1974, The House of Crouch
The same day, 1974
It was still raining outside. Mr Dunbar had just made it home from the ministry and his wife had fetched Cosmey to get him new clothes for the dinner they were about to attend. Mrs Dunbar was wearing a dark green dress which was long enough it reached the ground. Her heels made her look even taller than she already was. She did look really elegant, had to admit Agnes.
The young witch has chosen among different gowns Cosmey had presented her, and one dress in particular seemed perfect for her. It was a long night blue chiffon dress, which was tightening around the neck by a single tie, and revealed the young witch pale shoulders. A light chiffon cloth was falling from her chest to her arms, structuring her bust elegantly. She felt quite pretty.
As she climbed down the stairs, the couple was waiting for her downstairs. Looking up, she felt shy at them staring at her. Mr Dunbar's eyes slightly widened before he whispered 'gewd gewd' and put his hat on.
- You look exquisite, my dear. Said Mrs Dunbar while giving a slight push to her husband's shoulder.
- Yes yes, but let's get moving. We will be late, he just said before escaping outside the door.
Agnes wore the warm coat Cosmey was handing her, and thanked her with a smile. She felt quite nervous at the idea of meeting other wizards. Would they know who she was? Did anyone know she was Dunbar's daughter? She was unsure of what to expect.
They had decided to apparate. Agnes had just had the time to grab on Mr Dunbar's arms and she had felt the world around her twist and her body being pushed in all directions. It had lasted a few seconds, at the most. But when everything had gone back to normal, she felt her lunch back in her throat, ready to throw it up. Which she did.
- Oh dear! Cried Mrs Dunbar. Was it your first time apparating? Martin, why didn't you ask her beforehand? The poor child is all indisposed.
- It's...okay. Agnes cared to say, holding her belly.
Mr Dunbar was not moving. He seemed embarassed. Indeed, the young witch had vomitted on his luxurious shoes. Agnes felt so bad. Throwing up on the first apparition was very common, but she had not expect it to happen to her.
The wizard quickly got rid of the remainings with a cleaning spell, and Mrs Dunbar helped Agnes get back to normal with a mouth-washing spell. The young witch took a mental note to learn these useful tricks for later.
Once everything was back to normal, and Agnes had apologized at least ten times to her father, they had reached the Crouch's large house. It was a beautiful building with classic bay windows where a soft light emanated from inside. It looked like the Crouch family were rich, looking at the width of their house.
The little group were welcomed by houselves who took their coats off directly. Agnes was following her hosts shyly, not wanting to grab anyone's attention. She was touching one strand of hair, playing with it with her fingers to control her nervousness.
In the dining room, a beautiful table had been dressed with somptuous dishes. Candles were levitating around the room, and brought a soft and calm atmosphere to the place. The furniture were chic and seemed really expensive. The room was was filled with elegant people who were talking in each corner of the room, and the atmosphere seemed light and festive.
- Martin! My old friend, thank you for coming. You made it just in time!
A well-dressed man had come to meet with the Dunbars. He had a thick mustache and his hair were starting to turn a little grey. Agnes thought he looked quite friendly, and seemed to know Agnes's father very well. He introduced himself as Mr. Bartemius Crouch, the host of the event. Mrs Dunbar had told Agnes the party had been planned to honor Mrs. Crouch's birthday and many wizards had gathered for such occasion.
- Mrs Dunbar, such a delight, as always. And who might this be? The mustache man asked.
- This is Agnes Lenoir. She... is staying with us.
- Oh, what a pleasure, Miss Lenoir! I think I have met your grandfather before. Oh, but it must have been a long time ago, I am getting old. Are you attending Hogwarts, then?
- I will, starting from next september, Agnes answered, politely.
Mrs Crouch had approach the little group. She was a kind-looking woman, though rather fragile and pale. She had colored her eyelids with dark purple makeup, and a little too much of powder on her nose. But she had a natural charm to her, which Agnes found pretty. She was smiling to her, and held Mrs Dunbar's hand to salute her.
- Oh, Good evening to you all! Miss, if you're to attend Hogwarts, you'll be with our dear Barty! He started just last year, in slytherin! Perhaps you'll end in the same house.
The woman's eyes had lightened when she mentionned her son. Agnes smiled back, she seemed sincerely kind.
It was time to start the dinner. Mr Crouch had given a long speech on how much he loved his wife, and that they were proud to stand as a united family. Everyone had applauded and had started to eat. On the table, all sorts of food had been displayed. It did look delicious, thought Agnes. She was sitting next to a middle-age man, who was slightly overweight and was sweating on the forehead. His costume looked a little small, and he was struggling to lift his arm to reach the plate.
Agnes politely pushed it towards him, without saying anything. She did not want him to feel upset. He kindly smiled and thanked her for her gesture.
On her right was sitting a young boy, who looked 11 or 12 years old. His light brown hair were falling on his forehead, and he kept pushing it to the side in a seemingly 'rock'n'roll' way. He looked grumpy and bored.
- The food isn't of your taste? Had asked Agnes, a smirk on her lips.
The little kid reminded her of some 1st years back at Beauxbatons. Some of them wanted to look all grown-ups, and tried to stand up to the older students. She just found them cute, and liked to see them fight back.
- Why do you care? The boy answered, not even glancing back at her.
- Because, if you don't eat, I heard the ghost of houseelves will come and take your wand away during your sleep, and stuff you with their food.
The boy looked up a second, and a glimpse of fear in his eyes.
- That's rubbish. That's some kids stories. He answered, trying to act cool.
- Would you risk it, though? Agnes continued.
The boy had finally locked eyes with her. She knew she had grabbed his attention. She tried her best to look as serious as possible, but the young boy looked rather terrified and was already reaching for the nearest plate.
- Who are you anyway? He said.
- I'm Agnes. Agnes Lenoir. I live with the Dunbars.
Since Mr Dunbar hadn't specified their relation earlier, she had preferred it to stay this way.
- You're too young to have graduated, why did I not see you at school?
- I am expecting to join Hogwarts next year. I wonder which house I'll get in.
- Slytherin's the best. He told her, his mouth now filled with roasted chicken. The other houses are just for stupid children.
She smiled to him. Although he was trying to act tough and cool, he was cute and he talked with much passion about what he believed in.
_ And... You are?
- I'm Barty Crouch Jr. I'm the son of the boring man who made the speech earlier.
Oh, made sense. He had the same eyes as his father. A rather beautiful Dark brown. With a controlled neck movement, the young boy had moved his hair on the side, which made Agnes laugh. Maybe Hogwarts could be fun, after all.