Trapped in the Throne Room PV Astoria Middleton Finished

December was an enchanting time of year for Astoria. Growing up, her family would host grand parties and balls at her manor. Visitors would consist of members from the Ministry of Magic where both her mother and father have worked, members of St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries where her grandmother had worked, and of course, extended family that resided in France.

Christmas was Astoria's favorite time of the year, the light and gentle snow dancing throughout the air in the warm glowing light of lanterns lined through London streets. Christmas Carols would be sung by groups of people who shared a common interest in Christmas. Her home was full of Christmas spirit with decorations that covered their home from top to bottom. Even the rose garden was enchanted where red and white roses were in full, healthy blooms as snow would grace gentle petals.

However, at this time, Astoria was now at Hogwarts. Of course, Hogwarts was enchanting throughout the entire year but there was a sense of emptiness. Many of the friends that she had met on the Hogwarts Express were no where to be found! Hogwarts was quite a large castle with nooks and crannies around every corner. Even some of her own housemates were hard to find.

Astoria fell into a state of loneliness and the warmth of Hufflepuff was not enough to help her bounce back from this state. Plus, she had received a letter from her mother asking if she was being good at school. As much as she loved her parents, and were blessed to have them, Astoria was constantly under pressure to be prim and proper by her parents. Her parents breathed down her neck, ensuring she always had perfect posture, table manners, performing arts talents, and so on. She sometimes never felt that she could just be, well, her.

With letter in hand, Astoria wandered throughout the halls of Hogwarts. Students were buzzing past her as she walked, preparing for their future departures to go home. She hummed to herself, a Muggle Christmas carol, one of her favorites. She came to the trophy room and wandered through the rows upon rows of cups, plaques, and so on. As she wandered, a roaring fire keeping her warm to some degree, she noticed a face staring at her. She gasped and placed her hand over her chest, her letter falling to the floor. It was a Ravenclaw boy, tall with shining eyes. It was Simon!

"Oh! Simon you frightened me!" Astoria replied, but she was able to compose herself in moments. "Yes, I've been coming here a lot. It's been nice to step away and just clear my mind." She answered as she looked around for the letter that she dropped. "Umm, have you seen a piece of parchment around? It was a letter from my mother." As she looked, she asked him, "What has brought you here? You look like you may be exhausted. Rough day?"

"Oh! Simon you frightened me!"

"Sorry!" He walked around the cabinet to her side so that they did not have to talk through the glass.

"Yes, I've been coming here a lot. It's been nice to step away and just clear my mind", Astoria explained. "Umm, have you seen a piece of parchment around? It was a letter from my mother."

"Oh. I'll help you look", said Simon and started looking around the floor, feeling the heat from the crackling fireplace on his cheeks.

"What has brought you here? You look like you may be exhausted. Rough day?"

Simon chuckled nervously. "Is it that obvious, huh? Yes, I was working on the assignment for Professor Lécuyer before coming here, but I think I've been at it for too long. My brain literally shut down and told me to get up and do something else. Besides, it was hard to focus with all that chatter in the Ravenclaw common room. Yes, Ravenclaws can be very chatty, we're not all about books and parchment", he said jokingly. "I've never been here before, actually, so I thought I might come here and check the place out."

Then he spotted the letter under one of the other glass cabinets. He got down on his knees and reached for it before holding it out for her. "Here it is." (He tried not to look but noticed on the last name that it was from family members). "Your parents work at the Ministry, right? What is it that they do there? I'm asking because my father works there as well", he explained with a lopsided smile and got up on his two feet, brushing his knees.

Interacting with @Astoria Middleton

Simon had apologized but, of course, Astoria could never hold it against him. It wasn't intentional, but looking back, it was quite nice on how just looking across the shelving could connect the two of them. She gave him a gentle smile, "It's nothing to be sorry about, I was just lost in thought is al." Simon came from around the corner of the cabinet, the flames dancing from the fireplace illuminating his presence. For a room that was housing many accomplishments, it was quite a dark room but at the same time, Astoria liked that. Well, at least at this time she did. Normally Astoria enjoyed rooms that were bathed in sun or moonlight, but a dark place like this matched her inner feelings.

Simon was kind enough to help her look for the letter. While the contents were more about ensuring that she was behaving. Astoria was a good student, she couldn't imagine what it was like to be a trouble maker. How could someone intentionally want to break the rules? It was a completely foreign thing to her. Then again, what was that feeling like? However, no matter how good her behavior was, her mother wanted perfection. What's perfection? Does perfection even exist? Astoria will never be perfect, or at least she felt that.

She turned around and looked behind two chairs that sat before the fireplace, listening to Simon as he was mention Professor Lécuyer's assignment. Defense Against the Dark Arts was a difficult class for Astoria. While important, she preferred Charms, Astronomy, and Herbology. Simon discussed how he was feeling mentally drained and that he needed to escape the chatter of his house's common room. The comment that Ravenclaws can be chatty made Astoria smile and chuckle, the first she had done all day. "I can only imagine, although I can relate to some degree with my own house. But I suppose that is also part of each houses charm." Ravenclaws were well known for their interest in books and knowledge, she gasped humorously at Simon and replied "And yet, you are one of those who are not all about books and parchment? I'm surprised!" She gently waived her hand with the jest.

Simon was on his knees, reaching for something underneath of a trophy case. It was the letter! Thank goodness, the last thing Astoria needs is her own letter falling into the wrong hands and Astoria becomes the talk of Hogwarts on how nagging her mother could be. "Oh thank you!" Astoria sighed with relieve. She took the letter and offered her other hand to help him off the floor. Once he was up, Astoria folded the parchment. He had asked her about her parents and added that his father worked at the Ministry as well.

"Yes, that's correct. Both my mother and father work at the Ministry." Astoria began, "My father is Matthias Middleton and he works for the Department of Mysteries. He is a high ranking member of the department and he is constantly gone working long hours. My mother is Narcissa Middleton and she works for the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. She serves as the Department Head Secretary. She worked previously in the Department of International Magical Co-operation and served as a liaison between the British and French Ministries. She attended Académie de Magie Beauxbâtons then came to live in London upon her marriage to my father." Astoria had spoke fluent French when she spoke Beauxbatons Academy of Magic. "How about your father? He works in the Ministry as well? What is his position?" Astoria asked, an air of professionalism in her young age. This was the work of her parents and their expectations of perfection.

@Simon Tilias

"... And yet, you are one of those who are not all about books and parchment? I'm surprised!"

"Yes, well, between you and me... I think I'm only part Ravenclaw... But then again, aren't we all? I mean, even Hufflepuffs differ a lot from person to person." Simon chuckled.

He noticed how quickly Astoria folded the letter and put it away, almost as if she had something to hide or did not want any questions asked about it. He decided he should let it be. When she told him about her parents, he was immediately intrigued. The Department of Mysteries? Astoria could speak French? Her mother was from France? There was so much he would like to address. Simon had inherited his parents' curiosity and interest in other cultures and countries. Sometimes they were eating Indian food and playing Indian music, while other times they were having a French evening, eating French food and listening to French jazz. Simon liked to study maps and read about history, but he did not know much about France, part from what he had learn in school.

"How about your father? He works in the Ministry as well? What is his position?"

"He's actually in the Department of International Magical Co-operation, same as your mother was before. I would guess they know about each other then!", said Simon and smiled. "But I bet your dad is much cooler than my dad. I mean, your dad is in the Department of Mysteries. Does it get any cooler than that within the Ministry? My dad is quite boring, to be honest, but he's very passionate about his work. And my mom works as a Professor at Queen Margaret's University in Edinburgh. Teaches sociology, but don't ask me to explain that." He chuckled. "She's a Muggle. I love my parents and all, but one of the best things about coming to Hogwarts... freedom. They can be a bit overprotective. 'Don't do this, don't do that'. Sometimes I wish I could just explore something on my own, without having to hear every potential risk about it." Simon straightened his knitted blue jumper and laughed a little. "That's the flip side of well-educated parents, I guess. But I make them sound more controlling than they are. They are really, really, sweet... But what about your mom, is she French? Have you ever been to France?"

He realized he was talking a lot, but that was usually a sign that he enjoyed the conversation. Despite leaving the common room to be alone, he found this conversation to be much more rejuvenating than being alone with his thoughts. Moreover, Astoria seemed to be a very interesting person. Why haven't I talked to her before?

Interacting with @Astoria Middleton

Astoria tried not to fiddle with the letter in her hands. A way that she was able to distract herself were from creasing the folds of the letter over and over, almost to the point that the creases would weaken and the letter would fall apart. She continued to maintain her composure.

"I was not too surprised by my sorting into Hufflepuff, if I'm being completely honest." Astoria replied, "On my father's side, those who have attended Hogwarts, have been in Gryffindor or Hufflepuff, although, I'm not all that brave and courageous. I can't even look at a broom without having my fear of heights effecting me!" Astoria chuckled gently. It's true, Astoria had a fear of heights. Maybe it was a good thing that she wasn't in Gryffindor? She wouldn't have to reside in a tower, or worse, in Ravenclaw's tower! She had heard rumblings that Ravenclaw Tower was one of the highest towers in Hogwarts, matching the Astronomy Tower and the Headmaster's Tower.

"I think it's possible to have a little bit of every trait of the founders in us to some level, wouldn't you agree?" Astoria asked, remarking to Simon's comment about being only part Ravenclaw. Perhaps, philosophically, we are all part of the houses but resonant the most with one? "We Hufflepuffs do differ from person to person, we are quite the bunch o' badgers!" She chuckled "I think we can be as rowdy of a bunch as Gryffindors and Slytherins would be during an intense match of Quidditch!" She laughed. The rivals of Godric Gryffindor and Salazar Slytherin were intense and it seemed to have lasted even to this day that there was a rivalry. However, she didn't see much of that with Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws. She had read that Helga Hufflepuff and Rowena Ravenclaw were good friends during their creation and time of Hogwarts.

Astoria's eyebrows rose as Simon had mentioned that his father worked in the Department of International Magical Co-operation as well! What a small wizarding world it had to have been. The comment about her dad being a lot cooler than his, however, didn't really, she thought, lived up to reality. "Oh there is no way! At least your father can actually talk about his job. My father has been sworn to secrecy." In the Department of Mysteries, Astoria's father had to take a vow that he wouldn't speak about his position or what takes place within the department at all, hence the 'mystery' part of the department. All Astoria knew of what that her father was a high ranking member of the department and that was it. She wasn't even sure that her mother knew of his title. "Sadly, my father can't breathe a word about his work. He had to take some sort of vow. I'm not sure what this 'vow' was but it had to have been a serious one.

Astoria listened intently as Simon had informed her of his parents. "I'm sure my mother and your father may have crossed paths. She remained in the department for a short amount of time. Most of her work was conducted at the French Ministry so they may have exchanged interactions when she visited on occasions. I will have to ask her. May I ask of his name?" His mother was a Professor of Sociology at an institution called Queen Margaret's University. She had never heard of the place before. Then again, she wasn't familiar with adult Muggle things like that. The comment he made about freedom resonated tremendously with Astoria. Could he also share the same struggles that he does? But this protective shell of hers, was she comfortable to open up? "I'm sure they are just worried because of how far from home you are. I'm sure mine would say that same..." Astoria speculated, turning to whip a bit of smudge from a case. Astoria's parents, they were controlling, well, in some loving way?

"Oh yes, quite often!" Astoria replied about her mother's background. "We have a home in Paris and we go to visit distant relatives of ours. I have been there more times than I can count if I'm being honest. I have distant cousins right now who are attending Beauxbatons and some that are in a foreign exchange program at other schools internationally." Astoria always worried that she may come across bragging about her family background. They were nothing special, but perhaps to others, maybe they would come off as superior or stuck up. "Have you ever been to France? It is quite a beautiful country! I hope to some day visit Beauxbatons!"

@Simon Tilia

"Oh there is no way! At least your father can actually talk about his job. My father has been sworn to secrecy. Sadly, my father can't breathe a word about his work. He had to take some sort of vow. I'm not sure what this 'vow' was but it had to have been a serious one."

That's a shame, he thought. Simon would have loved to hear at least some of the secrets regarding the mysterious department, or what they actually do there. Curious as he was, he always wanted to know more about things that were unknown, unexplored or secret. But as Astoria did not seem to have any insight at all, he reluctantly swallowed his curiosity.

"I'm sure my mother and your father may have crossed paths. She remained in the department for a short amount of time. Most of her work was conducted at the French Ministry so they may have exchanged interactions when she visited on occasions. I will have to ask her. May I ask of his name?"

"His name is Raeborn Tilia. Ever heard of him? What's your mother's name?"

Simon had met some of his father's colleagues from the Ministry, and once, they even had delegates from South Africa staying with them over the weekend. But he could not remember meeting a woman with a French sounding name or French accent (if Astoria's mother had not mastered the English accent completely, of course). Hearing about her countless trips to France and her connections and insight in Beauxbatons made him drop his jaw out of jealousy. He always found people with multiple national identities interesting. Simon had relatives in Norway and Sweden, but it was not like he could speak either of the languages.

"Have you ever been to France? It is quite a beautiful country! I hope to some day visit Beauxbatons!"

"Unfortunately no! But I'd always wanted to go there", said Simon and walked around the glass cabinet, looking at the trophies. "From what I've read, France is in many ways a unique country with their own distinct culture. I don't know, it just fascinates me. And I'm sure I would like it there. Sometimes we have these evenings when we have a certain theme, like eating French food and listening to French jazz, for example", said Simon and laughed a little. "My mother is from Norway, though. I have my grandparents there, but we don't visit Norway that often. They usually come to us. So... What do you think about Hogwarts and the classes? Any favorite subjects?"

Interacting with @Astoria Middleton

"Raeborn? That's quote a unique name!" Astoria commented. She made sure to remember it. After this, she was going to head to the owlery to write a letter to her mother to respond to the one she had in hand. She would have to write to her asking about him! "My mother's name is Narcissa. She started working at the French Ministry of Magic just after her graduation from Beauxbatons. At the time, her maiden name was Beaumont." Astoria then added, "When she married my father and took our family name, that's when she resigned from her job and came to work with the British Ministry of Magic." Astoria could never see herself working in the Ministry. She saw herself more as a professor or maybe she would follow in her grandmother's footsteps and become a diva? A singer and dancer, a performer!

Astoria hid her blushing grin from Simon as his mouth dropped. Either she gave him some fascinating information or she looked like a mess from exhaustion of her mother's letter. Either way, it still made her giggle.

"I think you would love France!" Astoria commented, "There is so much to do and so much to see!" She listened intently, making mental notes about what he would be interested in such as the food and music. "Well, this may be bold of me to ask, but maybe I could ask my parents if you'd like to vacation with us?" Was that too much? Then again, if their parents know each other, then why not? "I'm sure it would be great if my mother and your father knew each other and to see that their children became friends would be absolutely lovely!" Friends? Was she assuming? Her mother always told her it's quite rude to assume but she hoped she didn't step out of place.

Motioning Simon to walk with her around the trophy room, she listened as Simon explained that his mother was from Norway and that he had relatives that resided there as well. "Norway? I believe they have a wizarding school in that region of the world?" Astoria asked him aloud, quite curious to learn more about the wizarding schools around the world. He mentioned that he had not visited Norway often. "You should go visit!" She tried to motivate him, "I'm sure they would love to see you more often in their home country! Plus, there's nothing wrong with being more worldly!"

The question of Hogwarts and the classes ran through her mind. She didn't really have a class that she hated, but more of not her preference. "So far, it's quite wonderful! If I'm being honest," She began, her cheeks blushing once again, "I think, for me, allowing me to spread my wings gives me great pleasure..." Was that a mood killer of Simon's kindness? Oh she hoped not!

@Simon Tilia

"Well, this may be bold of me to ask, but maybe I could ask my parents if you'd like to vacation with us?"

Simon was quite surprised. They hardly knew each other, but at least they had seen each other in class so often during the last months that he hade an idea of what Astoria was like. She definitely seemed like someone he would get along with, and just from this spontaneous meeting in the Trophy Room he felt like they had much in common. But to go with both Astoria and her parents, he would at least want to get an idea of what her parents were like. After all, going on vacation together could be quite intense and they would probably spend a lot of time with her family.

"Well, I'd love that! That would be super cool", said Simon, which seemed like the most appropriate answer for the moment, and it was not a lie either.

"I'm sure it would be great if my mother and your father knew each other and to see that their children became friends would be absolutely lovely!"

Simon chuckled. "Oh, my parents would love that, for sure. Both that I got myself a new friend at Hogwarts and that you have connections to France. They are very international, as you've probably figured out by now", he said, smiling.

As they walked around the glass cabinets, looking at the trophies, cups, plates and shields, he noticed some celebrity names here and there, and wondered what it would be like to one day see his own name among them. Not that Simon had that ambition. He was not someone who enjoyed being in the center of attention or being publicly acknowledged for his actions, deeds and efforts. Most important to him was that he himself knew that he had done good in the end of the day.

"Norway? I believe they have a wizarding school in that region of the world?"

"Yes, that would be Durmstrang. But I don't know much about it. Since mom is a Muggle, she doesn't really have any insight", Simon explained and shrugged his shoulders.

"So far, it's quite wonderful! If I'm being honest", (He noticed Astoria blushing) "I think, for me, allowing me to spread my wings gives me great pleasure...

Simon was a bit confused. "And spread your wings means that...?", he asked, smiling.

Interacting with @Astoria Middleton

Astoria beamed at the idea of Simon joining her and her parents on a trip to France! "We probably will be making our next trip in the spring." Astoria thought aloud, she tried to remember when the last time she would see her family. "I think my parents said something about my cousins coming up to see us over the holiday break and us going down there in spring. Hopefully by that time it will give me an opportunity to fill you in about the fun things we do!"

"How funny would it be if your parents attended one of my family's balls or gatherings?" Astoria dreamed about the idea. "For all we know, they may still be in contact with one another without us knowing it!" Astoria had met many, many Ministry officials and St. Mungo employees. Astoria's family was well known in the organizations for their celebrations. Primarily, the Middleton's would hold two grand balls, the summer solstice ball and the winter solstice ball. However, at these gatherings, Astoria was the youngest, meaning she had no other children her age around the manor to have fun with. She would be drowned in a sea of adults so she always kept close to her grandmother.

The two walked the room together, the name Durmstrang ran through her like an icy chill. She didn't like Durmstrang at all. She had heard from her parents that it was an intense institution that focused primarily on dark arts. "I have heard of Durmstrang," Astoria commented, "I haven't heard many wonderful things about that place. Maybe it has changed, but I don't think I would want to walk into that school." Astoria knew that it was a school that had participated in the Triwizard Tournament along with Hogwarts and Beauxbatons. Oh that was a horrible event.

Many of the names didn't ring much of a bell on the awards in the room. However, McGonagall was familiar as she had her stories about her. Minerva McGonagall was a well respected yet stern professor. Astoria's father got along with her very well, he was very gifted in Transfigurations. Simon had a sounded as though he had curiousity by the tone of his voice when he asked about spreading wings. "Spreading my wings as in, allowing me to have some space from my parents..." Astoria paused, was it a good idea to express her feelings? She did feel comfortable with Simon. Maybe it was okay to trust him? "Let's just say, when you have parents who are like mine in the Ministry, they have high...very high expectations. I feel they have expectations for me to meet..." She turned towards a silver trophy.

@Simon Tilia