#the curls the scruff the tits... we have it so good this season

[vanmarkus]

happy to report that there is zero respect in my gaze

[idornaseminary]

Chapter Eleven: Enzo and Beatrice

“Black or red?” Enzo heard Andre call behind him. “Girls like mystery, so black. But red will make me stand out, no?”

“Like a sore thumb,” Enzo replied, his voice hardly above a gruff whisper.

His focus was planted in his new Potions textbook. Every year, new information would be accessed through classes, and every year, for the first few weeks, at least, Enzo could do nothing but read through. He knew most of it, of course, but there were always cliff-notes scrawled into the sides of the books by older students. It was fascinating to read about. One that stuck out to him in particular was from a woman named “Tilly” who wrote of a Potion that could make an entire family line switch genes with another. Enzo dog-eared the page for later.

“What are you wearing?” Andre finally asked, deciding on the red shirt.

Enzo flipped another page, trying to not concern himself with the questionable stains. “Boxers and an old tee-shirt.”

“Huh?”

“I am not going.”

Andre tossed his head back, groaning. “Not again. I thought we were beyond all this.” Enzo didn’t respond, simply shaking his head, pretending he didn’t hear. “Every year it’s the same shit with you. You fight, I fight, and we eventually end up getting hammered and wake up somewhere near Lake Gler. C’mon, stop fighting it.”

‘Fyrsta tunglið’ was celebrated on the first full moon of every school year. It just so happened that this year’s fell on the first Friday back. There would hardly be a soul from Idorna that would not be in Old Aroon tonight.

“Andre...”

“Enzo,” Andre said, doing his best mock-French accent. It was horrid. “Mel is most likely going to be there.”

Enzo furrowed his eyebrows. “Why does that matter? I haven’t spoke to her in… some time...”

“I know, and she’s the last girl you ever spoke to, it seems,” Andre said, raising an eyebrow. “Why can’t you two be friends? It was five years ago. I liked her.”

“She had breasts,” Enzo muttered. “Of course you liked her.”

“Why do you say ‘breasts’ as if they’re from a foreign planet? They’re tits, man. And had? What, are they magically gone now…? Well, I suppose that’s a possibility...”

Unlike Enzo, Andre had been living in North America since he graduated from Durmstrang. His accent was nearly gone at the this point, unless he was drunk. Enzo still struggled with English, though. He was never the biggest fan of the language when growing up, but his father forced him to learn it. Maxime knew that when Enzo took over Oasis, he would need to communicate with a predominantly English audience.  

“If I go, will you shut up?” Enzo finally said, closing the textbook.

“Doubtful, but I’ll stop pestering you.”

Beatrice wriggled her nose side to side in annoyance as she looked herself over in the floor length bathroom mirror, not entirely satisfied with her appearance. Maybe she should try the white crop top with the red maxi skirt again? Pursing her dark red lips, she ran her fingers through her dark curls and sighed, glancing at Halina in the mirror. “What?” she asked, batting her eyelashes innocently, lips curling up into a slight smile.

“Nothing. Can’t I just appreciate beauty when I see it?” she teased, swishing her white tulle skirt with yellow roses on it back and forth as she checked out her roommate’s profile. “You look good, what’s the matter?” she asked, tugging on her teal stilettos prepared with a cushioning charm. “It just doesn’t feel right. Like something’s missing,” she explained, twirling her wand around in her fingers while she tried to figure out what it was. Halina stepped forward and hummed softly, gently twirling one of the black curls around her dark finger. A smile quickly grew on her face, showing her dazzling white teeth that matched the immaculate white halter top she was wearing. “Okay, I know you’re gonna say no, but before you do, don’t,” she said, nearly bouncing up and down in excitement if it weren’t for the heels.

Beatrice slowly turned around and narrowed her eyes at the mischevious woman before her, arms crossing over her chest protectively. “What?” “Lemme charm the ends of your hair blonde!” “No!” She pouted and pointed a finger at her. “I told you not to say that!” Bea turned back around and pursed her lips, mulling it over in her mind. “Okay, fine,” she relented, rolling her eyes as her roommate pulled her wand from the waistband of her midi skirt. “But, if it should get stuck like that, I get to dye your hair green,” she said, holding her hand out to shake on it. Halina chuckled and shook her head, her large gold hoop earrings swaying back and forth with the motion. “Yeah, whatever. Just stay still,” she order, beginning to mutter the spell under her breath.

Glad for the warm air in the last few days of summer as the seasons began to shift, Beatrice slowed her pace as they arrived at the line of carriages, instinctively tightening her grip on Halina’s arm as they arrived, noticing a few early birds waiting for the rest of the crowd going into Old Aroon tonight. “So, game plan tonight or winging it?” she asked her roommate, glancing over at her friend’s dark face only to see her eyeing up some guy who looked as if he could care less about being there. “Oh I’ve got a game plan tonight,” she purred, running her tongue over her upper lip, tugging Beatrice further down the hill towards the carriages.

Bea glanced down at her black and white polka dotted dress with the plunging neckline and skirt that stopped mid-thigh, hoping that it wasn’t too daring. During the summer, it was one of her favorite dresses as it was easy enough to take on and off that she used it as a bathing suit cover up. Taking in a deep breath, she blinked steadily and continued on her way, head held high so the fading light of day highlighted her black and blonde ombre hairstyle. She had to give it to Halina, she really did come through this time.

The night air brushed against Enzo’s face, cooling him after rushing downstairs with Andre. He didn’t have much time to get ready, so after a quick shower and attempting to comb his lion’s mane into submission, he tossed on a pair of jeans and a black, long-sleeved shirt before leaving the room.  

“Shot?” Andre whispered from beside him once they reached the line leading to the carriages. He shook a small, silver flask in his pocket, filled with firewhiskey.

“I would rather not be expelled,” Enzo quipped backed. “Can you not just wait until we get there to drink?”

“Where’s the fun in that, eh?”

Once they reached the front of the line, the goblin, reaching Enzo’s midsection, stretched out his hand. “Pay,” he simply sputtered.

Goblins reminded Enzo of larger, fatter House Elves. Enzo thought back to the one who served his family in Chateau Bellerose. She was a nice Elf, and he often spoke with her when he was a child and she was cleaning his room. Goblins were not so pleasant.

“You get this one,” Andre said, patting Enzo’s arm. “I’ll grab the next.”

“If I had a sickle for every time you said that, I would be able to afford a thousand trips to Aroon.”

Nevertheless, Enzo reached into his pocket, picking out eleven sickles and placing them in the Goblins shriveled hand.

“Only two?” it spat at him.

“Yes, ple -”

“Wait up,” Andre said, cutting him off. “Hey, ladies,” he called behind. “Want a free ride? They seat four. I’m paying.”

Enzo clenched his jaw, wanting nothing more than to punch Andre, but he turned anyway. Behind him were two women. They were well dressed, and Enzo felt as he if recognized the one with dark skin and the flowered skirt. What house are they from? He slowly rolled down his sleeves from where they rested at his elbows, covering the burn mark on his left wrist. It didn’t cover the bits on his hand, but he’d rather avoid conversation about it.

Beatrice looked over at Halina who gave her the same knowing look, sharing a smile before turning to them and nodding. “If it’s not too much of an imposition,” she said softly, unconsciously picking up on the tension between the two men though she refused to let the knowledge slip through her facade. Halina grinned toothily and looked over Enzo first before turning her attention to Andre. “I’d hate to be a burden,” she said, letting go of her roommate’s arm, slowly sliding her long, slender fingers around his elbow.

Beatrice looked down to hide the way she rolled her eyes at her friend’s flirtatious antics, happy at least to know that she was just practice for the real hunt. I wish I had it that easy to catch a man’s eye. She tucked a stray curl that had fallen into her face behind her ear, making an effort to ensure it didn’t get caught in her large, thin hoops, looking up and settling her gaze on the other man behind her friend’s unwitting prey. He was handsome, to be sure, but there was something melancholy about him that wasn’t quite off putting nor was it inviting.

Enzo huffed, plastering on a somewhat convincing smile before turning and boarding the carriage, shuffling himself into the corner as he watched Andre all-too-happily escort his lady friend up, as well. Her friend, the one with the dark hair dyed blonde at the tips, still behind. Andre and the flower girl took the far side, leaving only the seat beside Enzo open.

Swallowing tightly, Beatrice climbed inside and sat beside the man with the black ringlets of hair and the bit of scruff on his jaw. She offered him a small, friendly smile and crossed her legs, her skirt sliding farther up her toned, tan legs.

“I don’t think we’ve ever properly been introduced,” she started off, eyes twinkling in the darkness of the carriage. “I’m Beatrice. Call me Bea or Trixie, if you want,” she said, offering him her hand. “And this is my best friend, Halina,” she added, gesturing to the woman sitting opposite her, curled up next to his friend.

Of course, Enzo thought. Nevertheless, he cleared his throat, taking her hand in his and shaking it gently. “Enzo,” he said tightly.

“The one and only,” Andre chimed up, looking extremely comfortable. “I’m Andre, by the by.”

As soon as he spoke, the carriage began to move. To Enzo, it looked as if it were charmed to move through the path on its own, circling the Gladur forest towards Old Aroon. However, he knew it was hauled by two thestrals. He wondered if any of his companions were able to see them.

Beatrice glanced out the window of the carriage and smiled softly at the dark, skeleton like thestrals that pulled it away from the school and towards the town down the road. Ever since her grandfather died during her fourth summer in Samoa, she’d been able to see them. It was a shock to see them pulling the carriages when she returned to Hogwarts that fall, as they looked quite scary. When she realized they were harmless, she found them to be a lot like her: quiet and gentle, fond of darkness, but full of kindness. Glancing over at Enzo, she couldn’t help but wonder if he was the same way. Halina raised an eyebrow as she tore her gaze away from Andre’s sharp features for a minute and looked at Bea slyly checking out the other incredibly handsome man in the carriage, a smirk playing on her pink lips. “So, Enzo, are you single?” she asked, gleefully noticing the way her friend’s eyes went wide with panic.

As soon as the girl beside Andre - Halina, he remembered - spoke, Enzo’s stomach twisted into a knot. He looked at Andre, his eyes daggers. I am going to murder you. He hoped Andre got the message, and judging by Andre’s smirk, he did.

“I, uhm..” Enzo cleared his throat. “Oui - erm, yes. Yes, I am.”

I am going to murder you, Andre, if it’s the last thing I do.

‘Please, please, please, Merlin don’t let Halina do what I think she’s going to do,’ Beatrice thought, resisting the urge to chew on her bottom lip, knowing that the lipstick would stain her immaculate teeth. Fate would never be that kind to her though, could it? The dark skinned woman grinned mischievously and winked at her friend who was starting to shake her head, hoping that Enzo wouldn’t see her.

“Well, so am I,” Halina said, lightly placing her ebony hand on her traveling companion’s knee in a playful matter. “What about you, Andre?” she purred, taking the heat off of the unfortunate duo across from them, but only for a moment.

Enzo’s shoulders felt as if they may shatter from flexing them so hard. He let out a slow breath from his nostrils, trying to be as quiet as possible while gnawing on the inside of his cheek. His knuckles burned white from gripping the underside of his seat so tight, the wood slightly groaning under his grasp.

Andre, on the other hand, was more than happy to make conversation as the carriage rounded the bend of the Gladur. Old Aroon was less than five minutes away at this point. “On and off here and there,” Andre murmured, his eyes darting between both girls. “But I’m chain-free tonight… What about you, Trixie?”

A bright blush crept up the back of Beatrice’s neck, staining her cheeks a brilliant cherry red as she nodded. “Yes, yes I am,” she admitted a little shyly, sneaking a quick glance over at Enzo before looking out the window at the town fast approaching, wishing they would get there faster so this line of questioning could come to a speedy halt. Halina looked up at Andre and gestured at the their roommates with a suggestive glance. “Well, I think, if it’s alright with you, I’m going to take a stroll with Andre here,” she said, placing a hand gently on the man’s chest, shooting him a coy look. “Perhaps the two of you could keep each other’s company and meet up with us at Rodrick’s Pub in an hour when the party starts?” Beatrice narrowed her eyes and shot daggers at her friend, hands clenching into fists. Our first night back here properly and you’re going to ditch me to make out with some guy at Lake Gler? You’ve got it coming girl.

Enzo could almost taste blood in his mouth from biting his cheek so hard. “I… I have to pick up a few things around Aroon before the party begins.” His foot tapped against the floor of the carriage lightly. “Personal items.” Don’t dig yourself into a hole, Enzo.

Luckily, the carriage finally came to a halt in front of the wrought-iron gates of Old Aroon. Another Goblin, this one female, ‘welcomed’ them by almost snapping the door off of the carriage and yelping, “out.” The four obeyed, stepping out of their carriage before it turned away and headed back to Idorna.

Enzo folded his arms over his chest once his feet crunched into the dead leaves on the soil. “I will meet you all at Rodrick’s, though. Promise.”

Andre sighed, an arm around Halina’s waist. Enzo could tell he was already buzzed. “Sure, sure. This guy’s always running off for one reason or another. I’m holding you to that promise, Bellerose.”

“Mhm,” Enzo simply murmured back. “It was nice to meet you both.”   

Though the brush off stung, Beatrice forced a small smile and nodded, shifting the weight of her purse on her shoulder. “Lovely to meet you too,” she said, not blinking as her roommate dragged Andre off towards the lake, sliding her hand into his back pocket once they were a safe distance from the carriage drop off. She rolled her eyes and ran her fingers through her hair, glad to be on her own again for at least an hour before the party. Meant that she had some time to Blaster’s Bountiful Sweets and Treats and pick up some sugar quills and pumpkin pasties while she was in town. “See ya later,” she quipped, saluting Enzo with two fingers before walking away, her dress swaying slightly as she sashayed away.

Enzo watched Beatrice leave, feeling a small twinge of guilt, but he ignored it. He knew that he’d combust he if were forced to make conversation with a stranger for an hour. What would they talk about? He had half a mind to slip a Polyjuice Potion into Andre’s tea tonight. He was sure his cat, Fleur, would let him borrow a strand or two of her fur.

Nevertheless, he shook his head and made his way into Old Aroon, the gates swinging open on their own as he neared. His feet left soil and soon hit cobblestone, giving him a sense of familiarity. The walkway was similar to that of the estate back home. He hadn’t been home in some time, but he assumed not much had changed.

As he walked into Old Aroon, he passed a few notable shops, but turned into Tricko’s for a scoop of sea-salt ice cream, hoping that he would be able to keep to himself as long as possible before Andre inevitably swooped in to drag him to Rodrick’s.