Draco's Charm

1 - Train ride

I'm sorry, mum. 

I know you warned me but I wasn't strong enough. I gave in, it's easier this way. I can't cope with the pain of losing you. Siren charming helps me to be closer to you.

It's connecting us. 

I watched you die. I changed so much, I want to be myself again. I miss you. 

I want to be better.

--

August 28, present

In the months that followed, I developed my own unique way of dealing with the pain, although it could be better described as "not the most morally upright" approach. Siren charming became my secret refuge, a means to escape the relentless ache that had taken root since my mother's passing.

One fateful day, while strolling through Diagon Alley, I stumbled upon Thomas, an eager and rather cute young man in search of adventure. I couldn't resist the temptation to charm him, to drown out the sadness that had become a constant companion since the day I lost my mum.

So there I stood, locked in a kiss with Thomas, attempting to silence the tumultuous emotions within.

I must admit, though, Thomas was a dreadful kisser.

After a few moments, I decided to vent my feelings. "I really don't want to attend your school," I said absentmindedly, toying with his shirt. Just ten minutes ago, I had learned he was a Hogwarts student.

It seemed like everyone important to me was slipping away—my mother, Suzzie, and Kathy.

Using my charm had become somewhat of a routine whenever I felt overwhelmed. It made me feel powerful when I was drowning in weakness and fear inside. These boys were like puppets, dancing to my tune, willing to do anything for me.

At first, the ease with which I manipulated them sickened me, but over time, that guilt slowly faded. I grew accustomed to it, becoming increasingly numb with each encounter.

But in this peculiar game, charming boys served as a tenuous connection to my mother, a bond I couldn't bear to sever. Every time I saw that siren spark in their eyes, it felt like my mother and I shared an extraordinary secret—an ability exclusive to us. For me, that spark was the only thing that existed, no romantic butterflies or clichéd sensations described in novels—just this.

And so, on this rather gloomy summer day, I found myself ensnaring yet another unsuspecting boy.

"Why? Hogwarts is the best!" Thomas exclaimed, his smile wide.

"No particular reason," I replied with a hint of bitterness. "I just happen to think Beauxbatons is better."

He looked at me, curiosity piqued, and asked, "So why the transfer?"

"My family believes it's for the best," I explained, my irritation creeping back in. "Well, not my entire family, just my newfound half-brother. That insufferable Blaise dragged me to his school. It's utterly bonkers."

"Wait! You know Blaise? Blaise Zabini? The guy from Slytherin?"

"Yes," I confirmed, my annoyance momentarily taking over. "He's my newfound half-brother. He seems to care a lot about me, which is baffling. We've only recently met, yet he acts strangely around me. He knows so much about me, but it's only been a few weeks. How does he know my favorite song, and why is he making me change schools?"

"Maybe he's just observant," Thomas suggested. "You should be grateful he's treating you so nicely. He's a real jerk to me."

"Yeah, perhaps," I muttered, though I couldn't shake the feeling that "observant" was a gross understatement. I hadn't even listened to music since May, let alone mentioned my favorite song. It seemed like my musical mood had vanished.