Chapter Text
☾ *:･ﾟ✧ fanart by @charlie.1505 on instagram ☾ *:･ﾟ✧
C H A P T E R 0 1
Draco
Blue violets dancing atop white marble. Reflections of gold and ivory; dancing girls in the hallways. Their hair like spun gold, dresses like flower petals. It was quite the sight; the girls of Beauxbatons, yet Draco didn’t feel moved by any of them. They were attractive — a lot of them even part Veela — but never really seemed to touch his soul. The other male students of the French Wizarding school felt different about that. As soon as they saw gold combined with blue; they ran. Running after the girls always seemed to bring them joy. Smiles as bright as ever, laughing that could be described as an indecent thing to do.
But Draco always kept himself to walking — or even remaining seated. Why chase a girl he didn’t have feelings for? Why chase a heart that didn’t beat at the same pace?
Madame Maxime hurried herself around the corridor, long legs chasing the boys away from the girls. ‘On ne cours pas!’ She shouted, her loud voice shaking the chandelier’s crystals. Ting ting.
Draco was left alone in the large sunroom; enjoying the view of the Pyrenees. Trees as tall as castles, lakes expanding as far as seas and mountains reaching a point close to heaven. A fresh school year’s start; another year at the chateau.
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Seated for dinner at the boy's table in the chateau's dining chamber, Draco awaited what Madame Maxime was about to announce. It was clear to the boy that she had something to say to her beloved students; there wasn't any food on the tables yet and Madame kept moving nervously on her chair. Nobody else seemed to notice, though — all caught up in conversations they didn't even seem to miss the presence of food.
Draco's eyes took in his fellow students once more; a thing he liked to do whenever he felt bored. His friends were sitting around him, dressed in shades of pastel blue. Their hair always so flawless, eyes bright and shiny. But they could try as much as they wanted; Draco always thought he was the most handsome out of all. His friends couldn't fake a beautiful pearl complexion like he had nor his beautiful silver Veela-like hair.
Vain but true, Draco thought as he glanced over at the girl's table. He was friends with almost all the girls at Beauxbatons; they simple adored him. It was not only because he could do the most intricate hairstyles, but also because he beamed a certain elegance they all wished to be surrounded by. Draco had never minded their attention; he loved it.
'You seem to be in a terrible mood today, Draco,' his friend, André said to him.
André's skin was the opposite of Draco's; a beautiful dark brown but eyes as bright as the ocean. He must admit the boy had always been competition to him when it came to whom looked best of the boys. Not to mention that there were two of him; his twin-brother Ansel was the exact reflection of the boy.
'I'm just a little hungry, alright? Can't Madame hurry up already?' he responded with a sigh.
The twins glanced at each other and then back at Draco with confused eyes. 'How do you mean, hurry up?' André asked, clearly not seeing what Draco saw.
'Is she going to announce something?' Ansel added with the same blind sight as his brother.
Of course they hadn't noticed anything; they never did. Draco opened his mouth to reply but got interrupted by Madame Maxime clearing her throat. Finally, he thought, and turned himself towards her. The tall woman was wearing beautiful purple robes with a large golden brooch on her chest. Taking a step forward and clearing her throat once again, she prepared to bring the news of the century.
'Mes amours,' she started, always calling her students that way, 'I have some great news to share with all of you. This year, notre école and two other Wizarding Schools have decided to organize the Triwizard Tournament again.'
The dining chamber was quickly filled with whispers; the words Triwizard and Tournament spreading like wildfire. Draco himself drew up his eyebrows, giving the twins a wide-eyed stare. Getting one returned he tried to remember everything he had learnt during Histoire de la Magie. The only thing his mind seemed to remember were the many death-cases that had happened during the Tournament, and all the chaos around it. Was it really worth trying to host another one, he wondered.
'It has been years since the last Tournament was held — as most of you should know. It is therefore an honor and also an opportunity unique to show what our école is capable of! The Tournament will be held at the chateau of Hogwarts in Scotland,' Madame continued. 'Only the best étudiants in their seventh year will be able to participate. I want to bring my most beautiful and talented filles with me to defend this school and show that a Witch can win this Tournament as well.'
Hogwarts? Scotland? Only seventh years and only girls? It wasn't fair! What was wrong with hosting the Tournament at Draco's beloved Beauxbatons? And why couldn't he, heir of the powerful and respected Malfoy-line, participate in a Tournament this exclusive and important? Alright, a lot of students had died in the Tournament in the past, but that was years ago! And of course Madame Maxime had a plan set up to only bring girls; she had always been quite a feminist herself. It was a hard world for powerful Witches, Draco knew. He had heard stories about Madame having to fight her way to the position she was at now. Apparently she had been dragged down and pushed aside a lot by other Wizards whom believed Beauxbatons should forever remain in the hands of a powerful Wizard instead of a Witch — but ever since she had become Headmistress of the school, she had ruled like no-one else had ever before.
With a pout he crossed his arms like a lot of other students did. André and Ansel also didn't seemed pleased with the news, as they both were fond of blasting hexes and jinxes at others. Competition was in their blood; as well as in Draco's.
'But don't be sad, mes amours, I will also select a few from other years to join us on this exciting voyage to Scotland,' Madame explained. Those words lightened up Draco's mood in a second, making the pout disappear and lifting his chin a bit. The twins also straightened their backs and fixed their uniforms as if to impress Madame from afar.
'All les filles in their seventh year, please wait at your table after dinner so we can discuss more of the details. Now, I have selected a few lucky étudiants of other years and will call their names one by one. If your name is chosen, please remain at you table after dinner as well. Let's begin.'
Everybody held their breath as the names of female students rolled off Madame Maxime's tongue; all of them sounding familiar in Draco's ears. The girls were either very talented for their age or extremely beautiful, meaning that Madame knew exactly who she was choosing and why; she wanted to impress Hogwarts at all costs.
'And at last, we have decided to only bring one garçon with us,' Madame announced.
Voices were raised at his table; all the boys protesting against the matter immediately. They had kept to some sort of quiet at the start, but having such a small chance at visiting another Wizarding School just outraged them all. Draco bit his bottom lip and felt nervous all of the sudden. He really wanted to go to Hogwarts; to support his school and experience things no other boy of his school would experience. Would Madame choose him? What if she chose one of the twins? They were both the perfect candidate; talented and beautiful. Perhaps Draco could always send a letter to Father if he didn't get selected; he was sure he would turn things around easily.
'Draco Malfoy, you are coming with the lovely ladies,' Madame Maxime's voice then declared.
Hearing his name getting called, Draco took a deep breath and listened to the applauding hands of his fellow students and friends. I made it. I'm going to Scotland. Always had Draco hoped he would visit another Wizarding School in his life — and he must admit that he had heard a lot of good things from Hogwarts. He might not be able to participate in the Tournament, but who knew what other great experiences were lying ahead of him; waiting for him to grab with both hands and devour.
'Now, let's eat!'
The golden doors of the dining chamber got thrown open and house-elves walked in holding trays of food. A buffet started to gather on the two tables, filling the room with scents of the most delicious foods. Starting with soup and some bread, followed by complicated dishes like escargot; the French cuisine would definitely be missed in Scotland.
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A pale blue carriage with winged horses was eagerly waiting by the chateau's entrance; ready to bring the students of Beauxbatons to a different location. As big as a house, the carriage was and as large as elephants the horses were. Draco felt intimidated by its size but encouraged at the same time. Madame Maxime stood by one of the horses, making the giant creature look a little smaller. André and Ansel said their last goodbyes to Draco before disappearing into the chateau again, waving their hands over-dramatically.
The last few girls boarded the carriage and Draco remained the last one outside; staring at the chateau over his shoulder. Saying good-bye to it for a year hit him rather hard; he would miss every nook of the magical building. He had always preferred staying at the chateau than at home; holidays meant Pureblood lectures in a gloomy Manor.
'Don't worry, mon amour,' Madame Maxime said to him, interrupting his thoughts. 'You'll feel at home in Scotland as well; je suis sûr.'
Draco faced her and put on a little smile. He himself wasn't entirely sure about that, but her words were reassuring in some way. 'Why did you choose me, out of all the boys?' he asked her.
The tall woman sighed, cupping Draco's cheek in the large palm of her hand. 'Ne demandez pas des choses que vous connaissez déjà, mon cher,' she answered. And it was right; maybe Draco secretly knew why he had been chosen. He had always been ahead of his year and had never shown interest in girls the way most boys did. It wasn't because he didn't like the girls; it was because he didn't particularly like them that way. Maybe Madame also needed him to encourage the girls; to make them look beautiful and to be like a guide to them.
One step inside the carriage and he was immediately reminded of a train; a passageway with many doors to small compartments on each side. One of the girls of which he knew was in his year — named Marie — appeared behind him and guided him to one of the doors numbered eleven. The compartment was around the size of a train's compartment as well; holding just enough space for a small bed, sink with a mirror above and the tiniest desk he had ever seen. Seated on the bed, Marie pointed out the door that held a small bathroom; only to use if highly necessary. With a firm nod she disappeared, leaving Draco behind in his small, new room.
A voice shouted at the horses; demanding them to take off. The giant round wheels of the carriage left the ground in seconds, the weight now being carried by wings. Nose pressed against the small window of his compartment, Draco looked outside to see the chateau disappear behind some clouds. They were up so high already! Draco wasn't very keen on flying ever since he had gotten an accident in his first year; rather preferred staying with both feet solid on the ground. But what had to be done, had to be done — and traveling by flying horses had always been a tradition to the school of Beauxbatons.
At night he felt the carriage slowly sweep from left to right with neighing horses in the background. The girls were deadly quiet; not a single sound was made and no footsteps were heard. But Draco couldn't contain himself from opening his door slightly and taking a peek outside; only to find the small passageway deserted. A yellow lamp flickered and swung from the ceiling; making grim shadows on other doors. Door closed and back pressed against his mattress again, he decided to get some sleep. Tomorrow would be a busy day; meeting new students, learning new culture and trying to swallow Scottish food. And most importantly; overseeing the girls.
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'Réveillez-vous!' Madame Maxime shouted around the carriage.
Wide awake in seconds Draco started to get dressed, washing his face in the small sink he was provided with and making the small bed he slept in. Orange light shined in through the window, giving his blue robes a golden gleam. With a comb the same gold as reflected he brushed slowly through his long hair, eyes fixed on his reflexion in the mirror. He always found it interesting how his face could look so different when his hair was hung loose, the tips brushing all the way to his elbows. It almost made him look like he was one of the girls.
Knocking on his door made Draco drop his comb, finding Fleur on the other side. 'Can I use your comb? I think I forgot mine,' she asked, her eyes already glancing at the mentioned golden object that had fallen to the floor.
'I wasn't done with it yet!' Draco sneered at her, picking up the comb but handing it to Fleur anyway.
She flashed a few bright teeth at him, a smile Draco didn't return — but he wanted Fleur to look beautiful today as Draco expected her to join the Tournament — she was the brightest Witch of her year. Of course there were other girls that were capable of participating in the Tournament as well, but Fleur just had that little extra touch. Probably the Veela touch, that could enchant people and was a big advantage to her. Draco combed a little further through his hair with his fingers, tied it up perfectly and hid it beneath Beauxbatons' signature blue hat. He was ready for today and hoped that the girls were as well; they had to be as enchanting as possible. They had to beam and they had to be able to make any boy drop to his knees at the slightest glance thrown in their direction. As Draco opened his door and took a peek down the passageway again, he could see some girls running from one compartment to another; looking simply marvelous.
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A large lake approached Draco's view, followed by a beautiful castle on top of huge rock formations. His eyes looked at it as if mesmerized; it seemed like something from a fairytale. Scotland was more beautiful than he had thought. At least, Hogwarts was. He could see many tiny windows and the smallest architectural details that another set of eyes would simply ignore. Gargoyles in every magical creature's shape; it was all quite the sight.
As they approached the castle he could see a man, waving signs as for where the horses should land. The carriage passed a bridge as it made a turn to its landing — dozens of faces stared at the flash of pale blue passing by in awe. Are those the students of Hogwarts, Draco wondered. They looked like small black dots with hints of color. The horses came to a halt beside the man Draco saw earlier; he was quite tall and hairy, with a big fur coat covering most of his body. Next to him sat a large dog, dripping drool out of its mouth. Whoever this man was; Draco found him as interesting to look at as the castle beside him.
Madame Maxime was the first one to get off, stretching out her hand for the mystery man to kiss. The man seemed to be bit surprised by it but accepted Madame's hand and kissed it with great delicacy, as if her hand was made out of porcelain. Madame showed him her brightest smile and got one in return, followed by a blush of pink cheeks. Draco could vaguely hear the man tell Madame his name; Hagrid or something likewise — a name Draco had never heard before. Even though this Hagrid appeared tall to Draco, he couldn't compete against the long and slender figure that was Madame Maxime.
Draco was the second one to leave the carriage, hands neatly behind his back and chin held up high. He helped the girls get out; taking each one of their hands and either complimenting them or correcting some of their flaws. 'Tuck away that strand of hair, Marie. You missed a button, Chloé. With a sour face like that, you're not even going to impress a ghost, Ella…'
He inhaled the morning air and looked up at the castle. A few faces had appeared in front of the windows and in the distance he could see a few students eagerly hoping to catch a glimpse of what was going on. A gust of wind hit his face and made him shiver. He quickly retrieved a silk scarf from his suitcase, wrapping it around his neck before handing the round piece of luggage to Hagrid. The tall man then carefully placed them on a neat pile next to the carriage, making sure that Madame Maxime approved of his method of stacking order.
The girls all held their chins up high, just like Draco did. With their robes flaring around them, they must've been resembling butterflies fluttering against the wind as they made their way towards the castle. Especially the girls with their hair hanging loose over their shoulders; waving in sync with their robes. Draco followed their quick pace and watched each one of them carefully; making mental notes to compliment them on their elegancy later. They passed a few students whom wore the same black robes Draco had seen before; topped with brightly colored scarfs in red, green, blue and yellow. House colors, Draco thought. Hadn't he read about it somewhere in a history book? Beauxbatons didn't have something like houses; they were only divided into boys and girls but an unity otherwise. Of course there were conflicts sometimes but they were usually quickly resolved, knowing that they were all too sublime to fight.
Draco looked over his shoulder at Madame Maxime, talking to Hagrid. She looked glad to have found someone as tall as the hairy man, smiling brightly and pointing eagerly at her beautiful winged horses. As Draco turned his head towards the girls again, another gust of wind hit his face and blew his silk scar from his neck. The fabric floated in the air for a while like a feather before landing in front of a dark-haired boy. A bright red scarf and spectacles as round as buttons disappeared a few inches lower as the boy reached out for Draco's scarf, picking it up from the ground. Green eyes as bright as morning grass stared right into Draco's greys as the boy lifted his head again, making Draco's heart skip a beat.
'Here you go,' the boy said to him with a nervous smile.
Draco took in the boy's face while retrieving his scarf; noticing the lightning bolt scar above the boy's eyebrow and feeling his heart skip once again. It's him. It's the boy from the tales.
'Merci,' he thanked the boy, quickly catching up with the girls.
Keeping his eyes fixed on them, he couldn't help but feel confused at the recognition of the boy. He had heard so many tales, so many rumors. Were they true? Maybe the boy just had a similar scar… And his eyes, they were so green.
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As Madame had told them, the Headmaster of Hogwarts had a grand entrance planned for the two foreign schools. The man himself was currently talking to his own students in what they called the Great Hall but could be found similar to the dining chamber back at Beauxbatons. Draco and the girls were waiting on one side of the wide hallway, the boys of Durmstrang on the other side. Positioned in front of the girls, Draco tried to block the view on his lovely ladies from the Bulgarian beasts. Beside keeping his chin up high, he also kept his eyes locked with that of the youngest Quidditch star in history; Viktor Krum. Taking in his strong facial features and posture, he found his heart skip for a third time that very day. It wasn't the same as when he had seen the boy's green eyes, though. Those eyes were mesmerizing compared to Krum's dull browns.
Madame Maxime appeared from around the corner, giving Draco a simple sign with her hand. Quickly Draco positioned the girls to where they had to be, encouraging them as he went. He joined Madame by her side and watched the grand doors open up to the Great Hall. A ceiling enchanted to mimic a night sky, floating candles and many eyes casted upon them. Full of confidence the girls made their way through the Hall, making butterflies appear out of nowhere and throwing enchanting glances at the boys seated nearby. Fleur's sister Grabrielle followed them with a few flexible moves, showing the students of Hogwarts the other talents the students of Beauxbatons possessed.
As they reached the front of the Hall, bowing to their audience, Madame Maxime was announced and strode down the Hall with Draco by her side. She beamed and so did he as he felt all eyes on the pair of them. Some faces were shocked by how tall his Headmistress was, others were surprised to see Beauxbatons also had a male student in their midst. Reaching the middle of the Hall, Madame stopped her pace to let Draco take a step before her. Opening his arms with both palms of his hands held up to the ceiling, the floating candles unlit themselves followed by every single star displayed in the magical night sky. A few students let out a scream because of the sudden darkness but Draco quickly made their worries disappear; out of his left hand he made a glowing butterfly appear, fluttering its wings and leaving trails of brightly glowing stars and glitter behind. The beautiful creature made its way throughout the Great Hall, lighting up the faces of a few students before landing on Draco's palm and returning all the light to the Hall again.
Students rose from their seats, clapping their hands as Draco bowed for what was now his audience. It was only then that he noticed the boy to his left; looking at him with huge eyes and a bright smile, clapping his hands the fastest of all. Without a second guess Draco gave the butterfly on his hand a blow and it fluttered towards him, taking its landing on the boy's nose. Draco gave him a little smile before joining the girls at the front, bowing with them once again.
As they seated themselves amongst students dressed with blue details — he later discovered were called 'Ravenclaws' — he felt a little disappointed for not being able to talk to the boy he now had encountered twice. Never mind, he thought, he would have plenty of time in the future to get to know him.