Amid the quiet embrace of Everhart's Books, Lucian discovers an unexpected connection with Hermione, their friendship blooming over a languid summer as secrets intertwine their destinies between Ilvermorny and Hogwarts. With the Triwizard Tournament...
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Lucian awoke the next morning with a groggy head and a sense of contentment that lingered from the previous night's celebration. As he stretched and yawned, his thoughts naturally drifted to the plans he had made with Noah and Lily for the Yule Ball. The idea of asking Hermione to be his date had filled him with hope and excitement.
However, as he reached for his glasses on the bedside table, his eye caught a familiar headline on the front page of the Daily Prophet, which lay there waiting for him. The headline read, "Hermione Granger Spotted with Harry Potter: A New Romance Blooms?"
Lucian's heart sank as he began to read the article. It detailed a supposed romantic encounter between Hermione and Harry Potter, speculating about their compatibility and the possibility of a budding relationship. The article included a photograph of Hermione and Harry walking together in the Hogwarts grounds, smiles on their faces, and heads bent close in conversation.
For a moment, Lucian's vision blurred as he struggled to process what he was seeing. He couldn't help but feel a sharp pang of disappointment and jealousy. He had been so certain that the Yule Ball would be his chance to express his feelings to Hermione, but now it seemed as though she might have found someone else.
In his frustration, Lucian tossed the Daily Prophet aside and swung his legs over the edge of his bed. He needed some fresh air and a clear head to sort through his emotions. He quickly dressed and left the Ilvermorny quarters, heading for the Hogwarts grounds.
As he walked, Lucian couldn't shake the feeling of missed opportunity and regret that gnawed at him. He had been so focused on celebrating Emily's victory and making plans for the Yule Ball that he had failed to take action when it mattered. Hermione was an intelligent and captivating witch, and he had been drawn to her for some time. But now, it seemed he might have lost his chance.
Lost in thought, Lucian wandered near the lake, the early morning mist hanging low over the water. He sighed deeply, his breath forming a white puff in the chilly air. The more he dwelled on the article, the more he felt his disappointment turn into resentment, not just towards Harry Potter but towards himself for not making his intentions clear sooner.
Just then, a voice interrupted his brooding thoughts. "Lucian, is that you?"
He turned to see Genevieve, the French girl from Beauxbatons, approaching him with a friendly smile. She had been the one who had asked him about Quodpot in the library a few days ago.
"Genevieve," Lucian replied, forcing a smile. "Yes, it's me. How are you?"
Genevieve stepped closer, her accent lending a musical quality to her words. "I am well, thank you. I was hoping to find you. I wanted to thank you for helping me understand Quodpot. You were very kind."
Lucian nodded, grateful for the distraction. "You're welcome. It was my pleasure to help. Quodpot can be a bit confusing at first, but once you get the hang of it, it's quite fun."
Genevieve's blue eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Would you like to go for a walk?"
Lucian hesitated for a moment, his mind still preoccupied with thoughts of Hermione. But he quickly realized that spending time with Genevieve might be a good way to take his mind off his own troubles. "Sure, why not?"
Lucian and Genevieve strolled along the edge of the lake, the early morning mist hanging low over the water. The tranquility of the setting seemed to encourage their candid conversation.
Lucian flashed a charming smile at Genevieve as he asked, "So, Genevieve, tell me about Beauxbatons. What's it like studying magic in France?"
Genevieve's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "Oh, Beauxbatons is simply enchanting. The castle itself is a masterpiece of elegance and artistry. We have gardens that seem to bloom with the most exquisite flowers all year round."
Lucian nodded, genuinely interested. "Sounds like a fairy tale. What's your favorite part of Beauxbatons?"
Genevieve's gaze turned thoughtful. "I adore the classical music performances in our grand hall. The sound of a piano or violin filling the air—it's like magic in itself."
Lucian leaned in closer, his voice soft and flirtatious. "I can imagine you as the star of one of those performances, captivating everyone with your talent."
Genevieve's cheeks turned a rosy shade of pink, and she chuckled. "You're quite the charmer, Lucian."
Lucian grinned. "Only when I'm in the presence of someone as enchanting as you. So, what's your favorite French dish?"
Genevieve's eyes lit up. "Ah, the cuisine! I have a weakness for croissants. There's something magical about that flaky, buttery goodness."
Lucian's smile was infectious. "I must say, you've got excellent taste. Croissants are a work of art. But tell me, Genevieve, have you tried American cuisine? We've got some pretty unique dishes too."
Genevieve's curiosity was piqued. "American cuisine? Like what?"
Lucian chuckled. "Well, we've got burgers, hot dogs, and my personal favorite, apple pie. You should definitely give them a try."
As they continued their playful conversation about food, culture, and their respective magical schools, Lucian couldn't help but feel a growing sense of connection with Genevieve. Unbeknownst to them, their lively exchange was drawing the attention of Lavender Brown and Parvati Patil, the Gryffindor girls known for their penchant for gossip. Lavender nudged Parvati and nodded discreetly in their direction.
"Parvati, look who we've got here. It's Lucian from Ilvermorny, and he's with that Beauxbatons girl. I wonder what they're up to."
Parvati squinted her eyes and watched the pair closely. "Hmm, they seem to be getting along quite well. Lucian looks pretty relaxed, doesn't he?"
Lavender smirked playfully. "Oh, I see what's going on here. They're definitely enjoying each other's company."
Lavender and Parvati, intrigued by the flirtatious and lighthearted nature of Lucian and Genevieve's conversation, couldn't resist speculating about the possibility of a budding romance by the lake, even if it was just a friendly exchange of cultural delights and magical stories.
