Chapter 4: Of Owls and Voyuerism

October 15th

George,

If anyone moved the stone from the hallway where Fred's murder took place I would personally send them to Hell.

I'm glad you agree with the name. Rascal certainly does and is growing mischievous each day. Last night he caught a poor sparrow as a present for me. Of course I had to congratulate him but as you can imagine the sight was hardly a pleasant one. Hogwarts has changed and I often wonder if I made the right decision to come back.

I had not expected to be in the position of Head Girl let alone alongside Draco Malfoy. Albeit I have to admit, he has changed a lot since the white ferret days you knew him. Then again, I think everyone has changed.

Anyway Hermione and Ron have been arguing though that isn't something new. Ron thinks that we should all apply to be Aurors but Hermione (and I too, for that matter) do not agree. In all honesty I'm interested in potions and what possibilities that potion-making might offer. Oh dear that just leaves the door open for Professor Slughorn, doesn't it?

Speaking of which in the absence of death and destruction, Professor Slughorn has re-established the Slug Club and has been sending invitations for soirees at his office. Some things never change.

I am meeting Hermione at the Gryffindor tower before walking with her to said soiree. There's something different about Slughorn hat I just can't put my finger on though. Rumors are going around that he's been more 'eccentric' with his choice of entertainment lately. Not sure if I should be worried or not.

Also Professor McGonagall has moved me out of the Gryffindor tower and into the old Astronomy tower that's been converted into a new 'Head Boy and Girl Tower', complete with school board approval. Can you believe it?
We actually have portraits of Salazar Slytherin and Godric Gryffindor gracing the wall of the common room but unfortunately yes, I am also sharing it with Malfoy.

I expected him to be worse. So far he hasn't done anything to make me want to wring his neck so I'm taking that as a good sign of development. Especially since Professor McGonagall has given us new duties. This may sound selfish but there are times when I wish things could go back to pre-Voldemort's death.

I wasn't expecting to end this letter in such a somber mood. Hope the shop is doing well. The next Hogsmeade trip is actually next weekend because we are having a ball the following Saturday in celebration of Halloween.

It certainly would be a pleasure to see you.

Sincerely,
Celine.

Celine,

Fancy Professor McGonagall allowing that.
I don't think I've ever seen her with her hair out of that bun. Well I hope you know that if he does go back to his bullying days (which I assume is now over, Dad came over the shop the other day and apparently Lucius Malfoy has been hanging around the Ministry again. He's been given a deal by the Wizengamot –in exchange for his freedom he will give the Ministry information about known Death Eaters. Though I suspect he hasn't been in contact with his wife or Draco since the divorce.) just write me a letter. I'll be there to remind him of his ferret days.

I wish I could still be in Hogwarts to experience this ball you wrote about. It sounds intriguing. But don't be too hard on yourself. Fred and I had dreams that fell outside the regular job undertaken by Hogwarts graduates. That's ultimately what made our decision for us to leave school. That and Harry's winnings that he gave as a startup for the joke shop, if he hasn't told you about it yet I'm telling you now. That's how Fred and I could afford that space in Diagon Alley.

Anyway, if you feel the urge to pick up and leave just know that my door is always open to late runaways. How is your father by the way? Dad told me that he is still stuck at the royal court. Muggles have it simple, don't they? They come up with scientific rational explanations for everything that they can pretend to not see the thing for what it truly is. An extermination of a race.

Genocide.

Healer Leonard says it's a part of the healing process. I don't understand how wallowing in morbidity helps but I can't deny the soothing notion that your eyes would be reading these words and you'll understand exactly what I mean.

I feel like I've taken too much of your time. These new duties that McGonagall has set sounds interesting, do any of them include forcing a friendship between Godric and Salazar by any chance? Merlin knows they've been enemies since their falling out. Gossips from the portraits say that that was the reason old slimy Salazar left.

Care to guess what they had a falling out over?
I'll leave that for you to ponder while I have to re-check inventory.

Eagerly waiting your reply,
George.

October 20th

George!

I can't believe you would end a letter on such a cliffhanger!

Although now that you have put it into perspective it does sound like something Professor McGonagall expects from us. Surprisingly enough Malfoy has been rather pleasant towards me though we still keep our interactions to a minimum. We do try to designate a certain amount of time to 'event planning' which is essentially what Professor McGonagall is expecting. Unity between houses and basically everything that Dumbledore had implored when he was alive.

Godric and Salazar are a handful. Godric seems to have taken it upon himself to advise me from trusting Malfoy too much. Salazar is nicer to talk to (Godric possess far more portraits and often visits them) though he does often go into a trance while whispering in snake-like sounds. I assume he's speaking Parsle tongue. I've heard similar noises from Harry before. Rather eerie thing to hear in the middle of the night, I assure you. But Rascal protects me!

He particularly enjoyed the kitten treats you thoughtfully sent.

Rascal has grown enormous since you've seen him last. His paws and ears seem huge and he sheds everywhere. Thank goodness Hermione has had some experience at getting cat fur out of her uniforms.

The ball is taking shape quite nicely actually. We have had a lot of help from Slughorn and Professor McGonagall.

Speaking of Slughorn, his last 'soiree' had certainly been invitation only! He'd even gone to the lengths of hiring someone to check for invitations at the entrance of his office. And let me tell you something, it was amazing. The food, George! Courses after courses, beginning with shrimp cocktail, pumpkin soup, oysters, smoked salmon, roasted duck…my mouth is watering thinking of it all again. Then there was the 'entertainment' that Hermione had warned me about. Let's just say she didn't warn me enough!

Apparently she's been to a handful since the first night of school. I've only just been inducted into his precious club because of the Head Girl position and…well actually it is rather curious…he asked about Father and the silver key with the sapphire stones. You know, the one he presented for my sixteenth birthday. I'd been wondering what it was and I noticed the other day the same symbol on the key on the Bloody Baron. Oh Morgana, I've side-tracked again, haven't I?

Slughorn's entertainment had basically been the girls from Hogsmeade brothel 'Hard Wands' doing what they do best - stripping. Hermione finally decided to enlighten me and said that Slughorn makes sure there aren't any minors during his 'adult parties' which makes for the added security. Also that he doesn't ever participate but you know…teenagers and their hormones. Hermione said – swearing she hasn't been there but overheard Padma telling Cho that there are rooms further down the hall for 'things'. What those 'things' are I'll leave to your discreet imagination.

I'm not entirely sure about this masquerade ball. As Head Girl I am forced to attend but honestly I'm not that excited at the prospect of dancing. My last dance had been with Fred.
Hermione says it will be different. That the atmosphere will be different. That I shouldn't let the past interfere with my favorite holiday.

Everything is so different yet the same I can't explain it. I spoke to Hermione on multiple occasions about it and she just stares back at me with this sadness in her eyes. I guess I'm allowed to be candid with you since I honestly cannot speak to Harry or Ron about this, I feel as if Hermione is keeping something from me.

You will think me crazy but call it a best friend's intuition.

I'm glad you're seeing Healer Leonard. He is a nice man, a healer with an actual knack for healing without interest in Galleons. Of course he does earn a fair amount judging from the hospital bill Father received.

He doesn't mind. Father knows that the only way I'm able to sleep now is with the help of the Sleeping Draught. Then there's the Forget-Me-Not Elixir that's supposed to fight this melancholy. It helps to an extent. But when the effects wear off the nightmares becomes extra painful. I worry if I don't remember it people will just forget. Does that make any sense?

Like Professor Snape's body found in the Shrieking Shack…

We must really stop lingering on the past George, darling. Our letters are meant to heal. Though I suppose we have to admit that a large part of our thoughts are devoted to him.

Anyway the first Quidditch match of the season is Hufflepuff against Ravenclaw. Ginny has been an excellent captain and Harry is relieved that he doesn't have to bear that burden anymore. He confessed the other day that he's happy to be focusing on the snitch instead of coming up with tactical ideas. Ginny has a good head for them though and we've been practicing like crazy. Now if only I could pass Transfiguration as easily as I pass a Quaffle!

If Angelina is bothering you that much, why don't you just tell her? She does have feelings for you that much is clear. Don't give me that bullshit about being just friends, you two haven't been 'just friends' since the Yule ball. Of course she is concerned. Let her in.

What difference is it with writing to me?

Eagerly waiting for the answer to the riddle,
Celine.

P/s: Enclosed is a recent picture of Rascal.

The day of the masquerade ball arrived with the sunlight on Celine's eyelids accompanied with Rascal's mewls for attention.

"I'm up. I'm up." Celine mumbled as the cat pawed and nibbled at her long hair. The blue tips were looking a lot less vibrant than when she had first applied it three months ago. With a slight twinge she realized it has been over three months since Fred's death.

Rascal attempting to groom her scalp immediately broke Celine's reverie. She snuggled her face into his fur tufts of it immediately filling her nostrils. He smelt of warm cookies.

"Have you been down to the kitchens again?" Celine questioned her feline. He cocked his head as if pleading innocence.

"Mmmhmm. You're going to get fat if you keep stuffing your face down there buddy." Celine slowly pushed the covers from her body. "Oh Morgana, what time is it Rascal? It can't be that late?"

Pulling back the heavy, velvet curtains Celine observed the scenic grounds, a carpet of leaves in myriads of reds, oranges and yellows. Hagrid had been more than helpful with the decorations for the masquerade ball while balancing a teaching schedule that didn't give him much time to tend to his gamekeeper duties.

A sudden brown thing thwacked against the window pane caused Celine to jump backwards with a squeal. Rascal ran towards her wrapping his long body around her legs comfortingly.

"It's okay Rascal. It's just an owl." Celine gasped clutching her chest while stroking Rascal's back with her free hand. With a deep breath Celine stood up and approached the window to let the owl in.

Its amber eyes certainly looked apologetic which softened Celine instantly. Before she could offer any refreshments it had taken off through the window much to Rascal's disappointment.

"Rascal…You know better." Celine scolded as she unfolded the hastily scrawled letter.

Her eyes scanned the sentences quickly her eyebrows knitting more and more with each passing word.

"God dammit." She muttered slipping her feet into her bedroom slippers.

Celine made sure she tiptoed across the common room before realizing a moment later that neither occupant of the portraits were there.

Maybe they have their own appointments. I wonder which painting is big enough to accommodate all the Hogwarts's portraits occupants at once.

Draco's door was stained a handsome olive color that made Celine think of the lush Pyrenees landscape.

"Malfoy." Celine knocked.

A pause.

"Malfoy." She knocked louder this time.

Another pause.

"Malfoy, it's your turn to fill in for an absentee." Celine knocked again her other hand grasping the door knob to see if it would budge.

To her surprise the door gave entrance causing a shaft of cheerful lemon light to brighten the hallway. She peered around the door her eyes still adjusting to the sudden light.

"Malfoy?" Celine stepped into the room shielding her eyes.

"What the fuck?! VAN ALLEN! WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN HERE?!"

"Oh Morgana… I'm so sorry. Ma-Malf-….Draco… I didn't mean to."

The door slammed with a resounding THUD as she ran towards the staircase that would take her far away from the incident she had just witnessed. She certainly hadn't meant to walk in on that…

Oh Morgana's sake Celine, what did you just do?

She crashed into her room startling Rascal. He eyed her curiously from his basket by the fireplace. Celine pressed her back against the door trying to catch her breath feeling as if her heart was trying to break free of her ribcage to do sprints around the lake.

"What if he comes here?" Celine suddenly mumbled to herself. Panic got her to leave the tower showered and dressed within the next fifteen minutes.

Celine hadn't dared to return to the tower until she absolutely had to. Rather she busied herself in the Great Hall with decorations and helping Hagrid retrieve the live bats that Peeves had set loose in the Entrance Hall. Hermione had questioned her on her rather odd behavior but Celine waved it off as nausea from not eating.

"I'm going to stuff myself silly tonight." Celine promised.

Of course you will. Especially after witnessing Malfoy jerking off. Who knew it could be so erotic? Standing at the end of the bed leaning against the footboard with a hand curled around a post. Other hand furiously pumping his dick.
The expression on his face was utterly delicious.

"Celine are you alright? Your lip is bleeding." Hermione pointed out.

She hadn't even realized that she had bitten down on her lip. "I… I… I'm fine. I didn't…"

"Are you sure? You've been off-…"

"How are things with you and Ron?" Celine asked dabbing at her lip with a tissue.

Hermione fell silent as honey brown eyes stormed over. "It's not well, that's for certain."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

Hermione sighed twirling an orange ribbon around her fingers. With a flick of her wrist the long length rose into the air and wound itself around a matte black candlestick.

"Do you think we made the right decision leaving Snape in the Shrieking Shack?" Hermione asked.

Celine's eyebrows raised, "Uhm. I haven't really thought about him to be perfectly honest. I've been rather… preoccupied with other things."

"Right. I'm sorry. That was stupid of me-…"

"'Mione you don't have to tip toe around me anymore." Celine pulled Hermione away from the circular table they were decorating into the Entrance Hall.
It was practically deserted save for the occasional house-elf that ran past carrying sacks of candies to pour on the tables.

"I've been meaning to tell you this but Father had me visit St. Mungo's while I stayed with him in London that week. He wanted me to see a Healer there and they prescribed me an elixir to take. It's been helping… to an extent. I mean I still get dreams every now and then but I can't help it. Point is, I've been writing to George. And we've been working on helping each other out."

"Is that who all the letters were from?"

Celine shrugged. "Yeah. So if you wanted to tell me things, you know you can always do that. Or if you really wanted to you could send me an owl." Celine smiled causing Hermione to giggle.

"It's not like it's burdening me or anything. I was just…being honest. I haven't thought much about Snape. You obviously have…."

Celine noticed the plum half rings beneath Hermione's typically warm honey brown eyes. Today they looked as if Celine could stare at them for hours but she still won't find the glimmer of the Hermione that she knew.

"For how long?"

"Since the War."

"And you never said anything?"

"I mentioned something to Ron-…"

An impatient scoff escaped Celine's throat. "Not to step on your toes but he isn't exactly the best when it comes to emotional support is he?"

Hermione's fingers were knotting and unknotting as she shrugged. "He has his moments." A small smile curved on her pale lips. "I need to get ready. I'll meet you in the Great Hall at seven?"

"Hermione…"

Hermione stopped ascending the staircase, glancing over her shoulder.

"We need to talk about this." Celine said.
She answered with a curt nod before hurrying up the staircase.

"Something the matter with Bushy Hair?"

Celine turned around finding Draco standing at the entrance of the Great Hall.
"I hope you apologized." He added. Celine had to fight back a smirk.

"What makes you think I had anything to do with her being upset?"

"Ah. So she is upset. What is it this time? Weasley doesn't know how to pleasure a woman?"

Celine met his silver eyes, curious to see the playful mien in them.

"I don't think that's any of your business."

"So I am right." Draco shortened the distance between them. Spearmint overwhelmed Celine's sense of smell and his gaze never left hers. Her heart rate started to quicken, her throat feeling as if she hadn't drank water in the last two weeks.

"As I'm sure you'll recall I know what I'm doing." Draco said.

She could feel the heat on her cheeks betting they were at least a shade of peony pink.

"You realize that this means I get to watch you." He continued.

"You wish." She shot back.

Draco raised both eyebrows leaning away so she couldn't smell the mint on his breath anymore. "If you didn't want to deal with the consequences then maybe you shouldn't have entered a private sanctuary without permission."

"I knocked three times before entering." Celine retorted. "Maybe you should lock the door before pleasuring yourself."

"Why?" His smirk made Celine's eyebrows furrow. "The only other person in the tower is you."

Is he serious?

"Draco! There you are." Pansy strolled into the Entrance Hall her sophisticated feathered bob hair shone with the sunrays spilling from the Great Hall. "Oh. Van Allen. I'm surprised you're still here. Won't you need extra time to style that tacky hair of yours? Or is this what you're wearing tonight?" Her azure eyes running over Celine's outfit, a pair of heather grey leggings and an oversized sherbet orange fuzzy sweater that had a cat knitted on the front in black yarn.

"Parkinson do you have the spider webs up?" Celine asked crossing her arms.

"Just one tiny corner left that I need Draco's help with." Pansy flashed Celine a fake smile before shooting Draco a look which translated her increasingly limited patience at being kept waiting.

"I'll see you later."

Celine watched him disappearing behind the double doors with Pansy clutching his arm.