In the glittering Star Hall of the Beauxbâtons Château, Eira sat beside Fleur at the Ombrelune table. The hall buzzed with warmth and chatter as students, freshly returned from their holiday travels, gathered once again under the celestial canopy. The domed ceiling sparkled with thousands of tiny, enchanted stars, casting a gentle glow over the tables below. Laughter and greetings filled the air—it was the first day of the new term, and a grand welcoming feast had been prepared to mark the occasion.
At the teachers' table, the staff had taken their places, and now Madame Maxime stood with her usual commanding elegance behind the podium.
"Welcome, all of you," she began, her voice resonating through the enchanted hall. "I hope you have had a warm and beautiful Christmas holiday with your families and loved ones. Though the day has passed, it is tradition here that we celebrate our Christmas after returning to school—so tonight, as always, we hold our beloved Christmas celebration."
There was a delighted murmur from the students.
"I welcome you all back," she continued, "and now, please enjoy the feast."
With a wave of her wand the doors opened and the tables full of food floated in without any external help the food was delivered to the tables , the platters across the tables filled instantly with steaming dishes—roast meats, golden potatoes, warm breads, and delicacies from every magical region of France.
Marin leaned towards Eira, a sly smile playing on his lips. "So, how was your Christmas? Did you like the gift I sent you?"
Eira turned to him with a polite smile. "Thank you for your kind gift, Marin."
But he wasn't finished. He smirked and added, "So… did you consider going on a date with me, or not?"
Before Eira could reply, Fleur swiftly slapped him on the back of the head.
"Don't interrupt others, and don't try to force girls into dating you," she snapped, her tone sharp.
Marin grinned, unfazed. "Ah, how honored I am to be struck by such beautiful and elegant hands."
Eira wrinkled her nose in disgust. "For Merlin's sake, Marin, please don't say things like that."
He rolled his eyes dramatically. "Come on. I just love women."
Fleur sneered. "With the way you are, I doubt you'll ever have a stable relationship with your wife."
"Who said I want to get married?" Marin shot back. "I want to spend all my youth surrounded by girls."
"So you're planning to build a harem for yourself?" Eira asked, raising an eyebrow. "Like those rich Arab men with their palaces?"
Marin sniffed, offended. "Never. I'd never grow a beard—it's not romantic. And don't compare me to those fat, rich Arabs with round bellies."
Fleur burst into laughter. "If you play around with girls like that, you'll become one of them before you know it."
Marin turned away with an exaggerated sulk. "I don't want to talk to bullies," he muttered and quickly turned his attention to a senior girl nearby.
Fleur shook her head and turned back to Eira. "He's such an idiot."
Eira smiled. "When we were coming back, Gabrielle asked you to send her some of those snacks made only at the school, didn't she?"
Fleur sighed. "The first time I came here, I sent her some of those treats during my first year—and she loved them. Now, every time I return home, she insists I bring more. She asked again this time."
"I'll send her some too," Eira offered. "By owl. If she wants them, she'll get them."
They continued to eat. Eira took a piece of roast chicken, placed it on Fleur's plate, and said warmly, "Eat this. It's so delicious. You said you like roasted dishes."
Fleur looked at her and smiled—soft, genuine—and the way Eira placed the food in her plate made her heart flutter for a moment.
After dinner, the dessert trays arrived—chocolate éclairs, cream-filled pastries, and a shimmering raspberry tart enchanted to glow softly.
Madame Maxime stood once again. "I hope you've all enjoyed this lovely dinner and the feast tonight," she said. "Now, I invite you to dance with your companions if you wish. Music will begin shortly. And one more thing—welcome back to school."
With that, she returned to her seat. The soft hum of strings and gentle waltz began to echo through the hall, and students rose from their tables, inviting friends and lovers alike to the dance floor.
At the Ombrelune table, Fleur turned to Eira with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "You owe me a dance, little bunny," she said playfully, rising from her seat. She extended her hand. "Would you dance with me, mademoiselle?"
Eira looked at her, a bit stunned but smiling. "Sure," she replied, slipping her hand into Fleur's.
Fleur led her confidently onto the open dance floor, and the two girls stood in front of each other. Fleur smirked. "You look nervous, Eira."
"Not really," Eira replied, though her voice betrayed her. "But… it is my first dance."
Fleur grinned. "Don't worry. I'm sure Madame Noëlle taught you well in Etiquette Class."
"After a lot of scolding, yes," Eira said with a laugh.
Fleur giggled, then suddenly pulled Eira closer, placing one hand firmly at her waist, the other in Eira's hand. Their faces were inches apart. Eira felt the warmth of Fleur's breath against her skin, and her heart began to race. Her ears flushed pink.
Don't let her take the lead, she told herself. You have to take the lead, Eira. Otherwise, you'll always be led on.
She gripped Fleur's hand tighter, stood straighter, and began to move. Together, they flowed with the music—graceful, instinctive, and free. Around them, students watched and smiled, but Eira paid no attention to the world beyond their steps.
From the shadows near the staff table, Madame Voclain sat watching, her expression unreadable but her eyes glistening. A faint, wistful smile touched her lips.
"They look good together, don't they, René?" came Madame Maxime's voice beside her.
Madame Voclain didn't look away. "She's so innocent… and beautiful," she murmured.
Madame Maxime leaned slightly closer and said gently, "Elijah wants to talk with you."
Voclain's face darkened. "Tell him to go fuck himself. I don't want to see him at all."
Maxime didn't flinch. "It's about Eira. He says he needs to speak with you."
There was silence between them for a long moment. The music played on. The girls danced.
Finally, Madame Voclain exhaled. "Fine. I'll talk to him… but only because of her."
Madame Maxime nodded with a knowing smile but said nothing more. They turned back to watch Eira and Fleur, still swaying together under the glow of the enchanted stars.