The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm golden glow over the Washington Reagan National Airport. As two official black cars approached the landing strip, their polished exteriors gleamed in the late morning light. The crowd of reporters, photographers, and onlookers had been waiting for hours, their anticipation palpable. The hum of excitement filled the air as the cars came to a stop in front of the waiting aircraft.
From the first car, the chauffeur stepped out and rushed to open the rear door. The moment it swung open, the sound of thousands of camera clicks and flashes filled the air. Madam President, a poised and elegant woman in her early 30s, emerged. She was dressed in a sharp pantsuit that exuded authority and confidence. Her husband, a distinguished-looking man with dirty blond hair, followed closely behind, offering her a supportive smile.
"Madam President! How do you feel about sending your son to Norway?"
Their son, Jace, stepped out next. He was already engrossed in a lively conversation with his friends.
"Well, Jace will be attending the same school I did, and he's going with some wonderful friends." Eloise answered, smiling. "So, like any mother, I have a mix of emotions. Pride, excitement, and yes, a touch of concern, but I know he'll do just fine.I'm not excessively worried, just like any mother would be."
"Jace, here. How do you think your school year will go?"
"I'm super excited to start, and I'm not worried at all because I've got Theo and Mia with me. It's going to be an awesome year!" Jace said, smiling at the cameras.
As Jace finished speaking, the bodyguards began pushing the reporters back, ensuring the safety and privacy of the First family.
Eloise and Jace approached the small group, including Mia'a mother, Izzy, Theo and Mia. Izzy, ever attentive and caring, fussed over Mia and Theo, who were experiencing a mixture of excitement and apprehension.
"Don't worry, you two. You're going to have so much fun together, just like you always do. Plus, there'll be no cameras around so you'll be able to run around freely" Izzy smiled at her daughter.
Enzo approached the group and mockingly saluted Eloise, "We're all set to go, Madam President."
As the group made their way towards the waiting aircraft, the cacophony of camera clicks and flashes followed them, capturing this momentous departure for Norway. The sun continued its descent, casting a warm, golden hue over the airport, as the First Family and their close friends took off.
"Madam President, we are approaching our destination, and we'll be landing in about 10 minutes." The captain's voice filled the cabin
Eloise, who had been sitting quietly nearby, stirred into action. She began gently waking up the children, ensuring they were comfortable for the upcoming landing. With a flick of her wand, she adjusted everyone's clothing to better suit the colder climate they were about to encounter in Norway. Warm coats and scarves replaced their previous attire, preparing them for their arrival in a new country.
As the children stirred and blinked away sleep, Izzy, Mia's mother, turned to her daughter with a solemn expression. Mia, still groggy, looked at her mother with curiosity.
"Mia, there's something I need to tell you before we take off the maiden name used to be Rosier. And I have an older brother, Evan, whom I've never talked to."
Mia's eyes widened, her interest piqued. She had never heard of her mother having a brother before."Why haven't you talked about him, Mom?"
"Because," Izzy, took a deep breath before answering, "my brother was a Death Eater."
Theo, furrowing his eyebrows, asked "What's a Death Eater, aunt Izzy?"
Thoros, who had been listening attentively, decided to chime in. He looked at both Mia and Theo, realizing they needed an explanation.
"Mia, Theo, you need to understand that the world we're entering is different from the one you've known. Death Eaters were wizards who believed in pureblood supremacy. They followed a dark wizard named Voldemort and bore his mark, the Dark Mark, on their left arm – a skull with a serpent."
Mia, Theo, and Jace exchanged uncertain glances, trying to comprehend the gravity of the situation.
Izzy continued, her voice tinged with regret."During Voldemort's reign of terror, many Death Eaters came from pureblood families, including ours. Fortunately, for you three, Theo's parents,Jace's mother and I fled before the war broke out."
Jace, still struggling to grasp the information, asked the question that was on his friends' mind. "But why are you telling us all of this now?"
"Unfortunately, love, there are some wizards who will judge you not by who you are but by your family name." Eloise spoke, surprising her son. " Nott, Rosier, and Beaufort – were once associated with Dark Magic and Voldemort. We want you to be prepared for anything you might encounter in the wizarding world, and we want you to know your family's history.
The plane's wheels screeched as it touched down, Mia, Theo, and Jace couldn't contain their excitement. Without hesitation, they rushed outside onto the tarmac.
Before them stood a sight that took their breath away. It was a ship, but not just any ship. This vessel had a strange, skeletal look reminiscent of a 16th-century Spanish galleon, complete with a quarterdeck and forecastle that seemed to belong to a bygone era. Its massive, square-rigged sails billowed in the breeze, and it proudly displayed two towering masts that reached towards the sky.
Theo, the observant one of the trio, was the first to spot other children with their parents gathering around the ship. "Look, guys," he exclaimed, pointing excitedly. "There are other kids here too!"
Mia and Jace followed his gaze, their eyes widening with wonder. "Wow, this is incredible!" Mia exclaimed. "I can't believe we're finally here."
Jace nodded vigorously, his excitement matching Mia's. "It's going to be the adventure of a lifetime!"
As the three friends marveled at the ship, two familiar figures approached them. It was Enzo and Alec, their respective fathers, wearing matching grins of excitement. In the background, their wifes and Thoros were engaged in an animated conversation with a dark haired man with deep maroon robes.
Enzo enveloped Mia in a warm hug, his eyes filled with pride. "Guess what, dolcezza," he said, his voice filled with excitement. "Your mother, Uncle Thor, Uncle Alec, Aunt Ellie, and I have a big surprise. We'll be waiting for you lot in Yule to throw you a massive birthday party, even though your birthday is two weeks away."
Alec nodded enthusiastically as he smoothed out her hair. He turned to Jace and Theo with a smile. "And you two," he said, "it's your duty to take care of her during, alright?"
Theo nodded earnestly, taking the responsibility to heart. But Jace couldn't resist adding a mischievous comment. "Just remember," he said with a grin, "Mia can throw some nasty hexes when she's angry."
Enzo and Alec burst into laughter, recalling past incidents when Mia's temper had flared. Enzo, still chuckling, got down on one knee to be at eye level with his daughter and hugged her tightly.
"Sono molto, molto orgogliosa di te, Mia. Forse non capisco la magia e come funziona il mondo magico, ma so che ti divertirai molto," he said, his voice filled with affection. "Ti amo. Sei reale, non importa quanto un gruppo di maghi dica che sei impura. Non ascoltarli. Tu sei Mia Lucrezia Borghese e soprattutto sei mia figlia. And you know what? You have my permission to hex or hit anyone who messes with Theo, Jace or you."
(I'm so, so proud of you, Mia. I may not understand magic and how the magic world works, but I know you're going to have a great time. I love you. You're royalty no matter how much a bunch of wizards say you're impure. Don't listen to them. You are Mia Lucrezia Borghese and above all else you are my daughter.)
Just then, Izzy appeared out of nowhere and swatted her husband in the back of the head playfully. Laughter rippled through the group as Enzo's antics lightened the atmosphere.
As Mia, Theo, and Jace stepped onto the mysterious ship, they were immediately enveloped in an air of anticipation and curiosity. They were not alone; other young witches and wizards were also boarding, and the atmosphere buzzed with excitement. But before they could fully take in their surroundings, a commanding voice spoke up.
"I am Igor Karkaroff, and I shall be your Headmaster during your time at Durmstrang Institute," the voice announced, echoing throughout the ship's interior.
Mia, Theo, and Jace exchanged surprised glances. This was not what they had expected. Durmstrang Institute was known for its formidable reputation, and it seemed that reputation extended to its Headmaster as well.
As Karkaroff finished speaking, two figures stepped forward, immediately drawing everyone's attention. They were dressed in distinctive attire—matted, woolly fur capes, fur hats, and blood-red robes that set them apart.
The girl, with a regal air about her, introduced herself first. "I am Esmeralda," she said, her voice carrying authority. "And I am the Head Girl of Durmstrang Institute."
The boy, tall and confident, followed. "I am Mikhail," he declared. "And I am the Head Boy."
Mia, Theo, and Jace listened intently, eager to learn more about their new school. Esmeralda continued. "Durmstrang is different from other magical schools. We are not divided into houses like Hogwarts. When you step foot into Durmstrang, you are part of a unit, we don't tolerate prejudice. Durmstrang takes care of its own, you'll do well in remembering this ."
Mikhail added, "We also have Quidditch matches for those who wish to participate." At this, Mia, Theo, and Jace's eyes lit up with excitement. The prospect of playing Quidditch at Durmstrang thrilled them. "And most of you must have heard about the annual War Games." His words sent a ripple of excitement through the first-year students
Esmeralda stepped in to provide more information. "There are rules to the War Games," she explained. "First years will compete against each other. As you progress to second year, you will face third years, and so on. However, for safety reasons, a second year cannot duel a fourth year."
Mikhail emphasized, "In the War Games, almost anything goes, except for the use of Unforgivable Curses."
A curious voice from the crowd piped up, "What about those wooden staffs?"
Mikhail fielded the question with a reassuring smile. "Ah, the wooden staff. You will need to pass a test at the end of your first year. If you pass, you'll receive a staff with a limiting cap. Starting from your second year, you'll begin training with it. Then, when you reach your third year, the cap will be removed, and our Xylomancy professor will individually infuse the staff with magic, inscribing runes and carvings unique to each of you. These staffs share their core with your wands and a touch of blood magic, making them truly one-of-a-kind."
The curiosity of the first-year students was insatiable, and another voice piped up with a question about dueling. Esmeralda's eyes twinkled mischievously as she welcomed the inquiry.
"Dueling is indeed a great tradition here at Durmstrang," she replied. "However, there are some rules to follow. Duels must always be done under supervision, either by a professor, a fourth or fifth year student or Mik or I. Both parties must give their consent, and once accepted, the duel will be officially recorded in the dueling arena. If a duel involves more than two participants, it must be recorded as well. Failure to do so could result in detention."
Mia, Theo, and Jace exchanged knowing glances. Durmstrang's approach to dueling seemed both structured and thrilling.
Sensing that their arrival was imminent, Mikhail took the opportunity to address the eager first-year students. "Your trunks are already in your rooms, and your uniforms are waiting for you," he informed them. "What Esme and I are wearing is reserved for official events and occasions."
As the ship came to a halt, the anticipation among the students reached a crescendo. Igor, Esmeralda, and Mikhail stepped forward, their expressions welcoming and encouraging.
Igor offered a warm smile. "Good luck to all of you," he said, his voice filled with encouragement. "We will see you in an hour for dinner. Enjoy your time at Durmstrang Institute."
As Mia, Theo, and Jace navigated the labyrinthine halls of the Institute, they suddenly came to a halt in front of a striking portrait. The eyes of the trio widened in astonishment as they gazed at the vivid image before them.
In the portrait, three women stood, dressed in formidable combat attire. At the center was Izzy, Mia's mother, who smiled radiantly with her wand securely holstered. To her right, Selene, Theo's mother, held her wooden staff confidently in one hand, and to her left was Jace's mother, who brandished a sword with a smug and self-assured smile. Izzy and Selene leaned casually on the sword-wielding woman.
Theo couldn't help but whisper into the air, "Is that...my mother in the portrait?"
Jace, equally excited, pointed at the portrait. "Look, princess! Your mother and mine are there too!"
Mia, taken aback by the sight, commented, "I didn't know our mothers were friends at school."
Just as they were discussing the presence of their mothers in the portrait, a voice from behind them startled the trio. Turning, they found a tall man with striking black hair, piercing blue and brown eyes, and a confident presence. He was dressed in black linen shirt, dragonhide trousers, and boots.
Theo and Jace instinctively moved to position themselves in front of Mia, their protective instincts kicking in. The man, undeterred, introduced himself. "Idris Lestat, at your service. I'll be your Defense teacher this year.
Theo and Jace gradually relaxed but didn't shift their protective stance. Idris noticed their behavior and found amusement in it. He assured them, "No need to worry, kids. I'm not here to harm you."
He continued, "Those women in the portrait are indeed your mothers. They were some of the best duelists this Institute has ever seen. Isabelle, Selene, and Eloise got to know each other so well that they didn't need to talk when they were dueling in the arena or during the War Games. Each of them was dangerous on her own, but when they teamed up, they were absolutely deadly."
Curiosity piqued, Theo asked, "How do you know all this?"
Idris grinned and, with a mischievous glint in his eye, lifted his shirt slightly, revealing a faint scar on his stomach. "This," he said, tapping the scar, "was courtesy of Jace's mother."
The trio gasped in astonishment, Idris continued, "Students often tried to duel your mothers because they thought they couldn't be beaten. They usually failed miserably."
He then leaned in closer to them and said, "You three are legacies, I was thrilled when I saw your names. I'm looking forward to teaching you and witnessing the potential you carry in your blood. By the way you boys are standing in front of Isabelle's daughter I can already tell you'll be a force to be reckoned with "
Theo's frown deepened as he responded to Idris. "We didn't come here looking for trouble."
Idris, still wearing a bemused expression, chuckled at Theo's earnestness. "Ah, you must be Selene's son," he said, his voice carrying a hint of sympathy. Theo nodded, his emotions a mix of pride and sadness. "My condolences, I was at her funeral but you were too little to remember me"
Idris continued, "Your mother often used to say that trouble would come for her friends and her, not the other way around." There was a note of respect in his voice as he spoke of Selene.
Jace, ever protective, interjected with a determined tone. "If anyone dares to upset Theo or Mia or hurt them, they have something coming, especially if it involves Mia."
Theo chimed in, nodding in agreement, as he playfully smacked a kiss on Mia's cheek. She swatted his arm in a playful, affectionate response.
Idris laughed heartily. "You kids really do resemble your mothers," he said with a fond smile. "Selene and Eloise were fiercely protective of Isabelle, but don't be mistaken—Isabelle was not weak. She could outsmart any student and throw well-aimed hexes if someone dared to taunt Selene or Eloise."
Theo and Jace look at Mia fondly. "Princess here can also throw some hexes if she's angry, we've experienced the end of her wand. Don't be deluded by her innocent smile."
Idris, still amused by the trio's spirited personalities and protective instincts, led them down a well-lit corridor, until they reached a trio of room doors. He gestured toward them and said, "Here are your rooms. I hope you'll find them comfortable. I'll see you tomorrow for Defence"
Jace, with a mischievous grin, turned to Mia. "Looks like we're crashing your place tonight," he announced.
Theo followed suit, tossing a casual arm around Jace's shoulders. "Yep, got to keep up with traditions," he added, playfully teasing Mia.
Mia rolled her eyes but couldn't help but smile at her friends' antics. "You two are incorrigible," Jace and Theo exchanged triumphant glances and playfully pushed past Mia, flopping down onto her bed as if they owned it. "This is cozy," Jace remarked with a grin.
Mia shook her head, her laughter filling the room. "Well, make yourselves at home, but remember, I have first dibs on the wardrobe before it ends up with your clothes"
Her room was surprisingly spacious, with a large window that offered a view of the enchanting forest surrounding Durmstrang. The bed was king-sized, more than enough to accommodate Jace, Theo, and her comfortably. The bed covers were a sleek black, and the quilt was made of thick, cozy wool. She noticed a small desk and a shelf tucked next to the window, offering a perfect spot for her books and personal belongings. On the wall next to the bed, there was a wardrobe, and beside it, a door that Mia deduced led to the bathroom.
As Mia took in the details of her room, Theo and Jace couldn't resist starting a playful pillow fight, laughing and teasing each other as fluffy pillows flew through the air. Mia joined in the fun, her laughter filling the room as they enjoyed their first moments in their new living quarters at Durmstrang Institute.
