Veiled Hearts ~ HP Fanfiction (Harry Potter X OC)

Chapter 12: Cloaked Affection

Finally, when the bell rang signaling the end of class, Harry and Celestia made a hasty retreat to the broom closet, their laughter echoing through the empty corridors as they stumbled over each other in their haste.

But their moment of privacy was short-lived, as they were interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. "Quick, hide!" Celestia whispered urgently, pushing Harry into the shadows just as Snape rounded the corner, his robes billowing behind him.

As they crouched in the darkness, trying to stifle their laughter, Harry couldn't help but feel a surge of adrenaline coursing through him. It was moments like these that made him feel alive, that made him forget about the dangers lurking in the shadows.

Once Snape had passed by, they emerged from their hiding spot, their cheeks flushed with excitement. "That was close," Harry remarked, his heart still racing from the thrill of the chase.

Celestia grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Well, what's life without a little excitement?" she teased, her voice low and inviting as she leaned in closer to Harry.

But their stolen moment was interrupted once again, this time by the sound of approaching footsteps. "We'd better get going before we're caught," Celestia whispered, her hand slipping into Harry's as they made their way toward the Hogwarts grounds for a bit of privacy, their laughter echoing through the empty corridors.

And so, their secret romance continued to blossom in the shadows of Hogwarts, hidden from prying eyes and whispered rumors. Despite the risks they took and the obstacles they faced, Harry and Celestia found solace in each other's company, their love growing stronger with each stolen moment and secret rendezvous. And as they navigated the treacherous waters of adolescence and magic, they knew that as long as they had each other, they could overcome anything that stood in their way.

Soon the second task drew nearer, casting a shadow of anticipation over Hogwarts. A day before the task, Celestia received a note from Hedwig in the evening before dinner, stating that Harry wouldn't be able to make it after curfew as he had work to do and would be spending his night in the library. Celestia wished him luck.

As the evening descended, the corridors of Hogwarts buzzed with activity, students bustling to and fro, their chatter mingling with the distant echoes of laughter and conversation. Celestia found herself lost in thought, wondering about Harry's mysterious task and the challenges that awaited him. They had never broached the subject, their conversations skirting around the edges of their shared reality without delving into the depths of their private lives.

Harry had divulged fragments of his past during their occasional talks, mentioning his tumultuous upbringing at the Dursleys and sharing the address of his childhood home, an unexpected gesture of trust that Celestia had yet to fully comprehend. But despite their growing closeness, there remained an unspoken boundary between them, a silent agreement to keep their secrets guarded and their hearts shielded.

As dawn broke over Hogwarts, heralding the arrival of the first task, Celestia found herself scanning the crowded halls in search of Harry's familiar figure. But to her dismay, he was nowhere to be found, his absence casting a shadow of uncertainty over her thoughts.

With a furrowed brow and a sense of determination, Celestia set off towards the library, her steps quickening with each passing moment. She had to see him, had to ensure that he was safe and well-prepared for the trials that lay ahead.

It took her nearly twenty minutes to reach the library, the journey filled with twists and turns as she navigated the labyrinthine corridors of Hogwarts. But when she finally arrived, her heart sank at the sight before her.

The library was empty, the shelves lined with rows of dusty tomes and forgotten volumes. And in the corner, surrounded by piles of books, slept Harry Potter, his face relaxed in slumber as he dreamed amidst the whispers of ancient knowledge.