The Pact

The anticipation is palpable by the time dinner rolls around. Whispers had filled the halls all day, the excitement about the visiting students mounting with each passing hour. By the time we take our seats in the Great Hall, the air practically buzzes with curiosity.

The enchanted ceiling reflects a clear night sky glittering with stars, and the long tables are laden with the most extravagant feast I’ve seen since the school year began. But no one seems focused on the food. Every head is turned toward the entrance, eyes glued to the double doors.

Dumbledore rises from his seat at the staff table, spreading his arms in his usual grand manner. The Hall immediately falls silent. “Good evening, students. Tonight, we have the distinct pleasure of welcoming our esteemed guests from Beauxbatons Academy of Magic and Durmstrang Institute. Let us show them the warmth and hospitality of Hogwarts as they join us for the next two weeks.”

The doors creak open, and all at once, the Beauxbatons students enter, led by Madame Maxime. They move with a graceful precision that immediately commands attention, their powder-blue uniforms catching the golden light of the Great Hall. Gasps ripple through the crowd, and I catch Hannah nudging me in awe.

“They’re so elegant,” she whispers, her eyes wide. “Did you all really walk like that at Beauxbatons?”

I huff a laugh but don’t answer, my gaze darting over the group, searching for a familiar face. My heart leaps into my throat, but to my frustration, the Beauxbatons students fan out to take their seats before I can get a good look at anyone.

Next, the Durmstrang students make their entrance, led by Headmaster Karkaroff. Their heavy cloaks and imposing presence are such a stark contrast to the Beauxbatons group that it sends a chill through the room. They march in formation, exuding discipline and quiet power, and the Great Hall seems to hold its breath until they, too, settle at their designated spots.

Hannah leans closer, whispering, “Well, they’re… intense. Not exactly the type to host a tea party.”

I nod absently, my focus still flickering between the Beauxbatons students. Where is he? Aurélien has to be here. But if he is, he’s blended too well into the crowd for me to catch even a glimpse.

Dumbledore’s voice cuts through my racing thoughts. “Let us welcome our friends to Hogwarts with open hearts and open minds. Please, enjoy the feast!”

As food begins to appear on the tables, the conversation around me resumes at full force. But I’m barely paying attention, my thoughts swirling. I’m just biding time until dinner is over so I can try to find my friend.

He’s the only person who’s ever understood me fully, and who never once made me feel less than perfect. He knew how my parents were, and he never hesitated to invite me over to spend holidays and birthdays with him and his family, the Bordeau’s. They’re lovely people, and his mother and I have a close bond that I cherish. She’s the only proper mother figure I’ve ever had.

“Where’s Aurélien?” Hannah questions, peering over at the Beauxbatons table. “I don’t even know what he looks like.”

I chuckle at her excitement. “He’s a tall, curly-headed brunette with green eyes and a boxy jawline. You can’t miss him,” I explain, looking through the students as well.

“He sounds handsome,” Hannah replies, raising an eyebrow playfully.

“He is.”

Dinner wears on, and some of our peers are up and about mingling with the Beauxbatons and Durmstrang students. They’re mixing tables, standing in the aisles, and waving at each other across the room. It’s utterly chaotic, but it’s honestly an adorable picture. Everyone is so excited to see the friends they made last year, and even more excited to make new ones.

“I wish I could see!” Alice chimes, trying to glance through the body’s of several people in the aisles.

“Me too,” Diana adds. “But everyone is in the way!”

“Relax, guys,” I chuckle, finishing up my food. “They’ll be here for a few weeks. You have plenty of time to—”

I’m cut off by a deep voice, thickly laced with a French accent. “Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten about me already, mon étoile.”

I whip around to see my best friend standing there, a charming smile on his face.

“Aury!” I squeal, jumping up and wrapping my arms around his neck. He catches me effortlessly, lifting me off the ground for a few seconds as he hugs me tightly. “How’d you find me?”

He puts me down gently, his strong arms never leaving my waist. “I’d recognize the sound of your voice even if I was deaf, mon étoile. The melody carries, even in the loudest room.”

I can’t help but laugh, my cheeks heating at his poetic reply. “Still the smooth talker, I see,” I tease, swatting his arm lightly. “You’ve got a whole hall of people you could charm, yet you’re wasting your lines on me.”

Aurélien grins, tilting his head as his green eyes gleam with mischief. “Why would I waste my words on anyone else when I have you?” He leans in slightly, dropping his voice to a playful whisper. “Besides, they’re not ready for me yet.”

“Careful,” I warn, trying to keep a straight face. “Someone might actually fall for you this time.”

“Wouldn’t be the first time,” he quips with a wink, stepping back just enough to take a proper look at me. “You’ve grown, mon petite ballerine. Hogwarts suits you.”

Before I can reply, Hannah clears her throat dramatically, and I realize my roommates have all been watching our reunion with wide eyes. “So… are you going to introduce us?” she asks, her tone dripping with curiosity.

“Oh! Right,” I say, stepping back and gesturing between them. “Aurélien, these are my roommates—Hannah, Alice, and Diana. Guys, this is Aurélien Bordeau, my best friend from Beauxbatons.”

“It’s so nice to finally meet you!” Hannah says, offering her hand but flashing me a knowing look. “She’s told us so much about you.”

“All good things, I hope,” Aurélien replies, shaking her hand and offering his signature smile, the one I’ve seen melt even the iciest of hearts. “I’d hate to think my songbird has been tarnishing my reputation.”

“Only a little,” Diana says, giggling, while Alice leans closer to study him with open curiosity. “You really are handsome.”

Aurélien chuckles, running a hand through his curls. “Ah, you flatter me. But I assure you, my looks are nothing compared to my charm.”

Hannah rolls her eyes playfully. “And modesty, clearly.”

“Don’t encourage him,” I laugh, nudging Aurélien in the ribs. “His ego’s big enough already.”

He places a dramatic hand over his heart. “You wound me, darling. I came all this way, and this is how I’m treated?”

“Some things never change,” I retort, smirking.

As the girls laugh, Aurélien steps closer. “Tu vas vraiment bien ici ? Tu as l’air heureuse, mais je te connais mieux que ça.”

I nod, my heart warming at his concern. “Ça va. Je te raconterai tout plus tard, je te le promets.”

“Good,” he says, his hand brushing my arm briefly. “You don’t have to go through anything alone, mon étoile. Not while I’m here.”

The soft sincerity in his voice makes my chest tighten, and for a moment, I’m reminded why he’s the one person I can always count on.

“Not fair,” Diana whines, crossing her arms. “No French! We can’t understand what you’re saying.”

“Ah, but that’s the point, mademoiselle. A little mystery keeps things interesting, non?” Aurélien turns to me, a teasing glint in his eye. “Besides, some words are meant for her ears only.”

I can see Alice and Diana swoon, taking his answer well, completely wrapped up in his charm. But before I can say anything, Hannah interjects with a smirk. “So, Aurélien, are you taking her to the Yule Ball, or do I need to set her up with someone?”

Aurélien’s lips curl into a teasing smile, his eyes sparkling as he glances at me. “Who else could possibly be worthy of taking her, hmm?”

I groan, covering my face as my roommates dissolve into laughter. “I forgot how dramatic you are,” I mutter, though I can’t stop the smile tugging at my lips.

And just like that, everything feels a little lighter. For the first time in what feels like forever, I don’t feel heavy or anxious, I’m able to just be.

The moment is fleeting, though, because I start to feel a sudden pang of something in my stomach… disappointment, maybe? Anger? Sadness?

I cant make it out, and that’s my indication that it’s not mine.

Hannah gives me a pointed look, gesturing over my shoulder with her eyes. Aurélien misses it, getting wrapped up in a conversation with Alice about his uniform. I take the chance to turn my head, following her gaze.

And what do you know, there’s Draco, seething from across the hall. He averts his gaze quickly, avoiding making eye contact with me. What’s his problem?

Is he mad about our fight? I kind of hope so, because then maybe he’ll stop prying so much, trying to see through me like he’s been doing. I hate feeling that vulnerability with him. It makes me feel naked.

I turn back around quickly, not wanting to give Draco the satisfaction of knowing I noticed him. But that sinking feeling in my stomach doesn’t go away—it only sharpens, the edges biting into me like tiny knives.

Aurélien catches my distracted expression and leans in slightly, his voice low and teasing. “Mon soleil, are you always this easily distracted, or is it just when I’m around?”

I manage a small laugh, shaking my head as if to brush off whatever I’m feeling. “Just you, Aury. You’re impossible to ignore.”

His grin is as infectious as ever. “Good. I’d hate to think I’ve lost my touch.”

Hannah snickers, but I barely hear it over the odd sensation that still lingers. I sneak another glance toward Draco. He’s not looking at me now—he’s glaring at Aurélien, his jaw tight and his hands clenched into fists at his sides.

Something about the way he’s watching my best friend sends a chill down my spine. The protective pull of the pact is unmistakable, but there’s more to it this time.

Is that…?

There’s no way that Draco Malfoy, of all people, is jealous.

I press my lips together to keep from laughing. What does he even have to be jealous of? It’s not like Aurélien has anything to do with him—or me, for that matter.

Aurélien notices my change in mood and tilts his head, his curls falling across his forehead. “What’s so funny?”

“Nothing,” I reply, taking a sip of my drink to hide my smile. “Just… thinking.”

“Hmm, thinking about me, I hope?” he says, smirking as he leans his elbow on the table.

Hannah groans. “Merlin’s beard, do you ever stop flirting?”

“Only when I sleep,” Aurélien quips, winking at her before turning his attention back to me.

He takes my hand in his and kisses my knuckles gently, looking up at me through his thick eyelashes, his green eyes absolutely sparkling. I can’t help but smile nervously, my face warming up. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve known Aury, he can still always find a way to make a girl nervous.

From across the hall, I feel Draco’s simmering frustration spike. The feeling nearly makes me choke on air, and I realize with dawning horror that he might be able to sense my amusement.

Wonderful. Now he’s probably twice as angry.

“Please, sit with us, Aurélien,” Hannah gestures, pointing to the empty space beside me. “Unless you have other people to talk to.”

He shakes his head with a smile, helps me down into my seat, and takes his spot next to me. “There’s nowhere I’d rather be than beside my morning dove. No one could ever compete with perfection.”

He turns to me, giving me an affectionate smile. My eyes soften as I take in the look on his face. Everything about him feels familiar and comfortable, and I’m able to almost push away whatever Draco is feeling.

Almost.

It’s hard to ignore the deep seated rage that flashes through my chest as Aurélien drapes his arm across my shoulders, pulling my head to rest on his shoulder. He nuzzles his face into my hair, kissing the top of my head softly.

“I’ve missed you,” he says sweetly, earning envious looks from the other Hufflepuff girls around us.

“I’ve missed you more, troubadour.”

Hannah eyes us curiously, tilting her head. “Okay, what are all of these nicknames? I can’t understand any of them.”

Aury chuckles, rubbing my arm with his thumb gently. “We have a lot of them. Troubadour is her way of calling me a poet,  and mon étoile means my star. Sometimes I call her mon soleil, my sun, or mon petite ballerine, my little ballerina.”

I let myself relax into his side, his warmth enveloping me like a blanket. I can confidently say no one has ever loved me the way he does, and my body just knows I’m safe when he’s around. I can’t even fight it, I just melt whenever he’s around.

“That’s so cute! I’m jealous,” Diana sighs wistfully, resting her head on her hand.

“Don’t be,” I say playfully, chuckling lightly. “He’s insufferable, really.”

Aurélien scoffs, putting his hand over his heart. “Mon amour, how could you? After all our wonderful years together.”

I sit up, giggling lightly. “Exhibit A. He’s quite dramatic.”

“You’re no fun,” he pouts, poking lightly at my side to tease me.

I seat his hand away, laughing. “Quit it, that tickles.”

“Does it?” he says mischievously, quirking an eyebrow. I slide down the bench away from him a bit, holding up my pointer finger at him. “Don’t you dare.”

Aurélien smirks, clearly contemplating ignoring my warning, when suddenly his expression shifts—his mischievous grin falters ever so slightly. My gaze follows his, and there’s Draco, striding toward us with purpose, his jaw tight and his stormy eyes locked on me.

Aurélien’s arm slips from my shoulders, and he straightens, his easy charm replaced by an alert wariness. “Friend of yours?” he asks lightly, but there’s a guarded undertone to his voice.

I open my mouth to reply, but before I can, Draco comes to a stop in front of us, his towering presence casting a shadow over our playful banter. His eyes flick between Aurélien and me, the intensity of his stare making my stomach twist uncomfortably.

“Lavigné,” he says curtly, his voice low and commanding. “We need to talk. Now.”

Aurélien doesn’t move, his protective instincts flaring. “And you are?” he asks smoothly, his tone polite but with an edge that only I would recognize.

Draco’s lips curl into the faintest sneer, but he doesn’t take the bait. “Someone who has something important to discuss with her. Alone.”

I glance nervously between the two of them. Aurélien’s expression remains calm, but I can tell he’s scrutinizing Draco carefully, piecing together the dynamic. Finally, he sighs, leaning back slightly.

“Ah. You must be Draco,” he says, narrowing his eyes ever so slightly.

I worried this would happen. When I write to Aurélien every week, I give him updates on how school is going and tell him I miss him, but I also occasionally rant about how much Draco is getting on my nerves. I just can’t believe he figured out who he was from my description alone. “Annoying blond” could apply to anyone.

Draco looks taken aback, obviously confused at how Aurélien already knows him.

“That’s Malfoy to you,” Draco sneers, turning his gaze to me. “I don’t have all day, Lavigné.”

“If it’s that urgent,” Aury says, his tone light but pointed, “I won’t keep her. But,” he adds, turning to me and lowering his voice, “are you sure you’re okay? You don’t have to go.”

I offer him a small, reassuring smile, even though the knot in my chest is tightening. “It’s fine, mon soleil. I’ll be back soon.”

I have no real desire to talk to Draco right now. I’ve been avoiding him for a reason, and for this to be our first conversation after, I don’t know, three or four weeks? It’s hardly ideal.

I just sigh and accept it. Whatever. He can’t ruin this moment if he tried.

Aurélien studies me for a moment longer, then nods. “Alright,” he says softly, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear in a gentle, protective gesture. “Don’t let him upset you, mon étoile.”

I feel Draco’s eyes narrow at the nickname, but he says nothing, waiting impatiently for me to stand.

As I get up, Aurélien catches my hand, squeezing it lightly. “I’ll be here,” he says, and I can hear the unspoken if you need me.

I nod, giving his hand a quick squeeze in return before following Draco a few steps away from the group. His shoulders are stiff, his movements tense, and the moment we’re out of earshot, I can feel the weight of his frustration pressing down on me.

“What was that?” he snaps, his voice sharp but low enough to avoid drawing attention.

“What was what?” I reply, crossing my arms defensively.

Draco scoffs, running a hand through his hair. “Him. You. Acting like everything’s perfect and carefree. Do you even realize how reckless you’re being?”

I narrow my eyes. “Reckless? By spending time with my best friend? He’s the only person I trust completely.”

Draco steps closer, his voice dropping to an icy whisper. “Well, you shouldn’t. Not with everything that’s at stake. People are watching, Lavigné. You need to be more careful.”

The intensity in his gaze sends a shiver down my spine, but I refuse to back down. “What’s your problem, Malfoy? You don’t get to tell me who I can and can’t talk to.”

His jaw tightens, and for a moment, I think he’s going to say something cruel, but instead, he just exhales sharply, looking away. “Fine,” he mutters, his tone laced with bitterness. “Do whatever you want. Just don’t come crying to me when it all falls apart.”

I feel a pang of hurt at his words, but I don’t let it show. “You don’t have to worry about that,” I reply coolly, turning on my heel and heading back to the table.

As I sit down, Aurélien’s warm smile greets me, but I can’t shake the lingering tension in my chest. Whatever Draco’s problem is, I’m not going to let it ruin this moment. Not tonight.

“Not very friendly,” Aury teases, watching Draco as he walks away. “What did he want?”

I shake my head, ignoring the gnawing anger growing in my stomach. What is his problem?

“It’s a long story. I’ll tell you later. For now, I just want to catch up.”

He gives me a knowing smile, wrapping his arm back around me protectively. “Of course, little dove. Anything you want.”

I listen to my best friend go on and on about his summer and the start of the semester I’ve missed. I sit quietly, asking him the occasional question about my old classmates and the drama I need to be caught up on. For the most part I just let him talk, because the sound of his voice can soothe even the worst of my worries away.

He was there for my first panic attack, actually. He sat with me and talked me through it, whispering reassurances in my ear and squeezing my hands. All I needed was his presence, though, because he feels like home.

I don’t know what’s going to happen with him here now, but I know he won’t let anything happen to me while he’s here. And he doesn’t need to be blood tied to me to do that.

Take that, Malfoy.