Dark Paradise

Chapter Twenty-Three: Mistakes of The Past

Beauxbaton was a mystery in itself.

Over the past two days, Cordelia hadn't done much but waltz around the halls to try and make sense of the mystical designs and historical creatures dotted around the palace. Antoine had been a splendid host and had constantly entertained the Slytherin girls, showing them every aspect of Beauxbaton.

He had started with the library per Cordelia's request, however, she didn't have much time to dwindle and gawk at the columns of deep blue bookshelves filled to the brim. With a solemn promise to visit the books again the pureblood which was dragged out of the chamber per Phyllis's request, their fanatics drawing amused giggles from the French boy and glares from the librarian.

Next, they wandered towards the ballroom, something Cordelia had been delighted to witness.

The room was covered with velvety baby blue curtains and pillars with gold designs. A large chandelier and marble floors completed the picturesque room, its colours mimicking the occupants' clothing. Several Beauxbaton students waltzed around the room in pairs, their skirts and ties swirling as they intricately danced their way around each other.

Unlike Hogwarts they didn't use a music box to play songs, instead favouring a live choir of woodland nymphs. Their voices paired with the students' dance was enough to make Druella and Phyllis swoon as they begged Antoine to ask the professor to let them join.

Cordelia, however, was too lost in the music to pay attention to her friends' quarrels.

"Lia?"

The call startled her as the girl in question turned towards Antoine, her gaze briefly lingering on Druella and Phyllis standing beside two French boys.

"The professor allowed the three of you to join in for one song."

A smile played across her lips as Cordelia noticed the palm held out for her paired with raised eyebrows. While she was unsure about dancing with a boy she just met, Lia figured it wouldn't be too much of a scandal if the only people she knew in the room were her friends.

"It's a simple waltz, nothing too grand."

She nodded as Cordelia absorbed Antoine's words, allowing her gaze to linger on his black locks and blue eyes.

"That's unfortunate."

Antoine laughed as they took up the starting position, joining the circle of couples in the middle of the room. While he had promised the dance wouldn't be too hard, Cordelia couldn't help but feel a little confused as the nymphs began singing a fast=paced older song.

The circle of French students twirled on the spot before dipping the girl and moving to left just as the girls were pulled up and they began waltzing. With a slight hum from the teacher, the students briefly diverted from the waltz, doing a spin to make the circle smaller just as the nymphs moved to the chorus of the song.

"You're a good dancer."

Cordelia smiled at the compliment, waiting for Antoine to twirl her before speaking.

"I've learned ever since I was five."

At that he simply hummed, diverting his attention to the dance before turning back to her as the chorus ended.

"Do you know what they're saying?"

Lia shook her head, intrigued by the meaning behind the nymphs' words.

"It's a song about a lost maiden looking for sanctuary. This verse talks about her blue eyes, and how the tears flowing from them mirror the river in her town."