AN: This is a very short one but the next chapter is ready and will be posted the day after tomorrow. Thank you to everyone who favoured and followed my story! :-) And if you find any errors, please let me know. I am a not native speaker and not always sure if what I write is right... But now on with the story...
Fairytale AU. Magic exists. Magical transformations.
He came upon her on the shores of a black lake that laid beneath a grand and mysterious castle. She was sitting on a stone and cried bitter tears. And at first he did not know why.
"Can I help you, Miss?" He asked quietly and sat down on a low and moss covered stump next to her. She gasped and turned her tear streaked face to him.
"Who are you?"
"I am Prince Henry from Godric's Hollow. But all of my friends and family call me Harry."
"And what is a Prince like you doing in Hogwarts?"
"I got lost in the forest on my way home and happened upon this castle. I hoped to ask the owner for shelter."
"I would not do it in your stead."
"Why? He has nothing to fear of me!"
"But you have everything to fear of Gellert Grindelwald." She whispered. "He is an evil warlock."
"What did he do?"
"Oh quite many nasty things. He curses people just for his entertainment. He ruins families. He kidnaps young lady's and hexes them."
"Is this what happened to you?"
"Yes. I am Princess Daphne of Beauxbatons and after visiting my aunt and uncle in the neighbouring kingdom I got lost in this forest, too. I was so afraid and asked him for shelter. He granted it but demanded me to give my virginity to him. As payment. I refused and told him that I would rather sleep on the shores of the lake than give myself to him. He laughed and told me that he would not mind granting me my wish at all. And with a wave of his Death Stick I found myself down here. Cursed to become a swan by day and to keep my true form at night. As soon as I realised, I knew that I could not go home anymore. My family would never accept me!" She broke into sobs again and Harry could not help himself but place an arm around her shoulder.
"I will help you, Daphne, and bring you home again!"
"Will you stay here tonight?"
"Of course, I will!" For the first time in weeks, Daphne smiled, while hope and something else bloomed in her chest.
Neither of them noticed the man hidden in the shadows of the surrounding forrest and the evil, malicious grin on his face.