After the first Hogsmeade weekend, classes seemed to speed up. Ancient Runes in particular was getting very difficult, moving from Incan to Mayan and even other early civilization's languages in their Runes. They had to learn how to read and write in each new language, leading to many a late night studying.

Celesta and Daimon cut it close to curfew each night for that class, going over their notes and double checking multiple source books to make sure they got the runes correct.

Care of Magical Creatures grew somber and dull as Buckbeak was going to be put on trial for Draco's stupid behavior. Instead, they were working with Blast-ended Screwts, Celesta getting a pass for their 'project' due to her sensitivity.

At least in Transfiguration and Potions she was able to participate, getting the highest scores of the Gryffindor's in Potions and tying with Hermione in Transfiguration.

Halloween was swiftly approaching, and that day was another Hogsmeade weekend. Fred and George didn't demand a date, though they did suggest they meet up for a butterbeer. Celesta was quick to decide the Hog's Head as their meeting place, instead of the Three Broomsticks.

She didn't speak with Sirius again, and on the first full moon of term, she stayed in the castle. While it was theorized that werewolves wouldn't attack animagi in their animal forms, she had quickly decided that she felt no need to test this theory to get a definite answer. She did, however, sneak the chocolate bars to her Professor the next morning. It was the weekend, thankfully, so he wouldn't be missing any classes.

Harry apparently declined in sneaking out this Hogsmeade weekend, trying one more time to get Professor Mcgonagall to sign his permission slip, while she spent most of her time with Hermione and Ron. Celesta chose not to go into Zonko's, however, instead spending her time in the supply shop, getting a few specialty quills for her Father and Draco for Christmas. She had planned to go shopping with her family during the holidays, but her mother had sent her an owl that had her a little worried.

'My Celesta,

Your Father is becoming more cold to your presence as of late. I fear that after this summer, you'll need a new place to stay. I've arranged an apartment near King's Cross, in Diagon Alley, and of course only myself, you, or Luli can enter it. We'll spend summer decorating it, yes?

Unfortunately, due to your father's opinion on you, this winter I feel it be best you stay at school. It saddens my heart, but Draco is his heir, and he'll always be partial to him. I'm always on your side, my daughter-by-choice, but after this summer you will no longer be welcome at Malfoy Manner. I've already started to have Luli transfer things that are yours to the new apartment.

Lucius has already started emancipation papers that will be filed at the end of this school year for you, hence my hasty actions. You won't have the trace, but you will be watched by Ministry Officials to ensure you aren't doing unsanctioned magic. This summer, after you're moved in, it might be best to stay with a friend, if you want to take your nightly walks.

I will always love you, Celesta. Always.

-Narcissa'

After learning all that, she quickly began planning. The Weasleys would be more than happy to take care of her, and she'd been told that Narcissa was putting what inheritance from them that they could into her vault. Her real mother's inheritance would last her well into old age, insuring she need never work again, but it was sweet that Narcissa was still trying to take care of her.

She did wish to pretend not to know, however, hence her shopping for Christmas gifts. For her Mother, she got an ink that was charmed so only the recipient and writer could see what was written. And then for her friends she got mostly sweets, a rare book for Hermione, and for Fred and George she got a credit of thirty galleons in Zonko's Joke shop.

Shopping completed, she wrapped them then had Luli deliver them on Christmas day with all the other gifts before meeting Fred and George for their butterbeer. While they weren't dating, they were staking their claim. They told her by summertime, they'd have her be their girlfriend, but with her just starting Ancient Runes, and them working their OWL's and products for their future shop, they weren't going to rush things.

That night's feast was marvelous, the elves outdoing last year's Halloween's pudding choices. She even saw Snape going for seconds on his trifle. Sitting with Fred and George, she didn't hear what Harry was saying about her godfather, though she knew Lupin was most likely taking wolfsbane, a potion meant to give a werewolf clarity during the nights of the full moon, one that was a few days away.

She was walking with Fred and George, following the rest of the Gryffindors up Gryffindor tower, but the area to the portrait was jampacked with students staring at it in silence. Once she saw what happened, she gasped a little bit, paling and clutching at Fred and George's hands. There wasn't anyway she was going to be able to sleep without them.

Dumbledore arrived soon after, Peeves informing him that is was Sirius Black who tore the painting. He then led the Gryffindors to the Great Hall, where they were soon joined by the students from the other houses, looking confused.

Conjured pajamas and sleeping bags were deposited, the students getting escorted by year to change before they were to grab a sleeping bag and find a spot to sleep. Her twins didn't even pause to think of it, pulling Celesta between them securely, their arms around her waist and their faces in her neck.

"Go to sleep Princess." George whispered in the silence after the Professors left to search the castle.

"Nobody will take you from us." Fred affirmed. And somehow, despite being keyed up after seeing the violence to the portrait, Celesta found it in her to fall asleep, a small smile on her lips, her twins holding her making her relax.

The next few days all anybody could talk about was Sirius. Frankly she got sick of it, a scowl on her lips whenever somebody asked about him to her. "He was arrested when I was a baby and he was estranged from the family. Disowned," seemed to be her catachphrase of the week. It got tiring. Thankfully Daimon had the good sense not to ask about him, instead asking about a tricky rune that turned one way meant moon and turned another meant death.

Honestly, when the first quidditch match became all anybody could talk about, she became relieved. Draco, it seemed, was claiming to need more training due to his 'injury' earlier in the year, so instead of Slytherin, Gryffindor was going to play Hufflepuff. Fred and George were busy with Harry training for it, Daimon and she studying in the Library, when her brother came up to their table and sat down, huffing. A glance at Daimon, a half-blood, and her friend stood. "I'm going to go get the reference book. I think there's something I missed. I'll be back in a few minutes."

Celesta waited until not even she could hear her friend before looking to Draco, suspicion in her eyes.

"Father told me what he's planning. I'm keeping my promise to Mother, so I'm on your side, even if it doesn't appear so. Godfather's been teaching me Occlumency, so Father will never know. Besides in appearances in public, where we are to treat you as warmly as we can, after the first few weeks of summer, you are persona non grata, according to Father. Snape, by the end of the year, assures me that I'll be able to bury any incidents with you in them deep in the recesses of my mind so that not even You-Know-Who would be able to see my memories." Draco explained quietly, his eyes watching the room to make sure they wouldn't be overheard.

Slowly, Celesta nodded, biting her bottom lip before reaching out a hand to squeeze her brother's. "You know my stance on things, Dee. As long as you still love me and you trust me, that's all I need."

He left soon after, a caress on her hair his parting. By the time Daimon returned, he was long gone, Celesta looking out the large window at the rain.

The Fat Lady had temporarily been replaced by a Sir Cadagan, a painting who changed his password twice a day, and often challenged students to duel. Though he'd heard Fred and George calling her Princess, so normally he let her in just fine.

The weather continued to worsen, a full force gale coming on by the time of the day before the match. The storm would most likely last through the weekend. The full moon was the night before, so to Celesta it didn't surprise her when Snape swooped in to teach DADA instead of Lupin. Harry, who was late, however was like the rest of the students in their curiosity, asking where their favorite Professor was.

They were told to open their books to page three-hundred and ninety-four, the chapter on Werewolves, a clue that only the brightest of witches and wizards would be able to figure out. Awareness sparked in Hermione's eyes, and when Celesta's friend looked at her and saw only indifference, she smirked. Lupin was of no danger to them, not if he was taking his potion, and not as long as they didn't go out on a full moon anyway.

Hermione explained the difference between animgai and werewolves, Snape taking points away from her for speaking out of turn.

Due to the heavy rains, Celesta had chosen to stay in the castle, where it would be warm, though Daimon promised to bring her news of the game. So when she found out Harry had been attacked by the Dementors, his broom broken by the willow where it'd fallen, she groaned a little. Must her friend always be in danger? Knowing Madam Pompfrey wouldn't let her in to the hospital wing, instead she transformed and snuck to the Shrieking Shack, letting her anger go there.

Luckily, Sirius was there then, asking her if he could get Harry a new broom for Christmas.

"He'd love it, honestly, though it might be best you don't say it was from you." She told him, wary a little bit. He had damaged the Fat Lady's portrait, after all.

"By the way, why did you damage the portrait?" she finally asked of him, taking a seat on a cushion she'd conjured.

"Barmy lady wouldn't let me in. I even swore I wasn't going to hurt any of the students, and they were all at dinner anyway." Sirius replied with a heavy sigh. Crookshanks appeared suddenly, rubbing against his legs, making Celesta relax even further. Maera and Crookshanks were excellent judges of character.

"What were you looking for?" Celesta asked him, tilting her head back.

Sirius paused before finally answering her, but not in the way she'd hoped. "Something that a third year shouldn't involve themselves in, to be honest. Let's just say somebody's hiding, and they're dangerous."

Celesta nodded slowly, before she stood. "There's another Hogsmeade weekend before the holidays. I'll get you some clothes, and perhaps a brush. Let me know if there's anything else you need."

Author's Note: Gosh, due to stress it's so hard to get some of these out! Luckily though I was able to push through it. I don't know if I'll get another chapter out tonight, but here's hoping I get another out soon!

As always, thank you to you who have read my story so far. To those that've followed it and favorited it. A special thanks to lilthnija, who's written so many reviews to my story! It makes me blush!

I'm glad you all like this story so far!