A/N: I do not own Harry Potter. JK Rowling does! And yes, I RESPECT her so much. This is just a fanfiction to pass time. Please read and review if you have the time. I'm sorry if there are a couple of characters that might be out-of-character. I have a tendency to do that. But still, hope you like this. Here we go~
CHAPTER ONE: The Bond
Friendships are basically one of the best things that could happen to a person. It is a pillar that supports everyone under it. It is comfort. But sometimes, friendships vary in depth. And it may fade in time or to some…it’s just a bottomless pit.
Lotus Lee peeked through the hallways leading to the Gryffindor Tower. It is her 2nd year at Hogwarts and aside from all the obvious troubles some Slytherins and Gryffindors are fond of doing, her world is peaceful. Well, not that Ravenclaws opt to look for trouble. And sneaking into the other house’s tower is not her idea of adventure. “She’s gonna pay for letting me do this…” Lotus whispered to herself.
With silence she walked towards the portrait of the fat lady seeing that there is no one around. She took the parchment in her cloak and slowly placed it on the floor in front of the large painting. There on the parchment lies an elegantly written name: Victoria. She fixed her straight long raven hair and tucked her bangs to the side. Just as she was about to turn and run off…
“Rather late at night to be flouncing about, dear?” The fat lady yawned. “You do know there’s a curfew…”
The shrilly voice made her stiff. She’d wanted no more than to wake up the loud opera-wannabe but that would be impossible. She is after all, the guardian of the Gryffindor dormitory. “I..I’m just le-leaving something for a f-f-friend, ma’am.” She stuttered still not looking back.
The fat lady looked down and smiled. “A letter for a lover?” She teased.
Lotus blushed profusely as she turned to face the portrait. “No, ma’am…. I said a letter for a FRIEND.” She corrected emphasizing the last word.
The fat lady chuckled. “That’s what they all say…ao-ho-ho-ho.” The door opened from the inside and out comes a tall girl with long wavy hair cascading down to the small of her back. Her skin is tanned and she’s wearing a dress robe with nothing else inside.
“Oh. Right on time…” The girl sniggered. “I never knew you got the guts to sneak around at night.”
Lotus’ eyes narrowed. “Do I have a choice? You’re blackmailing me… If your mom gets to hear this-“
The girl’s name is Victoria Roane Bouvier, a 2nd year Gryffindor who happens to be in a family full of Slytherins. Regardless the fact that the Bouvier are under the influence of the dark lord, they are also known for their power in the Ministry much like the Malfoys.
Lotus Lee has a long-time unrequited love on Reston George Bouvier, one of the 5 Bouvier siblings and Victoria won’t let this secret go to waste. So when she skipped Potions to watch a Quidditch match, she blackmailed the Ravenclaw into giving her the complete notes to brew Polyjuice potion for their next class. Victoria scanned the parchment. “Oh-kay~ I think this will do.”
Lotus gave her friend a livid look. “Of course it will do. I got an Outstanding for that.” She snorted and started to walk away.
“I love this friendship…” Victoria grinned as she once more entered the Gryffindor Common Room.
There are so many friendship circles around Hogwarts and the most uncommon is that of the quartet that came from different houses. It is rare to see them in public places mainly because their respective houses loathe seeing them ‘fraternizing’ with the enemy. The silent war between the four houses has been going on since they were established – friendly competition is what they call it. The most common squabbles are made by Slytherins and Gryffindors mainly because their personalities clash. The odd group is composed of: Victoria Roane Bouvier from Gryffindor, Lotus Lee from Ravenclaw, Isabella Montes from Hufflepuff and Eloise Pelletier from Slytherin.
Their usual places were found outside the castle and mostly near the forests or the lake to avoid their houses’ harsh comments and remarks. Eloise scratched her short brunette hair and looked at her friends who are currently studying. She on the other hand would rather just daydream but it bothered her that no one seems to share her thoughts. She sleepily glanced at Lotus who seemed to be engrossed in some book that was obviously too advance for them. “That’s not in our curriculum…” She mumbled to which the Ravenclaw gave her a silent nod and ignored her. Eloise looked to the other side where Isabella or Bella as she calls her, is writing an essay and at the same time munching on some chocolate cookies. “I thought you’re on a diet?” She asked. Bella merely shrugged not even looking up. Then she turned to see Victoria shift her body and is now lying on the grass with a small book in hand. “What are you reading?” The book is not familiar.
Victoria stretched her limbs and answered, “Something about Lovage.” At the mention of the subject, everyone stopped. “I’m currently very interested in inflaming the brain…so yeah, I got this book from my ma’s library in Dublin.”
“Are you daft?” Lotus asked calmly with a tinge of worry. “If the professors find out you’ve slipped in a book of dark arts, you’re going to get expelled.”
“No, I’m not.” Victoria rolled to face the Asian witch. “I’m practically untouchable when it comes to the ‘RULES’.” She grinned cockily. “Even Dumbledore leaves me be…”
Eloise chuckled. “She’s right, Lotus. Vicky’s dad is in the Ministry’s Potion Research. It’s family business – the books, I mean. The Bouviers are known Potion Masters. Lucas, her eldest brother is an Auror that specializes in Potions. Don’t you know? I thought Ravenclaws know everything? And here you tell me you're her bestest friend!”
Lotus blinks realizing she overlook that fact and gave Eloise a look before shaking her head. She leaned in and gave her friend a suspicious look. “You asked me to make notes for you...are you being lazy?”
“Hey! It doesn’t mean a thing! I’m just a kid here…learning…and Polyjuice potion is sooooo boring!” Victoria flopped herself back on the grass. “I don’t need to learn some stupid shape-changing potion that would wear off. Why can’t the professor teach us cooler stuff like Veritaserums, Wartcap Powder, or Essence of Belladonna?! And what about Felix Felicis? Urgh! The class is so boring! I wish Reston takes up internship next year…” She stole a quick glance at Lotus who blushed at the mention of her brother’s name. “You’d like that, huh?”
“I don’t care.” Lotus huffed, feigning ignorance. “And we’re not allowed to learn those pottions until our 5th year, Victoria. They’re actually forbidden.” She added.
“Yeah, yeah…Didn't stop Lucas from wandering in that area back when he was a first year...” Victoria waved her hand in the air to dismiss the subject and changed it with a smirk. “You are not bothered by Reston teaching at Hogwarts??? Why don't you tell me after drinking a truth serum? I can procure one from mama...” She threw a stone at the Black Lake which is a few paces away from where they sit.
Bella giggled at the sudden turn up of the topic. “Speaking of crushes… Cedric Diggory is such a hottie, Lotus. How is he in the academic department?”
Lotus closed her book. “Truthfully? Average.”
“BULLOCKS! He’s the top of his class.” Bella pointed out. “Not to say the most gorgeous creature to walk this earth…” She sighed dreamily.
“That’s because his class is filled with AVERAGE people.” Lotus snottily pointed out as she slowly packed her things. “A handsome face is not everything, Bella.”
Bella frowned. “Of course, I know that… But we’re talking about a handsome Hufflepuff here - Looks plus Sincerity! You can only see that once every century I reckon.” She joked.
Eloise, Lotus and Victoria laughed as they themselves fixed their books. “What’s your next class, Vicky?” Eloise asked as they now walk back to the castle. “I got potions…”
Victoria sighed. “Goodaftehnoonclasssss…ternyourboohkstepahge249….” She imitated the monotonous voice of her professor very well which sent the girls laughing. “Yeah, I got potions too.” She paused at that. “Wait…Elie…”
There was horror in her eyes as she stared at her and Eloise knew what she meant. “Yes. He’s still alive.” With that Victoria frowned. “And very much a pain in the arse as usual.. Recently been yelling bull about the golden boy in the common room..." Lotus and Bella waved their goodbyes as the two walked to their class. “You’re still pissed about Malfoy?”
Victoria suddenly felt like every step weighs a ton. “What do you think? I mean, dad’s been pushing me about it lately.” She groaned. The Bouviers have always been a supporter of Voldemort. And it is no secret that they are very strict with mixing their clan with other Wizarding Families. For instance, since Victoria is the only daughter of Alexander Luis Bouvier, he expects her to marry within the circle of purebloods like the Malfoys, the Burkes, the Gaunts, the Blacks among many. Her brother Lucas Henri Bouvier married Sylvia Goyle which made her Gregory’s sister-in-law. She shivered at the thought. The Malfoy crony really bothers her. She doesn’t know if he’s eternally under an imperious curse or what. Gregory always follows the Malfoy brat. Though last summer, she talked to him and he’s quite okay. “I reckon last summer he told me to befriend Malfoy. Urgh! The nerve! Who would want to befriend a git?!” She sat in her chair and looked at Eloise. “The trouble started when the stupid sorting hat placed me in Gryffindor. Blasted sack of a hat gave me the trouble of my life!” She took out her potions book. “If he’d just placed me in Slytherin, I would have stayed normal.”Eloise patted her friend. “It’s okay, Vicky. It’s not like it’s bad being a Gryffindor… You get to see George and Fred…” She giggled. The twins have always fascinated her. Their rebellious manners and fearless discoveries amaze her. When Victoria gave her a weird look, she smirked. "Honestly, I don't give shites if my parents chastise me of purity... Hot men are HOT men."
Victoria grinned at her friend. They just have the weirdest crushes. Bella who is one of the most beautiful girls in school is crazy over Cedric Diggory, the one man who's not interested . Lotus who is a Ravenclaw loves her older brother Reston who was a Slytherin. Eloise who is a Slytherin loves George and Fred who are Gryffindors…which of the twins she’s in love with is a mystery… And she’s…well… Her eyes looked at the newly arrived students. Among them, a blond boy with gray eyes strutted towards his seat followed by two other Slytherins.
“Hello, Victoria!”It was Gregory. She managed a small smile and wave at his brother-in-law who was swatted by the blond twit. She turned to Eloise. “What the feck is his bloody problem? What? Waving at your brother-in-law’s a crime now?!” Victoria shot the Malfoy a glare and mouthed, “GIT.”
Draco Malfoy watched as the Gryffindor dared to mock him. “I told you to ignore her, Goyle.” He shot daggers at the fat Slytherin beside him. “She’s a Gryffindor.”
“But…Victoria isn’t that bad…” Gregory managed to answer in a whisper. He’s been fond of his newly acquire relative. The girl has been nothing but a comfort to him everytime she visits their manor. “She’s my sister-in-law…”
“Shut it!” Draco barked. His father always told him to only befriend Slytherins and even if Victoria Bouvier’s family is a strong supporter of the dark lord, there has to be a reason why she was placed in Gryffindor and he can’t be fooled. She isn’t the ‘right sort’ as what his father said. “I catch you talking to her again, I’m going to hex you.” He warned. A strong pat at the back made him look up. “Zabini.” The handsome boy sat in front of him and turned to grin at him.
“I can’t believe we’re in the same class as Victoria.” Blaise said excitedly. “My mother wants me to snag her. The Bouviers, I’ve heard is looking for a good match for dear, dear Victoria. She’ll be turning seventeen in a few years…and the lucky man has got to be me. Don’t really care that she’s in Gryffindor. It’s all about breeding, mate. All about the blood…” He looked to the beauty and threw her a kiss. “Hi, Vicky!”
“Sod off, Zabini.” Victoria rolled her eyes and turned to face Eloise to avoid the school’s playboy, Blaise Zabini. “Honestly, you call that a playboy? He doesn’t even have the right look. Who would want a stick?” Eloise laughed hard at this.
The friendship strengthened until their 6th year where more trouble arose because of the Dark Lord’s orders. There have been a lot of things going on circling the golden trio: Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ronald Weasley. The three have been missing and it affected all. This is also the year where they found themselves deciding something that might affect each of them for the rest of their lives.
Like always, they hang around near the black lake. Their looks have changed through the years. And they decided to just take the day off and watch the sun set. Victoria sighed deeply. Her hair is longer now and she grew taller and leaner. Her vibrant hazel eyes have turned dull and her jolly disposition disappeared. “I have to stop seeing you guys…” There were no gasps of surprise or angry words. Everyone understood what she meant. Her father was killed in an Auror raid and her brothers were missing. In a year, she will be among the ranks of DeathEaters and the decision is now. She can’t get her friends in trouble.
Eloise sighed as well. She tucked her now long brunette hair and skillfully pin it into a bun atop her head. “I was called earlier than expected. I will not be able to go back to Hogwarts next year.” She looked at the other and smiled ruefully. “It was a dream that we’ll graduate without getting in trouble – a blasted fantasy. But it was awesome while it lasted.” Tears slowly lined the edges of her eyes.
“What do you think?” Victoria chuckled bitterly. “Reston and Luis told me to act sick. Funny thing is…ma gave me a beating just to give the perfect effect. Just before they disappeared, Cadmus and Theo butchered my horses…to make it look as if I’m a victim, they say… Ma wants me to finish school, you see.” She stood up and looked at her friends. “If you ask me, it’s a load of bull. How the hell can I finish school when they’re all gone and I’m next to be taken? Now I know why my family’s in Slytherin. They’re all stupid.” She laughed at her hollow joke.
Bella stood up and hugged her friend. Her long crimson hair floated as the winds blew. “It’s okay, love. The important thing is…we’re still together…we are. Until you guys leave, let’s make the best out of this year.” She offered a smiled. Her long time crush died last year and it broke her to pieces. Cedric Diggory was murdered and everybody knew it was the dark lord. She pitied Harry who was accused of murder. Despite the Ministry’s effort to convince everyone, lots of students stay away from the boy-who-lived. But Bella knew the Gryffindor could never do that to Cedric. She used to see them talk to each other like brothers. “Everything is changing for us…” A tear streamed down her face.
Victoria groaned. “Awh! Stop crying, Isabella. I hate it when you cry.” She rolled her eyes. In truth, she doesn’t want her to cry because she’ll start crying and no way will she cry like a baby. “It’s not like Cedric loved ya. He’s basically oblivious to your undying admiration… He doesn’t deserve your grief.”
Bella shot the taller girl a glare. “Cedric knows my love for him! I told him just before the TriWizard Cup!” She shouted.
Victoria turned around and threw her hands in the air. “Here we go~”
“Cedric is a wonderful person and you didn’t even know him! He deserves all the grief I give him!!!” Bella once more started her daily mourning.
Eloise hugged the Hufflepuff and sighed. “Stop being a git, Vicky. You knew she loved him.” She paused. “But Bella, Vicky’s right… He’s gone now…you need to let it go.”
Lotus can’t believe she’ll have to live another day watching the drama. It’s like a daily soap opera being play back thousands of times. She stood up and fixed herself. “Well, guys… I’ve got classes in twenty. I for one suggest that we slowly let go of our ties…so that it won’t be hard.” She managed to say professionally. In truth, her voice is about to break. Her two friends are future DeathEaters and she knew she can do nothing about it.
They both walked to their dormitories. Victoria separated and at last, she was alone. It is near midnight and she’s supposed to be in the dorms now. But after their goodbyes, she was too lonely to walk back so she walked about. She kept on walking until she bumped into someone. Her eyes adjust to the darkness and took a sharp intake of air when she recognized the tall boy. Platinum blonde hair, mysterious gray eyes and a very proud face greeted her. “Malfoy.”
Draco raised his eyebrow at Victoria Roane Bouvier who is sprawled on the floor. “What’s the matter, Bouvier? A little surprised?” He asked in mocking tone. He knew his looks have improved, not to say his height. He’s now taller than most Slytherins and his body developed nicely. All the girls are running after him. It’s been a year since he last saw this Gryffindor. It amuses him that she too changed for the better.
Victoria stood up and fixed herself. She gave off a snide smile. “You wish, Malfoy.” With that, she walked off. But before she could walk further, a hand took hold of her arm.
“Your mother is living with us, don’t you know?” Draco asked in a hushed tone. “You should respect me for hiding your family from the Ministry, you twit.” He tugged the arm towards him.
Victoria pulled her arm away. It was hard. Draco Malfoy seemed to be stronger now. “Get your hands off me, you prick!” She managed to release herself. “Do I look like an idiot to you? I know you’re family is doing it all because the dark lord orders you to do so. Why should I be grateful, you sack of dung? My family is as regal as yours. We were found out first because my father is doing his job for the cause.” She smirked seeing that the blonde is now fuming. “Not like some wanker I know…”
Draco Malfoy wanted to control himself. But he was never good in controlling his emotions…especially anger. He slapped Victoria with everything he’s got. The girl lay unconscious on the ground. Cursing himself he made sure no one’s around and carried the girl. He can’t just leave her there. The girl will surely make her revenge and with the task given to him, it will probably be a bad idea to set her loose. He made his way to his godfather’s office. “Professor.” He called out.
Snape knew who it was and opened the door. The familiar body in the arms of Draco Malfoy took his attention. “What did you do to Ms. Bouvier?”
Draco walked in and placed the girl on the nearby table. “She got to me so I…hit her.” He began to panic. He turned back to his professor. “She’s infuriating! I tried to keep my anger at bay but she insinuated that my father is a wanker!”
Snape raised a brow and looked at the unconscious body of Victoria Bouvier. “Quite the lady, I see… She just lost her father, don’t you know that?” Draco did not answer him. “She was left to fend for herself, I heard. Her brothers were all for the cause…pity. She’s too young…and a woman at that…” He walked to the table and cautiously positioned the girl into a more comfortable form. He slowly took her long raven locks and rested them on her torso. There is a red mark that’s beginning to turn blue on her right cheek. “You should have been more delicate to a girl, Draco. This one’s a future DeathEater and will be useful. Her potion-making skills are impressive and no doubt will be an asset to the dark lord.”
“You go back to your dorm for now.” Snape instructed. “I will take care of her.” He looked at the boy who is still frozen on the spot staring at the girl. “Go now, Draco. I’ll make sure everything’s fine.” With that he saw him leave the room. He turned back to Victoria Roane Bouvier. “Ah my dear… If you only know how your father died…” He looked at the pretty girl with sorrow in his eyes. Alexander Bouvier was blackmailed…and set up by no other than Lucius Malfoy. He sighed heavily and slowly pointed the wand at the side of her head. “Obliviate.”
Eloise hurriedly made her way to the same spot where she meets Victoria. It’s been days since she last saw her. There’ve been troubles ever since the day they separated. Draco Malfoy has been acting weird staring at her as if he’d done something to her which she does not know of. “Maybe Victoria knows…” She said to herself as she turned a corner and bumped on someone familiar. “Lo-“ She stopped herself and continued walking. There was a hopeful glint in Lotus’ eyes but they both know they should stop greeting each other. Her mother owled her about the coming days and she will be marked earlier than Victoria. Instead of finishing the year, she might not make it after Christmas.
Lotus continued walking. She hated the feeling that they can’t talk to each other anymore. She thought she could get through with it. After a few days, she misses them already. She’s got a few friends but they really never understood her as well as Eloise, Victoria and Bella. She saw the latter in the main hall sitting and rushed to her. “How are you?”
Bella sighed as she flipped her book. “Fine, I guess…” She looks up and bit her lip. “I miss them.”
Lotus frowned. “Me too.” She took a seat. “I just saw Eloise…and she didn’t even greet me. Things are turning for the worst. I haven’t seen Victoria for days… I’m worried about her.” She took a book and tried to deviate her attention.
Bella followed her until she saw Draco Malfoy staring at them. “Lou, what is Malfoy’s problem? Except that he’s become so hot this year, not that I’m complaining…but it’s as if he’s changed into a silent, maniac who stares at people. That – I do not like.” She whispered as the tall Slytherin conversed with Blaise Zabini a few feet away from them. “And why does it have to be Blaise the wonderful, Zabini he’s socializing with? Argh… Why do bad boys look so cool and…” She paused to remember the Golden Trio who weren’t able to come back this year. “…good guys look…dorky.” Her mind focused on Ronald Weasley in her mind and she turned her hair orange.
“Stop playing with your ability and ogling boys. Start studying, Bella. The OWLs are just around the corner. You don’t want to fail one, do you?” Lotus said, trying to concentrate on her book but was clearly amused at the show of a metamophagus. She was listening though. And she does find it queer that Malfoy has been staring at them a couple of times. But she can’t help but worry about bigger things…things that matter…for now.
Before everyone knows it, the year ended. It was Christmas Eve when she heard of a rumor that the Pelletiers were DeathEaters and that they disappeared into thin air. The Ministry has sent out several hunting parties to search for them. And true enough, they never saw Eloise from then on. Lotus Lee and Isabella Montes finished their 5th year without their two friends.
The winter of her 17th year of birth is harsh and as Victoria looked out the windows of the Malfoy Manor she regretted leaving Hogwarts when her brothers Owled her that fateful Christmas two years ago. Part of her wanted to stay and just shut everything out. But it was too late. A middle-age blonde woman entered the room and gave her an encouraging smile.
“Come now, darling. Don’t be so sad…”
Victoria turned back to the window. “Don’t you dare speak to me, mama. I don’t want to hear it.”
Felicia Bouvier’s face turned dark. She threw a bottle of wine on the floor and shouted, “How long will you treat me like this, Victoria?! Your father and brothers are dead. Now here you are mopping and squirming like a worm! You’ve served him well for a year now! You’re lucky he asked for you to stay here and brew potions! Be thankful, dear daughter that I have requested so much just to keep you alive!” She walked to the younger woman and wrapped her hands tightly around her neck. Her eyes are bloodshot and her grin turned ugly.
“Go ahead, mama. Kill me.” Victoria stayed immobile. “It would be a wonderful Christmas gift.” She gave her mother a mocking smiled. “One that I’d be thankful for…”
Felicia let go and pointed her wand to her daughter. “Stupefy!”
Victoria was thrown a couple of feet away and broke a vase. Her left hand rested on a shard and the cut made her wince. She laughed aloud despite the pain. “HAAHAAAHH! You practically begged the dark lord to keep me alive? Are you joking, mama?” She slowly stood up. “They’re out there ransacking everyone, killing and pillaging and destroying everything we are!” She roared as she pointed her wand at a ready. “I’ve kept on with his potions…you know why?”
Felicia didn’t know the answer. To her, Victoria was kept alive because she requested that her daughter concentrate on dark potions and to be kept from the war. “What are you talking about?! I was the one who asked for it.”
Victoria shook her head as realization dawned on her. “He asked me to do it for him…he threatened me to kill every one of you if I do not comply to his request. You’re an idiot, mama! I would have killed myself first if not for the threat. I’d rather die than be under his influence! And yes! Yes! Maybe that’s why I was in Gryffindor! I accepted it all! I was different!” She walked around the room. “I…whom you’ve scorned because I was placed in the wrong house! I…whom you’ve beaten to prove our family innocent! I am a Gryffindor! And THIS Gryffindor save your damn ARSE!”
Felicia’s anger flared and she threw a curse at her daughter who parried it. “You’ve become more adept, daughter.”
Victoria held her wand in her right hand – something she’s not used to. “I’ve always been the best one in duels among my brothers…but you were blind to it.” She flicked her wand sending a silent curse that exploded the piano behind her mother.
Felicia was surprised at this. “When did you learn to do that? Hogwarts never teach those things!”
Victoria merely grinned and slowly it escalated to a full blown laughter…a bitter one at that. “So we were used? Is that what you want to ask, mama? Aahahahaha! That is just so…CHARMING!”
With the last word, she threw a Crucio at her daughter and it hit true. “You should watch your mouth, Victoria.”
Victoria dropped her wand and kept her cries silent. It was evident in her face the pain that is wracking her body.
Felicia stood looking down at her suffering daughter. “How dare you make a mockery out of us? We protected you. We made you who you are now.”
“Yes you did…” Victoria said through clenched teeth while smiling – well, the best that she can manage.
With a whip of her wand she pointed it at her daughter. “Avada Ke-“
“Avada Kedavra!”
It was the last thing Victoria saw – her mother’s crying face and the form of Narcissa Malfoy behind Felicia before darkness took her.
TO BE CONTINUED.
Please give me reviews...anything...a sign...to make me keep writing! XD Domo~
