That morning, Eira was awakened by a soft knock at her door. It was still very early—too early for most of the château to be stirring. Groggy and wrapped in her blanket, she trudged over and cracked open the door. Standing there, dressed and smiling, was Fleur.
"Good morning," Eira mumbled, her voice thick with sleep. "Fleur? What’s it, this early in the morning?"
Fleur let out a light laugh, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Whoa, you look so cute. Like a little bunny."
Eira rolled her eyes. "Okay, Mrs. Wolf, what is it?"
Giggling, Fleur leaned in slightly. "Hurry up and get ready. Mada Maxi is expecting you in her office."
That caught Eira’s attention. "What? Why? What’s happening?"
Fleur shrugged, still smiling. "I don’t know. But hurry."
Eira sighed and turned toward her bathroom. "Alright, alright. Let take a shower first—"
But before she could take another step, Fleur flicked her wand with a quiet "Propreté Totale." In an instant, Eira was magically cleaned from head to toe. Her hair was combed, her face freshened, and even the sleepiness seed to be chard away.
"There," Fleur said cheerfully. "No need for a shower now. Just change and let’s go."
Fleur leaned casually against the doorfra, arms folded.
Eira blinked, then looked at her. "That’s such a useful spell. You have to teach that soti."
She turned to her wardrobe and began pulling out clothes, only to pause and glance back at Fleur, who hadn’t moved. "Now what are you doing just standing there?"
Fleur raised an eyebrow. "Waiting for you?"
"With the door wide open? Do you want to see naked?"
Fleur’s eyes widened dramatically. "Oh, don’t worry," she said with a teasing grin, "there isn’t much to see."
Laughing at Eira’s scandalized expression, she turned and gently closed the door behind her.
"You’re such a little girl," Eira muttered under her breath, rolling her eyes again.
She quickly got dressed, ran a comb through her now-clean hair again to her liking , and spritzed a bit of perfu on her wrists. With her wand tucked in hand, she opened the door.
"Wow," Fleur said, impressed. "You got ready pretty fast. Alright, let’s go."
The two girls made their way through the quiet grounds of Beauxbatons, toward the grand château. Morning light filtered through the misty gardens, dew sparkling like tiny crystals on flower petals.
On the way, Eira glanced sideways at Fleur. "So you really don’t know what this is about?"
Fleur shook her head. "No idea. All I know is, early this morning I received a Patronus from Mada Maxi. She told that you and I were to et her in her office imdiately. That’s all."
"Well..." Eira said with a shrug. "Let’s go and find out."
They climbed the vine-laced stairs and crossed the flower-filled terrace to Mada Maxi’s office. Eira knocked once, and the door opened by itself with a soft creak.
Inside, Mada Maxi was already seated, sipping tea. When she saw them, she smiled warmly.
"Co in, both of you. Sit."
Eira and Fleur sat down, casting curious glances at the headmistress.
Mada Maxi set her teacup down, looked first at Fleur, then focused her gaze on Eira.
"Forgive the early summons," she said. "But I received a letter from your grandfather this morning. It concerns you, Eira."
Eira frowned slightly. "A letter? From Grandfather? What is it, Mada?"
Wordlessly, Mada Maxi pulled out a sealed letter and handed it to her.
Eira opened it and began to read:
{"Eira ,
It’s ti for a new challenge. I’m currently tied up with other matters, so I need you to represent our family at a very important event in England. This matter is of great significance to the White family.
You will attend the upcoming hearing regarding the Black family’s estate—its remaining assets are being prepared for auction. Many families will attempt to claim them. I want you there, representing our house. This is not just an assignnt—it is a test of your judgnt.
The Wizengamot hearing will be overseen by Albus Dumbledore himself. Whatever decisions you make, I will honor them. But rember, you are the heiress of the White family. Behave as such.
Your presence alone will speak volus. Show them who you are."}
Eira finished reading, stunned. "He wants to represent the family?"
Mada Maxi nodded. "He sent a portkey. It will take you directly to England. After the hearing, you may return to Beauxbatons imdiately."
Eira’s eyes darted to Fleur.
Mada Maxi followed her gaze and continued, "As for you, Fleur, I’m assigning you to accompany Eira. You’re to look after her—and observe the hearing. It will be good experience for you."
Fleur blinked. "But what about my parents? Will they allow —?"
"You let worry about that," Mada Maxi said with authority. "They’ll listen to . This is a rare opportunity, and I know how much you’ve wanted to see the British Ministry."
Fleur nodded quietly.
Mada Maxi turned back to Eira. "The hearing begins at ten this morning. It’s six now. You have a little ti. Use the portkey by seven, and you’ll arrive at a secure entry point near the Ministry."
Then she produced a small item from her desk—a delicate silver badge—and handed it to Eira.
"This," she said, "is your family’s heirloom. With it, you are granted authority to speak on your family’s behalf. Age won’t matter. This emblem grants you full rights at the Wizengamot."
Eira took it reverently. It was shaped like a sleek white fox—her family’s emblem. The mont her fingers touched it, a soft pulse of magic traveled up her arm. At Mada Maxi’s suggestion, she envisioned it as a wristband. Instantly, the emblem shifted form, becoming a slender band with a miniature white fox’s head resting against her wrist.
It felt natural—like it belonged.
"You’ll find it responds to your magic," said Mada Maxi, watching her. "It’s now bound to you."
Eira nodded silently.
"Now," Mada Maxi concluded, "go get ready. Be at the portkey point by seven. And Fleur—if you sense even the slightest danger, use the portkey to return. Do not hesitate."
"Yes, Mada," Fleur said solemnly.
The girls left her office, walking side by side in silence.
Back in the office, Mada Maxi remained still. Then she spoke softly into the silence.
"Are you sure it’s wise, Elijah? She’s only eleven. That place... it’s full of hyenas. They’ll tear her apart if given the chance."
A man’s voice, low and tired, responded from the shadows. "I don’t have a choice. She must be ready—for everything. I won’t make the sa mistake I made with Damien. She must be better than , better than all of us in the White family. I won’t leave her unprepared."
Mada Maxi glanced toward the corner of the room, where Elijah stood, cloaked in shadow.
"How are your injuries?, I told you to go and visit Dumbledore but you are stubborn as hell " she said gently.
He shook his head. "Worsening. Even Nico couldn’t heal . I doubt Dumbledore can either."
She looked at him sadly. "You should still ask."
Elijah didn’t answer. Instead, his gaze wandered toward the window. "How is she doing here?"
"She?" Mada Maxi asked, knowingly.
He nodded.
"She’s changed," Mada Maxi said. "Since her husband’s betrayal. This year, she insisted on teaching Potions. I think... she wants to be close to Eira. But she won’t admit it. She watches her from afar. Follows her through the gardens. Watches her with her friends."
Elijah exhaled but said nothing.
After a long pause, he asked, "Do you trust Fleur Delacour?"
"With my life," Mada Maxi answered instantly. "She’s my apprentice, and I trust her completely."
Elijah closed his eyes. "Good. I want Eira to have people she can rely on. I don’t want her to be... alone. Not when I’m gone."
"She won’t be," Mada Maxi said, a quiet promise in her voice. "She’s already made friends. And more importantly—she’s growing stronger."
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