Like on a fine day during summer, Victor stood beside his mother at the edge of the Malfoy manor grounds.
The Lovegood home had no connection to the Floo Network, so Narcissa would take him by Apparition.
She held his hand firmly.
"You may feel rather unpleasant the first time," Narcissa said calmly. "A pulling sensation. Perhaps nausea. Do not fight it. It passes."
Victor nodded once. He was carrying a small polished box attached discreetly to the inside of his coat—Lucius's recent birthday gift. June fifth. Twelve years old.
The box appeared modest, but it had been enchanted with an Extension Charm. Inside, it held the space of a small room. With a simple spell, it could shrink or expand.
"Focus," Narcissa instructed gently. "Do not let your thoughts wander."
Victor tightened his grip.
There was a sharp crack.
The world twisted violently inward. His stomach lurched as though dragged through a narrow tube. For a split second, he could not breathe—
Then they reappeared with another crack.
Victor staggered once but did not fall.
Before them stood a tall, peculiar-looking house leaning slightly to one side, as though built without much concern for symmetry.
Just as strange as in the films, Victor noted quietly.
Narcissa stepped forward and knocked.
A moment later, the door swung open.
Xenophilius Lovegood stood there, his pale hair drifting as though caught in a breeze only he could feel. His expression brightened immediately when he recognized them.
"Ah! Mrs. Malfoy," he said cheerfully. "And young Mr. Malfoy. How delightful."
He stepped aside with an airy gesture. "Please, do come in."
Narcissa stepped inside, her gaze sweeping the oddly shaped walls, the mismatched furniture, the curious ornaments perched in corners. A flicker of disapproval crossed her face—but it vanished just as quickly.
For Victor.
If her son was unusual in his own way, perhaps it was fitting he be paired with someone equally so.
She turned back to Xenophilius.
"I shall be leaving now," Narcissa said calmly. "I will return in three days."
Her hand rested briefly on Victor's shoulder.
"Please ensure he is properly looked after."
Her tone was polite.
It was not a request.
Narcissa gave Victor one last measured look before stepping outside. A sharp crack echoed, and she was gone.
Silence lingered for only a moment.
Then soft footsteps descended the stairs.
Luna Lovegood appeared at the bottom, her pale hair falling loosely over her shoulders, eyes wide and distant as always.
"Oh," she said serenely, as if she had been expecting him. "You're here."
"Hi, Luna," Victor said, lifting a hand in greeting.
Before he could lower it, Luna crossed the room in quick, light steps and caught both his hands in hers.
"I heard from Father that you attend Hogwarts," she said dreamily, her eyes bright. "I'm going this year too. I've been looking forward to it."
"Well, Hogwarts is indeed a magical place," Victor replied.
"Not the school," Luna said simply. "I'm excited to spend time with you."
She is far too honest, Victor thought.
From downstairs, Xenophilius Lovegood called cheerfully, "Why don't you show him your room, Luna? I'll prepare lunch."
There was an enthusiastic clatter of cookware.
Victor heard something sizzle loudly.
I hope that's edible.
Luna took his hand and led him upstairs.
The room was round and bright, sunlight spilling through tall windows. Papers covered in sketches of strange creatures were scattered across a small desk. Shelves held jars of unknown contents and carefully stacked copies of The Quibbler.
Victor's gaze lifted to the ceiling.
Painted across it was a large golden circle like a rising sun. From it extended delicate painted chains—thin strokes of shimmering gold connecting two names written in neat script.
Luna Lovegood.
Victor Malfoy.
The chains were clearly artistic, brushed in careful lines rather than real metal, but the symbolism was unmistakable.
Victor stared at it in silence.
Luna stepped beside him, looking up as well.
"I thought it looked nicer that way," she said simply. "It makes things feel… connected."
"Right," Victor replied evenly. "I can certainly… feel it."
Luna nodded as if that confirmed everything.
"So what should we do in the three days?" she asked brightly. "I planned quite a few things once Father told me you were coming."
She skipped over to her desk and picked up a sheet of parchment covered in neat but slightly whimsical writing.
Victor leaned in.
The list included:
— Search for Wrackspurts in the orchard.
— Interview local garden gnomes (if cooperative).
— Stargazing to identify unusual constellations.
— Practice wand work for Hogwarts.
Victor stared at the list.
"…You certainly planned thoroughly," he said.
Luna beamed.
"I like to be prepared."
Victor gave the parchment another look.
Three days.
This would be… educational.
"Well," Victor said carefully, glancing at Luna and her hopeful expression, "we can do… some of it."
He couldn't quite bring himself to refuse outright. There was something disarming about the way she looked at him—completely sincere, completely unguarded.
I appear to have a weakness for cuteness, he admitted inwardly.
Subtly, his fingers brushed the chain hidden beneath his shirt. The cool metal of the Time-Turner rested against his chest.
If necessary, he could manage both.
Three days for Luna.
And whatever dark tasks summer demands.
*****
A/N : 🔥 On Patreon, the story has already been updated up to Chapter 67🔥
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