3 A.M. (Oliver Wood) *ON HOLD*

Chapter Nine: Seventh Year

Christmas break had come faster than Celeste had hoped for. She had made sure Oliver knew not to send her any letters during break, since she knew all of the owls would be intercepted before they could actually reach her. She also knew if anyone found out she was talking to Oliver Wood, or any other half blood or "blood traitor," she'd be in a lot of serious trouble.

When Celeste walked into Malfoy Manor, she couldn't help but shiver from the cold atmosphere. She hated the manor more than anything in her life. The manor was pure hell to her, but at least she had a great view of the stars from her room. She had been surprised when she wasn't punished the moment she was in the manor, since it seemed that's what always happened for the last two years of her life.

"Ethan will be here for Christmas, Celeste. We had a feeling it would be better for you both to spend time together before you're married in March," Narcissa commented, causing Celeste to frown.

"But Aunt Cissa--" Celeste began, but Lucius cut her off with a glare.

"No," Lucius retorted, pointing a threatening finger at her,"You are going to spend time with him, Celeste. You are going to learn to love your husband. We have given you everything you could've ever needed, and you're treating us like we're peasants. Start acting your part, or you'll be taught another lesson," He spat, and she simply nodded.

Celeste went straight up to her room, refusing the last meal she would recieve during the Christmas break, other than the meal on Christmas. They wouldn't deny her that meal, since it was Christmas, or at least, that's what she hoped. For all she knew, they could've planned to starve her the entire time without any small breaks in between.

Honestly, she somewhat liked that idea, because if she went long enough without food, she wouldn't make it to her wedding day. Obviously, the idea wasn't the best, but she actually liked it. If she was lucky, she'd never have to see Ethan's ugly face again. If he had been a nice guy, she would've thought he was attractive, but he wasn't nice, so he definitely wasn't attractive.

As Celeste laid on her bed, rereading one of her many books from Moony, she heard a light knock on her door. At first, she believed it was a house elf, until she realized the house elf would've just come into her room by apparating. So, she sighed quietly and closed her book, before she walked over to her door and opened it. She smiled small when she seen Draco standing outside.

"Can I come in?" He asked, and Celeste nodded.

Celeste invited Draco into her room, before she closed the door behind him. She didn't want her aunt or uncle just wandering into her room without knocking. Also, she didn't have any idea as to when Ethan was going to arrive, and she sure as hell didn't want him in her room without her permission. Actually, she doubted she'd let the man in her room, since she hated him so much.

"I brought you a roll," Draco commented, holding out a roll with a bit of butter and salt garnishing the top,"I heard Mother and Father saying you weren't going to be allowed to eat until further notice, and I knew it would be too long. I know you think I follow everything Father says, but I can't disobey him, Celeste. He frightens me. I also can't sit here anymore and watch you starve, so I'm going to bring you at least something small from dinner every night," He stated, causing the girl to frown.

"No, Draco. You'll get into a lot of trouble if you get caught," She replied, and he nodded.

"I know, but I love you. I can't watch you starve to death because of my parents. I have to help you," He said, causing her to smile.

Celeste took the roll from Draco and slowly ate it. Once she was done, she quickly ran and brushed her teeth, making sure nobody would know she had the roll. She didn't want to get Draco into any trouble.

"You're going to leave, aren't you?" Draco asked, as he sat down next to Celeste on her bed.

"What gave you that idea?" She asked, crossing her arms a bit.

"I remember Mother saying that Aunt Andy left because she wasn't happy. She talks like she hates her, but I know she doesn't. I also know you're not happy. I may only be a third year, but I'm not stupid. I can see you're unhappy here. I wouldn't hate you if you left," He said, but Celeste could see the sadness in his eyes while he spoke.

"I can't leave, not when that means I have to leave you behind, Draco. If I stay, i-if I marry Ethan, I'll be able to watch over you. I'll be able to protect you, but I can't if I leave," Celeste replied, but Draco shook his head.

"You can leave, Celeste," Draco answered,"You can leave, and get away from it all. You could always write to me, and I'll write back, even if it has to stay a secret," He added,"You could come back for me, just don't forget about me," He murmured, causing Celeste's heart to squeeze.

"I could never forget about you, Draco. I love you too much to forget you," Celeste said, as she pulled him into her arms,"You're practically my little brother, and I'll always be here for you. I'll always come back for you. I'll always protect you, because that's what big sisters do," She stated, kissing the top of his head.

"Promise?" He whispered, and she nodded.

"Always," She murmured,"Keep this conversation to yourself. I don't need anyone else to know. I don't want them to think you helped me leave, if I ever leave at all," She said, causing him to nod.

Draco left the room soon after, and Celeste laid down in her bed with a sigh. She wasn't sure if she'd be able to handle everything going on, but she'd have to figure out a way to handle everything for Draco...