Days turned into weeks, each unfolding like a page in a carefully written book, smooth and rhythmic, yet alive with subtle surprises. Eira found herself caught in the gentle cadence of Beauxbâtons life, where every morning dawned with promise and every class offered a new thread in the tapestry of her education.
She attended her lessons with focused attention, especially delighting in the study of Ancient Runes and Magical Creature Care. These subjects stirred her curiosity and passion in ways alchemy never quite did. The runes class transported her into the mystery of ancient symbols, their power woven through time and magic, while the magical creature care lessons brought a tangible joy—feeding, tending, and learning the habits of beasts she'd only glimpsed in storybooks.
Alchemy, however, was different. More often than not, the classroom was a chamber of quiet note-taking as the elderly professor lectured, his voice a slow river of knowledge and lore that flowed steadily but rarely stirred the waves of excitement. The students sat in careful rows, pens scratching parchment as the arcane theories of elemental transformations and magical compounds filled their notebooks. For Eira, the subject felt dry, a realm of thought rather than action.
But there were moments beyond the classrooms. Some afternoons, Eira would find herself wandering the gardens or the dueling hall, where the sharp crackle of spells and laughter mingled in the air. It was there she sparred with Fleur, their duels less about rivalry and more a playful dance of wand and wit, pushing each other to grow stronger in a friendship woven from mutual respect and something softer—something Eira hadn't quite named.
Other days, she strolled the castle corridors with fellow Ombrelune students, exchanging stories, laughter, and quiet confidences beneath the high vaulted ceilings. Time seemed to both rush and stretch—full of learning, friendship, and the simmering undercurrents of youthful discovery.
In the background, the steady stream of messages from Emma in Britain kept Eira connected to the world beyond Beauxbâtons. Every few days, a letter arrived—sometimes by hawk, sometimes carried on enchanted parchment—filled with news of the White family, the political tides shifting in the Ministry of Magic, and the subtle threats lingering in the shadows of England's magical society.
Emma's updates were always meticulous and thoughtful, a tether that reminded Eira of the weight she carried and the promise she hoped to fulfill.
*************
As autumn deepened, the castle and grounds began their slow transformation. The trees in the southern garden shimmered with fiery reds and golds, leaves falling in soft showers that blanketed the paths. The chill in the air whispered of change and anticipation.
With Halloween approaching, a new excitement coursed through the halls of Beauxbâtons.
Posters and enchanted notices appeared overnight, fluttering through common rooms and classrooms alike:
"Halloween Celebration — Star Hall — All Students Invited!"
"Costumes, Magic, Mystery — Join Us for a Night of Enchantment and Spooks!"
Eira and Fleur often found themselves chatting about their plans during quiet moments, wondering what costumes they might wear and what surprises the night might hold.
When the day finally arrived, the château buzzed with energy. Students adorned themselves in colorful robes and intricate costumes—some enchanting, others whimsical, many frightening. Beauxbâtons had a flair for drama and beauty, and the hall was soon awash with shimmering fabrics, glittering masks, and clever magical effects.
Eira chose a deep midnight-blue gown embroidered with silver stars, a nod to her Ombrelune house crest, paired with a delicate cloak that shimmered like a veil of mist. Fleur appeared beside her in a gown of soft lilac, adorned with subtle floral patterns that seemed to move gently with her steps.
The Star Hall itself was transformed beyond recognition. The domed ceiling sparkled with thousands of tiny enchanted stars that twinkled like a night sky. Wreaths of autumn leaves, glowing pumpkins, and enchanted lanterns floated gently overhead, casting a warm, magical glow across the gathered students.
Madame Maxime stood near the center, regal and radiant, her presence commanding the room. With a broad smile, she welcomed the students.
"Mes chers élèves, bienvenue à la Nuit d'Halloween! Tonight, we celebrate magic's mystery and marvel. Prepare yourselves for an evening of enchantment, excitement, and—perhaps—a touch of fright!"
*********
As the festivities began, students mingled, laughing and sharing treats from tables laden with magical snacks: candied pumpkin pastilles that melted like sugar stars, cauldron cakes that steamed with warm spice, and shimmering fruit that sparkled as it was bitten.
Eira and Fleur wandered through the hall, their hands occasionally brushing in quiet moments, smiles lingering a little longer than usual.
Fleur leaned in as they paused near a glowing pumpkin sculpture. "I love how the hall looks tonight. It's like we've stepped into a storybook."
Eira nodded, eyes reflecting the sparkling lights. "It feels magical in a way different from classes… more alive."
Their conversation drifted, soft and easy.
"Have you always liked Halloween?" Eira asked.
Fleur smiled, a hint of nostalgia softening her gaze.
"Not always," Fleur admitted with a small smile. "Back home, Halloween wasn't celebrated much. My father doesn't like to be scared. There was this one time when Maman and I decided to frighten him—just a little. For days afterward, he was upset and barely spoke to either of us. Of course, after a lot of spoiling and apologies, he finally came back to his usual self."
She glanced around, her eyes softening. "But it's different here—more lively, more mysterious. I still remember the very first time I arrived at Beauxbâtons. The decorations, the magic floating in the air… it felt like stepping into an entirely new world."
Eira listened intently, drawn into the warmth of Fleur's memories.
"And what about you?" Fleur asked, tilting her head slightly. "How did you celebrate Halloween back home?"
Eira paused, her gaze drifting to the lanterns flickering gently above them. "It was simpler," she said quietly. "When I was little, Lolly used to bring me food to mark the day. Sometimes we'd do small magic tricks together. Nothing like this—no grand displays, just quiet moments."
A soft breeze stirred the lanterns, casting playful shadows that danced around them like whispered secrets.
***********
As night deepened, Madame Maxime took the stage once more, her voice rich with theatrical flair.
"Now, mes enfants, for the pièce de résistance—the Midnight Mystery!"
With a delicate flick of her wand, she dimmed the lights, and the room darkened until only the stars above shimmered with heightened brilliance. Enchanted shadows twisted and danced on the walls—ghostly shapes drifting like whispered secrets, their faint murmurs weaving eerie stories.
A few students gasped, caught between delight and fright, while others laughed nervously, the magic tingling along their skin.
Suddenly, Fleur's fingers found Eira's hand and gently—but deliberately—wove it between her own, guiding it to rest against the soft curve of her breasts. the warmth beneath her palm sent a quick flutter through Eira's heart. she inhaled sharply, caught by the intoxicating scent of Fleur's perfume—fresh, floral, achingly close. A blush bloomed across her cheeks.
Their faces drew nearer, breaths mingling in the narrow space between them. Eira's eyes fluttered shut for a moment, then opened to meet Fleur's steady gaze.
"Are you scared?" Eira whispered.
fleur's lips curved into a tender, knowing smile. "Not anymore," she breathed, voice low and sure. " I am here with you."
Their breaths deepened, the silence thickening as their lips hovered, barely brushing—a whisper of warmth, a promise suspended between them
*************
As the last echoes of laughter faded and the Halloween celebration wound down, students began trickling back to their dormitories, still buzzing from the night's chaos. The magic in the air didn't disappear—it hung around like an overexcited house-elf who just had too much pumpkin juice.
Eira and Fleur slipped away from the crowd, their footsteps echoing softly along the cobblestone paths leading to the quiet gardens. Lanterns swayed gently overhead, casting warm pools of light, while the moon peeked out from behind a patchy cloud.
"Did you see that kid from Papillonlisse trying to levitate his pumpkin?" Fleur said with a mischievous grin. "It ended up bouncing off the ceiling like a madbludger. I swear, it nearly took out old Monsieur Dupont's wig."
Eira laughed. "Oh, and what about Madame Maxime's reaction? Her face went all shades of purple and green. She looked like she was about to summon a thunderstorm."
Fleur giggled. "I half expected her to fly off on that broomstick of hers. Honestly, if she starts chasing after rogue pumpkins next year, I'm volunteering to be the spectator with the best seat in the house."
They rounded a bend, and Eira smirked. "And the Star Hall! Who knew the enchanted cauldrons could explode like fireworks? I'm still finding bits of soot in my hair."
Fleur snorted. "At least you didn't get turned into a frog like that poor first-year. I heard he's still hopping around the dorms somewhere."
Eira shook her head, smiling. "I swear, if the teachers don't get a handle on these magical mishaps, next year's Halloween might turn into a full-blown disaster theater."
Fleur bumped her shoulder playfully. "Well, it certainly keeps things interesting. I'm just glad we survived without any spells backfiring on us."
Eira squeezed Fleur's hand, grinning. "Survived and mostly unscathed. That counts as a win in my book."
They paused beneath a lantern, the light casting soft shadows over their faces. The cool night air smelled faintly of roasted chestnuts and autumn leaves.
"Honestly," Fleur said with a sly smile, "I'm mostly here for the pumpkin-flavored treats."
Eira laughed, "Same."
They shared a warm smile before continuing their slow stroll back to Ombrélune dormitory, their laughter blending with the rustle of leaves and the gentle hum of lingering magic.