AN:
Thank you to everyone who has followed and favourited this fic so far! Also, I have no idea where my copy of the Philosopher's stone has gotten to, so any conversations which took place solely from the books will deviate slightly
Disclaimer: I own nothing and no one, both Fairy Tail and Harry Potter are owned by their respective creators; Hiro Mashima, J.K. Rowling and any affiliated studios. If I owned them, Fairy Tail would be a magical school like Hogwarts…
Into the Abyss
Chapter Sixteen
Just a little change
Mercury orbs glistened with glee as the Hogwarts Express spluttered and hissed to a halt. The young blonde released a slight yelp as the sudden jolt had her lurching forward, but the shock subsided once the crowd stood waiting along platform 9 and ¾ came into view. The flurry of faces looked like ants as the parents and families bustled about with arms waving and their loud shouts of their respective children's' names melded into a crescendo of chaos. The sight was one Celeste had missed and the blonde was eager to finally spend the holidays with her family once more.
She could spot them- her father, her mother and her younger brother all stood off to the side and dressed in dark robes similar but much more expensive than the robes of the parents they stood beside. Her mother was always one to flaunt off the best money could buy, and Celeste mused that perhaps the matriarch likes the looks of envy the other housewives often directed towards her.
"Over there, the blondes that's your family isn't it and the little one- that's your brother" Marietta stated, her face practically glued to the compartments window as she scanned the platform's edge.
Celeste nodded, stood off to the side she spotted a woman with curls just as wild as Marietta's except hers was a pretty shade of copper and stood next to her a tall man with dirty blonde hair.
"I can see your parents too, Marietta" Celeste told the girl as she poked her in the side. Marietta beamed.
"Oh, Celeste we should introduce our parents- yours too, Cho!" The brunette gushed.
"My parents aren't here" Cho said dejectedly "It's just my uncle Jun today"
Marietta sighed; all hopes of their parents becoming close friends shattered "Perhaps some other time"
"We better go" Celeste said, she already was halfway out of the door in a silent request for the other girls to follow. Most of the students had already left the train however, apart from the trio of girls a few others milled about. As they walked down the aisles, Celeste spotted a head of sunset pink hair and quickly halted. She had not had a chance to speak to Tonks much during the year, with the older girl having exams and apprenticeships to worry about her appearances around the school had been rather scarce.
"Wotcher blondie!" The metamorphmagus called out, her arms flailed madly as she bounded towards the group of girls however, in her haste she stumbled into the toilet door hanging halfway in her path with a grunt.
"Hello Tonks" Celeste greeted politely "Nervous about your NEWTS?"
The older witch made a light humming noise, her hand hovering in mid-air in an indication of diverging between neither here-nor-there.
"Whatever happens, happens I guess" The older girl shrugged "And you two- excited about third year, it's gonna be tough"
"Nothing we can't handle" Cho boasted whilst Marietta avidly nodded in agreement.
"It will not be the same without you though" Celeste added quietly. The older girl's gaze softened before she quickly and quietly cleared her throat.
"Well I'll be around- managed to get a spot as a trainee auror…its conditional of course" She paused to place her hand against her lips as if divulging a big secret but there was no one else in the aisleway save for the four of them "But I've got a friend in the ministry who thinks I've made it"
"That's brilliant" Celeste gushed. She was genuinely excited for the older girl and with her metamorphing abilities, the ministry would be foolish not to hire her. Her skills were an asset after all.
"I have my moments" The older girl said "Right, lets get you lot off to your parents- they're probably dying to see you"
Marietta and Cho nodded; they were the first to bound off towards the trains exit whilst Celeste lingered just a little bit linger. Tonks made no effort to move, instead staring at the train as if it were a lost friend.
"You're going to be a great auror, Tonks"
The girl blinked, surprised grey eyes turning to meet Celeste's own before quickly shifting to a genuine smile. The older girl placed a gentle hand a top of Celeste's crown of pale blonde and ruffled the pristine strands. This time, Celeste did not mind the slightest.
"You're a good kid, blondie" Tonks said softly and then she felt arms wrap around her in an embrace before promptly letting go.
Her mother's look of worry vanished the moment Celeste bounded off the train with her trunk in hand. Not allowed to cast any charms to get rid of the weight, the heiress released a sigh of relief once her mother quickly flicked her wand and casted a trusty shrinking and featherlight charm on her belongings. Her father placed a hand on her shoulder but Celeste wanting further content quickly wrapped her arms around the stoic man's middle. She took joy from the patriarch awkward stance and slowly and methodically he patted between her shoulder blades.
"I missed you" Celeste said sincerely. The man hummed in his throat; lips pursed.
"Good"
That was not what she was expecting, and Celeste promptly disguised her dejected expression. However, her mother noticed everything.
"Hurry along now, Celeste, your Grandfather is waiting at home for you" Her mother gently ushered her along, her lips tight at the sight of her daughter looking so dejected.
"Yes mother" Glancing along the platform, she spotted a gaggle of redheads laughing and cheering as nobody was watching.
…
They were spending the summer in one the Black family chateaux in southern France, the weather was warm, the air tranquil and Celeste felt very relaxed. The chateaux was far enough away from muggles that her parents and grandfather did not kick up a fuss and with enough wards to deter anyone foolish enough to even think of trespassing. Due to this, the family were rather isolated, which was just what they wanted.
Their nearest neighbours were a French family about three miles away, they had two daughters- one the same age as Celeste and the other three years younger than Draco. They had a peculiar air around them which seemed to draw people in, which was probably why her mother had expressed invitations to the other family to attend the chateaux for dinner that evening.
Her mother being the most fluent of the Malfoys in French was more than happy to do most of the talking whilst both patriarchs stood stoic at the table and Celeste was certain that the language barrier was not solely to blame.
"Celeste, perhaps you and Draco could give Fleur and Gabrielle a tour of the grounds" Her mother suggested.
Celeste nodded whilst Dominque, Fleur and Gabrielle's mother, smiled serenely whilst ushering her two daughters out of their seats.
"It's just this way" Celeste informed the girls, behind her, she could make out Fleur translating the statement to Gabrielle.
"I do not know any French" Draco seethed; his hands pressed into the pockets of his shorts as he trudged alongside Celeste. Her brother was stubborn, he hated enforced interaction with other children his own age "And I hate small talk"
"Be nice, Draco, it's only for a little while" She was careful to speak in hushed tones to avoid disrespecting her guests. Truth be told, Celeste was not confident in her French skills either, but she was certain that Fleur most likely felt the same way regarding her English.
"Your mother…she speaks good" Fleur spoke, her brows furrowed as if translating the words in her head, but Celeste was patient and nodded in understanding.
"Merci…Elle essaie de nous faire apprendre tou" Celeste responded. The reactions of both Delacour sisters was almost comical- Fleur's eyes widened whilst Gabrielle openly gasped.
"C'est magnifique!" Fluer gasped, she spoke further, her words faster much more rapid and tinged with excitement. Celeste now lost in translation shook her head and raised her hands.
"Too fast- I mean…je ne…comprends pas"
Fleur blushed; embarrassment clear as she promptly apologised to other blonde. Both girls giggled.
….
The remainder of the holidays passed quickly, and once August rolled around, the Malfoys bid goodbye to the Delacour's. Both Fleur and Celeste made a promise to keep in touch, they were in the same school year after all.
Draco having received his Hogwarts acceptance letter during June was eager to finally be able to purchase his supplies. Which meant that the entire family were taking their yearly trip for school supplies.
"You could also use some new robes too" Her mother informed Celeste as she sneered at the royal blue trimmed school robes hanging from Celeste's wardrobe. Celeste frowned, she had not grown much over the holidays to even need new robes, besides her parents bought her new supplies every year even when she did not require them.
"And whatever happened to your satchel!" her mother added as she picked up the offending bag. Celeste grimaced, her mending charm was shoddy at best, she never had been good with her hands which was why Herbology was her least favourite subject.
"I erm…accidently hit it with a cutting charm- but I mended it" Celeste added at seeing the look of pure horror on her mother's face.
"I will owl Madam Ciara immediately for an exact replacement- I will not have my daughter running around with this…thing" Her mother said with a shake of her head before hurrying out of the room.
Celeste sighed as she tied up her hair, the emerald green ribbon did not feel right on her. Call her sentimental but it did not feel entirely Lucy. With a last look tightening of her ribbon, Celeste trudged down the stairs to meet the rest of her family in the manor's floo room. Whereas most wizarding families had a designated fireplace, the Malfoy's had that and an entire room- her mother hated soot trailing around the house.
The family flooed into diagon Alley's floo point one at a time, her father being the last one to step out. The patriarch dusted the soot from his robes with obvious disdain before excusing himself to the Apocraphy to meet with her uncle Severus. This left Celeste's mother with the task of ensuring both Draco and Celeste were well prepared for the school year, a task that the Malfoy matriarch was all too happy to have bestowed upon her.
The three Malfoy's traipsed through the bust shopping district, expertly weaving through the crowds of those bustling about. Eager mercury orbs drunk in the sight; people here were always changing, and Celeste spotted a small family dressed in mundane clothing walk by with awestricken faces.
"Hmm, it appears that there are more of them this year" Her mother's nose was upturned, her expression rather sour as she sneered down at the muggleborn family.
"Mother…" Celeste started, but the blonde was instantly interrupted by her mother's sharp glare.
"Let's hope that you do not mix up with the wrong sort, Draco" The matriarch said, her voice was calm, but Celeste knew the woman was anything but at this moment. Her mother's eyes- a liquid silver as intense as her own- were hard and icy as she pointedly glared at Celeste. Draco sensing the tenseness in the air, promptly nodded. "And Celeste, you should do your best to ensure that you do not disappoint your father…we have heard some concerning things"
With that, the woman swiftly walked ahead, her brother fixed her with an inquisitive stare and his own curious eyes stared at his elder sister as if to try and piece together his mother's words.
"Just what have you done this time?" The boy asked.
"Don't you worry" Celeste said with a dismissive wave. She brushed her long fringe away from her eyes, it was getting a little too long for her tastes and the pale strands of hair were starting to become more of a nuisance than anything. "Let's catch up to mother before she buys us something hideous"
At her brothers' shudder, Celeste cracked a smile, but her mother's earlier words stayed within her mind.
You should do you best to ensure you do not disappoint your father…
Her thoughts flickered back to her old father- Jude Heartfilia- a man Lucy had once admired, had craved love from but never received. Lucius was a lot like him, too much like him and it hurt.
Before Tenrou, before Lucy had become Celeste, she had never had the chance to make up truly with Jude.
I wonder what he's doing now…I wonder if he knows that I-
Celeste was brought out of her thoughts by a sharp tug to her arm and glancing down she was met with her brother glaring at her with a pout.
"Stop spacing out and let's go" Draco hissed. Celest giggled before ruffling his hair, it was pristinely styled and not a hair out of place- well, not until Celeste ran her fingers through it. The action enticed a scowl from the younger boy, and he swatted at Celeste's hands.
….
The pair found themselves in Madam Malkins store not to long after, due to it being so close to the Hogwarts starting date and a rather nice day out, the store was empty. Celeste was quick to drag her brother over towards one of the store's assistance to get him measured and with a stern reminder for him to behave, busied herself with browsing the accessories.
She liked looking good after all.
There were many small earrings shaped like flowers, bracelets which changed colour according to mood and round rings with tiny butterflies fluttering around inside.
Then she saw it.
Slender fingers danced across the smooth silk, it was cool against her skin and the rich, royal blue stood out starkly against the paleness of her hand. Reaching up, Celeste picked up the ribbon a ghost of the smile against her lips at the familiarity of it all. Without further hesitation, the blonde unravelled the emerald green hair tie from her hair and as the pale strands fell to her mid back, Celeste briefly admired her reflection.
The new blue ribbon was quickly tied into a neat bow on her hair, and Celeste now sported a half updo. The back of her hair draped over her arms whilst the top hung in a neat side ponytail and left her long fringe hanging down her face in soft tendrils.
Staring back at her reflection with a smile, Celeste noted how much she looked like Lucy. Change mercury orbs for caramel brown and pale blonde to golden sunshine- she was the spitting image of Lucy.
A second face came into view behind her and Celeste quickly gasped as Madam Malkin, the kind owner of the robes store smiled back at her.
"It suits you"
"I'm sorry- I just found it lying there and I didn't…" Celeste started but was instantly silenced at the tailor's light chuckles.
"It's quite alright dear" The woman smiled as she took the green tie Celeste had discarded and placed it into the blonde's hands "Blue is more your colour anyway"
Celeste smiled gratefully, she politely excused herself to find her brother and exiting the accessories section she entered the stores front where she noticed her younger brother conversing with another boy around his age. The boy was scrawny looking, if his clothes which were much too large for his small frame were any indication and the mop of dark hair hanging around a pert little face looked as if he had never seen a comb.
Judging by his clothing, this boy was at least half-blood or muggleborn- but to Celeste it still did not explain why his appearance was so dishevelled.
The boy pushed his round spectacles up the bridge of his nose, brows furrowed as Draco continued to ramble on and talk the dark-haired boy's ear off.
"First year?" Celeste asked, instantly ceasing Draco's tirade. The boy scowled up at her, his annoyance clear at having been interrupted.
"Um, yes…it's my first year" The boy quickly replied before quickly pushing his cracked glasses up the bridge of his nose. Inwardly Celeste scowled, just who would let their child roam around with broken glasses, muggle or not.
"My brother here is going to be a first year too"
Draco released an exasperated sigh "Celeste I already told him-"
"Oh, you did, silly me" Celeste said with a light giggle, "Well, since you are both going to be first years perhaps the two of you could be friends"
"Er, sure"
The dark-haired boy's face flickered with a hint of discomfort but with his messy fringe covering his eyes, it was hard to tell. Emerald green eyes turned to Celeste causing the girl to smile.
'Perhaps Draco said something unsavoury to him', Celeste thought with a slight grimace,
'He does have a way with words…'
"We are not supposed to use magic outside of Hogwarts so I can't do anything more than this" Celeste said. The dark-haired boy tilted his head in confusion, the expression was rather cute, and Celeste had to resist the urge to coo at him.
"Your glasses" Celeste said, her palm out "I promise I wont brake them any further"
The boy blushed as he quickly placed his cracked glasses in Celeste's hands. As his fingers brushed against Celeste's palm, the blonde felt a strange tingle run over her skin. Dismissing it as a bout of static, the blonde fished a small role of spello-tape from her bag and proceeded to rap it around the glasses ridge.
"Oh…thank you" the boy said as he carefully put his glasses back on his face "It feels a lot sturdier now"
Celeste smiled "Spello-tape will do the trick…but once you get on the Hogwarts Express, come and find me and I'll fix it for you properly"
"Really?" The boy asked, eyes wide "You actually know magic to do that?"
Celeste nodded "Of course, you'll learn much more once you start Hogwarts" Celeste told him.
"Maybe I can find a spell to make my clothes fit" The boy muttered,
Celeste giggled in response "There actually is a spell for that" Celeste told him. The shop assisstant arrived back with the dark-haired boy's robes and the young woman quickly informed the boy how much his robes would cost.
"I suppose we shall see you in September" Celeste told the dark-haired boy with a smile. The boy nodded, a slight smile on his lips.
"Right, see you..." The boy trailed off; embarrassment clear on his features.
"Celeste and my brother's Draco" The blonde called back. With that, Celeste carted Draco off towards the cash register and paid for both of their robes with the money their mother had provided them.
As they stepped back out into the summer heat of Diagon Alley, the blonde felt a strange tingle run over her hands. With a frown she rubbed at her arms and upon noticing the Goosebumps littering her pale skin she shivered.
"Next is getting a familiar- I want an owl" Draco tugged at her arm as he hastily pulled her ahead. Celeste shook her head with a smile as she dismissed her previous worries.
"An owl, what about a toad?" Celeste teased. Draco scowled.
"A toad- they're so old fashioned. I wouldn't be caught seen with one"
Celeste giggled; her little brother was just so easy to rile.
….
Being a ghost had its advantages, one of them being invisible to the living. Mavis Vermillion, first master of Fairy Tail, master of illusions and the infamous fairy tactician herself had thought herself dead- well more dead than she was than a corporal projection of her consciousness when suddenly she popped into existence with a loud pop.
The ghost had thought she was unable to feel earthly sensations such as pain, nausea, and discomfort, but finding herself crumpled on the ground the ghost was suffering from all the above. After taking a deep breath, Mavis stood to her full height. Cloudy forest green eyes scanned the busy station and the ghost scowled in annoyance as a barrage of London commuters rushed through her corporal form.
"At least look where you're going" The fairy tactician muttered out as she rubbed the wrinkles out of her dress.
Gliding across the crowd, she was careful to hold a tight grip of the precious object in her hands. The magic radiating from the celestial keys was great and hummed through her being. Celestial magic was funny that way, it needed an outlet to be directed otherwise it would be too rampant, too wild and could have devastating consequences.
The mages of this world used little twigs which Mavis found rather odd. The way they worked were awfully like the magic used by Holder mages, so for now, the celestial mage was safe.
As if in cue, the keys thrummed with life as the magic threatening to spill out of the keys. Mavis hissed as she gripped them tighter, with furrowed brows she channelled her fairy magic into the keys and forced the gate to close.
Her magical core is growing…I need to find her before it is too late.
But Mavis could feel it. She could feel the energy of this world threatening to tear her corporal form apart.
AN: le gasp, is that some sort of plot trying to appear? Will Mavis find Celeste before its too late and who was the boy Celeste was talking to?
Translations…
Elle essaie de nous faire apprendre tous – she is trying to teach us all
C'est magnifique – it is magnificent (cliché phrase, I know but I do not trust google translate and my French is limited)
Je ne…comprends pas – I do not understand