The Snow Fox

Trauma...lots of trauma

The announcement was made after dessert that the visiting schools had prepared some small visual treats for Hogwarts outside in the courtyard. Draco walked out to where a small stage had been set up in the expansive area. Heavy red curtains shielded the front and other students bustled in to watch the stage intensely.

The curtain rose and a girl with a white masquerade mask on her face was revealed in the center, standing alone in a ballet stance. She had on a simple blue dress with fluttery sleeves down to her lower thigh. White ballet shoes laced up her feet as the music began she started to dance. Each movement appearing almost doll-like and airy, with precision and grace. Draco watched the girl in awe as the song continuously sped up, in sync with the girls dancing. He saw something golden bouncing in her neck from the corner of his eye as he looked at it closer. It was a moon necklace.

That's Venus! He marvelled, looking at the hidden dancer. I wonder why she looks so unhappy. She had a stoic, focused face as she danced, other dancers appearing from the wings to join her in dancing. They moved as a unit, all graceful and poised in their dancing. He himself played with his snake necklace as he watched the girl dance with the same stoic face, sitting on the floor with the other girls as the music closed out and bending forward to put her head to her knee. When they ended he went backstage to talk to the girl, overhearing her talk to the headmistress of Beauxbatons.

"Lovely my Marionette. I see your teachings here have not been a complete waste."

"Thank you." The girl squeaked. A loud slapping noise echoed.

"Thank you what?"

"Thank you ma'am." He heard Venus repeat again.

"Hopefully you will not make that mistake again, I do hope your parents are available to come visit soon, I'd love to speak with them about your... future."

The girl appeared with a large cloak covering her as she ran from the stage towards the library.

The book-filled room was completely empty as everyone was attending the foreign students' performances. Draco chased after the girl and found her in the corner of the library with her nose in a book.

"So you wanna explain why you looked so unhappy onstage?" He asked her, pushing her book down.

"Not particularly." She replied quietly. "How did you know it was me?"

"Your necklace."

"Ah, I should have taken it off, I hope no one else noticed."

"Come on." He coaxed, putting an arm around her. "It's good to talk about things."

Venus leaned into his touch and rested on his shoulder, sighing.

"Madam Maxine, is my aunt. Mom's half sister, I was supposed to go to her school instead of Hogwarts. But...things didn't work out."

She explained, putting a hand on her cheek. "Things really didn't work out..."

The Slytherin boy looked at her and put his hand over hers.

"Did she hurt you?"

Venus nodded slowly and sank back into his shoulder.

"She calls me her 'doll', the perfect lady, she wants me to be exactly like she was when she was younger, especially because I'm not half giant like she is. But I don't want that. I just wanted to use my magic freely and be happy. Not have my strings pulled like a-"

"Marionette." He rubbed her back soothingly. "I heard her call you that."

"Yea."

"I'm not...a toy." she seethed, looking at the ground. "I'm a witch."