Till the Last Petal Falls / Marcus Flint

0.4 - The Start of an Ever-Ending Dream

Author note: So 'ACT I' will be all about a sped-up version of Dahlia's years at Beauxbatons. I've planned for her to spend six years in the castle with her friends. In her third year, since she is three years older, Harry starts his first year and we will see them interacting through letters and/or holidays in the chapters. From now on I'll be sharing 6 more chapters all of which follows another year. This is the first, hope you'll enjoy it as much as I do. 

*FIRST YEAR*

The first-year students found themselves seated at long tables adorned with a spread of delectable cuisine, of French origin, as one would expect from an institution in France. The room had an enchanting charm, with ivy plants displaying their vibrant seasonal blossoms in the corners. This spring-like ambiance, however, contrasted with the remarkable ice sculptures that seemed to be immune to time. Proudly occupying the center of the room, between the dining tables, were magnificent, never-melting ice sculptures in the shape of various magical creatures.

Dahlia's eyes widened with delight as she looked at this mesmerizing sight, a view she had never before encountered. Despite her lineage in the wizarding world, she couldn't help but feel awed by the magic of French witches and wizards. It was as if a world of wonders awaited her, and she realized how much she had to learn. Beside her, new friends Yelena, Sophie, and Mylan pointed out the various enchantments around them. Yelena, in particular, proved to be a knowledgeable guide, sitting uptight and being proud of knowing everything before the others did.

"It's all from reading extensively and being a second year," Yelena shared, making Dahlia nod in agreement as Sophie and Mylan marveled at a blooming ivy flower.

The lively chatter was getting even louder when musical instruments materialized on a circular stage placed before the students' tables. Dahlia couldn't help but gasp in amazement, but the true surprise was yet to come as magical beings made their entrance. These creatures possessed skin of light, shining with a green hue, with eyes and hair of the most enchanting colors, while their dresses moved as if they were caught in a gentle, unseen breeze.

 "Wow, what are those creatures?" the eleven-year-old blonde exclaimed, her jaw-dropping in awe at the sight before her. However, her excitement was quieted down by a hushed reprimand from Genevieve, who had been eavesdropping on their conversation from the neighboring table.

"Don't stare!" Genevieve scolded Dahlia, causing the young girl to jump in surprise and look suddenly guilty. Their group's gaze shifted toward the older girl, who seemed rather stern. Yelena, a true mischief-maker at heart, had a mischievous glint in her eye. Even though she wasn't one to cause trouble often, she couldn't resist the opportunity to tease her newest friends about the things they yet had to learn. "It's rude. Do non-magique have no decency?" Genevieve continued. She seemed offended by Dahlia's short remark.

"They do!" Dahlia defended herself with a slightly high-pitched voice, though she quickly lowered it upon realizing that Sophie gesturing for her to do so. "I just got excited."

Genevieve softened her tone, with a softer expression as she recalled her own meeting with the wood nymphs. "Of course, you would, ma cherie," she said kindly. "They are wood nymphs, and they don't appreciate being stared at."

***

"Dear father, mother, Dudley and Harry, 

I know Dudley, Harry, and Mom won't be reading this letter even though it is addressed to them as well but Dad, please say hi to them from me, I hope everybody is doing well. I have made it to my school safely, and it is AMAZING here. We have amazing ivies, ice sculptures (They never melt, can you believe it?), and wood nymphs singing to us as we eat our food. I'm not the only one inexperienced with this magic stuff, there are other non-magique students and all of the professors are so understanding. It has only been two weeks since the lessons started but I think I'm doing well in most. However, charms and transfiguration are proving to be a challenge. Don't worry, I'll manage to pass them.