In the days that followed, life at Beauxbâtons flowed with a quiet rhythm, like petals dancing on a breeze. Eira, along with her close friends Ana and Marin, attended classes, explored the castle's enchanting grounds, and slowly began to feel at home within its ancient stone walls and magical gardens. Some days, she would stroll with Fleur beneath the arches of ivy-covered walkways, discovering hidden corners of the school and secret paths that led to scenic overlooks and forgotten statues. Other times, she would head to the library with Ana, where the two of them would bury themselves in spellbooks, reading side by side in silence or whispering newfound enchantments to one another.
It wasn't long before something curious struck Eira.
One morning, as she sat beneath a flowering vine with Fleur, sipping enchanted lavender tea that cooled itself in the sun, she asked, "Fleur, why aren't we taught flying classes here? You know—on brooms?"
Fleur laughed softly, brushing a strand of silvery hair from her cheek. "Ah, ma chérie, here in France, broomsticks are seen as… how do you say—barbaric. Very uncomfortable, too. Instead, we use magical carpets. Much more elegant, and far more pleasant to ride."
Eira blinked. "Magical carpets? Really?"
"Oui," Fleur said with a smile. "They're common here. You can fly from one place to another while sitting comfortably—like lounging on a cloud." Then, noticing Eira's puzzled look, she added, "But yes, we do use brooms for Quidditch. There's a special class starting in third year for anyone interested. Only those on the Quidditch team are taught to use them earlier."
Eira tilted her head. "Then… how are we supposed to learn to fly carpets? I've never even seen one in my life. My family never used them."
At that, Fleur stood up with a twinkle in her eye. "Come to my dorm. I'll show you."
They made their way through the hallways, then up the staircase leading to Fleur's dorm. There, she retrieved a beautifully embroidered silver carpet, small and shimmering like starlight. She tucked it under her arm, then turned with a grin. "Let's go, little bunny. I want to see how you fly."
They walked out to the far end of the gardens, where few students wandered and where the wind whispered freely through the trees. Fleur unrolled the carpet on the grass and said, in a soft, confident tone, "Flûte."
The carpet responded at once, gently lifting half a meter into the air.
Eira stared in awe. "It floated…"
Fleur smiled. "Of course. First, I'll demonstrate."
She gracefully sat upon the floating rug, which held her weight without faltering. With her right hand, she pressed gently into the center of the fabric. "This hand guides the direction," she explained. "And to make it ascend or descend, you use your left—just pinch the front edge of the carpet. Like this." She mimicked the motion.
"It's more complicated than using a broom," Eira murmured. "With a broom, you just hold on and lean."
"Perhaps," Fleur said, lifting effortlessly into the air, "but this is so much more comfortable."
She twirled through the sky, rising and gliding like a silver leaf in the wind, then descended again, smiling. "Your turn."
Nervously, Eira stepped forward. "Flûte," she said, but the carpet only rustled, remaining flat on the ground.
Fleur giggled. "Your intent must be stronger—but respectful. Try again."
Eira closed her eyes for a second, focused her will, and repeated, "Flûte."
This time, the carpet shimmered and gently lifted.
"Yes!" Eira laughed, delighted. "It listened!"
"Now sit," Fleur urged gently. "And try floating—just a little."
Eira settled onto the soft carpet and followed Fleur's earlier instructions. Slowly, shakily, she rose about two meters into the air and began drifting around the garden, turning carefully with each small gesture. The wind tousled her hair, and a wild grin spread across her face.
"You're doing wonderfully," Fleur called out. "Now… ready to try the skies?"
Eira froze. "I'm not sure… it's dangerous."
"I'll come with you." Fleur joined her on the carpet, sitting close behind and wrapping her arms tightly around Eira's waist. "I've got you, little bunny."
Eira blushed at the closeness, heart fluttering. Fleur whispered in her ear, "Now, go up."
Together, they soared into the sky.
They drifted over the castle's towers, glided past glowing windows and sweeping arches, circling like shadows in the twilight air. Below them, the gardens shimmered with enchantment, students walking between flowerbeds unaware of the two figures above.
"Can they see us?" Eira asked softly.
"No," Fleur whispered. "My carpet can make us invisible. No one will notice. Just enjoy it."
Eira let out a breath of relief, then another of wonder as the view unfolded: endless hills, forests, and distant mountains painted by the amber hue of dusk. She wanted to remember this feeling forever.
Eventually, they returned to the garden, the carpet landing gently on the grass.
Eira stepped off, beaming. "We have to do this again."
Fleur laughed. "Of course. Anytime you want."
"I want my own," Eira said dreamily.
"First-years aren't allowed to own carpets yet," Fleur said with a wink. "But who knows? Madame Maxime made an exception for me. Maybe she will for you, too."
And so, days passed. Eira practiced flying whenever she could, soaring gently under Fleur's watchful eye. She still spent her afternoons tending magical flowers with Marin or diving into spellbooks with Ana—but the sky had become her favorite place.
Nearly two months passed in a blink.
Then came Halloween.
The entire school buzzed with anticipation. Rumors swirled of dazzling performances, magical decorations, and an enchanted feast like no other. Each student was gifted an outfit chosen to match their personal style—woven with subtle enchantments, glimmering in candlelight—and all three houses were invited to gather in the grand Star Hall for a celebration of wonder, mystery, and magic.