The Minister’s Box was filled to capacity, buzzing with excitement as wizards and witches from all corners of the world gathered for the Quidditch World Cup. Astra was seated in the front row with the Weasley family, her sharp tongue and mischievous grin already at work. Beside her, Ron was red-faced with embarrassment, while Fred and George leaned forward, eagerly encouraging her antics.
Across the box, Lucius Malfoy sat with Draco, Theodore Nott, and Mattheo Riddle. His pristine robes and ever-present sneer stood in stark contrast to Astra’s relaxed, almost slouched posture. When their eyes met, Astra offered Lucius a cheeky wave.
“Oh, look,” she said loudly enough for half the box to hear, “it’s the Malfoys, sitting so stiffly. I can’t tell if they’re watching the match or judging a ballroom competition.”
Fred and George burst out laughing, earning a sharp glare from Molly. “Astra!” she hissed, but there was no stopping her now.
Draco’s face flushed, and he muttered something to his father, who raised an eyebrow and ignored the comment. Mattheo leaned closer to Draco, smirking. “She’s got a point. You could cut diamonds on that posture, mate.”
Lucius didn’t react, but Astra noticed the slight twitch of his jaw. She grinned wider.
“What’s the matter, Mr. Malfoy?” she continued. “Too common for you up here in the Minister’s Box? Or are you just upset that your hair looks like it’s been freshly dipped in candle wax?”
Fred let out a loud snort. “That’s why it’s so shiny!”
Theodore nudged Mattheo, whispering, “She’s fearless. Kind of impressive.”
“She’s chaos,” Mattheo replied, leaning back in his chair to watch the show.
Lucius finally turned to Astra, his expression a mask of cold disdain. “Some of us understand the value of decorum, Miss..”
“Astra,” she interrupted, leaning forward with a smirk. “Just Astra. But thanks for your input, Lord of the Candle Factory.”
Fred and George howled with laughter, and even Percy, who had been trying to appear dignified, struggled to suppress a grin.
“Astra,” Hermione muttered, tugging on her sleeve, “maybe tone it down?”
“Tone it down? Hermione, this is me toned down,” Astra replied with mock seriousness. “I’m just trying to bond with the Malfoys. It’s not my fault they’re allergic to fun.”
“Or commoners,” Ron added under his breath.
Draco’s head whipped around. “Shut it, Weasley. At least I’m not dressed like I belong on a farm.”
Astra’s eyes sparkled dangerously. “Oh, Draco, is that the best you’ve got? I expected sharper insults from someone who styles their hair like a medieval prince.”
Draco’s mouth opened and closed like a fish, clearly floundering for a retort.
Mattheo leaned closer to him, whispering, “She’s absolutely destroying you, mate. You’ve got to come up with something better.”
“Shut up, Riddle!” Draco hissed.
Lucius finally intervened, his voice cutting through the laughter. “Enough. I don’t waste my time on petty children playing at wit.”
“Petty?” Astra gasped, clutching her chest dramatically. “Coming from a man who brought a walking stick to a Quidditch match? What are you hiding in there, Mr. Malfoy? Snacks? A backup wig?”
Mattheo actually laughed aloud at that, earning a glare from Lucius. Theodore bit his lip to keep from smiling, while Draco looked like he was ready to explode.
Arthur Weasley, sitting beside Astra, coughed awkwardly. “Now, now, Astra, perhaps we should focus on the match.”
“Right, of course,” Astra said, turning her attention to the pitch. “Wouldn’t want to miss the action. But I’ve got my money on Ireland. I hear they’ve got an unbeatable strategy unlike the Malfoys, whose strategy appears to be scowling until their opponents drop dead from boredom.”
Lucius didn’t reply, but the tension radiating from him was palpable. Beside him, Mattheo leaned toward Theodore and whispered, “I think I’m in love.”
The match began, the crowd roaring as the teams flew onto the pitch. But even with the excitement of the game, the energy in the Minister’s Box remained electric, as if everyone was waiting to see what Astra would say next.
As Krum performed a daring Wronski Feint, Astra leaned toward Hermione. “See that? That’s called talent. Unlike Malfoy over there, whose only talent is looking vaguely constipated.”
Draco whipped around, his face a mix of rage and embarrassment. “You’re insufferable!”
“Thank you!” Astra replied brightly, as if it were a compliment.
By the end of the match, Ireland had won, Krum had caught the Snitch, and Astra had thoroughly entertained half the Minister’s Box while thoroughly infuriating the other half.
As they left the box, Lucius Malfoy’s icy glare followed Astra every step of the way. She simply flashed him a cheerful grin and waved. “See you at the next match, Mr. Malfoy! Don’t forget your cane it’s your best accessory!”
Fred and George flanked her as they walked down the stairs, their laughter echoing through the night.
“You’re a legend, Astra,” Fred said, clapping her on the back.
“A true menace,” George added with a grin.
“Just doing my civic duty,” Astra replied, smirking. Behind her, Lucius’s cane hit the ground with a sharp crack, his fury barely contained.
As the group moved through the crowded pathways outside the stadium, the energy of the match still lingered in the air. Fireworks were lighting up the sky, green and gold sparks showering over the heads of wizards and witches celebrating Ireland’s victory. Astra walked confidently in the middle of the Weasley clan, still grinning from the verbal sparring match in the Minister’s Box.
Ron, however, was still trying to process the scene. “You’ve got guts, I’ll give you that,” he said, glancing nervously over his shoulder as if Lucius Malfoy might appear and hex them all.
“Guts? Ron, it’s called having fun,” Astra replied, brushing imaginary dust off her shoulder. “Besides, did you see Draco’s face? I think I knocked the sneer clean off. Someone get that boy a mirror so he can glue it back on.”
Fred and George were practically vibrating with excitement. “You’re officially our favorite,” Fred declared.
“Absolutely top-tier entertainment,” George agreed. “Do you think we should have a go at Malfoy next time? Or would that be too cruel after you’ve already flattened him?”
“Boys, boys,” Astra said, holding up her hands dramatically, “leave the artistry to the professionals. I don’t just roast people; I create moments. You’re welcome, by the way.”
Arthur Weasley chuckled softly as they walked. “You know, Astra, you might be too clever for your own good. Lucius Malfoy isn’t the sort to take things lightly.”
“Good,” Astra replied. “If he’s smart, he’ll realize I’m not someone to mess with either. Besides,” she added with a mischievous glint, “what’s he going to do? Out-sass me? Please.”
Hermione sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. “I still don’t understand how you think this is a good idea. Lucius Malfoy is dangerous, Astra. He’s not going to forget what you said.”
“Oh, I’m counting on that,” Astra said with a wink. “The day Lucius Malfoy forgets me is the day I’ve failed as a human being. But don’t worry, Hermione I’ll make sure he remembers me for all the right reasons.”
As they approached their tent, the air suddenly grew tense. A familiar drawl cut through the cheerful atmosphere like a cold wind.
“Well, well, if it isn’t the Weasels and their… guest,” Draco Malfoy sneered, stepping out from the shadows. Behind him stood Theodore, Mattheo, and a still-fuming Lucius.
Astra smirked, tilting her head. “Ah, Draco, it’s nice to see you again. How’s the ego holding up? Or did it finally collapse under the weight of your father’s expectations?”
Fred and George burst into laughter, while Mattheo’s lips twitched in amusement. Draco, however, looked like he might explode on the spot.
“You’ve got a big mouth for someone so out of her depth,” Lucius said coldly, his sharp gaze fixed on Astra.
“Big mouth, big brain, big personality,” Astra quipped. “It’s a package deal. You should try it sometime it might make you less boring.”
Mattheo let out a bark of laughter before quickly covering it with a cough, while Theodore muttered under his breath, “She’s relentless.”
“Father,” Draco hissed, “why are we wasting time with her? She’s just..”
“Careful, Draco,” Astra interrupted, her tone mock-serious. “Insult me, and you might hurt your feelings even more when I come up with something better.”
Before Lucius could retort, Arthur Weasley stepped forward. “That’s enough,” he said firmly. “This isn’t the place for petty arguments.”
“Petty arguments?” Astra said innocently. “I thought we were having a lovely chat. Though, to be fair, I am doing most of the work.”
Lucius’s jaw tightened, his hand gripping his cane so hard his knuckles turned white. “You’ll regret this,” he said in a low, venomous tone.
Astra stepped closer, her grin widening. “Oh, I’m sure I will. But until then, I’ll be having the time of my life. Thanks for the concern, Mr. Malfoy!”
With that, she turned on her heel and strode toward the tent, Fred and George flanking her like bodyguards while Ron followed, muttering about how Astra had a death wish.
As they disappeared into the tent, Theodore glanced at Mattheo. “She’s insane,” he said quietly.
“She’s brilliant,” Mattheo corrected, a smirk tugging at his lips.
Lucius, meanwhile, turned to Draco with a glare. “We’re leaving. Now.”
Draco hesitated, glancing back toward the tent. “She’s not going to get away with that, is she?”
“No,” Lucius said, his voice icy. “Not for long.”
But as they walked away, Mattheo couldn’t help but grin. Astra had certainly made an impression and he had a feeling this was only the beginning.
The night descended quickly over the Quidditch World Cup grounds, though the jubilant cheers and laughter from the match had only just begun to fade. The Weasley camp bustled with activity, as Astra leaned casually against one of the tent poles, smirking to herself while Fred and George were entertaining everyone with their reenactment of Krum’s winning move.
“Honestly,” she said, her voice dripping with mock disdain, “if I had Krum’s reflexes, I’d have caught the Snitch with my teeth. Much more dramatic.”
Fred paused mid-movement, spinning to face her. “Oh, so you’re saying you’d out-fly the best Seeker in the world?”
“Obviously,” Astra replied, flipping her hair back with exaggerated flair. “Krum is good, but have you met me? The world would kneel before Astra Potter, the Queen of Quidditch.”
Before George could retort, a sudden scream echoed through the air, chilling the mood instantly. The raucous laughter was replaced by tension as more shouts and explosions followed, the unmistakable sound of chaos spreading through the camp.
“What’s going on?” Ginny asked, her voice trembling slightly.
Arthur Weasley jumped to his feet, his face pale. “Death Eaters,” he said grimly. “Everyone, stick together stay close to the tent. Don’t move until I say.”
Astra straightened, her sharp green eyes darting toward the glowing fires rising in the distance. Groups of masked figures were moving through the camp, destroying everything in their path. Wizards and witches screamed as tents were burned and spells lit up the night.
“Stay in the tent?” Astra muttered, narrowing her eyes. “Not a chance.”
“Astra, don’t…” Hermione began, but she was already striding toward the chaos, her wand drawn.
Fred and George exchanged a glance before jogging after her. “What are you doing?” Fred hissed.
“Having fun,” Astra replied coolly, her lips curving into a dangerous smirk. “What about you?”
“You’re insane!” George said, but his grin betrayed his excitement. “Absolutely, utterly insane.”
“Insane is a strong word,” Astra quipped. “I prefer adventurous.”
As they neared the edge of the camp, Astra spotted a familiar group of figures. Lucius Malfoy stood at the forefront, his silver-blond hair catching the glow of the fires. Behind him were Draco, Mattheo, Theodore, and a few other Slytherins, all looking distinctly out of place among the chaos.
“Well, if it isn’t my favorite aristocrats,” Astra called, striding toward them with a carefree swagger.
Draco spun around, his face pale. “What are you doing here, Potter?” he snapped.
“Same as you,” she said, gesturing toward the Death Eaters. “Admiring the family reunion?”
Lucius turned his icy gaze on her, his lips curling into a sneer. “This is no place for a foolish girl playing hero.”
“Oh, I’m not playing,” Astra shot back, her voice dripping with mockery. “I’m just here to enjoy the show. Speaking of which” She pointed her wand at a masked Death Eater who was setting a nearby tent on fire. “Expelliarmus!” The Death Eater’s wand flew out of his hand, and he stumbled backward, crashing into another attacker.
Lucius’s eyes narrowed. “You’re interfering with matters far beyond your understanding.”
“Matters beyond my understanding?” Astra repeated, her voice thick with amusement. “Lucius, I’ve got more brains in my little finger than you’ve got in your entire inbred bloodline. But thanks for the concern.”
Draco opened his mouth to retort, but Theodore cut him off. “She’s got a point, you know.”
“Excuse me?” Draco sputtered, glaring at him.
“She’s smarter than you, Draco,” Mattheo said with a shrug. “And, frankly, this is far more entertaining than I expected tonight to be.”
Lucius’s sneer deepened. “You’re wasting your time, Miss Potter. This is no place for childish games.”
Astra stepped closer, her green eyes flashing with intensity. “And this is no place for cowards hiding behind masks,” she said, her voice low and cutting.
Lucius flinched, his hand tightening on his cane, but before he could respond, another explosion rocked the campsite. The group turned to see a wave of Death Eaters advancing toward them, their wands raised.
“Well, this just got interesting,” Astra said, twirling her wand between her fingers.
Mattheo smirked, stepping up beside her. “You’re not seriously planning to fight them, are you?”
“Oh, I’m not planning,” Astra replied, a wicked grin spreading across her face. “I’m promising.”
Theodore sighed, drawing his own wand. “I can’t believe I’m doing this.”
Fred and George appeared at Astra’s other side, their wands raised as well. “You’re not getting all the glory, Potter,” Fred said.
“Yeah,” George added. “If you’re going down in flames, we’re coming with you.”
Draco stared at them in disbelief. “You’re all mad.”
“Welcome to the club,” Astra said, her grin widening as she raised her wand. “Now, let’s give them something to remember.”
The group braced themselves as the Death Eaters charged, spells flying in every direction. Astra’s laughter echoed through the chaos, her sharp wit and fearless energy cutting through the fear like a blade. For better or worse, the night would be one that none of them would ever forget.
The Death Eaters charged through the campsite, their spells exploding around the group like a violent fireworks display. Astra dodged a jet of red light and fired back with a well-placed Stupefy, sending a masked figure tumbling backward into a stack of chairs.
“Not bad, Potter!” Fred called, deflecting a spell with a quick Protego. “But I think you missed the dramatic flair.”
Astra whipped around, hair flying as she sent another Death Eater flying with a flick of her wand. “Sorry, Fred. I left my tiara at home. Maybe you can lend me yours?”
George, laughing as he tripped a Death Eater with a well-placed leg-locking jinx, chimed in. “Careful, Astra. If you outshine him, you’ll never hear the end of it.”
“Who said I was letting her outshine me?” Fred quipped, aiming a spell at a Death Eater creeping up behind Astra. The attacker froze mid-step, legs bound together like a ragdoll before toppling over.
Astra smirked over her shoulder. “Thanks, Fred. I’d hate to get hexed by someone who looks like they’re auditioning for a haunted opera.”
Draco, standing a safe distance away with Mattheo and Theodore, sneered. “This is absurd. You’re all going to get yourselves killed.”
“Shut up, Draco,” Mattheo muttered, blocking a spell with a lazy wave of his wand. “You sound like your father.”
Draco spun around, indignant. “I do not!”
“You really do,” Astra called out, sending another Death Eater sprawling. “All you need is the cane and the pretentious sneer.” She mimicked Lucius’s condescending expression. “Oh, look at me, I’m Draco Malfoy, heir to all the family hair products.”
Theodore choked back a laugh as Mattheo doubled over, clutching his stomach. Even George, in the middle of fending off two Death Eaters, barked out a laugh.
“Potter!” Lucius’s voice rang out from somewhere nearby, dripping with fury. “Control your tongue, or I’ll make you regret it.”
Astra turned toward the voice, her green eyes alight with mischief. “Oh, please, Lucius. The only thing I regret is not bringing popcorn to watch you panic.”
“Your arrogance will be your downfall,” Lucius snarled.
“And your stick-up-the-arse attitude will be yours,” she fired back, her wand slashing through the air as she disarmed a Death Eater lunging toward her. “But at least we’re consistent.”
Draco groaned, burying his face in his hands. “I don’t know why I came here.”
“Because you wanted to bond with us,” Astra teased, aiming a hex at a nearby attacker. “And admit it, Malfoy deep down, you think I’m charming.”
“I think you’re insufferable,” Draco snapped, though the pink tinge in his cheeks betrayed him.
Theodore elbowed him, smirking. “Oh, come on, Draco. You do love a bit of chaos.”
“Not this much chaos!” Draco retorted, ducking as a stray spell sizzled past his ear.
Mattheo grinned as he stepped in front of Draco, deflecting the next spell with ease. “Relax, cousin. Astra’s got this. Apparently, she’s the Queen of Quidditch and Chaos.”
“And don’t you forget it,” Astra said with a wink, her wand whipping through the air as she sent a Death Eater crashing into a stack of barrels.
Fred sidled up beside her, breathing heavily but grinning. “So, Astra, when’s the coronation? Do we all get invites?”
“Oh, it’s invite-only,” she replied with mock seriousness. “But I’ll make an exception for you, Fred. As long as you bring snacks.”
George, fending off two Death Eaters at once, shouted over his shoulder. “And drinks!”
“I’ll make a list,” Astra quipped, spinning to avoid a hex and countering with a jinx that left her attacker flailing wildly.
In the midst of the chaos, Lucius and his masked comrades began retreating, clearly overwhelmed by the sheer audacity of the group. Astra noticed and couldn’t resist a parting shot.
“Leaving so soon, Lucius?” she called, her voice dripping with mock disappointment. “And here I thought you’d stick around for the grand finale.”
Lucius shot her a glare so cold it could have frozen the flames licking at the campsite. “You’ll regret this, Potter.”
“Oh, I doubt it,” she replied, a grin spreading across her face. “But you might regret underestimating me. Say hi to Voldemort for me, won’t you?”
His face twisted in fury, but before he could respond, the remaining Death Eaters disapparated with loud cracks, leaving the camp eerily quiet.
Astra lowered her wand, breathing heavily but grinning triumphantly. “Well,” she said, turning to the others. “That was fun. Who’s up for round two?”
Fred and George burst out laughing, and even Mattheo and Theodore couldn’t hide their smirks.
Draco, however, glared at her, his arms crossed. “You’re impossible.”
“And you’re adorable when you’re annoyed,” Astra replied with a wink.
The group groaned, but the tension had lifted, leaving only the echoes of Astra’s sharp wit and the knowledge that, for better or worse, she had made this night unforgettable.
As the adrenaline of the battle coursed through her veins, Astra’s smirk deepened, and her green eyes sparkled with mischief. The chaotic energy hadn’t left her; if anything, it had morphed into something sharper, bolder. She sheathed her wand in her boot with a dramatic flair and turned to face the group of boys, her gaze lingering just a bit too long on Theodore.
“Well, that was exhilarating,” she said, tossing her hair over her shoulder. “Now, what should we do with all this energy?” She paused, her lips curling into a playful grin. “Any ideas, Theo?”
Theodore raised an eyebrow, his usual calm demeanor faltering for a split second. “Why are you looking at me?”
Astra stepped closer, ignoring the way Draco groaned audibly. “Oh, come on. Don’t act like you didn’t notice. You were practically glued to my side back there.”
Mattheo snorted, clearly enjoying Theodore’s discomfort. “Theo, she’s got a point. You were awfully protective.”
Theodore, flustered but trying to play it cool, crossed his arms. “I was just making sure you didn’t get hexed. It’s called strategy.”
Astra smirked, leaning in just enough to make him uncomfortable. “Strategy, huh? Funny. I thought you were just looking for an excuse to stay close to me.”
Draco gagged dramatically. “Can you not?”
“Don’t be jealous, Malfoy,” Astra shot back, her tone teasing. “There’s enough of me to go around.”
Fred and George approached from behind, looking as though they were enjoying themselves immensely. Fred nudged George with his elbow, grinning. “I think she’s broken poor Theo.”
George nodded solemnly. “And I, for one, support it.”
Before Theodore could muster a reply, Astra turned her attention to Mattheo, who had been watching the exchange with a lazy smirk. “And you,” she said, pointing a finger at him. “I saw you watching my back during that fight. What was that about?”
Mattheo tilted his head, his smirk widening. “Maybe I just like the view.”
Fred let out a loud, exaggerated whistle, and George laughed so hard he had to clutch his stomach.
“Mattheo Riddle!” Astra said, feigning scandalized offense, though her grin betrayed her. “And here I thought you were a gentleman.”
“I never claimed that,” Mattheo replied smoothly, leaning casually against a fallen tree.
Before things could escalate further, the unmistakable voices of the Weasley family broke through the tension.
“Astra? Astra Potter!” Molly Weasley’s voice carried over the clearing, full of concern and urgency. “Where are you, dear?”
Astra stepped away from the boys, her grin fading into something more composed. “Oh, good,” she said under her breath. “The cavalry.”
Sure enough, Molly, Arthur, Bill, Percy, and Arthur came into view, followed closely by Hermione and Ginny. Ron trailed behind, his expression somewhere between worry and irritation.
“What happened here?” Hermione asked, looking around at the debris and scorch marks. Her eyes landed on Astra, who was standing far too close to Theodore for comfort.
“Death Eaters,” Astra said lightly, as though describing a minor inconvenience. “We handled it.”
“You handled it?” Molly said, her hands on her hips. “Astra, you’re just a child! You shouldn’t be running into danger like this!”
“Running into danger?” Astra repeated, her voice dripping with mock outrage. “Molly, I’m offended. I didn’t run into danger. I strolled into it, made it my own, and sent it running back to Voldemort.”
George laughed so hard he nearly fell over. Fred gave her a mock salute. “Queen of Chaos strikes again.”
Molly, however, was not amused. “This is no laughing matter!”
“She’s right,” Hermione chimed in, her tone firm. “Astra, you could’ve been seriously hurt.”
Astra rolled her eyes. “Relax, Hermione. I’m fine. Look no scratches, no burns, just my usual sparkling personality.”
Ginny crossed her arms, eyeing the group of boys suspiciously. “And what were they doing while you were playing hero?”
“Playing backup,” Astra said, flashing a grin at Theodore and Mattheo. “They were very helpful. I might even consider letting them follow me into battle again.”
Draco, who had been trying to stay out of the conversation, muttered, “As if we had a choice.”
Ron finally spoke up, glaring at Mattheo and Theodore. “What are they even doing here? Aren’t they supposed to be on the other side?”
“Other side of what?” Astra asked innocently. “The campsite? Because, Ron, I assure you, that’s not how this works.”
Fred clapped a hand on Astra’s shoulder, grinning. “You’re on fire tonight, Potter.”
“And not just because of the Death Eaters,” George added.
Molly groaned, muttering something about “children and their recklessness” as Arthur tried to calm her down.
Meanwhile, Astra turned back to the boys, her adrenaline still buzzing. “Well, gentlemen,” she said with a wink, “it’s been fun, but I think my ride is here.”
As she walked away to join the Weasleys, Mattheo leaned over to Theodore and whispered, “She’s insane.”
Theodore smirked. “Yeah, but you can’t stop watching, can you?”
Mattheo didn’t answer, and Draco sighed. “I hate all of you.”
The group trudged back toward the campsite, leaving behind a battlefield littered with evidence of Astra’s unique brand of chaos.