Célestine spent most of her life constantly hearing that she had to hide her talent. It was for her own safety as they said. She wasn't stupid. Events in the world were proving that at least here it wasn't welcomed. However, she was sad. Desperate attempts to seek answers never brought much result. How hard was it to find someone who could understand her? It was proving to be rather difficult. How one was supposed to ask anyone about it outside of family without making it obvious that she was one of them?

Célestine sighed thinking about it. When was the last time she actually was smiling? Tears were building in her eyes, breaking her heart as realization hit her. She couldn't remember if she ever smiled. Certainly there were times with a fake one that she put up for her friends at school. Everything to just blend in and not have any questions. Having to constantly leave Fleur at home wasn't making her feel any better either.

When did it all begin? It was so long that felt like it was like this whole her life. Certainly there should be a happy time somewhere in the past. Truly happy. She doubted it as it seemed to be her wishful thinking.

Célestine stood up and went to wash her face. A moment of letting her feelings find their way out was now once again a history. The one that no one will ever know about. She knew that as she always made sure to do everything possible to hide it well. Living like this was sometimes making her hate her talent. Why was she having it if she had to hide it? Why couldn't she be just ordinary witch without having to hide a part of who she was. Was she Célestine, an ordinary witch who was great at studying, had friends and was faking smile, or was she Célestine, a Parselmouth, truly happy without any secrets to hide? She was both and it was making it harder. Even with magic and her talent she was still a human. How one was supposed to love and accept themselves if there was a part of them that had to stay in secret?

She went out from the bathroom and went to the garden. There was a place where she could sit alone without getting discovered. A truly special place where she could sit and be fully herself. A place for her to talk to Fleur or other snakes while not been surrounded by family and high fences. Fences that were to keep even neighbors from discovering a secret her family were hiding. Certainly, been pureblood with a family story that they had, they had to keep a high image. No mistakes were allowed to be seen by others.

Célestine smiled bitterly. Secrets, secrets, secrets. With all changes possible why it seemed to be never possible to change just this one? Should she live like this whole time? Why she? Célestine thought about time when she would eventually find herself a boyfriend, someone to rely on. Is she supposed to hide her talent even from him? She didn't have any answers. Ironically enough as she heard it was easier with Hogwarts. But she lived whole her life in France, attended Beauxbatons and was now working in Beauxbatons. She liked teaching and helping others, she really did. However, even they never knew she was Parselmouth. None of them knew, none would understand and none would accept. Even her colleagues didn't know about her talent. What exactly they would think if they'd know?

Célestine looked around her and for the first time stopped her thoughts to just enjoy the surrounding area. Sun still shined, making the place bright with some shadows of trees and bushes. It was a beautiful day and everything in it suggested to forget all the worries and just enjoy it. However, for Célestine it was hard to distract from all the thoughts and feelings she had. So long time of keeping them inside, pretending like she could control them. What she hoped? She was still a human and there was just so much a human could hold without going insane.

Célestine dreamed about the time she could take Fleur with her freely anywhere. Without having to hide it, expecting anything bad only because of this talent. Why wizarding world was so cruel? She couldn't understand and doubted that she ever will. She heard about some organization of half-breeds, but Célestine wasn't activist and she strongly opposed anything that could cause harm to anyone. So here she was, all alone in the garden, hiding from others just to have a moment to fully be herself.

Time was changing, and Célestine didn't know if there were more good changes or bad ones. She was noticing all the changes, keeping most of her free time in her thoughts. She was dreaming so much about the day she'd not have to question herself. Maybe if her lost lover knew who she was, he'd trust her more to be able to protect herself. However, she understood. Care, love, and willingness to protect the significant other are all the reasons why she didn't know until it was too late. Would she be able to save him? Would she also be lost forever? She had no answer, and it was making her wish even more to be able to not hide her talent anymore. She wasn't weak. She could protect herself. She hopefully could protect others too.

As September was coming closer, she was surprised. They could now attend school. Did it mean that she didn't have to hide anymore? Célestine couldn't believe in it. For the first time in her life, she could take Fleur with her to the French Academy of Magic. Could she finally find strength in her talent? It would mean so much to her.

However, despite being happy, she felt cautious. True happiness was filling her heart, helping her to find a light that she so desperately needed. But all the events happening surrounding half-breeds were the reason for her still staying cautious.

Célestine spent the whole day thinking about what to do. What would be safe but would still let her be happy? All these thoughts making her once again nearly in tears. Tears that for once weren't so bitter. Finally coming to a conclusion to slowly embrace her hidden side, she decided to take Fleur with her to Beauxbatons but keep her in the office. She was looking forward to new students in the new studying year. However, she'd be lying if she said she wouldn't be worried about their safety. The world wasn't the most welcoming place, and she was afraid that children might get hurt. After all, the school never welcomed them earlier. It was a huge change and not the easiest one.

Safety was a priority for Célestine. Her own and those around her. Children had to have a time to be just children. They didn't need to face all the cruelty and sense of loss at such a young age. Fleur, I don't have to leave you at home anymore. Are you happy? She looked at her snake with a warm, sincere smile. It felt so great to be smiling again. It felt like a huge weight finally was lifted and taken away. It was time to slowly get to show her other side. If her friends would leave her because of it, well, then they never were her friends.

The world of her dreams was slowly getting real, and Célestine was ready to make it her strongest side. Accepting and finding strength in her talent could help her a lot with learning to protect others and herself. She didn't dream of being the strongest witch. Protecting them, not losing yet another dear one, was all she was looking for. All that she needed for complete happiness.