BeauxBatons Academy of Magic VII
Somewhere in August, 1973
The summer had been very long for Agnes. Indeed, she could not see her friends whose parents were worried about traveling because of the criminals on the loose, and the recent alert emitted by the French Ministry of Magic to the wizards residing in France.
Furthermore, she was not allowed to use her magic yet, as a witch under 17, she therefore could not practice her no-wand-magic (as Pierre liked to call it) during the holidays. As promised, Agnes's secret had been kept among the team and the young girl had not even tell her own mother.
She did not want to worry her more than she already was. She was exchanging doves everyday with her friends in Paris about the so-called death eaters who started to pollute the streets of the capital city.
Agnes had heard these criminals were fanatics following dark magic beliefs and intended attacks against muggle-borns and some specific people from the ministry.
Pierre and Antoine had gone home to their families. Agnes and Jeanne had made sure they would answer to their doves no matter what. They needed to know the boys were safe. It was strange, worrying about her friends because of their blood heritage. They were just like her, only grew up in a different kind of family she had. What was wrong in that?
She did not understand those death eaters purposes and felt angry just thinking of it. She felt however helpless regarding the occuring events. What could she do? She was just a teenager dealing with her own magical problems, trying to figure out whether her condition could be considered dangerous and make her an outcast if revealed to the world.
That is one of the reason she could not tell anyone else. Jeanne had heard of the elementals from her nanny. She used to tell her and Jean fairytales about powerful wizards but her nanny could only tell her how elementals were the rarest form of wizards, and that no one had witnessed it for centuries.
Maybe most of them lived hidden, she thought. Her abilities did not limit to controlling the natural elements, but also seemed to extend to the acquirement of immortality. Such a desired power, Agnes thought.
Yet, she found it scary, the idea of living forever. She liked the idea of growing up, getting old, and that there was an end to things, after all. It could have sounded depressing, but she thought it was a good thing that humans had the chance to move on from their human life.
She thought of her grandfather's funerals. She recalled the wizards coming together to share a common spell to commemorate his memory in their heart. It was sort of beautiful. Although having to say goodbye sounded really sad.
Murielle entered the magnificent library where Agnes spent most of her days reading. The mother sat next to the young woman and gave her a kiss on the head.
- What are you reading, dear? She asked.
- 'The Authentic Art of Duelling'. Answered Agnes. It helps me visualize the spells better, although I can't do any proper practice.
- Haven't you read that book before? I think I remember seeing it in your school luggage.
- I really like it. I have memorized most of the spells mentioned, but couldn't practice yet. Our school's duel club is closed because professor Longuépé is still abroad for his duelling championships.
- I am sure you would make a great duellist, darling. Now, come on, dinner's ready.
That night, the house elf has prepared a delicious bouillabaisse. A pleasing smell coming from the kitchen indicated the promising taste of the traditional dish. Agnes ate as much as her stomach would allow her, and finished her meal with some cheese and bread to complete the dinner.
On the other side of the table, Murielle had barely touched her plate. Her appetite was quite bad these days. At first, it didn't worry the young witch as her mum was not that old and had always put an emphasis on health in their lifestyle.
She had been doing good when Agnes had joined her at the beginning of summer. But she was slowly getting less food in her system, going out only one or twice a week, and her face had gotten paler than usual.
Her daughter had asked her many times if something was wrong, if she felt any pain or if she wanted to check her condition with a doctor. But Murielle had always reassured her child that nothing was abnormal, that she was just glad she was home with her.
August quickly ended and it was already time for Agnes to go back to Beauxbatons. She was obviously excited to finally get to do some magic and meet up with her friends again. But she felt guilty leaving her mother behind.
She did not look well, especially when she waved goodbye to the beauxbatons carriage Agnes had hopped on. Murielle looked so small and fragile, standing alone in the front yard of her gigantic manoir.
Seeing her mother aging so fast hurt Agnes.
***
December 21st, 1973
The first term had gone by so fast, and Agnes had barely any time to sleep. She was preparing for a performance with Jeanne and their modern art club. They had put together a muggle theater play called 'Romeo and Juliet'. They had fought to get a real dragon for the spectacular aspect of the show. But the professors had shown their disapproval and had scolded them of having even thought about it.
The play without adding some wizarding touch sounded quite boring. Although Jeanne had been casted to play juliette, and she seemed like the perfect cast.
Their representation would be in march, so they had a few months left to prepare. Agnes would play one of the muggle knights, cousin of Romeo. It was quite fun to get together and act like fictional characters, casting spells on each other instead of using swords and weapons.
Christmas was already almost there, but Agnes had fought with her mother a few days prior. She wanted to go back home for the holidays, but Murielle had sent a dove, telling her it was better if she spent it at Beauxbatons this year.
The young witch was so angry at her mother. She had wanted to check on her since the summer, make sure she was ok, and her mum acted like she did not want to see her own child!
- I am sure there is a reason for her to make you stay here this christmas, had told her Jeanne. Maybe she is too busy with..
- With what? She does not need to work, she's filthy rich! She has all the time in the world. And if she doesn't have time for me at christmas, she certainly won't take the time to visit on my birthday like she promised! Answered Agnes, irritated.
But the young woman had later found out she was not the only one staying at school for the holidays. Indeed, Pierre and Antoine's parents had both decided that it would be safer to keep the children under magical supervision, given the current dangerous circumstances. Another attack against the ministry had been shared on the newspapers that same morning.
At least, she'd have her friends with her. Jeanne was the only one going home for christmas. They waited for her to go, waving her goodbye at the main entrance of the castle. Jeanne had hugged every single one of their team, but had added a shy kiss on Pierre's cheek.
Once she was gone, Agnes and Antoine has screamed excitedly, punching their friend on the shoulder and in the ribs, laughing hysterically.
- You !! What are you guys hiding from us? Asked Agnes while holding her cheeks in shock.
- Nothing! It's nothing! And none of you guys' business anyway, answered Pierre, a slight smile on his lips.
They quickly went back inside as the cold wind was starting to get to them. Christmas at Beauxbatons it was, then.