Lumièrè || C. Diggory

EIGHT

As the aroma of freshly prepared meals filled the air, the Great Hall at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry buzzed with the energy of students excited for another year. Among them were Cedric Diggory, the charming and talented Hufflepuff champion, and Aurelia Dior, the graceful and kind Beauxbatons student visiting for the Triwizard Tournament.

As Aurelia enjoyed her dinner with Fleur and Burnette, she noticed Cedric waving her over from the Hufflepuff table. Curiosity piqued, she excused herself and made her way over, the gentle swish of her robes echoing through the hall.

"Hey, Aurelia," Cedric greeted with a warm smile. "I hope I wasn't interrupting anything."

Aurelia returned the smile, feeling her heart flutter at the sight of him. "No you didn't, we were just talking about classes."

"Well, speaking of magic, there's something I'd like to ask you," he said, looking a touch nervous.

"Oh, what is it?" she inquired, intrigued.

Cedric took a deep breath, glancing at his fellow Hufflepuff friend, Oliver, Amelia, and Orion who was sitting beside him. "We were planning to go to Hogsmeade this weekend. I was wondering if you'd like to join us."

Aurelia's eyes lit up with excitement. Hogsmeade, the only all-wizarding village in Britain, was a place she had heard so much about and was eager to explore. And going with Cedric and his friends only made the prospect even more exciting.

"I would love to, Cedric!" she replied with a bright smile. "Thank you for inviting me." Cedric's face broke into a relieved grin, and Oliver chimed in, "Yeah, it'll be great fun! We can show you all the best spots."

As the days passed, Aurelia, Cedric, Oliver, Amelia, and Orion became inseparable. Their laughter echoed through the corridors of Hogwarts, and their friendship bloomed like a field of wildflowers in spring.

One sunny weekend, they decided to embark on another adventure together in Hogsmeade. The village was alive with the chatter of students, and the group of friends strolled through the cobbled streets, visiting charming shops along the way.

In Gladrags Wizardwear, Aurelia and Amelia tried on colorful robes, their laughter filling the dressing room as they twirled and posed in front of the mirror. Cedric and Oliver exchanged amused glances, knowing that these moments would live and die with them.

Next, they explored Zonko's Joke Shop, where Orion couldn't resist trying out every prank item on display, much to the amusement of his friends. The shopkeeper's laughter mingled with theirs, and for a moment, they all felt like carefree children.

Their adventures continued as they wandered into the enchanting Flourish and Blotts, where they found books on magical creatures, potions, and adventures waiting to be explored. Aurelia and Amelia, both avid readers, excitedly exchanged book recommendations and discussed their favorite authors.

Finally, they reached the legendary Three Broomsticks, a cozy and welcoming pub with a rustic charm. The scent of Butterbeer and freshly baked pastries wafted through the air, inviting them inside. The group settled at a large round table, their laughter and camaraderie blending seamlessly with the lively atmosphere of the pub.

As they sipped their butterbeer, Cedric suggested a game of Exploding Snap to add a touch of excitement to their afternoon. The cards exploded with bursts of colorful sparks, causing them all to laugh and cheer in delight.

Amelia, who had a penchant for storytelling, shared a tale about a daring adventure that captured everyone's imagination. Orion's eyes sparkled with excitement, and Aurelia found herself hanging onto every word. Cedric listened attentively, occasionally chiming in with his own questions and comments.

In the midst of their laughter and shared stories, Cedric leaned over and whispered to Aurelia, "You know, meeting you and becoming friends with you has been the most magical thing to happen to me."

Her heart swelled with affection, and she whispered back, "The feeling is mutual, Cedric. You and our friends have made my time at Hogwarts lovely."

Amelia turned to Aurelia, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Aurelia, I've always wondered about life at Beauxbatons. What's it like studying there?"

Aurelia smiled warmly, happy to share her experiences. "Beauxbatons is enchanting, Amelia. The academy is nestled in the Pyrenees mountains, surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Our classes focus on refining our magical skills and embracing elegance in every aspect of life. But the best part is the sense of unity and grace that fills the air. It truly feels like a magical home."

Oliver joined the conversation, eager to learn more. "That sounds amazing! What's your favorite magical subject there?"

"Definitely Charms," Aurelia replied. "I love the delicate precision required to master charms and enchantments. It's fascinating how something as simple as a flick of the wrist can create such powerful effects."

Cedric leaned in, adding to the conversation. "And what's your favorite magical creature? We've got a Care of Magical Creatures class here at Hogwarts, and it's always boring"

Aurelia thought for a moment before answering, "I have a soft spot for Thestrals. They're mysterious and misunderstood creatures, but they're gentle and wise. I find them fascinating."

Orion, who had been quiet, spoke up with an impish grin. "I bet you'd make a great Seeker in Quidditch, Aurelia! Have you ever tried flying on a broomstick?"

Aurelia chuckled, remembering her first encounter with a broomstick. "I haven't, It's seen as unladylike, so I never really gasped the whole sport as a whole.."

Cedric joined in the laughter. "Merlins Beard! We have many girls that play in our Quidditch teams."

As the conversations continued, the group discovered shared interests and passions. Aurelia and Cedric bonded over their love for magical history, sharing anecdotes about famous wizards and ancient spells. Oliver and Orion discovered a shared enthusiasm for Herbology, discussing the unique properties of various magical plants.

Their laughter echoed through the pub, and the other patrons couldn't help but be drawn to their infectious joy. The group felt a sense of belonging and connection that made the Three Broomsticks feel like their own private haven.

As the night grew darker, they bid farewell to the Three Broomsticks and walked back to Hogwarts under a sky adorned with stars. The conversations continued, and they found comfort in knowing that they had each other, sharing moments of laughter, understanding, and friendship.