𝗽𝗶𝘅𝗶𝗲 𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁, teddy lupin

˗ˋ 22

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO
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-: fifth year :-

── IN WHICH SHE LAYS 
OUT THE RULES

. . .

"Of course, you all know who I am." That sounded far more self-centered than Celeste could ever be, but it was exactly that attitude which she needed in this situation. The eyes of every single girl in that room were on her, focused entirely on what she was saying. "But for our few newcomers, let me introduce myself further. My name is Celeste Weasley, I am the female fifth year Slytherin prefect. I am also the first fifth year to be chose as 'Queen' to this group, as chosen by Kaila Adkins before she left last year."

Green-grey eyes surveyed the scene in front of her, landing on one particular girl sat towards the back of the table. "Don't look so bitter, Kiera, you're lucky to even be invited to this." Celeste snapped, shaking her head in the direction of the sister of the former queen. "If you still think it is my fault that your own sibling chose someone else over yourself, I recommend you take a moment to think about that and look where else to direct your.. anger."

Celeste folded her palms, stood above them all with Evie and Bridget stood a little further behind her. "Before I introduce our previous members to our newest additions, I would like to remind everyone of something. There are people in this school who still believe we perpetuate typical 'Slytherin traits' that have been seen majorly from the house in the past, so it is important that you are informed of this."

"We are not a group of bullies. We do not belittle someone of their blood status. It does not matter whether you are pure-blooded, half-blood or muggle-born. We do not use slurs in relation to people's blood status, nor anything else. However, we are here to maintain a decades-long tradition, and to hold others to particular standards that we have always deemed fit." Celeste spoke clearly, and poised. "That being said, I also expect particular standards of you, which are laid out in the guidelines I will be setting you this year. Evie, Bridget?"

She turned behind her, offering a much kinder expression to her friends as they nodded and waved their wands. The spell prompted several pink-leather-embossed notebooks to be handed out amongst the fifteen girls sat in front of her, and the newest additions stared down in wonder at the glimmering golden engraving, expressions wondering if they could touch it.

"Please refrain from looking at them now, and instead..." Celeste turned to the group of five first years sat besides Evie and Bridget. "Please stand, girls." She instructed.

Filled with anxiety in the face of the older years of the group they wished to join so much, as they got to their feet. The range of expressions between them was... for lack of a better word, insane. A couple looked far more confident than the others, who were quite visibly shaking. 

"No need to worry." Celeste smiled at them - warmly, unable to allow her usual coldness seep into it at the sight of their nerves. "Everyone, I believe you are more than familiar with her donkey of a brother, Aurelia Rosier." The first she introduced was one of those smiling and confident, looking around the room. "Cora, I believe you know Josie Tylers here, related to your boyfriend, Archie."

Cora's head snapped from Josie towards Celeste, who was instead smirking. "You can't hide anything from me anymore, Cora." The Weasley said. "I found out as soon as I got on the train, it wasn't so hard to to figure out. Those are the two you may know. Our third and fourth, Isabella Zhang and Arinya Allerton." Celeste's hand waved over them as they smiled meekly. 

"And then our fifth and final addition. You will all know her father. This is Alice Longbottom." Celeste said, her smile at it's widest as she faced the brunette. "And before you all attempt to convince me this is a bad idea, I will not hear it. Alice is a Hufflepuff. I think it's long overdue that we open our doors to those who are deserving of it. As I said before, we are not bullies. And although I am Queen, I am not a tyrant nor a dictator. I do not take control of your actions, and you are all accountable for what you do. We are all responsible for each other." 

Her hands came to clasp together once again. "Has everybody got that?" There was a murmur of agreement around her. "Good. Then - Zolly, bring out the cakes."

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