Strings Attached

Chapter 21

It took Celeste five minutes to calm down. Everyone grouped around to apparate to Hogwarts, where Celeste wanted to go to find her answers. Newt held Celeste's hand with a firm reassuring grip.

As soon as they appeared before the beautiful castle which was home to british wizards and witches who wished to study there. "Why are we standing before a ruin? This is hogwarts?" Jacob asked, his eyes roaming around in confusion. Celeste turned to him and gestured to walk where she was standing as Jacob was well outside the shield.

Jacob exchanged looks with Queenie who encouraged him to walk forward. Jacob visibly gulped before stepping forward, and as he crossed the shield, the whole castle appeared in front of his eyes. "I see why you call it the best school. It's so beautiful." Jacob looked around with awe in his eyes.

Nagini was being consoled by Queenie, who seemed to understand the turmoil of the woman. "Queenie, you can disapparate back to my home with Nagini, Leta and Mr. Kama. Bunty should be there, tell her I sent you." Newt suggested, he was standing beside Celeste with a protective arm around her.

"Are you sure? We can stay here if you want to." Jacob said, looking at Newt. "We appreciate your help, Jacob. But it has been a few tiring days. You ought to rest. My mum might be there as well. So, go home and get some rest. Nagini and Mr. Kama looks like they need some rest too." Celeste said, managing a weak smile.

"I think Theseus and I will go with them as well. I need to question our parents." Gilbert suggested. Celeste gave him a nod before looking back at the entrance of the castle. Everyone disapparated not knowing war was already declared and the sides will be chosen.

"Looks like it's just us." Celeste muttered. "Bandit brought this with him." Newt mentioned, removing a silver locket from his coat pocket.

The silver locket was of intricate beauty. Celeste observed the locket, running her dirty finger over the glass barrier which contained blood of whom she assumed to be Gellert and Albus. She clenched her jaw as she fisted the locket. As there was no one left behind as all of them apparated to her house.

Albus Dumbledore made his way towards the couple. Celeste discreetly laced her fingers through newt's who in turn squeezed her hand lightly. As Albus stopped in front of them, Celeste let out a shaky breath. "I want the truth, Albus. Please." Celeste looked at him with her red eyes.

Albus sighed, nodding his head. "Also, this might interest you." Celeste said, lifting her hand which clutched the pendant. "Where did you get this?" Albus asked, his fingers barely touching the metal of the pendant.

"Thank Bandit by offering him a sickle. It was his small paws that stole that off of the Grindelwald." Celeste jokes, a small smile graced on her face before becoming sober again. "Everyone left?" Albus asked, looking behind her. "Yes. Can we talk now? I want answers. I know you have answers to my questions." Celeste requested, handing the locket to Dumbledore, who took it carefully.

"How do you deduce I might have any answers to your questions?" Albus asked, signalling the couple to follow him. "It was just a hunch. Was I wrong in the assumption?" Celeste asked as they walked over the bridge towards the main entrance of the huge school.

"I am afraid you were not wrong in the assumption. Though I apologise for every damage that the information has caused or will cause in the future." Albus said, apologetically. "I don't care what it does to me or my reputation." Celeste answered, her eyes moving from the gate of Hogwarts to the students that had gathered towards the entrance of hogwarts.

"I do though, Celeste. You are the one suffering in this, not Grindelwald. It's not his whole world that has come down crumbling, and it's the fault of mine and his. We loved to play power games not wondering the damage it will cost the people around us." Albus offered, leading up the stairs to his office. Newt noticed how the children were admiring Celeste's presence rather than hateful curiosity.