Into the Abyss
Chapter Fifty
The Yule Ball
Marietta had borrowed Celeste a nifty hair curling potion she had bought from a small boutique in Hogsmeade, and it did wonders to her usually pin straight hair. The blonde had opted to tie her hair up - not with her usual blue ribbon- but into an elegant chignon bun whilst letting her fringe frame her face. As she stared at the picture she made in the mirror she wondered if she had made the right decision to go to the ball with Cedric.
He did say they were going as friends, but she felt as if it was wrong.
She had tried asking Marietta and Cho about it; however, Marietta had stressed that it was fine - 'it's his idea so if he messes things up it's on him' - she had said. Celeste had hoped that Cho would have more sound advice however Cho was surprisingly quiet on the matter. Even now her best friend was reclusive, despite tonight being both Christmas and the day of the ball.
"You look absolutely lovely, dear," said the mirror. Marietta had enchanted it so that it paid compliments to whomever stood before it. Celeste had been a little weirded out at first at having a disembodied voice comment on her body but eventually she got used to it.
Dressed in a deep crimson halter neck dress, she did feel lovely. This dress looked exactly like the one she had worn as Lucy when attending a casino with her team. She smiled at the memory - it was the first time she had seen Erza without any sort of armour, and it started the close bond between the two of them as the redhead had finally opened about her past. Oh, how she missed them.
At that moment, Marietta appeared from the bathroom dressed in a navy-blue floor-length gown. Her dark, curly hair hung loose around her shoulders, and she looked beautiful.
"So, ready to dance the night away ladies?" Marietta asked with a lecherous grin.
Michelle giggled, Cho nodded, and Celeste whooped in excitement.
"Come on, let's go," said Michelle. Her dark curly hair was tied in an elegant high ponytail which fanned out to frame her heart shaped face. She opened the door to the girls, and they all stepped out and headed to the common room. It was full of girls and boys, some nervous, others excited as they added the last touches to their outfits for the ball.
The head prefect for Ravenclaw, a tall brunette named Claire Mathews, stood atop one of the stools with her wand to her neck. Thanks to a handy sonorous spell her voice boomed over even chatter in the common room.
"Alright, everyone I know it's the ball, but we still must uphold the standards of our house!" She bellowed. The students cheered in response and not too soon after they began to file out to the main castle. Marietta chatted about how excited she was to finally have a romantic evening with her boyfriend, Celeste was rather happy for her and encouraged her friend to make memories with Edward. Surprisingly, Cho said nothing, she was usually so supportive of anything to do with boys and romance, but she seemed...off. Celeste cast a wary eye towards her best friend noticing how sullen she looked on what was the most anticipated night of the year.
"Is everything alright, Cho?" Celeste asked quietly. Cho nodded and smiled back.
"Just nervous," she responded.
"If it gets too much, I'll dance with you" Celeste offered. Cho smiled however it did not meet her eyes and Celeste came to the realisation that something was indeed 'off' with her best friend.
" Don't worry about me" Cho said "Have fun with your date".
Celeste smiled but she could not help but feel a bitterness to Cho's words.
Maybe I am just overthinking it - Celeste thought to herself. She had wanted to ask Cho if she had done something to upset her but at that moment Cedric appeared. He looked handsome dressed in a white tailored suit with gold detailing.
"The three of you look lovely," Cedric said to the girls.
"And we know it too!" Marietta said with a wink. Cho smiled, her cheeks pink as she politely thanked Cedric. Not too long after Cho and Marietta left to enter the Hall being that she was Cedric's date for the evening, Celeste had to enter the Hall with the other champions and their dates too.
"Ready to go?" Cedric asked. He offered Celeste his arm and she looped her right arm through his left.
The champions and their dates were to enter the ball and lead the first dance and Celeste was nervous. Her Mother has drilled into many intricate dances moves however she was worried about messing up.
As they neared the entrance, Celeste spotted Fleur with Roger, Harry with whom she assumed was either Padma Patil or her twin and finally, Viktor who was alone. Celeste wondered who Viktor had asked to be his date - surely someone like him was not going to go alone?
"Cherie!" Fleur cried out upon seeing her. The French witch was beautiful as usual, her pale hair hung down her shoulders and she was a vision in silver.
"Fleur, you look beautiful," Celeste told her earnestly. "Harry, you look handsome."
The younger boy smiled at the compliment, his cheeks pink as he thanked her.
"Do you know who his date is?" Roger asked in a whisper as he gestured to Viktor. The Bulgarian champion looked stern, stoic and said nothing but Celeste was certain that he had heard everything that Roger had said.
At that moment, a beautiful brunette wearing a cornflower blue dress descended the stairs. Her steps were graceful as she came to a stop right before Viktor and smiled brightly. The Bulgarian wizard took her hand in his own and gave it a kiss, it was one of the sweetest things Celeste had seen. Viktor led the girl towards the rest of the champions and Celeste's eyes widened in realisation - that was Hermione and she looked breathtaking. Celeste instantly went over to greet the younger witch, Hermione beamed upon spotting her and the two witches instantly started conversing about the night.
"You look amazing!" Celeste said happily. Hermione smiled as a light dusting of pink coloured her face.
"Oh Merlin, I'm nervous" Hermione whispered. Her eyes glanced back over towards Viktor who's lips quirked upwards in a ghost of a smile. It was probably the most inviting that Celeste had seen of the Durmstrang student - he was usually so stoic.
"That's normal, but I'm sure that once you have fun and be yourself, those nerves will disappear" Celeste told her earnestly.
"Ah, there you all are" Professor McGonagall said as she appeared "Mr. Potter, Mr. Krum as the winners of the first task, you shall both enter first, followed by Mr. Diggory and then Miss Delacour".
The champions nodded in understanding.
"Nervous?" Celeste asked Harry. He shook his head with a wry grin.
"I've faced a dragon, a basilisk and a hoard of dementors - this is nothing" Harry responded with a smirk. At this, Harry's date frowned, Celeste mused that she did not like the thought of a date with her being akin to facing several monstrous beasts.
"Very confident, aren't we?" Celeste said with a teasing lilt "Save it for the waltz."
Suddenly the doors to the Hall opened, Viktor and Hermione were first to enter and understandably, everyone was drawn to the couple. Next were Harry and Parvati Patil. The latter seemed eager to lap up the attention and smiled brightly. Finally, herself and Cedric, Celeste found herself gripping Cedric's arm as the many students stared at them. As she cast her gaze across the room, she noticed George grinning at her next to Katie Bell. Next to him was Fred with Angelina.
Celeste felt her heart sink at seeing the two of them together.
INTO THE ABYSS
Celeste felt out of place here. She had left her friends not much longer before since the champions and their dates were required to enter the hall together. Cedric had reassured her that the only motive for tonight was to have a good time as friends - nothing more. The Hall looked beautiful for the event and the band were playing jovial waltz allowing the many couples to dance in tandem.
She could see the spirits - Aries and Loke dancing together, the latter with a blush on her face. A tall, burly young man with black hair with a septum nose ring, Celeste assumed that this was Taurus, and the spirit who was now in human form was dancing with Lyra. The latter looked extremely happy as she allowed Taurus to spin her around with a bright grin. Then sitting by the drinks table was Scorpio, gone was the large table but the dark-skinned spirits split dyed hair and brought many stairs. Beside him, Aquarius, who was wearing a floor length blue gown looked beautiful.
Cedric was a wonderful dance partner, he led her through the well-practiced steps, spinning her around with the biggest smile - but she felt tense. All eyes were on the champions and their dates that night, they were the last to enter the Hall and the first to dance and Celeste had the sinking feeling that the experience of being Cedric's date was wasted.
She wanted to be happy, she really did. She was at the ball with someone who cared but her mind wandered to the many events that had happened over the past few days. Her argument with her parents, Cedric's revelation, and of course, her kiss with Fred. Celeste felt herself getting hot just thinking about it.
She felt guilty going with Cedric to the ball when all she could think about was the feeling of Fred's lips on hers. She felt as if she was using Cedric and it was not fair on him when he had feelings for her.
Cedric should be at the ball with someone who really loves him - a voice hissed in her mind. With her jumbled thoughts distracting her, the blonde stumbled over her own feet and fell straight into Cedric. He chuckled at the action but seeing her smile was non-existent, he frowned.
"No need to be so tense," Cedric whispered before gently setting her upright. Celeste nodded numbly but still felt on edge across the hall amongst the dancing couples.
"I'm sorry" Celeste responded sadly "I must be ruining your night."
"You could never do that," Cedric told her earnestly, he offered her his hand and after a moment's hesitation, she took it.
"Do you want to get some air?" Celeste asked. Cedric nodded but at that moment Fudge appeared. The Minister beamed upon finally finding Cedric and firmly shook the younger wizard's hand.
"Cedric Diggory, how wonderful to see you!" The Minister said, he peered round to smile in greeting at Celeste "And...um...Celestia Malfoy isn't it? How wonderful it is to see you. You both make a wonderful couple."
"Thank you for taking the time to speak to Celeste and me, sir" Cedric said - Celeste smiled at the way Fudge's face turned pink from having addressed her by the wrong name.
"I was hoping to speak to you and other champions, I hope you don't mind that I am stealing your date" Fudge said with a smile. Cedric turned to Celeste, and she smiled at him in agreement.
"It's fine, I'll see you in a moment."
"Perfect, now Cedric, I must say I was very impressed with your tactics during the first task" Fudge said as he led Cedric off towards the other end of the Hall. There, she could see Fleur standing with Viktor and Ludo Bagman. She also recognised a familiar redhead, it was the twins' older brother, Percy. He had graduated not too long ago and started working for Bagman, Celeste wondered if the twins had spotted him yet.
Now alone, Celeste headed over to the drinks table. A large glass bowl surrounded by empty goblets was placed in the center. A few tired-out students were sitting around, all looking miserable and exhausted. Among them were Harry and Ron.
"Not having a good night?" Celeste asked as she sat on the vacant seat next to Harry. The dark-haired boy released a dry chuckle which held no amusement.
"Something like that," Harry replied.
"Where's Diggory?" Ron questioned. He peered round as if expecting the older wizard to jump out from behind her.
"With the Minister," Celeste answered. "He's probably having a better time with him than with me" She added numbly. Harry made a face of displeasure and Celeste cracked a smile.
"Are dates always this terrible?" Harry asked.
"If you could call it a date that is" Ron grumbled.
"I haven't been on many myself so I can't really tell you" Celeste answered.
"Not having a good night with Diggory then?" Harry asked.
Celeste sighed "It's not that" she said "It's just I was wanting to go with someone else."
"I know the feeling" Harry responded immediately. Ron, however, was silent.
"Let's hope the next ball isn't an utter disaster," Celeste said with a sigh.
"I hope you're happy," A cold voice spat icily. Celeste glanced upwards and was met with the sight of her brother, Draco glaring at her. Dressed entirely in black robes he was the spitting image of their Father. Seeing him glaring at her with such disappointment and loathing in his eyes hurt.
"Not so much now that you're here" Harry said. Draco scoffed, his face red.
"I was talking to my sister, Potter. You know, someone who's part of my family- which is something you don't have."
"Piss off, Malfoy and go back to dancing with your dog!" Ron shouted. Next to them, Pansy Parkinson, who indeed had the face of a pug scowled.
"Ron don't sink to his level" Celeste hissed; however, her comment was drowned out as Pansy started screeching. The Slytherin witch turned towards Draco, fingers like claws biting into his arm.
"Did you hear what he called me, Drakey?"
"You ought to settle her down" Harry responded with a chuckle "I know a place that sells good muzzles."
"Big talk from you Potter. Look how pathetic you and Weasley are- even Granger managed to get herself and date and she's more insufferable than the both of you put together"?
"That's enough, all of you!" Celeste shouted.
Draco scoffed bitterly, his mercury eyes which were identical to Celeste's own, hardened to stone.
"How could you do this to us? To Mother...?" Draco asked.
"You don't understand, Draco, I had to-"
"You left me!" Draco shouted. At that moment he was once again the little boy who would sneak into her room at night to hear her stories, the boy who would eagerly ask how about her new school and who would send her letters begging her to come home. Celeste felt tears prick at her eyes. Draco was right. She had left him. Left him to the mercy of Father and his ideals.
"I'm sorry, Draco, I am but how could I stay knowing the things Mother and Father believe?" Celeste whispered. For a moment Draco looked perplexed as if he did not know what to say, but then his features darkened, and his face looked cold.
"Save it" Draco spat hotly. "You got what you wanted, and I don't ever want to speak to you again."
"Draco-"
"Get away from me, blood traitor!" Draco hissed.
"Oi! Don't talk to your sister like that!" Ron shouted as he stepped forward. His face was angry red as he raised his fist and Celeste worried for a moment that Ron would hit her brother. She did not want either of the boys to get into trouble, especially over her.
However, he halted in his steps as the twins stepped in front of him. Relief coloured Ron's face and Celeste let out an uneasy sigh. She just hoped that both twins were not in the mood to beat her brother to the pulp - not that he stood a chance anyway.
Fred glared at Draco as if daring the younger boy to touch her - Draco glared at him and for a moment, Celeste feared that rather than start a fist fight, he and his friends would attempt a brawl.
"What is going on here?" Said Percy with a haughty sniff. He glanced towards Draco and then the twins, before his gaze finally landed on Celeste. The twins brightened upon seeing him, which was rare considering the way they used to tease him.
"Great, a family reunion," Pansy spat with a sneer. Percy puffed his chest, despite no longer being the head boy, he still held an air of importance. Beside her Crabbe and Goyle looked rather sheepish at seeing the older wizard. Draco said nothing as he pushed past the twins with his friends in tow. Most likely to avoid another repeat of his second year when he received a bashing from the twins.
Celeste watched numbly as he disappeared into the crowd. He did not look back. A small voice told her that this was the end of her relationship with her brother.
"Are you alright?" George asked softly. Celeste quickly nodded.
"I'm alright," said Celeste. She turned to Ron and offered him a smile "Ron here was my brave knight in shining armour."
He promptly turned red "It's nothing and your brothers a git" Ron grumbled. Celeste smiled, she could hear Percy berating the twins for attempting to start fight in front of his boss, but they seemed to pay him no mind.
"And what would Mother think?" Percy continued, his face now scarlet as he paced back and forth in front of the twins.
"That we're incredibly brave and caring for defending our friend from blood purist bigots'?" Fred offered. Percy huffed at this. Deciding that it was a lost cause, Percy promptly left to search for Ludo Bagman and the twins quickly turned their attention to Ron.
"Aww ickle Ronniekins!" Fred cried as he wrapped his arms tightly around Ron.
"Defending poor Celeste from the evil ferret!" George added as he squeezed his brother.
Celeste giggled at their antics, the scene was rather wholesome however, it had her wondering if she would ever be this close with Draco again.
"You don't need them anyway," Harry told her earnestly. "If I learned anything from the Dursleys it's that family isn't just blood. It's the people you choose."
Celeste smiled. She wrapped an arm around the younger wizard. Unlike previous times, Harry released into the hold.
"Boys, you're embarrassing him," Celeste giggled. Reluctantly, the twins stopped their bear hug on Ron, the younger Weasley now bright red.
"You're spoiling the fun, Cell," Fred said with a pout.
"Well, I can't let a student die of embarrassment, I'm a prefect you know" Celeste told him with a smirk.
"Stop this rubbish, I'm your boyfriend, remember. The one who your parents hated" Fred said with a wry chuckle.
"He's what?" Ron asked with disbelief. He glanced between Celeste and turned to Fred in shock as he pointed an accusatory finger at the both "You and Fred- you and him! My brother! Malfoy's sister!"
"Quiet down!" Celeste hissed. "He's not really by boyfriend, we were just pretending to get me disowned" Her face was bright red, and it certainly did not help bow that George had busted into uncontrollable laughter. Even Harry looked at the two of them, amusement clear in his eyes.
"So, I'm taking it that this plan worked? Are congratulations in order?" Harry offered.
"Stop laughing!" Celeste exclaimed at George before turning back to Harry completely red "I suppose it is. My parents haven't made any efforts to contact me, so I guess I'm in the clear."
"Sirius will be pleased," Said Harry "I am too, those people don't deserve you."
"You need to stop being so sweet," Celeste said softly. Harry shrugged with a smirk.
"Is everything alright?" Angelina appeared with Lee and Alicia behind her.
"Just a family disagreement," Celeste said with a dismissive wave "nothing to worry about."
"Are you sure? We saw Mal- your brother and his friends...they weren't bothering you, were they?" Alicia asked.
"No need to worry, we chased those snakes off didn't we boys?" Fred declared. Harry and Ron grinned.
"Our Ron made us proud, didn't he?" George added. "Defending a poor prefect from her weasel of a brother"
"Come on guys" Ron muttered but Celeste noted the slight smile he wore at the praise.
Happy with this, George and Lee began carting off the group back towards the festivities. Fred paused before turning back to Celeste the blonde was surprised, he opted to stay with her rather than go back with the others and do course, Angelina.
"Aren't you going to join the others?" Celeste asked.
"And leave you alone? Never," Fred answered.
The two were silent as they stood next to one another. This was the first time that they were alone since returning from the manor that day.
"So, uh… you and Diggory" Fred said lamely.
"We're just friends," Celeste responded quickly. For a moment she thought she saw relief flicker over Fred's face however, it quickly disappeared. "I didn't have anyone to go to the ball with."
"You didn't?" Fred asked. Celeste nodded. She frowned at the look of hurt on his face.
Did he...no he likes her, not me. Celeste thought bitterly. She wanted to push away the part of her that held a sliver of hope that Fred liked her the way she liked him, but it was hopeless.
"No one asked me…" Celeste told him. "And I waited…. then Cedric asked me, I was tired of waiting, so I said 'yes'" She took a shaky breath. Hands closed into fists.
"You don't have to wait anymore," Fred said. Celeste's eyes hardened, her mind flickering back to when.
"Oh really?" Celeste asked fiercely. He took her hand and pulled her towards him, his blue eyes dancing with mirth.
"I'm here now," Fred whispered. His voice was so soft, kind and spoke of promise. Celeste wanted to believe him; she really did, but he came to the ball with Angelina. The girl he supposedly had broken up with.
"Then why did you come here with Angelina?" Celeste asked. She peeled herself away from him and walked out of the Hall.
INTO THE ABYSS
Across the hall George sighed as he sat alone. Katie had long since gone to share a dance with some bloke from Durmstrang - not that he blamed her, she deserved to have fun after all. Someone sat down on the bench beside him, and he turned in shock to see that it was Angelina. She looked wistful as she sipped on her goblet, dark eyes almost sad before she turned to face him with a smile.
"Rough night?" She asked.
"The roughest" George responded wryly. Angelina smiled in understanding.
"Where's Katie," She asked. Despite the loud screaming voices of the Weird Sisters, George could hear her loud and clear.
"With some bloke from Durmstrang - think his name's Ivan or something -good looking fellas too"
"You seem oddly happy for a guy whose date has just left him," Angelina commented. George shrugged.
"It happens...besides, it wasn't a date, we were just two friends accompanying each other to a dance."
Angelina nodded in understanding "I know the feeling" she sat back, dark eyes peering into her goblet before a sad smile formed on her pretty face.
"I always knew it was her, you know" Angelina said wistfully "I tried to ignore it but...you should see the way he looks at her. He never looked at me like that" Angelina sighed.
"Sometimes we fall for people who aren't meant for us but that's why they call it 'falling in love', it's meant to hurt."
Angelina smiled at this "I never knew you were so insightful."
"I'm a man of many talents, Ange," George said with a smirk. Angelina giggled before lightly swatting his arm. They were silent for a moment just watching the couples on the dancefloor.
"Want to dance?" She asked. George smiled and nodded.
"Sure," he stood and hauled Angelina to her feet.
INTO THE ABYSS
Celeste felt anger well inside her as she stormed out of the ball. Her shoes were tight, her dress constricting, and her heart felt as if it had travelled into her throat. The portraits were vastly empty, the few inhabitants floundering about cast the lone blonde pitying looks.
The fat lady, who had left her post, tutted sadly.
"Cell!" Fred cried out.
Celeste did not stop, she carried on walking.
"Come on, Cell!" Fred called back.
She whirled round, almost tripping over her feet but through shrill willpower alone managed to right herself. She glared angrily at Fred.
"Why are you doing this? You kissed me back then and then you acted like I didn't even matter!" Celeste shouted.
"You were already going with someone else!" Fred shouted back.
"You kissed me!" Celeste angrily retorted. "And then you just pretended that it never even happened and brought your ex-girlfriend as your date. Then I am an absolute idiot, after everything you did, I still fancy you!"
Fred was silent for a few moments before he spoke quietly.
"You like me?" Fred asked. Celeste froze, did she say that out loud?
"Me?!" Fred demanded. He took a step closer towards her and Celeste froze. He was far too close, and she could feel her heart hammering wildly. She attempted to push her feelings aside however, she just could not shake them as Fred was standing so close to her.
She clenched her eyes hoping to push away these feelings and took a step away from Fred.
"I'm still angry!"
"So am I!" Fred cried out.
"You? Why!" Celeste demanded.
"Because I like you too, you silly witch!"
"I'm not silly-" Celeste told him sternly. She was cut off in her tirade as Fred pressed his lips to hers. She melted against him, a sigh leaving her lips as she reached her arms around up pushed at his shoulders. Fred recoiled back; he almost toppled over but quickly righted himself as he stared at her in shock.
"What are you doing!" Celeste exclaimed. Her eyes were wet with tears as her body shook. How could he do this to her? How could he play with her emotions like this - he said he broke up with Angelina then why was he here with her? Why did he not pluck up the courage to reveal his feelings like Cedric had done?
"But you said you liked me" Fred said with confusion.
"I know what I said!" Celeste hissed, her face now bright red. "I just- I'm still trying to process things!"
"What is there to process?" Fred asked hotly "I like you; you like me. It's bloody simple, you don't need to complicate things!"
"I'm not complicating anything!" Celeste shouted, "You're the one who took your ex to the ball!"
"As if you're innocent, what about you and Diggory?" Fred spat
"He's my friend- in fact you should be more like him, at least he plucked up the courage to actually ask me himself!" Celeste shouted.
"And I bet you loved it too, didn't you? " Fred responded shortly.
"I did, because he was honest with me" Celeste said. Fred nodded as he took a step back away from Celeste.
"You know what, Malfoy, I don't even care- go and have fun with pretty-boy" Fred said. Celeste had never seen him look this way before, his face flashed with anger, bitterness and worst of all, hurt.
Celeste nodded "Alright then. You can go and have a wonderful evening with Angelina" Celeste responded quietly.
Her arms closed around herself as a cold breeze ran through the castle, but she still felt cold. Fred was silent for a few moments, his normally bright eyes were cold and dark, and Celeste felt a pang of guilt run through her at the way she made him feel. Celeste said nothing as Fred disappeared back into the Hall, she did not want to think about him anymore or about Angelina, for it hurt too much.
Once Fred was out of sight, Celeste sat on the stairs and finally allowed the tears to fall.
INTO THE ABYSS
Omake:
A Family Affair
Most students had gone to bed by this hour however Draco had yet to retire. He had a horrible night, and it was only made worse by Potter and his friends. He hated the Weasleys, and he hated Potter even more. To think that they had nothing compared to what Mother, Father and even himself could offer and Celeste still chose them.
She will always choose them.
Draco scoffed angrily, he stood ready to go to bed when suddenly the green flames of the Slytherin common roared with life. The blond whirled round, surprise colouring his face as his father's visage formed within the flames. Father stared back at him expectantly and quickly, Draco took a seat on in front of the roaring flames.
"Draco,"
"Father" Draco responded. He inwardly scolded himself at how childish and surprised he sounded before he promptly cleared his throat "You're calling so late, is something wrong?" Draco forgot to add that it was rare for Father to call in the first place. Usually, it was Mother who sent letters or floo called, suddenly Draco had the niggling feeling that something had happened to her.
"Your Mother is fine, Draco. In fact, she sends her love" Father replied curtly. Draco sagged with relief at this. "I am calling about...something else"
"May I ask what, Father?" Draco asked.
"Your sister" Father said "Keep an eye on your sister, Draco and report anything you see or hear right back to me. Do you understand?"
Draco frowned "Celeste? Why?" Draco asked, he could not hide the annoyance in his voice. Why was Father bothering to pay attention to her when she did not even want to be apart of this family? Why couldn't Father just pay him mind for once? He did everything he was told, he never stood out of line and never once defied him and yet, here Father was wasting his time on Celeste, the Blood Traitor. "Father she's a blood traitor what could you possibly want with her-"
"I am not asking you Draco," Father said coldly. His tone spoke of no room for further protests and Draco instantly went silent. "Keep an eye on your sister. Do not fail me".
The flames soon died out and plunged the common room into darkness.
A/N: Oh dear.