human again / hp.

Chapter 70

The dormitory buzzed with anticipation as Hermione and I prepared for the Yule Ball. Lavender and Parvati had left long ago, their chatter and laughter trailing out the door. Now, the room was quiet except for the occasional rustle of fabric and the soft clinking of jewelry as we got ready.

Hermione stood in front of the mirror, her curls cascading down her back in elegant waves. 

"You look stunning," I said sincerely, fastening the silver clasp on my necklace.

Hermione turned to me, her cheeks flushing pink. "Thank you, Celeste. So do you."

I glanced down at my own reflection. My dress, sent by Mother, was nothing short of perfection. My long blonde hair was styled into an elegant twist, with a few loose strands framing my face.

"Mother outdid herself," I said, smoothing the fabric over my hips.

"She did," Hermione agreed, stepping closer to adjust the clasp of my necklace. "But it's more than the dress. You have this... poise about you."

I laughed softly. "Years of dance lessons and formal events will do that to you."

Hermione smiled, stepping back to take in the full effect. "Are you excited?"

I hesitated, carefully applying a final touch of gloss to my lips. "Excited might be the wrong word. Nervous, maybe."

She tilted her head. "About Theo?"

"Yes and no," I admitted. "Theo is... wonderful. But this ball—it's bringing back memories of home. The Malfoy family knows how to throw a ball, but they're always so stiff and calculated. I suppose I'm hoping this one will feel different."

"It will," Hermione said with quiet certainty. "This is Hogwarts. Tonight's about fun, not appearances."

I smiled at her, grateful for the reassurance. "And you? Are you nervous?"

"A little," she confessed, her cheeks flushing as she fiddled with her gown. "It's Viktor Krum. I still can't believe he asked me."

"You'll be fine," I said with a laugh. "And trust me, he's going to be stunned when he sees you tonight."

Hermione smiled shyly but didn't argue.

The clock chimed softly, signaling it was time to head down to the Great Hall. I slipped on my heels, the final piece to my ensemble, and grabbed my silver clutch.

"Ready?" Hermione asked, her voice tinged with both excitement and nerves.

I nodded, taking a deep breath. "Ready."

We left the dormitory together, the sounds of music and laughter already echoing faintly up the stairs. The Yule Ball awaited.

The sound of music grew louder as Hermione and I descended the spiral staircase leading to the Great Hall. The warm glow of floating candles reflected off the garlands of holly and frost-kissed decor, transforming the castle into a magical winter wonderland. My heart fluttered as we reached the final stretch of stairs.

At the bottom, Theo stood waiting for me. He was dressed impeccably in dark green dress robes that contrasted sharply with his pale skin and neatly combed brown hair. As his eyes found me, they widened slightly, and he stood a little straighter. For a moment, he seemed utterly at a loss for words.

I smiled softly, descending the stairs with deliberate grace.

"Celeste," he breathed when I reached him. "You... you look incredible."

"Thank you," I said, my voice steady though my nerves flitted in my chest. "You clean up rather well yourself."

He chuckled, offering me his arm. "Shall we?"