The warm light of the Parisian summer streamed through the tall windows of the White Manor's west wing. Even with the season in full bloom outside, the interior of the office carried the restrained elegance of a place built for decisions, not leisure. The high shelves were lined with immaculate rows of books—politics, magical law, histories of European wizarding houses—while the polished mahogany desk bore only a few neatly stacked parchments and an inkstand.
Eira sat behind the desk, quill in hand, scanning a document she had been annotating earlier. It was her first full week back from Beauxbâtons, and though the summer holidays had technically just begun, the White family's Paris estate was rarely without business.
A soft knock preceded the gentle opening of the door. Emma stepped in, her composure as precise as ever. She carried a slim folder under her arm and, after closing the door, inclined her head with a small, formal bow.
"My lady," Emma greeted warmly yet with the usual respect, "I hope I am not intruding."
"You're not," Eira replied, setting down her quill. "I assume you have news."
Emma moved to the chair opposite Eira's desk and sat, placing the folder before her. "Indeed. I am pleased to inform you that the matter of Hogwarts' governance has been… settled in our favor. I now hold an official seat on the Board of Governors, representing House White."
Eira's eyes lifted from the folder. "That was… quick."
"It required some persuasion," Emma admitted, "but with the recent resolution of the petrification incidents and the reinstatement of Albus Dumbledore as Headmaster, the Board was eager to restore stability. Your reputation in Britain made the offer far easier to secure."
Eira leaned back in her chair. "So, the crisis is finished, Dumbledore is back, and the school is running again. That's good." Her tone was even, without the swell of sentiment Emma half-expected.
Emma's smile was faint. "You are not moved by it, my lady?"
"It's important, certainly," Eira said. "But sentiment doesn't change the fact that Hogwarts is still underfunded and politically vulnerable. My interest is in making it stronger, not indulging in theatrics over the victory."
Emma's expression brightened slightly as she opened the folder and slid a parchment forward. "In that case, I may have anticipated your next thought. The Board will soon review the annual donations from its members. Collectively, the other governors contribute about fifteen thousand Galleons each year."
Eira nodded slowly. "Then we will contribute twenty thousand."
Emma blinked. "Yes, my lady, that is what I had intended to suggest. But may I ask—why so much more?"
Eira's voice was calm but in decisive tone. "Because it sends a message. They will understand that our holding the Governor's seat brings tangible benefits to the school. And it is a clear gesture of goodwill to Britain's younger generations. We are not merely occupying the position; we are strengthening the institution."
Emma considered her words for a moment before speaking. "A generous gift of that scale will draw attention. Not all of it will be favorable—some will view it as… buying influence."
"They're free to think that," Eira said with a faint shrug. "Perception matters less than results. If the school improves under our watch, the opinion of a few jealous governors is irrelevant."
Emma's lips curved in quiet approval. "I cannot deny the wisdom of that." She closed the folder gently. "The truth is, Hogwarts does require far more care than it currently receives. Its traditions are strong, but its facilities, its resources—many are in decline. I believe your approach will make an undeniable difference."
"I expect it to," Eira replied. "And I expect you to see that the funds are used effectively. Make certain they cannot be wasted or redirected into some meaningless prestige project."
"Of course, my lady," Emma said, her tone firm. "I will personally oversee every Galleon."
Emma nodded slowly. "So it is a gesture of goodwill, but also of dominance."
"Precisely," Eira said. "We will be positioned as the benefactor they cannot afford to offend. Every decision taken by the Board will have to pass under our shadow."
Emma's eyes glinted with approval. "It will also earn you a measure of affection among the school's faculty and alumni. That could prove useful in ways we cannot yet predict."
Eira waved one hand lightly, as though affection were an afterthought. "If it comes, so be it. My concern is stability. We have had… enough distraction from France this year."
Emma cleared her throat. "My lady, the British Ministry has already taken note of your involvement. While they have not issued any public statement, my contacts confirm that your name carries a new weight in their internal discussions — particularly in matters involving Hogwarts and the younger generation of witches and wizards."
Eira leaned back in her chair. "That may be so. But we will not act as though it matters. Let them form their own conclusions. We will act only when the moment benefits us."
The conversation turned to other practical matters—the timetable for the next Board meeting, the list of proposed improvements to Hogwarts' curriculum and grounds, and the upcoming inspection visits Emma would attend on Eira's behalf. They spoke not as friends trading idle thoughts, but as two strategists aligning their moves for the coming months.
When Emma finally rose to leave, she paused at the door. "Britain is watching you more closely than you realize, my lady. But they are watching with respect. That is no small thing."
Eira's gaze dropped back to her desk, a faint, knowing smile playing on her lips. "Good. Let them watch—there will be much for them to see in the years to come."