.
"You don't have to if you don't want to," I told him. He looked nervous answering but Daphne spoke before he could.
"Come on Theo, it'll be fun!"
Again, the fact that she was now calling him not only by his first name but by his nickname made a little tick appear in my jaw. He noticed and looked at me shyly.
I had no idea why it made me feel so awkward to hear them speak so casually with one another when I had never even known they spoke at all really outside of class. Maybe I was being too possessive of Theodore? He certainly wasn't my property. He was my best friend, of course, but that didn't mean he couldn't have other friends. So why was Daphne's casual use of his name suddenly making me anxious? I guess I would just add it to the list of things that made me confused.
"Alright, maybe I'll have one drink." He looked at me nervously but I gave him an encouraging smile, choosing to ignore my instinct of keeping Theodore to myself. He seemed relieved.
"Excellent! It's settled. Now all we need to do is figure out where we can do it," Greengrass looked at me pointedly. "Any ideas?"
I thought for a moment, my mind thinking of the Room of Requirement and it's magnificent ability to transform into whatever a student needed, but I knew if I brought my fellow Slytherin's there Potter would have my head for it. Not only would I have let our little secret hiding place out but I knew without a doubt that the Slytherin's would try to claim the room as their own. It's just how we operated.
Plus, part of me believed that even if the school wanted me to learn how to fight the darkness coming, it certainly didn't want me getting drunk.
Besides that any of the teacher's offices were out of the question of course, but perhaps one of their empty classrooms would work?
"What about McGonagall's classroom? She barely spends any time in it when classes aren't in session," I said. Daphne smiled, nodding. Theodore agreed and Tracey gave an approving nod.
"We'll just have to charm it so that no one hears us. Especially Umbridge." He gave me a stern and protective look; one which I was so used to I didn't even feel like berating him about it.
"Precisely why I picked McGonagall's classroom, it's on the opposite side of the castle and Umbridge won't be anywhere near it."
"Did you see the latest news about her, by the way?" Greengrass took a seat now, occupying the one my brother had previously owned and she eyed me carefully as she spoke. I felt my spine stiffen; any news of Umbridge was never good news for anyone. Theodore and Tracey were listening intently. Every student, even us Slytherin's, wanted to be kept informed of the horrors that Umbridge kept spewing out on those bloody decrees in the Great Hall.
"What has the old bat done now?" I growled, an obvious tone of annoyance making itself known in my voice.
"She's been appointed as Hogwarts' first ever High Inquisitor," Daphne said, her tone reminding me of the way Granger sometimes spoke in her know-it-all attitude. I raised an eyebrow at her, unsure of what that position meant but knew it couldn't be anything good, "-she basically has power over all of the students and staff now, she can even sack teachers I heard!" Her voice was shocked and the news brought a cold shiver running down my back and a tight gnawing feeling in the pit of my stomach. Hadn't I just predicted this would happen? She had done it so easily it made me wonder what Dumbledore was even doing nowadays. Come to think of it, I hadn't even seen the old wizard for most of the school year. Was he hiding out from the pink toad?
If he was, I was rather jealous of him as I wished I could do the same.
"Well that's just fantastic. What does she expect to do? Replace every teacher at Hogwarts?" I scoffed.
Daphne's silence was enough of an answer. And with my own personal experiences with Umbridge I knew she was exactly that insane that she would certainly try. Most of the teachers here were fine, I doubted she'd find anything worthy enough to be able to sack them. Still, my thoughts went to Professor Snape and his constant yearning for the Defense Against the Dark Arts position; would she find some flaw in that? Would she doubt his abilities as a Potions Master because he wanted to teach something else?
The only pleasant thought I was holding onto was that Snape could handle himself when it came to her. There was no way he would be sacked.
"She's horrid."
Tracey's low voice spoke and we all looked at her, nodding in agreeance. I didn't think I'd ever heard her so angry before; it was refreshing.
"Are we ready?"
My brother's voice broke us out of our thoughts and I smiled at him, genuinely excited to let loose for the first time in a while. Daphne had been right, with all of the pressures of school, my own personal problems with my birthmark and now dealing with the fact that I was a disloyal Slytherin, I definitely felt I needed to relax.
"What are we drinking anyway?" I asked, peaking at the bag again, I had only seen the bottles, not what was in them.
"Firewhisky." Greengrass said and by Draco's reaction I could tell he'd had it before and he'd had fun with it. I'd never had it but I'd heard of it and I was excited to feel if it really burned all the way down into your stomach. Theodore looked nervous again.
"Well c'mon then let's head to the Transfiguration room," Daphne handed the bag to Blaise who took it willingly and I stood up, offering my arm to Theodore who took it and gave it a gentle squeeze. I could tell he was still a bit nervous but I was happy to have him along.
Once we were headed towards the first floor I noticed a frantic high pitched sound following behind us. Turning around I noticed Jojo sprinting after us and I laughed.
"Apparently someone is a big fan of firewhisky," I let go of Theodore's arm to pick up my beautiful cat and kissed her head. She purred loudly in my arms, her whole body vibrating with happiness. Theodore scratched behind her ears and it made her pur even louder. We both laughed.
"Oi! Don't lag behind, we don't want to be caught with our contraband." My brother, ahead of us with Blaise, glared at Theodore and waited impatiently for us to keep up with him. I wanted to roll my eyes at him but I knew he was just being his overprotective self. Even with Theodore as my best friend and only my friend, he was still a boy and boys were threats, according to Draco at least.
"Yes, brother, we're coming. No need to worry." My voice was condescending and he glared at me now too. I chuckled when Jojo growled at him for it.
A few minutes later we were locking the doors to the Transfiguration room and charming it quickly; there was no need for anyone to hear eight rowdy Slytherin's and potentially get us in trouble. Although with Draco and Tracey being prefects I highly doubted we would.
"We should play a game!" Daphne said immediately, setting out small silver mugs and quickly pouring a hefty amount of firewhisky in each. I sat at one of the desks and Theodore sat right next to me while Jojo laid herself on the table, eyeing everyone carefully while enjoying Theodore's hand still scratching her behind her ears.
Draco dragged a chair over from another table and sat on my other side. Crabbe and Goyle were perched on the table next to us and Blaise was hounding Daphne for the first cup full of alcohol. Tracey decided to lean against the table Theodore and I had sat at and waited patiently for her cup to be handed to her. Once my mug was in my hands I didn't hesitate in taking a large sip.
"Wait, Cessy it burns-," It was too late, Draco's warning didn't make it to me in time and my throat was instantly warmed, the cool liquid licking down my throat with a steady flame that was indeed making its way all the way down to my stomach, and even past that I could feel it in my toes. My eyes widened at the sensation and I looked at my brother; he was gauging my reaction. I laughed.
"It's good!" I cheered and everyone giggled, raising their glasses and together we made a collective cheers before all taking sips, even Theodore, who I had noticed sipped it very daintily, but he still sipped it and I was proud. For the first time in a while I felt a little relaxed and more like myself.
"What kind of games do you have in mind?" Tracey asked Daphne after she took her second sip. I nursed mine probably too quickly, I looked at it and saw it was already half gone which made me a little sad but with Draco's eyes on me I decided to slow down a bit.
I really did like it. It reminded me of cinnamon but with more warmth and fire added into the mix. It fell down my throat with ease and left a trail of heat with it, again making its way down my entire body. I felt my insides heat up after my fourth and fifth sip and I felt a small smile make its way to my lips.
"Don't drink too fast, you don't want to get sick." Draco said, taking a sip of his own. I nodded, heading his advice for once and even he looked surprised. Who would've thought the day would come when I'd actually listen to my brother?
"You also don't want to spill all of your secrets," Theodore said, some sarcasm in his tone with a hint of truth from his own experiences. I looked at him with sympathy while he looked miserable. I sighed.
It wasn't a bad thing that he'd told me he'd fancied me, but I could tell he'd hoped it would have gotten us to a level higher than friendship by now and it made my heart hurt that I couldn't reciprocate the feelings. Of course, I wasn't going to tell him that with all of our peers in front of us right now. "-that wouldn't be embarrassing or anything." He muttered, sipping his drink and eyeing me.
"Okay, does everyone understand the game?" Daphne's voice broke my brother's, Theodore's and my conversation and we looked guiltily at her; she sighed, annoyed that we didn't listen but willing to repeat the rules.
"It's called 'Never Have I Ever' and the rules are simple. We all hold up ten fingers and we take turns saying things we've never done. If you've done it you put a finger down and take a drink. The one with all of their fingers down first loses."
"Is this a game I should be playing with my sister in the room?"
"Oh please Draco, we all know you've done nasty things," I laughed and he rolled his eyes.
"Yes, but I don't want to know if you've done nasty things." He pointed out sending a not so subtle glare at Theodore. My friend blushed but glared right back at my judgemental brother. I laughed again and shrugged leaving his question unanswered just to make him squirm, Daphne, Blaise and Tracey gave me small smirks. Theodore was trying hard not to look curious. For some reason, my mind went to Granger and a smile was brought to my face knowing she'd absolutely loathe this game. Maybe I'd try it on her next time we had our meeting about my birthmark?
And then the thought slipped my mind as we started to play the game, Daphne going first since it was her idea. We all held up our ten fingers before she spoke.
"Never have I ever been to France." She gave my brother, Blaise and myself pointed looks and giggled.
"Well it's a bit obvious we've been to France, Greengrass, isn't that like cheating?" Blaise countered and she shook her head.
"The point is to get your opponents out. So put your fingers down you three, and take a drink!" She beamed and I sighed, finding myself agreeing with Blaise that indeed it was a low shot for her to come at us right off the bat but I had a few up my sleeve to get her out as a counter.
I took a hefty gulp of the firewhisky and almost felt my face twist in the heat that swallowed my throat. It was still a very good taste but perhaps I wouldn't take such a big swig next time. Tracey was next and she took a moment, thinking to herself.
"Never have I ever played quidditch," She said with a small smirk, eyeing all of us besides Daphne.
"That-," I said, pointing a finger at her. "-was a very good one, Davis. Well done."
Grabbe, Goyle, Blaise, Draco, Theodore and myself all took sips and put a finger down.
Already I was two down fingers and I could feel my ego getting the best of me. I was Cecily Malfoy; I did not lose things. My temper perhaps, but I would not lose this game! The firewhisky might've been cheering me on from inside my veins to encourage these thoughts, as well as Jojo's purring. Next was Theodore.
"Never have I ever failed an exam," He said with a confidence that had even me gawking at him. I knew he'd never failed an exam but he was always so casual with school that I hadn't thought he'd believed it was that impressive. I had told him over and over again it was but he'd usually just brush it off.
I, of course, had failed an exam once or twice. Not often but I definitely didn't have Theo's track record and he knew he'd gotten us all in one sweep. Damn, another finger down.
We all took sips as he looked smugly at us. My cup was empty already.
How it happened so quickly was beyond me but Daphne was already filling it before I could even ask, she topped everyone else off as well. I could tell Draco was holding his disapproving expression back as she filled my cup to the very brim. It seemed the firewhisky was magic! He wasn't being a total overprotective brother right now!
I took another sip before my turn, eyeing all of them with a wicked gleam in my eyes. My brother looked nervous.
"Never have I ever been kissed."
"What?!" It was not Draco or Theo who spoke out but instead Daphne, looking shocked and slightly in awe at me as I simply shrugged and gestured towards them and their cups.
"Drink."
All of them except for Tracey drank and I pretended to ignore the deep blush on her cheeks as she tried and failed to not glance at my brother. I'm sure she was grateful for it. I tried to contain my sneer as I watched Crabbe and Goyle sip their drinks. How they both managed to have been kissed was shocking to say the least but it was Theodore taking a sip that had me raising an eyebrow at him in surprise and he too blushed but shrugged sheepishly.
"It was only once, a while ago."
"You'll have to tell me the details later," I grinned at him, although the tightening in my chest made me feel off, my mind wondering who Theodore had kissed and when and where and more importantly why he hadn't told me. His cheeks were still red but he nodded a little, clearly embarrassed.
"Well I'm equally surprised and delighted that you haven't snogged anyone in this dreadful school yet Cessy." Draco's cheeks were red as well but I doubted it was from embarrassment. He even pinched my cheek to which I swatted his hand away and he simply chuckled.
I was beginning to think the firewhisky was taking its toll on all of us; each of our faces was heated with red blotches and I was pretty sure Blaise was giggling for no reason. The game continued and I found myself drinking more often than not.
An hour and a half had passed by the time we finished with our second game; me deciding to end it as soon as Draco had admitted he'd never used a condom.
I'd scolded him first for being an idiot and not being safe and also for being willing to share...fluids with certain pug nosed hags.
It was safe to say with our loud laughter and slight slurs in our vocabulary meant the firewhisky was working.
I felt light on my feet, my body was hot, I couldn't stop smiling and for some reason anything that anyone said was hilarious. Even Theodore was enjoying himself and I was glad to see that he wasn't reminiscing about last year.
"So, Cecily, why don't we reconcile that 'never have I ever' and kiss so that next time we play you can't use it against us," Blaise leaned over the table towards me and Jojo swished her tail in annoyance. Apparently he was too close to her personal space. Or mine.
"She will be doing no such thing," Draco muttered, a hard glare on his friend, "No one in this school deserves her."
"Now, now, Draco, I can do what I want if I want it," I scolded him and gave Blaise a wink, "-it's too bad I don't want it."
Blaise simply smirked and I chuckled, ignoring Theodore's anxious glances between the two of us. I had a feeling that Theodore had thought many times about kissing me and I'm sure that Blaise offering to before he could had him flushed with jealousy.
"If you want a kiss so bad Blaise, I'll do it," Daphne hiccuped from across the room, pouring herself another glass full and I laughed as Blaise's head whipped around so fast it must've given him a headache.
"Really?"
"Sure, Millicent said you were a decent enough snogger. And Georgia, and Eileen, and Florence, and Hannah-should I go on?"
"Alright, I get it, I've snogged a lot of girls. You're just jealous, but I'll be happy to relieve you of that jealousy-"
"Oh just snog already!" I barked and both of them laughed stepped towards one another. They shared a long, deep kiss that had my cheeks blushing as I tried not to wonder what it was like. Draco, Crabbe and Goyle all howled like wolves and I rolled my eyes at them.
Boys could be such animals.
I peaked at Blaise and Daphne again and sighed, my mind not helping its own thoughts. It wasn't that I didn't want to kiss someone, I very much did, it was just that I hadn't found anyone I wanted to share my first kiss with.
My mind went back to the beginning of the year, all those weeks ago when I had gotten stuck in the charmed mistletoe that the Weasel twins had set. Potter had been stuck as well. I remember the feeling of horror running through me at the thought of almost having to give up my first kiss to Potter of all people, disgusted even with being near him. And now look at me! I was practically his best friend.
Ugh, no actually, even thinking it sarcastically made me squirmish. Although I couldn't deny that I certainly didn't hate him. How could I? I had to work with him for Salazar's sake!
I remembered he'd suggested we just get it over with to release the charm on us and feeling sick to my stomach. Thinking of it now, I probably should've just snogged him and we could've both gotten to class on time.
What the hell was I thinking?
Get your mind straight, Cecily!
"So, would anyone else like to share a secret they've been keeping? Or is Cecily the only one brave enough?" Blaise asked after finally separating from Daphne who now was looking meek and flustered. Apparently he was as good a kisser as those girls had said if the look on her face was anything to go by.
Again, I wondered what my first kiss would be like.
Would it be someone in this school? In my house? In...another house?
Potter's eyes flashed in my mind again.
Ugh.
I'd been spending way too much time with him.
"I've never been drunk before tonight,-" Tracey said, speaking casually and still leaning on the desk, nursing her firewhisky. "-to be honest it feels like I'm floating."
"I agree!" I said, forcing myself to participate in the conversation rather than think about Saint Potter all night.
"Well then, congratulations, Tracey." My brother raised his glass in a toast to her and she blushed. He smirked as he drank and watched her do the same. We all followed suit.
"Don't you two have patrols soon?" Theodore asked, raising an eyebrow at them. His eyes were glassy as he looked at them and I chuckled, enjoying the essence of relaxation that was clear as day on his face. My brother and Daphne both nodded.
"And how exactly do you plan to patrol the castle pissed out of your mind?" I asked.
"I'm not pissed, thank you very much. I can lead us around no problem," My brother's confident tone told me he was over exaggerating but I wasn't going to fight him on it. If he wanted to get caught by the professors while drunk that was his business.
Just then a familiar mewing sound caught my attention. Jojo was waiting by the entrance, eyeing me expectantly. It seemed she was ready to leave.
"Hello, beautiful, what is it darling?"
"There she goes again, talking to a cat," Draco said, and I could feel him rolling his eyes at me. I glared at him. Jojo was still meowing for my attention.
"She's part kneazle, which means she's smarter than your average cat and can most certainly understand me. Now if you'll excuse me I'm pretty sure she wants to go outside." Jojo's louder meow was only encouraging me further.
I stood from my stool and instantly wobbled on my feet. Whoa.
I laughed, catching myself and finally understood what the jelly legs jinx felt like. It seemed all the alcohol had rushed to my legs and head as I felt it traveling through my body. My head was suddenly light headed. I laughed again.
"You're mad Cessy, you can't go roaming the castle. You're drunk and can't even hide it, at least your brother can," Theodore said, eyeing me as if I was crazy.
"Oh hush, I'm just going to take her to the courtyard. I won't be gone long." I promised.
"She's a big girl, Nott, she can do what she wants." My brother's tone implied he was mocking me but still I found myself smiling in triumph at his words.
"Just be careful Cessy," Daphne spoke, hiccuping once again. I waved my hand at her dismissively.
"If you're not back in fifteen minutes I'm coming to get you," Draco said, his words more of a threat than actually offering to help me find my way back.
"Fine," I said, and reached the door, unlocking it and swiftly making my way out into the hall. I shut it behind me and heard the lock from inside. I didn't hear my fellow Slytherin's though so I was glad to see the silencing charm was working full and well.
Jojo was ahead of me already, heading towards the nearest courtyard I presumed, and giving me a look with her giant green eyes that said she knew exactly what she was doing and where she was going so I didn't have to worry about not finding my way back.
At least, that's what my brain interpreted as her look toward me. Looking down the looming hallway I felt my head light and legs wobbly as I followed her. It was an interesting feeling, being drunk. I'd never felt anything like it before; with Mother we had only had a few drinks here and there it had never made me feel like this.
If I was being honest I felt great. Very light. And very invincible.
I followed my cat further and further through the castle, vaguely wondering why she hadn't gone to the first courtyard that we passed and chuckled; I began wondering if Draco would really come after me or not.
I decided the answer was definitely yes after Jojo led me past the clocktower.
I hoped Jojo's adventure would lead us somewhere he wouldn't find us, lest he annoy me with his worry over where I was.
"Where are you taking us?" I asked her. She only meowed back but I nodded nonetheless.
Finally I realized where she was leading us.
"The Owlery? You mean to tell me you're finally going to introduce me to your white feathered friend?" I beamed, happy that she was going to let me see the owl that managed to get its feathers in her fur any chance it got.
She meowed, just as delighted as I was.
We exited the castle and I was surprised to find that I didn't even feel the bitter cold as I walked out in only my Hogwarts uniform. Although through my stockings I could feel a bit of a breeze, however it was nothing firewhisky and I couldn't handle together.
The walk to the Owlery was not as long as I remembered it being, but it was just as beautiful. I could spot the many owls coming to and from, picking up or dropping off the post and with the sun close to setting it looked like something painted from a novel. The snow on the ground glowed orange and pink and purple as the sun was lowered in the sky and the flurries of it flowing in the wind looked magnificent. The Owlery itself was silhouetted against the light, making it equally charming and eerie with its glimmer. It was simply beautiful.
Jojo's paw prints in the snow were adorable, and I followed them, giddy for what seemed to be no reason. It had been well over fifteen minutes and I was sure Draco was now looking for me.
I followed Jojo up the steps, noting the other foot prints there, wondering who of my fellow classmates had come and gone today to send or receive their mail. We finally made it to the top and Jojo was swirling around my legs playfully, expectantly, and I went inside; the offsetting scent of hay and feathers and owl droppings reaching my nose. The quiet 'hoos' of the owls let me know they were aware of my presence. Some were screeching, probably from Jojo's presence.
I could tell she reveled in their fear.
I looked for Heracles first, wondering if he was waiting for me or my brother but there was no sign of him. Usually he would have flown down towards me if he was around but he didn't, so he wasn't. I looked down at my cat who was swishing her tail in the hay, looking up at all of the owls whom she could terrorize or play with.
"Alright, darling, tell me where your friend is," I said, scooping her up. She chittered in response.
"Malfoy?"
I gasped at the voice sounding to my immediate left and nearly dropped Jojo in the process of my fright but quickly recovered myself and laughed at who was sitting there.
Of course Potter was here.
He was bloody everywhere.
"Oh, it's just you," I said, a little relieved, and also a little put off. At least it wasn't Montague. In my drunken state I probably would've punched him again. The thought made me giggle.
My laughter instantly put Potter on alert and I tried not to laugh at the silly look on his face.
"Are you alright?" He asked, his voice quiet but concerned. I looked him over for a minute before answering. He was sitting atop a bale of hay, a quill and parchment set on his lap which was held up by a book, most likely so he could write more legibly. Although with his shit handwriting I doubted it made it better. He wore a dark navy jacket with his Gryffindor scarf tucked into it. His eyes, as bright and alert as ever, were watching me carefully. His hair was a mess. But what else was new.
"I'm fine," I said, grinning like a fool but not caring in the slightest.
He raised an eyebrow at me, his scar scrunching in the process. The legendary scar.
I'd almost forgotten he had it; his eyes were too distracting.
"You sure? You've got no coat, or anything. Aren't you cold?" He asked.
"Drunk." Is what I said, loud and slurred like I'm sure the rest of my words had been since about forty-five minutes ago.
At this, a gleam of mischief passed over his delicate features.
Delicate? Cessy, stop it.
"Oh, are you now?" He was amused, I could tell. Lately whenever I spoke he was always amused and it was a bit annoying, if not a little enjoyable. I held Jojo tightly to me and nodded, rubbing my face against hers, enjoying the softness of it. She was purring loudly in my ear.
"Mhm."
"And you decided getting drunk and coming to the Owlery dressed in just your Hogwarts uniform was a good idea?" He was still amused but there was that hint of arrogance that I loathed and I managed a sneer at him. Apparently it wasn't a good one because he laughed. A genuine laugh.
I pouted. I didn't like being laughed at. Especially by Potter.
"Of course not you dolt, Jojo brought us here," I said, as if it was the most reasonable explanation in the world. To me it was and that's what mattered.
"Oh well if Jojo brought you here I'm sure it's fine-," He said, mocking my tone and rolling his eyes at me. He got up as he spoke, setting his things down before unzipping his coat and quickly offering it to me. "-Take it. You'll catch your death out here whether you feel it or not."
I looked at his outstretched hand, holding his coat in it and felt my face scrunch up. He waited not even half a second before stepping forward and placing it on my shoulders before I could even protest.
"Hey I don't need,-"
"Oh Malfoy, do you ever just say thank you and move on?" He was exasperated with me and I glared.
"Fine." I set Jojo on the ground and shoved my arms through his jacket, zipping it up to my chin as if doing so had proven something to him.
Admittedly it was quite warm but I hadn't been under the impression that I could feel the full strength of the cold because of the alcohol.
Maybe I had been wrong.
Vaguely, and without my consent, my senses started to take in the aroma of the coat.
I could smell him.
The scent of him lingered in the coat and my mind was taking it in; it smelled of pumpkin juice, sweet and smooth. And fire, tangy and flavorsome. And there was something else there too. Something familiar to me that I couldn't quite put my nose on. It was rich and warm and it brought a small smile to my face but I couldn't place it in my mind. The scent was nice; pleasant. Comforting.
Somewhere in the back of my mind, probably the part that was still sober, I could hear myself screaming at me to take the coat off.
Drunk me decided to put her hands in his pockets.
He looked extremely smug and satisfied with my reaction, if not a little pleased as well.
"Don't look at me like that, Potter. I didn't want your coat."
"Maybe not but it looks like I might not get it back now."
"Oh shove off,-" I muttered, gesturing rudely to him. He smirked and picked his parchment and quill back up.
"So what did you drink?" He asked, looking at me intensely.
"Firewhisky," I said, moving toward him to sit on the bale next to him but a level lower. I looked up at him and saw the surprise on his face. "-what, you think high class witches can't drink?"
"Not at all. I've just heard stories about it. It's very intense." He sounded impressed that I had drank it at all let alone got drunk off of it and managed to stay on two feet.
I was a little smug at that.
"Have you ever had it?" I asked.
"No,-" He shook his head. "-I've never been drunk."
"Neither had Tracey until tonight. We learned it through a game Daphne made us all play."
"You and the Slytherin's played a drinking game?" He sounded as though he didn't believe me.
"Yes. So hard to believe?"
"A little. I thought you lot just went about torturing the younger years and wreaking havoc all day." His tone was teasing and I had to fight the urge to smile.
"Well yes, but we do enjoy getting piss drunk every once in a while as well as a reward for our hard work of wreaking havoc all day."
He laughed, shaking his head.
"Sounds fun," He said and then tilted his head towards me. "I think I might like you more this way." His voice had lowered but he still held his teasing tone. I fought a blush, hoping the firewhisky still made my cheeks red.
Ugh, why would I blush around Potter. Sober me would've left by now!
"Don't pretend to like me, Potter. It's insulting." I said, flicking my hair over my shoulder.
"I'm not pretending. You're a nice person. I enjoy nice people in my company. Even when they're drunk."
At this I didn't have anything to say so I stayed silent. He smirked, and I glowered. He only smirked some more and went back to his letter.
I looked at Jojo and to my surprise saw her laying on her back, tail swishing happily as another animal perched next to her, it's wings brushing along her fur when it spread them wide.
"You've got to be joking," I muttered as I stared at them playing. Potter looked up and sighed, nodding but looking pleased.
"I was wondering when you'd figure it out. They're up here playing almost every day."
The owl that was playing with my cat was none other than Potter's who was practically as famous as he was. Hedwig.
She was beautiful; her white feathers were pure with specks of black dotted all over her. Her eyes glowed a bright yellow and they sparkled cheerfully as she swept over Jojo. They nipped at one another teasingly and Jojo rubbed herself against Hedwig the same way she did with me. Sweetly, lovingly, full of friendship and loyalty.
I was in awe.
As they played I saw Hedwig's white feathers stick to Jojo's black fur as if magnetized. The contrast in color was a sight with which I'd seen many times as I'd plucked those same feathers from her fur so many nights before.
"You knew they were friends?" I asked, looking back at Potter, my voice was quiet, wondering. He was already looking at me, nodding. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"I don't know. Just didn't." His tone told me he knew why he didn't tell me, and he still didn't want to. I let it go.
Sober me would've been disappointed that I had.
"Well, it's nice to know Jojo has a friend," I said, smiling. The firewhisky was still making me giddy and I was starting to wonder when it would wear off. Being civil with Potter was starting to make me anxious but because of my drunkenness I couldn't seem to care.
There was no way sober Cecily would've been here this long.
"Malfoy?"
"Hmm?" I looked at Potter and saw he was looking at me with a look I couldn't name. It was contemplative and curious but there was something else there I couldn't see. A moment passed before it looked as though he finally decided not to say what he really wanted and instead said, "You have a feather in your hair."
He reached towards my head and plucked the feather before I could even try to grab it myself. I scoffed. He raised an eyebrow at me in question.
"You really can't keep your hands to yourself, can you?"
Instantly his cheeks flushed and what I thought was a look of shame crossed his features.
"I'm sorry. I won't do it again."
"It's fine, Potter. I was just noticing, that's all." He didn't say anything, looking for an explanation. "When you grabbed me when we were in the Room of Requirement?" I said. He instantly remembered, nodding. "And before that when we were here and you got in my personal space? Don't think I don't know what you're doing." I teased.
He wasn't taking it lightly though.
"Well I never wanted to make you feel uncomfortable. I'm sorry. After Montague,-"
"Oh, don't ruin my drunkenness by bringing up that mess!" I cut him off and he chuckled, nodding.
"Okay, yeah, fair enough. Sorry."
"And don't be sorry," I said. "It's annoying."
He kept quiet but held a small amused smile on his face. Silently he reached up to my head once again and plucked another feather from my hair.
"Who are you writing to?" I asked, desperate for a change of subject.
"My Godfather," He said simply. I stared at him.
"Y-you have a Godfather?" I asked, having been completely unaware.
Jojo and Hedwig were now play-wrestling together but I couldn't be bothered to look for long because Potter's news of having a Godfather was just too interesting.
"Mhm,-" He looked at me, amused still and enjoying my wonderment and the fact that I hadn't known this about him. "-Sirius Black."
"Sirius Black is your Godfather?!" I hissed in surprise.
Shock, complete and utter shock. That's the only thing I felt. My outburst had caused Jojo to meow at me in worry and pause her playing with Potter's owl.
"Not so loud, please. Only the whole castle might've heard you." He rolled his eyes at me as if I were supposed to have known this already. "Don't go telling anyone, it's not exactly common knowledge."
"I'd say not. I-I don't even know what to say."
"Well long story short, he's not what you think he is. He's completely innocent."
"You're saying my distant relative, who has been in Azkaban prison for mass murder, is innocent?" I was disbelieving.
"Yes," He said, staring at me, challenging me to try and disagree with him. I sighed. I didn't know what to say.
"Alright then. If you say so."
"You're not going to argue with me on it?" He sounded confused and his expression said the same; he was looking at me as if I had three heads.
"Look Potter, you've already got me tangled up in your little club. If you're telling me Sirius Black is innocent of his crimes I have no reason not to believe you."
He stared at me for another moment, his green eyes wide and curious, the expression of shock on his face. He shook his head.
"I take it back. I don't think I like you more like this." He was teasing but part of me believed him. "You agreeing with me with no argument is just odd." His eyes were bright with his amusement and I found I rather enjoyed looking at them when he wasn't brooding.
"I think it's the Firewhisky," I admitted, slumping lower onto the hay bale, trying to ignore the thoughts that kept popping into my head.
"I think so too," He said, smiling as he continued to write.
"Hey, Potter?"
"Yes?" He looked at me once again.
"Thank you for your coat." He laughed to himself and shook his head slightly.
"You're welcome, Malfoy."
"When is our next DA meeting?" Suddenly, as if it was hitting me all at once, I was starting to feel tired. Sleep was fighting its way into my mind and I yawned as I looked at the darkness outside. The sun had set a while ago. My mind drifted to Draco, wondering if he was looking for me and hating if he was worried for me. Feeling guilty that I'd been gone so long spending time with his enemy.
"Tomorrow at seven o'clock." He looked over at me and his face softened. I wondered why. "You should get back to your dorm, you look exhausted."
"I don't want to go alone," I admitted my mind fighting off the drowsiness. I always hated walking in the dark alone. And walking the school grounds in the dark alone was even less appealing even with Jojo at my side. The uneasiness that the darkness left in the pit of my stomach always made me terrified.
"You won't be alone." He stood up off of his bale of hay and offered me his hand. I didn't even hesitate in taking it and he hoisted me up effortlessly. Must've been those quidditch muscles.
"You can't walk me to the Slytherin common room. Draco will kill you," I muttered, my legs wanting to give out. I could've slept on the hay bale for all my body cared. All I wanted was to sleep now.
"Let him try. C'mon, let's go." He grabbed my arm and steadied me as I stumbled my way out of the owlery. Jojo was hot on my heels. Hedwig had stayed behind. The walk was cold now, the sun was gone and the chill in the air hit my face like needles. A shiver ran down my spine. I frowned at Potter, seeing that he was in his sweater.
"Do you want your coat back?" I asked, mumbling, starting to unzip it. He paused my hand with his own at my torso and guided it back up, zipping it to my neck. His fingers were rough, calloused. Most likely from quidditch as well. Holding the broom sometimes did that to your hands, I had noticed over the summer with Draco when we practiced.
"No, Malfoy." He sounded exasperated with me again but I didn't care.
"What are we learning tomorrow?" I prattled on. Somehow even in my exhausted state, my mouth just wouldn't hush up. It seemed he realized this at the same time I did and gave me a low laugh. Ahead of us the castle was close. I was relieved.
"I'll be teaching you the stunning spell. And the shield charm," He said after a moment of us stumbling. Well, me stumbling. He helped me stay up right with his arm supporting my waist as we walked. I frowned at his tone. He had said it as if it was a heavy weight on his shoulders. I didn't doubt it was and it made me sad for him. I hated Umbridge for it. If she would've just been a normal teacher Potter wouldn't have had to take on this responsibility.
"Sounds fun," I muttered.
"Oh yeah-," He chuckled. "-loads of fun."
"You know we shouldn't be seen together in the castle." We were almost at the first entrance to the clocktower and he grunted in acknowledgement. The great clock read it was almost eight o'clock. Curfew was almost setting in. Draco and Tracey surely would've patrolled by now but I was sure he was still looking for me.
"Don't worry. I've got it covered." I hadn't the slightest idea what he meant by that but I didn't argue. Too busy being tired to care.
Once we passed the whole first floor in swift silence, and with the luck of not seeing another student, we started towards the dungeons. Jojo was ahead of us as if leading the way.
"Okay Potter, seriously, you can't be seen with me down here." My anxiety of being caught with him was waking me up slightly and I felt my pulse racing.
"Do you want to walk the rest of the way alone?" He asked. It wasn't a sarcastic question, just genuine wonder. He was giving me a choice.
At the thought of the darkness in the dungeon swallowing me whole I quickly said, "No."
"Alright then, give me one second."
From out of his pocket he grabbed what seemed to be a piece of fabric. I raised an eyebrow at him for this was not the time for him to practice his stitching, which I said outright but he ignored me shaking his head with the same small smile he wore quite often around me now.
The fabric was a dark color, silvery and it shone brightly in his hands. He enlarged it, showing me just how big it actually was.
"What is that?" I asked.
"Just get under it."
I was too tired to say no. I got under the fabric with him and gave him a curious gaze.
"It's an invisibility cloak. Now we need to be quiet."
It was all the answer he gave me. We walked in silence to the wall of the Slytherin common room and I sighed in relief. Soon, very soon I would be reunited with my bed. I got out from under the cloak and tried not to show my fascination as I stared at the spot where Potter should've been but saw nothing but an empty hallway.
"Goodnight, Malfoy." His voice was soft, barely above a whisper. I reached out in front of me and felt the soft fabric of the cloak. I dropped my hand and I smiled to myself. How many other secrets did Potter have that I didn't know?
"Night, Potter." There was no answer so I didn't know if he had heard me or not, or if he was even still there.
I went into the common room and into my dorm undetected. None of my friends were there. I hoped they weren't looking for me, the essence of guilt clinging to my mind.
Jojo beat my to my bed, curling up at the end and the moment I saw it I knew it was over. I didn't bother changing into my pajamas; my bed looked too inviting. Sleep took me the second my head hit the pillow.
Author's Note:
How cute are they?! I loved writing Cecily drunk, she made me laugh which I know is odd because I wrote it but still. Are we enjoying the slow build up between Harry and Cessy? Are we happy to finally have her know that Hedwig and Jojo are besties? Are we low key excited that she can't keep her mind off the Gryffindor's? Specifically one very famous one? Hope you all enjoyed and thank you again to those of you who reviewed!
JuicyFruits123: Hey there! I'm happy you're enjoying and thank you for your comment it made me smile! As of right now I have no updating schedule. I feel bad admitting it but I can't rely on myself enough to stick to a time frame. I have been thinking about it very hard though and am definitely considering challenging myself, so perhaps I will one day! But not as of right now, sorry!
EM1624: I'm glad to hear you're enjoying the slow build up and I hope I can make it worth the wait! And I agree and would very much like to see Daphne, Hermione and Cessy be the best girl trio the wizarding world has ever seen, maybe we'll see it happen maybe we won't... Who knows! (Me, I know ;) )
The Cynical Prince: Hey! I'm very excited to see you've returned and thank you for your comment! I'm glad you're enjoying it :)
Guest: No kissing in this chapter but they're definitely super cute, right?! Glad you liked it!
Again, thank you to all who reviewed and favorited and followed and all that and I will try to update more frequently! Thanks for hanging in there and being incredibly patient! You guys are the best!
~Alyssa~
