SOLSTICE

019

The flickering light from the enchanted sconces cast shifting shadows on the determined expression of Lucien as he stood in the Slytherin common room. The past month had been a whirlwind of contemplation for him, debating whether to navigate the seven years at Hogwarts quietly or to make a bold statement that would echo through the stone walls of the castle.

He had been contemplating a path of subtlety, but the circumstances now demanded something more audacious. 

As he looked around at the hostile faces surrounding him, it became abundantly clear that the choice had been made for him.

Lucien observed the approaching group with a bored expression, his eyes dissecting each member. When they halted in front of him, he raised an eyebrow in question. The leader, Wallace Avery, a seventh-year, spoke with disdain, "Look who's here—a filthy little Mudblood." 

Many gasped in shock, their faces contorted with disbelief and disdain. The words uttered by the boy echoed through the crowd, leaving a heavy silence in their wake.

"How can they be so cruel?" someone whispered, the sentiment shared by many in the assembly.

"How can he use that word?" another voice chimed in, the sheer audacity of Wallace's choice reverberating through the onlookers.

Among the crowd, muggle-born students like Isabella and Lily exchanged sympathetic glances with each other. They intimately understood the challenges of being born to non-magical parents in a world rife with prejudice, especially during times of escalating tensions and war.

Yet, Lucien rolled his eyes observing the reactions with a detached calmness. However, Lucien found the people's reaction a bit dramatic. 

To him, the word "mud-blood" was no different than any other curse word hurled in fits of anger or frustration. He had never allowed such terms to hold power over him, always maintaining a perspective that the impact of words depended on the importance one assigned to them.

Some smirked at the use of derogatory term, including Draco Malfoy, some watched with concern, while others were nonchalant about it.

"How did you become part of this group?" someone in the crowd asked Draco.

The rest of the group smirked as Draco responded, "You'll see."

Theodore watched with anticipation in his eyes as if he knew something.

Many found it odd.

Remaining silent, Lucien's piercing gaze bore into Avery's soul, causing a momentary falter that was quickly composed.  

"I think we need to teach you a lesson, show you where you truly stand."

Lucien still remained silent.

"Don't have a tongue in your mouth," Flint mocked, joined by laughter. Lucien took a deep breath, attempting to control himself. Flint continued, “Or mommy didnt teach you how to speak?”

Many gasped as they all saw he grew up without parents, casting sympathetic stares in Lucien's direction, which he ignored.

“Poor boy,” Euphemia muttered.

Lucien took a measured breath, attempting to rein in his rising anger. His only telltale sign of the mounting frustration was the slow, deliberate poke of his tongue against the inside of his right cheek.