Chapter Twenty-Six
Few days has passed since the kidnapping. Draco tried several times to get his sister out of bed. Let alone to get her to talk. Celeste however did not want any company. Her Mark burned as the Dark Lord was calling them. Celeste stayed in bed. Not wanting to bother. There would be a meeting tonight. It was her duty after all to attend. She slowly got out of her bed and weakly walked over to the chair by the window and sat in it. There was snow covering every inch of the grounds outside of the Manor. It was cold but the fire kept her room warm. There was another soft knock on her door. Draco entered her room and closed the door behind him.
"Celeste?" Her twin spoke as she looked over to him. "You're awake." He smiled weakly before walking over to her. "The Dark Lord calls. Father is getting excited. Mother wants to see you before then." Draco spoke softly as Celeste only starred at him.
"I guess. I must get ready then." She sighed and shook her head. She stood up weakly and groaned. "I hope he gets what is coming for him." She sighed.
"He did. He's dead." Draco spoke as Celeste raised a brow at him. "Alecto killed him. No mercy." He added as Celeste managed a weak smile at her twin. Knowing full well that she already knew Alecto would be the one to kill him. The Dark Lord wouldn't be too happy about the traitor. Now they knew the Zabini could not be trusted. "You should get dressed. Mother is waiting for you. She wants to take you somewhere." Draco added as Celeste nodded her head as she got up and went to her wardrobe to change. Hearing the door close again to tell her that Draco left. Once her was out of sight, she covered her face. Letting the tears fall. Her body ached. Her heart ached as her soul was she wiped her face clean, she pulled out a long sleeve black dress. Pulling it over her head and her cloak around. Taking a sniff. No Lavender. She went around her room quickly while tossing things around. The cloak wasn't here. She stood up, stuffed her wand in her cloak and left her room.
"There you are my dear." Narcissa's voice spoke as Celeste hugged her mother tightly. The hug was something she needed from her mother for a long time, though it did not feel complete for some reason. "Come my dear. We're going to Diagon Alley to get something." Narcissa smiled and wrapped her arm around her daughter's shoulder and lead her outside.
"Why are you only taking me?" Celeste asked as they both headed outside into the cold. Walking down the pathway as the snow squished under their shoes.
"It's been a very long time since it was just you and I." This made Celeste smile a little. She stumbled again and held onto her mother's arm gently. Once outside the gate, they disapparated. Diagon Alley did not look the same as it once did when she first came. She remembered all they happy and cheerful witches and wizards shopping for the younger ones. All shops opened and welcoming all. Today, it was gloomy. Could it be the weather? The clouds covered the sky and the sun. The air was cold as the wind blew snow all over the place. She felt her arm tugged gently and lead into a shop.
"Anything new?" The witch at the counter spoke.
"Yes, my daughter needs a new dress. Something that will grab the center of attention." Narcissa spoke as the witch began pulling dresses from the racks. Celeste felt a push into a changing room. There were several dresses that she tried on. Yellow to blues and greens to red. None of them seemed to catch her attention. Then there was one. She tried it on and showed her mother. The witch gasped as did Narcissa.
"Yes, that's the one!" Her mother spoke as the witch nodded.
"Bagged or boxed?" The witch asked as Celeste boxed the dress herself and placed it into a bag with handles.
"Don't matter dear. Here you go." The older blonde spoke as she paid for the dress and headed out, followed by Celeste whose mood seemed to lift a little.
They entered another shop. This one was for food. A cafe. Her eyes travelled the area wondering why they were here. She took a seat in front of her mother at a round table by a fire place. They were given menus to read from. Celeste had ordered a hot chocolate with a sandwhich as her mother raised a brow at her.
"Don't do that. Draco does it." She laughed softly as her mother smiled.
"It seems my two have gotten my looks." Narcissa spoke.
"And your healing hand." Celeste added and her mother smiled more at this. "Yes, I have been taking lessons in the hospital wing and Slughorn has me making potions for healing. I must say, it's a lot to learn!" She admitted as her mother nodded in agreement. Their food had arrived and Celeste started to eat slowly. Not wanting to upset her stomach. They ate in silence since the food was good.
"My dear. You know it's time." Narcissa broke the silence. Celeste looked up from her cup as she took a sip. "You know what I mean. Marriage." Her mother spoke as Celeste sighed.
"I've made my choice. I'm not marrying any of them." She sat the cup down.
"Celeste I understand you have choices with those who want you. Have you read any of the letters?" The older blonde asked as the younger shook her head. "Well. Didn't hurt to ask. Is there anyone you have eyes on?" Narcissa asked as Celeste turned a little red. "I take that as a yes. Don't let your father find out. At least not yet." Celeste gave her a confused look.
"Celeste, I healed you when you were out. I saw that Mark upon your chest. It's Carrow. I know her well. She's insane like your aunt. Just, be careful please." She added.
"Mother? You're not judging me?" Celeste asked as she recieved a hug from her tightly.
"No. I remember I was a little rebelloius my time at Hogwarts though, I never admit to it. No wonder she takes after you." Narcissa chuckled a took a sip of her tea.
"Mom?! You?!" Celeste laughed as did her mother.
"I got to admit, she has taste. Though, I love your father with all my heart and soul. It's a funny thing. Soulmates. Like your brother and Astoria. The soul never plays around when it find it's mate." The older witch spoke as Celeste was smiling non stop before hugging her mother again then frowned. "What's wrong?"
"Father told them to never come back. Draco told me." Celeste sighed a little.
"Well, your father had a change of mind. Though, he still doesn't know about it. The Ball is tomorrow. Meeting tonight. You'll be meeting with the potential singles." Narcissa spoke as Celeste nodded. They both got up and headed outside and back home.
Celeste was in the shower as she quickly washed up. Washing her long hair that was now passed her waist line. Once out, she quickly dried up and put on her usual black attire of robes before she looked into the mirror. There was a witch in front of her that she didn't regonize. Her face was much matured. Her jawlines showed her high cheekbones. Black under her eyes as her eyes were showing her innerself. Shaking her head as she headed down the stairs. It was a different sight. Bellatrix was trying to help Narcissa decorate the Manor for tomorrow. They were bickering as Draco was leaning against a wall amused.
"Amused are we?" Celeste asked with a chuckle as Draco hugged her.
"How you feeling?" He asked.
"Honestly I've never felt like crap. I mean. My arm does this weird spasm now but not much to notice." Celeste frowned.
"Well, you're safe now." he added.
"No one is safe Draco. Don't you realize that? Not even Hogwarts. The students are distracted but for how long?" She nearly hissed.
"Celeste stop. I'm heading back with you now. Things should get better."
"Not already better now that I have my group." She crossed her arms.
"You what?" He raised a brow at his twin.
"Have't you heard? Potter is losing loyal followers." She smirked.
"Celeste, that is great!" He beamed and hugged her. She gently hugged him in return before watching him leave as Astoria came into sight. Her Mark had burned as did the others. They were entering the Manor. Celeste leaned against the wall with her head down. She could feel the presence of each Death Eater by their walk. Her heart pounded against her chest as something inside clawed her sides. The scent of lavender had filled her nose. Celeste looked up as Amycus walked past her. He stopped to look at her.
"Good to see you on your feet." He spoke while patting her shoulder gently. Alecto only walked right passed them.
"It hurts." She whispered to him as he nodded.
"I know. She's in pain too." He spoke before walking off along with the others. Celeste frowned while following him as well. The lavender scent was making her heart roar right now. She pushed it aside as she took her seat between her mother and aunt whom both were sneering at each other right now.
"Oh stop it. Both of you. The Manor looks great with both of your ideas." She spoke as the two witches smiled and hugged each other. The Dark Lord came in. She stood up as did the others.
"Welcome my dear followers. Tonight, we celebrate a victory we have had. Fooling Potter in the Ministry. Though, he is still on the run. We also celebrate for killing a traitor that was in our midst. I will personally see to it that you will be rewarded for it. Now, in the meantime, Celeste. Please come up here dear." The Dark Lord's voice spoke as her blood turned to ice. She slowly got up and went to the front by him. A cold hand was placed upon her shoulder.
"Here ladies and gentlemen I have by me, a powerful young witch. Her power amazes me each and everyday. Now, she must marry. To those who are single, stand." He spoke. Celeste watched as a few of them stand. Amycus, Yaxely, Ferir, Antonin, Alecto, and a couple others she did not know. They seated as did she when told to. The Dark Lord went on about Potter being a stupid simple boy who must die.
Hours after the meeting, Celeste had locked herself up into her room. The others left rather quickly. She undressed and changed into a nightwear. Looking out the window to see the Death Eaters chatting with each other in the snow. A pair of eyes caught hers again. They belonged to Alecto. Celeste smiled weakly as her hand pressed against the cold glass. Her heart was aching at the moment. A blonde went outside and started yelling. The dark witch gave one last look at Celeste with a nod before leaving. The blonde turned to reveal it was her father. He was looking at her window. Celeste rolled her eyes and snapped her curtains shut before crawling into bed. Something felt cold under her back. She laid up and picked up a small vial. 'Someone must have been in my room.' She thought.
'Really? What is it?' Draco's voice came. Celeste had almost forgotten her brother could hear her thoughts.
'I found a vial of silver stuff.' She spoke and got out of bed.
'A memory. Mother has a dish in her private room. You can go in there. Father locked his office.' Draco gave Celeste information as she quietly left her room. She slowly entered her mother's room and saw it. The thin bowl was floating in mid air. Stepping up to it as she poured the memory into it and then her face. Being sucked right in to it.
"Oh come on Cissy! I dare you!" Bellatrix's voice spoke as the young blonde shook her head.
"I said no!" Hissing was coming from the girl. Celeste gasped as she saw her. It was a perfect relfection of her. Though, her mother had sharper features on her body.
"You have to! It's a dare!" Pansy's mother was giggling next to a wizard who had her in his arms.
"Fine!" Narcissa stormed off and slammed the door shut. Celeste walked right though to see what was going on. Narcissa was in the closet and so was someone else. Alecto. Her heart began to purr as she was so close to the witch. Though something else happened. They were lip locked! Covering her mouth as she watched her mother kiss a witch much younger than herself. The door flung open as a piggish squeal came from the Parkinson girl.
"Freak!" She laughed and pointed. Narcissa dashed out of the closet and hugged Lucius whom was glaring. Celeste turned back to see Alecto red faced.
"So what if I am? I like witches okay!" She hissed as the others began calling her names. Seeing the young red head witch run out of the room. The memory changed. There was two witches talking.
"I'm sorry Alecto. I have no feelings for witches. I'm in love with Lucius." Narcissa spoke.
"I know. I am not asking you to love me, I am asking you to not judge me. You're different than the others." Alecto spoke. Their heights were different as Narcissa was taller that Alecto. They looked three years apart from each other.
"Of course Lecto." Narcissa smirked and laughed as the younger growled.
"Don't call me that!" She hissed as Narcissa only laughed more.
"I am sorry. Cannot help it. But don't worry. You'll have a friend no matter what." Narcissa spoke before the memory changed again.
"I came to see my sister." Narcissa growled at the Auror who was guarding the entrance of a tall white building. It was Azkaban.
"Wand." The man spoke as she handed him her wand before walking inside. There were screaming and howling inside. Celeste felt her blood turn to ice again. There were witches and wizards everywhere as their bodies broken down. Skin pale. Hair lost and eyes tired. Their souls torn up from the dementors. Narcissa was walking down the hall as others tried reaching out to her. Crying from the pain they were in. Some begging her to kill them. Her mother kept her head held high as she stopped. Celeste looked into the cell to see her aunt.
"Cissy...I thought vistors are not allowed?" The woman's voice was so weak.
"Lucius has connections. I come to bring news. The Dark Lord is coming back." Narcissa spoke softly as Bellatrix stood up and had a gleeful look on her face.
"Yes!" Bellatrix hissed and danced a little. Then she stopped. "What of my niece?" She asked.
"She's alive with muggles. Draco saw her last year when he started Hogwarts. I want him to get close to her." Her mother spoke.
"Filthy muggles!" Bellatrix hissed. Narcissa nodded her head in agreement.
"I must speak to another." She spoke as her sister nodded and went back to her corner and began to rock. Celeste quickly followed her mother down the hallway and into another area. There she saw the witch.
"Alecto?" Narcissa's voice spoke as the witch looked up. Her hair was down to her shoulders. It was think. The pale face showed they hurt in the eyes. Black all around. No sleep and as if her soul was almost gone. Celeste felt her heart aching at the sight. Nearly crying.
"Narcissa..." The witch spoke weakly.
"I've come to give you news. She's alive." Her mother spoke as the dark witch quickly moved to the bar door.
"Is she okay?!" Alecto hissed as Narcissa nodded her head. Seeing the witch sigh a relief.
"Do not worry. You will be reunited with her. After all, your souls are bounded." Narcissa spoke.
The memory faded as Celeste was pulled out and looked around. The room was lit as she saw her mother.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to pry!" She began as her mother held up a hand to silence her.
"It's alright dear. You have have sooner or later." Narcissa spoke as she sat down. Pouring tea as Celeste sat next to her. "You have questions?" She asked and her daughter nodded.
"What did you mean by our souls are bounded?"
"It's ancient magic It's in all of us from the time we are born to the time we die." She began as Celeste was too busying listening to every word than taking a drink of her tea. "Your father and I are. We found out in our first year. The souls are tied together when the two first meet. Draco and Astoria when she entered during his second year."
"What does that have to do?"
"With you? You found yours the day you were born. Your father still doesn't even know. Why I kept Alecto around for so long. Yes, we are friends. Yes, I find her stupid but she has her perks. She's strong and when you were born, she was there. She held you in her arms and I saw it. In her eyes as I saw with your father. She would not set you down. When you were growing, you followed her everywhere. Cry when she left. I had to admit I was jealous but I knew. When they took you, they erased your memories." Narcissa spoke as Celeste frowned and took a sip of her tea." Your father cannot keep you two apart no matter how hard her tries. Your love for each other will only grow stronger. Our bodies stay young for our soulmates. Until they get to a certain age. Once bound through marriage, you can share your power with her. You will be one with her as she with you. ." Narcissa explained and nodded her head.
"That doesn't explain why the others want me." Celeste chuckled.
"Well, it's your beauty. You're a Malfoy and everyone wants to be with one." Her mother laughed and sighed a little. "Come. Bed. The Ball is tomorrow. You slept through Christmas. You have no excuse to miss this one." Narcissa spoke as Celeste smiled weakly before heading to her room and to bed.
The afternoon seemed to drag as Celeste was watching her aunt and mother finish decorating the Manor as Draco was no where to be found. Probably playing around with his wife. Rolling her eyes as she helped with the decorations. The new memories and information made her head hurt a little. Thankfully she was getting better skilled in potions. She had made a potion to help ease her headache. Though, it would not ease her body from being so nervous about the Ball tonight. So, she took this time to pack up her things for school. Draco and her would be leaving in the morning. He some how kept up with his schooling. He did seem off though. Like he was hiding something. She would find out sooner or later. Once showered, she dried her hair with her wand and placed it up. Leaving some strands down. She picked up her dress and slipped it over her head. Letting the dress fall down just below her knees. They had noodle straps that hung in her shoulders. There were small diamonds all over her dress to give off a sparkle glow. She placed small hoop earrings in her ears. No makeup. She wanted to be natrual. She heard the music as it was playing down stairs. Celeste had left her room with her wand in her hair. As Luna showed her how to do it. Smiling softly as she headed down the stairs. Eyes turned to look at her as there were some awes from the Death Eaters. Yaxley offered her his arm as Draco pushed him away. Celeste chuckled and took her twin's arm instead. He guided her to the main room. She was talking with her brother for a long time.
"There's a certain move that has to be done." He spoke.
"What do you mean?" She asked.
"Who ever you pick has to pick you back. If they do, they take off their cloak and wrap it around you and you two share a dance." Draco explained as she nodded her head. Narcissa came into view and hugged Celeste then Draco.
"It's time." As she spoke, the music stopped as the Death Eaters that stood up from earlier all lined up in the center of the room. Celeste felt a gentle nudge from her mother. All eyes were upon her again as she felt her heart beating rather fast now. She looked at each of them as she slowly walked by them. She stopped in front of one. Alecto. She looked at the dark witch into her eyes. She choose Alecto Carrow. There was soft whispering around the room. Then gasps as Alecto took off her cloak and wrapped it around Celeste. Lavender scent was overwhelming her now. Celeste leaned in and kissed Alecto fully on the lips. Hearing gasps as the others began talking. She didn't care. Her heart was purring again as she wrapped her arms around Alecto's waist. Kissing her deeply before pulling back. There was no one talking now as the music began. Taking a deep breath as Celeste felt Alecto take the lead into the dance.
"I should have known." Lucius hissed to his wife.
"Say what you want Lucius. Our daughter's happy. Both our children are. Stop living in the past." The witch spoke before going over to speak to Alecto.
"Congrats. I am proud of you." Narcissa spoke and hugged them both.
Celeste felt Alecto lead her outside as the others were dancing to the music now. There they stopped by a tree. Her heart was beating again.
"You asked me to meet you here. Why?" Alecto asked as she pulled out the note and handed it to Celeste. "Only though, you were out during the time."
"I wanted to tell you something." Celeste spoke as she leaned against Alecto. Feeling the protective arms holding her close.
"What is it?" The dark witch asked.
"I love you." Celeste spoke. The words slipped out with ease. She felt at ease now. Smiling non stop as the dark witch's eyes were starring at her.
"I love you too Celeste. Ever since I first laid my eyes on you. I fell instantly." She spoke as she pulled out the ring she found. Celeste blushed a little at this.
"When you first met me?" She asked. Wanting to hear it from her.
"Yes, when you were born. I was there. Your mother asked me if I wanted to hold you and I am glad I said yes." She spoke and at this, she held Celeste closely again. "My heart went to you. When it did, you were all I could think about. All the time. Even in Azkaban. I can show you my memories if you want when we go back." Alecto spoke as Celeste nodded. Looking at her lover's hand and gasped.
"Ah. You found it. I thought I lost it." Celeste took the ring from Alecto and held it in her hand.
"Yes, the note fell out and I could not help but read it. Why this present?" Alecto asked as Celeste smiled and got on her knee. Holding the ring up a little.
"Alecto Carrow, will you do great honor by becoming my wife?" Celeste asked as Alecto's eyes widened and smiled.
"Yes! You do not have to ask me twice!" Alecto spoke out as Celeste placed a ring upon her finger before kissing her favorite dark witch with much passion. It seemed like hours they were talking before someone came and interrupted.
"I am sorry, you need to get to bed before school tomorrow." Narcissa spoke. "I cannot wait to welcome you to the family Alecto. We'll hold the wedding soon before school's out. Keep alert." Narcissa spoke before leaving the two.
"I don't want you to go." Celeste pouted a little before getting a kiss from her lover. Watching her leave made her frown a little.
"Don't worry love. You'll be staying in my room from here on out." She winked and with that, she left with Amycus. Celeste felt her heart fluttering non stop as her head was light. She was in love. Now engaged to her soul mate. Celeste was humming non stop as she headed off to bed.