The Dark Mark | D.M

'Anonymous' Owl

XI

"Wakey wakey~" Someone whispered.

"Oh come on, Charlotte. Do you think, Astrid will wake up with you whispering your words?" Says another.

"It is called 'gentle awakening', Amelie." Charlotte rolled her eyes, her voice still quiet but sharp.

Amelie scoffed before turning her attention to Astrid who was laying on her bed in her pajamas. "Wake up, sleeping beauty!" She yelled.

"Can you be, at least a little modest, Amelie?" Charlotte scolded.

"It is so early in the morning you two. Please do shut up." Astrid grunted, her left elbow supporting her upper body as she hoisted herself up the bed, rubbing her eyes gently with a scowl.

"Well, first of all, it's half past seven, and second, Joyeux anniversaire!" [Happy Birthday!] Amelie gushed, launching herself to Astrid, embracing her friend in a tight hug while Charlotte stood patiently for her turn, a white frosted circular cake sitting on top of her hands.

A small oof emitted from Astrid as her back hit the mattress beneath her, with Amelie on top of her. "Merci les filles." Astrid offered the two a genuine smile.

"Well, go on. Make a wish and blow the candle." Amelie urged the brunette as she lift herself off of Astrid.

Astrid did exactly what her friend told her to. She made a wish and blew her candle, hugging Charlotte the moment the lit candle was blown out.

"Go get ready, we only have this morning to celebrate!" Charlotte exclaimed in excitement.

"We're celebrating?" asked Astrid as she took a few steps away from the two, grabbing her blue uniform in the process.

"Of course, we are!" it was Amelie's turn to shriek.

"But, like you said, Lottie. We only have this free morning period for the day. We can't even leave the castle grounds since it's Monday."

"Oh, tush. Not being able to leave the grounds does not mean we can't celebrate." Charlotte wiggled her brows.

"We can always celebrate with food and music~" Amelie began to move her body—pretending like there is music.

"I am not dancing. I am alright with food though." Astrid cocked her brows with a smile before twirling around to get ready.

"Of course you are." Charlotte teased.

On a chilly morning in Hogwarts, the Great Hall emanated an aura of winter enchantment. Delicate frost patterns adorned the tall windows, framing the ethereal rays of pale sunlight that managed to penetrate the glass. The stone walls, cool to the touch, were bathed in the soft glow of countless floating candles, casting dancing shadows across the grand hall. As the students entered for breakfast, they were greeted by the tantalizing aromas of freshly brewed pumpkin juice, steaming tea, and hot cocoa that mingled in the air.

The long tables, adorned with crimson tablecloths, were elegantly set with gleaming silverware, delicate china plates, and sparkling crystal goblets. The Beauxbatons trio settled into their seats, their breath was visible in the crisp air, eager to partake in the hearty morning feast. Platters of sizzling bacon, scrambled eggs, and golden pancakes with a dusting of powdered sugar tempted their appetites.

Outside the towering windows, the Hogwarts grounds lay blanketed in a pristine layer of glistening snow. The wintry morning painted a picturesque backdrop, enhancing the sense of magic and camaraderie that permeated the Great Hall.