It was a blur. Once he had chosen Beauxbatons, the following morning his father went out early in the morning to go submit their confirmation letter to Beauxbatons Academy of Magic via Owl Post Office using their International owl delivery service. It cost 2 Galleons for the express international delivery, but they were able to send their response early. The day after Ron received an invitation letter from the prestigious French school along with a package containing his school uniform and books. Apparently, those who would be attending under their scholarship program would be given the essentials such as the books and uniform. What more was that they were all brand new unlike the Hogwarts Financial Aid wherein students with low financial status would only receive secondhand uniforms and books. This actually saved the Weasleys from more expenses.
Ron was shocked beyond his expectations. "What did the letter say?" asked Ginny excitedly. She seemed more inclined to attend the French school now she had witnessed what her older brother was getting out of it.
He opened the letter and read aloud, "Greetings Mr. Weasley, we are delighted to extend to you an invitation to the class of 1991. Beauxbatons Academy of Magic received your application and we would like to offer you our scholarship program which we are certain will help you during your academic stay.
You will find that the package contains the following:
Five (5) sets of school robes
Five (5) sets of dress shirts and pants
One (1) set of winter cloak
One (1) pair of protective gloves
One (1) pair of blue hat
Please note that all student's clothes should carry name tags at all times.
Beauxbatons Academy of Magic has also provided you the books you will require for the upcoming school year:
Standard Books of Spells Grade 1 by Miranda Goshawk
A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot
One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore
A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch
The Fundamentals for Potion-Making by Nicholas Flamel
Essential Defensive Spellbook by Charles Sauveterre
Exploring the Stars by Cynthia Lambros
The Full Guide to Speaking French by Bernadette Gagneux
Lastly, you will find the following:
One (1) Cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)
One (1) set of glass or crystal phials
One (1) telescope
One (1) set of brass scales
Students may also bring an Owl OR a Cat Or a Rabbit. Please be reminded that the start of term is on 01 September 1991." finished Ron, putting down the letter before staring at the package in front of him. "Everything there is new?" he asked faintly. He was beginning to feel nervous if he could reach the school's expectations of him.
"Well, the only thing left is a wand," remarked Arthur. "I believe we have enough to purchase one, don't you think Molly dear?"
Molly nodded with a smile. "Of course. We can all go to Diagon Alley tomorrow."
Ron couldn't believe his luck. He expected to receive Charlie's old wand which was originally owned by their late Uncle Bilius, but this was a good change. He made the right decision in choosing Beauxbatons, and he was more motivated to do his best. He couldn't wait for tomorrow so he busied himself by learning French. At least he wouldn't sound like a total buffoon and would be able to understand a little by the time he arrived there.
Ginny was just as excited and wanted to learn French as well. "I wonder why Mum and Dad haven't thought of sending all of us to Beauxbatons?" she mused. "I guess at least Bill and Charlie would be the only ones attending Hogwarts, and then the rest of us would attend Beauxbatons?"
"I dunno," answered Ron. "Maybe Percy would fit in, but I doubt the twins would last there. Imagine them causing mayhem over there? They might get expelled after the first half of the term." He looked up and glanced over to his sister and said, "Harry Potter would be attending Hogwarts this year. I know you're mad for the bloke -"
"Am not!" Ginny denied hotly, chucking a pillow in Ron's direction.
"Yes, you are!" laughed Ron. "You always ask Mum to read you bedtime stories about Harry Potter! Anyway," he said hastily, attempting to change the subject while protecting himself from Ginny's relentless pillow attacks, "are you sure you want to attend Beauxbatons?"
Ginny stopped and mulled over the question. "I'd like to see Harry Potter, but family is more important, you know? Besides, if he and I are meant to be, then we will meet in the future and let things take its own course," she answered honestly with a grin even though her cheeks and ears turned pink. "Also, I made a promise that I won't leave you alone, Ron. We're besties, right?"
"I thought you're besties with Luna," teased Ron, his eyes shining.
"Of course she is, she's my other best friend," she said firmly, still grinning. "Maybe I should convince her to attend Beauxbatons as well."
"Sure, if you're able to convince her. She always said she'll be in Ravenclaw like her parents."
The two siblings returned to their reading until their mother arrived at the doorstep and told them to sleep. Ginny bid Ron goodnight before leaving his bedroom. Molly looked at her youngest son and asked, "Are you excited for tomorrow?"
Ron nodded. "I am!" He lied down on the bed and covered himself with the comforter. "Mum, I don't regret my decision. So don't worry about it," he said to her.
Molly couldn't help but smile at his words. "You should be worrying about other things, dear. But thank you for thinking of us. Goodnight Ron."
"G'night, Mum."
The remaining number of days passed by quickly. Ron finally got himself a wand, along with the other items he was required to bring such as potion ingredients after a day of shopping at Diagon Alley with his mother and siblings. His older brother Bill got wind of the news about his youngest brother not attending Hogwarts but instead to Beauxbatons; the remaining Weasleys back in England received a letter informing them that he'll be the one to pay for Ron's transportation to Belgium. In a separate letter to his parents, Bill expressed disappointment that he wasn't informed and he wouldn't mind helping out with the expenses. Both Mr. and Mrs. Weasley wouldn't hear of it.
"Bill's very sweet, but he should focus on himself and his future," said Molly after reading the letter.
Her husband agreed. "He worries too much." He faced Ron and said, "So in two days, we'll have to go to the Ministry and take an International Portkey. The letter says that the nearest venue is in Belgium."
"How do I get to go Beauxbatons from there?" asked Ron in worry.
"From what I've been told, you'll be riding carriages pulled by Abraxans," answered Arthur.
"What's an Abraxan?" asked Ginny curiously.
"They're winged horses, they're almost twice as big as a normal horse," explained their father.
Ginny's eyes glowed. "So you're going by flying carriages pulled by Abraxans? That's so wicked!" she gushed before tugging their father's hem. "Can't I come and see them?"
Arthur shared a look at Molly who pursed her lips. "Don't you want to come with me to see off your older brothers?" She asked gently while kneeling down so that she and Ginny were on an even eye level. "It'll be the last time you'll see Hogwarts Express, and who knows you might still like to attend Hogwarts."
The youngest hesitated slightly. Ron patted her on the back. "You still have one year to decide, no rush," he said with a small grin. "I decided to transfer to a different school."
"And I thought we're your favorite brothers, Gin!" said Fred loudly from the background, playing Gobstones with George. "We were replaced by flying winged horses, Gred!" he sighed dramatically, leaning on his twin and mock-wailed.
"Truly devastating, Forge," George nodded, dabbing his eyes with a handkerchief.
Ginny rolled her eyes and tackled both of her older brothers. "Fine. I'll see you off with Mum," she said. "But I'm going to Beauxbatons next year!" she said determinedly.
"Even if Harry Potter will be attending at Hogwarts?" pointed out Percy with one eyebrow raised.
Her ears went pink but Ginny said resolutely, "Shut it, Perce!" She grabbed a throw pillow and aimed perfectly at Percy's head, earning raucous laughs from the twins. Ron snorted but looked at everyone. He would miss going to Hogwarts Express, and it was saddening he wouldn't be able to board the train to go to his dream school, but it was for the best. Someday I'll get to see it.
It was barely sunrise when Ron just woke up. He rubbed his eyes while yawning, slowly sitting up. He remembered groggily that Belgium was around an hour earlier so he had to be at the venue before eleven. It was that very moment the thought of not attending Hogwarts struck the youngest Weasley boy. I'm actually not going to attend Hogwarts. I'll be going to Beauxbatons, he thought to himself. He knew that Hogwarts would still hold a special place in his heart because of the stories regaled by his older brothers. Every time he'd listen, he could almost imagine himself inside the castle. But now the truth was that it wouldn't happen anymore. He'd be making his own stories as a Beauxbatons student and it'd be different from the rest.
He jumped off the bed and stretched. "Better get ready."
Ron walked downstairs and was pleased to note that he was the first one to use the bathroom, therefore getting the hot shower. The hot shower helped waking up his senses. By the time he was done and dressed, he saw Percy standing outside. "Aren't you early?" greeted the third oldest Weasley.
"Just excited," shrugged Ron. "I didn't use it all by the way," he added before heading down and sitting at the dining table. "Morning Mum and Dad." he greeted enthusiastically to his parents who were already up.
"And good morning to you, dear," greeted back Molly, focusing on the food she was cooking. "Come on, get a plate and have your share. You and your father will be leaving a bit earlier than us."
Ron nodded before shoveling bacon in his mouth. As soon as he was done eating breakfast, the rest of his siblings came down. Percy was already dressed while the twins and Ginny were still in their pyjamas. The twins noticed that Ron was already up and dressed and Fred said, "Well what do you know? Ronnie's already done before us! Normally, you're usually the last one to wake up, but I'm surprised. Don't you think so, Georgie?"
"Quite astounded, if I say so myself, Freddie," nodded George resolutely, sitting down beside their father.
"Had to leave with Dad earlier than you guys," was all Ron said as he stood up.
"It's barely seven-thirty," yawned Ginny while Molly set a plate before her.
"It's eight-thirty in Belgium and we'll have to be there before eleven, even better earlier," spoke Arthur to his children. "International Portkey travel is not for the queasy ones." Ron suddenly thought he shouldn't have three helpings. "Ron, get your trunk down and we'll leave in ten minutes."
The youngest Weasley son nodded fervently and hurried upstairs back to his room which was the attic. He saw his truck opened it, checking if everything was inside. Certain that he had everything, he locked the trunk and pulled it downstairs clumsily due to the weight. He saw his father walking upstairs who was about to check on him. The Weasley patriarch pulled out his wand and waved at the truck to make it lighter. "Thanks, Dad."
"All ready?"
Ron nodded. "More than ever." As he got down, he saw Ginny running up to him and giving him a quick hug.
"Don't forget to write to me," she said to him.
"I promise to send you letters at least once a month and tell you everything about Beauxbatons," promised Ron. He also received a tight hug from his mother and was given packed sandwiches, to which he was pleased to find out weren't corned beef. The twins teased him one last time and Percy had given him one last-minute advice on proper decorum when interacting with other nationalities.
"Come on, let's go Ron," beckoned Arthur, and the two Flooed to the Leaky Cauldron as their first destination.
"Why do we need to go here?" asked Ron curiously.
"We need to exchange your allowance to Bezant which is the currency in France," explained his father. "Let's go to Gringotts." The two walked toward the white building at the farthermost end of Diagon Alley and entered. Arthur approached the goblin with the scales and said politely, "We would like to make an exchange from British currency to French currency."
The goblin scrutinised him with a slight sneer and said, "Your money?" Arthur pulled out 2 Galleons and gave it to the goblin. "Today's exchange rate is one Galleon to one Bezant and two Denarii," grunted the goblin as he exchanged the money. "Two Bezant and 4 Denarii."
Ron approached the counter and asked, "Er, can you please tell me the currency in Southern Europe? I'll be attending Beauxbatons." he finished hastily, feeling uncomfortable with the scrutinized look he was receiving.
The goblin narrowed his eyes before answering, "One Galleon is equal to one Bezant and two Denarii. One Bezant is equal to 12 Denarii, and one Denarii is equal to 5 Cent Sou."
Ron nodded quickly as he repeated the words in his head. "Thanks!"
Arthur couldn't help but chuckle at his son. He gave him the coin pouch containing the exchanged money, and said, "That's a good question. Come, let's now go to the Ministry," They returned to the Leaky Cauldron and told his son, "Now you have to shout 'Ministry of Magic' clearly, I wouldn't want you to go elsewhere or your Mum will have my head."
"Yes Dad," He took a small pinch of Floo Powder, threw it in the hearth, stepped in, and said as clear as he could, "Ministry of Magic!" In a flash, he arrived in the busy government center where mostly adult wizards and wizards walk briskly in their work robes.
His father was right behind and clasped his shoulder. "Follow me, Ron," he ushered him inside the building, greeting some passerby's he knew personally while walking. They entered the lift and pressed the button with the number six. The lift was quickly filled up with wizards and witches coming in and out.
The cool woman's voice spoke, "Level six, Department of Magical Transportation, incorporating the Floo Network Authority, Broom Regulatory Control, Portkey Office and Apparition Test Centre."
"And here's our stop," said Arthur with a grin. They stepped out and navigated through the floor, with Ron looking around interestedly. He stopped abruptly when he noticed his father standing in front of the door with gold letterings emblazoned on the glass 'Portkey Office'. He knocked on the door lightly and pushed the door open, Ron trailing behind. "'lo Richard," he greeted.
"You arrived pretty early, Arthur," greeted the wizard named Richard. He was a portly-looking man, with balding blonde hair. "And you must be one Ron," he added, his gaze turning to Ron's direction.
"Good morning sir," said Ron, his ears turning pink at the sudden attention.
"Isn't he polite?" chuckled Richard. "Well, I already had it ready." He turned away and rummaged through the cabinet before turning back and handing them a piece of worn-out ball that was nearly twice as big as a Snitch. "You and little Ron can go over there in that circle," he pointed to the middle of the office where there's a circle drawn on the wooden floor, "and on my signal, you'll be arriving at the receiving area of the Belgium Ministry of Magic's Portkey office."
Both Weasleys nodded and walked towards the circle. Arthur held out the ball and Ron placed a finger on it. "On the count of three - two - one -"
It happened very fast; Ron was not able to brace himself. He was sucked in some sort of tube he was sure he wouldn't fit, and after a moment, it was over. Ron landed with his back, let out a groan while slowly sitting up. "You alright, son?" asked Arthur kindly, holding out his hand.
Ron nodded slowly and accepted the help to stand up. "Are we -?"
"Welcome to Belgium!" a female voice greeted them. Ron looked up and saw the witch who greeted them had long blonde hair and friendly-looking blue eyes. "My name's Ida Berg."
Arthur stepped forward and shook her hand genially. "Thank you for welcoming us, Miss Berg," he said to her.
"Do you have your travel book?"
Arthur pulled out two small booklets. "Here's mine and my son's."
Ida opened both and checked, nodding her head. "You have a roundtrip Portkey and will be leaving later in two hours, yes? And young Mr. Weasley is on a one-trip Portkey -"
"My son will be attending Beauxbatons." supplied Arthur.
"Of course," nodded Ida, stamping on the travel books. "You may go to the Tourism Office and a personnel will be able to assist you," she informed, directing them to where the aforementioned office was located. "You still have an hour and half left before the carriage leaves," She faced Ron and gave him a warm smile. "I hope you enjoy your stay at Beauxbatons, it's truly a splendid school."
Her words were endearing and Ron's ears turned pink. "Thank you," he said before leaving the Portkey Office with his father.
They arrived at the Tourism Office wherein someone there happily assisted them and talked about Beauxbatons and Belgium's wizarding culture. Ron listened keenly, walking closely with the tourist guide and his father. They left the Belgium Ministry of Magic and Ron looked around in amazement. "We're in Brussels," informed the tourist guide named Adrien. "If you like, we can have a small tour around the city."
"We don't wish to be late -"
"I'll assure you that you will be there at the assembly area before the carriage leaves," promised Adrien. "Shall we?"
"I suppose there's no harm in having a small tour," said Arthur with a small smile, glancing over to Ron's direction. "Please show us around, Adrien."
Adrien's eyes lit up like it was already Christmas. "Then I will not waste your time! Let's start!" And so they had their mini-tour. Within that one hour, they managed to visit three tourist sites both wizards and Muggles flock to see. Ron was enjoying the moment and he was able to try out the waffles and chocolates which he enjoyed immensely. Also, he was able to ask questions about Beauxbatons and received a small lesson on French, to which he was told he was doing quite well as a beginner.
"You'll be fine," said Adrien reassuringly. "It's not very common for British wizards to attend Beauxbatons, but there had been some. You'll do fine. What's important is that you show confidence in yourself, and you learn from your mistakes." He checked the time and said, "Right on time, let me show you to the assembly area." He showed them to a less crowded street and raised his wand arm. Ron wondered what he was doing but was surprised when a red double-decker bus appeared before them. "Do come in, yes. This is the fastest land transportation here in Belgium."
Ron and Arthur clambered in the bus and noted on the occupants, some were obviously students with their parents. "Do take a seat, we'll be there in 16 minutes," said Adrien. As soon as they settled down, the bus began to move. Arthur said, "This is even better than the Knight Bus."
"How bad is the Knight Bus?" asked Ron curiously, having not taken a ride on the said transportation.
"I'd say it's the opposite of what we're experiencing, to say the least," chuckled his father. "This is maybe even faster, I think."
His words left so much space for imagination and Ron couldn't really think how horrible it would be. The bus began to slow down and came to a halt. Adrien stood up which was the cue for both Weasleys to leave their seats. "We're now in Forêt de Soignes, or the Sonian Woods," informed Adrien.
"Don't Muggles go here?" asked Arthur, looking around.
"Yes, but this is the closest protected area for the carriage to land and pick the students up," responded the tourist guide. "The Muggles only get to go around in the specific trail and they are not supposed to stray off. The rest of the area has been placed with Muggle-repelling charms which are usually checked annually." He guided them to the assembly area, which was a huge clearing where in the middle was a huge carriage that he was sure could fit the Burrow. Students and their parents were near the carriage, with some already bidding before going inside. In front were four larger-than-life beautiful horses with wings.
"Are those Abraxans?" pointed out Ron in amazement.
"Yes, they are. Such a beauty, right?" grinned Adrien. "I believe this is where I will leave, you have a great time at Beauxbatons," he gave them a short bow and walked away.
Ron was beginning to feel nervous, but relaxed when he felt his father's hand resting on his shoulder. "Are you ready?" his father asked.
"More than ever," he said. Suddenly, he hugged his father around the waist. "Thanks, Dad," he said, voice muffled against his father's robes.
"You know I'd do anything for you and your siblings," said Arthur. A soft bell rang across the area, signaling the carriage's departure. "Do write to us. We'll be waiting for your owl," the last part included his mother and younger sister Ginny.
"I will," he held onto the trunk and said, "I'll be off now. Take care on your way back, Dad!" and he walked towards the carriage. He didn't dare turn around as he was afraid he'd lose his nerve. He stepped inside and marveled at the interiors. Inside the carriage were numerous compartments with students walking around looking for their spots while others searched for their friends.
Where am I supposed to sit?
Not a moment later, someone spoke to him with words he couldn't understand. He snapped his head and retreated. "I'm sorry," he blurted out.
The one who spoke was a tall female with her brunette hair tied in a sleek braid. Her eyes were blue, and had a willowy figure. "Ah, you are English, oui?" she asked with a sweet smile. "You must vi a first-year." she added, giving him a once-over. Seeing Ron nod in response, she said, "Don't you worry, I'll help you. I'll show you where you can see." As they walked, she asked pleasantly with a distinct French accent, "Can you not speak French?"
"I know the basics," he muttered, his ears turning pink. "I transferred on short notice so I wasn't able to practice -"
"That is all right," she said consolingly. "Not everyone can speak French, but that can be remedied. Everyone can speak English, but maybe not as fluent as you."
Ron could tell she was trying to make him feel at ease, given that at Beauxbatons, many nationalities would attend. "Merci beacoup mademoiselle," he said.
The brunette's smile widened. "Pas de problème," she responded. "Here we are. There are others first years who are residing," she told him. She could tell Ron wanted to say something, then she figured it out. "Je m'appelle Emma Ries. Et vous?"
"Moi, c'est Ron Weasley."
Emma chuckled softly. "You are doing very well, Monsieur Weezly." She gave him a short curtsy and walked away.
Ron couldn't help but be proud of himself for once. He managed to have a conversation with someone here without making himself look like a total idiot. Taking a deep breath, he internally repeated what Adrien said earlier. Show confidence in yourself, and you learn from your mistakes.
He grasped on the door handle and pulled the door open.
Okay, I'm done with this chapter.
I would like to apologise if the French dialogue is incorrect. I did check on articles on what should be the best phrase to use (I don't trust Google Translate). And the accent when speaking English, eh. I hope to improve.
I initially wanted the assembly area to be in France, but considering Beauxbatons caters to numerous countries like Luxemborg, Netherlands, and Belgium, I felt there would be a selected number of venues where students gather all over southern Europe. Also, I wanted it somewhere in the countryside. Belgium seems the perfect place as the assembly area in the northern area; I contemplated between Bouillon and Crupet. Both places look lovely based on the photos I've seen online, but it's too far away so I settled with Sonian Wood. It's also a beautiful location and had that magical feel in some of the shots.
It's going to be hard writing OCs, but I suppose it's part of the improvement.
I checked if the currency in Southern Europe is still in Galleons, but apparently not. It's in Bezant. There's no other details about the currency so I had to make up as well as the conversion.
To make things clear, I will still be updating Choices. That is the priority story. I also wanted it done and I want to read your reactions on what I'd be doing to the cast. And I won't say any more because I'd be spoiling.
Anyway, thank you for taking time in reading this side-project.