"How are we doing on time?" I managed to pant out after recovering for a few moments. Bella, looking incredibly proud of my state, even while very satisfied herself, glanced at the time.
"We have a few minutes left, are you alright to get up?" Bella and I, restricted on time more than ever, had had a surprisingly mind blowing… well, quickie, for lack of better words. I was recovering slower than usual, and Bella was entertained by the fact.
"Honestly, if my friends weren't here, I would have you go down first and make some sort of excuse to give me a few more moments, but in this circumstance, I'm sure I can pull through." I reached over to grab my wand off the bed side and waved it, wordlessly doing a quick tidying spell as I was used to. I groaned when nothing happened, my magic acting out yet again. Bella, even more amused than before, tapped my thigh sweetly.
"Don't worry, darling, I've got you." I stayed recovering as Bella was quick to tidy us both up before helping me to my feet. Making our way to the door, Bella spoke again.
"Oh! I'm sorry, I completely forgot to ask you how everything went. I had assumed, with how you greeted me, that everything went fine then my mind travelled a bit to other places." I laughed.
"Yes, everything went very well. They listened and were very understanding and supportive. I was surprised because Ginny stowed away with her brothers and is staying here as well for the time being. They were shocked to hear about us but open minded, now knowing that everything is not as it seems. It's obvious they want to know more, but for now, it seems like they've already decided what side they're on." Bella smiled.
"See? I knew you had nothing to worry about." We exited the room and I almost stopped in my tracks when I noticed the twins and Ginny in the hallway. They turned to me as I exited before slowly shifting to the woman behind me, eyes widening.
"Ready for dinner?" I spoke casually, hoping to calm them from the situation. They hesitated, looking between us before George finally responded.
"Uh… yeah. We were a bit nervous to go down alone honestly, so we waited." I nodded, realizing I should have assumed as much.
"Of course! Let's go before Narcissa scolds us." I grabbed Bella's hand started down the stairs, pretending not to notice the glances the twins sent between each other before following along. Reaching the bottom of the stairs, Bella squeezed my hand, getting my attention. She smiled gently and nodded, before using her free hand to press downwards, a motion telling me to relax. I hadn't noticed until now that I was grasping her hand rather roughly and walking as though I was on a mission. Seeing the glances being sent towards my mate, I had subconsciously wanted to defend her from any negative reactions, holding her to me and trying to keep her at a distance. She was quietly telling me that she was alright, and I should calm down. I took a deep breath with her watching, exchanging smiles as a thanks to each other. Arriving in the dining room, the Weasley siblings stopped once more at the table. Next to Lucius, Narcissa, and Draco, there sat Severus.
"Ah good! I was worried Celine was going to get you all into her habit of being tardy. Please, sit down, dinner will be served very shortly." Ginny's eyes widened as Narcissa spoke.
"Celine is usually tardy? Our Celine? Really? She always scolds me at school if I'm even a minute late leaving for my classes." George and Fred seemed thankful for their sister's ability to be casual in this moment and followed on that, using the moment of conversation to lead them casually into taking their seat. I smiled as Fred and George sat their sister in between them. Though I know she is absolutely safe with everyone here, it was still nice to seem them protecting her.
"Maybe I should offer to teach you something with every meal?" Narcissa spoke in a joking manner yet laughed as she noticed that I genuinely seemed intrigued by the offer. Food was served quickly after, ending the light banter, and returning the atmosphere to a bit tense and awkward. I looked to the Malfoy's for a little help, not sure how to break the ice. Locking eyes with Draco, he nodded, as if understanding, and cleared his throat, drawing attention.
"So, that must have been a lot to hear, right? Not only do I have dashing good looks, but I'm wonderful to be around too. Must have been quite the surprise." Lucius scoffed, Narcissa and I rolled our eyes and Bella let out a surprised chuckle. Luckily, the Weasley siblings were all for his humour as well and chuckled along, Ginny even nodding in agreement, laughing harder as Draco looked suddenly insulted. The ice breaker having done its job, you could almost see people's shoulder relax as everyone began eating our meal. The next person to speak was a surprise to me. Lucius cleared his throat.
"Uhm. If I may…. I'd like to apologize… Mostly to you, Ginny, but to your brothers and Celine as well for having worried them and endangered them. In your first year, it was in fact me who had given you that journal, although all the events that followed were not intended or initiated by me or any one of us." The question regarding Ginny's first year, the journal, a young Tom, and a basilisk, were all things that had crossed my mind time and time again, though I couldn't think of how I properly wanted to voice questioning them. Having been petrified for a good deal of that year, I missed a lot of what had occurred with Ginny and in the chamber of secrets. I had heard that it was Lucius who had given Ginny the journal and had wanted to approach him to ask exactly why he had done it; I wanted to ask him and Tom equally why they planned for a basilisk to be released on the school, yet it's something I had never gotten around to doing, not wanting to accuse either of them knowing what I know now. Before anyone could respond, Lucius continued.
"I'm sure Celine told you that, as we were with her, we'll be open and honest about all you're curious about. This in particular has been heavy on my mind since it occurred, and I was hoping you'd allow me to share my side of things." Ginny was wide-eyed as she listened, almost dropping her fork as she forgot what we were doing. Finally, she nodded slowly. I also sat forward in my seat, eager to hear.
"After Harry Potter's first year at Hogwarts, we figured we'd try getting to him and revealing the manipulation sooner rather than later. We wanted to attempt to stop him being used after hearing about the occurrences of first year, knowing that it was only the beginning. We started with a plan to have our house elf, Dobby, get some information across to him. Talk to him, befriend him, earn his trust, tell him the truth, and guide him in whatever decision that came next. We figured Harry would have an easier time trusting Dobby, who was very eager to help out, rather than a random adult who he may have already heard bad things of. What we hadn't anticipated was how heavily the boy was being watched at all times. Someone must have gotten to Dobby before he got to Harry because next thing we know, Dobby is suddenly doing Dumbledore's work and leading Harry in the opposite direction of what was intended. We needed another plan so; we used the journal. It was indeed charmed with a young Tom, but it was a Tom with his true beliefs, his true intentions, and was enchanted to eventually end up in the hands of only Harry. Whoever had the diary, would eventually pass it along, uninterested, until it landed with the intended person. I must not have been as stealthy as I had assumed when passing it to you, it was my only opportunity and very sudden, but I had hoped it was enough. Whoever got to it before returning it to you, changed it, the spells, the enchantments, the charms… all changed. When Draco told us what was happening, I felt so apologetic. The diary was my idea and I had started the events… I was, am, just so sorry." I sighed, frustrated once more by the actions of the 'light'. I turned to the siblings, curious to see how they'd react hearing the truth.
"Thank you, for telling us the truth."
"And for trying to do the right thing."
"What happened wasn't your fault, though." With the twins sitting further apart than usual, my eyes had to travel a further distance when they spoke together. I became suddenly thankful with how close they kept together.
"And honestly, it wasn't all bad." Ginny answered finally, a smile on her face and what was left of her nervous tension, gone. "I mean, everyone turned out alright in the end. All the petrified muggle-born students woke up, the basilisk killed, not to be used again or even just creep scarily under the school.… In the summer, my parents even gave me every little thing I asked for, and the following year at school, I was quite popular." I smiled, glad to see Ginny looking at the bright side of things. Lucius released a long breath, relaxing and smiling, happy that he had gotten it off his chest and had been listened to. Then, a thought crossed my mind.
"Wait… If the basilisk was tasked to attack muggle-born students, why did it try to kill me?" Clattering to my side brought my attention to Bella tightening her hands around her fork, knuckles turning white. Bella knew already that I had been petrified in my second year, though thinking about it angered her. She was scared of the 'what if's'. What if I hadn't figured it out? What if I hadn't checked the corner first? What if I had died? I raised a hand to comfort her, sliding it over her shoulder until my fingers rested on the back of her neck, my thumb stroking under her ear gently. She leaned into my hand, eyes closing for a moment. When she opened her eyes, they locked with my own and I gave her a gentle smile.
I understood how she must be feeling. I myself have experienced similar moments when she returns from running errands, sore and bruised after an unexpected run in with the Order. In those times, I have to have her to myself, I need to hold her and feel her, listen to her heart beating as I lay my head on her chest, listen to her breathing as she eventually succumbs to exhaustion, falling asleep and lulling me along with her. The whole time I worry, thinking about what could have happened, what I would have done if she were more injured, or even worse, dead. Sometimes I would find myself sobbing if I allowed myself to fall too deeply into these thoughts, Bella waking and holding me instantly, stroking my hair while shushing me. All I could offer her in this moment was a supportive hand, but I made a mental note to address this moment later. I didn't miss the way Ginny and the twins observed Bella and I's interaction but focused on Severus' answer.
"It seems you were targeted… By whom, I'm not sure, but I am sure I only need one guess… As for why…. I haven't a clue. We've always been under the assumption that you were going to be a constant need to them, so why they did it, and why they haven't since, is curious…. I think it's something to discuss with your father." I nodded.
"Speaking of, when is he coming over next?" I wanted to give the siblings an opportunity to meet him and get all of the nervousness out of the way sooner rather than later, but also, it just seemed nice having Tom, my dad, around.
"He has a few things that we're working on, it's still in the works now, still figuring things out, so once he's done he wanted to tell you in full rather than in the puzzle pieces we're currently dealing with." Severus answered.
"Hopefully tomorrow for dinner, or at least for dessert and tea, if not, then the following day." I nodded, thanking Lucius and Severus for their information. Bella suddenly leaned closer to me, speaking a bit quietly in my ear, not exactly a secret, but not something of open knowledge either.
"That reminds me, I checked this morning for you, it's still exactly where you left it, love."
Early this morning, I had woken with a groan, thankful for the gentle touch of Bella's hand I could feel along my neck. Opening my eyes, I had spotted her awake in bed, one arm around me, the other absent mindedly stroking the pendent around her neck. I reached up, touching my own in return and getting her attention. The focus on our necklaces reminded me of something in that moment. The moment I had first met Tom and he had placed my mother's necklace around my neck. I had kept it with me for the rest of the summer, receiving comfort from it. When Bella and I had spent the day at the cottage, I had made the decision to leave it behind. My decision was based on many factors; not wanting to bring it to Hogwarts, either to lose it or to possibly have it recognized. It was also a reminder to myself, a promise that I'd return, get it back and spend time there with my soulmate. Before Bella could move away, I turned my head slightly, placing a kiss on the corner of her mouth in thanks.
"So, on to a lighter mood. Did you all have a good Christmas?" The Weasley siblings peeled their eyes away from our almost kiss and answered Narcissa.
"It was alright. Our mother did her usual jumper, sorry Celine, doesn't seem like you'll be getting one this year." I shrugged.
"It'd have been the wrong initials regardless." Ginny chuckled.
"There was some drama-."
"-Because our brother, Percy, sent his jumper back-."
"-So basically, he lives for the Ministry now-."
"-Mum was pretty bummed." I frowned hearing that their brother practically disowned the family, preferring rather to stay in politics than with those who love him.
"But overall, it was good. We had a bigger dinner than usual for the few Order members that stopped by. Harry was in a very good mood, for the first time since you left really, so that was fun. I think we were just excited knowing that we'd be here soon after." The twins nodded.
"Yes, it's been weeks now since Celine told us about this big ball." George smiled, finishing off the rest of his food. It seemed to be the first that Ginny was hearing about the ball, so as Narcissa, suddenly excited, began to fill her in, including that all three should join me in the etiquette courses I'd be taking with her. As she began to get lost in her conversation, I took the opportunity to check on my butterfly. She may be tough on the outside, but I knew that she was actually quite nervous to meet my friend and even now, wasn't sure where she stood with them, not having done more than introduce herself.
"Are you alright, babe?" I spoke quietly. Her eyes travelled from her sister to me, and she nodded slightly. It lasted only a moment before her expression dropped and she turned to motioned towards my friends with a slight shrug. I furrowed my brows yet understood; she doesn't know how to get on their good side, make a good impression. Bella and I fell into a silent conversation, somehow being able to understand at least the intention of what we were trying to say. A motion towards the back door, a reminder of their interest in flying and quidditch. A motion towards Narcissa, she wouldn't approve of us playing in the cold. A slight eye roll and a wink, I'm sure I could talk her into it.
"Merlin, do you two even know what you're talking about." My eyes flashed to Draco, realizing that we had attracted the attention of others at the table. With a last encouraging glance towards Bella, she answered.
"Of course! I was asking Celine for a night fly." I noticed Narcissa about to speak up, but I went first.
"I know it's chilly out Narcissa, but we'll bundle up and have a nice warm bath once we return to fight off cold." Fred spoke up, sounding in disbelief.
"You? Flying? This I've got to see." I pointed towards the red-headed siblings, as if proving my point.
"And I'm sure they'd love to get a better view of the grounds" Narcissa couldn't deny my points and agreed, commenting that it was one of the warmer nights we've had this week and as long as we were bundled up, it would be fine. Draco saw this as the best time to present the Weasley's with their gift, obviously excited and not at all subtle. While the table was cleared, Draco quickly excused himself from the table and took off for the stairs, looking as he did on Christmas morning. I smiled after the boy, knowing that he would return with both of our gifts.
I had discussed with Draco my concern of presenting the Weasley sibling with their gifts the moment they arrived, especially, my gift for the twins. I didn't want it to seem like we were trying to buy them off, incentives to join our side. Draco understood my concerns and offered to keep the gifts out of view until after they've heard the story, the truth, more about the ball, and made at least a bit of a decision regarding their comfort and stay here. Now that they seem to be here to stay, the twins having reminded me of their earlier statement, trusting my intuition and siding with me wherever it is, Draco was excited to present them with the gifts, especially Ginny, who would have the opportunity to take her new broom for a fly. I used this moment to inform everyone as to why Draco ran off in excitement.
"We touched on the subject of Christmas… and well, Draco and I both bought gifts for you all. We've been looking forward to giving it to you all, Draco especially, as you can see, but we- I- was worried about how it would come off, if we gave them to you upon arrival. I wanted you to hear everything first. I don't want you to think that I'm trying to buy your trust or anything." In this time, everyone started getting up from the table, planning on gathering coats, scarves, boots, and brooms. It seems that Severus would be joining us too as he walked off with Lucius to gather the brooms. Bella squeezed my hand before going off to get both of our stuff. Finally, Draco returned. Hands behind his back and standing stock still, successfully covering up the broomstick completely. Seeing his struggle to conceal it, as well as the sudden excitement on Ginny's face, I figured it was best to start with the youngest.
"Ginny first!" Her eyes widened in anticipation, and not being able to contain himself, Draco pulled one hand out from behind his back and held the broom out. Both Ginny and the twins' eyes grew wide, jaws dropping. Ginny reached out for the broom, hands hovering as if an unseen force was stopping her. Finally, prompted by Draco, she took it.
"You're kidding right? This is a joke." Draco shook his head, seeming proud of himself.
"You were telling me how you were going to join a national team and all, they'll probably be having you flying on these bad boys, might as well start practicing, right?" Before she could get too lost in the gift, I spoke up.
"And to go along with it. With no sweat, no grime, no blood stains or weird odors…." Draco reached behind his back again and presented the new padding for quidditch. She squealed, holding all the gifts to her chest, and hopping in place. She then gathered everything in one arm before awkwardly hugging first Draco, then me, with her free arm. As she then got lost in examining the broom and trying on the padding, Draco and I turned to the twins. Draco stood shoulder to shoulder with me, passing me my slip of paper behind our backs, before holding out his two red blankets.
"You all walked into a house full of Slytherins, even Celine is being covered in green and silver by Auntie Bella and mum, so I thought you both would be a lot more comfortable, especially in new rooms, with a little bit of familiar color." The twins smiled, accepted the gift with a sincere thanks and admitting to the fact that it would make their rooms a lot more comfortable with something they're so used to seeing, even if just a colour. Their gazed shifted to me as I bit my lip and Draco left me to speak with them, turning to speak with Ginny.
"I thought long and hard about what to get you both, and what I could do for you both…. I was stressed out and frustrated since the beginning of the school year. There was the truth of everything with my father, with Bella, being away from Bella especially was really hurting me. I was having some trouble getting along with Harry and Ron these past months, constantly in the eye of the Order for 'possibly' knowing the truth…. You both really helped me a lot. Having trusted in me, not poking, or prodding but just being there and being supportive. Especially when you both included me in your conversations regarding your products and your store, it really helped to get my mind off things. And I really look forward to seeing the store come to life." The twins grew teary eyed as I spoke, Fred even reaching up to wipe a tear before it fell. As I reached the end of my speech, George cleared his throat and shared a bittersweet smile.
"Unfortunately, it may take longer than anticipated to get the store rolling. We're nowhere near saved up to buy a lot and even then, we found out today that the perfect lot we had our eyes on, was sold." I smiled.
"I know. Because I bought it." I held out the paper in my hand which described the ownership of the lot. The twins' eyes were wide as they read over the document, growing wider as they spotted their names under the list of official building owners. Ginny, having overheard, read over her brothers' shoulders.
"Bloody hell, you bought them a building?!" I nodded.
"It's yours, everything is covered, including any sort of renovations you may have in the future, it's all paid for." This time Fred didn't stop the tear as it fell.
"No. This is way too much Herm- Celine. This is too much." I shook my head.
"No, it's really not, please accept it and if you must, repay me by making the store the success I know you'll be able to make it." Still, they hesitated, so Draco spoke up.
"Celine won't admit this because she's too humble to brag, but her true heritage came with a fortune." I shoved Draco and he raised his hands in defense. Luckily, this managed to calm the twins slightly, allowing them to accept the gift, already talking about how they could set up the shop.
Draco held on to Ginny's broom as she and the twins went to put their gifts in the room and to retrieve warmer clothes, ready to enjoy a night fly. Within a few minutes, bundled in coats, scarves up to our nose, mittens to protect our fingers and boots for the snow, everyone began to file out of the house, wand in hand. Narcissa spoke over her shoulder, encouraging those who grew cold to return to the house if needed. Her mother instincts shone through as she watched us pass her. She stopped Ginny to tighten her coat to the very last button and called out to the twins who, mittens in hand, had yet to put them on. She flattened the hat over Draco's ears and put her warm hands to my cheeks as they quickly grew red following a gust of cold air. As everyone began to mount their brooms, I heard her muttering about sending tea to everyone's rooms, spiked with a warming spell to fight off any cold brought on with the winter weather.
"Hold on…. Where's your broom, Celine? Aren't you flying too?" I nodded, scoffing.
"If you think I'm going up there on my own, you've gone mad." The Weasley siblings watched in wonder as they witnessed for the first time the absolute trust I have in Bella. They watched as I balanced delicately on the broom in front of my soulmate, sitting sideways. I wobbled until Bella wrapped an arm around my waist, adjusting herself to my position so that my body's presence on the broom relied enormously on her support.
"I wouldn't dare be flying on my own, you know that…. But Bella really enjoys flying and I enjoy spending time with Bella. Admittedly, after the first few times… I can see how it can be enjoyable. Just don't tell her that or she'll never let me live it down." The last part I spoke while speaking very obviously and not so discretely behind my hand, stopping with a squeal and laugh when she pinched my side in response. "On the other hand, if she ever were to drop me-." Bella pulled me tighter against her.
"I would never." I couldn't help but be affected by her actions, held tight against her chest, her words sending a warm breath of air across my jaw. Turning to look at her I could see the sincerity in her eyes, her eyebrows furrowed and her gaze hardening. The look had me filled with sudden desire and I bit my lip to stop what I knew was going to be a very inappropriate comment that would leave Narcissa feeling faint, have even Severus blushing, and all others not being able to meet my eyes for the unforeseeable future. My lip bite caught the attention of my mate whose eyes filled with hunger as her gaze focused on my lips. I forced myself to answer.
"Good… because then I'd have to maim you in return." She smirked, dragging her eyes from my lips.
"Promises, promises…" She didn't give me much warning as she suddenly pushed off the ground, soaring into the air with a laugh as I buried my face in her neck with a startled gasp. Hovering steady and out of view of my friends, she claimed my lips, stealing my breath more than flying ever had.