[Celestine's POV]
I want to cry. In just a matter of minutes, my life has been destroyed. Yes, I did not have the best, but I had something.
I have been walking with Amelia and Jax's family for the past three hours. I cannot afford a taxi, nor can I risk being caught. Last night we had to sleep under the night sky. I have to find a place for us to stay. But where?
"Mum I am hungry?" Amelia said bringing my attention back to her. We did not have food since yesterday's breakfast. "Darling a bit more" I tried encouraging Amelia. Amelia was in no state to walk. I lifted Amelia and started walking. Even Jax's family was tired.
"Ms. Earl" I heard Jax's father say, "Can you tell us where we are going?"
"I am afraid Mr Robinson I can't," I said.
"But why?" Jax's mother asked in a shrill voice. There were tears in her eyes.
"Because even I don't know" I answered honestly.
"Ms. Earl then-"
"Bell" I interrupted Jax's mother.
"My real name is Celestine Bell. I would appreciate though if you call me Earl in public."
"Yes".
"Can we stop over here?" Jax asked.
The surroundings were not safe. Muggle bandits were roaming around in the area. We have to rent a room in that hotel if I could somehow convince the owner of that motel.
"Let's try inside that motel," I spoke.
"But we don't have any money." Jax's father said.
"Well, it's worth a try at least". I spoke. From the looks, it looked like a muggle hotel. It was shabby and looked like it was about to fall.
The reception was no better. The atmosphere in the reception screamed dullness. The walls were painted grey and here and there were stools. A single low-powered bulb was illuminating the room. At the corner was a worn-out sofa. Men were smoking at the corner. A particular old man was giving me a look full of lust. I turned my head and walked towards the desk. A middle-aged and grumpy-looking man sat behind the desk. He was busy writing something.
"Excuse me," I said clearly in front of the man. The old man giving me lust-filled looks somehow was even more interested in me after I spoke. I am glad I left Amelia and Jax outside the reception with his parents.
"I happen to have no money with me now. But I require a room and food for 3 adults and 2 children. I am ready to work here to pay off the money." I said desperately.
"Go away lady, we do not do charity here." the man said.
"But"
"Get out Lady we are busy people not some poor worthless-" the man was interrupted by the old man giving me lusty glares.
"Now, now Tim don't need to be so nasty to the lady. She said she will pay it off. I am sure she is desperate enough."
"Yes, Mr Hog," Tim said reluctantly.
Hog, Tim said. The motel was also named Hog's stay. So, this man must be the owner.
"Excuse me, Mr. Hog are you the owner?" I asked a bit meekly.
"Yes, dear." the man said giving me a lust-filled grin.
"Mr. Hog, can you tell me what work I will do?" I asked.
"How about we speak somewhere private?"
The nerve of the old man.
"How about we speak here?" I said glaring at him.
The old man smiled reluctantly.
"Well, my dear, if that's what you wish. You can work in the kitchen darling." the old man said with smiling.
I have done this before. I can do this.
"Yes, I am ready for the job."
"Do you need any help sweetheart?" the old man asked laced with fake concern.
"No, I don't think that will be necessary."
"Well, that's wonderful. One question dear."
"Yes".
"Were you not in today's newspaper?"
I looked at him scared. "What are you talking about?" I asked.
The man showed the newspaper's front page to me.
There was a huge picture of me.
Wanted. Pure-blood witch on run. Celestine Bell. The emperor himself is looking for the witch. Anyone who finds her will be rewarded 500 galleons if a mud-blood and 1000 galleons if a witch/wizard.
"Are you going to report me?" I asked.
He whispered in my ears "Well a thousand galleons is a lot. Too tempting an offer. I might even have immunity against the WWm. But I cannot report a beautiful lady like you now, can I?"
"What do you want?" I asked.
"Well, I baby you look so tensed. Don't worry I won't make love with you sweetie. But I do have a kink. My kink also helps me to make money in these tough times. Much more than 500 galleons.
"What kink?"
The old man pulled me towards his office.
"Now, I can speak properly." the man sighed.
"What kink?"
"I love to record women," he said.
I looked at him confused.
"Wearing beautiful lingerie and dancing." he clarified.
I looked at the man in disbelief. But I had no choice.
"I-I agree," I said as tears slipped down my cheek. Celestine come on you were a stripper before. But this feels so humiliating. Another tear dropped down my cheek.
"Oh, dear don't cry. Also, don't worry none of the men here read the newspaper nor can they afford it regularly. Also, I won't record your face. Just your body. Remember to do some magic of yours, sweetie. I need that. Now, go and change. It's in that closet. I will bring a video camera.
The dress I wore was short and uncomfortable. But I have to do this.
Hog bought the camera in the room. I wiped my tear-stained cheeks and started dancing.
[Tom's POV]
It was the end of the week—the day when I would finally meet her. I was sitting in the throne room of the Ministry of Magic.
The Bells were also looking eagerly at the door of the throne room. The Malfoys, Rosier and my other inner circle are also present in the courtroom. We were waiting for Anne Shirley to enter with her team and Celestine.
The Bell's lord came forward and stood on the podium. He bowed down and said, "My lord, I am sorry for coming here without permission. I would like to say just a few words if you may pardon".
"You may," I said.
"My lord, Celestine, my daughter dishonoured our family's name by running away. Thus, we would like to say that you can punish Celestine in any way you wish." Lord Bell said.
"It is great that you understand the mistake Celestine has made. Do not worry I will punish Celestine myself." I said with a smirk. I will be damned if I let anyone punish my Celestine.
"My lord, Lady Shirley has entered."
Anne entered the room. She was looking nervous. There was no Celestine. There was NO Celestine. Seeing the displeasure evident in my face Shirley flinched.
"My lord" she bowed.
"Where is Celestine?"
"My lord, we unfortunately could not find her. We require--"
"Crucio"
I gave them a week and they could not do such a simple job.
"We f-o-un--" Anne collapsed on the floor again as the pain of the curse struck her.
I lifted the curse. "Speak" I ordered.
"My lord, we found crucial evidence which will lead to us finding her soon," Anne said with a face determined not to betray the pain.
"What evidence?"
"My lord, I do not think you will appreciate it being shown like this. If I may overstep my boundaries, I do not think it will be appropriate to show it like this." she side-eyed Celestine's parents.
I stood up and motioned Anne towards the private office. What evidence could it be?
Anne passed me a screen. The wand matches her. Also, we found her face after using some ministry magic.
I played the video.
It was more than inappropriate. My Celestine's body was not for anyone to see. How dare she show her body to anyone without his permission?
"Destroy all videos and kill all those who have seen this video."
"Yes, my lord".
"Find out who made the video?" I ordered.
"Yes, my lord."
"Also, Shirley you don't have to search for Celestine anymore."
She looked like her eyes would pop out.
"I will search for her myself" I clarified.