As the first rays of morning sunlight filtered through the windows of the Slytherin girls' dormitory, Celestia stirred from her slumber with a contented sigh. Last night's events were fresh in her mind, The air was crisp with the promise of a new day, and a sense of cheerfulness washed over her like a warm embrace.
Stretching her limbs languidly, Celestia couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation bubbling within her. It was Christmas Eve, and the prospect of returning home for the holidays filled her with excitement. She glanced around the room, taking in the sight of her roommates, Daphne and Millicent, who were still groggily rubbing their eyes.
Daphne's brow furrowed in confusion as she glanced at Celestia, her voice tinged with surprise. "Celestia, are you feeling alright? You seem unusually cheerful this morning."
Celestia's lips curved into a bright smile as she swung her legs over the edge of her bed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I'm more than alright, Daphne," she replied, her voice filled with enthusiasm. "It's nearly Christmas, after all! The most wonderful time of the year."
Millicent grunted in agreement as she dragged herself out of bed, her expression still clouded with sleepiness. "Yeah, but you haven't been in a good mood for months," she muttered, her words slurred with exhaustion.
Celestia shrugged off Millicent's comment with a nonchalant wave of her hand. "Well, that's about to change," she declared, her tone laced with determination. "I refuse to let anything dampen my spirits today."
With that, Celestia bounded out of bed, her energy infectious as she began to gather her things for the day ahead. Daphne exchanged a bemused glance with Millicent, a smile playing on her lips at Celestia's sudden burst of cheerfulness.
As they made their way to the Great Hall for breakfast, Celestia was excited to see Harry, the air buzzed with excitement and anticipation. The halls were decked with festive decorations, and the sound of laughter and chatter filled the air.
But as they entered the Great Hall, their cheerful mood was momentarily dampened by the sight of Professor Umbridge and Professor McGonagall engaged in a heated argument at the staff table. Celestia exchanged a puzzled glance with Daphne and Millicent, wondering what could possibly have caused such tension.
Umbridge's shrill voice cut through the air as she berated McGonagall. "This is unacceptable, Minerva!" she screeched, her face flushed with anger. "We cannot have students skipping early willy-nilly!"
McGonagall's lips were set in a firm line as she retorted. "I assure you, Dolores, we are doing what is right. And perhaps if you spent less time meddling in matters that don't concern you, we wouldn't be in this predicament."
Celestia couldn't help but smirk at McGonagall's sharp retort, a sense of satisfaction washing over her at the sight of Umbridge's flustered expression. It seemed even the most festive of occasions couldn't temper the animosity between the two professors.
Daphne nudged Celestia with a playful grin, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Looks like the holiday spirit hasn't reached everyone yet," she whispered, her voice filled with amusement. Umbridge was taking on Mcgonagal quite successfully.
Celestia chuckled softly in agreement, feeling a sense of camaraderie with her roommates as they watched the scene unfold before them. Despite the tension in the air, she refused to let it dampen her festive mood. After all, it was nearly Christmas, and nothing could dim the joy and excitement that filled her heart on this magical day.
As Celestia settled into her seat at the Slytherin table for breakfast, her mind was still buzzing with the unexpected turn of events from the morning's post. She tore open the letter from Klaus with eager anticipation, only to be met with a wave of shock and disbelief at its contents.
Her eyes scanned the page frantically, her heart sinking with each word. Klaus's girlfriend, the very same girl he had planned to propose marriage to, had cheated on him.
Celestia's jaw dropped in astonishment, her mind struggling to comprehend the betrayal her friend had endured.
"Merlin's beard," she muttered under her breath, her hands trembling slightly as she folded the letter and tucked it into the pocket of her robe before anyone could notice. Klaus had always been so devoted to his girlfriend, and the thought of her infidelity left Celestia feeling both saddened and enraged on his behalf.
But amidst the turmoil of emotions swirling within her, one particular detail in Klaus's letter caught Celestia's attention. He had mentioned his new address in muggle London. Celestia could only imagine the horror if his parents were to find out about his choice of location.
Celestia's mind raced with possibilities as she pondered Klaus's sudden decision to relocate. What could have prompted such a drastic change? And why had he chosen to confide in her of all people?
Before she could dwell on these questions any further, the arrival of her friends at the Slytherin table interrupted her thoughts. Pansy and Draco slid into their seats with their usual air of superiority, their conversation already veering towards the latest gossip.
"Did you hear about Weasley's father?" Pansy whispered conspiratorially, her eyes alight with excitement as soon as she spotted Celestia. "He was hospitalized last night. The Weasley kids and Potter left last night for family emergency."
Celestia's heart skipped a beat at the mention of Harry's sudden departure, her concern for him overriding all other thoughts. She had spent most of the previous night in his company, she forced a nonchalant smile onto her face as she replied, "I hadn't heard. I hope Mr. Weasley is alright. Why did they take Potter tho."
Celestia's eyes wandered around the Gryffindor table and found Hermione Granger having her breakfast alone.
Draco scoffed dismissively as he reached for a piece of toast, his expression indifferent. "Potter's as good as one of their own pigs, Weasleys may possibly be after his gold afterall and by the way who cares about Weasley? It's not like he's important."
Celestia shot Draco a reproachful look, her annoyance simmering beneath the surface. "Show some compassion, Draco," she retorted, her voice tinged with sarcasm. "Not everyone has a heart as cold as yours."
"What happened to you" Draco said accusingly, "you've changed since the start of the term"
"No," Daphne snapped, her eyes trailing on Celestia, "she's just the same and honestly I am surprised you guys are twins, both of you are so different"
Draco scoffed, and Celestia had a feeling Daphne was trying to get the attention off her, she smiled gratefully.
"Anyways," Celestia said slowly, "I truly do hope Weasley is alright, they have like ten kids to take care of."
Draco laughed.
Pansy giggled at Celestia's remark, her eyes dancing with mischief. "Don't mind him, Celestia," she said, "We all know Draco's idea of compassion is sending flowers to his enemies' funerals."
The group erupted into laughter at Pansy's joke, the tension of the morning momentarily forgotten as they indulged in their usual banter.
But beneath the facade of lightheartedness, Celestia's mind was still reeling from the revelations of Klaus's letter and the sudden absence of Harry. As she took a bite of her breakfast, couldn't shake the nagging sense of unease that gnawed at her heart.
As the Hogwarts bell chimed its last, Celestia and Draco exchanged glances, a mix of relief and anticipation evident in their eyes. Slytherins, always the first to rise from the Great Hall, sauntered out with an air of superiority, ready to conquer the journey back to London.
Celestia, adorned in her off-white robes, fell into step beside Draco, Crabbe and Goyle pulling their trunks behind, "Another term survived," Draco remarked with a smirk, adjusting the collar of his robes.
"Indeed," Celestia replied, a hint of dry humor in her tone. "Though I must admit, it was getting dreadfully mundane without the usual chaos from Potter and his band of misfits."
Draco chuckled, a familiar gleam of mischief in his silver eyes. "Oh, don't worry, there's always next year for more Potter-induced drama."
The train ride back to London was uneventful, save for the occasional snide remark exchanged between Slytherins and Gryffindors in neighboring compartments. Lucius Malfoy, waiting at King's Cross Station, greeted them with a display of warmth, embracing Celestia warmly before offering Draco a nod of approval.
As they apparated to Malfoy Manor, Celestia's curiosity piqued when a new, rather eerie elf approached her with a message: her mother had requested her presence in Celestia's room. With a puzzled expression, Celestia bid Draco and Lucius farewell, slipping away from their conversation of Draco boosting to his father about everything he can think of, as they headed towards the drawing room.
Navigating the familiar halls of the manor, Celestia couldn't shake off the feeling of apprehension. The manor felt colder and darker, what could her mother possibly want with her? Why didn't she greet Draco and her at the entrance? Pushing open the door to her room, she found Narcissa waiting, her expression stoic and unnerving.
Celestia was surprised to see her mother with such an expression, she almost looked scared. Celestia frowned "Mother? Is everything alright?"
"Ah, Celestia," Narcissa greeted, her voice icy, Celestia halted at once. "I'm glad you've arrived promptly. We need to talk."
Celestia raised an eyebrow, masking her confusion with practiced nonchalance. "Okay, about what that couldn't be done later or in front of father?"
Narcissa's lips formed a thin line, her gaze piercing. "About your choices, Celestia. It seems there are matters we need to address, and time is of the essence."
Celestia's mind raced with possibilities, each more ominous than the last. "My choices? Is this about my performance at Hogwarts? Because if it is, I assure you, I've handled everything perfectly."
Narcissa's stony expression remained unchanged, "Oh, I'm sure you have, dear. But this isn't about your academic achievements. It's about your... extracurricular activities."
Celestia's heart skipped a beat, her facade faltering for a moment. "Extracurricular activities? I'm afraid you'll have to be more specific, mother. I've been quite busy with my studies and social engagements."
Narcissa's lips curled into a sneer, Celestia had never seen such an expression gracing her features, glint of anger in her steely gaze. "Oh, I'm sure you have, dear. But let's just say certain... Information has reached my ears. involving you and a certain... Someone."
Celestia's jaw clenched, her patience wearing thin. "Information? And what, pray tell, what it entail? Last time I checked, I was hardly the gossiping type."
Narcissa's lips thinned, a hint of anger in her eyes. "Of course, dear. But let's not play coy. We both know about your association with those... unsavory characters. It's time you start considering the consequences of your actions."
Celestia's facade crumbled, her frustration bubbling to the surface. "Consequences? And what consequences might those be, mother? Last I checked, I am perfectly capable of handling my own affairs."
Narcissa's expression hardened, her tone dripping with disdain. "Oh, I'm sure you are, dear. But remember, in our world, reputation is everything. And yours, I'm afraid, will be hanging by a thread if you do not stop."
With that ominous warning hanging in the air, Celestia's mind raced with a flurry of emotions. What could Narcissa possibly mean?
Celestia decides to play innocent, she walks further to the room, "what could you possibly mean, mother?" Her eyes has started watering now.
Narcissa sighed, grasping her arms, "Celestia, I hope you know our family motto by heart by now?"
Celestia nodded eagerly, her heart sinking in her stomach, Narcissa possibly couldn't know about Harry, could she? She never meant to hide him but no one in Slytherin had found out yet, there is no way Narcissa knew.
Narcissa straightened, calling out "Kreacher", a small, withered elf with bulging, bloodshot eyes, and a long, pointed nose came hurrying forward, he was hiding by the door, he had bat-like ears that protruded from the sides of his head, and his skin was leathery and wrinkled.
"Yes, my mistress" the elf said grumpily, smirking in satisfaction. "Kreacher lives to serve the noble house of Black"
"Kreacher, remind her of the motto of Black family" Narcissa ordered. Celestia knew her mother was once a Black.
The aging house-elf stood tall despite his diminutive stature, his eyes gleaming with an odd mixture of pride and reverence. With a voice crackling with age, he began to recount the motto, "Toujours Pur," with a fervor that bordered on fanaticism. "Toujours Pur," he intoned as if his words carrying the weight of centuries of tradition and pure-blood supremacy. "Always pure," he explained, his voice tinged with a sense of reverence for the ancient motto. It sounded as if these words were not merely a motto for the elf but a creed, a testament to the superiority of pure-blood wizards and witches. As he spoke, there was a palpable sense of pride in his voice, a pride that stemmed from his unwavering loyalty to the family and its ideals.
"You are dismissed," said Narcissa, and with a loud crack, Kreacher vanished.
Narcissa turned back to Celestia, "What is the motto of Malfoys?"
Celestia's heart heavy with guilt and fear, stood before her mother as Narcissa's piercing gaze bore into her, Celestia's voice wavered slightly as she recounted the motto of the Malfoy family. "Sang Pur, Pouvoir Éternel," she murmured, her words barely above a whisper, yet each syllable laden with the weight of her conscience. "Pure Blood, Eternal Power," she explained, her voice trembling with unease as she spoke the words that had haunted her for so long.
To Celestia now, these words were no longer a source of pride, but a chilling reminder of the Malfoy family's ruthless pursuit of dominance and influence within the wizarding world.
As she glanced at Narcissa's stony expression, Celestia couldn't shake off the feeling of guilt that gnawed at her insides, knowing that she had strayed from the values her family held in such high regard.
"You came from two most noble and powerful pure blooded families, do you understand that?" Narcissa said firmly.
"I do,"
"Then what were you doing, sleeping around with that half-blooded, sorry excuse of a wizard, Harry Potter?" Narcissa drawled, grasping Celestia's shoulder tightly, Celestia wanted the floor to collapse, "what were you thinking? Do you know what will happen to your father if the Dark Lord possesses this knowledge of this foul love affair of yours?"
Celestia gaped, she couldn't breathe, how in the name of Merlin her mother knows about this? Was she spying on her?
"Do you understand the gravity of the mistake you have made?" Narcissa exclaimed in a dangerously low voice, "You have tainted yourself by having relations with him"
"But... Mother" Celestia mumbled, she couldn't speak.
"No" said Narcissa, letting go of Celestia's shoulders so suddenly that she stumbled backwards. "I won't let this go, I know this and you'll follow the same way as Andromeda, I won't allow it, no I won't" Narcissa seemed to be talking to herself, she was shaking like a leaf, Celestia had never seen her mother lose her composure before.
Celestia knew she had lost her mother's trust, she knew there was no going back now.
"I know what to do!" Narcissa exclaimed after a moment, her voice filled with a mixture of desperation and determination. Celestia could hardly believe what she was hearing. "I have to get you away from Potter. You won't stop seeing him now, I know. Oh yes, you are not going back to Hogwarts. You can't. You are leaving for France, Blanchard Manor will do," Narcissa declared, her words echoing through the room with an air of finality.
Celestia's heart sank as the reality of her mother's words settled over her like a heavy shroud. Blanchard Manor, the mere mention of it sent shivers down her spine. She had heard the whispers, the rumors of the Blanchard family's dark secrets and twisted ways. But to be sent there, to be torn away from everything she knew and thrust into the clutches of that madness...
"Dinky!" Narcissa called out, summoning a small elf who materialized before their eyes with a loud crack. Before the elf could even bow, Narcissa ordered, "Get her school trunk. Pack everything that seems necessary."
Dinky stared fearfully between Celestia's trembling form and Narcissa's dominating presence. Without a word, tears started gathering in the small elf's bat-like eyes as she swiftly ran to the wardrobe, waving her small hand around to gather Celestia's belongings.
As Celestia watched Dinky work, memories of Seraphina's sickly figure and the eerie halls of Blanchard Manor flashed through her mind. She could still see the twisted smile of the insane woman Blanchard and Seraphina's lifeless body lying in a casket, the memory burning fresh in her mind.
"Are you going to lock me up like you did to Aunt Seraphina?" Celestia asked slowly but firmly, her voice filled with a mixture of defiance and fear.
The color drained from Narcissa's face, her eyes widening in shock at Celestia's words.
"I am your daughter," Celestia stated, continuing, her voice tinged with hurt and panic. "You can't send me away to that crazy winch."
"You haven't been acting like mine, now have you?" Narcissa retorted venomously, her tone sharp and cutting. "Being sent away is for your own good. Be glad I haven't told Lucius yet."
"Or what?" exclaimed Celestia, her voice rising with desperation. "You're going to send me away? Is that it? You want to see me go insane like Aunt Seraphina did? You want to kill me?"
Narcissa's face went pale, her features frozen in disbelief. She stumbled backwards, her sneer fading into an expression of sheer shock before she turned and strode out of the room, leaving Celestia alone with her tumultuous thoughts and the looming specter of Blanchard Manor.
"Mistress Celestia," said Dinky slowly, approaching Celestia, who was trying hard not to think about Seraphina's sickly pale figure lying on her deathbed, "you have made the wrong choices. You must apologize to Mistress. She will forgive you."
Celestia's heart clenched at the elf's words, a pang of guilt washing over her as she looked into Dinky's pleading eyes. She knew she had disappointed her mother, but she couldn't bring herself to apologize for something she didn't truly regret. "You are dismissed," she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.
The elf gazed at Celestia uneasily before slowly walking towards the door with her head bowed, disappearing from sight as Celestia's thoughts raced.
Her mind was a whirlwind of fear and uncertainty. She knew it wouldn't be long before her mother came barging through the door, demanding answers and wielding her authority with an iron fist. What if she told her father? How would Draco react? Would they send her away to some foreign land without anyone knowing? What if they treated her the same way Abraxas had treated Seraphina?
Fear gripped her heart, her head spinning with the weight of her own doubts and insecurities. Celestia stumbled upon her bed, sinking onto the soft mattress as tears streamed down her face. She had to get out of the mansion, away from the suffocating walls that threatened to swallow her whole.
With trembling hands, Celestia sprinted towards the bag Dinky had packed, her heart pounding in her chest as she realized the gravity of her decision. By the size of it, she knew there was an undetectable extension charm placed upon it. Wiping the tears from her cheeks, she made a quick decision. Tying her long, sweaty hair back into a ponytail with the hairband lying innocently on her dressing table, she took a deep breath and grabbed her school trunk in one hand and the bag Dinky had prepared in the other.
As she walked out of the room, Celestia's eyes were blurry with tears, her determination overshadowing her fear. She moved through the halls of Malfoy Manor with purpose, each step bringing her closer to freedom and uncertainty. Her heart raced as she reached the entrance hall, the sound of hurried footsteps echoing through the empty corridors behind her.
Knowing her mother was likely on her trail, Celestia hurried forward with determination, dragging the heavy trunk behind her. As soon as she reached the gate of the mansion, she raised her wand just in time.
A second later, with a loud bang, a gigantic pair of wheels and headlights screeched to a halt before her. A triple-decker, violently purple bus had appeared out of thin air, its gold lettering spelling out "The Knight Bus" over the windscreen.
A conductor in a purple uniform leapt out of the bus, his voice booming through the night. "Welcome to the Knight Bus, emergency transport for the stranded witch or wizard. Just stick out your wand hand, step on board, and we can take you anywhere you want to go. My name is Stan Shunpike—"
"Get out of my way!" snapped Celestia, her voice sharp with urgency as she dragged her heavy trunk towards the bus, failing miserably under its weight.
"A Malfoy, huh?" Stan said, his pimples red and protruding, making Celestia cringe. "A crying one at that? You're not running away from home, are you?"
Ignoring his question, Celestia struggled to lift the trunk onto the bus, her arms shaking with effort.
"Lemme help you with that," offered Stan, stepping forward to assist her.
Once her luggage was safely on board, Celestia set off away from Malfoy Manor, away from her family whom she dearly loved but also feared. With tears still streaming down her face, she embarked on a journey into the unknown, her heart heavy with uncertainty yet filled with a glimmer of hope for a future of her own making.