into the unknown : cedric, draco, fred

chapter one

I stared at my parents in shock once they told me the news. Earth-shattering, heart-breaking, crippling news. How could they do this to me?

"You've got to be joking," I said in disbelief. I couldn't think of anything else to stay.

Mom put her hand on Dad's knee and looked at me sadly. "It's not his fault, Taylor. Besides, I'm sure you'll be happy at Hogwarts."

It was a hot August day, and my parents had just told me that I had to give up my life, and everything familiar to me, at the drop of a hat. I merely continued to stare at my parents in shock, back and forth. Both of them were averting my eyes. I was unable to think of anything else to do, so I dramatically pushed myself out of my chair and rushed outside into the sweltering heat. Away from my parents and their heavy words and expressions, I let out a long exhale that I seemed to have been holding in for an eternity. I rushed over to a lemon tree and slid down until I was sitting on the ground, cradling my head in my hands.

The sounds of the French Riviera were always comforting. I was born here and had lived in our beautiful stone house, ivy snaking its way up and down the sides, for my whole life. We had a beautiful backyard: an orchard with lemon trees and apple trees, beautiful green bushes bursting with berries, and lush, soft grass. I loved southern France, and I loved my backyard, how the sun caressed my face and how the breeze tickled my cheek. It was honestly the only thing that had ever been constant for me, and I was devastated to be told I would have to leave it.

When I was 11, I got a letter from Beauxbatons, the French school for witches and wizards, inviting me to attend their school. This really was no surprise. My parents both had magic. They worked for the French ministry, and they were highly respected. That's how we could afford our secluded house, our little piece of heaven. I had been going to Quidditch games since I was a child, and even got my first broom when I was 8 years old. My parents were often too busy to play with me, so they constructed three short hoops where I could practice shooting the Quaffle. I frankly got quite good and even played for Beauxbatons.

I loved Beauxbatons. It was absolutely beautiful. Every time I walked inside it took my breath away, the way the ice sculptures lined the dining hall in the winter and glittered with the shine of a thousand diamonds, but most of all, I loved my friends. We would always traipse the grounds discussing our classes, and stay up late in our dormitory giggling about boys (not that any boys ever looked at me).

That's why I was so devastated to be leaving. The French Ministry of Magic wanted to transfer my Dad to England, which meant they wanted to transfer me too. So goodbye to my pocket of peace on the gorgeous French Riviera, goodbye to my wonderful school and friends, and hello to the complete unknown.