Strings Attached

Chapter 3

"And I will owl my mum too. Thanks for saying yes." Newt said, giving her a small smile before taking a sip of his own drink.

And after spending pretty much three hours in the village of Hogsmeade, Celeste and Newt found themselves lingering near the opening of Forbidden forest as they talked about anything that came to their mind.

"I never thought about us being more than friends. It still feels like a dream." Newt said as he looked at the black lake that came into their view.

"I can tell the same. I just didn't want to jeopardize our friendship. You are like the best person I have come across, no offense to Helena though." Celeste said giggling as she tucked her stray strand of hair behind her right ear.

And a comfortable silence took between them as they heard the occasional chirps of birds.

"It's so calm. And cold." Celeste remarked as a wind blew through the trees, rustling the leaves.

Newt hummed in agreement and walked on the banks of Black lake with Celeste by his side.

Their fingertips brushed against each other briefly and as though silent agreement, they softly interlaced their fingers.

Soft blush settles at the cheeks of the duo, making them smile gently and unconsciously. Celeste looked at Newt, her smile getting bigger as she noticed the soft blush on his cheeks.

As the dinner time arrived, Celeste found herself laughing at whatever joke Charlus Potter made.

"That sounds like you. By the way, how is your nephew, Fleamont?" Celeste asked as she took a bite of her steak.

"Fleamont is doing well. Uncle Henry can't be more proud of him. What about Gilbert?" Charlus asked as he drank his pumpkin juice.

"Same old. No clues on where Grindelwald is." Celeste said as she took pudding in her bowl and ate a spoonful of it.

"So, how was your date?" Charlus finally picked up the topic he was eager to ask about. And as though it was the chain reaction, Celeste blushed involuntarily.

"Ha! She enjoyed her date!" Viona exclaimed from three spots away from her, catching the attention of Gryffindors around them.

Celeste flushed totally pink, and threw a glare at the female Weasley, who just grinned mischievously.

"Pipe down Weasley. And to answer your question Potter, I enjoyed the date. How about yours?" Celeste asked as she sipped on her goblet of watermelon juice.

"It was amazing looking at the fact that she said yes to be my girlfriend." Charlus answered, grinning widely.

"All are getting their girlfriends and boyfriends. Am I destined to die single?" Helena groaned in her pumpkin juice.

Celeste patted on her best friend's shoulder chuckling. "Helena, honey, you are still 15. You will have someone soon. Stop sulking." Celeste said as she went back to her pudding.

Dinner was over quickly as it began, and students started to disperse out of the great hall towards their dormitory.

Helena and Celeste were engaged in heated discussion about their profession they wanted to take in future, and studying pattern.

Celeste's eyes found Newt's eyes, who was walking alone back to his dormitory. As usual, Newt keeps himself isolated from his classmates and Celeste frowns at that.

"Hey Newt! Want to join us for studies?" Celeste exclaimed a bit loudly for Newt to listen.

Newt was startled when he heard his name, and turned his head around in a speed that anyone can think that he will strain his neck.