After the emotional farewell with Fleur, Louis returned home in a contemplative silence. The warmth of her embrace, the softness of her whispered promise, and the subtle weight of the vow he had given still lingered in his heart. But time, as always, moved forward.
The days that followed were filled with preparation. With the help of Nicolas Flamel, Louis's parents had contacted Albus Dumbledore to finalize the necessary arrangements for his entrance into Hogwarts. Despite his unique background and magical prowess, it was decided that Louis would join the school as a first-year student, just like everyone else.
When the decision was made, Louis threw himself into learning everything he could about the British magical world. He spent hours in his family's library, poring over books about Hogwarts' history, its founders, and its four great Houses. He read about the customs of wizarding Britain, its laws, its political climate, and even the foods served in the Great Hall. He was determined not to arrive as a stranger, but as someone who understood and respected the institution he was about to join.
Soon, his parents took him to Diagon Alley. With a letter of recommendation and Dumbledore's approval, they opened a personal vault for him at Gringotts and transferring a considerable amount of Galleons into a magically expanded coin pouch enchanted with an advanced spatial charm. It would ensure Louis had all he needed, whenever he needed it.
He purchased his robes, books, and potions supplies, though he declined a wand from Ollivanders, proudly stating that he had already crafted his own. The clerk blinked in astonishment, obviously recognizing the new French prodigy from differents newspapers , but said nothing more.
The final days of summer passed swiftly. On the morning of his departure, the family arrived at King's Cross Station. Louis stood before the enchanted barrier between platforms nine and ten, dressed immaculately in a black wizarding robe of the finest fabric. Golden threads traced elegant patterns across the shoulders and sleeves, and on the left side of his chest, over his heart, was embroidered the crest of his noble family—a symbol of pride and legacy.
His mother adjusted his collar gently, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead. "Write to us often, mon chéri."
His father placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "And remember, wherever you are, you carry our name with honor."
Louis embraced them both. " I love you. See you soon."
With one last smile, he turned and crossed through the barrier.
The scarlet figure of the Hogwarts Express loomed before him, steam hissing and students bustling about with trunks and owls. Louis climbed aboard, suitcase in hand, and began searching for an empty cabin.
As he slid open a compartment door, he found two girls already seated inside. Both looked to be his age.
The first, with straight black hair, almond-shaped eyes, and a graceful smile, looked up warmly. "Oh, hi! There's room if you'd like to join. I'm Cho Chang."
The second girl, with curly auburn hair cascading past her shoulders, had a more reserved yet observant gaze. "Evangeline Blackwood," she said with a small nod. Her tone was polite but inquisitive, and her posture carried a quiet confidence.
Louis offered a small, polite bow. "Not at all. Thank you. I'm Louis. Louis De Versailles."
Evangeline's eyebrows lifted slightly. "De Versailles? As in the French noble family?"
Louis nodded. "My parents thought it best I study abroad. Dumbledore himself arranged it."
The name of the headmaster clearly impressed them both.
"You're lucky," Cho said, her tone filled with admiration. "He's a legend. I heard he rarely gets involved in admissions."
"And you made your own wand?" Evangeline asked, her voice now tinged with genuine fascination. "That's incredibly rare. I've read about self-made wands in 'Wandlore for the Gifted'—most wizards never attempt it."
Louis smiled modestly. "It was a long process, but I had excellent guidance. Nicolas Flamel helped."
Cho's jaw dropped slightly. "The Nicolas Flamel? The alchemist?"
"The very one," Louis confirmed with a light chuckle.
They were stunned. But instead of being intimidated, both girls seemed drawn to his story. Cho was warm and curious, her questions often guided by empathy and genuine interest. She shared stories of her childhood in a magical family, her love for flying, and her excitement about trying out for the school's Quidditch team one day.
Evangeline was more analytical. She asked detailed questions about wand crafting, about magical theory, and about life in France. She was a person of logic and lore, already showing the signs of a future scholar—or perhaps something more.
Louis felt at ease. For all his fears about being an outsider, he found in these two girls a sense of welcome he hadn't expected. They talked and laughed, their voices blending with the rhythmic hum of the train.
Outside, the British countryside passed in a blur of green and gold. By the time the sun had begun to dip beneath the horizon, the train began to slow. The buzz of excitement among the first years grew.
Louis looked out the window, his heart beating steadily. A new chapter was about to begin.