Saving Grace

Shopping and Bonding

I made a trip to Diagon Alley as soon as McGonagall had left. I only went into one store. Flourish and Blotts. I bought every single history book I could find. Along with all the other books I thought would be helpful. I would not start this school knowing nothing of that world. By the end of July I knew as much as I reckoned kids who had wizarding parents knew. My next mission was finding my mother in a good mood so I could ask about my father. The day came quicker than I figured it would. 

I was in the kitchen pouring a cup of juice when I noticed my mother humming while cleaning. She rarely did this. 

"Mother where are Luke and the kids?" I asked 

"Oh he took them to the beach for the day. So it's just us." 

"oh that's good. I was wondering if I could talk to you."

"yes I figured you would want to sooner or later. I assume this is about your father." I nodded. "well follow me and remember this all stays between the two of us." I nodded again. She motioned for me to sit down on her bed as she dug in the closet. She soon sat down beside me with a box in her arms. "I was 16. My father took us on vacation for the whole summer. There was another family close by. They had a boy about my age. He ignored me at first. He was gorgeous. Eyes the color of emeralds. much like your own. Actually you're the spitting image of him. He finally came around. I was sitting by the pool  reading when he sat down next to me.  'my name is Samuel Avery. I've noticed you stalking me.' We were inseparable after that. He was always showing off with little magic tricks. now I know it was real magic. It had to be. We ended the summer making love. he promised to write. He never did. Summer was long over by the time I realized I was pregnant. I didn't know how to contact him to tell him and I figured he didn't care. I guess what was real to me wasn't real to him. My mother and father were upset of course. They offered to raise you. I agreed and of course you know the rest about me running off and meeting Luke. This box is all the pictures I have of him. Some we took together. Others I stole from his belongings before we parted ways. I think some of these are from his school. "

"Thank you mother. I want you to know that I don't hold it against you. Leaving me. I understand. You were still a child. Luke... I do hold that against you but I've put it behind me." 

"I know you'll never see the good in him and I don't expect you to but he's a good man Celeste."

"Why the name Celeste? It's so uncommon. So different."

"Your father always talked of one day wanting kids. He said he wanted to name his daughter Celeste in honor of a tradition within his family. So I did it without him knowing."

I nodded and left the room. holding the box close to my chest. Once in my room I locked the door and poured the pictures on my bed.  There were pictures of my mother and father by the pool. reading. holding hands. kissing. I looked at this man and instantly knew where I got my looks. While my mother was dark haired and brown eyed and tan. My father was pale. green eyes and blonde hair. the same nose as me. the same mouth turned in a frown. the same bitterness poured out of him that pour out of me. I put the pictures from that summer aside and put my attention on the stolen pictures. This pictures were different. They moved. how did my mother not notice this. There was  picture of him next to two older people. I assuming was his parents. Most of the pictures were taken in what looked like a castle. In all of them he donned black robes with a green and silver tie. He must of went to Hogwarts. He must have been a Slytherin. Some of the pictures he was on a broom in green and silver robes. I had to find this man. It would be easier now that I had pictures and a name. Someone at Hogwarts had to know him. 
I glanced at the calendar beside my bed.  It was closing in to the end of Hogwarts.  One more week and I would get to leave here.  I decided now would be as good as any to do my school shopping.
I left the house without a word to my mother.  Once at Diagon Alley I figured I should get robes first.  Itching for clothing similar to that or my father. 
"Hogwarts dear?" A smiling witch asked as I walked in the door.  I nodded.  "Great there are already two young boys being fitted.  Right this way"
I followed into a room where two boys stood on stools.  One was scrawny and black haired.  This other was pale with blonde hair a shade lighter than mine.  He was trying to engage in a conversation with the black haired boy but he looked like he was being tortured.  I hopped up onto the stool between them. 
"You're going to Hogwarts.  Do either of you know what house you'll be in?" I asked politely. 
"I'm sure I'll be in Slytherin.  My whole family has been.  What about you?" The blonde haired boy asked.
"I really hope I'm Slytherin.  It's the best house there is.  Ambitious and cunning.  That's me all day.  And you?" I said turning to the black haired boy beside me. 
He just grumbled and left. 
"That boy has no manners!" I huffed.
"Some people just weren't raised well.  I'm Draco by the way.  Draco Malfoy."
"Glad at least two of us were.  I'm Celeste Parker."
"Lovely name. I better see you in Slytherin." He smiled as he hopped down and left.

The rest of my shopping was uneventful. I got all my supplies and even a solid black cat named Salem.  I was officially ready for Hogwarts