Lumièrè || C. Diggory

ELEVEN

"Cedric, you made it!" Aurelia exclaimed, her cheeks flushing with joy.

"Of course, I wouldn't miss your birthday celebration," Cedric replied with a warm smile.

Aurelia's friends exchanged knowing glances as Cedric approached her. They knew something special was about to happen.

"Happy birthday, Aurelia," Cedric said, his eyes sparkling as he handed her the velvet box.

Aurelia opened the box, and her breath caught in her throat as she saw the most stunning bracelet she had ever laid eyes on. It was adorned with delicate silver charms that seemed to glimmer like stars.

"Oh, Cedric, it's beautiful!" Aurelia gasped, her eyes brimming with tears of joy.

"I'm glad you like it," Cedric said softly. "I wanted to give you something special, something that  you'll remember back in France."

Aurelia was speechless for a moment, but then she hugged Cedric tightly, feeling overwhelmed by the gesture. "Thank you so much, Cedric. This means the world to me."

"You deserve it, Aurelia," Cedric said, his voice full of sincerity. "You bring so much excitement and happiness into my life, and I can't imagine spending this Triwizard Tournament without you."

As the Beauxbatons carriage traveled through the night, Aurelia settled into her bed, her thoughts still filled with the joy of the birthday celebration and the meaningful gift from Cedric. The bracelet glimmered in the soft glow of the carriage's interior.

Just as she was about to doze off, her friend Burnette approached her, holding a sealed letter in her hands.

"Aurelia, I almost forgot to give you this," Burnette said, her voice tinged with concern.

Aurelia took the letter, puzzled by the urgency in Burnette's expression. "What is it, Burnette?"

"It's from my sister," Burnette explained. "She's an Auror, and she sent me this letter to give to you. She said it's important."

Aurelia's curiosity piqued, she opened the letter and began to read:

"Dear Aurelia,

I hope this letter finds you safe and well. I apologize for the urgency, but there's something you need to know. My fellow Aurors and I have been investigating some disturbing activities related to the Dark Lord and his Death Eaters. It appears they are showing an alarming interest in your parents.

We've reason to believe that your parents might be under surveillance, and it's crucial that you take extra precautions for your own safety. As the Triwizard Tournament attracts a lot of attention, it's possible that they might attempt to use it as an opportunity to approach you or someone dear to you.

I know this is a lot to take in, but I wanted to warn you and let you know that we are doing everything in our power to ensure your parents' safety. I understand how much they mean to you, and I promise to keep you informed of any developments.

Please be vigilant and careful during your time at Hogwarts. It might be best to avoid any unnecessary attention and to stay close to those you trust.

Take care, and remember, we're here for you.

Sincerely,

Marlene."

Aurelia's heart pounded in her chest as she absorbed the words. The Dark Lord and his followers were following her parents? She couldn't fathom the danger they might be in, and she felt a surge of worry and fear for their safety.

She looked up at Burnette, her eyes wide with concern. "Thank you for giving me this, Burnette. I can't believe they're after my parents."

Burnette nodded, her expression sympathetic. "I'm sorry, Aurelia. But you have friends here who will support you through this. If you ever need anything, I'm here for you."

Aurelia's heart sank as she processed the contents of the letter. The revelation about her parents' past allegiance to the Dark Lord sent a chill down her spine. However, instead of immediately springing into action, she paused, considering her options carefully.

Deep down, Aurelia knew her parents were capable individuals. They had chosen to step away from the darkness long before she was born, and she trusted in their ability to handle the situation. Moreover, she was certain they wouldn't want her to put herself in harm's way by getting involved.

With a heavy sigh, Aurelia made her decision. "I appreciate the warning, Burnette, but I think it's best if I stay out of this."

Burnette looked surprised. "But Aurelia, aren't you worried about your parents?""Of course, I am," Aurelia replied, her voice steady. "But I know they're strong and resourceful. They've protected me all these years, and now it's my turn to trust in their abilities to keep themselves safe."

She paused, a small smile playing on her lips. "Besides, I doubt they'd want me to return to Beauxbatons out of fear for my safety. They've always encouraged me to pursue my studies and my dreams, and I won't let fear dictate my actions."

Burnette nodded, understanding dawning in her eyes. "I see. Well, if you ever change your mind or need anything, you know where to find me."

"Thank you, Burnette," Aurelia said gratefully.

"I'll keep that in mind."As she watched Burnette leave the room, Aurelia felt a sense of relief wash over her. She knew she had made the right decision.

Aurelia's heart pounded as she absorbed the gravity of Marlene's warning. Without hesitation, she sprang to her feet, her mind racing with thoughts of returning to France to ensure her parents' safety.

"I have to go back, Burnette," she declared urgently, her hands already reaching for her belongings.

But Burnette gently laid a hand on her arm, her expression serious yet compassionate. "Aurelia, I understand your concern, but your parents are some of the most powerful wizards in the entire wizarding world. They wouldn't want you to abandon your studies and put yourself in harm's way."

Aurelia froze, her mind spinning with conflicting emotions. On one hand, she felt a primal urge to protect her family, to shield them from the looming threat of the Death Eaters. But on the other hand, she knew Burnette was right. Her parents had always stressed the importance of her education, encouraging her to pursue her dreams and aspirations.

Torn between her desire to keep her family safe and her commitment to her studies, Aurelia hesitated, unsure of what to do next. Deep down, she knew that Burnette was speaking the truth, that her parents would want her to stay and focus on her education.

Taking a deep breath, Aurelia reluctantly nodded, her resolve firming. "You're right, Burnette. I can't let fear dictate my actions. My parents wouldn't want me to put myself in danger."

With a heavy heart, she began to gather her belongings, pushing aside her fears and doubts for the time being. As Aurelia returned to her bed, a lingering unease settles in her mind. Despite her resolve to trust her parents' ability to handle themselves, subtle hints from the past continue to trouble her thoughts.

Memories resurface: cryptic remarks exchanged between her parents, glimpses of a history they've kept hidden. There were mentions of old allegiances, debts owed, and unfinished business, all shrouded in secrecy.

Aurelia tries to push these thoughts aside, to focus on her studies and her life at school. But the doubts linger, fueled by the whispers of the Dark Lord's resurgence.

She watched her parents closely when they visit Beauxbatons in the past, searching for clues in their expressions and gestures. There are fleeting glances exchanged between them, subtle shifts in their demeanor that hint at something more.

Despite her growing unease, Aurelia remains determined to trust in her parents' judgment. They've always protected her, shielded her from harm. Surely they wouldn't willingly put her in danger.