Astoria & Draco
Astoria was comfortably sitting under a tree by the lake, with a book in hand as her gazed at the melancholy setting of the sun. Times have grown darker since the recent rise and fall of the Dark Lord. Everything was a mess despite that the good side won. It will be difficult to survive out there beyond the castle's wall. Times like this Astoria wished that her family was back in France.
Astoria Greengrass was a daughter of Francis Greengrass and his wife, Marguerite Louis. Her father was a respected diplomat with a gift for languages and had always been on many diplomatic missions abroad sent by the Ministry of Magic since she was young. And sometimes, Francis would take the family along with him on his missions. Astoria had an older sister, Daphne Greengrass who was 2 years older and was part of Pansy Parkinson's posse.
Despite being a Slytherin herself, Astoria rarely mingle with those group of girls. She knew that her sister, Daphne, didn't want a younger sibling to tag along wherever she went, therefore, Astoria stayed out of her sister's way.
FLASHBACK
Since the beginning of her time in Hogwarts, Astoria was a studious and diligent in her school work. Professor Sprout and Hagrid were so impressed with her knowledge in Herbology that they offered Astoria a plot of land on Hagrid's property near Hogwarts for her to grow her own garden. Ordinarily for 12 years old, it was such a recognition. Professor Dumbledore affectionately referred to her as "La petite Astoria". It is not known to her if this was in reference to Astoria's age or her stature.
She made a good impression with her peers and teachers with her manners and studiousness and grew her garden until fifth year when her father told her to focus more on her O.W.L exams. Right after her exams, the Greengrass packed up and left England for France where it was much safer from the War. In France, Astoria was able to complete her study of French, at the same time, continuing her own studies of Magic and developed an interest in fashion. She also acquired a thorough knowledge of French culture and etiquette.
After the declaration of the Dark Lord's death, her family moved back to England.
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And here she was now, back in Hogwarts for her graduating year. It was no surprise that there were only a handful of students who actually came back like she did. Parents were still sceptical about the safety of the school and worried for their children's lives. It took alot of persuasion for Astoria to convince her parents to let her continue her studies, eventually they gave in.
"A bright mind never stops working eh?"
Astoria turned around and smiled.
"Oh, it's you Professor McGonagall. You startled me." Astoria replied, closing the book and got up, brushing the dirt off her long white skirt.
"I know I've said this before. It's good to see some familiar faces back." Professor McGonagall gave a sad smile. Years may have imprinted itself on her features, but her emerald eyes still has that sparkle.
"Well, it's good to be back. Finishing my education like I intended to since the day I stepped in here."
"Come on then, let's go inside its getting dark." Professor McGonagall led them back to the castle.
Her days went on as usual, but deep down; Hogwarts was not the same as before. Hogwarts lost it's vibrancy and liveliness. It was dull as grey and people judge each other even worst than before. Especially when your robes are Green and Silver, it became even harder for Astoria to ignore the occasional taunts like "Murderer" and "Deatheater" thrown at her on a daily basis. Astoria kept telling herself to endure and sooner or later, she will be out of here.
While Astoria was eating her breakfast, she received a letter from her mother.
Dear Astoria,
How have you been? I hope that you are fine and well.
It has been confirm by your father that our family will be spending some time in France this coming holiday in celebrating the engagement of your sister to Christopher Warrington. I assume that you remembered him to be in the Slytherin Quidditch team a few years back. Therefore, I need you to come back home immediately right before your term break starts.
That's all for now. I'll keep you updated if there are any changes.
Love you!
Xoxo
Mummy dearest
Astoria sat there for a moment, thinking how weird it is for her sister to be engaged. But as long as this bloke treat her well, she had no complains. Time passes so fast, and you hardly realized it.