After his heartfelt conversation with Fleur, Louis couldn't shake her words from his mind. The faint trace of jealousy in her voice lingered—not in a troubling way, but as a gentle reminder of how much she cared. He understood now that he had unintentionally surrounded himself solely with girls since his arrival at Hogwarts. While his connection with Cho and Evangeline was genuine and warm, Fleur's concern echoed in his mind. So, with gentle resolve, Louis decided to seek out some male companionship to balance his growing circle of friendships.
Among the few boys Louis had met in Ravenclaw, one stood out—Charles Blackwood. A tall, composed third-year with raven-black hair and a sharp intellect, Charles was none other than Evangeline's older brother. Louis had exchanged brief greetings with him during meals and club activities, but had never really spoken with him.
That evening, Louis approached Charles in the quieter corner of the Ravenclaw common room. "Charles, right?"
Charles glanced up from his book on advanced transfiguration. "Ah, the infamous Louis De Versailles. The first-year who made McGonagall smile. What can I do for you?"
"I thought it might be worth getting to know each other. I'm trying to branch out a bit," Louis said with a grin.
"Trying to make friends with someone less... glittery?" Charles teased, glancing toward the direction of Cho and Evangeline.
Louis chuckled. "Something like that."
To his relief, Charles was just as curious and open-minded as he was. They quickly discovered a mutual passion for magical theory and philosophy, especially transfiguration. During a Thursday evening session of the Transformation Club, they explored the concept of metaphysical transformation—changing not just the shape of something, but its symbolic essence.
That night, under flickering torchlight in a quiet Transfiguration classroom, Louis transformed a quill into a small wisp of blue flame that gently hovered, embodying the idea of thought taking flight.
"Do you ever feel like transfiguration is less about altering reality, and more about understanding it?" Charles asked, observing Louis's flame.
"I think it's like... peeling back a layer," Louis replied thoughtfully. "Understanding what something could be, if its form reflected its spirit."
Charles smiled. "That's exactly how I see it. Most students just want to turn teacups into turtles. You want to turn ideas into reality."
After the club, Louis returned to the common room where Cho and Evangeline sat near the fireplace. Cho was leafing through a book on dueling techniques while Evangeline was pretending to ignore her brother's presence in the room.
"You've been talking to him again," she said as Louis approached.
"Charles?" Louis asked innocently.
"Yes. My brother. The contagion. I'm warning you, Louis, spend too much time with him and you'll start quoting magical poetry and wearing enchanted cufflinks."
Louis laughed. "That doesn't sound so bad."
Cho smiled warmly. "It's nice to see you finding your place, Louis."
"I'm trying," he said. "It's all a bit new still, but I feel like I'm finding a rhythm."
The week passed smoothly. Louis continued his studies, worked on his secret research into R.S.'s chamber, and enjoyed his growing network of friends. He kept his evenings varied—discussing runic theory with Charles, debating the ethics of magical experimentation with Cho, and enduring Evangeline's affectionate complaints about her brother's growing influence.
By Friday afternoon, Charles caught Louis just outside the library. "You're free tonight, right?"
"Why?" Louis asked.
"I want to introduce you to two of the most chaotic minds at Hogwarts."
Intrigued, Louis followed Charles to a hidden alcove near the charms corridor. There, leaning against a wall and whispering about something involving frogspawn and chocolate syrup, were two identical red-haired boys.
"Louis, meet Fred and George Weasley," Charles announced with a flourish.
"Pleasure," said Fred.
"Delight," said George.
Louis raised an eyebrow, amused. "I've heard of you two."
"All true," Fred said.
"Especially the parts about our brilliance," George added.
Within minutes, the four were laughing and exchanging ideas. Louis found the twins' humor infectious but was even more fascinated by their sharp minds. Beneath the pranks and playful banter lay two inventors with a deep understanding of magical principles.
"So, you're the new Ravenclaw genius," Fred said. "Tell me, ever used a Disguising Mist spell?"
Louis blinked. "That spell's been lost for over a century."
"Or so they say," George chimed in, winking.
They debated enchantments, sketched out theoretical joke devices, and plotted harmless mischief. Charles leaned in with a smirk.
"I think we're due for a prank. Something to lighten the weekend."
"Target?" Fred asked.
"Evangeline," Charles said with devilish delight.
Louis laughed. "I'm not sure that's wise."
"She deserves it," George said. "For being too clever by half."
The boys huddled together, lowering their voices. "Saturday morning," Fred whispered.
"During breakfast," George added.
"Something elegant. Subtle," said Charles.
"Perfectly timed," Louis added with a grin.
They didn't reveal what the prank would be—but the gleam in their eyes promised something memorable. For Louis, it wasn't about chaos or comedy. It was about camaraderie. For the first time, he felt like he was building a home here—not just with knowledge and secrets, but with friendships both serious and silly.
And somewhere in Beauxbatons, perhaps Fleur would sense that too—and know that he hadn't forgotten her, even as he grew into his new life.
Even if Evangeline most certainly would not approve.