Lucien noticed her hesitation immediately.
Draco Malfoy—no, Evelyne Malfoy, though no one else seemed to see it—stood a short distance away, pretending to examine a suit of armor while clearly working up the courage to speak.
Lucien turned fully toward her.
"You can just say it," he said gently.
Evelyne flinched, then froze.
Slowly, she looked up.
"…Hello."
Lucien smiled. Not politely. Not formally. Just… warmly.
"Hello," he replied.
There was an awkward pause.
Evelyne's hands clenched at her sides. "I—I wanted to say… about earlier. You were… impressive. In Transfiguration."
Lucien tilted his head. He noticed things—how her posture was defensive, how her voice was careful, how she seemed to be wearing a role rather than living in it.
But he didn't ask.
"I'm glad you enjoyed it," he said instead. "I'm Lucien."
"I know," Evelyne said quickly, then flushed. "I mean—of course I do."
Lucien chuckled softly. "And you're Draco. Or… whatever name you prefer."
Her breath caught.
"…Draco is fine," she said quietly.
Lucien nodded, accepting it without judgment.
"Well," he said, "would you like to sit together sometime?"
Evelyne stared at him.
Then smiled.
A real smile.
"I'd like that," she said.
For the first time since arriving at Hogwarts, Evelyne Malfoy felt something warm settle in her chest.
She had made a friend.
✨ Charms Class and Quiet Brilliance
Charms class came next.
Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw shared the lesson, and Lucien entered with Akeno and Susan beside him. Alolan Vulpix trotted along happily.
Lucien's eyes found Hermione at the Ravenclaw table.
She was deep in conversation, smiling easily, surrounded by books and eager listeners.
Lucien nodded to himself.
She's doing better here.
Hermione noticed him and waved.
"Lucien!" she called. "Ravenclaw's amazing. I already made friends."
"I can see that," Lucien replied. "I'm glad."
Professor Flitwick hopped onto his stack of books and clapped his hands.
"Today," he announced cheerfully, "we'll be learning a basic but essential charm—Lumos!"
Wands were raised.
Light flickered.
Some too dim.
Some too bright.
Lucien raised his hand.
"Yes, Mr. Lionhardt?"
"Professor," Lucien asked politely, "what if the light output were stabilized using a harmonic intent pattern? It might reduce flicker and mana loss."
Flitwick blinked.
"…Would you care to demonstrate?"
Lucien did.
The light that bloomed from his wand was smooth, steady, and crystal clear—brighter without being harsh.
Flitwick nearly fell off his books.
"Magnificent! Simply magnificent!"
The classroom buzzed.
"Thirty points to Hufflepuff!" Flitwick declared proudly.
Susan gasped.
Akeno smiled calmly.
Hermione stared in fascination.
After class, as students filed out buzzing with excitement, Flitwick called out—
"Mr. Lionhardt, if you would stay behind, please."
Lucien did.
Flitwick rummaged through his desk and pulled out a thin, well-worn book.
"My personal spell notes," he said, handing it over. "I believe you'll appreciate them."
Lucien's eyes widened. "Professor… are you sure?"
Flitwick smiled warmly. "Quite."
Lucien bowed slightly. "Thank you. I'll treasure it."
🏰 Pride Travels Fast
By dinner, the story had spread.
An improved Lumos.
Thirty points.
Professor Flitwick's personal book.
At the Slytherin table, Evelyne Malfoy listened quietly—and smiled.
That's my friend, she thought, pride blooming in her chest.
☕ Staff Room Reflections
In the staff room, McGonagall folded her arms. "So… an improved Lumos?"
Flitwick nodded enthusiastically, explaining every detail.
Professor Sprout beamed. "Hufflepuff truly has found a treasure."
McGonagall sighed—but smiled despite herself. "Yes… it seems so."
Snape, silent in the corner, allowed himself the faintest curve of his lips.
Lily, he thought. You'd be proud.
Back in the halls, Lucien walked calmly onward—unaware that Hogwarts was already beginning to change around him.
And for the first time in her life, Evelyne Malfoy walked beside someone… without fear.