Veiled Hearts ~ HP Fanfiction (Harry Potter X OC)

Chapter 28: Sneaky Slytherins

The following day dawned just as leaden and rainy as the previous one, the gloomy weather mirroring the mood of the Hogwarts students trudging through the corridors. Celestia Malfoy, however, refused to let the dreary atmosphere dampen her spirits. As she made her way to the Great Hall for breakfast, she found herself joined by her closest confidants: Draco, Blaise, and Theodore.

The four Slytherins huddled together, seeking refuge from the rain and the relentless whispers of the castle.
"Are you guys avoiding Pansy? Eye wouldn't shut up yesterday about it" Celestia questioned, nonchalantly.

Draco, ever the eloquent one, rolled his eyes dramatically. "Pansy's being a complete cow again," he declared, his tone dripping with disdain.

Blaise snorted in agreement, his dark eyes glinting with amusement. "Tell me about it," he chimed in. "I've been avoiding her like the plague."

Theodore nodded solemnly, his expression one of mock seriousness. "It's a shame, really," he remarked. "But I value my sanity too much to subject myself to her drama."

Celestia couldn't help but laugh at their antics, her spirits lifting despite the gloomy weather outside. "Well, I suppose it's just the four of us against the world then," she declared, her voice tinged with amusement.

Draco grinned, his silver eyes sparkling with mischief. "Exactly," he agreed. "And speaking of taking on the world, have I mentioned our bright futures now that the Dark Lord has returned?"

The mention of the Dark Lord sent a shiver down Celestia's spine, but she refused to show any sign of fear in front of her friends. Instead, she adopted a nonchalant expression, masking the turmoil brewing within her.

"Oh, do enlighten us, Draco," Blaise drawled, his tone laced with sarcasm. "I'm positively on the edge of my seat."

Draco leaned in, his voice low and conspiratorial. "With the Dark Lord back in power, our opportunities are endless," he explained, a gleam of excitement in his eyes. "We'll be at the forefront of his new regime, respected and feared by all."

Celestia exchanged a wary glance with Theodore, her unease growing with each word Draco spoke. The allure of power was undeniable, but at what cost?

Before she could voice her concerns, however, the conversation was interrupted by the arrival of their breakfast plates. With a subtle shift in topic, they turned their attention to more mundane matters, but the weight of Draco's words lingered in the air, casting a shadow over their otherwise jovial breakfast.

The day began with Slytherins having Double Transfiguration with the Ravenclaws and Double Charms with the Hufflepuffs. The professors had spent the first hour of the lecture emphasizing the importance of OWLs, attempting to instill a sense of urgency in the students.

Celestia couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude towards Henry during lunch in the Great Hall. His agreement to help her with pending assignments, being a year older, was a godsend. "No problem," he had said in response to her profuse thanks, his easygoing demeanor putting Celestia at ease.

However, her moment of gratitude was short-lived as Daphne shot her disapproving glances. "Stop acting all friendly with him," she whispered once Henry had left. "He'll get the wrong idea. Is he even pureblooded?"

"Yes, he is," Celestia lied, masking her own uncertainty about Henry's lineage. The truth was she hadn't cared to inquire about his family lineage, surprised to find herself indifferent even if his parents were Muggles.

The day turned cool and breezy as they walked towards the edge of the Forbidden Forest. Celestia felt the occasional drop of rain on her face, adding to the already dreary atmosphere.