Strings Attached

Chapter 6

"What do you mean by that mama?" Celeste asked cautiously, narrowing her eyes at the reddish brown headed boy.

"He took the blame of Leta. Now he will either be expelled or will have severe detention." Mr. Fischer said grimly, his lips thin in disagreement with the boy's decision.

"Newton Artemis Fido Scamander, why in the name of Godric Gryffindor did you do that for? Are you cracking mad?" Celeste exclaimed as she sat on her bed, hissing with pain, but glaring at her boyfriend.

"I couldn't let her take the fall. I am sorry." Newt said quietly, his gaze casted to his shoes. He heard Celeste sigh heavily.

"I won't let you do that, Newt. I simply can't. Please retract your statement." Celeste pleaded, holding her injured arm.

"I...I can't Celeste." Newt said shaking his head, tears threatening to fall once again.

"Mama papa, can you give me some time with this idiot?" Celeste asked her parents, who nodded their heads and went towards the madam's office.

"Sit." Celeste said as she folded her legs, creating a space for Newt to sit. Newt looked up, and saw her beckoning him to sit on the hospital bed.

He sat down on the bed, but his gaze stayed on his lap, not daring to lift them up.

"Newt, look at me." Celeste said softly. She could see the guilt rising up in the boy, and she can't simply be angry at his stupid decision.

"I am sorry." Newt whispered as he stared into yellowish green eyes. It was the first time he was seeing her after entering the hospital wing.

Her head was bandaged and her arm was in an arm sling and heavy bandage. He blamed himself for that.

"And why is that?" Celeste asked, scrunching her eyebrows. "It happened all because of me." Newt whispered, looking away again.

"Eyes on me Newt." Celeste whispered as she leaned forward and took his right hand in her uninjured hand.

Newt visibly gulped and looked at Celeste. Her eyes were like a soothing factor for him. He visibly relaxed as Celeste rubbed circles on the back of his palm.

"None of this is your fault. Do not try to blame yourself for something that is certainly not your fault. It was all Leta. And I am not angry with you with that decision, though I will tell you to reconsider it." Celeste said, her smile faltering as she considered the options.

"You are not angry with me? You are here because of me! I shouldn't have asked you to come with me." Newt said, his eyes getting wide with what Celeste was speaking.

Celeste shook her head, pulled his hand signaling him to come closer to her, and he did. He shifted towards her, staring into comforting eyes.

Celeste kept her uninjured palm on Newt's cheek, and he leaned into her touch, closing his eyes.

"Yes I am angry, but not with you. You are doing what a loyal hufflepuff would have done. Helga must be so proud of you. But if you get expelled, I don't know how I will deal with it." Celeste said, her eyes getting glossy.

"If I am expelled, I will probably...I myself don't know what I will do." Newt said, gulping again at the sheer tension.

"You don't have to think about it. I will do something to make you stay, or something that will help you defend yourself in ministry and secure you a job." Celeste offered as she gave him a smile.

"I don't deserve you. You are too good for me." Newt whispered as he kept his hand over hers.

"I feel quite the opposite. It is me who doesn't deserve you. You are simply the purest wizard I have come across. I love you with all my being." Celeste said, with a small smile.