The Great Hall buzzed with excitement as students discussed the upcoming trip to Hogsmeade, the first of the year. The enchanted ceiling above mirrored the crisp autumn day outside, its clear blue expanse dotted with soft, drifting clouds. Celeste sat at the Slytherin table beside Daphne Greengrass, their plates filled with breakfast fare. Daphne absently pushed her scrambled eggs around with her fork, her eyes sparkling as she listened to the animated chatter around them.
"Can you believe it? Hogsmeade! Finally," Daphne said, grinning. "I've been dying to visit Zonko's. Everyone says the place is packed with tricks and pranks. Maybe we'll find something to sneak into Draco's bag."
Celeste smirked. "You think he'd even notice with Crabbe and Goyle constantly hovering over him? Though I admit, the thought of sneaking some fake spiders into his things is tempting."
Daphne giggled, taking a sip of pumpkin juice. "Or maybe we should get something for ourselves. I hear Honeydukes has the best sweets—Chocolate Frogs, Fizzing Whizzbees, and these amazing sugar quills you can actually write with."
Celeste nodded, a hint of excitement creeping into her tone. "And I want to see The Three Broomsticks. Apparently, their Butterbeer is incredible—warm and sweet, perfect for a day like this." She gestured toward the windows, where the leaves outside swirled in hues of gold and crimson.
Their conversation paused as a group of third years hurried past, eagerly discussing their plans. Across the room, Celeste spotted Draco holding court with his usual entourage, boasting loudly about how much pocket money his parents had sent him for the trip.
Daphne leaned closer, lowering her voice. "Speaking of parents... you did get your slip signed, didn't you?"
Celeste rolled her eyes. "Of course. Mother wasn't thrilled, but she knows it's all part of the school experience. You?"
"Same. Though Father insisted on an entire letter of instructions about what to avoid—'Don't go into The Hog's Head, watch your purse, and for Merlin's sake, don't buy anything dodgy,'" Daphne mimicked, her tone dry.
They laughed together, finishing their breakfast as the hall gradually emptied.
Later that morning, the castle courtyard was a hive of activity as students lined up to hand in their signed permission slips to Professor McGonagall. The autumn sun bathed the stone walls in golden light, and the brisk air carried the sound of chatter and the rustling of parchment.
Celeste and Daphne joined the line, their permission slips clutched in their hands. Ahead of them, Hermione Granger stood with Ron Weasley, chatting animatedly while holding her own slip. Celeste glanced around, noting Harry's absence.
"I don't see Potter," she remarked, leaning slightly toward Daphne.
Daphne shrugged. "Probably still in the castle. Maybe he's waiting for the line to thin out."
When it was their turn, Professor McGonagall gave them her usual stern nod and tucked their slips into her folder. "Very well. Off you go. Stay out of trouble."
Daphne grinned. "Of course, Professor."
The walk to Hogsmeade was nothing short of magical. The path wound through the picturesque countryside, flanked by rolling hills and groves of trees ablaze with autumn colors. Celeste and Daphne strolled together, their scarves fluttering in the breeze, as they admired the scenery.
When they reached the village, it was like stepping into a postcard. The cobbled streets were lined with charming shops, their windows filled with enticing displays of sweets, enchanted trinkets, and seasonal decorations. Smoke curled lazily from the chimneys of thatched cottages, and the air was alive with the hum of excited students exploring every nook and cranny.
YOU ARE READING
human again / hp.
Fanfiction"I already forgave you, so why can't you forgive yourself?" She's a Malfoy. He's a Potter. Celeste Malfoy has always walked a fine line between the world she was born into and the one she chose for herself. At Hogwarts, nothing is simple. Not friend...
