Into the Abyss
Chapter Forty-Six
The First Task
The owlery was cold that morning. The chilly November air sent shivers through Celeste causing her to tug her thick, blue jumper tighter around her slight frame. Celeste made a mental note to tug her warmer jumpers out of her trunk, British weather was very unforgiving during this time of year and she would never hear the end of it from Aquarius if she got sick.
Celeste glanced at Mother's letter one last time: her face impassive, devoid of all emotion. However, her eyes were a furious stormy grey as she drank in the words written in Mothers impeccably neat scrawl. Her parents were adamant for her to follow their wishes and marry Marcus Flint come next summer however, Celeste was not one to enter a loveless marriage. She tried to plead with Mother, for out of her parents she had been closest to her. Celeste's efforts had been in vain because it seemed that Mother was to stand by Father, both convinced that marrying into the Flint family was the best thing for her.
...At least try to appease your Father Celeste. He has gone to a lot of trouble to procure this arrangement for you. He and I both want what is best. Marrying Marcus can give you that.
Mrs. Flint tells me that Marcus is most overjoyed at becoming your husband this summer, so at least you will not go into a loveless marriage. Things will change and it is time for you to assume your place Your Father wants you to submit to -
Celeste scrunched up the letter in frustration, nothing good ever came of appeasing Father. She had appeased him the entirety of her life, tried to keep her head down and seek his approval- for what? The only result which came from appeasing Father was people getting hurt.
Celeste scrawled down her own hasty reply on a piece of parchment:
I do not live my life to appease others - it said, she rolled it up and handed it to Draco's owl who chipped loudly at her. He was a fierce thing and Celeste made a mental note to get her own owl come her seventeenth birthday. Perhaps a present to herself along with her freedom.
I will get away. Celeste thought grimly. She just had to.
"I don't have anything for you," Celeste grumbled. The owl puffed his chest before pecking Celeste on the thumb. Shortly after, the blonde walked out of the owlery, frost covered the stone steps and combined with the icy wind, she felt herself swaying like a leaf in the wind. The result was that Celeste lost her footing, she slipped down the icy steps, landing on her rear before toppling over into something hard.
"We need to stop meeting like this…" A voice said in an amused tone.
Celeste's eyes widened, face pink as she scrambled upwards. Her frantic movements only had her toppling forward and the result was her forehead hitting against Fred's own. The redhead let out a cry of pain and it certainly did not help that George was howling in laughter.
"I am so sorry!" Celeste exclaimed. She quickly climbed off Fred, her face now a bright red as Fred rubbed the sore spot on his head. Despite the pain he was in, Fred cracked a smile.
"Thanks for breaking my fall," Celeste murmured. She offered Fred a hand up, beside her George chuckled, his amusement clear at spotting the object of his twins' affections literally falling into his lap.
"Seems like a regular for you, Cellie" George teased. Celeste could feel her face heat up. "Maybe we should get you a cane,"
"I would probably trip over that too" Celeste said with a chuckle.
"What's that you've got there"? Fred asked, he spied the crumbled piece of parchment in her hands. Instantly, Celeste's fists tightened, and she hastily thrust her hands behind her back.
"Nothing," She lied.
"Well, it does look like something," George answered. Beside him, Fred took a step closer to the blonde. Celeste, noticing this, stepped backwards only to collide with the wall. Now caged in, Fred snaked his hand down to her hand, the blonde squeaked before ducking under his arm only to collide straight into George. The both were sent tumbling to the floor.
"I'll take that," Fred chuckled as he swiped the parchment from Celeste's hands. Celeste gasped in alarm, she darted upright unaware that she kneed George in the stomach in the process.
"Hey! Fred!" Celeste cried. Her voice was high pitched and squeaky as she ran towards him however Fred was much taller than herself and held the parchment high above her head. With a grin he opened it.
"Dearest daughter-" He began in a high falsetto, "Please try and appease your father...he has gone to a lot of trouble to procure this arrangement for you…. he and I both want the best for you" Celeste could feel her eyes water, she clenched her eyes shut, hearing the way Fred's voice cracked as he reached the next sentence.
"Marrying Marcus can give you that…"
Celeste released a choked sob as Fred slowly folded up the letter. She was still even as George placed an awkward arm around her shoulders.
"They aren't serious, are they?" Fred asked, his voice was shaky, and he sounded like he wanted to cry. Celeste nodded. She wiped at the tears with the back of her hand with a sniffle.
"I found out over summer. Marcus was very smarmy about it" Celeste replied. She tried to force herself to smile however she felt an uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach. From the contents of that letter her parents were adamant that this wedding was to commence.
"They can't make you, can they?" George asked, his voice was quite next to her.
"I won't let them," Celeste answered, much more sternly this time. "I'll find a way to leave before then. I'm sure of it."
"Good," Fred answered with a smile, he ran a hand through his hair, however, did not meet his eyes.
INTO THE ABYSS
A couple of days later saw the sixth years plunged deeper into their studies. Celeste had always enjoyed learning; it satisfied her own curiosity of Earth whilst also posing a distraction from what awaited her outside of Hogwarts. Professor Sinistra had assigned the sixth years a lot of homework on the meteor activity of the Lyrid constellation and the blonde had yet to start the essay. Alongside this, Snape had tasked the students in finding the ingredients for a liquid luck potion without the aid of their books and Moody set an eight-page essay on the cruciatus curse. Celeste had a sinking feeling that the Professor was going to use the curse on them for their next lesson, she was not sure her bones could take another injury.
The Defence Against the Dark Arts professor was surely passionate about what he taught, his anecdotes on times of war and a wizarding Britain under fear of Voldemort were chilling to say the least. However, his insistence that students were to be at the receiving end of dangerous spells, hexes and curses was terrifying. Celeste feared the day that someone was to be seriously hurt.
Not many students shared her sentiment, many were happy to once again be taught by a competent professor, the last being Lupin. Of course, in Celeste's opinion, no one could measure up to him.
She was sitting in the courtyard surrounded by various books, opting to get some fresh air to complete her work when Daphne Greengrass spotted her. The younger Slytherin had been helping her sister Astoria with her potion's assignment earlier.
"Don't suppose you want one?' Daphne asked. Celeste shook her head at the sight of the badge it was charmed to switch with violent, fluorescent colours:
Potter Stinks! Support Cedric Diggory!
"Let me guess, Draco's made them," Celeste surmised. She turned the badge over with her fingers watching as it changed from a sickly green to a bright yellow. If it were not an obvious ploy to bully Harry, then Celeste would have been impressed.
Daphne nodded "Took him three hours to work out all the kinks too,"
"You know I have to confiscate this," Celeste told the younger girl. As a prefect, Celeste could not stand by and watch bullying take place especially now that her brother was involved. After muttering out a series of counter charms, the wording of the badge now said:
Support Potter! Support Cedric Diggory!
Now, all she had to do was pinpoint the next hundred other badges Draco had made before he got into serious trouble.
At that moment there were a series of long-drawn-out gasps, Celeste turned in time to see Fleur Delacour traipsing through the courtyard with multiple pairs of eyes solely on her. The French witch tossed her pale hair over her shoulder and released a light, airy giggle.
Her vela charm worked wonders on the students British, French, and Scandinavian.
"Celeste I 'ave been looking for you. Theez castle iz 'uge," Fleur said with a huff.
"If I had known I would have met you at the guest dorms," Celeste responded with an apologetic smile "Don't suppose you fancy a stroll?"
"Oui, come. And your friend?" Fleur answered, shooting Daphne a sweet smile. Now being faced with the beautiful witch, Daphne blushed however she quickly disguised it with a cough.
"No, I'm going to find Pansy," Daphne said "But have a nice time, though".
Fleur smiled at the many boys who glanced their way. Celeste already used to having such attention felt her face redden. Any boy who had any interest in her would certainly need psychiatric help after finding out who she really was.
Being that it was a surprisingly nice day today many students were milling about the grounds. Celeste smiled in greeting upon spotting the twins, George was the first to see her and grinned wildly - the result was Fleur flirtatiously laughing behind her hand causing said redhead to blush profusely.
"'e eez 'andsome eezn't 'e?" Fleur asked, her blue eyes gave George an appreciative once over.
"That's George Weasley," Celeste responded "Next to him is his twin brother, Fred."
"oo kno' zem?" Fleur asked in interest.
Celeste nodded "They're two of my best friends,"
"Jus' friends," Fleur asked in disbelief "zey are what you English call... what is it? Fit? Yes, fit. Zey are fit."
Celeste could not help it, she giggled at Fleur's revelation.
"You cannot zee?" Fleur asked, gesturing to where the boys were with a dreamy look on her eyes. "You 'ave eyes. Zink of all ze fun oo can 'ave with twins!"
Celeste choked on the air she breathed, eyes wide as she thought to get the mental image of the twins and her doing...stuff. She did have eyes, but such eyes never looked at either of the twins in such a way. Glancing over, Celeste stared at them. George was attractive, yes but Fred had such a handsome smile. The wizard turned as if sensing someone staring at him, lips pulled upwards as he smiled brightly. A blush formed on her face when she realised what she was doing - and quickly turned away. Beside her, Fleur smirked.
"Come, let's talk to zem," Fleur said brightly.
"Maybe not?" Celeste said quickly "George is already interested in someone and Fred…he has a girlfriend" Well apparently, he and Angelina were still not official despite seeing each other for almost a year now but Fleur did not need to know that.
Fleur sighed, fingers carding through her long hair as her lips formed to a pout.
"Why not 'ave two girlfriends?"
"Fleur!" Celeste shrieked, bright red.
"I am joking!" Fleur giggled. A few Beauxbatons students showed up and Fleur and Celeste parted ways. Now on her own, Celeste continued walking to school grounds alone until she eventually ended up at the Black Lake. Being that it was so cold, there was hardly anyone there. Glancing over the lakeside, Celeste spotted Cedric dressed in grey sweatpants and a fitted vest. His wand was drawn, and he fired spells out. Celeste surmised that he was practicing his skills for the first task in a few days' time.
Upon noticing her, Cedric paused in his movements, the muscles in his arms rippled and Celeste abruptly turned away.
"Coming down to spy on me?" Cedric asked with a teasing lilt. Celeste scoffed.
"How did you know," Celeste asked with a giggle.
The two sat down on the lakeside, Celeste picked up a pebble and tossed it into the lake. It skimmed over the water before sinking into the murky depths.
"My parents are coming to watch the first task, Mum's really excited, she's told every wizard in our village," Said Cedric.
"I think that's sweet," Celeste told him. She placed her head on his shoulder, happy to have his warmth around her. Cedric stiffened; however, she did not notice it. "They must be very proud...and am I."
A light dusting of pink coloured Cedric's cheeks as his lips curled upwards into a smile.
"I'm glad," Cedric spoke "You're incredibly special to me, Celeste."
"And you're one of my best friends," Celeste told him. Cedric's brows pinched; his smile slowly faltered but quickly it was there once more. Confused, Celeste searched Cedric's warm brown eyes, had she said something wrong?
INTO THE ABYSS
Hermione was already in a sour mood this morning, the girls of her year kept giggling every time she passed or Harry so much as looked at her. Plus, it did not help that her roommates were two of the biggest gossips in Hogwarts. Whereas before Hermione could easily block out Lavender and Padma with a good book now both girls were actively trying to talk to her to get more information about her illustrious love affair that she apparently had with Harry.
"I am going to murder Rita Skeeter!" Hermione grumbled to herself. A fifth-year student giggled as she passed by her, a copy of the Daily Prophet in her hands. The brunette had no idea how her parents would react if she were to tell them, Merlin, how could she tell them that she was the victim of the Wizarding world's version of Perez Hilton? There must be some sort of privacy law, certainly wizards could not go around writing articles about school children, could they?
"Wow, Granger, you actually look decent in this one!" Pansy Parkin spat with an evil sneer. Beside her, Millicent Bulstrode, a mountain of a girl, grunted in laughter. "For a troll!"
The taller girl laughed, and Hermione could feel her face heat up in anger. "Why don't you both mind your own business!" Hermione shouted.
Pansy and Millicent giggled "Aw is Granger upset?" Millicent asked "Want us to get your boyfriend for you? Where is scarhead anyway?"
"Why you-" Hermione growled as she took a step towards Millicent. The taller girl took a step backwards.
"Enough!" A stern voice shouted. All three fourth years jumped in surprise to see Celeste rounding a corner, books in hand and looking very cross.
"We were just going, weren't we Millicent?" Pansy asked with a sneer towards Hermione. The taller girl nodded "Oh, Malfoy, I saw you on page six. You and Diggory make such a nice couple."
At this Celeste frowned, Hermione could see the confusion colour the older girl's face.
"So, you haven't seen it?" Bullstode asked, she placed a copy of the prophet in Celeste's hands with a cackle "Everyone's been talking about and Draco had to hex Zabini to get him to stop talking about you" With that, the two Slytherins left.
Hermione's own curiosity got the better of her, she had not read the Prophet article other than the one depicting herself and Harry on the front page. Walking over to Celeste, she peered over the older girl's shoulder to get a closer look. Celeste's fingers shook as she read the title plastered across the page:
A childhood romance, brought to life?
Hermione had no idea that Celeste and Cedric had even been childhood friends, yes, she knew that they were close, but she had assumed that was just how Celeste was with most people.
"Um, Celeste are you alright?" Hermione asked tentatively.
Celeste smiled, however Hermione noticed how it did not reach her eyes. In fact, Celeste looked furious.
"Has Harry mentioned anything to you about the first task?" Celeste asked.
Hermione shook her head "Things have been a little tense between the three of us."
"I'm sure that Ron will come around," Celeste responded with a smile "Just give him time."
"I honestly hate it when we fall out" Hermione said with a wobbly lip "Harry's already gone through so much...he doesn't need all this from Ron too,"
"I know," Celeste said sadly "But until then, all we can do is be there for him."
"Um...Celeste, I don't suppose you would want to join a new society?" Hermione asked.
"What's it about?" Celeste asked. Hermione perked up, as she pulled a round button badge out from her bag and placed it into Celeste's hands with an eager smile.
"A society promoting elfish welfare, or SPEW for short," Said Hermione proudly "House elves deserve rights just us wizards and well I thought it very cruel to enslave a race of creatures in this day and age. Did you know that they're here at Hogwarts too?"
Celeste nodded in understanding "I've always known that house elves were um employed by Hogwarts. They were treated so nicely so I thought nothing of it."
"Why didn't you say anything?" Hermione asked, confusion colouring her face "I would have thought that you of all people would have."
Celeste was rather taken aback at this, her mouth opened, and she was certain that she was doing an impression of a grindylow out of water.
"I didn't say anything since Hogwarts wasn't mistreating the elves," Said Celeste slowly. In her mind Professor Dumbledore had treated the elves at Hogwarts with kindness, they had their own quarters, had access to good food and were never mistreated like Dobby was. "I had a house elf growing up and Father was...he was horrible to him. I wish I had set him free myself, but I am glad that someone did."
"You're talking about Dobby, aren't you?" Hermione asked "Harry mentioned a house elf in second year. I had no idea that he severed your family."
"Yes. He was my family's elf" Celeste said, a smile forming on her lips. She wondered how Dobby was now. The wizarding world was not a kind place to creatures, and many did not have basic rights. The goblins were an exception thanks to their uprising, but even then, they were treated with caution and scrutiny. Like house elves, goblins were proud. Whereas goblins were proud of their creature magic, house elves were proud to serve wizards. Such a fact led to many wizards - like her parents - mistreating elves. Celeste had heard stories of elves being threatened with 'firing' an act which would leave them shunned in their society.
"But one thing you should know about elves," Celeste said "They are immensely proud creatures, you see. Many see it is an honour to serve a wizard so they might see being set free as an insult to their servitude."
"Well, that's only because they're too brainwashed to think otherwise," Said Hermione hotly "I tried knitting clothes for the elves here, but I suppose they don't know what's good for them."
Celeste understood that Hermione was only trying to help the elves, although her actions came from a good place they were not taking the elves own feelings into account. Was freedom something they wanted? If so, there must have been a way around things where the elves got to voice their own opinions.
"But you can't force freedom upon them, Hermione" Celeste told the younger witch earnestly. Hermione looked as if she wanted to argue however Celeste spoke once more, "Giving them a better life and more rights is an honorable ambition, but if they are refusing...maybe they're better off being left alone."
Hermione sighed, she worried her bottom lip and Celeste feared the younger girl was going to burst into tears at that moment.
"Ron said something similar," Hermione sniffed "But that doesn't mean I'm going to stop SPEW."
"That's good then" Celeste said awkwardly. The two girls were silent before Celeste spoke once more "I will join though, but I don't agree with forcing freedom onto elves...maybe giving them a fair wage?"
Hermione beamed at this "That's something I can agree on," she said.
Celeste smiled in response. She was not naïve enough to think that this was the end of the subject, knowing Hermione she would continue to press the issue further.
"Come on, let's go see what Harry's up to,"
It did not take long to find Harry, the dark-haired wizard sat in the Gryffindor common room hunched over a thick textbook. Loke was sitting next to him looking equally befuddled.
"You boys need some help?" Hermione asked.
"Know anything else that could help against a dragon?" Harry asked with a wry chuckle.
"How about a summoning charm?" Celeste suggested "Most spells don't work against dragons thanks to their impervious skin, but other objects can help you evade them."
"You're very fast on your fire bolt, Harry, maybe with a few speed enhancing charms you can stand a chance" Hermione added.
"Thanks guys," Harry said gratefully.
INTO THE ABYSS
Done with her prefect duties for the morning, Celeste decided to retreat to the library for much needed study time before the first task began. Everyone had been waiting with anticipation, Celeste did not feel the same. Three of her friends were competing and each of them were talented in their own rights, despite this, the blonde was worried. The Triwizard Tournament brought about memories of Tenrou, and Celeste could not help the feeling that something terrible would happen to the champions.
"Why didn't you tell me that you and Cedric were dating?" Cho asked hotly. In her hands she had a copy of the daily prophet and Celeste was once again faced with the image of herself and Cedric sitting close to one another at the Black Lake.
Celeste paused as she placed her book down on her desk and turned to face Cho. Luna was standing beside the dark-haired witch, a wide smile on her face and blissfully unaware of how frazzled Cho looked.
"Hello Celeste, I told Cho that you were in the library," Luna said brightly.
"You can go now!" Cho hissed to the younger girl. Luna beamed before she flounders away, long hair billowing behind her.
"Nothing is going on between Cedric and I" Celeste answered shortly "That article in the prophet is nothing but idle gossip."
"You mean it?" Cho asked "If there was something happening you would tell me, right? I mean we are best friends."
Celeste nodded, a smile forming on her lips as she squeezed Cho's hand.
"Of course," Celeste promised "Now, we should get going I heard that the first task is going to have dragons."
"Who told you that?" Cho inquired.
"Fred and George," Celeste responded. She swung her bag over her shoulder, it was heavy thanks to all her books and the added weight caused her to topple over towards Cho.
"I hope Cedric will be alright- and everyone else, of course" Cho murmured.
"They'll be fine," Celeste said "I was with Harry the other day and we were working on a few summoning charms that could be of use."
"Why are you even helping him?" Cho asked, "I'm pretty sure that if he got past Dumbledore's age line then he can face a dragon."
"He's only fourteen, Cho," Celeste pointed out "Pitting him against a dragon without help is asking for a death wish."
They arrived at the Cedric portion of the stands not too long after. The houses stand had been split to accommodate the arrival of supporters for the foreign schools- the Slytherin stands sported the family and friends of Viktor Krum, the Ravenclaws stands for Fleur, the Hufflepuff stands for Cedric and lastly, the Gryffindor stands for Harry.
Cedric was quick to retrieve his egg from the dragon. Celeste felt her heart hammer in her chest, hands tightly grasping Cho's own as she watched her friend narrowly avoid the beast's sharp claws. She knew Cedric was a good flyer, he was both the Hufflepuff seeker and team captain however seeing him now, he was wonderful.
The Hufflepuffs were loud and boisterous in their support for their champion, Cedric's friends quickly steered him away from the pitch and among the crowd Celeste could see his parents beaming at him. Glancing over to the Gryffindor stands, Celeste spotted her cousin Sirius along with Professor Lupin, Tonks and Harry's social worker, Miss Chandra.
Celeste motioned to stand, and Cho shot her a questioning look.
"Where are you going?" Cho inquired.
"I can see my cousin in the Gryffindor stands," Celeste said.
Cho nodded in understanding "Alright. I will meet you later. I want to speak to Cedric and offer my congratulations!" Cho disappeared into the crowd not too long after and Celeste slipped down to the Gryffindor stands. The atmosphere here was greatly different over here, the students had their faces painted bright red and gold, and all of them hollered and cheered in anticipation.
"Hey, kiddo, come sit!" Sirius called out with a hearty grin. He was dressed in a long deep red scaled coat, his wild curls hanging loosely over his shoulders as he grinned wolfishly at her. Beside him were Remus, Tonks, and Miss Chandra. The other adults smiled in greeting and Celeste sat down next to Tonks.
"Hello, Siris. Dora, Professor Lupin" Celeste said in greeting. Remus smiled at her whilst Tonks grinned, her sunset hair changing to a pale blonde to mirror Celeste's own.
"Just 'Remus' now, Celeste, I am no longer your professor" Lupin said with a smile.
"Blimey, I don't think I've been surrounded by so many cousins since...well a long time!" Sirius chuckled.
"So many?" Celeste asked in confusion as she sat down. She missed the way Tonks stiffened; Lupin glanced at her with a contemplative expression.
"Well, there's you, Nymphadora of course-"
"Don't call me that!" Tonks hissed; however, the damage had already been done. Celeste repeated what Sirius had said in her mind, he had called them all cousins. He could not have been talking about Remus, could he? The two of them had been childhood friends...which only left Tonks. Tonks who had befriended Celeste in her first year, Tonks who had insisted that they kept in contact after graduating, Tonks who when was not messing around with her morphing abilities bore a resemblance to her mother.
"You...you're my cousin" Celeste whispered. Sirius glanced between the two witches, a sudden guilty look on his face whilst Tonks slowly nodded.
"Your mother is my mother's sister," Tonks told her.
Celeste was silent for a few moments, she was grateful that the first task served as a distraction for both Sirius and Remus, for they both turned to watch Harry's fly past the Hungarian Horntail on his Firebolt. The crowd roared, excitement and shock filled the air as Harry narrowly avoided the dragon's fiery breath.
"I think I found a picture once," Celeste started "It was years ago...and I was a bit unsure of who the other girls were...Mother said they were her sisters but said nothing more. I just...I just assumed that one of them had died."
"I was going to tell you, but I wasn't sure how...I know it's a terrible excuse, but I hope that you can forgive me" Tonks said.
"I already have," Celeste smiled. A wide smile formed on the elder witch's face, her grey eyes lighting up as she wrapped her arms around Celeste. She had been so used to being the one to initiate contact with others that having someone - someone who was her own blood embracing her like this, filled her with warmth.
INTO THE ABYSS
The girl's prefect bathroom was quiet at this time of night, making sure that it was empty Celeste was the first to step inside and Fleur quickly followed. Both girls placed their clothes by the bath's rim and once the water was warm enough clambered in. Public bathing pools were one of the things Celeste missed from Earth Land. The British were awfully shy when it came to their bodies and thus public bathing was frowned upon in certain parts of the world. Fleur did not seem to mind much, and Celeste surmised that perhaps this was more of a mainland Europe thing. The bubbles covered up most of the witches anyway. Celeste was mildly surprised when Fleur reached over to pull her golden egg towards her, apparently the French witch was worried someone would try to steal her egg in the hopes that it would be easier to open as opposed to its counterparts.
"I cannot let eet out of my sight!" Fleur said. She hugged the egg closer towards her as afraid that someone would barge in to steal it from her grasp.
"You faced a dragon; you can face an egg stealer" Celeste teased. Fleur giggled, she reached down to splash water at Celeste. The heiress shrieked as her hair was soaked and in retaliation slapped her hand into the water. Fleur let out a giggle as the water splashed her face, she reached to wipe the droplets from her eyes however, in her haste dropped the egg into the water. A light gasp left her lips as a dull clunk sounded out signifying that the egg had fallen to the bottom of the bath.
"Um, I'll get it" Celeste offered. She ducked down, eyes stinging from the mixture of soap and Fleurs scented oils in the water and pressed her hands against the tiled flooring. Her fingers brushed against something cold and smooth, and quickly she grasped the egg. Her movements were clumsy, so instead of picking the egg up, she flicked the clawed clasp at the top. She braced herself for the loud screeching however what resulted surprised her.
It was beautiful, for a moment Celeste forgot that she was underwater as a melodious voice filled her ears. A golden light poured out of the egg as the song began. Desperate for air, Celeste swam up to the surface and was met with Fleur's worried face.
"'Oo were oonder zhere for zoo!" Fleur gasped; her hands grasped Celeste's face as if checking for any injuries "are oo alright?"
Celeste hastily nodded "Fleur, the egg can be heard underwater!"
"Quelle? oonder zee wateer?" Fleur repeated in shock.
"Yes," Celeste said, she took Fleur's wrist. The French wrist was puzzled but quickly got a hint. With a deep breath both witches dove under the water.
Not too long after, the two girls climbed out of the bath. Now dressed in their night clothes, Celeste began towel drying her hair. Noticing this, Fleur retrieved her wand and flicked her wand and instantly Celeste felt a warm gust of air blow over her. The students at Beauxbatons learned nonverbal spells from fourth year, something the Hogwarts students did not learn until sixth year.
"Zo…. ze zthing I weel mees ze most eez what I weel retrieve?" Fleur's eyes narrowed as she paced back and forth around the bathroom. Celeste could tell that the clue was already starting to confuse her, it was strange. So, something was going to be placed at the bottom of the Black Lake for the champions to retrieve. But what would be important enough for the champions to risk their lives for?
"I suppose so," Celeste began. The song had not revealed much. Just that they had an hour and if they did not complete the task then whatever they lost would remain there.
"What about a family trinket?" Celeste suggested. Her Mother had a ring passed down from her Father, it had been her eldest sisters however, it had been taken following her disownment.
"Non," Fleur said quickly "Eeet cannot be zat" Fleur answered. She paused with a huff.
"Maybe we should give it a rest, we still have three months before the task begins. What about working on some spells to help you breathe underwater?"
Fleur nodded at this "Ah, Cherie, I do not know what I would do without oo!"
A/N:
Fun fact! After checking on Fairy Tail wiki, I realised that I had been spelling Earth Land wrong for the past Forty-Six chapters. In my mind it was written as 'Earthland' but that is wrong.
Anyway, the first task has begun, stay tuned for the next chapter where the Yule Ball is announced, Celeste gets news from her parents and everyone scrambles to find a date ^^