The afternoon had shifted into early evening by the time they reached the edge of the Forbidden Forest. The sun was already dipping toward the horizon, casting long shadows between the trees, turning the world into a patchwork of gold and gray. Eira led Fleur quietly along a narrow, hidden path, careful to avoid any students who might still be wandering from Hogsmeade. The air was crisp, carrying the faint, metallic scent of magic, and the distant thrum of the dragon enclosures grew louder with every step.
Fleur shivered slightly, pressing closer to Eira's side. "Mon amour… it is so cold. I am not accustomed to such bitter air, even in November."
Eira smiled softly, sliding an arm around her shoulders. "It is nothing. You have me, and I will keep you warm. Besides, the chill is nothing compared to the fire you will see shortly."
Fleur laughed, the sound light and melodic, though tinged with nervous energy. "You speak mysteriously, Love. What are you hiding from me now?"
"You'll see soon enough," Eira said, her voice low, teasing. "But for now, keep your hands firmly in mine. We need to be careful."
As they approached the clearing, Eira whispered an incantation under her breath, and a soft shimmer rippled over both of them. The concealment charm wrapped around their bodies like a gentle, invisible cloak, hiding them from any stray eyes. Fleur gasped softly as the world seemed to blur for a moment, and when her vision cleared, she realized they were effectively invisible.
"Voila," Eira whispered, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Now we can watch without interruption."
Fleur's hand tightened around hers, the nerves in her body beginning to mix with excitement. "And what exactly are we about to watch, Eira?"
Eira guided her to a vantage point a short distance from the dragon enclosure. There they stopped, crouched behind a cluster of trees. The dragons were magnificent, terrifying, and fully aware of their own power. Flames flicked from their fanged mouths, and the ground trembled as they shifted and roared. The red dragon's golden-fringed face glinted in the sun, the silvery blue dragon snapped at the air with a hiss, the green one writhed and stomped, and the black dragon, lizard-like and immense, stared with an almost intelligent patience at the handlers.
Fleur's breath caught as the sight of the dragons filled her vision. Her lips parted, a faint tremor in her voice as she whispered, "Mon Dieu… they are so majestic, yet terrifying. Why would they bring such beasts here, near a school filled with children?"
Eira remained calm beside her, though her eyes followed the sweep of a spiked tail dragging across the earth, sending a spray of dust into the cold November air. She leaned closer, her voice steady, almost soothing. "My love, these dragons have been brought here for the first task of the Triwizard Tournament."
Fleur turned toward her sharply, the color draining from her cheeks. "For what kind of task would they bring such monsters before us? Surely we are not meant to stand against them."
Eira's expression softened, but her words carried the weight of truth. "Each champion must face a dragon alone. Four dragons, four champions. The challenge is to retrieve a golden egg guarded by the creature. The dragons chosen are mothers, fiercely protective of their clutch. It is no small trial, Fleur. One mistake, one misstep, and…" She let the silence complete the thought, her gaze lingering on the flames curling from the nostrils of the nearest beast.
Fleur's grip on her hand tightened, and she leaned closer, pressing her cheek against Eira's shoulder. "And you… you are telling me all of this now? But is it not forbidden? Are you even allowed to reveal the task to me?"
Eira shook her head, brushing a loose strand of hair from Fleur's face. "By tomorrow, every champion will know. Secrets like this never stay hidden for long. Cheating in the Triwizard Tournament has almost become a tradition. Throughout its history, the heads of the schools involved have always tried to bend the rules in favor of their own champion. What matters is not whether it is illegal, but whether one is caught. I am certain Karkaroff is already trying to uncover the details, and by tonight or tomorrow the others will know as well. Since I am serving as a judge, I have some access to this information before the rest. And I could not allow my love to face such danger without even the smallest advantage. It would be reckless, even cruel, for me to withhold it. I care too much for you to risk that."
Her voice softened as she added, "Though I already knew the first task was connected to dragons, I did not realize every champion would be forced to face one. I thought it might be a side trial, something symbolic or minor. Never something so cruel, never something so dangerous."
Fleur's lips trembled, and without warning, she wrapped her arms around Eira, pulling her into a deep, desperate embrace. Their lips met in a long, heated kiss, the tension of the day, the nerves, and the anticipation of the task spilling out in that shared breath. When they finally parted, Fleur rested her forehead against Eira's chest. "Thank you, my love," she whispered. "Thank you for trusting me with this."
Eira pressed a gentle kiss to the top of her head, her hand tracing the curve of Fleur's back. "You do not need to thank me. You are my champion, yes, but you are also my heart. I will always do what I can to keep you safe, even if it is unseen."
She chuckled softly, brushing a lock of hair from Fleur's face. "Now that we have clarified the details of the task, we must consider preparation. We cannot fight dragons with only courage and love."
Fleur's fingers tangled in Eira's hair, her eyes bright. "No my Love, I do not want you to fight this battle for me. I have trained for months with Madame Maxime. I will face this task on my own. I cannot accept help beyond what you have already given me."
Eira's gaze softened, a mixture of pride and affection flooding her expression. "If that is truly your wish, then I will respect it. I will not interfere. But know this… I will be there, always. Watching, ensuring that no harm comes beyond what is necessary for the task. That is my promise."
Fleur leaned closer, her lips brushing Eira's once more. "Then I will do this myself. And I will succeed. For both of us."
They remained there for a few moments, hand in hand, watching the dragons in quiet contemplation. The forest was alive with the low rumble of the beasts, the distant cry of birds settling for the evening, and the rustle of the wind through the trees. Fleur shivered again, and Eira instinctively drew her closer.
"Come," Eira said softly. "It is time for you to rest, to collect your thoughts, and to prepare mentally. Since you will start your practical observation training soon. But for now… return to the carriage, to warmth and safety."
They retraced their steps through the forest, the concealment charm still softly rippling over them. Fleur's mind was awhirl with thoughts of dragons, strategy, and the task ahead, but also with the steady, comforting presence of Eira beside her.
As they emerged from the trees, the castle came into view, bathed in the golden light of the late afternoon. Fleur sighed softly, a mix of relief and anticipation in her voice. "It is beautiful, n'est-ce pas? And yet… terrifying."
Eira smiled, squeezing her hand. "Yes, but like all challenges, it is meant to be faced. Together or apart, with courage and clarity."
Fleur's eyes softened, and she leaned her head against Eira's shoulder. "Thank you… for everything today. For the date, for the help, for… for caring."
Eira chuckled softly, brushing a thumb over Fleur's cheek. "Always, mon amour. Always."
They reached the to the outskirts of the castle, and Fleur paused at the base of the Beauxbatons carriage, turning to look at Eira with a mixture of affection and determination. "I must speak with Madame Maxime now. I will begin preparations for the task immediately. But I will return to you. I promise."
Eira nodded, her lips brushing Fleur's forehead once more. "Go, my champion. Face this task with courage. I will be waiting."
Fleur smiled, her nerves tempered by love and support, before stepping into the carriage.
Eira watched it her go inside , her thoughts already turning to strategy, observations, and ways she could quietly ensure Fleur's safety without interfering with her independence. She turned back toward the Hogwarts castle for a long walk .