Chapter 5 - Bonds of Magic

Once they got home, she got interrogated. By her own parents. It levelled up when they finally saw the hairpin Zabini used on her. Her father raging about who on Earth is Zabini and what's her relationship between them. While her mother is being a squealing fangirl ready to sail the ship. The discussion goes on until Mom got impatient of Dad's disagreement of the newfound friendship.

Really, she ended up single her whole 22 years of her former life. She wouldn't start at 11. Besides, she's twenty-two years old mentally. She'd sooner be an old maid than date someone younger than her actual age. Now that she thought it, some fanfics wrote about pureblood courting. She highly doubts Zabini lending a hairpin is a courting gesture. Blood status issues and all that crap.

Louise finally finished unpacking her stuff that primarily consists of everything that was given to her by her roommates as an advance Christmas gift. She got a Weasley sweater early, probably for the poor Errol's own health, it is a black sweater with white L on it. But most are essentially girly things that will never see daylight given her animosity of anything pink. Before going down, she opens the window for Sora.

Christmas sure is different in England, she muses. The living room is decorated with lights, wreaths, and a big Christmas tree littered with presents underneath it.

"Princess, ready to shop?"

"Dad, can we go to Diagon Alley afterwards? For my friends' gifts?"

"Of course. Anything for you." He ruffles her hair. She only wished her previous life was just as loving as this. Past Louise's family was lovely but skinship, this is different. More affectionate.

"Thanks, Dad. I missed you."

"I missed you, too." Her father carried her outside, her clinging like a koala to him. "C'mon your Mom is waiting at the car."

The car ride went on with her Mom directing the conversation. Asking her daughter what the school is like, her friends, the classes, the teachers. The topics never ceased. We arrived in London. It is packed with shoppers left and right. Shops on sale are filled with customers. It is brighter than her mother country, buildings dressed in lights and the roads adorned with Christmas lights hanging over them.

They shopped for clothes which were exhausting. Elena dragged her family from store to store. Then Louise got dragged to a toy store with her insisting the investment she got was enough for a gift. The husband and wife declared that if she didn't pick one they'll choose for her. In the end, they decide to buy the PS1 when the parents noticed her constant staring at the newly released Final Fantasy game. It was fun. If only she didn't have the war hanging above her head.

With the purchase of the game console, the first week of her holidays ended up being inside her bedroom playing all day. Louise's parents were busy and she's understanding enough that they need to work for their everyday lives. So, now she's procrastinating her 3-feet long holiday assignments. And in the span of three days, I have to finish it. Her Mom found out and she got lectured. Great.

*****

"Bye, Mom! Bye, Dad!" Louise waves at the leaving car. "Ah, Hermione! Belated Merry Christmas! Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Granger."

"Hello, Louise. Where are your parents?" asks Mrs. Granger concerned on why she is alone.

"They're running late for work. I insisted they drop me off here."

"Louise, you may have to talk to Hermione. She is worried you've forgotten about her when she didn't receive a present from you."

"Oh. Sorry, Mrs. Granger. Actually, I don't know what your address is and how I will get my owl to specific places other than my own house. So, I decided to give the present in person." Louise rubs her nape awkwardly.

"Please tell her that. We already told her not to worry but she won't listen."

"Of course, Mrs. Granger." She notices Hermione already passed the barrier without waiting for her. "Sorry again. I have to go. Hermione!"

*****

"I don't know how to use my own owl so here you go, guys. Belated Happy Christmas presents." A muggle hairstyle magazine for Lavender. Star-shaped hair clips for Parvati. New Gobstones set for Fay. Lastly, a book called 'Common Knowledge in the Wizarding World' by Clarissa Sue.

"How do they do these? These are wonderful, Louise."

"I wouldn't know Lavender I'm terrible with hairstyling. Sorry, Fay, it seems you already received a new set."

"It's fine Louise, from the rate I'm playing I might need another one soon."

"Thanks." Hermione pouts, her cheeks gaining a red hue.

"Thanks for the clips. And speaking of hairclips, why aren't you wearing the one Zabini gave you?" Parvati eyes Louise's pigtail held by a simple black ponytail.

"Well, it's too expensive and I might lose it accidentally so I kept it with me." She patted her pocket bulging because of the box that carries the expensive gems. "And I'm bad at hairstyling myself, I'm afraid it'll get loose, fall and break."

"Let me do it for you then." Someone pulls on her hair making her turn back. Louise can imagine Lavender silently squealing at the current events. Blaise is the one pulling her hair, tugging it to his lips. "Ladies, may I?"

Once the two entered another compartment alone, Louise faces Blaise with a glare in her eyes. "Can you explain what's this whole thing is?" She waves a hand gesturing between them. "They're all implying you're bloody courting me, you dolt! We're eleven for Merlin's sake."

"What if I am?" He had the gall to smirk at her. Clearly, he is amused about the whole debacle he started. "Jokes aside. I am."

"You are?"

"I am courting you." Laughing at his companion's expression, he continued. "To be my Lord. Lady, in this case. The others won't expect that so they came to the conclusion that I want to be your boyfriend."

"Clarify."

"If you are to be my Lady, I will be your Vassal. As the name implies you will be the leader and I am to be your follower."

Louise can feel the headache coming. Of all things Blaise could want from her, he wants to be her bloody follower. A follower. To a muggle-born. "Of all people, why me? Wouldn't it make more sense if you pick Malfoy? He already has a standing he'll get from his father. Most importantly, he's a pureblood. Associating yourself with a muggle-born will lower your reputation."

"I thought you don't care about blood status."

"I don't, but those who are currently in power does."

"Louise, what do you know about magical alignment and compatibility? Magical alignments are divided into three: Dark, Light and Neutral. Of course one isn't actually Neutral, they are called that because they can do both Dark and Light but their magic will lean more towards either of the alignments. Magical compatibility, however, is trickier. Dark is to Dark, Light is to Light, and Neutral is in between them. Dark magic will never be compatible with Light magic. That is why marriages only happen between compatible alignments because their magic will repel making it hard for them to conceive. Same as performing the magic of their opposites.

"And why are you telling me this?"

"Your magic is Light. But there is something about your magic that seems like a beacon to us Dark wizards. All of us Slytherins can attest to that. You've been a topic on our Common Room, did you know?"

"What do you mean by 'beacon'?" Is this the result of that White Mage magic? She hasn't even bothered to research about it.

"Normally, Dark Magic will repel against Light ones. But your magic," He reaches out for her hand which she hesitantly gave. Clasping hers to his, she felt a cold rush of 'something' going inside her. Not unpleasant but weird enough to make her shudder. "You felt that, didn't you? Your magic didn't repel against mine. That is why I courted you. I want to bet on you to make magic great again."

"I might not be the leader you want."

"Then I will guide you."

"There will be no killing, torturing nor maiming of any sorts. No looking down on other people regardless of their blood status or standing. I have no need for mindless followers."

"I will heed your words, your commands, your beliefs." Louise's sentient magic wraps around Blaise's like a blanket warm, calming the other's errant magic. "And I will be your guide throughout your journey."

"Then I accept. I will be your Lady, for as long as you want me to be."

Their joined hands tighten as their magic bonds, a twining thread connecting them.

"My Lady." He said, kneeling and kissing the back of her hand.

"Don't do that you're creeping me out." Handing him the hairclip she said, "Braid my hair?"

"Of course, Louise."

*****

Ron gawks at her braided her complete with Blaise's flower clips. Clips because he added new ones. Louise could hear the murmurs of the purebloods and half-bloods that know the significance of it. Harry glances between Hermione and Louise perplexed on what's going on.

"Louise won't say any details but I recon that Zabini from Slytherin is courting her," Hermione whispered to Ron and Harry.

"Zabini?! Courting her?!" Ron splutters, "Louise, say something." He glares at the green-clad table, gritting his teeth when he observes Blaise smiling at his friend. "I won't allow it!"

"You're not my father, Ron. Besides, I already accepted it." She said, while calmly eating her dinner. Everyone who is clearly eavesdropping gapes at her announcement.

"So... He's your boyfriend?" Harry silently picks on his food.

"No. In consideration of my muggle roots and the fact that we're 11, we've entered a trial period."

"A temporary boyfriend?"

"Something like that, Harry."

"And this braiding is part of the courting?" Hermione curiously asks.

"Braiding someone else's hair is a sign of trust, Hermione," Ron explains, stabbing his knife to his food. "In wizarding tradition, it is considered... intimate if someone of opposite gender braids your hair. It is an open secret, no one is to say something unless the suitor and the one courted admitted it. The jewelled clips gifted by Zabini is also part of it. A man must take care of his wife."

"That's absurd. A woman can take care of herself." Hermione huffed indignantly.

"Wizarding tradition, Hermione." Louise pointed out. She stood up walking out of the Great Hall making them chase after her. "Ah, let's go we need to talk."

"Don't change the subject-"

"Did you two even get anything on Nicholas Flamel?" She interrupted. This news made the other three silent. "We still have to make a plan on how to get past the dog."

"Past what?" They all flinched from the unexpected audience. It was Blaise raising an eyebrow motioning for her to resume the discussion. Louise's self-assigned parents immediately made a barricade between the 'suitor' and the 'courted'.

"You. Stay away from Louise." Ron, really.

"Louise can take care of herself. If she can't, we'll be there for her." Hermione, not you too.

"Lou already have us. She doesn't need you." Louise facepalms. Harry, why.

Her brow twitches in annoyance noticing Blaise smirk in delight at the chaos he's causing. "My Lady, see you on Sunday." He bows, departing promptly after that leaving the overprotective Gryffindors demanding an explanation from their friend.

Fucking bastard.

*****

"Hagrid! We know about the Philosopher's Stone!"

"Sorry I couldn't stop them, Hagrid." She smiled apologetically to the gentle giant.

"Thank you, Louise. For being sensible, unlike your friends. Come in."

"We think Snape's trying to steal it."

"Harry, Professor Snape is one of the teachers protecting the Stone. Still, I doubt someone is going to get past Fluffy. Only Dumbledore and I know how to tame him aft-" Hagrid stops, his mistake obvious on his face. He busies himself on lighting the fireplace. The fire crackles and the cauldron above it rattles. "Oh!" Hagrid removes the cauldron from the fire depositing its content on the table.

"Hagrid, what exactly is that?" Harry asks.

"That's an egg! And not just any egg-" Ron started, all of them ducks for cover when the egg exploded into pieces. "It's a dragon egg!"

"Hagrid isn't it dangerous to have a fire breathing dragon inside a wooden house? Besides, isn't it illegal to have one?" Hermione logically pointed out. "How did you even get one?"

"I got him off a stranger in a pub. Oh, he is beautiful. Hello, Norbert." The newly christened Norbert deemed it was time to demonstrate his abilities by burping out a flare at Hagrid's beard. "Well after a bit of training it'll be alright. Hm? Who's that?" They turned their heads where Hagrid is looking. It was Malfoy.

"Its past curfew. Malfoy will be tattling on us." Louise warns the others, hurrying them back to the castle only to be met by Professor McGonagall's stern stare.

"Good evening. Every student in this castle has to abide by the curfew. You, troublemakers, have no rights to walk around the school at night. Therefore, 50 points deduction. To each five of you. And you'll be serving detention."

The Gryffindor students had to fight back a smirk as Malfoy's smug face turns to a frown.

"The five of us, Professor?"

"Yes, Mister Malfoy. Your intentions are honourable, but you too were out of your dorm after curfew. You will serve detention with my Gryffindors. Mister Filch, escort them back to Hagrid, please."

They got back to a miserable Hagrid weeping about Norbert being possibly bullied by other dragons. He finally settles down when Filch reminded him of the assigned detention.

"We're going to the Forbidden Forest. Just stick with me and everything will be alright. Fang, here will join us. As an extra measure."

"The Forest?! Extra measure?! For what?" Cue howling of wolves, Malfoy looks terrified. "Werewolves? We can't go in there."

Ignoring the pureblood, Hagrid prompted, "Let's go." The students trail after the giant. Entering the forest, they were surrounded by the tall trees and darkness of the night. The forest seemed endless with the fog covering the surroundings. Hagrid halts scooping the silvery gooey blood of a unicorn. "See this? This is unicorn blood. I found one dead a few weeks ago and this one's been injured badly. It's our job to find that unicorn. Hermione, Ron, you two, with me. Malfoy, Harry and Louise, you search over that way."

"We'll have Fang."

"Sure Malfoy. Just so you know Fang's a coward." Hagrid warns, walking away with Ron and Hermione in tow.

"Wait till my father hears about this." If looks could kill, Louise is sure Hagrid is ten-feet-under with Malfoy's glare on his back.

"Malfoy, your father won't hear about this. Are you sure you want to say that you got detention with us?" Louise heads to the general direction where Hagrid pointed them to search. "The sooner we see that unicorn, the sooner we get out of this forest. Let's go."

The three mismatched students walk deeper into the woods on the hunt for the creature. Stumbles and trips are their friends for the night. A few steps further lead them to a terrible sight. A cloaked figure hunches above the unicorn, drinking its blood. Voldemort. Fang's growl alerted the villain of their presence, raising his head towards them.

"HELP!" Malfoy runs back with Fang. Hopefully, they'll see the others immediately.

Harry pulls Louise behind his back keeping her outside the figure's sight. It glides after them. Her foot catches on a root poking out of the ground making the friends fall backwards. The figure raises its hand reaching out to them.

'No!' thought Louise. A translucent shield sprung up around them. It draws a wand, green light rushes to their direction, the spell breaks the shield but another appears to protect them.

Sounds of hooves distracted the attacker. A centaur came to their rescue fending off Voldemort and his possessed follower.

"Harry Potter, you must leave this forest. It is dangerous at this time. Especially for you, for you are known to many creatures."

"Wha-What was that thing?" Harry said, breath still heaving because of the sudden danger.

"A monstrous creature. To drink blood from a unicorn makes one's life cursed. It will keep you alive at Death's door. Fortunately, the unicorn still lives but not for long. Unless," The centaur turns to look at Louise. "The Stray One heals it."

"What?"

"Your magic, Stray One, it can heal the unicorn."

"Oh, yes, of course." She rises, disoriented and thankful Harry steadies her. Walking to the unicorn she casts, "Heal!" A chomping sound echoed through her head. She breaks, crumbling in her place.

"What happened-"

"Firenze!"

"Magical exhaustion-"

"Loui-"

"Crap, Blaise will kill me." She sure hope he does, Malfoy.

A/N: THIS WILL BE THE LAST CHAPTER POSTED IN THIS APP/SITE. SOMEONE WARNED ME OFF THIS THING. THIS FIC WILL BE AVAILABLE ON FANFICTION.NET.