Chapter 3: Of Letters and Portraits

Everyone wanted to help.

Everyone wanted to be a part of history. To be able to stand tall and say, "I helped in restoring Hogwarts after the war."

Volunteers came in all forms from the hairy band member of the Weird Sisters to the quiet carpenter who owned a handsome furniture shop in Hogsmeade. Rich Hogwarts alums donated large sums of money and lavish furniture to help redecorate the damaged interiors while the Ministry alongside the team of professors led and managed the planning and rebuilding.

Celine's chest tightened as her gaze fell on the mural that had been erected in memory of all those who had fallen.

It stands at the entrance of the Hogwart's gates. As one neared the mural the colors faded away to reveal the smooth black granite wall it had been painted on. This wall contained the names and birth date of those who had their faces painted.

It really wasn't hard for her to spot the fiery red hair amongst those of the past. She kept her eyes trained on the familiar face despite the painful prick signaling an onslaught of tears, the first of the drops landing on her cheek as the image faded to reveal the dark wet wall behind it. Thunder cracked through the air.

Quite a homecoming.


Professor McGonagall wore a beautiful high neckline dress the color of charcoal. The ends of her sleeves were made of chiffon the same color and fluttered elegantly every time she moved. Her dark chestnut hair now streaked with gray was in her usual severe bun and the lines of her face had deepened since the last time Celine had laid eyes on her. Despite her years Professor McGonagall stood tall, looking as regal as a Queen waiting to greet her royal subjects when the newly appointed Deputy Headmaster Professor Flitwick brought in the group of wide eyed first years.

Celine smiled a little as she heard a little girl that had two long auburn plaits down her back gasp at the floating candles that helped light the Great Hall.

She remembered her own amazement when she had first step foot within the castle. Sure Beauxbatons had a beautiful chateau surrounded by gorgeous gardens with a generous view of the mountains (as almost all wizarding schools were out in the middle of nowhere) but she had yearned for the estate that she had grown up in. Helena had outdone herself with the family manor. Built sometime during the 13th century extensions had been made with each passing generation where each one was like a precious treasure, eager to outdo the previous.
From the modern stone and handsome cherry wood carriage house to the full-sized cottage guesthouse complete with a private garden filled with exotic flowers.

Celine loved the house most of all. A gorgeous castle with winding turrets and gargoyles that looked like they were about to fly into battle with wings spanning large enough to provide shelter for three full grown adults if they ever found themselves caught outside in the rain. The manor was also staffed with several servants including a cook, a housekeeper, a scullery maid, a coachman and a stable boy. Helena would tend to the garden herself finding solace amongst the lovely flowers.

Celine never expressed her disdainful opinions regarding the sale of the estate.

But that was why Hogwarts had enchanted her so. The castle reminded Celine of the home she had to leave behind in exchange for the modest townhouse facing Hyde Park. The ferocity of Nature that surrounded them reminded her of the rugged and wild part of France where her family had laid claim on the land for many generations. Celine vowed to do her mother's memory justice one day and buy back what should have been part of her inheritance.

She was abruptly brought out of her reminiscing by the thunderous clapping that rivaled the storm outside. The Sorting Ceremony had begun. Celine watched in amusement as Professor Flitwick brought an extra stool to stand on to be able to place the Sorting Hat onto the new students. He read from a long piece of parchment that rolled to the floor the glint of his silver glasses was caused by the flames from nearby candles.

"Quite a number of students this year." Hermione observed as one by one the apprehensive first years were sorted into their houses. Celine clapped along appropriately when a fair-haired boy wearing robes that were two sizes too big for him was sorted into Gryffindor. "You think it has something to do with the new Minister of Education?" Celine asked.

"I think it's safe to say that we'd be stupid to think otherwise. Well," Hermione smiled. "It's nice to see that more and more people are becoming aware of the importance of education."

Celine tried not to giggle noticing the looks that Harry and Ron were exchanging with one another. It was nice to see that some things will never change.

"HUFFLEPUFF!" The Sorting Hat cried and the last student was sorted much to the relief of the older students. Professor McGonagall stood up and smiled if not a little sadly as she gestured, "As dear Albus had once said, 'There will be a time for speech making. This is not the time.'"

The foursome smiled fondly at the memory of their beloved albeit slightly eccentric ex-Headmaster.

"Do you remember what he wore the first night we arrived here?" Ron asked, nodding her head in thanks as Hermione poured chilled pumpkin juice into her goblet. Harry screwed up his face trying to remember while Ron mumbled incoherently through a mouth full of mashed potatoes.

"Purple robes. With bright yellow stars the color of lemon sherbets." Hermione grinned, tucking into her roast beef.

"Fohneshly..." Ron swallowed hard, his Adam's apple surrounded by delicately protruding veins. "How do you girls remember details like that? Bloody Hell, I can barely remember what I had for dinner last Saturday."

"Well maybe if you paid more attention to your surroundings rather than the whims of your appetite you'd be able to remember things better." Hermione replied.

"I do listen, it's just-…"

Harry and Celine shared equally amused expressions as they tried to remind Ron and Hermione that it had been agreed during their fourth year that they weren't allowed to pull Harry or Celine into their 'affectionate' bickering anymore.

"What did you say about peace this year?" Celine teased Harry as Hermione launched into a full description of just how unobservant Ron was.

"Should've known better." Harry chuckled.

Once the food had all disappeared down the student's gullets and the last dessert spoon was placed on the table, Professor McGonagall stood up instantly commanding the silence of the Great Hall.

"To our new first years, welcome to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. We are more than delighted to have you join our school and allowing us to teach a new generation of young witches and wizards for another year. To our older students, welcome back." Professor McGonagall smiled warmly, her dark eyes sweeping across the many faces that were staring back at her. "Thanks to the many support from the wizarding community our dear Hogwarts was able to be brought back to her former glory in time for the beginning of term. On that note…" She paused, peering over the top of her spectacles. "-with the events that occurred last year, we have been shown again how important unity, love and friendship is among one another. Starting from tomorrow onwards there shall no longer be a restriction on sitting at other house tables during breakfast, lunch, tea, dinner and supper. Students shall sit and eat with whomever they please, wherever they please. More student-bonding activities shall also be implemented starting with a masquerade ball on Hallow's Eve."

Argus Filch chose this moment to lean forward and murmur something to Professor McGonagall.

"Ah and our caretaker, Mr. Filch, has reminded me to remind the first years as well as quite a number of the older students," Again she peered from above her spectacles. "-that the Forbidden Forest is aptly named because it is forbidden and detention will be handed out to anyone who disobeys this rule. Also a full list of banned items will be pinned onto Mr. Filch's door for anyone who wishes to look. Well, I think we're all quite clear on the new policies. I'm sure all of you are looking forward to your beds and classes in the morning. Prefects, please lead the way for your respective groups of first years. Mr. Malfoy and Miss Van Allen, will you two please remain seated while the Great Hall empties. I would like a word."

Hermione gave Celine a reassuring hug and whispered, "I'll see you back in the dormitory." before hurriedly heading for her last duty before bedtime; patrolling the Hogwarts entrance to make sure there weren't any stragglers out past curfew or wandering first years eager to explore the castle. Celine stood up but made no further movements to cross the bench until the Great Hall was partially cleared before making her way to the teacher's table.

"Welcome back to Hogwarts, Miss Van Allen and Mr. Malfoy. I trust the journey back went smoothly?" Professor McGonagall raised an eyebrow. The dancing flames from nearby torches picked out the fine silver hairs that peppered her eyebrows.
Draco gave a slight shrug while Celine answered, "Better than expected."

There was a sad smile on the older woman's lips. "Well I hope the rest of the year shall improve. Follow me, please."

The two prefects walked a step behind Professor McGonagall's swishing skirts, allowing her to lead the way.
"After much deliberation with the school board we have had the old Astronomy tower turned into special living quarters for the both of you. Now this is not a privileged to be abused."

Even without the help of her facial expression Celine could imagine the stern severity by the tone the professor spoke with.

"Both of you are expected to set an example to the other students. The aftermath of the war has not erased any old prejudices but I would like the two of you to change that. There will also be more duties as I mentioned during my speech. I hope you were paying attention to it Mr. Malfoy. Those will fall under both of your responsibilities starting with the masquerade ball. I expect there to be an activity every last Friday night of the month."

As Professor McGonagall spoke they had taken a shortcut behind a portrait of a landscape that featured a lake which led them up a narrow set of steps. Eventually they emerged on the seventh floor behind a tapestry of a unicorn and took another turn at the end of the corridor.

Celine noticed an unfamiliar portrait at the end of the hallway: a white wolf with intelligent yellow eyes.

"This is Thunder. He was the dog the belonged to Rowena Ravenclaw whilst her life at Hogwarts."

"Her familiar?" Celine asked.

Professor McGonagall smiled as Thunder bared his teeth, exposing his canines and pink gums. This also elicited a laugh from Draco. "He seems to have taken offense to that Van Allen."

"That is the general consensus but Thunder resents the association. He prefers the term companion." Professor McGonagall explained and to everyone's chagrin Thunder began to wag his tail in affirmation.

"I'm sorry Thunder I didn't realize you would take offense."

His eyes looked back at her and a moment of understanding passed between them. An ache returned in her heart as she pined for her kitten.

"Stardust is the password." Professor McGonagall said. Thunder nodded the portrait swinging open to reveal another curving flight of stairs with stone walls that were sporadically lit with torches in alabaster sconces. The stairs ended at an oak door that was so heavily polished it reflected the light from the flames.

Celine wasn't expecting the beautiful semi-circular common room behind the mahogany door. Lavish Turkish carpets that sunk beneath their footsteps covered the otherwise chilly freestone floor, overhead a two-tiered chandelier with candles sitting in their holders casting an extra orange glow over the room. Everything else escaped Celine's notice as her searching gaze fell on the pair of portraits that hung above the fireplace.

"Miss Van Allen, Mr. Malfoy, I'd like to formally introduce you to the founders of your respective houses, Godric Gryffindor and Salazar Slytherin." Professor McGonagall said.

Celine took in the wild mane that obscured most of Godric's face emphasizing his burliness. Eyes the color of fresh basil stared back at her acknowledging the Gryffindor tie with a slow smile. His features warmed instantly and Celine felt the muscles in her neck relax.

"Well? Are you two mute? Disrespectful youths."

"Salazar, be nice. The two must be travel weary…Van Allen and Malfoy… Both very old names pureblood names."

"Perhaps."

"I beg your pardon Godric but the reason I've instructed the staff to place your portraits together is for the very same reason I have Miss Van Allen and Mr. Malfoy working alongside one another. They are to be separated from the other students that have been segregated since their first year into houses, to prove that they can live together and work out their differences in order to forge a new friendship. There are many prejudices that have transpired between the noble houses of Gryffindor and Slytherin and it is time to put an end to it. It does not help that you two fuel those prejudices with your constant bickering. I expect you two to guide these two as much as you possibly can." Professor McGonagall explained.

"Good evening Mr. Slytherin, Mr. Gryffindor." Draco said.

Salazar waved a hand. "None of that. Salazar and Godric will do. We don't need to constantly be reminded of our age."

"He's been touchy ever since he lost all his hair." Godric said.

Salazar scowled causing the lines around his face to deepen. In the portrait he is painted without a single wisp of hair on his head emphasizing the delicate curve of his crown however he did possess a beard that was admittedly pewter in color and ended just at the collarbone of the dark moss green robes he wore.

Celine tried to recall ever seeing a portrait of Salazar with hair.

"Pleased to meet you Godric and Salazar." Celine said her eyes shifting between the cool gaze of the Slytherin and the penetrating gaze of the Gryffindor.

"Pleasure is ours. I'm glad to be out of that dungeon." Salazar began.
"It gives us something to do." Godric agreed.

Professor McGonagall smiled. "You two are already agreeing isn't that splendid? Now Mr. Malfoy, you bedroom is located up the right staircase while yours, Miss Van Allen, is up the staircase on the left. I trust that your things would have already been brought up. Tomorrow I expect the patrols to be ongoing as usual. If someone were to be sick or absent for morning rounds, you must instruct them during this Wednesday's meeting that they are to immediately owl either one of you as replacement."

"But what if we're sick?" Draco asked.

"Well then Mr. Malfoy, in the event that the two of you are simultaneously ill, I will perform those rounds myself." Professor McGonagall said with a small smile. Salazar chuckled. "I think this shall be more amusing than I originally imagined."


Celine nearly didn't see the owl perched on her windowsill when she entered the room at the top of the left staircase that curved upwards.

It was a modestly sized room but it had large floor to ceiling windows with beautiful arches that were decorated with stained glass. Between the panels were intricate carvings of mystical creatures. A four-poster bed was against the right wall with the usual silk maroon coverings. A Gryffindor tapestry hung over her head, the needlework so exquisite, Celine found herself accidentally sitting on a distracted Rascal.

The meow halted her inspection and that was when she noticed the owl looking into the room with its large amber eyes. It was pressed up almost comically against the window: the cause of Rascal's distraction.

Celine quickly allowed the owl in and took the letter tied to its leg. Before she could offer it some treats, it sprang up from the windowsill chestnut wings outstretched as if upset with the long wait that it had to endure.

Celine,

I hope this letter finds you well. The years pass by but there's nothing like enjoying the welcome feast and heading back to lie down in the comfortable four poster bed.
Of course Fred, Lee Jordan and I wouldn't be sleeping until the late hours of the morning. That was when we used to find the time to write down various recipes for new candies for the joke shop.

It all seems like yesterday to be honest.

Anyway, I was just doing the accounting for the shop before closing up and heading home. There was an extra bit of parchment leftover and I just had this undeniable urge to talk to you.

How was the train ride back? Did the kitten give you trouble? I hope not. What did you name him by the way?
Oh Merlin, I don't mean to come off as interrogative. It's been a long day. I forget sometimes how taxing customers can be.

Sleep well.

Eagerly waiting your reply,
George.

Celine toyed with the letter her eyes occasionally glancing over to where Rascal was licking himself while sprawled on her bed. She wasn't sure what to reply or even if she should. Though the Trouble Twins had looked identical to the last freckle, George possessed an inner romantic that Celine hadn't expected him to have. The fact that he had chosen to write her a letter despite seeing her just hours ago spoke volumes.

Or you could be over reacting. An inner logic tried to dictate. You both share a loss that only each other can understand.

The parchment slid from her fingers fluttering quietly to the floor.

Oh Fred. We miss you.


The next morning Celine was surprised to find Draco awake and ready before her.

"Hurry up Van Allen, I'd rather get this over with and get to my cup of coffee." Draco said barely glancing up from the book he was reading.

"I always figured you to be a tea drinking sort." The comment left Celine's lips before she had a chance to process it. Her tone definitely caught Draco off guard. She could see his silver eyes peering from the top of his book.

"I don't…Not that I think about you at all-…"

Oh Merlin's beard Celine what are you prattling on about?

"Look can you please get up then?" Celine finally managed before leading the way to the exit hoping that by the time that Draco caught up to her, her cheeks wouldn't be so hot.

His footsteps alerted her of his presence as she waited by the alcove near the staircase. If Draco was surprised by her waiting he didn't mention it rather, just made a gesture for her to follow along. Celine fell in step beside him their footsteps echoing off the stone walls the emptiness of castle suddenly amplified more than ever.

They finished the rest of their rounds in silence and mutually decided to head to the Great Hall together. The atmosphere within was different.

Laughter rang more often amidst the chatter of students swapping summer stories. Celine could smell the scent of pancakes and Belgian waffles interlaced with the calming undertones of ground coffee beans. A hint of a smile lingered on her face, glancing at Draco.

To her surprise she already found him looking at her.

"See you." He said curtly and walked in the typical direction of where the Slytherin table used to be. There were more clusters certainly but that didn't mean that the students weren't enjoying this new found freedom that Professor McGonagall had offered.

Celine found her friends at the end of the old Gryffindor table.

"What's wrong?" She inquired settling between Harry and Hermione.

"We're trying to get Hermione to try out for the team." Harry grinned passing the tea that Celine had gestured for.

"I am not trying out for the Quidditch team, will you both please stop?" Hermione lamented. "Anyway, where were you? I went upstairs and everything is different. Parvati is withdrawn because…Well…You know…"

"I didn't expect her to be back honestly. Haven't the Patels pulled out their children before?" Celine took a sip of her tea enjoying the French vanilla taste in her black tea. "You know Malfoy doesn't like tea?"

Harry and Ron shared a look.
"Uh. No? Celine, Hermione, what happened last night?" Harry asked.

"That was what I was trying to get into. Not everyone is back so I guess they had to move people around to make different accommodations and Ginny was in your bed."

Celine raised an eyebrow, placing a stack of buttered pancakes onto her plate. "I was wondering who would have taken over my spot but hey, at least it's Ginny. Where is she anyway?"

"Over with her friends." Harry answered. "She wanted to get back in touch with them. I mean we spent the whole summer together. I can't complain."

"So where were you?" Hermione continued.

Celine explained her new living situation with Draco and Professor McGonagall's aspiration for the both of them.

"That's lunacy." Ron said finally.

Hermione shot him a look. "Personally I think it's a great idea."

"Better you than me." Harry shrugged. Celine chewed on her mouthful of pancakes thoughtfully taking her time to reply. "He hasn't been…anything at all. Quiet and reserved." Her mind went over the comment she had accidentally let slip this morning and feeling the heat rush to her cheeks once more. "Maybe we should give him the benefit of the doubt."

"He did save my life." Harry agreed quietly.

"And we saved his." Ron reminded. Celine shrugged, "Yeah but I thought we believed that people deserve second chances."

"Snape." Harry added.

Ron made a sound at the back of his throat while rolling his eyes expressively. "Well I'm not sitting here if you lot are planning on having breakfast with him too. I think I'll be sick if you do."

The other three burst into amicable laughter.
"I don't think that will happen." Celine assured. The rest of Ron's reply was drowned out by the sound fluttering of wings. The morning post arrived surprising Celine when the same chestnut colored owl dropped a letter in her bowl of dried cereal.

"Gee thanks." She eyed the owl as it took a long drink from her goblet.

Celine,

I honestly wasn't expecting a reply but I figured if anyone would've understood sudden cravings to talk to someone it would be you. Healer Leonard said I should be writing down my thoughts but I told him I felt daft writing to essentially myself so he suggested writing to closest friends instead.

Unfortunately you fall under that category.

I like the name Rascal. From your accounts it does suit his personality. It would be interesting to visit Hogwarts again but…

It might be too difficult. Still.

Is his stone still there?

Of course it would be. Professor McGonagall would never allow anyone else to move it. Least of all you.

Verity asked when was the last time I saw Angelina and I have to admit it has been a while. I just don't have the strength to endure her questions. They've recently become to incessant and prodding. But I can't blame her. She's just worried as any concerned friend would be. Of course Verity assumes that we're more than that. As I recall you were on the same page.

Hope your week has gone by well enough. I was wondering if you had received the Hogsmeade weekend schedules yet. It might be nice if I could see you some time.

Just not at the castle.

Anyway it's getting late and I keep the joke shop open on weekends. I gave Verity the weekend off. Maybe I shouldn't have been so hasty. I'll regret it tomorrow surely.

Eagerly waiting your reply,
George.

"Who's that from?" Ron asked from across the table. Celine folded the letter, slipping it into her messenger bag as she made a mental note to reply later.
"Someone." Celine replied before changing the topic to their impending classes.