The Great Hall was almost empty. Golden light fell through the tall windows in soft streaks that glimmered across the silver dishes and half-eaten plates. A few students lingered over their meals, mostly fifth-years muttering about essays. My fork sat untouched on my plate, dragging aimless lines through mashed potatoes that had gone cold a long time ago.
I could not seem to eat anymore these days. Even when I wanted to, food felt heavy, as though my body had decided it did not deserve comfort.
From the Slytherin table, I heard a familiar voice. "Merlin's beard, Celeste, you look like someone died," Daphne said, walking up to the Gryffindor table her hands on her hips, her glossy hair falling over one shoulder.. Her voice carried that familiar mix of sass and concern.
"I'm just tired," I said, which was true. Tired of thinking. Tired of pretending. Tired of remembering the necklace, and Katie Bell, and everything that came after.
"You have been tired for weeks." Daphne crossed her arms. "Which is exactly why I am rescuing you."
I raised an eyebrow. "Rescuing me from what?"
"Your own misery." She glanced around and lowered her voice. "Come on. Blaise found something in Slughorn's cabinet. We are going to test them."
"Test what?"
Her eyes glinted. "Potions. A few bottles with questionable labels and a terrible idea attached. You are coming."
I stared at her for a moment. "That sounds ridiculous."
"Exactly." She grinned, tugging at my sleeve. "You need ridiculous."
I hesitated. My first instinct was to refuse. Laughter felt foreign lately, and the idea of pretending everything was normal seemed almost cruel.
I stared at her for a long moment. I should have said no. I should have gone upstairs, crawled into bed, and stared at the ceiling like I usually did.
But something about the way she said it — the lightness, the normalcy — made me want to follow.
But Daphne's expression softened when she saw me hesitate.
"Please," she said quietly. "Just one evening. No expectations. No worries. Just us."
Something inside me loosened. Perhaps it would not hurt to forget for a while.
"Fine," I said at last, and stood. "But if I get poisoned and die, I'm haunting you first."
Daphne laughed, looping her arm through mine. "Deal."
Slughorn's classroom was empty, silent except for the faint drip of water from a cauldron somewhere in the corner. The air smelled like herbs and old parchment.
Blaise and Pansy were already there, sitting on desks like they owned the place.
"Took you long enough," Blaise said. "We almost started without you."
"Lucky me," I muttered, sitting beside Daphne.
Pansy waved a small bottle in the air. The liquid inside was a deep orange. "Look at this one. No label. Just vibes."
"That's not reassuring," I said.
"That's what makes it fun," she replied.
Blaise reached for another bottle. "I found five that looked interesting. We can each pick one. Whoever survives gets bragging rights."
Daphne rubbed her hands together. "Perfect."
I sighed. "You people are insane."
"And you love us," Daphne teased.
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...
