Veiled Hearts ~ HP Fanfiction (Harry Potter X OC)

Chapter 44: Flight From Fate

As the first rays of morning sunlight filtered through the windows of the Slytherin girls' dormitory, Celestia stirred from her slumber with a contented sigh. Last night's events were fresh in her mind, The air was crisp with the promise of a new day, and a sense of cheerfulness washed over her like a warm embrace.

Stretching her limbs languidly, Celestia couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation bubbling within her. It was Christmas Eve, and the prospect of returning home for the holidays filled her with excitement. She glanced around the room, taking in the sight of her roommates, Daphne and Millicent, who were still groggily rubbing their eyes.

Daphne's brow furrowed in confusion as she glanced at Celestia, her voice tinged with surprise. "Celestia, are you feeling alright? You seem unusually cheerful this morning."

Celestia's lips curved into a bright smile as she swung her legs over the edge of her bed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I'm more than alright, Daphne," she replied, her voice filled with enthusiasm. "It's nearly Christmas, after all! The most wonderful time of the year."

Millicent grunted in agreement as she dragged herself out of bed, her expression still clouded with sleepiness. "Yeah, but you haven't been in a good mood for months," she muttered, her words slurred with exhaustion.

Celestia shrugged off Millicent's comment with a nonchalant wave of her hand. "Well, that's about to change," she declared, her tone laced with determination. "I refuse to let anything dampen my spirits today."

With that, Celestia bounded out of bed, her energy infectious as she began to gather her things for the day ahead. Daphne exchanged a bemused glance with Millicent, a smile playing on her lips at Celestia's sudden burst of cheerfulness.

As they made their way to the Great Hall for breakfast, Celestia was excited to see Harry, the air buzzed with excitement and anticipation. The halls were decked with festive decorations, and the sound of laughter and chatter filled the air.

But as they entered the Great Hall, their cheerful mood was momentarily dampened by the sight of Professor Umbridge and Professor McGonagall engaged in a heated argument at the staff table. Celestia exchanged a puzzled glance with Daphne and Millicent, wondering what could possibly have caused such tension.

Umbridge's shrill voice cut through the air as she berated McGonagall. "This is unacceptable, Minerva!" she screeched, her face flushed with anger. "We cannot have students skipping early willy-nilly!"

McGonagall's lips were set in a firm line as she retorted. "I assure you, Dolores, we are doing what is right. And perhaps if you spent less time meddling in matters that don't concern you, we wouldn't be in this predicament."

Celestia couldn't help but smirk at McGonagall's sharp retort, a sense of satisfaction washing over her at the sight of Umbridge's flustered expression. It seemed even the most festive of occasions couldn't temper the animosity between the two professors.

Daphne nudged Celestia with a playful grin, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Looks like the holiday spirit hasn't reached everyone yet," she whispered, her voice filled with amusement. Umbridge was taking on Mcgonagal quite successfully.

Celestia chuckled softly in agreement, feeling a sense of camaraderie with her roommates as they watched the scene unfold before them. Despite the tension in the air, she refused to let it dampen her festive mood. After all, it was nearly Christmas, and nothing could dim the joy and excitement that filled her heart on this magical day.