Chapter Twenty-Two

The morning had came quickly. It was already starting to get cold outside. Though, with Hogwarts, it never got cold inside. Celeste was still smiling non stop from last night's events. While thinking about it, her heart began to purr as she blushed. Her heart racing non stop as she began to block her thoughts. This feeling was new and she was scared. She knew exactly what kind of feeling it was. Her heart was the one speaking out now. Her brain was also telling her that her heart was right. She could feel it in her soul. Everytime she was not around Alecto, it ached her heart and her soul cried. Today, Celeste was trying her hardest to ignore and push it aside since she had matters to attend to. She had a feeling to call a meeting with the Prefects. Something didn't seem right. There was a buzz going on as she had entered the Great Hall. Looking around as some cheering was going on. Raising a brow as Blaise came by and handed her the news. She looked up and saw a pair of eyes starring at her from the teacher's table before looking at the title.

Potter spotted in Ministry of Magic!

She hissed and tossed the paper aside as she turned heels and followed Zabini out of the Hall."This isn't looking good." He spoke.
"No shit." Shaking her head with a sigh. "Meeting. Tonight. Let the others know. Plus, Sue is the new Slytherin Beater." Celeste spoke as he nodded his head before leaving as the first bell rung. She headed off to Transfiguration class. Missing breakfast, she was going to regret it later. Oh well. Her mind had much other things on it.

She took a seat in the second row as Clint sat on her left and Millicent on her right. There was a soft chatter going on during middle of the class. They were practicing spells from previous years before the upcoming exams at end of term. From the corner of her eyes, she could see Millicent struggling. She gently took the witch's hand and helped her slowly through the wand movements. It took a couple tries, but she had finally got it in the end. There was a burst from the door as the Carrows came in. Celeste quickly let go of her housemate's hand. Amycus was the one who spoke. Celeste's eyes caught Alecto's and looked down to her book as an argument broke out.
"It has come to our attention that you are not properly handling punishments. For those who are not up to notch will be punished for not keeping up with their school performances. The following students follow me. Longbottom. Bones. McLaggen. And Bulstrode." Amycus hissed. Celeste felt her eyes widen as the poor Slytherin girl was called. Celeste was about to protest but shut her mouth as the Carrows both starred at her. Looking down and away as the four students left. Once they were gone, McGonagall dismissed the class early with two chapters to read and an essay due the next class day.

"I don't understand. Bones always was on top of her classes. I wondered what happened." Clint spoke as they made their way outside to take a stroll. "Not to mention she's a prefect as well."
"We will get more information later tonight. I called a meeting between us Prefects." Watching her friend nodding his head as Luna skipped into the conversation.
"A few students were taken out of my class. There was a group of students taken to the Great Hall. It's sealed by magic. We couldn't get in." her soft voice gave Celeste a worry. The bell had rung for the next class.
"I'll see you later Luna. Meeting tonight after dinner. Usual place." She said as Luna nodded her head and dazed off as she went to Hagrid's hut for class. Celeste followed Clint to Potions class. Today they were going over different types of poisons and antidotes for them. Celeste gave up and threw a beazor at Slughorn. Which he gave her a detention first thing in the morning since it was a weekend. Rolling her eyes as she began writing down the assignment he gave them. Getting up and walked out.
"Did you really ask for it?" Clint asked as he caught up to her.
"Not really. I got bored in class. We're doing nothing but reviews now. I have a feeling the exams are going to be too easy." She frowned as her friend nodded his head. She took a different turn.
"Where are you going? We have Dark Arts next." Clint shouted. "You already have one. Do you need another?"
"It's not going to phase me. I got to plan this meeting out. Tell the professor I'll go to his detention tomorrow after Slughorn's." She shouted before taking off. Thinking twice, she had better not. She turned and ran after her friend. "Changed my mind! I wouldn't survive." Clint laughed at her as they entered. Taking a seat in the front again. They went silent as their classmates were bloodied up and weak looking.
"Millicent?" Celeste asked as the girl whimpered and looked away. The door slammed shut as both Carrows entered.
"Good thing you didn't skip then huh?" Clint whispered as she nodded her head.
"Today's lesson, we will be going over new rules." Amycus spoke.
"There will no longer be any clubs. Groups of students will be no more than three allowed. Meetings of any kind, not allowed. All must have permission through us." Alecto began. Celeste felt a nudge. That included their meetings as well. She looked away to avoid eye contact as her heart fluttered. "Girls and boys are not to be any where near each other except two inches apart. There will be no more Quidditch practices. Only games." That got them groans. "Silence!" Alecto shouted as Amycus spoke.
"Anyone who fails their midterms will be kicked out. Same goes as finals. Anyone who fails will be kicked out. Cannot redo any exams or classes. All punishments will be turned into detentions when failed to follow new rules. Each student will follow the new curfew starting tonight. After dinner, straight to bed. No students allowed out during weekends unless instructed by a teacher and must go through us. Now, open your books and read until the bell rings. Do each chapter reviews and turn them in by next class. The next five chapters." Amycus finished as the class groaned again.
"So much homework!" Clint spoke. She nodded her head in agreement before reading as she pulled out a quill and parchment. She had already gone through these chapters and just did the reviews.

Celeste had finished all five reviews as she stood up and walked over to the desk Amycus occupied. She turned in each review as the bell rung. He nodded at her once. Celeste was still avoiding Alecto's eyes as she quickly left with Clint to dinner. The other Prefects and Blaise caught up with them. Susan had a black eye and a gash on her cheek.
"Are we still on for tonight? The new rules and all." Luna began and gasped when she saw Susan. Before she asked questions, Celeste had jumped in.
"Shush and yea. Susan will tell us later." The Hufflepuff girl nodded. "Right now we need to go." She nodded towards the Carrows who were watching them. They went their separate ways as Celeste took her seat next to Blaise at their table. There was nothing but silence in the Great Hall. Then, soft chatter began. Much tensions in the air as Celeste began to eat her usual chicken and pumpkin juice.
"How are we doing this? The meeting I mean." Blaise asked as Celeste looked at him.
"Well. Once dinner is over, we go on our usual patrols and meet up along the way. Though, we have to make sure no one is following us." She spoke softly. No one was listening which was a good thing. "Just make sure you have your wand ready like always." She smiled. A younger boy spoke.
"So, was Potter really spotted? He must be up to something to break into the Ministry like that."
"Yeah, he was spotted. I agree. Though, whatever he was looking for, best hope he didn't find it. He has been doing nothing but breaking laws and rules. Ever since first year." Celeste spoke as Zabini nodded and rolled his eyes. It was true. All Potter did was break rules. Though, she did have to admit he saved the school a few times but could have gone the eight way about it. Dinner seemed to take forever this time. Silence took over the hall again as the Headmaster spoke.
"Each and everyone of you has learned that we have new rules in place. Fail to follow these rules will result with severe punishments. Any rebellious behavior will result in punishments. Off to bed. Curfew." He spoke as students rose from their seats. Celeste went to each Prefect to remind them of their patrols and with a whisper to still meet up.

Once Celeste had made sure the Slytherins were in bed, she left the common room to start her patrol. It was dark outside but warm inside. Torches lined up down the hallways giving off a dim glow with the warmth. There was no soft click from her shoes as she was now stepping silently like a cat. Not wanting to get caught. Slowly opening the door and closed it. Clint and Susan were the only ones inside there. Greeting each other before Luna joined in and followed by Terry and Blaise. Celeste had waved her wand, placing a charm against the door so they would not be over heard.
"Alright, first things first. Susan, what happened?" Celeste asked as the Hufflepuff Prefect frowned and looked down. "Don't worry. We are not telling anyone." She added.
"It's not that. They were harsh. The torture curse wasn't all they used. They get really creative. It's not just the torture curse. Like that one that Harry used against Draco last year?" Susan asked with a curious look.
"Sectumsempra. My brother still has scars from that." Celeste shook her head. "That's also a deadly curse. Though, are you falling behind in classes?"
"Yes. I've been so busy. I can barely keep up." Susan frowned. "You know what to do."
"I am sorry. By my powers as Head Girl, I relieve you of your Prefect duties." Celeste spoke with a heavy heart. Her hand was opened as the badge was placed into her hand. "I hate to see you go. Our numbers are decreasing. Once your grades go back up, I will give this back to you. Speaking of which, I have spoken to Professor Slughorn, I will be using his classroom during weekends to brew some potions. During that time, I want any students who wish to study and use that time to catch up on work, they may do so and join. Luna and Clint, I would like you both to join." Celeste started.
"What about me?" Blaise joined in.
"You and Terry will keep a look out by doing patrols to make everything look normal." Celeste spoke as each of them nodded their heads lightly. "Which brings me to my final thought. A Christmas Ball. To help distract the students. I spoken to Snape about it. He said we can have it if some students are willing to put in the work for it. It'll be held two days before break starts." She finished as they got excited when they were dismissed. Luna was chatting happily with Terry as they headed off to the Hufflepuff common room. Celeste and Blaise went to finish their own patrols. Yawning lightly as she walked down the stairs to the ground floor then to the dungeons. Hearing shouting as she hid behind a corner. McGonagall and Amycus were arguing.
"I decide what punishments! Not you! You interfere again and that will the end for you!" He yelled before storming off. Celeste quickly dashed off to the common room and out of sight.