Veiled Hearts ~ HP Fanfiction (Harry Potter X OC)

Chapter 1: A Chance Encounter

The Great Hall bustled with energy as students eagerly reunited after the summer break. Celestia Malfoy, with her silver-blue eyes scanning the room, sat at the Slytherin table amidst a sea of green and silver robes. Though accustomed to the opulence and prestige of her pureblood upbringing, there was an underlying restlessness stirring within her as she embarked on her fourth year at Hogwarts.

As Celestia observed her fellow Slytherins, she couldn't help but feel a sense of detachment. While she had acquaintances within her House, her relationships were often superficial, forged out of convenience rather than genuine connection. Her twin brother, Draco, was her closest confidant, but even their bond was strained by the weight of familial expectations and the ever-present shadow of their father, Lucius Malfoy.

Memories of summers spent at the Malfoy Manor flooded Celestia's mind—lavish parties, political gatherings, and whispered conversations in the dimly lit corridors. Despite the facade of perfection, there was an undercurrent of tension within her family—a tension fueled by ambition, power, and the relentless pursuit of pureblood supremacy.

As Celestia pondered her own place within the intricate web of Malfoy politics, her thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of her friend, Daphne Greengrass. With her sleek blonde hair and piercing gaze, Daphne exuded an air of confidence that Celestia admired.

"Hello, Celestia," Daphne greeted her with a warm smile, taking a seat beside her. "Excited for the new school year?"

Celestia returned the smile, though her enthusiasm was tempered by uncertainty. "Nervous, more like. You know how it is."

Daphne nodded in understanding, her expression sympathetic. "It's a lot of pressure, especially with everything going on in the wizarding world. But we'll get through it together, as always."

Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Pansy Parkinson, whose sharp features and haughty demeanor signaled trouble. Pansy wasted no time in inserting herself into their conversation, her voice dripping with thinly veiled condescension.

"Well, well, if it isn't the Malfoy princess herself," Pansy sneered, her eyes narrowing as she glanced between Celestia and Daphne. "Back for another year of basking in your family's glory, I see."

Celestia suppressed a sigh, her patience wearing thin. Pansy had always harbored resentment towards her, fueled by jealousy and a desire for attention. Despite their shared House affiliation, their relationship was strained at best, toxic at worst.

Before Celestia could respond, Daphne stepped in, her tone sharp and pointed. "Jealousy doesn't suit you, Pansy. Perhaps if you focused less on others and more on your own ambitions, you might actually accomplish something worthwhile."

Pansy's cheeks flushed with anger, but before she could retort, the arrival of Professor Snape silenced the room.

As the Sorting Hat was placed upon the first-year students' heads by Professor Mcgonagal, Celestia's thoughts turned to the year ahead—a year filled with challenges, friendships, and unexpected encounters. She couldn't shake the feeling of anticipation that lingered in the air, a sense that fate was weaving its intricate tapestry, guiding them towards their destinies.

Just as Celestia's mind wandered, a familiar voice cut through the din of the Great Hall. "Leave her alone, Pansy."

All eyes turned to the source of the interruption, finding Draco Malfoy standing tall and resolute, his silver-blond hair catching the flickering candlelight. His piercing gray eyes bore into Pansy with a mixture of disdain and authority, daring her to challenge him.

The said girl had a wand pointed at celestia, under the table, Pansy recoiled slightly under Draco's gaze, her bravado faltering for a fleeting moment before she regained her composure. "Draco, I was merely—"