The next day, Tuesday, Celestia strutted into the Great Hall with a newfound confidence, but it wasn't just her demeanor that caught attention—it was the noticeable array of hickeys adorning her neck and shoulders, peeking out from beneath the collar of her neatly buttoned school uniform.
It was a stark departure from her usual attire, where her collar was typically left open and her tie hung loosely around her neck, exuding an air of casual nonchalance. But today, it seemed Celestia had decided to embrace a more polished look.
As she made her way to the Slytherin table, she couldn't help but notice the suggestive smirk Pansy shot her way, though surprisingly, she refrained from making any remarks. It was as if she was attempting to cozy up to Celestia, perhaps sensing a shift in her status quo.
Across the room, Celestia's eyes met Harry's, who sat with his Gryffindor companions. He winked at her mischievously, causing her cheeks to flush bright red. He then blew her a kiss, prompting Celestia to quickly avert her gaze, pretending not to have noticed. She turned to Daphne, attempting to divert attention, but her friend's puzzled expression and subsequent silence only added to her embarrassment.
Before long, a commotion erupted at the Gryffindor table, drawing Celestia's attention. Their Quidditch captain, Angelina, was in a heated exchange with Harry, her voice carrying across the Great Hall. Celestia and her friends leaned in, curious to catch snippets of the conversation. Thankfully, Draco was nowhere to be found; otherwise, he would have undoubtedly been insufferable about the entire ordeal.
As the confrontation escalated, Professor McGonagall intervened, striding over to the Gryffindor table with purpose. She wasted no time in reprimanding the students involved and deducting points from Gryffindor, her stern demeanor leaving no room for argument.
Following the first class of the day, Celestia made a swift decision to skip Care of Magical Creatures. The reason? She needed to pay a visit to Madam Pomfrey to address the hickeys adorning her neck and shoulders. It was imperative to take care of them discreetly; after all, she couldn't afford to keep them hidden without anyone noticing.
After classes ended and as the evening wore on, Celestia found herself in slytherin common room along with her peers, the Slytherins' conversation transitioned into light-hearted banter and games, their sassy remarks and competitive nature adding to the lively atmosphere of the common room.
Draco, always eager to assert his dominance, suggested a game of wizarding chess. "I'll take on anyone who dares challenge me," he declared with a smirk.
Blaise rolled his eyes playfully. "We all know you're just itching for an opportunity to show off, Malfoy."
Celestia joined in the teasing. "Don't worry, Blaise. Maybe one day Draco will actually win a game without resorting to underhanded tactics."
Draco shot her a mock offended look before breaking into laughter. "Careful, Celestia. I might have to reconsider our alliance if you keep that up."
Their banter continued as they played, each move accompanied by witty commentary and playful jabs at one another's strategies.
Blaise leaned back in his chair, surveying the scene with amusement. "You know, I heard Umbridge gave old Flitwick a run for his money during her inspection today."
Celestia raised an eyebrow. "Really? I bet she had him hopping around like a particularly stressed-out garden gnome."
Draco chuckled. "It's about time someone put those other professors in their place. Always favoring Potter, They could learn a thing or two from Umbridge."
Pansy, who had been lounging on the nearby sofa, piped up with a mischievous grin. "Speaking of learning, has anyone seen Crabbe and Goyle attempt to study lately? It's like watching trolls trying to transfigure a teacup."
Laughter erupted from the group as they exchanged stories and shared inside jokes, their voices mingling in the warm, cozy atmosphere of the Slytherin common room.
As the games progressed, their playful banter gave way to lighthearted singing, their voices echoing through the common room as they belted out wizarding tunes with gusto. Celestia couldn't help but join in, her laughter mingling with the melody as they reveled in the camaraderie of their shared moment.
For a brief, fleeting moment, they were just a group of friends enjoying each other's company, casting aside the weight of their responsibilities and the schemes of the outside world. In the warmth of the Slytherin common room, they found solace and connection, united by their shared experiences and the bonds of friendship.
The following weeks zoomed by at breakneck speed, leaving Celestia with barely a moment to spare for Harry or her Slytherin comrades as they all plunged headfirst into the chaotic whirlpool of OWL preparations. Amidst the frenzy, Celestia found herself dealing with an unexpected distraction: a letter from Mrs. Avery, residing in the enchanting land of France, inviting her to their Christmas ball.
Draco's silence spoke volumes when the invitation failed to grace his own mailbox, earning Celestia a full day of icy glares and frosty vibes from her typically suave companion.
Nevertheless, Celestia managed to steal away to meet Harry after curfew each night, relishing the clandestine rendezvous under the cloak of darkness. As she buried herself in her textbooks, her mind wandered back to her boyfriend – his innocence mingled with bravery, his kindness wrapped in a cloak of courage. Celestia couldn't help but admire him for it.
The lingering sensation of his touch danced across her skin, a constant reminder of their stolen moments together. Amidst her attempts to focus on her studies, she couldn't shake the feeling of warmth spreading through her, sparked by the mere thought of him.
With a sigh of relief and a hint of amusement, Celestia took the birth control potion from Harry, realizing the challenge of hiding it in their room. It became like a secret mission, trying to keep it away from her nosy roommates.
After a few days, as Celestia was leaving the potion class in the dungeon, she heard her name called out. Turning around, she saw Harry hurrying towards her, with Ron and Hermione trailing behind him awkwardly. Sensing their discomfort, Celestia told her Slytherin friends to go ahead and she'll catch up with them later. They exchanged curious glances but complied, leaving Celestia alone with the trio.
Harry cleared his throat nervously before blurting out, "Hey, Celestia, um, I was wondering if you'd like to accompany me to the Hogsmeade this weekend?"
Celestia raised an eyebrow, her lips quirking into a smirk. "Are you asking me out on a date, Potter?"
Harry's cheeks flushed slightly as he stammered, "N-no, it's not like that! Ron and Hermione and some others will be joining us..."
Celestia chuckled, shaking her head. "Typical. I should have known you'd bring your entourage along to our 'date.'"
Harry's eyes widened in protest. "It's not a date, I swear! It's just...urgent business. But I promise I'll take you on a real date later."
Celestia pretended to ponder for a moment before arching a brow. "Hmm, and what do I get in return for accompanying you to Hogsmeade?"
Harry flashed her a charming smile, leaning in closer. "Well, for starters, you get to spend the day with me," he said with a wink.
Celestia rolled her eyes playfully. "Oh, lucky me," she teased, before relenting. "Alright, Potter, you've got yourself a Hogsmeade companion. But don't think this gets you off the hook for that real date."
Harry grinned, relieved. "Deal. I promise it'll be worth the wait."
Celestia smiled at him softly, turning to leave, but before she could take another step, Harry hurried forward, closing the distance between them in a few quick strides. With a sudden burst of boldness, he planted a quick kiss on her cheek, his lips lingering for a moment before he pulled away with a mischievous glint in his eye.
Celestia's cheeks flushed slightly, caught off guard by the unexpected gesture. She watched as Harry darted around the corner, disappearing from her sight with his friends in tow.
As Celestia's hand rose to touch the spot where Harry's lips had brushed against her skin, a tingling warmth spread through her, the sensation lingering even after he had disappeared around the corner with his friends. Lost in her thoughts, she was startled when she heard her best friend's voice calling her name from behind.
"Celestia!" Daphne's tone was sharp with surprise and concern. "What was that about? Was Potter harassing you? Why didn't you hex him? I'll go get Professor Snape"
Celestia turned to face her friend, her cheeks still flushed from Harry's unexpected kiss. "No, no, it's not what you think," she hurriedly explained, her words tumbling out in a rush. Celestia doesn't want any professor involved and knowing Daphne, she won't stop until Harry is expelled "Potter and I... we're together. I know it sounds crazy but it's true"
Daphne's eyes widened in shock, her brows furrowing in disbelief. "Together? But he's a Gryffindor, Celestia. A filthy blood traitor. And you're a Malfoy. You know what our families stand for."
"I know, I know," Celestia said, her voice pleading as she reached out to grasp Daphne's arm. The corridor outside the classroom was deserted and Celestia was thankful for it "But you have to promise me, Daphne. You can't tell anyone about us. Please."
Daphne hesitated, her expression conflicted. She had never seen Celestia so desperate, so vulnerable. It was uncharacteristic of her, and it gave Daphne pause. "I promise," she finally said, her voice softening. "But Celestia, I can't condone this. You're playing with fire, getting involved with him."
"I know," Celestia murmured, her gaze dropping. "But I love him, and he told me he loves me too, Daphne. I'll do whatever it takes to keep us together."
Daphne sighed, shaking her head. She leaned against the stone wall, "Explain from the beginning"
As Celestia poured her heart out to Daphne, pleading for understanding and secrecy, Daphne's initial shock morphed into a mask of disappointment and frustration.
"Celestia, I can't believe you're doing this," Daphne said, her voice tinged with disappointment. "You know what Potter represents. You're a Malfoy, for Merlin's sake!"
"I know, Daphne, but you have to understand..." Celestia began, her words faltering as she searched for the right thing to say.
But Daphne's expression hardened, her resolve firm. "I can't condone this, Celestia. I won't. I can't be friends with someone who's willing to throw everything away for a Gryffindor, especially one like Potter. You'll be disowned, you won't get even a penny from your inheritance"
Celestia felt her heart sink at Daphne's words, the weight of her disapproval heavy on her shoulders. "Daphne, please," she implored, reaching out once more, but Daphne pushes her hand back, her eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and resolve.
"I'm sorry, Celestia," Daphne said, her voice barely above a whisper. "But as long as you're with Potter, I can't be your friend. I promise I'll keep my mouth shut, but that's the only thing I can do for you"
With those words hanging in the air like an unspoken curse, Daphne turned and walked away, leaving Celestia standing alone in the corridor, her heart heavy with the weight of her choices.