Aurella walked along the bright hallway, her bookbag tucked under her arm and her day shoes clicking on the tiles. She had finished her French class for the day and was heading to Professor Cross' office on the second floor.
It was quiet, most of the younger students were already in their second class for the day, and the older ones were all studying. Aurella herself had been intending to head to the library to find an old copy of the history of ancient runes, but Cross had requested to meet with her. What it was about, she didn't know, but she was nervous. She clenched and unclenched her fingers as she approached.
She paused outside the slightly ajar door and rapped her knuckles on the door.
"Come in,"
Aurella pushed open the door. Professor Cross was seated in a swivel chair, hunched over two books and a long worn sheet of parchment. She could make out one of the ancient German-based runic languages on it.
"You wanted to see me, Sir?" She asked. She left the door ajar behind her and stepped forward, taking a seat when Cross gestured for her to do so. His office was neatly cluttered. His desk was coated with runic translation devices and an old stone set of runes, and multiple bookshelves lined the walls, all covered with plants and textbooks from all over the world. There was also something that looked suspiciously like a faux dragon egg on a pedestal in the corner near the window.
Cross finally left his runes to look at her through pale eyes. Despite his white hair and blue eyes, his skin was tanned and freckled, the faintest hint of a sunburn spreading across his wrinkled forehead. "Yes, I have a proposition."
Aurella nodded.
"With students in my specialization, I typically like them to get some time abroad. I find it can really help in the language translation aspect, as well as expose them to multiple runic languages," He spoke, leaning back in his chair. "Fortunately for you, Beauxbatons will be sending a delegation to Hogwarts anyway. If you are interested, I would be supervising from afar, but I have an old friend who works there, and she's agreed to assist you with anything you need. Hogwarts also has the most expansive collection of the ancient Latin runes, which I know you were particularly interested in."
Aurella paused, her hands clasped in her lap, letting it all sink in. A year at Hogwarts, studying in Latin runes was an opportunity that was hard to pass up, except it meant leaving Beauxbatons. It meant leaving Kira, and it meant leaving behind her plan of trying to get Henri back. But it was only a year, and she would get to see the Triwizard Tournament. Her heart started to pound. She liked Beauxbatons, it was familiar and normal. A year at Hogwarts would mean change.
"What about my other classes?" She asked tentatively.
"Madame Maxine will be covering that for all the students who wish to go," He responded. "I really do think it is an excellent opportunity, and will help you in your translations."
Aurella nodded. "Okay, I'll do it."
Cross smiled and pulled out some papers. "I will get you to fill these out, and the rest can go to your parent or legal guardian."
Aurella remained in the office for another hour, filling out papers and discussing her translations with Professor Cross.
It wasn't until she had closed the door and was walking back down the hall that she realized something.
She had forgotten about the Weasleys.
~~~
Grumbling slightly under her breath, Aurella waved her wand and watched as the things in her room started to repack themselves. She had only been here a few days and it was somewhat painful to watch everything get shoved back inside the trunk and tucked away. Both her mother and father had written, saying that it was an excellent opportunity, and if anything went wrong, she could always talk to the Weasleys.
Sure, as if she'd ever risk that. All that would happen would be getting back to George and causing her more shame.
Despite the apprehension at heading to Hogwarts, she was excited. The Triwizard Tournament would be fun to watch, and Hogwarts had a huge collection of Latin-based runic texts. Professor Cross had already given her a stack to begin translating, but she was unable to without more evidence to support her key.
She watched as her comforter folded itself back up and tucked inside the trunk, along with her uniforms. She watched them settle, frowning. Would the silk be enough to keep them warm? She knew it was colder at Hogwarts than it was at Beauxbatons.
Aurella spun and waved her wand at the bottom drawer in her dresser. Out flew a thick cloak, toque, and gloves. Her father always insisted she bring them and she obliged him every time, despite knowing that it never got cold enough for her to need them.
The door opened and Kira entered. Her friend's face was in a frown but turned into a smile when she spotted what Aurella was doing. "You're going to Hogwarts too?"
"Yeah, Cross thought it would be good to use their collection, and--" She stopped facing Kira fully. "What do you mean too?"
Kira's smile erupted into a grin. "I've been told to go as well. Apparently, Professor Flitwick at Hogwarts is an expert in wandless casting and defensive charms."
Aurella launched herself across the room at Kira. At least if she was heading to Hogwarts, she had her best friend.
~~~
Later Aurella and Kira stood outside the chateau, waiting for Madame Maxime to stop fawning over the abraxans and the rest of the students to arrive. There were already quite a few older students-- including Fleur, who was rather popular-- milling about and loading their trunks.
Aurella waited until the others had loaded their trunks into the carriage and followed suit. Inside, the main area was a cozy dining hall and study area. Through one door, Aurella could see a large classroom, and hallways on either side of the dining hall led to dormitories.
Aurella followed Kira to the room marked with their names and started waving her wand to get everything unpacked again. Once it was, they walked together to the dining hall, where Madame Maxime was standing, watching them all. She was taller up close, and it seemed as though she could comfortably touch the ceiling if she wished.
Once everyone was seated, she smiled. "I expect you all to be on your best behaviour. You are representing Beauxbatons and much of the European wizarding world. This is a diplomacy event as much as a competition and I expect you to be polite and gracious to our hosts. Any problems will come straight to me."
Aurella watched her lean out the door and shout. "Are we ready?"
"Yes, madame."
Aurella's eyes widened slightly as Henri bounced on board, shutting the door behind him. He must be coming to aid in the proper care of the abraxans. He was the last person she had expected to see on the carriage.
"Well," Kira murmured. "I guess you'll get your opportunity after all."
YOU ARE READING
Flourish and Blotts//George Weasley
Fanfiction"I don't know what we are now, and I don't know what we are going to be in the future, but I do know that I want you with me, no matter what we are." It was finally supposed to be her year. Aurella de Clare had the specialization she wanted, the bes...
