her snake-bite heart // george weasley (harry potter)

•-• 10 •-•

The Yaxleys lived in the north of England, close to the Scottish border. The manor was built in Tudor style and lay very secluded.

"Miss Eleanor Seymour," announced the ancient house elf Eleanor, when she got out of the fireplace in the great hall.

Eleanor dusted down her emerald green robes and went with a hand through her hair. She hoped that she was looking respectable and elegant.

"Ah, miss Seymour."

In the hallway Berenice's father, mister Corban Yaxley, appeared. His light gray eyes were cold as marble. He wore his pale blond hair in a long ponytail and he was dressed in dark robes.

"Welcome to Falestone Manor, miss. My family is delighted that you were able to accompany them to the World Cup of Quidditch."

Eleanor shook his outstretched hand. "Thank you, mister Yaxley, for that generous invitation. Berenice told me that she was very ecstatic with the tickets you obtained."

"Yes, they are very good tickets indeed. Of course the name Yaxley is well remembered within the Ministry and I managed to obtain tickets for a very nice box with only the best of families of the Wizarding World."

Eleanor lowered her gaze.

"Come, miss Seymour. My family is in the sitting room, enjoying some tea."

Eleanor followed Berenice's father in silence. They passed paintings from Yaxley's ancestors, who looked at her with sceptical eyes.

Berenice's mother, Isabeau Fonteyre was the youngest daughter of one of the oldest French wizarding families. Her light mahogany hair was cut on shoulder length in a classic Parisienne haircut and her light blue eyes sparkled with joy when she discovered her guest behind her husband.

"Ma chère Eleanor. I am so 'appy to see you." Isabeau got quickly to her feet and kissed Eleanor on both her cheeks. Her French accent was hardly noticeable. "How are your 'olidays? Is your mother well?"

She guided Eleanor to the settee. "Some tea, chèrie?"

"Yes, thank you, ma'am. My mother is doing very well. She is very thankful for having extended your invitation."

Next to Eleanor sat Berenice, who held a watchful eye on her father.

"I must go. I am afraid that a meeting with the head of the Magical Law Enforcement cannot wait." Corban nodded at the ladies.

"But, mon chèri, Eleanor just arrived," objected Isabeau.

"I know, darling. But I am afraid that Amelia Bones will not understand."

"Hmmph," said Isabeau reluctantly. Corban gave his wife a kiss on her hand and nodded at Berenice and Eleanor. "I will see you three ladies at dinner."

As soon as her father had left the room, the atmosphere lightened. Berenice seemed to grow a few inches and a big smile seemed to appear on her face.

"Did Adrian write to you that his mother got tickets to the same box as father did? He wrote that we would have the best view of the stadium, after the Prime Ministers himself!" blurted Berenice out. Isabeau smiled half-hearted and filled a plate with pastries for Eleanor, before leaving to girls to themselves.

"No, Pucey didn't," answered Eleanor, while she took a sip of her tea. The tea was strong and she put a little bit of sugar in it. "I am sure I will receive an owl from him soon."

"Weird," shrugged Berenice. "Oh well. Do you want to practice some Quidditch after? I really want to make the team now that Flint has officially graduated."