Lorelei loved listening to her International
Summer School students. Even though she was not the most friendly or outgoing teacher in the programme, she did try to connect with her pupils as best she could. She had never really ventured much outside the safe walls of House Irons or Ilvermorny, always afraid that new environs would tax her control over her shadow.
She’d been apprehensive at choosing to participate in the ISS, but quickly realised she had nothing to worry about. She enjoyed the relaxing pace of island life, as well as the diversity of people she met during her lessons and daily walks. Not that Ilvermorny was wanting in diversity. Far from it. But it was also lovely to hear about people who’d gone to different magical schools, learning their perspectives and culture.
She’d been getting to know some of her French students, and visiting Paris had always been something on her bucket list. The lights, the romance, the culture, it just spoke wonders into her heart.
So on her allotted weekend, she decided to take the Floo to Paris, excited at the prospect of living out her fondest dreams. She stayed by the magical area of the city, still worried her shadow may act out of place in such unfamiliar environments. She looked
longingly at the lovely lights strung about the streets, and the delicious smells of pastries and other delicacies, watching wizards and witches go about their business. Some seemed to be prepping for school supples. Others were at leisure, enjoying their day like Lorelei was.
After a bit of perusing, she chanced by an adorable looking cafe. She was seated by the window, enjoying the grand view. She wasn’t familiar with the menu, but pointed to what she assumed as a local stew and mashed potatoes.
She passed the time sipping a glass of wine, when soon enough a lovely copper pot was placed on her table, along with a dish of fine Aligot. They smelled delicious! Lorelei delicately opened the lid and was about to try a spoonful when something bubbled from the base.
Was it a fish? A snail? Lorelei leaned in and blanched. It was a flobberworm! And it was still alive! Were they a delicacy in France? Lorelei didn’t want to offend anyone by wretching at their dish, but she couldn’t stomach the thought of eating Flobberworm soup. But then she looked at her Aligot and there were Flobberworms wriggling out of the mash!
Then she heard a shriek from a nearby table. Then another came from the kitchens! Lorelei was so startled that her shadow reacted impulsively, thinking she was in danger. It grabbed at the shadow of a nearby chair, perhaps thinking to use it as a projectile if need be, yanking it out with force. Unfortunately, a girl had been sitting on it.
Lorelei still her shadow to behave, then checked on the girl. Luckily, she’d known enough French to converse. ‘Are you all right?’ she asked.
@Zoé Deveaux
