The morning in Diagon Alley had been blissfully uneventful until Astra Potter sauntered into view, wild red-brown hair catching the sunlight like flames and her green, almost glowing eyes zeroing in on her next target: Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy.
The Malfoy family stood near Madam Malkin's, accompanied by Draco, Theodore Nott, and Mattheo Riddle, all of whom were trying to look uninterested while Draco's parents discussed finer fabrics. Lucius, ever the picture of superiority, was gesturing grandly at something in the shop window. Narcissa, regal and poised, stood by his side, her polite smile barely concealing her boredom.
And then Astra appeared.
"Well, well, if it isn't the pinnacle of pureblood perfection," she drawled, loud enough to turn heads. Her eyes locked on Narcissa, a grin spreading across her face. "And the unfortunate accessory she's stuck with."
Lucius's head snapped around so fast it was a miracle he didn't give himself whiplash. "Potter," he hissed, his lip curling.
"Astra, please," she corrected smoothly, brushing past him as though he didn't exist. "You know, Lucius, if you want to insult me properly, at least put some effort into it. 'Potter' just doesn't have the sting you think it does."
She turned her full attention to Narcissa then, her expression softening into something almost... warm. "But Narcissa," Astra said, her voice dropping into a low purr, "you're looking radiant today. That shade of blue suits you perfectly. Like a summer sky over the countryside."
Narcissa blinked, clearly taken aback, but not displeased. "Oh," she said, her tone uncertain but polite, "thank you, Miss Potter."
Lucius sputtered, stepping forward. "What are you.."
Astra held up a hand without looking at him, cutting him off. "Shhh, adults are talking."
Mattheo choked on a laugh, hastily covering it with a cough. Theodore elbowed him, but he was smirking too. Draco, on the other hand, looked like he wanted the ground to swallow him whole.
"I have to ask," Astra continued, her eyes fixed on Narcissa with a mischievous glint, "what's your secret? Is it potions? A charm? Or is it just sheer natural beauty? Because whatever it is, it's working wonders. Honestly, Narcissa, you're wasted on him."
Narcissa's lips twitched, a flicker of amusement breaking through her otherwise composed facade. "I beg your pardon?"
"Wasted," Astra repeated, gesturing vaguely at Lucius. "I mean, sure, he's got the whole 'tall, pale, and brooding' thing going on, but come on. He's a man who spends more time on his hair than you do. Do you really want that?"
Lucius's face turned a shade of red that clashed horribly with his platinum hair. "How dare you.."
"I'm just saying," Astra interrupted, finally turning to face him, "that maybe you should consider expanding your horizons. A little less hair gel, a little more substance. That's all."
She turned back to Narcissa, her grin widening. "Or, you know, someone who appreciates you. Someone who notices how the sunlight catches the silver in your hair or how your laugh sounds like music. Someone who isn't... well, him."
Mattheo let out a loud laugh this time, not even bothering to hide it. Theodore clapped a hand over his mouth, his shoulders shaking with silent laughter. Draco looked mortified.
Narcissa, for her part, was fighting a losing battle against a smile. "Miss Potter, I must say, you are... bold."
"Oh, I don't believe in wasting time," Astra replied breezily. "Life's too short to settle, you know? And you deserve the best, Narcissa. Not... Lucius." She waved a hand vaguely in his direction, as though he were a particularly unremarkable piece of furniture.
Lucius, practically vibrating with rage, took a step forward. "I will not stand here and be insulted by a child.."
"Oh, you're free to leave anytime," Astra said cheerfully. "No one's stopping you."
Draco made a strangled noise, his face buried in his hands, while Mattheo leaned against Theodore for support, laughing so hard he could barely breathe.
Narcissa, meanwhile, was watching Astra with an expression that was equal parts amused and intrigued. "You certainly know how to make an impression," she said.
"Only on the people who matter," Astra replied, her voice dropping into something softer, more sincere. "And you, Narcissa Malfoy, matter. Don't let anyone including him convince you otherwise."
Lucius opened his mouth to retort, but Narcissa raised a hand, silencing him with a single look. "That will be enough, Lucius," she said calmly, turning back to Astra. "Thank you for your... insight, Miss Potter. It has been most enlightening."
Astra gave a mock bow, her grin as sharp as ever. "Anytime, my lady. You know where to find me."
As she turned to leave, her hair wild and her laughter echoing down the alley, Mattheo muttered under his breath, "I think I'm in love."
Draco groaned. "Please stop encouraging her."
Narcissa said nothing, her lips quirking up into the faintest of smiles as she watched Astra disappear into the crowd.