It was noon when Eira stood before the grand fireplace in the corridor of White Manor, emerald flames already flickering faintly in anticipation. Emma stood beside her, hands folded neatly at her waist as she prepared to see her lady off.
Eira took a pinch of Floo powder, then paused and turned to Emma. Her voice was soft but composed.
"Order the dresses for the Christmas night Yule Ball from Madame Rochelle in the Allée de Merveilles. One for me and one for Fleur. Tell her about the ball and let her design them according to her own vision."
Emma bowed her head lightly. "Of course, my lady. I will take care of it within the next two days. I will ensure the dresses for you and Lady Delacour are delivered directly to Hogwarts."
Eira nodded in approval. She stepped into the fireplace, then looked back one last time. "Very well. See you later, Emma."
Emma bowed again. "Safe travels, my lady."
Eira scattered the glittering powder into the flames. "Hogsmeade Village, Three Broomsticks Inn," she spoke clearly. The emerald fire surged around her, and in the blink of an eye, she disappeared.
Emma lingered for a moment, then turned and walked toward the dining room. As she entered, she spotted Isabella sitting at the long table, staring somewhat blankly at the plates of food. Her dark hair was a mess from sleep, strands falling over her eyes, and she still wore the pajamas with small teddy bears embroidered on the fabric. They had bought them together during a date in the Muggle world. The memory made Emma's lips curl into a fond smile.
She approached and sat across from her. Mischief lit her eyes.
"What are you thinking about, my love?"
Isabella looked up, a slow, knowing smile forming on her lips. "Last night's activities, of course."
Emma's cheeks grew warm with a blush.
"So that is why you just woke up?" she asked.
"You were a beast," Isabella murmured with a teasing smirk. "You wore me out completely. How could I possibly wake up early after that?"
Emma raised a brow. "You were the one asking for more. I merely met your expectations."
Isabella sighed dramatically. "I am nearly forty. You have to stop me when you know we are reaching my limits."
Emma only rolled her eyes and began to eat, doing her best to hide the shy smile tugging at her lips.
After a few quiet moments, Isabella asked, "Where is Eira? Still asleep?"
"Oh no," Emma replied lightly. "My lady has returned to Hogwarts. She has an appointment with her girlfriend today."
Isabella's shoulders dropped in a small sigh. She picked up her fork and finally took a bite of her food.
"Her not being here makes the manor feel very quiet."
Emma said nothing to that, but her smile softened as she continued eating beside the woman she loved.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The emerald flames roared to life inside the fireplace of the Three Broomsticks Inn, swirling with bright green sparks before Eira stepped out of them with practiced grace. The moment she appeared, the hum of conversation faltered. Dozens of eyes turned toward her, recognition flickering instantly. Her presence had that effect everywhere now.
Eira paid the stares no mind. She brushed a fleck of soot from her cloak, held her head high, and walked toward the counter where Madam Rosmerta stood polishing glasses.
The barmaid's face immediately brightened. "Welcome, my dear. What can I do for you, this sister of yours?"
A few nearby patrons rolled their eyes and groaned under their breath.
"She has called herself sister for forty years," one wizard muttered. "Still pretending to be young."
His companion nudged him sharply. "Do not let her hear you. Someone once called her an old hag after she rejected him. She banned him and everyone related to him forever. Even the Minister has a soft spot for her. Show some respect if you value your Butterbeer."
The wizard paled into silence.
Eira only smiled politely at Rosmerta. "I have come to see Fleur Delacour."
"Oh the French champion. She is upstairs on the second floor with her sister. You can find her there," Madam Rosmerta replied.
Eira nodded. "Do you have anything for lunch?"
"We have roasted chicken, lamb stew, and beef steak."
"Then all three please. And butterbeer as well. Three glasses." She paid without hesitation.
Madam Rosmerta smiled again. "Of course, dear. Lunch will be ready in half an hour."
Eira set a few Galleons on the counter, then climbed the stairs to the quieter upper floor. A gentle fire crackled in the hearth there, and she soon spotted Fleur and Gabrielle sitting together away from prying eyes.
Eira approached and wrapped her arms around Fleur from behind.
Fleur did not even startle. "I have been waiting for you, my love," she murmured, leaning back into the embrace.
Eira arched a brow. "How did you know it was me and not some poor fool bewitched by your allure?"
Fleur rose gracefully to her feet, turned, and kissed Eira's lips with a soft, lingering smile. "Do you think I would fail to recognize my girlfriend's scent. That mango smell of yours is so sweet."
Eira chuckled softly. Gabrielle, sitting nearby, wrinkled her nose.
"Ugh. My sister has become a dog now. She sniffs and remembers her girlfriend's smell."
Fleur's smile froze.
"Gabrielle, did I or did I not tell you to stay out of adult matters?"
Gabrielle ignored her completely and turned to Eira instead.
"She dragged me here in this cold weather and did not even bother to buy me something. Not even a simple butterbeer. It is already lunchtime."
Fleur sat back down, exasperated. "Butterbeer is for adults. Besides, we came here right after walking around Hogsmeade all morning because you begged me to bring you with me."
Eira smiled, patting Gabrielle gently on the head. "Do not worry. I already ordered food and butterbeer. And after lunch I will take you to Honeydukes Sweetshop. You can choose anything you want and I will buy it for you."
Gabrielle's eyes sparkled instantly. "Yay." She threw her fist up in triumph and then smirked at Fleur, raising her eyebrows in a victorious challenge. Fleur rolled her eyes dramatically before turning her attention back to Eira.
"So, have you finished your business?" Fleur asked.
"Yes, for now. But there are other things to deal with after the second task of the Triwizard Tournament," Eira answered.
"If you need any help just say. Papa will be happy to support you," Fleur offered sincerely.
Eira shrugged. "My aunt and Emma will be handling most things. It is not as if I am doing much myself."
Gabrielle arched a brow. "So you are dumping work that you are supposed to do onto your assistant and your aunt, then taking the credit for it."
Eira laughed. "You are absolutely right. Until now I only manage because of them. But do not worry. Next year your sister will join them to ease their burden."
Gabrielle gasped. "You are hiring her?"
"Yes. She will become my new assistant secretary."
Gabrielle looked at Fleur with great pity, and shook her head dramatically. "Tsk tsk tsk. You will lose your beauty working under her. But do not worry. I will tell maman and papa that you are doing great."
Fleur scoffed. "Meanwhile you will inherit the Delacour family management. All alone. At least I will have Isabella and Emma to help me. You will have no one."
"My parents will help me," Gabrielle said confidently.
"Apologies," Fleur replied wickedly, "but they plan to retire and travel the world. You will be left behind completely alone. Hahahaha."
Gabrielle puffed up indignantly. "Hmph. You think I will fall for that? I am old enough to know when you lie."
She shifted her gaze to Eira who was enjoying the banter between the sisters and asked with innocent curiosity. "Did anyone ask you to be their partner for the Yule Ball?"
"Yes. A couple of boys asked me but they are too old so I rejected them," Eira replied.
"Oh. Fleur also rejected many boys just a few hours ago in the village. One stopped her and asked her to be his partner but she said she already had one. Though she did not say who."said Gabrielle with a gossiping tone.
Eira smiled proudly. "Of course who else but me is her partner. Do you think I would let her go with someone else."
She stood up, went down on one knee, and extended her hand with dramatic grace.
"I wanted to ask in the Great Hall in front of everyone, but since this is the moment, I will say it now. Will you be my partner for the Yule Ball, Lady Delacour."
Fleur placed her hand into Eira's and smiled with stars in her eyes. "Of course. It is my honor to be your dance partner, Lady White."
Eira lifted Fleur's hand and kissed the back of it before standing again. On the other side of the table Gabrielle muttered loudly.
"Did it have to be so dramatic. I do not think you two are prince and princess to act like that."
Fleur and Eira burst into laughter.
Just then Madam Rosmerta arrived with a tray of steaming plates and frosty mugs.
"My dears, you look so happy. I hope you are always that cheerful here. Your lunch and butterbeer," she said as she set everything down.
"It smells delicious. Thank you, Madam Rosmerta," Eira said warmly.
"If you need anything else just call," she replied before heading back downstairs.
Gabrielle immediately pulled a butterbeer mug toward herself and drank. She coughed after the first gulp, eyes widening.
"Wow. It tastes like sweet vanilla."
Fleur narrowed her gaze. "Do not drink that. You are young. It contains a little bit of alcohol."
Eira waved off the concern. "Let her drink. It is her first time and one mug will not hurt. Just drink slowly."
"If maman finds out she will scream at me for allowing this," Fleur sighed.
When they looked back at Gabrielle she already had foam upon her upper lip from a second sip. Eira and Fleur burst out laughing again.
Gabrielle frowned. "What. Why are you laughing."
Fleur conjured a mirror and held it up. Gabrielle gasped at the creamy white moustache decorating her face.
"Oh wow. I look like papa when he had a mustache once."
She deepened her voice and began mimicking their father's drunken scolding, making exaggerated faces and gestures. Eira and Fleur could hardly breathe from laughing as the room filled with warmth and playful joy.