The next two weeks were unbearable in Gryffindor Tower, and Celeste found herself avoiding it and any other Gryffindors unless she was going to bed. The news of her fight with Nathaniel seemed to have spread through the school like wildfire and even Professor Longbottom, head of Gryffindor house and their Herbology teacher, seemed to act cooler towards her. She tried to convince herself that it was all work done for the Order and to keep her father safe, but after a couple days of being followed by whispers and loathing gazes, she began to hate the Order for what it was making her family pretend to be. She knew her father was no happier in his ordained role then she was, and she began to wonder how Professor Snape had kept at it for so many years.
Scorpio had tried to stay near her for the first few days, but she found that the other students reacted more harshly towards her when she'd been in the company of her brother and the other Slytherians, so she also began avoiding him. The Great Hall and classrooms suddenly became like prisons and she hurried through her meals in order to escape faster, even though she had finally taken to sitting with her brother because the silence she was treated to at Gryffindor table was agonizing.
Nathaniel wouldn't even look at her; but it was worse then that. She sometimes found him staring at her, only to discover that his eyes were unseeing…as if he were looking right through her…like she wasn't there. It was after these encounters that she would flee to the Astronomy Tower, seeking solitude and solace in the memory of their first kiss. Part of her hoped that he would come up here for the same reason, and she would have a chance to explain her actions; but he never did and Scorpio had made sure to forbid her from ever giving them away. He had insisted that members of the Order had imparted strongly how important it was that no one suspect Draco Malfoy after the last incident. That decree also extended to Celeste's friends…if they were convinced that even Celeste had turned towards Death Eater leanings, no one would doubt her father.
The only silver lining to any of this was the letter she had received a couple days ago, written in her father's hurried hand telling her that she and Scorpio would be returning to Malfoy Manor over the Christmas holidays. She had been overjoyed at the news, but only received a halfhearted shrug from Scorpio when she showed him the letter. She realized later why his response had been so subdued; they would have to put on a greater performance at the Manor, as it would most likely host many of the Death Eaters over the holiday. Dread had settled into the pit of her stomach at that realization and had been growing ever since.
She wished she could confide in Gabby, Jared, Ari or Nathaniel, but they merely glared at her in the Common Room and hallways or acted as if they hadn't seen her at all.
Celeste sighed as she laid her book bag down and leaned over the Astronomy tower rail for the third time in a week. She untied her scarf from her neck, allowing the cool breeze access to her heated skin. Her eyes closed slowly and she leaned out a little further, feeling the sudden rush in her stomach at the sensation of open air.
"Celeste! What the bloody hell are you doing!" Nathaniel Potter's angry voice ripped through her reverie and nearly made her lose her grip on the railing.
She tripped as strong hands grabbed at her and sent both of them sprawling on the hard floor. She struggled out of his arms, turning flaming eyes towards him as she straightened. "I was enjoying the solitude until you interrupted!" she yelled back, rubbing her side. "And now, thanks to you, I can add physical pain to the long list of things you've done in the past two weeks!"
His blue green eyes flashed dangerously. "I've done?" he spat incredulously. "You're the one who's all chummy with the Slytherians now…" he paused, glancing once more at the railing. "Are you mental? What were you trying to do?"
Her face tightened into a sneering smile. "Hoping I was going to launch myself off the top, were you?" she returned. "Solve a lot of your problems, wouldn't it." She grabbed her bag and swept towards the stairs.
"No," his voice was hurt. "I would never wish that…especially not on you."
She turned back, her cold gaze taking in the sadness in his face. He was still sitting on the ground where he had fallen, his unruly dark auburn hair rustling in the slight breeze. His eyes gazed at her with open longing and she turned away quickly, hiding the tears that threatened her eyes.
"Your actions would say otherwise, Potter," she returned coldly, trying to summon her anger once again. "How did you know I was up here anyways?"
He gingerly reached into his pocket and pulled out a well-worn, folded piece of parchment.
She sniffed haughtily. "Been spying on me, have you? Make sure I'm not going to tell the Slytherians all your little secrets?"
She heard him sigh. "Celeste," the pleading was so heavy in his voice that she had to squeeze her eyes shut.
"What?" she growled, whirling around, her expression willed into iciness.
He stood and walked towards her, stopping a couple feet away. "I've known you for four years…this isn't you."
She stuck her chin out haughtily, mimicking her brother. "What do you know, Potter…my family…my lineage is worth ten times what yours is…"
"Which side?" he demanded, his features sharpening slightly.
She balked, surprise washing over her face. "What did you say?"
"I said, which side, Celeste Granger?" he took a forceful step forward, emphasizing his words. "Because according to your new friends…your mum was worse then a muggle…"
Her hazel eyes flashed. "My mother was the best witch of her age!" she cried defiantly.
A small smile tipped his mouth and he took another step forward.
"Nathaniel Sirius Potter, stay away from me!" she cried suddenly, putting a hand up as if to ward him off.
"Or what? You'll call your brother?" he taunted.
Her eyes narrowed and she pulled out her wand, its tip planted under his chin threateningly. "Leave me alone…" she continued, her voice deadly.
He raised his hands, but the smirk remained on his face. "Not until you tell me the truth."
She let out a mirthless laugh. "This is the truth, Potter…"
He shook his head, pushing away her wand and taking another step forward so that his face was inches from hers. "No, Celestine Andromeda Malfoy…it's not."
She bit her lower lip and lowered her gaze, unable to meet his piercing eyes any longer. His hand gently raised her chin so that she was looking at him again.
"The Celeste I know worried about her connection with families like the Lestranges and Blacks…and treasured her ties with the Weasleys and Lupins…that Celeste is still here," his fingers traced her cheek gently. "So the question is, why is she hiding behind this ridiculous façade?"
Celeste savored the feel of his touch, then quickly tore herself away. "People change, Potter…I realized how silly it was to deny my true lineage…I value you the right things now."
"Damn it, Celeste," he suddenly exploded, blue green eyes on fire. "Why are you playing games? No one is here to listen to your acting…why can't you be honest with me?"
She looked up at him, her expression sad. "It's not a game, Nathaniel…" she whispered. She turned from him slowly and didn't look back as she descended the narrow stairs, Nathaniel staring after her.
Celeste collapsed into the chair beside her brother, deep circles under her eyes.
"Are you alright?" Scorpio asked quietly as Snape swept into the classroom.
Celeste shook her head slowly, rubbing her eyes once more and pulled out her books. "I'll be fine…" she whispered.
He gave her a disbelieving glance, but turned back to their professor.
Snape lectured for another hour about the uses of the stunning jinx and how it would be one of the most important spells they would ever master. Celeste caught Nathaniel staring at her and gave him a cold glare.
His expression blanched and then he sunk into his seat. Gabby noticed his sudden change in demeanor and followed his glance across the room to where the two Malfoys sat. Her blue eyes hardened and she gave Celeste the dirtiest look she could muster before turning back to her cousin.
Snape caught the action, however, and assigned the pair of them extra lines, which only increased the loathing in Gabby's stare.
When Snape dismissed them, Celeste started to walk over to apologize, but Scorpio caught her arm, shaking his head forcefully. She halted, defeated, and gathered her bag and books from the floor.
"Come on…" Scorpio called softly.
"Aren't you two coming to the Quidditch match?" Adonis asked, noticing they were headed for the library.
Scorpio shook his head. "I promised I would help Celeste with our potions homework…"
Celeste gave him a rueful smile as they walked in the opposite direction from the rest of the students. "You know that was a hardly passable lie…if anyone needs help with their schoolwork…"
Scorpio gave her a wounded glare. "Potions is my best class…I think I can rightfully claim that I got some of mum's brains as well…"
"Keep telling yourself that, Scorpio…" she replied, a hint of laughter in her voice.
"There, see…" he returned, a smile breaking through his pale features.
She glanced at him. "What?"
"You are still in there…I haven't seen you so much as crack a smile since term started…"
"That's not fair!" she retorted.
"Alright, fine…" he acquiesced. "Then a real smile…not your fake, Malfoy smile."
Her brow knitted in concentration, but she didn't argue.
"Harder then you thought?" he asked after a moment.
She paused, turning to face him. The corridor around them was deserted and she allowed a small bit of pain to creep into her hazel eyes. "I didn't think it would be like this…"
Scorpio gathered her into a small hug. "Someday…" he whispered.
They stood frozen together for the span of a minute before she broke away, giving him a sideways smile. "Come on…we'd better get to work if you're going to help me get my Potions grade up to par…"
Scorpio laughed quietly, shouldering his bag and followed her down the corridor.
The Hogwarts Express chugged through the wintery hillsides back towards London, its whistle echoing eerily through the trees.
Ari Lupin sat in her seat across from Jared Wood and Gabby Weasley, her hair alternating between red and green as the other two rolled with laughter. Nathaniel Potter sat beside Ari, but his serious gaze was fixed on the passing landscape, his mind far from his three friends.
"Nate! Oi! Nathaniel Potter!" Jared called, his boyish grin widening as he aimed a punch at his best friend.
Nathaniel cried out in shock, rubbing his arm. "What did you do that for?"
"Where were you? Jared's been trying to get your attention for ages?" Ari asked quietly.
Gabby's blue eyes narrowed. "Bet his mind was on Malfoy…" she said waspishly.
He turned a glare on his cousin. "Watch it, Gabby…"
"Come on, Nate…ever since that day on the Astronomy Tower, you've only been half here…" Gabby returned.
Ari placed a sympathetic hand on Nathaniel's arm. "What is on your mind?"
He sighed. "I was just thinking about last Christmas holidays when we were all at the Weasley house…together."
Ari and Jared nodded slowly, their eyes slightly unfocused as memories swam to the front of their minds.
"You do know where your little girlfriend is spending her holidays, don't you?" Gabby asked, face sour. "I heard Brigit Lestrange and William Campbell talking…they're going to be visiting Malfoy Manor over the break…where Scorpio and Celeste will be welcoming them."
Shock flooded Ari's face, but Nathaniel's was grim.
"You should tell your dad, Gabby…maybe the Order should know…" Ari whispered.
Nathaniel's face suddenly brightened. "The Order! That's it!" he cried, excitement in his voice. "Listen, what if Celeste and Scorpio have only been acting like they hate us because of the Order?"
The other three looked at him in confusion.
"What do you mean, mate?" Jared asked.
Nathaniel could hardly contain his excitement, it was so obvious, and he wondered why it hadn't crossed his mind before this. "I mean, what if they are acting on the Order's behalf…you know, trying to solidify their dad's work with the Death Eaters?"
Gabby's face was still bewildered. "You mean, Celeste would lie to her closest friends and act like she hates us because the Order told her to?" her voice was skeptical.
"Yes!" Nathaniel practically shouted.
Ari shook her head. "Think about it, Nate. We've always shared everything with each other. Why wouldn't Celeste tell us what was happening and what she was doing?"
"Maybe the Order forbade her from saying anything?" he suggested.
Gabby scoffed. "Since when has the fact that someone forbid us from something stopped us?" she posed.
Jared and Ari nodded in agreement; over half the detentions they had served were because they had broken rules.
"Face it, Nate…she's gone…" Jared said simply.
A figure walked past their compartment door, honey brown hair glimmering in the late afternoon sun. Celeste looked in and a moment of longing flickered across her face before it once again hardened. She continued past, and Gabby turned towards Nate again.
"You see?"
Nathaniel sighed. "I suppose your right…"
Celeste settled into her seat, pulling out an old book from her bag. The compartment door banged open and she looked up to find her brother stepping in and shutting the door once again behind him.
His grey green eyes were weary and his face strained. He held out a piece of folded parchment to her and sank into the seat. "Got this just a minute ago…" he explained.
Celeste laid down her book and unfolded the paper. There were two sentences scrawled in their father's hasty handwriting.
Lestranges and Carrows at Manor. Be on best behavior.
She raised her gaze to her brothers and his eyes spoke volumes.
"No rest for the wicked?" Celeste asked benignly.
Scorpio's lips turned up slightly. "At least we got a warning."
Celeste sighed and opened her book once more. "I wish we were going back to Headquarters…at least we could spend Christmas amongst friends…"
"Instead of in the den of wolves?" Scorpio added lightly.
She laughed quietly. "Maybe we can convince father to clear the house out for one night…"
Scorpio's smile faded and his eyes grew dark. "You know very well that father has to do whatever he is told to…either by the Order or the Death Eaters…"
Celeste scowled. "You know, I'm beginning to hate them both equally…"
Scorpio nodded, staring out the window absently.
"By the way, would you care to be an older brother and keep Adonis Zabini off of me?" she growled.
He turned to her once more, amusement budding in his eyes. "I don't know what you're talking about…"
Her eyes narrowed dangerously. "He's been bugging me every since…Nathaniel and I…just, keep him off me, alright?"
"His family is very influential, Celeste…not to mention powerful amongst certain circles."
"I don't care!" she cried. "I've already given up my life for the damn Order, I'm not going to pawn myself off to that git Zabini for them as well!"
"Alright," Scorpio replied, voice pacifying. "I'll do what I can…"
"He's vile," she growled in an undertone.
Scorpio allowed a smile to climb into his face once more. "But…"
"NO!" Celeste cut him off.
He stifled a laugh as she buried her face back into her book.
The compartment door opened once more, revealing Brigit Lestrange, Adonis Zabini, and William Campbell.
"Mind if we join you?" William asked, while Adonis cast eager dark eyes to where Celeste was obviously ignoring them.
Scorpio shook his head. "We'd rather be alone for awhile…" he sighed.
Brigit looked taken aback and started to say something, but Scorpio held up a hand, his face exhausted. "We'll see you at the Manor when we get there…"
She nodded curtly and the three turned back out into the hallway, Adonis looking slightly crestfallen.
"Thank you," Celeste breathed once the door had shut once more.
Scorpio grinned. "What are big brothers for?"
She rolled her eyes, settling further back in the seat and folding her legs under her.
The compartment door opened once more and she groaned.
Scorpio stiffened. "Get out, Potter," he growled.
Celeste's eyes snapped up to the figure hurriedly shutting the door and pulling the curtain, hiding them from view.
"I just have to ask Celeste something," he said quietly.
"I said, get out!" Scorpio raged, his voice barely controlled.
Nathaniel fell to the seat next to her and she scooted back at his nearness. His eyes fixed on hers, blue green depths penetrating. "Are you acting like this because the Order told you to?" he asked in a rush.
Celeste's mouth worked silently, but Scorpio hauled Nathaniel up by his shirt and placed his wand against Nate's chest.
"Get out before I do something I'll not likely regret, Potter…" Scorpio's voice sank to a deadly whisper.
"I just want the truth, Malfoy…" Nathaniel returned, his eyes flashing.
"She's already told you…get over your sick infatuation and stop bothering my sister with your delusions."
"Why don't you let her speak for herself…"
"She already has…" Scorpio returned, eyes narrowed.
"Scorpio…" Celeste stood, placing a hand on his shoulder.
He turned a knowing look to her, his expression intense and hard.
Her eyes closed for a moment, then opened, focusing coldly on Nathaniel's features. She pulled Scorpio's hand away, keeping her gaze locked with Nate's. "He's right…leave before something happens that we can't take back…"
"But…Celeste…" Nathaniel reached out a hand to her.
Scorpio's wand tip pushed further into Nathaniel's chest and anger seethed into his eyes. "Back off, Malfoy…"
"You first," Scorpio returned.
Nathaniel glared at him for a moment longer and then took a step back. He cast a look at Celeste before disappearing back into the corridor.
Both Scorpio and Celeste sank back into their seats and were silent until the train pulled into King's Cross. Scorpio swung his bag over his shoulder and then picked up Celeste's.
"Come on," he said quietly, making his way out through the throng of people.
Celeste followed, feeling like they were going to a funeral. She finally spotted their father standing in the crowd, his platinum hair pulled back smoothly into a long ponytail and dressed in an expensive looking black suit. His face looked weary, the angles standing out in sharp contrast to his blazing grey eyes.
"Father," Scorpio said simply as they arrived before him.
He nodded at his son and gave a short, warm look to Celeste. "Train ride pleasant?"
Both nodded mutely. Celeste caught sight of the Potters and Weasleys across the platform, eagerly and joyfully greeting one another, oblivious to the cloud that hung over the Malfoys.
Draco cast a loathing look towards Harry Potter. Nathaniel's father gave a curt nod and turned away. Draco sighed, turning back to his children.
"Come, I have the car out front…"
The hurried along beside him, and only when they had passed through the barrier and were amongst a crowd of muggles did their father speak again.
"You received my message?" he asked softly.
Celeste and Scorpio nodded.
"Then you know what is expected?"
Again they nodded in assent.
He stopped, fixing both of them with a steely gaze. "Bellatrix Lestrange is not a fool and neither are the Carrows…you will need to be alert at every moment." He paused, gathering his strength. "And they expect…that the Dark Lord is returning to us once more."
Celeste's eyes momentarily widened in fear. "Father?"
He grasped her shoulders. "You, especially, must be careful. They know now about your mother…and you greatly resemble her, Celeste, in looks as well as temperament. You must be on guard…" he sighed. "If only I had more time to teach you…but there is no help for that now."
Without explaining, he turned and began walking once more.
Exchanging confused looks, Scorpio and Celeste followed quietly in his wake.
Malfoy Manor rose loomingly from the barren landscape. A large iron fence surrounded it on every side, only adding to the forbidding feel.
The three Malfoys walked solemnly up the drive towards the gate. Just as the reached the intertwining iron bars, Draco Malfoy held up his wand arm in a kind of mock salute and they passed through as if the gate was made of vapor.
Celeste glanced back in amazement, but neither Scorpio nor their father seemed fazed by the idea that they had just walked through solid metal.
She had a chance to look around once at the sweeping grounds before they were in the large entry way of the Manor itself. A roaring fire burned across the massive room, glistening in the marble floor. Rich tapestries hung from the walls, depicting scenes from various medieval tales. Sconces lined the walls and flickered as a cold breeze followed them through the doorway. Marble stairs climbed the far wall, disappearing into the upper level.
Scorpio laid their bags onto the floor and a house elf scurried forward to drag them up the stairs.
"Ah, my dear nephew…" a voice rang out from across the room. Celeste followed it to its source and found a woman before the fire. Her dark, heavy lidded eyes were partially hidden by a tangle of dark hair and her smile was icy cold.
Draco stepped forward, greeting her quietly. He motioned to her and Scorpio and they followed, but Celeste kept herself slightly hidden behind her brother.
Scorpio also greeted her, though his eyes were expressionless.
"I'd like to present my daughter, Bellatrix," Draco stepped to the side, so that Celeste was fully visible, "Celestine Andromeda Malfoy."
Bellatrix Lestrange's eyes swept over her and Celeste momentarily had the feeling of being a mouse cornered by a very sadistic cat.
"Well, Draco, she certainly has grown…those ridiculous pictures you kept don't do her justice…" Bellatrix scolded, circling Celeste slowly. "Too bad she looks so very like her mudblood mother…"
Celeste's eyes hardened and she turned a murderous gaze on her great aunt.
Bellatrix's face seemed to light at her response. "Although…perhaps there are some traces of you in her, Draco…"
Draco nodded imperceptively. "Why don't you two go upstairs until dinner."
"Nonsense, Draco, you're expecting guests…they should be here to witness how…influential you have become," Bellatrix's voice was sickeningly sweet. She clapped her hand once. "Elf!"
A small house elf came scurrying at her voice and bowed low before her, his ears scrapping the marble floor. "Yes, Mistress Bellatrix?"
"Take the two young Malfoys and get them settled and ready for dinner," she said softly, glancing over at the siblings. "My daughter and the Carrows will be joining us."
The elf bowed again and looked up expectantly at Scorpio and Celeste. "Young Master and Mistress, please come with me," he squeaked.
Draco gave them a swift nod and they followed the elf up the marble staircase and down a long hallway.
"Master Scorpio, sir," the elf pushed open a door and Scorpio gave Celeste a small smile before stepping in.
"I'll be right here if you need anything," he said softly before closing the door.
The elf started down the hall once more and then turned down a smaller one, opening another door. "Mistress Celestine…" the elf beckoned into the room and she followed him inside. She had to bit her lip to hide the gasp. A large four poster bed sat against one wall, its hangings deep scarlet and gauzy white. The wardrobe took up another wall, the cherry wood shining in the light of the fire.
"It's beautiful," she breathed.
The elf looked at her strangely, bowed and then disappeared out the door.
Celeste merely walked around, inspecting the room slowly, not sure of what else to do. She found an antique silver comb and mirror set laying on the vanity as well as a collection of books on a small shelf near the bed. A small smile graced her lips when she realized that her father had left them for her.
The door opened once more and the elf stepped in, carrying a dark bundle of clothes. "Excuse me, Mistress…but Master Draco asked me to give you these…for the formal dinners."
Celeste looked down at her jeans and dark blue sweater. "This isn't good enough?" she asked absently.
The elf looked startled, then bowed again. "Indeed, Mistress Celestine, you look beautiful…much like young Mistress Hermione…but your father…"
"You knew my mother?" Celeste interrupted, falling to her knees before the small creature.
The elf stuttered and backed away. "Forbidden to speak…"
Celeste nodded, her expression dropping. "Of course…" she whispered. She picked up the clothes and carried them to the bed. "Thank you," she whispered.
The elf tried to hide his astonishment at this and scurried back out the door, as if afraid he would get in trouble by remaining in her presence.
She started to pick through the clothes the elf had brought in, hanging them in her wardrobe absently, while admiring the beautiful, rich fabrics.
A soft knock sounded on the door and it opened a moment later, revealing the pale and drawn features of Draco Malfoy. A smile touched his thin lips at the sight of her picking through the wardrobe.
"Is everything alright? It's been a long time since I've had to worry about clothes for a young lady…"
Celeste nodded, giving him a small smile. "They're perfect, father…thank you."
"These were your mothers…" he said absently, running his hand over the velvet of a dark green gown. A longing entered his grey eyes, but quickly disappeared.
"Mum's?" Celeste asked reverently, gaping at the clothes with a new appreciation.
Draco shook his head. "Not all…just this one. The others belonged to my own mother, Narcissa, and some are new…just yours."
She smiled again, taking his hand as he brushed back a stray piece of honeyed hair. The emerald of her bracelet flashed in the firelight and Draco traced the jewels with a finger. "I am glad you are here, my darling."
"Me too, father…" she whispered.
He led her over to the bed and pulled her down to sit beside him. "Celestine, I want you to remain as invisible as possible while here."
She gave him a confused look, but his face remained fiercely determined.
"I want you to be within sight of myself, Scorpio, or Severus at all times…do not allow anyone to pull you away from us, do you understand?"
Celeste nodded, hazel eyes still puzzled. "But why?"
Draco sighed. "There are those who would see our family fall from power…and those who will seek to grab ahold of our influence by any means necessary…you are the wild card, my dear. No one here has ever seen you before as being someone of consequence. Most will still revile you because of your mother…" he paused. "But some would…use you…to justify their own means. Please…stay close."
She placed a small hand over Draco's. "I promise nothing will happen to me, father…"
The days passed quickly in a haze of swirling snow and constant visitors to Malfoy Manor. One thing remained constant however, the Malfoy family was never left alone together. So it was, that on December 22nd, the day that Scorpio and Celeste would celebrate their birthday together for the first time in eleven years, the Death Eaters had called an urgent meeting.
The Malfoy twins had been livid upon finding out, but had quickly hid their feelings in favor of keeping up the charade before Bellatrix, Rudolphus, and Brigit, who had come to stay over the holiday.
Celeste dressed anxiously, marveling at the luxury of the dark green gown that defined her figure. The narrow straps hugged the edge of her shoulders and dropped into a rounded neckline, from there the material cascaded elegantly to the floor, shimmering slightly.
She quickly ran the silver brush through her hair, twisting it up so that only a couple curling tendrils hung round her face.
She jumped as a knock sounded on the door and it opened quietly. Scorpio appeared, dressed stylishly in a knee length black coat and trousers. His brownish blonde hair fell in handsome disarray about his pale face.
He whistled when he saw her. "Now you look like a Malfoy…" he said softly. He walked over to her and draped the black shawl around her shoulders. "Shame Potter isn't here…" he added, a mischievous glint in his grey green eyes.
"I thought you didn't approve of Nathanial and I…" she challenged, a smug grin on her face.
Scorpio laughed quietly. "I just don't like the idea of him snogging my sister in public…" he answered. "Happy birthday, by the way…"
She grinned up at him. "Same to you…shame we have to celebrate it with all dad's lovely friends…" she growled out the last few words.
"There's more to tonight then just a dinner, Celestine…" he warned.
They heard the front doors open and close loudly and voices carried up from the entrance hall and staircase.
Fear flickered momentarily in her face. "Is it time?" she whispered.
He nodded once, taking her arm and leading her back down the hall. "Don't worry…you're twice the witch of anyone else here…after all, you are Hermione Granger's daughter…" his sidelong smile lit his eyes.
She returned it gently, then arranged her features into what she hoped looked like the Malfoy mask of arrogant indifference.
She felt him take a deep breath before pushing through the twin doors into an elegant dining room. Several of the chairs along the long table were already occupied, but Scorpio led her to the very end and they settled themselves into two chairs close to their father.
Brigit was seated between her mother and father across the table and she gave a small smirk to Celeste as the house elves placed a variety of dishes on the table.
Both siblings remained quiet throughout the meal, finding it better to say nothing in response to the talk about different acts of brutality and torture reported by various Death Eaters.
As several elves cleared away the table, an excited buzz began among the guests. There were others present now and Celeste was loathed to see Adonis Zabini standing near his parents. When he turned towards her direction, she ducked behind Scorpio to hide from his view.
In doing so, she bumped into a dark figure and turned quickly, an apology on her lips when she froze.
"Forgive me, my lady, I did not realize you were here," fathomless green eyes locked onto hers and Celeste drew in a ragged breath.
"No," she managed finally. "It was my fault. I was…" she glanced behind her for any sign of Adonis, but was pulled back by a feathery kiss to her hand.
The man before her swept a deep bow, then straightened, brushing a dark curl behind his ear.
"Jasper Morgan," he introduced, flashing a small smile.
She quickly fought the flush of heat rising to her pale cheeks. "Celestine Malfoy," she replied softly.
His eyes widened slightly. "Malfoy…I didn't know old Scorpio had a sister…but then maybe they've kept you hidden away all these years…for good reason." The blush of color deepened in her cheeks at his open perusal of her form.
She felt a hand on her elbow and turned slightly.
"I see you've met my sister, Jasper…now I'd kindly ask you to remove yourself from her presence," Scorpio growled softly.
Jasper laughed, the sound like a pealing bell. "Ah, Scorpio, I'm harmless…I wouldn't dream of reaching above myself for the likes of a Malfoy heiress…" his deep green eyes caught hers once more. "Heard about what's happening tonight, Scorpio…also heard a rumor that the Dark Lord is doing it himself…" he trailed off suggestively.
Scorpio's eyes flashed. "That's none of your concern, nor mine, Jasper…we are here to follow orders, not to question."
Celeste looked in confusion at her brother's stoic features. "Scorpio?" she questioned quietly.
He shook his head, cutting off her query. "If you'll excuse us, Jasper."
The other nodded, casting one more electrifying look at Celeste before Scorpio led her across the room to their father.
Draco took Celeste's hands and kissed her cheek. "You look so beautiful…" and she could almost see the longing for her mother in his eyes.
"Father…" Scorpio stated calmly, and he turned to find Severus Snape sweeping towards them.
"Draco," he intoned lightly, then turned a quick nod of acknowledgment to Celeste and Scorpio. "Are you sure this is the right course of action, Draco?" Snape questioned, a hard edge to his voice.
Draco looked over at his son, his face clouded. "It was his idea, Severus …I cannot stop him."
Snape turned his black eyes on Scorpio. "You realize what this will mean?"
Scorpio nodded once, stony faced. "If something were to happen to father…I want to know I can keep Celeste safe and carry on where father left off."
"Wait, what is going on?" Celeste hissed, her hazel eyes flashing.
A sudden hush fell over the group of Death Eaters and the dark of the night seemed to grow even deeper.
"My Lord…" Bellatrix's voice cried in breathless joy.
Celeste and Scorpio turned slowly as their father stepped in front of them, and gained their first glimpse of Lord Voldemort.
The red eyes captured Celeste's in horror and she had to fight for the will to remain where she was instead of bolting from the aura that surrounded the pale, snake-like man.
Voldemort caught sight of their father and glided forward. "Draco, how kind of you to offer your home for this little…gathering," the voice came out in a slippery hiss.
Draco Malfoy nodded his head once as Voldemort stopped before him. "And this must be your son…how pleased I am that you are following in your father's footsteps…" A glimmer of a smile appeared on his thin lips as he spotted Celeste hidden behind them. "And who is this, Draco?"
Celeste saw her father's face drain of what little color was there. Apparently, they were hoping that Scorpio's presence would shield her from the Dark Lord's view.
Fear beating rapidly within her chest, she took a step forward, giving a small bow. "Celestine Malfoy, my Lord," she heard herself say reverently.
The smile broadened on Voldemort's face as he turned towards Draco, who was staring at her incredulously. "Your daughter, Draco?" he asked, an undertone of threat in his voice.
"Yes, my Lord," Draco answered woodenly.
"Seemingly back from the grave…" Voldemort mused. "Perhaps she would like to show the same loyalty as her brother?" He sneered at the grey tinge in Draco's face. "Or perhaps you're not willing to part with such a lovely treasure…"
Celeste kept her eyes fixed and she vaguely felt Scorpio's hand in hers, drawing her back.
Voldemort was quiet for a moment, then turned back to Draco. "Shall we begin?" his red eyes drifted to Scorpio.
Both nodded and the group moved as one towards the fireplace. Scorpio shoved Celeste at Snape as they were momentarily hidden from view. "Get her out of here…she doesn't need to witness this," he whispered, his grey green eyes burning.
Celeste felt Snape's hands close over her arms and begin to pull her from the gathering circle of Death Eaters. "Wait! What is going on!" she demanded, struggling against Snape's hold. "Let me go!"
"Hush, foolish girl…" his voice hissed in her ear. "Trust me when I say that it is better if you not see this…"
Eager anticipation fell over the group as Snape dragged her towards the double doors.
She heard Voldemort's voice in a triumphant cry, "MORSMORDRE INSIGNIUM!"
There was a vibrant flash of green and then she heard Scorpio cry out in agony. She strained against Snape, her heart hammering. Tears were pouring down her cheeks, but she had no idea why.
"Scorpio!" she whimpered. "What have they done!"
Snape finally succeeded in getting her beyond the doors and pushed her into a cushioned window seat. "Hush, Celeste…" he scolded. "Your brother has been given a great honor." His voice was suggestive and when she looked into his face, his eyes held a pleading fire. "You must remember…" he whispered.
Vaguely she heard Scorpio's voice warning her that they would have to play their parts in her mind. She shook her head, wiping the tears from her cheeks. "What did they do to him?" she begged.
"The same that has been done to the rest of us," and he pulled up the sleeve of his left arm, revealing the ugly Death's Head mark that seemed to move in the light.
Celeste let out a gasp of horror, then slumped forward, Snape barely catching her shoulders.
"You must endure it…you are a Malfoy…" he whispered urgently. "Do you want to get us all killed?"
She sobered immediately.
Snape's dark gaze filled with understanding. "We walk a very delicate line, Miss Malfoy…you must learn it as well…"
She nodded once, brushing the last of the wetness from her face and straightening. "I suppose I should congratulate my brother," she spoke slowly.
Severus' mouth set in a thin line. "That would be prudent."
She stood slowly, taking a moment to soothe her features into calm resignation. Her eyes met Snape's and she took his arm, as if he were escorting her back from the stairway.
Draco met them at the door, his face wan. Celeste took his offered arm, trying to lend some form of strength to her father. He silently thanked Snape, who flanked them back into the room.
Scorpio appeared at the edge of the circle, looking feverish. His eyes were bright and skin ashen and beaded with sweat. He stumbled into his sister's arms and Celeste held tightly to his shoulders, her eyes locked with his.
"I'm sorry," he whispered.
She hushed him quickly and pulled him up to stand beside her. Wrapping her arm around his to support him, she led him proudly back into the circle of Death Eaters.
"Miss Malfoy," she heard from beside her and turned to find Jasper Morgan's smiling features. "You must be very proud of your brother."
She let an arrogant smile wash over her face. "Of course…he and my father have never given me reason to doubt their loyalty to our cause," she replied haughtily, her thoughts on the Order.
"Perhaps you would allow me to escort you for tea?" he asked, holding out a hand to her.
Celeste turned to Scorpio and his eyes pleaded with her to reject the offer. She released his arm, making sure he was standing straight before placing her hand delicately in Jasper's. A small smile turned her lips, "Of course."
Jasper led her out onto the small balcony and she clutched her wrap closer against the cold. She caught a momentary glimpse of Brigit and Adonis in the bay window before they disappeared behind the curtains.
A shiver of premonition ran down her spine and Jasper wrapped his arm around her shoulders, mistaking her shudder for cold. She gave him a small, indulgent smile.
"So, Master Morgan, how do you know my brother?" she asked quietly, turning her eyes to his.
Jasper leaned back against the stone railing. "We were at Hogwarts together." At her questioning glance, he continued. "I was in my fifth year when you and your brother first came…I was the Slytherian prefect."
She nodded in understanding, turning her gaze out to the star spangled sky. Her mind touched on Nathaniel, wondering if he was seeing the same canopy as she.
"Miss Malfoy," Jasper's voice pulled her back to the present. "This may seem forward…but I was wondering if I may call on you?"
She gave a start of surprise, quickly covering it with a vague smile. "But, Master Morgan, my brother and I will be returning to school soon…and I'm only fifteen."
A soft laugh escaped his lips and he nodded. "I thought perhaps I could meet you if you were to venture into Hogsmeade…and I am only nineteen…surely not too old to protest a chance at getting to know you better…" he continued, his voice silky. Her eyes met his once more as he took her hand. "I would consider it a great honor if the daughter of Draco Malfoy would dare to grant me an afternoon of her company."
She found herself nodding, mesmerized by the depths of his green eyes.
He placed a tender kiss to her palm, hesitating for a moment and then leaning forward to place the same feathery caress to her lips.
"Morgan!" a harsh cry interrupted.
Jasper pulled back slightly; his eyes locked on hers, but did not release her hands. Celeste inhaled softly, her lips parting and the longing for his kiss welling in her stomach.
Scorpio Malfoy appeared in her peripheral vision, his face a mask of fury. He pulled at Jasper's shoulder, breaking the spell between them.
Celeste swelled with rage. "Scorpio! Can't you let me alone for even a moment!" she cried.
Her brother turned shocked eyes to her, then they hardened once more as he faced Jasper. "I recommend you go back inside…" he whispered dangerously.
Jasper inclined his head slightly, gave an enigmatic smile to Celeste and strolled back through the doors and into the sitting room.
Celeste watched him until he was out of sight and then her blazing eyes found her brother. "Why must you ruin everything!"
He grabbed a hold of her shoulders, shaking her a bit. "He is dangerous, Celeste! You can't play him…"
"I wasn't! And what is this anyways, you let Adonis Zabini sniff around my heels, but then when someone that is actually something comes along, all of a sudden it's too dangerous!"
His eyes narrowed. "And what about Potter?"
Silence fell like a thunderclap.
She drew herself up. "What about him? I was told to leave him behind, remember?" Her eyes flashed.
"Celeste, please…Jasper Morgan is more then he seems…he may even be acting on the Dark Lord's orders…"
At this, her temper flared. "So the only reason someone would flatter or engage me is because they were acting on the Dark Lord's orders?" she demanded. "How I wish I could be as impervious to other's feelings as you are, Scorpio!" She turned on her heel and rushed back into the sitting room, not stopping until she reached the darkness beyond the stairs.
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