[Harry Potter Fanfiction] - Divine Glory

Chapter 1: Beauxbatons Academy of Magic

The sound of the bell rang out, echoing through the air.

The Beauxbatons palace immediately seemed to come alive, with a rush of people spilling out from large rooms. This was a common sight during every break.

The corridor was chaotic with people rushing back and forth, but it seemed of little concern, for it was so vast that it resembled more of a grand hall than a mere hallway. The enchanted columns, carved with intricate patterns from centuries ago, stood firm and towering like giants, yet they seemed small in comparison to the lively scene around them.

It would be no exaggeration to say that among the wizarding schools around the world, Beauxbatons resembled more of a majestic palace from a fairy tale than the mysterious castles or magical academies one might expect.

Laurelle was the last to leave the classroom after staying behind to ask the professor a few questions about the Charms lesson.

"Laurelle Bernice, you don't seem nervous at all?" Professor Annette, who taught Charm, asked as Laurelle turned the doorknob, preparing to leave the classroom.

"Professor, you mean...?" Laurelle asked.

"Don't pretend in front of me. The results of the Inter-school Wizard Exchange Program just came out. Don't tell me that you don't know about it?"

"Yes, Professor, I know," Laurelle replied, her bright green eyes twinkling with a hint of a smile.

"And yet you're so calm. Really..." Professor Annette put her hands on her hips, questioning her, but her eyes were full of pride. "I see, you're calm because you know you'll be accepted, right? Alright, the whole school is in a frenzy over the results, but you don't need to worry about pushing through the crowd. You've been accepted."

"Thank you, Professor, for sharing the good news," Laurelle smiled.

"You always make me proud. Go on, tell your family and friends the good news," the professor said with a warm smile.

Laurelle bid the professor farewell and left the classroom. Her long black hair swirled in the air, blending with the crimson red of her robe.

.......

"Oaaa, Laurelle! You're amazing, you're the best!"

As Laurelle turned a corner in the hallway, a figure leaped onto her, the scent of vanilla cream filling the air.

"I've told you a thousand times not to jump on me like that, Nad," Laurelle pushed her away coldly, though her voice was gentle and full of resignation.

Nadeen Aimée, a half-blood witch with sapphire eyes and a round face, was Laurelle's best friend. They shared a dorm room and had been inseparable for nearly three years, ever since they started their first year at Beauxbatons Academy of Magic.

"Laurelle Lily Bernice! You should stop acting so indifferent to your poor friend!" Nadeen pouted, calling Laurelle by her full name - "More importantly, have you decided on a school yet?"

"I'm still thinking about it."

"Hogwarts, Ilvermorny, Koldovstoretz — any of these would be good. You can choose from these three. But Durmstrang? Don't even think about it. Even if you want to go there, I won't allow you," Nadeen said, her chin lifted, making it clear she strongly disliked Durmstrang.

Laurelle chuckled softly. "I've narrowed it down already. I'll probably apply soon. Of course, I never really considered Durmstrang. Their education system goes against everything I believe in."

"You're thinking of choosing Hogwarts? After all, that was your mother's school, right? Hogwarts is truly the most outstanding, though I hate to admit it," Nadeen said, shrugging as she walked. She absolutely adored Beauxbatons in every way and was always ready to defend it whenever anyone criticized the school or suggested other schools were better.

Laurelle replied, "I'm leaning towards Ilvermorny. If I'm going for the exchange program, I want to travel a bit further to explore more. Hogwarts did cross my mind first, but it's too 'close.' It's not as exciting to travel from France to England as it would be to North America."

Laurelle's mother, Donna Shacklebolt, was a Gryffindor witch from Hogwarts, so Laurelle was fairly familiar with the school. It was the premier wizarding school, especially under the leadership of Albus Dumbledore, a great and undisputed wizard.

"Alright, go to the library and fill out your application. I'm going with Ed," Nadeen said with a wink, quickly wrapping her arm around a tall boy who had just arrived, kissing him on the cheek. Edgar Fortin, a fourth-year student, from the same house Ombrelune and two years older than them. He is a chaser on the Ombrelune's Quidditch team. Edgar had a charming, rogue-like appearance and a fit, tall build perfect for his position on the team.

"Okay, see you at lunch," Laurelle waved.

Edgar politely waved back before becoming engrossed with Nadeen, listening to her complain about the-long-hallway-that-couldn't-be traversed-by-broomstick.

Laurelle turned right, walking up the marble steps toward the library.