1977, London to Moscow
- Hey Lenoir.
- Yes, Sirius?
- How does it feel? To leave everything you ever knew behind?
Agnes and Sirius were walking in the silent park, on their way to a muggle drugstore. Everyone had fancied a beer and AGnes was the only adult, and had been designated to buy the alcohol. She knew Mr Dunbar would go mad if he ever heard, but she wanted her younger peers to enjoy themselves, and she would definitely watch over them not to let them do anything reckless.
Sirius had looked a little gloomy since earlier, and Agnes had asked him to come with, so he could get some moment alone from James.
- Are you referring to my mother dying and me coming to Britain to live with my father who abandonned me years ago, having to build a new life out of scratch at 16 years old?
- Precisely, he laughed slightly at her detailed explanation.
- Well, it sucked at first. I thought my life was over. And then I promised myself to endure it until I was legal of age, and I would escape from him. From them. From here, actually. But turns out I was lucky enough to meet some good people, and it helped me remember who I am. And that no matter where I am or who I am with, I must take care of myself and the people I love, and that is how I can build a home.
- Are you happy?
- I don't know. But I can tell you I am not sad. She concluded, staring at the starry night sky.
She felt Sirius' gaze on her. She knew why the young Gryffindor was asking her all these questions. She had heard from Joshua how the Black had ran away from his house, living with the Potters. She had not asked for the details, but she was certain it was linked with the terrifying beliefs and state of minds the Black family carried. Sirius was different. And Him being sorted into Gryffindor, being friend with a Potter, and a half-blood like Remus Lupin or muggle born like Lily Evans was part of his dispute with his family.
They entered the drug store and Agnes picked up two packs of a muggle brand of beers, and added some chips to snack on, and directly went to the cashier. Sirius looked curiously at the products displayed on the shelves, touching everything he could. The young witch was used to visit muggle places and liked to act as a non-wizard being from time to time. She had learnt that from Jimmy, and they sometimes roleplayed being high schoolers in London. One day, they had even ended up playing a sport called basketball with some kids.
Muggles were interesting people, and Agnes loved studying them from afar. she also had learnt a lot from Antoine and Pierre about their childhood.
When they finally made it back to the groups, Lily Evans was laying down on the grass with her friend Mary, and James was sitting next to them, chatting with Peter about the next Quidditch World championship.
The night was refreshing, after the heat of the few last days, it felt good just enjoying the soft wind on the cheeks.
- Two cans per person, guys! You'll get more next year when you're all above 18. Now, enjoy ! Declared Agnes, holding the two packs in her arms.
Everyone thanked her and opened their beer, sipping carefully for Lily, while Sirius was ducking it all in.
Peter had been tispy after a few mouthfuls, while James seemed to hold it well. Agnes felt at peace, enjoying some good time with her friends from Hogwarts, and had even chatted with Lily and Mary, who she started to really appreciate as friends.
After an hour or so, Sirius had finished all of his beers and had started singing and dancing some popular songs Agnes had heard of on the radio. He grabbed her hand and invited her to follow his dance moves, which she did while laughing out loud.
The young Gryffindor was most likely drunk, his cheeks were red and his eyes had this tipsy spark in them. Lily grabbed her camera and took a picture ofthe two friends dancing together.
- Oh let's take one with everyone! Announced James, his hair was now back to their normal shape.
***
September 14th, 1977
Her second participation at the World Duelling Championship had finally arrived. She had spent her summer practicing, but knew she was less prepared than the previous year, having looked for Antoine everywhere since she was back in London.
She had answered Jeanne's request and had wandered around Diagon Alley, listened to people's conversation, had been purposely invited in all sorts of newspapers offices to answer interviews and had visited so many of the Dunbar's acquaintances to get the slight information about their knowledge of a secret group fighting against the death eaters. But her efforts had been vain, and she was back at point zero.
It is not that she had given up of finding her friend. But she supposedly knew that Antoine did not seem to want to be found. He had been hiding for a few months now, and no one knew what he was up to. Maybe he wasn't even in Britain after all! All of these were just assumptions made by Jeanne and Pierre and herself. They did not knwo anything, and had no idea where to look for Antoine.
She arrived in Moscow in the evening. The World Competition was ocurring in Russia that year, and she had been given an express Portkey especially reserved for her use only. so she could travel easily from one country to the other.
She felt a little tensed. She was alone, stressed about her missing friend, and nervous about her participation in such an important event. People had all sorts of expectations for her attendance, and she felt the burden of having to satisfy the public's excitement in her incoming duels.
She already missed the summer days, drinking beer with her friends and sleeping late at night every day.
When she stepped out in the large room, she felt the camera flashed striking against her face. Dozens of journalists were filling the space, eager to get a picture of the world Champion, and excited for the incoming interview she was about to give.
A wizard who was part of the organization committee stepped forward to indicate her where to stand to answer the questions. Agnes was used to it by now. People asked her all sorts of things during these interviews, based on the newspaper they worked for. What spell was she going to use against her opponent? What skin care potions was she drinking to keep a smooth skin before her duels? What did she think of the duellist competing this year? Was she afraid she would lose her title? Had she a boyfriend yet? Was she for or against the Renewal of the Triwizard Tournament in Schools?
She kept her usual polite smile she had learnt form her mother, and patiently answered all the journalists' questions. She had to restrain a yawn, and the russian wizard working from the committee thankfully announced the end of the conference, at the great disagreement of the people in the room, wanting to ask more questions.
Agnes was escorted outside of the room, and finally felt the freedom to sigh out loud. Would she be energetic enough to duel against her opponents and win this year's championship? She was not certain anymore.
She was allowed to go back to her dressing room, where she took a nap before finally warming up for her first duels.
The stadium seemed even bigger than the previous year. More wizards were attending, and everyone had their eyes on Agnes. She looked around, searching for anything that could calm her down She locked her eyes on a familair silhouette standing a few meters away from her.
- Alexei...? She tried, uncertain.
A tall russian man turned around. He was wearing the official jurys uniforms and his hair had been combed to the back, in a slick and clean hairstyle.
She recognized her former opponent right away. He had not changed one bit, if not got even more mature and looked manlier than before. He held the same military posutre as before, but looked a little more relaxed.
- Agnes Lenoir. He said, almost in a whisper.
They looked at each other a few seconds, having so many things they wanted to tell each other, but did not know where to start. Agnes had not seen Alexei since her participation at the European Duelling Championship. The Russian duellist had made an impactful impression on her, and she had always wanted to encounter him again.
They did not have more time to chat, the commentator announced the beginning of the competition.
- Welcome Wizards, Witches of the world! We are reunited here in Moscow to witness the biggest, the most incredible duels ! Let's invite the jurys to their seats. They will judge the quality and inginuity of the participants' duels, adding potential additional points to the duellists competing today. Now, winning a duel does not mean winning overall! Now please, welcommeeeeee Epiphani Gramos from Catalonia! Muzzora Ross and Aristo Beaumont! Now for the National jury, please give a warm round of applause for Alexeiiiiiiiii Dragomirov!
The public raised their wand, spreading fireworks charms and clapping enthusiastically in their hands.
Agnes was glad that she (sort of) knew someone here. It gave her strengh to do her best.
Before it was her turn to go up on stage, she closed her eyes. She had to focus on her duel, on not letting her opponent touch her, on dodging every spell, and she had to make sure her grip on her wand was firm.
Her first two duels lasted less than a minute. She felt confident. And powerful. Her agility and speed of actions was better than the other participants, and she had learnt new techniques to attack and defense against them. She had even managed to make up her own rapidity charm, after she had studied the enhancement of body movement in a transfiguration book.
It allowed her to vanish from her adversary and appear near them, without using apparition (which was against the rules).
Before the final (which she had eventually earned her place for), Agnes was allowed to take a rest backstage. The semi-finale was still occuring and the public seemed to go crazy, according to the high levels of decibels she could hear from where she was waiting.
Alexei appeared a few minutes later, grabbing a cup of juice served by one of the elves in charge of the snack bar. He looked around and finally locked eyes with the young witch, who was staring at him from afar. He smiled discreetly before escaping again to join the rest of the jury.
It would look bad if they showed they knew each other, and Agnes understood his wish to stay neutral before the end of the championship. Deep down, she really wanted to talk to him. Plus, she ahd to admit he looked really good in that uniform.
The final duel was her against a Morrocan wizard. He was in his thirties, and seemed to be determined to win this year's championship. Yet, there was no way Agnes was letting him defeat her. She had her pride, and would not give up so easily.
Their exchange of spells was intense, and even the crowd seemed unable to follow the rapidity of their magic. Agnes was starting to lose her patience. Her opponent was good. Really good.
After what seemed like hours, she felt a cut in her arm. He had used Diffindo, cutting her skin sharply at once. She let out a moan of pain, swearing at her lack of attention. SHe could not lose. Not right now.
She had no time to gather her thoughts than the wizard attacked again with Stupefy and then Expelliarmus.
She growled from the pain it gave her from dodging the spells. Thanks to an Ebublio jinx, she managed to catch her breath and get a hold of herself. It was now or never.
She caught Alexei's eyes on the side of the stage, sitting at the jurys table. He was staring at her, a serious look on his face. For a split second, she saw him nodding to her, letting her know he knew she was capable of doing this, of winning this thing.
Depulso!!
At once, her opponent was projected onto the floor with a brutal strenght, and was unable to stand up, allowing Agnes to win her final duel, and renew her title as World Champion.
Everything sped up after that. Agnes holding the cup. The screams of joy in the public. The congratulations from the jurys. Her shaking Alexei's hand solemnly, while he smiled at her. Her cheeks heating up from the contact. Everyone walking down from the stage. The beautiful flower bouquet the committee had given her. Her bringing it back to her hotel.
She was exhausted. It had been a long day. But she had finally made it. Again. She was World Duelling Champion for the second time in a row. She was too tired to jump from happiness, but deep down, she felt so excited.
Someone knocked at her door.
- Someone left a note for you, miss. said the wizard in hotel groom attire, handing her a piece of paper which had been carefully folded.
Agnes thanked the man and read the small message at once. It was from Alexei. He invited her for dinner in the hotel restaurant downstairs. She rushed back inside her room, grabbed her wand and casted a hair and makeup arranging spell before deciding on which dress she would wear. She had never really been on a date or had a romantic partner before. She did not really know how to act, but it could not be that hard, could it?
She chose a simple little black dress she felt most comfortable and pretty in, and carefully walked to the first floor.
In the restaurant, the atmosphere was festive yet luxurious, giving a chic aspect to the place. People were chatting at their table, enjoying nice russian tradtional food Agnes had never seen. It smelled divine.
she was escorted to a table a little deeper in the restaurant, where the light was less bright. There, Alexei was waiting for her, and stoop up the moment she walked to him.
- Miss Lenoir. He said, his deep voice breaking the silence between them.
- Thank you for inviting me, I'm glad we have time to finally meet... properly. Agnes said while sitting down on the velvet chair.
- I must congratulate you once more, this time privately, for your excellent success today. It was a pleasure for the eyes.. to see you win.
- The pleasure was all mine, I assure you. She admitted, locking her eyes onto his.
They ate a variety of dishes she had never heard of, but were all fitted to her tastes. They shared a few glasses of wine, before Alexei seemed to relax a bit.
- I remember when I first saw you at the European Championship.. I must admit I... sort of had a crush on you,
Agnes' eyes widened at once. HE WHAT?!! She took a sip of wine.
- My father being there with me made it awkward for me to.. you know.. make a move! Alexei added.
She was flabbergasted. She had been thinking it was only her who had been imagining things, who had fantasized about that russian guy and his beautiful eyes and.. arms.. and ..
- That man, he was your professor, wasn't he?
- And father as well, I'm afraid... He laughed. I was glad I had graduated, because I hated having him around watching my every move.
They looked at each other and laughed. It was fun, spending time like this with someone she barely knew, chatting about normal things and the few memories they had together.
They drank the full bottle of wine, and Agnes was feeling a little tipsy. Alexei had a sort of spark in his eyes, and she wanted to believe he felt the same way she did right now. He was looking at her in a strange way. Not a unpleasant one. She felt his fingers softly brushing against hers, his gaze going from her lips, drawing its way back to her eyes. She felt hot.
- I- I think I'll take some rest in my room now.
- Of course, Agnes.
Her name under his lips sounded so dreamy, so sexy!
He walked her back to her room, a hand in her back to prevent in case she fell. Her cheeks were warm and her heart was beating in her chest. She really liked what was going on. She liked his touch on her, and his eyes carefully observing, waiting for her reaction, for a sign from her.
- Thank you. She said, almost in a whisper.
- My pleasure.
They shared a final look, and Alexei smiled softly before walking away.
- Would you- Agnes started.
Alexei turned back at once, his eyes almost surprised from her sudden raise of voice.
- Would you like to.. get a last drink? She tried, knowing her face must be entirely red from embarassment.
Alexei nodded.
They were sitting on the floor, a glass of Chardonnay in their hand. Their back lying against the bed, they talked about magic, about life, family, about their friends and the school they'd attended. They had even mentionned Professor Flitwick, which Alexei had found extremely funny.
Their face had gotten closer, especially when the russian wizard had described his first impression of Agnes. He had especially liked her eyes, and the way the blue in it sparkled when she smiled. The way she had talked to him so politely, how she had looked at him kindly.
Their lips met in the most natural way. Agnes felt the heat of the young man under her kiss, how his hand started to caress her cheek gently. He intensified their kiss and she let out a moan she did not know she was holding in, and she felt his fingers in her hair, his other hand in her back.
Soon enough, Agnes felt a warmth in her lower belly, and her breath was becoming unstable. Alexei seemed in the same state, and his lips moved from her mouth to her neck, biting softly her skin, leaving a few marks here and there.
He gently removed her dress, as she helped him take off his white shirt. He had a muscular body, revealing hours of training spent for duelling. She herself had a good shape, which he didn't wait to compliment under one of his kisses.
One hand grabbed her leg and his other her back, moving her to come sit on him. She felt his lower part swollen under the pants, and he groaned, feeling her on him.
A few seconds later, he held her and brought on the bed, removing the remaining clothes they had, and kissed her once more. It felt so good.
She had never expressed her deepest desire this way before, neither had she imagined she would lose her virginity this way. But it felt right. Alexei was tender, yet strong and knew what he was doing. His eyes never left hers, and her moan seemed to made him lose his mind.
- Are you okay with doing this? I can stop now, if you want. The russian duellist said, panting from desire.
- I know I can't, so keep going, please. Agnes answered, grabbing his face in her hands.
Alexei kissed her before finally penetrating her.
Blimey..!
She did not know how to think anymore, nor where she was or who she was. It just felt amazing. Her partner's hips moving against her, his arms resting on both sides of her face, his mouth kissing her every inch, tasting her body and coming back to her lips, it felt...wow.
How much time had passed? She doesn't remember. She was not even embarassed at the sounds that had come out of her mouth at the end, and Alexei did not seem to mind as well, quite the opposite.
The last move had been the best, completing a perfect duel of sensual charms, which Agnes would remember her whole life.
They had then showered together, and had fallen alseep naked in the bed.
What a day, she thought at last.