Hey everyone! Sample of another Marauder Era story I had laying around! If all goes well I'll keep posting.
Disclaimer: Harry Potter belongs to the talented J.K. Rowling!
One year ago…
"Now, what is ze most important goal zis year?"
Lexa stood in the middle of the woods with a few hundred other families who were all waiting to board the carriage. Her Veela mother stood across from her, drawing more attention than the Abraxan that pulled the carriage. Lexa resisted the urge to cringe. Fifteen years later and she still could not stand the inevitable attention.
"Achievements-"
"Proper be'avior and awards. Your father and I will not be pleased with anyt'ing but," Mrs. Malfoy advised seriously, but Lexa's main thought was 'stepfather' . Her mother, Arcana, had married Irenaeus Malfoy a year after she was born; due to her real father leaving when he found out Arcana was pregnant. Irenaeus had practically raised Lexa, but she disliked the stern man who used his height to intimidate others and to assert authority that did not rightfully belong to him.
The two stood a few feet from the line of children all waiting to board and Lexa could see the furtive glances Ana and Emmett, her two best friends, were sending her. She was as desperate to get on the carriage as they were. Lexa was about to attend the Academy as a Fourth year witch. She turned to look fondly on the younger Prep students and wished to return to those easier times, but she soon focused back on the conversation as returning stares got the better of her.
"Of course, mother, I will not let you down," Lexa answered compliantly to appease her, despite her growing frustration. All Lexa did was focus on school, nothing she had ever done would've been cause for this lecture, but still, she kept her mouth shut and remained polite.
The two paused for a moment and Lexa looked over at the rapidly shrinking line leading into the carriage.
"I must go now mother, but I promise to make you proud."
"Bien, mon amour. Je vais vous voir bientôt, Alexandra*," Arcana ended it with a kiss to Lexa's cheek and a sad smile. From there Lexa gathered her belongings and sauntered up the steps of the Beauxbatons Carriage to return to her favorite Academy. She held her wand in hand and a stunning smile on her face; not realizing that was the last time she would see her mother.
...
Lexa had not been invited home for her Winter Break. "Too many events for your father and I to attend this season, best wishes," was all the letter had said. The gift given did not match her mother's insensitive sentiments. It was a beautiful silver locket that opened to reveal a picture of her mother and stepfather on one half and another man, who Lexa had not recognized at first, on the other. It was only a moment before it clicked. The same emerald eyes stared back into her own. The man was her biological father.
Etched onto the outside were the words: Pour Mon Amour, For My Love.
...
Eight Months Later…
She thought of her first day and of the locket as she sat in Madame Louise's Office, unable to recover from the shock. Had she not seen the letter from the Ministère des Affaires Magiques de la France she would not have believed. She still did not.
"Your Uncle Abraxas 'as permitted you to stay 'ere the rest of ze year-" The Headmistress spoke solemnly.
"But- What of my Aunt Amabella?" Lexa skipped over proper titles in her distress. Madame Louise was kind enough to ignore Lexa's impoliteness and continued on.
"She was not able to gain custody."
"But she eez blood… Madame Louise," Lexa added the title quickly at the end.
"And Veela. Not a witch. The Ministry does not look favorably on other breeds. I am sorry, my dear."
Lexa wished Professeur Monsieur Vincent had never fetched her and brought her here.
...
Lexa had finished the year at Beauxbatons, but it was to be her last. Her new guardian, Abraxas Malfoy had sent word to Hogwarts of her parents' deaths and with it his wish to transfer his new ward there to be closer to her 'new family'. The Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, had informed him of her acceptance and as a result she now was traveling to Platform 9¾ with a Striped owl and a trunk filled with unfamiliar books.
...
Present Time…
"Do you theenk zat I will fit in, Lucius?" Lexa asked her cousin as she nervously played with a strand of her hair.
"Truthfully, no. I don't think you could fit in anywhere but with a pack of Veelas. You're accent isn't quite as strong now, though," he added quickly at the sight of her downcast face.
Lexa hated the sense of déjà vu she got as the two of them stood beside the Hogwarts Express conversing; she ignored the memories of her mother that were trying to force themselves to the forefront of her mind.
"Now, don't forget you're in Slytherin, okay?" reminded Lucius, but he was met with only a face of confusion. Just as she opened her mouth to ask he started, "Remember the Sorting Hat, Professor Dumbledore's Office, the Four Houses…"
"A', right, zee Sorting 'at. Sorry, I am very nervous."
"It's alright, just try to remember: the color green means that someone is a member of your House. Green ties, green on robes, stuff like that, okay?"
Lexa nodded with a small smile at the nervousness Lucius was beginning to show. She was glad that she was not the only one concerned.
"Well I should go now. I vill see you for Winter Break, cousin," Lexa finished and threw in a shy hug and a kiss to his cheek that seemed to leave Lucius a little dazed. "Merci, Uncle!" She called to Abraxas Malfoy who was currently speaking with a friend. Her exclamation earned a few head turns and then some permanent stares as they took in her Charm. Lucius smacked his forehead in exasperation and Lexa cringed from her mistake.
Mr. Malfoy responded by walking over and giving her firm hug to send her off. Something he never even did with his own son.
"Stay safe child."
"Of course, Uncle! T'ank you! Au revoir!"
And before the two men could find an excuse for her to stay, she clutched her trunk and her owl's cage and boarded the train.
Lexa felt as if she'd walked a mile by the time she found a compartment with any room in it for her. The first available had occupants focused on an article in the Daily Prophet. The lot were completely oblivious to her, for the moment at least. With their backs turned she was able to make out the green on their robes and Lexa grinned at her luck.
Somehow, as if her smile had called to him, the boy in the compartment seemed to realize someone was there. He turned to spot the intruder. Unfortunately, his momentary glance turned ended with him stunned. Lexa stood there expectantly hoping for her willowy body's faint, silvery glow to register with him, along with the pheromones she naturally released, to ebb.
"Eez zis seat taken?" She tried and gestured to an open area, hoping to focus his attention. As he struggled to get his mouth to work the two girls turned to see the source of their friend's stupor.
Lexa gave them a quick once over. The one on the left was clearly used to intimidating people with her looks. Her pale complexion greatly contrasted with the black lipstick she had painted on; however, her gloomy, grey eyes, worked well with her long dark locks. The look of disinterest on her face completed her image. On the boy's other side was gloomy-girl's opposite. The brunette was all smiles. Her positivity was evident due to the shiny, genuine glow in her warm brown eyes and the ease she seemed to currently have, despite being intruded upon. Along with her hair being cropped short, her traits seemed child-like. The only notable similarity between two were their looks of surprise.
Lexa was clearly not who they were expecting and as she stood under their scrutiny while waiting for a response, her cheeks managed to color themselves pink.
The girl with the warm brown eyes finally answered the question.
"It is now! The seat is all yours. Here-" she rose and, with surprising strength, hefted Lexa's trunk and tossed it up beside another on a shelf. Once it was clearly in place, the girl let a satisfied smirk settle on her face while brushing imaginary dust from her hands. After a second she extended one hand out to Lexa.
"I'm Marley Mason, that's Maxon, he's my brother, and that's Kendall Rowle. What should we call you?"
"Lexa, and eet eez a pleasure," the tiny blonde answered with a small smile as she gave Marley's hand a shake. "Eez 'e alright?" Lexa added with a gentle wave to the boy, Maxon, who was still shell-shocked.
Kendall snapped her fingers inches from his face with a roll of her eyes before putting her feet up on the bench. She finished by interlocking her hands behind her head.
"So who are you? Or what? That might be the better question," Kendall interrogated, despite the glare from Marley. She eyed the beautiful silvery-blonde hair that fell almost to Lexa's waist before skimming over her fair skin, and very white, even teeth, until she finally met Lexa's evergreen doe eyes. "I definitely would've noticed someone such as yourself before this year."
Kendall's tone indicated that what she said was anything but a compliment and Lexa's cheeks flamed red.
Maxon, had finally recovered and sat back in his seat, and he, along with Marley, both opened their mouths to come to her defense somehow. Lexa held up a hand, surprising all three of the original occupants and even herself.
"My last name eez Malfoy, but I am 'alf Veela and eet eez quite alright eef you do not like me. I cannot control my 'eritage, so you are welcome to take any protection you find necessary."
Kendall was noticeably surprised by the offer. She nodded once before considering. "Well…"
The compartment trailed into silence, but a second later the door crashed open.
"Took forever to find you all! ...Bloody hell, who died-"
All heads turned to the welcomed interruption and another guy lost speaking ability for a moment.
The newcomer was Will, a friend of the group and also a Slytherin Fifth Year like the whole lot of them.
From what Lexa had gleaned from the group, she had reached the conclusion that they were quite an unlikely batch of friends. Maxon was a genius who seemed to be a better fit for Ravenclaw; Will was an excellent Quidditch player with more than enough Scouts on his tail to guarantee that he'd play professionally for the next century; Kendall claimed to almost have dropped out of Hogwarts last year to help her sister raise dragons in Africa and still "didn't know why she was even here"; and then there was Marley who was a member of the Frog Choir -one of the best performers to ever attend the school according to Professor Flitwick- Kendall informed me, and also the reason they all met.
"So, what are you good at?" Marley quizzed Lexa after Kendall finished bragging about her friend.
"Well…" Lexa had been keen on listening to her new friends' accomplishments, so much so that she was momentarily unprepared for the shift of attention to her. Even after sixteen years of being gawked at she wasn't comfortable with attention. "Um…" The group waited expectantly, no doubt believing she was amazing outside of her looks, but Lexa found herself falling short of an answer.
"Can you sing?" Marley asked hopefully and Lexa cringed.
"Surely, not well enough-"
"Veelas are magnificent singers. That's how they lure-" Maxon began before being elbowed by Will. Lexa knew to appreciate intelligence, but as of right now she wanted to wring Maxon's neck and kiss Will on the cheek for the common sense that occurred to him.
"You could join the Frog Choir with me!" Marley picked up in excitement. "This will be-"
"I am terribly sorry Marley, but I enjoy painting actually. And I do believe I was told 'ogwarts 'as an arts program. Between zat and Herbology, well, zere just eez little room for much else." Lexa looked on apologetically, only half lying and thankfully, before a solution could be drafted, the compartment door opened.
"Anything off the trolley, dears?" The women pushing the car was a friendly looking, middle-aged women who Lexa was beyond grateful for at the moment, not only for the distraction, but for the sweets and unobtrusive looks she gave the lot of them instead of staring at just the blonde.
Lexa sat up on her knees to get a better view and looked on in awe at the sight before her. Beauxbatons had nothing of the sort during their trips; Lexa had never seen so much candy in one place.
"It's on me this year," Will told the group in his effort to uphold their tradition. "Five of everything please. Thank you."
As Will distributed his gifts to the group, Lexa practically glowed once she realized his kind gesture was for her as well.
"It was my year," Maxon grumbled to Will after the cart moved on. Will only smirked in response and the two both took in Lexa's reaction as she received her share and began to examine the packages.
The other girls shared knowing looks. Kendall rolled her eyes at Will, in her signature way. However, they all were content to see the happiness brought to their new friend as she eyed a Chocolate Frog package.
"What did they teach you at Beauxbatons? How to act like a House Elf?" Kendall asked with genuine curiosity that she instantly regretted as the newcomer looked up, bright pink in the cheeks yet again.
"I- No-"
"Beauxbatons is a school focused on authoritarian type teaching styles with learning based on aristocratic ideals," Maxon offered. "The school enforces student focus on higher learning and in-depth study. Not the distractions provided by frequent social interaction and games."
"You can't be serious," Will stated at the same time as Kendall bluntly admitted, "That's disgusting."
They all looked upon her with pity and Lexa answered them with a peal of laughter that immediately drew all eyes.
"Truly eet eez not zat bad!" Lexa inputted. "Madame Louise 'as noble intentions and all who meet 'er understand zat. Beauxbatons eez lovely!" Lexa continued to giggle at her new friends' serious faces, which looked upon her with such intense sympathy. She had never experienced a situation in which she was the subject of pity and it was a breath of fresh air.
To say she stunned them with her open reaction was an understatement, but they quickly joined in laughing at their extreme reactions.
Later in Lexa's journey to her new school, after she had been shown the magic of Chocolate Frogs, watched as Will and Kendall threw jellybeans into each other's mouths to laugh at their own reactions to the absurd tastes, and eventually changed into her robes, she finally sat between Marley and Kendall. She was content as she read One Thousand Magic Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore for, quite likely, the thirtieth time.
On her left, Kendall was finishing up a letter to her sister and to her right was Marley who was currently humming the tune of the song she was reading from a chart. Across from her, Will occupied himself by twirling his wand and pretending to stare out the window. Lexa pretended to be oblivious to the fact that he was secretly searching for her reflection in the glass. Beside him, Maxon was also reading and Lexa couldn't help but nosily try to discover the title.
There was a comfortable feeling in the compartment, but Lexa found herself rereading the same line over and over again. As she reached the end of the same sentence for the fourth time she abruptly shut her book and stared out the window only to have her attention completely enraptured by the sight before her.
A glassy lake expanded before her and revealed an expansive castle reflected on its surface. Lexa's eye rose to the school itself. The aura of a dark, mystery shook her in its contrast to the soft, pristine white and gray that Beauxbatons had cause her to be accustomed to. The school seemed to radiate magic with its moonlit glow and Lexa was intrigued.
"Eet eez beautiful," she breathed. The room members turned to observe her reaction and Marley smiled.
"Please tell me you are not going to cry," Kendall protested and Lexa responded with a small smile.
"I remember when I first saw it," Marley reflected. The lot of them turned their attention back to the castle and began to reminisce as it grew nearer each second.
"Me too," Maxon added and a soft smile made an appearance.
"Bloody hell, not you too mate! Bunch of softies," Will groaned with a shake of his head and the five of them laughed.
Lexa could not have met a better group of potential friends. The four had not left her side since she'd gotten off the train. Marley had immediately insisted on carrying Lexa's trunk with a strength that really was unnatural for the girl's size; Maxon and Will were constantly moving around her pointing items out that they passed and unknowingly shielding her from view; and then there was Kendall who was a blessing not-so in disguise for most who knew her knew better than to stare. For once in her life Lexa drew barely any attention and she felt a surge of appreciation for her new housemates.
As the five of them neared the carriage that would take them to the castle they moved about Lexa anxiously. The lot had moved her so quickly that they were the first to arrive and by a few minutes. The boys seemed to be discussing ways to keep her under the radar as the last thing she would need was to be bombarded on her first day. Marley, however, watched on as Lexa took in the Thestrals with a gentle curiosity.
While three of the four of them were distracted she approached the winged horses, almost going unnoticed.
"What are zey?" She asked suddenly and they all turned to watch her as she walked around the creatures. Only two of her friends could see the same sight as her.
"Thestrals," Kendall offered and Will shared a knowing look with her. That, along with the sympathetic look Marley gave the two of her friends, did not go unnoticed by Lexa. She looked at them, clearly confused.
Maxon explained. "They can only be seen by those who've witnessed death," he stated gently and Lexa recoiled as a memory flashed before her eyes. "They're really quite gentle, though, despite being classified as XXXX."
Will shot Maxon a look that expressed his irritation with his friends' insensitivity and Marley wrapped an arm around Lexa's shoulder while leading her into the carriage.
The ride together was filled with silence as Lexa sat with embarrassment heavy in her chest at having dredged up bad memories. She watched the group as they reflected on their pasts.
Having brought about the dark mood, Lexa worked to reinstate the previous lightness that had surrounded them.
"Do you perform tonight, Marley?" She asked hopefully and the bright cheer that usually surrounded the girl returned instantly.
"Yes! You'll see me playing the harp after the Sorting ceremony. We will see what you think about joining us after witnessing what we can do," Marley answered confidently and Lexa hid the worry she felt. Standing in front of crowd that included both the envious that she feared and the fervent she shied from while singing was not a situation she desired to put herself in. But the conversation shifted quickly again due to Will and she let her uneasiness slide as the friends moved back into the casualness they had spoken with before arriving at the carriages.
...
"Wizards and witches, both old and new,
Have arrived at a home meant for the true.
In this hall awaits a future family,
One that admits all quite happily.
And here the Sorting Hat sits,
To determine the fate of hers, his, or its.
For your destined House will hold your future,
Well, that at least is the rumor.
Come forward all who dare,
I promise to be somewhat fair,
The Sorting Hat knows what is best,
And your mind does all the rest.
Wonder if you belong in Gryffindor?
Daring adversaries down to their cores,
These chivalrous and brave,
May rise to prevent the grave.
Shall you join Hufflepuff?
Always doing more than enough,
These loyal and patient friends,
Know there is always hope for amends.
How about with Slytherin?
Here lie the closest of any kin,
This lot holds the cunning and dedicated,
Perhaps they are the most motivated.
Or what about in Ravenclaw?
A knack for stunning wit leaves all in awe.
Their endless bouts of wit and intelligence,
Are never plagued with any negligence.
Just come forth and see,
Where you are destined to be.
Once you have been sorted by me,
You will have been set free!"
The hat finished easily and the entire hall burst into applause. Lexa had problem joining in enthusiastically. It was her second time seeing the talking hat and it amazed her yet again. Once the applause ended the hat gave a gracious bow and a middle-aged woman approached the stage with a long roll of parchment.
"When I call your name, you will put on the hat and sit on the stool to be sorted," she said.
All of the Great Hall's occupants looked on as the Sorting Ceremony took place. By the time the forty or so new arrivals had been given a new home Lexa was staring at her empty plate longing for food.
Once the last child took their seat Albus Dumbledore rose to his feet, drawing her attention back to the front. Lexa watch Professor Dumbledore as he smiled cheerfully at the students. The man opened his arms wide in an inviting gesture that conveyed his excitement.
"Welcome to the new and welcome back for those returning. It is time for a new year at Hogwarts! I hope you all find many adventures at this school," the Headmaster seemed to wink at a table somewhere to Lexa's right, but she was not sure if it was just a trick of the light or not, "and new friends along with them. Now I have a few short start-of-term notices to give you before I can let you eat.
"First years must keep in mind that the forest on the grounds is forbidden to all students. In fact, quite a few of you older ones would do well to remember that too." The man's eyes landed on the table that sat those colored in scarlet and gold. "Mr. Filch has asked me to remind you that magic should not be used between classes in the corridors or for any means of pranking, at all. Quidditch trials will be held in the second week of the term this year. Anyone interested in playing for his or her house team should contact Madam Hooch. And finally, please join me in welcoming Professor Harlow as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."
The students in the hall dutifully applauded and as they settled the Headmaster gave his wand a flick. The dishes before them flooded with food.
...
The feast had ended with a performance of the Frog Choir whose use of toads not only surprised Lexa, but also forced her to hold back the impolite laughter that wanted to escape. She couldn't help but compare the group to the wood nymphs that serenaded the occupants of the Dining Hall at Beauxbatons.
The choir was, of course, still quite impressive and Lexa found herself stunned by Marley's abilities by the end. But still, the situation remained comical to her, despite the mortification she felt at being so inconsiderate. Lexa just never would have guessed the name was so close to literal.
"Frogs, Maxon?" Lexa inquired as they headed toward the Slytherin Common Room. The two were walking a few paces behind Kendall and Will. He answered with a shrug that seemed to imply, If I knew I would tell you.
Professor Dumbledore had just dismissed the students. The lingering hum of the music from the choir faded to the background to make room for the Headmaster's words of farewell, which began to echo in Lexa's head. Remember to treat those around you with the same love and respect you gift to yourself. Everyone is fighting their own battle. She wondered if his words had been in response to her addition to the school, or if she was being purely egotistical.
"Well, this is it," Kendall announced anticlimactically and Lexa jolted into focus.
The four of them- Marley remained with the choir in order to store her harp- stood in front of a wall of stone in a dingy, dimly-lit hall. A moment of insecurity plagued Lexa as she realized they had led her to a dungeon. Lexa looked around in surprise, not at all sure as to how they got there and she wanted to groan at her idiocy. She hoped that this was an odd joke and she could pay attention as they led her to the real Common Room.
Instead, Will turned to the wall and spoke to nothing in particular, "Salazar."
Lexa stood stunned as the stone blocks before her began to shrink into those beside them until an archway formed. The opening revealed a short hallway illuminated by green-tinted lanterns. The blonde didn't hesitate to move through the entrance and soon stood in the center of a striking Common Room.
Lamps lit in a green glow, several comfy-looking emerald chairs, and black leather sofas filled her view. The room was bursting with skulls, countless snake carvings decorated the walls, as did dark-wood cupboards, and, upon examining the murky windows, Lexa realized that the Black Lake was right on the other side of the panes.
An instant love for the grand atmosphere filled her. She already felt right at home. Lexa smiled at the realization and her new friends finally came to stand beside her now that her experience was complete.
"So… What do you think?" Maxon asked, hesitantly.
"Does it suit your fancy?" Kendall smirked.
"Well... I finally understand why my father was so obsessed with green." Lexa's friends laughed at her quip.
"Well, I've surpassed my quota of human interaction for the day. I will be calling it a night," Kendall announced after a moment. She turned to Lexa. "I suppose I can show you to our room if you'd like. Night, boys," she called over her shoulder not even waiting for the blonde's response to her offer.
Lexa gave Maxon and Will a quick wave before tailing behind her tour guide. Kendall had moved to a corner of the room where spiral stairs led them down to a long hallway. The hall was composed of doors on each wall, with writing visible under the glow of green light. The girls stopped near the end, before the door that read 'Fifth Years' and Lexa eagerly followed Kendall in.
Floor to ceiling glass windows separated each of the five ancient four-poster beds that occupied the room. The posters were, of course, decorated with green, silk hangings. Lexa spotted her trunk on the far right and moved to her space.
Meanwhile, Kendall elaborated on what life would be like at Hogwarts. "Classes are with the rest of our year and another House's equivalent. I should probably educate you on the other Houses, but I'm tired so another time then. Just know Slytherin is the best." Kendall paused to smirk. "And try and stay away from Gryffindors. That's a mutual dislike." She seemed to be waiting for a response to an inside joke, but Lexa could only settle with nodding.
"Anyways… What was I saying? Oh, yes. We will get our schedules tomorrow at Breakfast. Can't say I am looking forward to classes, O.W.L.s are going to be the absolute worst. But, um, that is basically the need to know for now…" As Kendall spoke the two prepared for bed and within a few minutes the two were settled in their blankets.
"We can cover whatever comes up tomorrow, too," She offered with a yawn and Lexa began to realize that the brunette was letting her guard down in her fatigue. "Do you…" Kendall began again before the door opened. The voice of another girl drowned her out.
"Ugh, I am exhausted! I just don't understand why we have to watch First Years get sorted. Waste of time if you ask me."
The newcomers consisted of two blondes and a brunette. The blondes, were undoubtedly twins, but the demeanor of the three could convince one that the girls were triplets. The group was the epitome of a typical mean-girl clique; the type to bully small children, but also able to take up modeling on their off-time.
The girls looked surprised to see Kendall and Lexa already situated.
"Oh, how horribly rude of us," the brunette picked up in a tone that was anything but contrite.
Lexa didn't need to guess that she was 'in-charge', she'd seen too much of the same at Beauxbatons.
"I'm Kendra Rosier, that's January and that's June, Abbott that is. You must be Lexa Malfoy. We have heard quite a bit about you; my brother Evan won't shut up actually. Boys and their new toys." Kendra sighed in a dramatic finish and threw in a roll of her eyes.
"Hmm, you're lucky you're so pretty or half of the house would've kicked you out for being a half-breed," the one named June noted with a sneer and her twin giggled. Kendra let a smirk settle on her face and waited for the comment hit.
Lexa, however, didn't react. It was Kendall who clenched her fist and opened her mouth to make a nasty retort, but Lexa cut her off. She could defend herself.
"Abbott, you said? I believe I recently overheard my Uncle Abraxas discussing zat your father was hounding 'im for a recommendation at ze Ministry." The blondes' cheeks colored pink. "I am sure my Uncle would love to hear about 'ow welcoming 'iz daughters 'ave been. You see, he expects me to write 'im every day," Lexa shrugged casually, but let her smirk be telling.
The girls stood stunned.
Out of the corner of her eye, Lexa could discern Kendall attempting to hold back a laugh. Likely, at the sight of June's dropped jaw. "Now, eef zat eez all… Goodnight."
And with that Lexa snapped her curtains closed with a flick of her wand, leaving only the side facing Kendall's bed open. Her friend followed her lead, but with a grin on her face.
*French Translation: "Good, my love. I'll see you soon Alexandra."
Hope you like it so far! Leave a review if you do, please and thank you!
Feel free to check out my other Marauder Era fanfic!