Zain stood among the children in the corner of the Selwyn Manor ballroom, the chandelier light casting a warm glow over their small group. The table beside them held chocolate frogs, sugar quills, and fizzing whizbees, the air carrying the faint scent of roasted venison and elderflower wine. The hum of adult conversation mingled with the distant music of the string quartet, creating a lively backdrop to their gathering.
Zain turned to the group, his smile warm, his voice playful.
"Do you all like magical stories? I've been reading some legends about the wizarding world, and they're fascinating."
Daphne's eyes lit up, her voice eager.
"I love stories about magical creatures! My favorite is the one about the Mooncalf—it dances under the full moon."
Pansy tilted her head, her tone curious.
"I've heard about the Slytherin family. My mother says they had a secret chamber at Hogwarts."
Hannah smiled shyly.
"My dad told me about the Fountain of Fair Fortune. It's supposed to grant wishes, but only to the pure of heart."
Ginny's face brightened, her enthusiasm clear.
"I like the story of the Three Brothers! My mum reads it to us from The Tales of Beedle the Bard. The one with the cloak that hides you from death!"
Luna's voice was dreamy, her gaze drifting upward.
"My daddy told me about the Elder Wand. He says it's hidden somewhere, guarded by Wrackspurts."
Draco scoffed, his tone disdainful.
"Those are just fairy tales. My father says the only real power comes from being a pure-blood, like the Malfoys."
Crabbe nodded, chocolate on his chin.
"Yeah, Malfoys are the best."
Goyle grunted, a fizzing whizbee in his hand.
"What Draco said."
Zain's smile widened, his tone thoughtful.
"Stories might seem like fairy tales, but they often hold truths. The Three Brothers' story teaches us about wisdom, the Fountain of Fair Fortune about kindness. Even the Slytherin family's chamber might be real—who knows what secrets Hogwarts holds?"
Pansy's gaze softened, her curiosity deepening.
"You really think there's a chamber at Hogwarts?"
Zain nodded, a spark of mischief in his tone.
"Maybe. We won't know until we get there, but I'd love to explore and find out."
Daphne smiled faintly, her interest piqued.
"That sounds exciting. I'd like to explore magical places too."
Hannah's voice was hesitant but intrigued.
"Exploring sounds fun, but… isn't it dangerous?"
Ginny grinned, her spirit shining through.
"Dangerous is the best part! I'd love to find something magical like that."
Luna hummed softly, her tone airy.
"Maybe the Crumple-Horned Snorkack lives in a place like that."
Zain leaned in slightly, his voice lowering as if sharing a secret.
"At Selwyn Manor, we have a collection of enchanted storybooks that come to life. When you open them, the pictures move and the characters speak, acting out the tales right in front of you. I've only seen them once, but since it's my birthday, I think I can get permission to show them. Would you all like to come tomorrow and see them with me?"
Draco rolled his eyes, his voice sharp.
"Enchanted books? That sounds like something for babies. I'd rather practice Quidditch moves."
He turned, gesturing to Crabbe and Goyle.
"Come on, let's find something better to do."
Crabbe and Goyle followed, their footsteps heavy as they left the group. Zain watched them go, noting Draco's disinterest—a sign of his narrow focus, something to consider later.
Pansy hesitated, then nodded, her curiosity evident.
"That sounds… interesting. I'll come."
Daphne's smile grew, her voice soft.
"I'd love to see those books. I'll be there."
Hannah nodded slowly, her tone tentative.
"If it's not too scary, I'll come too."
Ginny grinned, her excitement clear.
"That sounds amazing! I'll ask my dad—I'm sure he'll say yes."
Luna tilted her head, her voice dreamy.
"I'd like to, but I need to look for the Crumple-Horned Snorkack tomorrow. Daddy says they're more active in the morning."
Zain's smile was warm, his tone understanding.
"That's okay, Luna. I hope you find it. Maybe we can see the books together another time."
The banquet continued, the music swelling as guests mingled. The string quartet played a waltz, and a few couples danced, while others talked in small groups. Zain spent more time with the girls, sharing more stories and listening to their ideas. He told them of a fairy grove where stars came to life, making Daphne's eyes widen, and a tale of a pixie outwitting a wizard, earning a giggle from Ginny. The atmosphere grew lighter, filled with the promise of tomorrow's visit.
As the night ended, the guests began to leave. The Malfoys departed with a flourish, the Weasleys with warm smiles—Arthur gathering Ginny's brothers, their Exploding Snap game having ended in laughter, their faces smudged with soot. The other families left with polite nods, the ballroom growing quiet.
Zain stood with his family in the now-quiet ballroom, the chandeliers dimmed, the tables cleared by house elves. Tiberius turned to Zain, his voice a low rumble.
"Did you make any friends tonight, Zain?"
Zain nodded, his tone confident.
"Yes, Grandfather. I met some wonderful people."
Eleanor smiled, her tone teasing.
"I noticed you were with quite a few girls, Zain."
Thaddeus smirked, his demeanor softening.
"A charmer already, eh?"
Zain's cheeks flushed slightly, but his voice was steady.
"They're coming tomorrow to see the enchanted storybooks with me. Hannah, Daphne, Pansy, and Ginny."
Tiberius's gaze sharpened, his tone curious.
"I saw young Malfoy walk away with Crabbe and Goyle. Why didn't he join you?"
Zain's tone was matter-of-fact, a hint of disdain in his voice.
"Draco wasn't interested in the books. He's too focused on pure-blood glory—something his father taught him. He'd rather talk about Quidditch than experience something new."
Tiberius nodded, his expression approving.
"A shame. Curiosity builds character—something young Malfoy could use. But he's only five, and not all children are as eager to learn as you."
Zain inclined his head.
"I understand, Grandfather."
Eleanor placed a hand on Zain's shoulder, her voice gentle.
"It's good that you're making friends and sharing magic, Zain. You've made us proud tonight."
Thaddeus nodded, his smirk returning.
"Keep this up, and you'll go far."
The family moved to the dining hall for a late dinner, the table set with warm bread, soup, and apple tart. The conversation was light, touching on the guests and the success of the banquet. Tiberius spoke of the enchanted books, mentioning how they'd been in the family for generations, a gift from a traveling wizard. Eleanor shared a memory of watching a book act out a dragon battle as a child, while Thaddeus recalled a tale of a knight that had once made him laugh.
Zain ate quietly, his mind on the next day. The girls' agreement to visit was a step forward, a chance to raise their relationship levels further. He thought of the enchanted books, how their magic might captivate the girls, drawing them closer to him. Draco's departure lingered in his mind—a potential rival, but not his focus now. As he finished his meal, he felt a quiet satisfaction, the warmth of his increased magical power a reminder of his progress.
After dinner, Zain retired to his room, the manor quiet. He lay in his four-poster bed, moonlight filtering through the window and drifted into a dreamless sleep, the promise of tomorrow burning brightly in his mind.