Veiled Hearts ~ HP Fanfiction (Harry Potter X OC)

Chapter 22: Parisian Escapades

As the summer sun dipped low on the horizon, Celestia Malfoy found herself swept away into the dazzling world of Parisian fashion, her heart fluttering with excitement as she joined Daphne Greengrass and their friends from France for Paris Fashion Week.

Stepping onto the bustling streets of Paris, Celestia was immediately enveloped in a whirlwind of activity and glamour, the air alive with the pulse of the city's vibrant energy. With each step, she felt the weight of her worries slip away, replaced by the promise of indulgence.

"Isn't this simply divine, Celestia?" Daphne exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with delight as she linked arms with her friend. "I can't wait to see the latest designs and mingle with the fashion elite, oh I wish we'd get to see Aurelia Nightshade"

Celestia grinned, her own excitement mirrored in Daphne's enthusiasm. "Absolutely, Daphne. This is going to be the experience of a lifetime."

As they made their way to the first event of the week, Celestia couldn't help but notice the admiring glances that followed them wherever they went. With her silver-blonde hair cascading over her shoulders and her impeccable sense of style, she knew she cut a striking figure amidst the sea of fashionistas.

And as the evening unfolded in a whirl of runway shows and extravagant parties, Celestia found herself swept up in the intoxicating allure of Parisian nightlife, her laughter ringing out as she danced the night away with her friends.

But it wasn't just the fashion and glamour that captivated Celestia's attention. With two handsome French boys on her arm, who happens to be her childhood friends, she relished in the attention they garnered, creating a rakish display that turned heads and made waves throughout the city.

The next morning, as Celestia and Daphne sat down to breakfast at a chic café on the Champs-Élysées, they couldn't help but marvel at the headlines splashed across the front page of the Daily Prophet.

"Did you see this, Celestia?" Daphne gasped, her eyes widening in disbelief as she pointed to the newspaper in front of her. "You've made the front page!"

Celestia's heart skipped a beat as she scanned the article, her stomach churning with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. Sure enough, there she was, captured in a candid moment of laughter and mischief, her name splashed across the page in bold letters.

But as the reality of the situation sank in, Celestia couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. How would Harry react to seeing her cavorting with other boys in the pages of the Daily Prophet, especially when their relationship was already shrouded in secrecy?

Pushing aside her worries for the moment, Celestia plastered on a smile and turned to Daphne, her voice filled with forced cheer. "Well, I suppose I've made quite the impression, haven't I? Let's make the most of our time in Paris, shall we?"

And with that, Celestia and Daphne raised their glasses in a toast to friendship and adventure, determined to make the most of their remaining time in the City of Light, even as the specter of scandal loomed on the horizon.

•••

Back in London, the air crackled with tension within the walls of Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place. The evening had settled in, casting shadows across the dimly lit room as the dinner concluded, leaving a lingering atmosphere of unease in its wake.

"Nearly time for bed, I think," Mrs. Weasley remarked with a weary yawn, her hand reaching instinctively for her wand to begin tidying up the remnants of the meal.

"Not just yet, Molly," Sirius interjected, pushing his empty plate aside with a casual gesture, his grey eyes fixing on Harry with an intensity that was impossible to ignore. "You know, I'm surprised at you, Harry. I thought the first thing you'd do when you got here would be to start asking questions about Voldemort."