In a cozy, sunlit bedroom, a little girl stood frowning at her mother, who was carefully dressing her. Mia had her father's dark, curly hair, but her mother's striking blue eyes. She shifted uncomfortably as her mother delicately slid a midnight blue dress over her shoulders.
Mia glanced up at her mother with a puzzled expression. "Mum, do I really have to wear this dress?"
Isabelle chuckled softly and bent down to tie a golden ribbon into Mia's hair. "Oh, Mia," she said, "you look like a little princess in this dress. It's a special occasion, and you need to look your best."
Mia sighed, her frown deepening. "But Mommy, it's so itchy."
Isabelle gave her daughter an understanding smile. "I promise, sweetheart, it won't be for long. And I think you'll love how you look once it's all done."
Just as Isabelle finished tying the ribbon, the bedroom door swung open, revealing a tall man with wild black curls, expertly gelled into place. His olive eyes lit up as soon as he saw his daughter.
"Mia, dolcezza," he exclaimed, rushing forward to scoop her up in his arms. "You are a sight for sore eyes!"
Mia giggled as her father twirled her around, careful not to ruin the delicate dress her mother had just put on her.
Isabelle chuckled at her husband's antics. "Be careful, Enzo, you'll wrinkle her dress."
Enzo planted a kiss on Mia's cheek before setting her down gently. "Of course, cara mia," he replied, offering his wife an apologetic grin. "I just couldn't resist. She looks lovely and so do you, Izzy."
Mia looked up at her parents, her blue eyes sparkling with mischief. "Can we go now? I want to show Theo and Jace my pretty dress."
Enzo, Mia's father, stood tall and regal in the center of the room, adorned in a striking midnight blue tuxedo. The well-tailored jacket hugged his broad shoulders, and the crisp white shirt beneath it contrasted beautifully with the deep blue fabric. His bowtie, a perfect match to his tuxedo, was in his wife's hand. Enzo's golden watch gleamed on his wrist, his cufflinks bearing the Borghese family crest, completing the look.
His wife Isabelle, wearing a dress that matched Mia's, stood beside him. Her brown hair, just a shade lighter than Mia's and Enzo's, was elegantly swept up, secured by a golden dragon pin that glistened as it caught the light. With a gentle smile, Isabelle focused her attention on Enzo's bowtie, making sure it was perfectly aligned.
Enzo's olive eyes met Isabelle's in the mirror, and he couldn't help but feel a surge of affection for his wife. "Thank you, cuore mio," he murmured, his voice filled with appreciation. "You always make me look my best."
Isabelle leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek. "And you always make me proud, Enzo."
Enzo glanced at his watch, his eyebrows rising in mild surprise. "Izzy, Mia, we should get going. We wouldn't want to be late."
As they arrived at the grand ballroom, they were greeted by the sight of a magnificent affair in full swing. The opulent chandeliers hanging from the ornate ceiling cast a warm, golden glow over the room, illuminating the richly decorated walls adorned with tapestries and gilded frames. A live orchestra played enchanting melodies that filled the air with a sense of sophistication and romance.
Enzo approached the butler at the entrance. He reached into the inner pocket of his jacket and produced the ornate invitation. The butler, impeccably dressed in a black tailcoat and white gloves, accepted the invitation with a nod of acknowledgment.
"His Royal Highness, Lorenzo Borghese, Her Royal Highness, Isabelle Borghese," the butler announced in a dignified tone, his voice carrying across the room like a ripple in a pond. "And their daughter, Her Royal Highness, Mia Borghese."
Ladies in intricate gowns of various shades swirled gracefully on the dance floor, their laughter and lively conversations mingling with the music. Gentlemen in tailored suits engaged in animated discussions, their polished shoes gliding effortlessly over the marble floors. The scent of delicate perfumes and the subtle clinking of crystal glasses filled the air as guests sipped on sparkling champagne.
Queen Sophie, a paragon of regal grace and beauty, stood at the center of the opulent ballroom. Her gown, a masterpiece of sapphire silk and intricate silver embroidery, seemed to defy gravity as it flowed elegantly around her, its long train trailing behind her majestically. A diadem adorned her silver locks, casting a soft, shimmering glow on her dignified countenance. Her emerald eyes, pools of wisdom, surveyed the room with warmth and poise.
Beside her stood her son, Prince Alexander, the embodiment of her regal bearing. He wore a tailored black suit with a crisp white bowtie, exuding an air of princely charm and responsibility. His wife, Princess Eloise, stood beside him, her presence radiating elegance and grace. Beside his parents stood Prince Jonathan, who looked slightly bored at the continuous flow of guests.
As the Borghese family approached Queen Sophie, they did so with deep respect, bowing respectfully to the reigning monarch. Queen Sophie, a warm smile gracing her lips, extended her hand toward them. "Ah, the Borghese family," she said with a melodious voice that commanded attention. "Lorenzo, Isabelle. No need for pleasantries. You are practically family."
Enzo stepped forward, his face beaming with genuine affection, to kiss the Queen's cheeks and shake Prince Alexander's hand. "Sophie, you look radiant," he greeted them with warmth. "Alec, are we still on for this weekend?"
Queen Sophie's emerald eyes lit up as they fell upon Mia. "Mia," the Queen said, her voice filled with grandmotherly affection. "You look absolutely beautiful, my dear."
Mia blushed at the Queen's compliment and curtsied gracefully in response. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Jace, excited and eager, bounced on his knees, his eyes full of anticipation. "Can I take Hermione now, Grandma? Theo has arrived and we'd like to talk to him," he asked, his youthful enthusiasm evident in his voice.
Eloise and Isabelle shared a knowing glance and nodded in agreement. "Of course, my dear," Eloise replied with a smile. "But please, no mischief."
Jonathan smirked mischievously as he yelled, "No promises!" With that, he took Hermione's hand and scampered off searching for their friend.
Running through the palace halls, Mia and Jace continued their quest to find their friend Theo. The ornate corridors of the palace were filled with guests, their laughter and chatter echoing through the halls.
As they turned a corner, Mia suddenly collided with two other young boys, sending her tumbling to the floor with a cry of surprise and pain. Her blue eyes welled up with tears as she rubbed her sore elbow. Jace, protective and quick to react, stepped forward, his expression fierce.
"Hey! Watch where you're going!" Jace snapped at the blond boy who had crashed into Mia.
The blond boy sneered in response. "Maybe if she wasn't standing there, we wouldn't have collided," he retorted defiantly.
Beside the blond, a black-haired, green-eyed boy with glasses tugged at his arm. "Come on, Draco, let it go," he urged, his voice calmer and more rational. "Apologize; they're waiting."
Mia, still trying to pull Jace away from Draco, pleaded with him urgently. "Jace, come on, Theo is waiting."
But Jace wasn't budging. His protective instincts were in full force. "I'm not letting go until he apologizes for hurting you, Mia," he declared firmly.
Draco, however, only smirked at Jace, refusing to apologize for the accident. Mia couldn't contain her frustration and annoyance with the stubborn boy.
"Honestly, you're such a toerag!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with exasperation. "Jace, come on, he's not worth your time or energy."
Reluctantly, Jace released Draco, but not without a stern warning. "Watch it next time," he cautioned, his voice carrying a hint of a threat.
In a corner of the ballroom, Narcissa, Lily, James, Lucius, and Sirius were engaged in animated conversation. The elegant table before them held an array of delectable treats and drinks, and the room was alive with the sounds of laughter and music. Their discussion was interrupted when James noticed his son, Harry, approaching with a mischievous grin, Draco trailing behind with a huff.
Sirius, ever the jovial one, turned to both boys with a grin. "Well, well, look at these two handsome lads! What mischief have you two been up to?"
Narcissa, keenly observant of her son's demeanor, couldn't help but inquire, "Draco, what's gotten into you?"
Harry burst into laughter before Draco had a chance to answer. He turned to his aunt with an amused expression. "Aunt Cissy, Draco here was called a toerag after bumping into a girl and her friend."
James and Sirius exchanged knowing glances before erupting into booming laughter. Lily playfully swatted James on the arm, then turned her attention to Draco. "Oh, Draco, spill. What happened?"
"Well," he began, "Harry and I were walking through the dance floor when we collided with a blond boy, a git really, and his brunette friend. The boy grabbed me and demanded that I apologize, but I refused. The girl then called me a toerag and left because they were searching for a friend."
James and Sirius were practically in tears from laughing so hard, and Draco's face was turning a shade of crimson.
Sirius, ever the playful uncle, winked at his nephew. "Draco, my boy, be careful with the girls who call you a toerag. You might just end up marrying one."
James, finally calming down, added with a chuckle, "You know, Draco, that's the same insult Lils, your godmother, used on me when we first met, and look at us now, happily married and with two kids." His voice softening towards the end.
Lily chimed in, a sly grin on her face. "Yes, it's true. James here pulled a prank on my friend at the time, Severus Snape, and I called him a toerag."
"Draco, son, maybe you should find that girl and apologize. Your mother and I raised you better than that," Lucius offered.
Theo, who was lounging casually in a corner sipping champagne, smiled widely upon seeing his best friends. His violet eyes twinkling with amusement, he couldn't resist teasing Jace, who was muttering curses under his breath.
"Star, what's got His Majesty's feathers all ruffled?" Theo asked playfully as Mia approached him, greeting him with a warm hug.
Jace, standing nearby with a sarcastic smile, chimed in, "So funny, Teddybear," he said, "and it's Your Royal Highness. Just so you know, Mia bumped into two boys on the dance floor. The blond jerk refused to apologize, but then, our little princess here, called him a toerag, and here we are."
"You did not call him a toerag, Star," Theo burst into laughter at the end of Jace's story, unable to contain his amusement. Mia, on the other hand, felt her cheeks grow warm with embarrassment as her friends laughed.
The trio of friends fondly recalled how they had first met. It was at the New Year's concert in Vienna five years ago.
Two boys and the girl walked separately through the maze-like corridors of the Viennese Opera House venue, they remained oblivious to each other's presence. Their paths were bound to cross, and fate had a peculiar way of making it happen.
Without warning, the three of them collided with a harried waiter carrying a precarious stack of Don Perignon champagne bottles. The force of impact sent the waiter stumbling, and a cascade of expensive bottles tumbled to the floor, shattering into sparkling fragments. The waiter cast a resentful glare in their direction before hastily assessing the damage.
The boy with black hair, his face flushed with embarrassment, was the first to recover. He quickly stepped toward the brunette girl, profusely apologizing. "I'm so sorry," he stammered, remorse evident in his violet eyes. "Are you alright?"
The brunette, her royal blue dress now adorned with champagne splashes, brushed herself off and gave him a half-smile. "It's alright, accidents happen," she replied, her voice calm yet tinged with irritation.
On the other hand, the dirty blond boy, his expensive suit now drenched in champagne, seethed with anger. With an air of superiority, he angrily removed his suit jacket, revealing a crisp white shirt and a golden waistcoat.
"Watch where you're going!" he snapped at the black-haired boy, his hazel eyes flashing green with fury. "This is a custom-made suit, you imbecile! You've ruined it!" He pointed an accusatory finger at Theodore.
The black-haired boy, slightly taller than the dirty blond, raised an eyebrow in response. "A custom-made suit, huh? You're quite the snob, aren't you? I'm sure it can be cleaned," he retorted, unwilling to shoulder the blame entirely.
The dirty blond's face twisted with rage. "I'd rather be a snob than a plebe like you," he sneered, his voice dripping with condescension.
The brunette, still visibly annoyed by the situation, interjected in their escalating argument. "Both of you, stop it! You're acting like toerags," she scolded.
The black-haired boy turned to the brunette, his wide eyes sparkling with newfound admiration, while the dirty blond remained unimpressed and retorted, "I am not a toerag. Take that back!"
"Are too," the brunette shot back, her chin held high, a challenging glint in her eyes.
"Are not!"
"Are too!"
"Toerags?" the black-haired boy, his violet eyes bearing innocence, asked. "What's a toerag?"
The dirty blond and the brunette, momentarily forgetting their argument, exchanged bemused glances before bursting into laughter. The tension that had hung in the air dissipated as the absurdity of the situation washed over them.
"I'm Theo," the black-haired boy introduced himself shyly, smiling. "Theodore Aeneas Nott."
Jonathan, still somewhat disgruntled about his ruined suit, extended his hand. "Jonathan Christopher Beaufort-Grimaldi," he stated, enunciating each syllable of his name. "But you can call me Jace."
The brunette couldn't help but snort. "Jonathan Christopher Beaufort-Grimaldi? That's quite a mouthful," she remarked with a mischievous grin. "I'm Mia. Mia Lucrezia Borghese."
The three of them exchanged glances, and amidst the champagne-soaked chaos, an unexpected friendship began to take shape.
Seated comfortably on a plush sofa in a corner of the ballroom, the trio observed the elegant guests as they mingled and swayed to the enchanting music. Laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses filled the air as the partygoers reveled in the opulent atmosphere.
Jace's hazel eyes landed on a pristine bottle of champagne on a nearby table. With a sly grin, he stood up and strolled over to the table, snatching the bottle and plucking three champagne flutes from a nearby tray. He returned to where Mia and Theo were seated, presenting the champagne like a triumphant conqueror.
"For old times' sake," he declared with a smirk, his hazel eyes twinkling mischievously as he poured a generous amount of champagne into each flute.
Mia hesitated briefly, her eyes darting between the champagne and Jace. She knew that trouble often followed Jace's playful antics, but his charm was hard to resist. With a laugh that mirrored his carefree attitude, she accepted the champagne glass. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she clinked her glass against Jace's. "Why not?"
Theo, however, had a different idea. With a mischievous twinkle in his amethyst eyes, he snatched the entire champagne bottle from Jace's hands, causing the dirty blond to raise an eyebrow in mock protest. Holding it like a trophy, he shook it vigorously before popping the cork with a resounding pop. Champagne sprayed out in a fizzy cascade, drenching both Mia and Jace.
"Toerag! Toerag!" he chanted gleefully as he doused his friends in the sparkling liquid, making Mia shriek and Jace burst into laughter.
Mia, her dress now adorned with champagne, playfully scolded Theo. "Theodore Aeneas, stop right now!" she exclaimed with a grin, trying to shield herself from further champagne spray.
But Jace, finding the whole situation utterly delightful, decided to join in the fun. With a mischievous glint in his eye, he reached out and pulled Mia into a spontaneous, champagne-fueled spin, causing her to laugh uproariously as she twirled around, champagne glass in hand.
"Hey, you two," Jace began cheekily, pushing his champagne-soaked hair back. "I've got a surprise." With a swift, theatrical flourish, he reached into the inner pocket of his impeccably tailored, now drenched jacket, and pulled out three tickets.
Mia's eyes widened with excitement, and she let out an exuberant squeal. "You didn't. Oh my god, Jace, I could kiss you right now."
"Oh, please do, princess," Jace's smirk only widened as he reveled in her reaction, fully aware of how much Mia adored the band. "My mum has gotten us tickets for Queen. The concert is on August 8, just before we go to Durmstrang. My mother has already talked with your parents, so you're staying with me until they ship us to Norway."
Theo, however, sat there, suddenly quiet and a bit puzzled. He furrowed his brow and looked at Mia and Jace. "What's Queen?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.
Mia and Jace exchanged incredulous glances before snapping their heads toward Theo simultaneously.
"Oh my god!" Jace exclaimed, unable to contain his astonishment.
Mia joined in, her eyes shining with excitement. "Are we about to introduce you to Queen?"
"It really freaks me out when you do that. Pureblood here, remember?" Theo, still frowning, asked, " What is it, a singer or something?"
Mia couldn't help but chuckle, her laughter tinged with excitement. "They're more than just singers, Theo... they're legends."
Jace, eager to add his own perspective, chimed in. "Freddie Mercury is like a gazelle, a gazelle in high-waisted pants," he declared, adding a hint of theatrical flair to his description.
Suddenly, Mia's brows furrowed in deep thought, making both Theo and Jace exchange concerned glances before turning their attention to her. Theo was the first to break the silence, his voice gentle and comforting.
"What's the matter, Star?" he asked, his eyes filled with empathy. "I thought you were excited for the concert."
Mia, her gaze moving from Theo to Jace, took a deep breath before voicing her concerns. "It's not the concert, Teddy," she confessed, her voice quivering with uncertainty. "I'm worried about starting school."
Jace, quick to respond, wiped away a tear that had escaped down Mia's cheek. He spoke with utmost sincerity. "That's impossible," he declared, eyes softening. "No one compares to you, princess. You're our best friend."
Theo, equally compassionate, pulled Mia into a warm hug, his arms wrapped around her protectively. "You're the star in my life," he assured her, his voice filled with earnest affection. After losing his mother, he had come to appreciate the importance of true friends like Jace and Mia. "If you ever need us, Star, just know that we'll drop everything to be with you," he added.
"Teddy's right, princess," Jace said, smiling and poking Mia's cheek. "We'll be right there by your side. You'll get bored of us."
Mia, still wrapped in the warm embrace of her two protective friends, pulled both boys close, hugging them tightly. She couldn't help but laugh as they simultaneously smacked loud kisses on her cheeks.
The lighthearted moment, however, was abruptly interrupted by the arrival of two boys. Harry stood there with an amused expression, while Draco appeared somewhat embarrassed. Mia's back straightened slightly, sensing underlying tension in the air. Theo frowned and glanced at Jace, whose jaw had visibly tensed.
The silent exchange between Jace and Theo seemed to convey a decision, with Theo raising an eyebrow and Jace nodding in agreement. Theo turned his attention to the approaching boys, his amethyst eyes darkening as he instinctively moved to cover Mia with his body. He turned to Draco, his tone carrying a warning as he asked, "What do you want?"
Draco, in a snappish and curt tone, replied, "I'm not here to talk to you or your lapdog there," referring to Jace, who wore a hint of annoyance on his face.
Jace, his jaw tensing further, stepped forward. "You should watch your tone, blondie. You don't know who you're talking to."
Theo, towering over Draco, added, "You're the boy who hurt Star. We won't let you talk to her if you're going to be rude to us."
Harry, sensing the escalating tension, cleared his throat and shot Draco a pointed look, urging him to make amends with the two imposing figures before him. Reluctantly, Draco grumbled an apology to both Theo and Jace, though his reluctance was evident.
Theo and Jace exchanged smirks. "Louder, please," Theo urged with a sly grin.
Draco, with a sigh, raised his voice and offered a more sincere apology. "I'm sorry, and I'd like to speak to your friend behind you."
Mia's head popped up between her two protective friends, her blue eyes slightly wary. Theo and Jace looked down at her with adoring gazes as she spoke, her voice laced with caution. "Alright, say what you have to say and then leave us alone."
Draco, somewhat flushed, cleared his throat. "I'm sorry for bumping into you earlier. I should've apologized right away."
Mia nodded, accepting his apology gracefully. Draco was about to inquire about the brunette's name when a burly bodyguard suddenly appeared in front of the group.
"Your Grace, Your Royal Highness, Your Royal Highness," the bodyguard addressed them, touching his earpiece. "Madam President wants me to inform you that you and your friends are to leave now. A car is waiting at the entrance to take you to the airport."