Finally, the days everyone had been waiting for arrived. The castle was immersed in a pleasant pre-holiday bustle: the corridors were filled with the scent of pine needles and gunpowder, and students, discussing their holiday plans, were hurriedly packing their trunks. If last year Victor had nowhere to go, everything had changed now—he had a home where he was awaited, and to which he was eager to return.
After saying goodbye to Hermione, who had stayed at school to finish her potion, Victor collected Adele and, along with a noisy crowd of children, headed to Hogsmeade. Near the platform, where students had already begun boarding the Hogwarts Express, Victor stopped.
— Well then, I think this is where we say goodbye, — he shifted his gaze to Daphne, Astoria, and Luna.
— Aren't you taking the train? — Luna asked, playfully tugging at the edge of her scarf.
— No, my dear, we have a different route.
A chill suddenly ran down Adele's spine. She felt a bad premonition, which was instantly confirmed when, with a soft pop, Missy appeared beside them.
— Master Victor, Mistress Adele! Missy is so happy to see you again! — the elf squeaked, her huge eyes shining.
— Hello, Missy. Thank you for coming for us, — Victor nodded.
Adele, realizing what awaited her, spun around sharply and tried to quicken her pace toward the train, but Victor deftly caught her by the elbow, not letting her escape.
— No! Let go! I'm going on the train! — she protested, desperately trying to pull away.
Victor only pressed her closer to him, maintaining an unperturbed expression.
— Merry Christmas to you all! See you next year. Missy, let's go home.
The elf nodded obediently, snapped her fingers, and the space around them distorted for a moment, collapsing into a point. They disappeared before any of the students could even blink.
Astoria frowned in confusion:
— Where did they get a personal house-elf?
Daphne only shook her head thoughtfully, looking at the empty space:
— It's Victor, after all. I wouldn't be surprised if he had a dragon, too. Let's head to the carriage.
They moved toward the train, but Daphne noticed that Luna remained standing on the platform, looking at the spot where Victor and Adele had just been.
— Luna, are you coming?
The girl turned and smiled dreamily:
— Yes... I'm going to miss them, — she said quietly, stepping into the carriage. Having spent so much time with them, she had grown quite attached to this strange pair, and now, parting ways, she felt an unfamiliar sadness.
France. The Flamel Estate.
Victor and Adele appeared in the middle of a light-filled living room. Because of the abrupt displacement, Adele could barely stay on her feet and, breathing heavily, collapsed into her brother's arms.
— I hate you... — she wheezed, feeling the room swimming before her eyes.
— Oh, come on, I know you adore me, — Victor laughed, patting her on the back and helping her recover.
— Hahaha, it seems I've seen this scene quite recently, — a warm, melodic voice rang out.
Perenelle walked into the living room. She looked just as majestic and motherly as ever. Victor, beaming, ran up to her and hugged her tightly.
— I missed you so much!
Perenelle pressed him to her, affectionately stroking his hair.
— Me too, my dear.
Adele, finally coming to her senses, cautiously approached them. Perenelle, noticing her shyness, smiled warmly and, reaching out, drew the girl into an embrace. After chatting for a bit, Perenelle led them to the table, where Nicolas was already waiting. Sitting in his place, Victor couldn't help but think that he was smiling. In his past life, he had a family, but he remembered only dry facts, devoid of emotion. But here, in this house, he was truly feeling happiness for the first time.
— Adele, how is school? — Nicolas inquired.
— Everything is wonderful! I really like it, — Adele replied enthusiastically. — Especially broomstick flying!
Listening to her talk so animatedly about Hogwarts, Perenelle couldn't stop smiling. Adele used to be withdrawn, answering every question with a short "good." Seeing her so open now warmed her soul.
— Our little girl even made a friend, — Victor added.
— Really? — Perenelle looked at her granddaughter with genuine interest.
Adele nodded:
— Yes, her name is Luna. She is... a bit strange, to be honest. But in a good way.
— I am very glad you found a friend, — Perenelle said kindly.
At that moment, the elf appeared in the dining room with a soft pop.
— Mistress, the outfits are ready!
— Are you going somewhere? — Victor raised an eyebrow in surprise.
— All of us, — Perenelle corrected him. — These are outfits for you and Adele.
— Wow. And what's the occasion?
— Every year before Christmas, the Beauxbatons students hold a formal gala. There will be a live orchestra.
Victor immediately darkened.
— Classical music? You know, I think I'll stay home.
— No, darling, you are going, — Perenelle answered in a calm, non-negotiable tone, continuing to elegantly slice her dessert.
— Grandmother, with all my boundless love for you... I'm not a fan of violins. Classical music isn't my thing.
— And what do you prefer in that case? — Nicolas asked, sipping his tea.
— I would much rather go to a Nirvana concert, — Victor sang quietly, tapping out a rhythm on the table: — Load up on guns, bring your friends... It's fun to lose and to pretend...
Nicolas just shook his head dolefully.
— I never understood, and apparently, I never will understand the tastes of today's youth.
Victor raised an eyebrow. "I wonder what he'd say if he heard Billie Eilish or Arlo Parks?" he thought to himself.
— That is not up for discussion, — Perenelle put an end to the argument. — Today, the whole family is going to the concert. I want everyone to see what wonderful grandchildren I have.
In the evening, Perenelle, clad in a luxurious dress of iridescent silk, waited for everyone in the living room. When Victor came down the stairs, still in his everyday clothes, she frowned with displeasure.
— Victor? Why are you still not dressed?
— What a pity, — he sighed theatrically, spreading his hands. — It seems I've grown a bit during my time at school, and my suits are too tight. I'm afraid I'll have to skip this evening and stay home after all.
— Use magic, — Perenelle cut him off calmly.
— What? These are collector's items from the best tailors in England, recognized as the outfits of the year for young gentlemen! I'm afraid that due to my interference, the tailoring will suffer!
Perenelle squinted dangerously, and magical energy sparkled barely noticeably in the air around her.
— Victor. Suit. Right now.
Victor sighed resignedly, realizing there was no turning back. In the same instant, he was enveloped in a thick scarlet smoke, and when it cleared, a young man stood before them in an impeccable, sharp black suit that fit him perfectly.
Perenelle nodded with satisfaction:
— That's better.
Nicolas came into the living room, looking uncharacteristically formal in his dress doublet.
— Well, is everyone ready? And where is Adele?
— ADELE! COME DOWN! — Victor shouted ringing out, and a proud smile appeared on his face. — Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to present to you the princess of tonight—Adele Moss! I should note that I worked on the hairstyle personally.
Adele appeared on the stairs. She was wearing a soft-blue dress reminiscent of a light cloud, and her hair was styled in a complex, elegant updo, in which small magical sparks shimmered like stars.
— My dear, you are simply beautiful! — Perenelle whispered in admiration.
— Yes, it suits you very well, — Nicolas supported, smiling warmly.
Adele, blushing from the compliments, quickly came down and took Victor's hand firmly, hiding behind him.
— Well, since everyone is here... Missy, please! — Nicolas commanded.