In Noctem [English version]

III

| 𝕯𝖚𝖝 𝖈𝖆𝖕𝖎𝖙 𝖓𝖔𝖝 𝖉𝖎𝖊𝖒 |

With her hand holding her bag over her shoulder, Izïa Connor observed the comings and goings of the wizards. The young Vietnamese girl clutched the copper end so tightly that her knuckles turned white. She didn't like coming to Myroam very much. All those wizards from Hogwarts kept reminding her that she was not. Not that she didn't like being at Beauxbatons, but knowing her family's past, it still revolted her. Especially since the French school of magic had a certain standing on the female level. Grace and patience were not part of Izïa. She never really felt like she belonged. Fortunately for her, the young witch with the comforting smile and boundless knowledge who came to her was there.

- I'm sorry, Daphne has changed her mind and wants to go home, apologized Maeve Megan.

- Are you going with her? worried Izïa.

- No, I was just making sure that's what she wanted.

Izïa nodded. Daphne Megan was Maeve's little sister. She was only eleven, magic school was something new to her, so when her older sister had told her about the winter holidays, she had wanted to do the same. But she was not confident enough. She had gone all the way, only to turn back. Izïa could not say that she was surprised. Daphne had never been able to settle anywhere. Unlike Maeve who, when she made a decision, stuck to it.

- Shall we go? You don't want to miss your mother's speech!

She sighed and rolled her eyes. Leen Connor, her mother, was the headmistress of Myroam. Mother and daughter did not have the healthiest of relationships. There was always a deep resentment between them.

- Izy? Maeve called out to her, seeing that she didn't react.

- We can wait until after the speech to go home. She already forces me to come here every winter.

- That's because she wants to see you.

- If she wanted to see me, she should have sent me to Hogwarts.

Maeve sighed and shook her head. The young witch knew this speech by heart. And it wasn't very flattering to hear her best friend wanting to go to a school other than her own. She pretended not to be touched and moved closer to her, encouraging her to go further this time.

- She sent me to Beauxbatons just because of the headmaster of Hogwarts.

- Albus Dumbledore?

Izïa nodded her head in agreement before leaning against a wall, pulling one of her feet up against it. Arms crossed over her chest, she breathed.

- She went to that bloody school, why else would she send me to France?

The young wizard didn't know what to say. Her friend was about to reply when they were called. Obviously, there was no way to escape the speeches. Izïa reluctantly stood up and crossed the barrier, which immediately closed behind her. She looked at it with regret before catching Maeve's encouraging glance.

The castle was architecturally impressive. Its nine towers were immense and commanded respect. Here, every wizard and fantastical creature knew their history. Myroam welcomed any wizard, no matter where they came from. Inside, the decoration was neutral, but nonetheless magnificent. The castle had retained its medieval origins, but with some modern touches. The great hall through which the wizards arrived extended to the centre of the great courtyard. In the centre of the courtyard was a large marble staircase. There stood Leen Connor, accompanied by her colleagues, three wizards and a dwarf. Izïa had to admit it, her mother imposed discipline and respect, just like her castle.

- Welcome to Myroam. You may or may not know this, but this castle has hosted different wizards, from different schools, every holiday. This winter is no exception.

Maeve listened to the beginning of the speech with all the attention she could muster, when her eyes were drawn to something. Or rather someone. Regulus Black and Ethan Vardar had just slipped into her field of vision. As she caught sight of the latter, her heart missed a beat. The urge to go to him caught in her throat, but she controlled herself. The young witch did not forget where she was, nor with whom she was. Ethan might be there, but he wasn't alone. Neither was she. The young witch straightened when she caught his gaze. He too had seen her. He smiled shyly at her, then resumed his false contemplation.

- I see, whispered Izïa in his ear. If you've come, it's not just for me. I must admit I'm a little hurt.

Her friend beckoned her to be quiet before smiling all the same. Of course, Izïa knew about her and Ethan.

- Now that you know everything, I'll let you settle down. Dinner will be served in an hour, concluded Leen Connor.

Damn! She hadn't listened to a single word of the speech. This was not like her. Maeve sighed, all it took was Ethan Vardar to be around for her to lose all concentration. It was lucky he wasn't at Beauxbatons.

- Who are they?

The two witches turned to face Aerin Dow. This young witch had introduced herself to them a year ago. Maeve had got on well with her straight away, while Izïa had remained on her guard. She couldn't quite figure her out, the young witch keeping her person a mystery. For the young Connor, it was only to make her interesting, but not according to Maeve. After all, the young witch was known for her benevolence and kindness. She always reached out to everyone.

- Hello Aerin, greeted her Maeve.

- Who are you talking about? asked Izïa her in turn.

- Them," she answered, pointing to Regulus, Robin and Ethan.

The two friends followed her gaze.

- They are Regulus Black, Robin McKinnon and Ethan Vardar, answered Izïa quite naturally. They're from Hogwarts.

- And it's not good there? They look unhappy.

- I don't know," she answered through clenched teeth.

- They're fine there," Maeve finally replied.

Aerin raised her eyebrows. Fortunately, she didn't notice Maeve's confusion. The students parted ways, prompting the two friends to do the same. Maeve went to ask Aerin where she was going to stay, but Aerin had disappeared before she had the chance. She frowned and looked at Izia who shrugged indifferently. She wanted to turn back to where she had last seen Ethan, but again, she saw no one.

- Come on, you'll see him at dinner, whispered Izïa to her.

Maeve returned her smile, even if it was more teasing than anything else. Knowing the way, she followed her friend to the North Tower. They passed the English school's crest, before ending up in front of their own. Their coat of arms, two crossed golden wands surrounded by three stars each, stood in the middle of the stone tower.

- You're never really far from each other, sighed Izïa, before winking at her friend.

Feeling her cheeks turn pink, Maeve pulled out her wand and identified herself with a silent spell. There, a thin door appeared and opened. An elegant pastel blue corridor opened up before them. All they needed to do was settle in.

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By blueskyling222