After a long week of exams Luna and I decide to head to Hogsmeade once more before Christmas break. We walk into the Three Broomsticks taking in a big whiff of the sweet butterbeer as we find a booth to sit at. We find a table located in the corner of the pub and decide to sit there. We take off our warm coats placing them beside us as we take our seats across from each other. 

"It's quite cold outside, don't you think?" Luna asks rubbing her hands together. "I can't wait for this harsh winter to be over". 

"I for one enjoy the winter" I smile back. "There's so much joy and happiness in everyone".

The cheery waiter comes to take our order and leaves soon after. 

"So, how do you think you did on your exams Luna?"

"I think I did fairly well" she responds softly. "And yourself?"

"I think did alright. I'm just glad that exam week is over and we can start our break now" I beam with excitement. 

"Alright, enough exam talk" she says sweetly. "How are you and Cedric?" 

"Here you go girls, two frozen butterbeers." The waiter places our drinks in front of us and smiles before leaving. 

I take my straw unwrapping it from its shell and place it in my drink to take a sip. 

"So?" Luna questions once more.

"I mean I'm doing great and as for Ced I wouldn't know, it's not like we're dating or something".

"Oh, sorry I just assumed since the ball and how close you guys are-"

"No, no really Luna it's ok, but I'd really appreciate it if you would not talk about us as a packaged deal or something" I chuckle. 

"Of course".

"So any plans for the break?" Luna asks breaking the silence. 

"Well, for Christmas my mother usually invites my whole family over, so that'll be fun, but aside from that not much" I sigh. "You should definitely come over though, the house gets pretty lonely since it's just me and my mom".

"I'd like that" she smiles. "For Christmas father and I have a long list of traditions we like to follow, oh I can't wait to see him again. I know he gets lonely after awhile, though he'll never admit it".

"Well you two are always welcomed at my house".

"Thanks Y/n". 

Once we finish up our frozen butterbeers we waddle over to Honeydukes to get some last minute gifts for our friends.

________________________________________

After Hodsmeade I start to pack up my stuff in my suitcase leaving the essentials behind so that I could use them once more in the morning. As I'm taking things out of my closet I hear a knock on the door. 

I saunter over to my door opening it. My eyes meeting a tall boy with golden hair. 

"Ced? What brings you here?" 

"I'll get to that, but aren't going to invite me in?" he teases.

"Oh, yeah of course" I respond allowing him to enter. "Sorry it's a mess I'm just putting my stuff together for tomorrow".

"It's all good" he says taking a seat on one of my ottomans. 

"So, what bring you by?" I question resuming to fold my clothes.

"I just wanted to formally invite you over to my house for Christmas eve" he says shooting me a big smile. 

I let out a long sigh and take seat next him.

"Ced, I don't know if that's such a good idea, I don't want your dad to get the wrong impression of us".

I place a comforting hand on his lap.

"Would that be such a bad things?" he asks knitting his brows together. 

"I should've told you sooner, but things weren't sure then. I'm kind of seeing someone right now or at least trying to, it's hard to explain".

His expression changes into a sad one.

"Oh, I see. I was too slow to make my move I guess" he chuckles weakly looking at the ground. "May I ask who?"

"I'm sorry but I can't say, we both agreed we're not ready to tell people".

"Is he ashamed of you or something?"

"No, it's not like that, i-it's complicated" I respond. 

"Hm, a secret relationship?" he raises a brow. "I know you didn't ask, but having a secret relationship is unhealthy, it'll take a toll on you eventually".

I quickly take my hand of his leg and cross my arms turning away from him. 

"I've upset you" he says standing up. "I'll leave then, but just know I'd never be ashamed of you or us, I'll see you around Y/n". 

With that he leaves my room leaving me alone to bask in my thoughts. Was Draco ashamed of me? 

_______________________________________

I wake up just in time to ensure I don't miss the train. I brush my teeth, do my hair and put on some comfortable clothes. I pack up the rest of my belongings in my suitcase and do one last scan around my room to ensure I don't miss anything important. 

I head out into the hall to descend down the stairs into the common room where I see the boys. 

"Good morning everyone" I say cheerfully. 

"Morning" they all say in unison.

"Ready?" Draco asks taking my suitcase.

I nod with a small smile. 

We board onto the train all taking a seat in the same compartment. Draco, Blaise and I sit next to each other while Goyle and Crabbe sit across from us. 

Once the train embarks on its long journey we discuss the different things we plan to do over the break and try to plan out a day where we can all meet together at someone's house, but due to scheduling conflicts that won't be able to happen. We spend the ride telling stories and what not. Merlin I love when the whole group is together it's such a vibe. 

I reach over to grab Draco's hand, but before I can he quickly swipes his hand away from my reach. 

"What do you think you're doing Y/l/n?" he mutters under his breath quiet enough so that only I can hear him. 

And then it hits me. Not everyone in this compartment knows. He doesn't even know I told Blaise. I seep back into my seat embarrassed. 

"Excuse me" I say getting up from my seat leaving the compartment. 

I head to the bathroom trying to suppress my tears. No one is there, thank Merlin. I head into an empty stall and take big breaths in and out. Ugh why did it sting so bad to get rejected like that. I know damn well Cedric would never do that to me. I huff. Pull yourself together you're not shedding any tears over him. And with that I walk out. I head back to the compartment grabbing my bag from the overhead as I take my original seat next to the window. I pull out Muggles Under The Microscope and read the rest of the way there, my eyes never leaving the page. I can feel Draco's eyes on me the whole time, but I never meet his gaze. He doesn't deserve my attention. 

We finally arrive at the station. I put my book down placing my coat on as Draco reaches for my bag, but I beat him to it. 

He scoffs turning away from me.

"Dick" I mumble under my breath.

"What the fuck did you just call me?" he says grabbing my arm.

"I said dick!"

"Don't you ever call me that again" he says coldly, letting my arm go. 

"So, what if they knew?" I announce making him turn back. 

"We've talked about this-"

"I know, but things have changed. I don't care if being in a relationship makes you look 'weak'" I huff. "I said I was willing to give this a shot if you did too, I'm not ashamed of letting people know, so figure your shit out Malfoy". 

I push past him walking into the crowded walkway. I had to tell Draco this, Cedric's words were gnawing at me all of them, but one in particular: 'I'd never be ashamed of you'. Malfoy should be held to the same standards! I mean he's the one I'm actually trying to date! Ugh! Ok ok cool as a cucumber, cool as a cucumber, I don't want my mom to notice how angry I am. 

I walk off the train and see my mother awaiting me with her arms extended.

"Mom!" I exclaim as I walk towards her faster. 

She engulfs me in big warm hug.

"Hi honey, I've missed you" she sings sweetly. 

"Me as well" I smile looking up at her. 

She lets me go. 

"Do you have your suitcase, bag, everything?"

"Yup all ready to go!"