Veiled Hearts ~ HP Fanfiction (Harry Potter X OC)

Chapter 24: Boundaries and Darkened Skies

As the Hogwarts Express chugged along, the compartment filled with Slytherin students was alive with chatter and laughter.

Daphne Greengrass, accompanied by her sister Astoria, exchanged mischievous glances with their fellow Slytherins, while Draco Malfoy, Blaise Zabini, and Theodore Nott led the singing session.

Pansy Parkinson was dancing in her seat with Millicent Bulstrode, while Crabe and Goyle eyed them warily, in a weird way.

Celestia and Lily Davis giggled as they shared chocolates from a box that seemed to magically refill itself.

"So I pen down all my feelings, pour my heart out in ink," Theodore and Blaise sang in unison, their voices echoing through the compartment. Chocolate frog cards and snack wrappers littered the compartment, evidence of their journey's indulgence.

Before Theodore could finish his line, a sudden jolt sent him tumbling onto the seat, emitting a surprisingly high-pitched scream that startled everyone, It was Blaise.

Celestia, lost in her thoughts, snapped back to reality, stifling a laugh at the memory of Longbottom's dramatic fainting earlier. Loony Lovegood and Ginny Weasley had panicked, while Ron and Hermione exchanged disapproving glances in between Harry and Celestia.

Meanwhile, Harry blushed crimson as he and Celestia hastily separated, their secret relationship momentarily exposed. "They won't tell anyone," Harry muttered hastily, his words laced with concern. Celestia felt a pang of hurt at his reaction but understood the necessity of secrecy, especially among Slytherins. She wasn't sure whether she was ready for exposure and Harry understood it.

Amidst the laughter and whispered conversations, Theodore seized his moment, belting out his line with theatrical flair. "And when I spoke of my hurt, he'd brush it off with a grin," he sang passionately, gesturing dramatically. "But I'm just a girl in love, caught in a whirlwind spin," he continued, his voice filled with emotion. The Slytherins erupted into cheers and applause, reveling in their shared camaraderie and mischief.

"Merlin! I could be a fabulous girl!" Theodore said as Blaise threw his arm around him, asking for a kiss.

"Oh my handsome witch..."

"Grehoff — you loser"

Everyone laughed.

At last, the train began to slow down and they heard the usual racket up and down as everybody scrambled to get their luggage and pets assembled, ready to get off.

Draco Malfoy, his prefect badge gleaming proudly on his robes, stepped off the train with an air of arrogance. Beside him, his twin sister, Celestia Malfoy, followed suit, her expression a mix of amusement and apprehension. They were on perfect duty of supervision.

As they strolled down the platform, doing their first rounds as prefects, Draco's eyes sparkled with mischief as he spotted a group of nervous-looking first-years. "what have we here?" he drawled, striding over with an exaggerated swagger. "First-years, I presume? You lot look like you could use a lesson in proper wizarding etiquette."

The first-years exchanged uneasy glances, unsure how to respond to the imposing figure of the Slytherin prefects. Celestia rolled her eyes, a smirk playing on her lips, but before Draco could continue his taunts, a voice sliced through the air like a dagger.

"Must you always be such a bully, Malfoy?" Hermione Granger's voice rang out, her tone dripping with disdain as she approached, flanked by Ron Weasley.

Draco turned to face Hermione, his smirk faltering at the sight of her steely gaze. "Granger, what a delightful surprise," he sneered, attempting to regain his composure. "I was merely having a bit of fun with the first-years, that's all."