With Love, || N.B.

𝑭𝒐𝒖𝒓

"But I swear, no harm shall fall upon you as long as I shall live. And not a day will pass by that I don't miss your smile."

__________

A heavy feeling sat in the pit of Narcissa's stomach. As she watched Eleonora run out of the room, pushing past students to escape the mortification of what just happened, she couldn't help but feel slightly...bad. And, after apologizing quickly to Professor McGonagall, she flung her bag over her shoulder, hurrying out of the room.

It wasn't until she made it far down the corridor that she heard sniffling. She paused outside the girls' bathroom, listening intently as someone made conversation with a disembodied voice.

"Well at least you're not dead," the voice squealed. "I'd rather be a goose than live in the U-bend."

"I wish I were dead," the person cried.

Narcissa crept around the corner, watching intently as Eleonora sobbed to Moaning Myrtle.

"She knew the charm was wrong, too!" she choked. "The least--the least she could've done was--was told me I had the wrong page!" She wiped streams of tears from her cheeks, blowing her nose with a piece of toilet paper. Narcissa rolled her eyes as she continued watching.

"You have it easier than me," Myrtle whined. "I live in a bathroom! I'm dead!"

"Myrtle," Eleonora cried, "you're not helping!"

"Well, fine!" Myrtle pouted, crossing her arms over her chest. "If I'm no help, then I'll just leave!" She rushed past Eleonora, a wave of ice trickling down her spine as Myrtle muttered to herself, "Myrtle's never any help...No one wants to talk to her...she's dead..."

Eleonora wiped the tears from her eyes, sniffling as she turned around. Before she had time to leave, Narcissa froze, catching the eyes of Eleonora.

"Why are you here?" Eleonora glared.

"I'm--I was just--"

"Doesn't matter," she muttered, walking past and taking care to butt shoulders with Narcissa.

__________

Taking a seat at the Hufflepuff table, Eleonora threw her bag down beside Finch.

"What's ruffled your feathers?" Finch asked, completely oblivious to Eleonora's situation.

Eleonora looked at him, a stone-cold glare in her gaze. "Now is not the time, Finch!"

Across the Great Hall, a group of Slytherins surrounding Narcissa were giggling. Eleonora sat facing her, glowering at her. Narcissa rolled her eyes, turning to the gaggle of students around her. Staring intently, Eleonora could make out the words "goose" and "hilarious" as Narcissa laughed along with them.

__________

Late November, 1972

As the weeks stretched on, the mention of the goose incident was lost. People found new topics to gossip about, and more importantly, a grand event was announced at dinner.

The clinking of Professor McGonagall's glass sounded throughout the Great Hall as Dumbledore stepped up to the podium. His hands raised, he calmly silenced the room, everyone turning their attention to him.

"As dinner comes to a close," Dumbledore whimsed, "I'd like to make an important announcement for all fourth through seventh years." A sound of disappointment reverberated around the room from all first, second, and third years as he continued. "Though it is tradition to only hold this special event during the treacherous Triwizard Tournament, we've made a special exception this year. As a reward for everyone's hard work throughout the years, we will be hosting a Yule Ball." Excited murmurs sounded as a pleased smile grew on Dumbledore's face. "Yes, yes! The Yule Ball will be held on December 19, the day before holiday begins. We will be electing members for a court who will lead the first dance. We encourage everyone who will attend, to bring a dance partner, for the more there is, the merrier it will be."

At Dumbledore's words, Eleonora shifted her eyes to across the room, making direct eye contact with Narcissa and glaring threateningly.