Friday passed in a blur of classes and conversations, and before Louis knew it, Saturday morning arrived with the promise of mischief. Despite what was planned, Louis woke with the same calm composure he carried through every morning. He dressed neatly, his movements deliberate and graceful, then descended into the Ravenclaw common room, where Cho and Evangeline were already seated near the fire. Charles and the Weasley twins were gathered in the corner, laughing quietly to themselves.
"Morning," Louis said, approaching with a faint, knowing smile.
"Morning," Charles responded with a smirk. Fred and George raised their mugs in salute.
Evangeline narrowed her eyes. "You're all up early. What are you plotting?"
"Plotting?" Louis replied with a feigned look of innocence. "Evangeline, please. It's a peaceful Saturday."
"Hmm," she said, clearly unconvinced.
The group made their way to the Great Hall. The enchanted ceiling shimmered with golden morning light as they sat among the other Ravenclaws. Conversations swirled around them, mingling with the sound of cutlery and floating candles.
Fred caught Louis's eye across the table. George gave a nearly imperceptible nod. Charles tapped his fingers once on the wooden surface. Louis gave a subtle nod in return. The trap was set.
"So," Louis said conversationally, turning to Cho and Evangeline as breakfast appeared, "how was everyone's week?"
Cho smiled, spooning some eggs onto her plate. "Busy, but I think I'm finally getting the hang of Potions. Though Professor Snape still terrifies me."
"He terrifies everyone," Evangeline muttered. "Except Louis. I swear he has some sort of shield of dignity."
Louis gave a soft chuckle. "He's not so bad if you understand his logic. It's a dance, really. Every movement precise."
Evangeline rolled her eyes. "Of course. Leave it to you to turn Snape into a ballroom instructor."
"And the ghosts?" Louis continued, changing the subject. "Sir Nicholas nearly scared a group of Hufflepuffs through a tapestry yesterday. He thought it was hilarious."
Cho laughed. "I saw the Bloody Baron staring down a third-year who dropped his Astronomy notes. The poor girl nearly fainted."
Evangeline started to respond, but a sudden rustle of wings drew their attention. A sleek barn owl swooped through the air and landed directly in front of Evangeline, clutching a vivid red envelope.
"A Howler?" she said, puzzled. "But I didn't..."
Before she could touch it, the envelope tore itself open and exploded with a deafening roar.
"EVANGELINE BLACKWOOD! I CANNOT BELIEVE WHAT I'M HEARING FROM PROFESSOR SPROUT! YOU WERE CAUGHT SNEAKING INTO THE GREENHOUSES AFTER HOURS?!"
The voice, booming and furious, mimicked her father's perfectly. Gasps rippled through the Great Hall.
Evangeline turned pale, frozen in place. "I didn't—" she started, but the Howler didn't stop.
"YOU HAVE DISGRACED THE FAMILY NAME! YOUR MOTHER AND I ARE—"
Suddenly the voice shifted tone and pitch.
"JUST KIDDING!" it yelled gleefully. "It's your adoring brother, Charles!"
Now it sounded just like him.
"You've been pranked, sis. Again. Love you!"
The voice morphed again, this time adopting the unmistakable accents of Fred and George.
"Courtesy of Weasley Wizard Wheezes! Accept no imitations!"
The Howler burst into a fit of cackling laughter before crumpling itself into a ball and exploding into a cloud of silver sparkles.
The Great Hall erupted in wild laughter. Even some of the professors couldn't help but crack a smile.
Evangeline sat still, speechless. Then slowly, her eyes narrowed and settled on Louis, who was trying to appear composed but failing to suppress a smirk.
"You," she said quietly, voice trembling with fury. "You absolute snake."
She stood and stormed out, head held high but red with embarrassment.
Cho stood abruptly. "Louis! That was too much." Her eyes scolded him, and without another word, she followed her friend.
The Weasley twins snickered, clapping Louis on the shoulder.
"Brilliant delivery," Fred whispered.
"10 out of 10," George added.
But Louis didn't feel triumphant.
Professor Flitwick approached, frowning. "Mr. De Versailles? Would you mind explaining what just occurred?"
Louis rose and bowed his head. "A harmless prank, Professor. Poorly timed. I'll go apologize."
Flitwick gave a small nod. "See that you do."
Back in the common room, Louis found Evangeline seated near the window, arms crossed. Cho stood beside her, whispering.
"Evangeline," he began softly. "That went too far. I didn't mean to humiliate you."
"You did," she said, not looking at him.
"I got carried away. I wanted to feel... normal. Like a kid, for once. I forgot myself."
Evangeline glanced up, anger still in her eyes, but her voice softer. "You're not like the others, Louis. You think before you act. That's what makes you different. Better."
He sat beside her. "I'll never pull something like that again. I promise."
After a pause, she gave a reluctant nod. "Good. But you still owe me dessert for a week."
Louis smiled faintly. "Deal."
Later, lying in bed, Louis reached out mentally to Fleur.
She answered immediately. "I felt your guilt from here," she said dryly.
"It was supposed to be funny," he said. "It wasn't."
"No, it wasn't," she agreed, stern. "Honestly, I'd have Stupefied you on the spot."
"I got caught up in it all."
"That's not like you," Fleur said. "You're supposed to be above petty pranks. You're better than that."
"I know." he responded
Her tone softened. "I get it. You missed out on childhood. But that doesn't mean losing who you are. Next time, think first."
"I will. I promise."
"Good. I don't want to have to duel you."
Louis chuckled. "Noted."
As the connection faded, Louis lay back and stared at the ceiling. He had wanted to live as a child, for once. To laugh, to prank, to play.
But he wasn't just a child. He was Louis De Versailles.
And he would never forget that again.