Chapter Twenty-Three

Weeks have passed as no more news about Potter just yet. Classes were getting harder as Celeste tried her hardest to keep the new group quiet from prying ears. Only those who have been struggling. Dumbledore's Army was causing a mayhem recently for the Carrows. In a way, she was grateful. Celeste had more and more students coming to her, asking her for guidence and help. Now, she felt like she was already teaching her own class. It was of course in the Room of Requirement where they would be protected. They were now an enemy of the D.A. They had to fight for room and now, Celeste and her group gave up and decided to meet in an empty room. It felt like she had followers of her own now that they began to feel Potter left them. Though, she gave them some hope of getting better at magic.
"Now, I hope I can count on you guys for help for this upcoming Ball during Yule time!" She beamed as twelve students all agreed to help. Celeste had written their names down and gave it to Professor Snape to approve the group for it. Plans were already being drawn out as Christmas was coming closer and closer with each passing day.
"Once we are done here, we'll head into the Great Hall and gets plans down." She spoke with a smile.
"The war is coming isn't it?" Millicent's voice spoke out. Silence. All eyes were upon her now. "Do we have to fight? I really don't want to. My parents are followers."
"If not to fight, then we shall use our magic to heal. It matters not what side we are on but to show support to those who love and care about. Our friends and family but I promise you, when the Dark Lord wins, this world will be so much better for the people like us." Celeste spoke. Trying to give them confidence.
"For only pure bloods and half bloods though!" A boy piped up.
"No. The Dark Lord values all magical blood. Though, it should be kept within magical families yes, but as the Dark Lord knows, magical is created over generations in a muggle family. Hence Granger. Though, once proven to have magical abilities, they do have a chance to study and learn magic. Failed to do so, then yes, you will be kicked out." Celeste explained.
"There is a chance then! For us!" A younger Hufflepuff squeaked as they got excited.
"Now, follow me to the Great Hall." She spoke as they gathered their things and followed out.

They entered the Great Hall and Celeste smiled a little. Looking up to the ceiling to see it was cloudy outside threatening snow finally.
"What is the meaning of this?" Amycus spoke as he walked up to them.
"Headmaster gave us permission to get things ready for the Ball." Celeste spoke as Carrow nodded his head and took a seat to watch them.
"We should put up christmas trees!" A voice spoke and chatter broke out as they divided into groups. Celeste was with Luna and a couple others.
"Trees. Twelve of them. Along there and there." She pointed at the walls. "Big one there." Then to the front. "Flitwick said the choir could sing. Plus, we have our own band that want to play as well." Luna spoke as Celeste smiled.
"Tell them they better have good songs then!" She chuckled as Luna skipped away gleefully. Knowing she would need a word with that girl later on. Hearing the doors opened as Snape and Alecto entered the Hall. Celeste decided to go to a group who were trying to agree on decorations.
"What colours?" She asked them as they began to bicker. "Come on now. Stop fighting. We don't have much time to get this done. Traditional colours is red and green." She suggested.
"Yes, but that doesn't fit most of the moods of the students." Millicent spoke.
"Then...do a survey around. Ask the majority of the students what colours we should do then?" She asked with a thought.
"Brillant! I'll start now!" Bulstrode beamed and took off with Terry.
"Alright. Music and decorations are done. Now food?" She asked as Clint was chatting away with another Hufflepuff.
"Well, we are closest to the kitchen you know. So, we came up with a small list of treats and stuff for dinner, plus drinks!" He showed her the list.
"Great! Get started soon as possible. We don't want any last minute." She spoke. The two Hufflepuffs left while still chatting about how hungry they were. Celeste looked around and a pair of eyes caught her. Alecto was watching her as Snape was talking to Amycus. She managed a weak smile before going over to the last group of students.
"Anything?" She asked.
"Well, yes. Only students who are passing are allowed to go. That's over half. The Hall won't hold everyone so, Carrow said only years five and up are allowed." The girl spoke as Susan sighed a little.
"Well, we cannot argue that. Let the others know within age group."

Everyone had left the Hall as Celeste began packing up her things and sighed a little. There was still much work to be done. She looked up as Alecto was walking towards her. The dark witch opened her mouth to speak but was interrupted.
"Miss Malfoy! I hoped to run into you!" A voice spoke behind her as she turned.
"Professor! How are you?" She beamed.
"Walk with me please." He spoke as Flitwick headed out of the Hall followed by Celeste. They wandered to an outside hallway. There was light snow now. Barely covering the ground as the blonde pulled her robes tighter around to keep warm. "I haven't seen you in choir at all. Let alone practice. We miss your voice. I thought you loved to sing." Flitwick spoke as she frowned a little.
"I do. I just don't have the heart to anymore. With everything going on." She added.
"Come and sing tonight please? It's been a while." He added before leaving. Celeste sighed a little again. It has indeed been a while. She leaned against the pole while deep in thought.
"Are you okay?" A soft voice brought her back to reality.
"Hello Luna and yes. I am okay." Celeste said.
"You must have a lot on your mind. Let it out. I can see it in your eyes." The younger witch spoke as she linked her arm with Celeste's.
"I have a lot on my mind. Just one thing that bothers me most." She started.
"You're in love?" Luna asked.
"How could you tell?" She raised a brow.
"Love does that to one. They become a whole different person. You would have never thought about caring about others until recently. That's why you started the learning meeting for others. I wonder who it is." Luna smiled and gently nudged her.
"Promise you won't judge me?" Celeste asked.
"Honestly, have you heard what people say about me? I could care less. Plus, love is love." Luna's eyes shown as she dazed a little, looking up to the falling snow.
"It's Carrow. Alecto. I know. I'm a freak." Celeste frowned a little.
"You're not a freak. I think it's beautiful. You should tell her. With everything going on and all. I think love needs to be fitted in no matter what. Especially during a war." The young blonde added.
"I agree. Mother is having a christmas get together like always. With what's going on, she wants to keep tradition alive. I'm going to tell her then. I'm going to tell my mother as well." Celeste spoke.
"There you go. Now, we should probably head in. It's a bit cold." Luna spoke as Celeste chuckled with agreement before heading back inside to the warmth.

Dinner came and left as Celeste finished eating some pudding with Luna. Clint joined them during dessert as they told jokes and all. Students were dismissed as Celeste told her friends she would be staying for choir tonight. They both looked at her before leaving. Celeste stayed behind and stretched out a little before Professor Flitwick came down to the tables. The choir students all gathered around and whispered.
"Yes, yes! Miss Malfoy is here with us! Glad to say! Now! I have news that we will be performing at the ball!" He squeaked as they all spoke at once with smiles upon their faces. "Quiet now. I must say..." He droned on as Celeste dazed out. She was starring at the wall before a flick of a black robe caught her eye. She turned to see the Carrows standing by the teachers lounge door. Her eyes were looking at Alecto deeply. Not looking away. The dark witch had her usual look upon her face until her eyes caught the blonde. Celeste managed a weak smile as Alecto nodded at her before turning to speak to her brother.
"Let us warm up with Sugarplum Fairy." Flitwick spoke as the students all gathered around into line. Celeste joined her usual side as they began. Humming and making music from their throats. It didn't take long to warm up as she was smiling now. Gleefully chatting with a boy next to her before they were cut off. "We will be performing christmas songs before the band takes over." Flitwick spoke. "Celeste, as everyone is leaving, I want you to perform a song for me. It will count as your mid term." Flitwick spoke as Celeste nodded. She waiting for the other students to leave before taking a couple deep breaths.
"I'm a little rusty though. I'll be singing Listen to the Rain. By one of our most famous singers." She chuckled as Professor nodded.

Every time the rain comes down, close my eyes and listen.
I can hear the lonesome sound of the sky as it cries.

Listen to the rain. Here it comes again. Hear it in the rain

Feel the touch of tears that fall. They won't fall forever.
In the way the day will flow. All things come, all things go.

Listen to the rain. The rain. Here it comes again. Again. Hear it in the rain. The rain.

Late at night. I drift away. I can hear you calling.
And my name is in the rain. Leaves on trees whispering.
Deep blue sea's mysteries.

Even when, this moment ends, can't let go this feeling.
Everything will come again. In the sound, Falling down.
Of the sky as it cries. Hear my name in the rain.

She had finished the song only to look at her Professor who sniffled a little.
"Are you alright Professor?" She asked him as he nodded.
"Yes my dear. It's been a while since I have heard you sing." He spoke. Celeste felt hairs on her neck stand as she looked behind her shoulder. The pair of them were starring at her.
"Time to head back to my common. Curfew and all." She spoke as Flitwick nodded his head. She gathered her things and headed out of the Hall. She was then stopped as her heart began pounding out of her chest.
"You've been avoiding me. Why? Not to mention that I recently found out you had a detention not long ago? I must say, I am disappointed." Alecto glared at her. Celeste looked down from feeling ashamed. "Your singing however. I can't let it go. You were amazing in there." The blonde felt something grip her chin gently.
"I'm sorry. Slughorn is awful boring now. Thank you." She spoke. She should tell Alecto now? No. She couldn't.
"What's on your mind? You're blocking it well. It bothers me that I do not know what you are thinking. Why are you avoiding me?" Alecto asked again.
"I..I lo...I've been christmas shopping. I don't want to give the gifts away. I have a gift for you as well." Celeste lied quickly. She didn't have the heart to tell Alecto yet. Now she had an excuse to go to Hogsmead before the Ball.
"Oh. Well I look forward to it. Off to bed you go." Alecto bought it and let her go. Celeste let her heart take over and hugged Alecto. The dark witch tensed up a little but then relaxed. Nuzzling the witch's neck before making a trail of kisses to her lips. Alecto chuckled and returned the kiss rather deeply. Her hands trailed down Celeste's backside and squeezed her buttocks. Causing a soft moan from Celeste's lips. Gently nipping her favorite witch's lip. Alecto pulled back and gave an evil smirk.
"Watch it. We don't have time tonight." She warned the blonde who nodded. Instead. She gave the witch another deep kiss before leaving. Her heart was purring again. Yes, she was conflicted on whether telling her or not.
"Oh. Alecto?" She stopped and turned to face her.
"Yes?"
"Mother is having a Ball this time around. It's private invitations only. You and your brother are added to the guest list." Celeste spoke as Alecto nodded her head with a smile and left.

/Author's notes! I do NOT own this song! All rights belong to Enya! I love her and hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! Happy Thanksgiving!/