The corridors of Hogwarts gleamed with the warm glow of floating torches, casting soft light over the polished stone floor. Eira stepped out of the Slytherin common room, the faint echo of the dungeon door closing behind her. She paused for a moment, exhaling slowly, letting the cool air temper the flutter in her chest.
Only ten minutes before the start of the Yule Ball.
The clicking of her silver heels against the cold stone was quiet, elegant, and purposeful. Her dress, a shimmering drapery of pale silver silk, flowed around her legs like liquid starlight. Every movement sent ripples of soft shine across the fabric, as though stars themselves were sewn into the gown. Her hair, long and white as the first snowfall, had been styled into a twisted crown braid that circled her head like a gleaming circlet. Small strands had been enchanted to softly glow, reflecting moonlight that was not even present.
She was breathtaking. But she did not walk as someone who wished to be admired. Eira walked as someone who simply was.
As she approached the grand staircase, she saw couples hurrying down the halls and sweeping past her. Laughter and nerves filled the air, a mix of perfume and anticipation. Girls rushed to meet their dates while boys fidgeted with ties and dress robes. Excitement radiated off every wall.
The Great Hall's tall doors were open, though only slightly. Professor McGonagall stood at the entrance, dressed in resplendent red tartan robes with a wreath of thistles circling her pointed hat. She looked every inch the proud Scottish lioness.
"Inside, now. No dawdling," McGonagall commanded briskly, motioning the flow of students forward. "Champions over here, please. Partners with them. All of you, wait until everyone has arrived. We begin together."
Cedric Diggory stood tall with Cho Chang by his side. The two whispered to each other, smiles traded like secret treasures. Behind them, Harry Potter stood awkwardly with Parvati Patil, who glowed with excitement while Harry watched Cedric and Cho with an expression somewhere between envy and panic.
Eira watched for a moment, lips curling faintly. Harry clearly wished the night would be over before it had begun.
Then the atmosphere shifted. A murmur traveled through the hall like a wave of curiosity.
Durmstrang had arrived.
Their entrance was formidable. Dark cloaks, sharp boots. The heavy footfalls of students who had trained beneath harsh cold and discipline. At the front, Viktor Krum walked with composed strength, his expression unreadable and severe.
But Eira's eyes widened when she saw who clung to his arm.
Tracey Davis. In a dazzling emerald-green dress with silver crystals adorning the bodice. Her light brown hair elegantly braided, pinned into a soft cascade down her shoulder. Some students turned their heads, whispering. Krum's date was a surprise no one had predicted.
Tracey's cheeks burned pink beneath her makeup as she proudly held onto Viktor's arm. When she spotted Eira, she grinned so brightly that Viktor himself glanced down in confusion.
Eira smiled to herself. She would definitely interrogate her friend later.
Footsteps approached from the staircase above. Eira looked up just in time to see a familiar boy descending.
Isaac Rowen.
He moved with practiced refinement, his robes a dark green trimmed with silver threading. His blue eyes found Eira instantly, and he smiled as though expecting her.
"Good evening, Lady White," he greeted smoothly, offering a polite bow of his head. "Waiting for your partner?"
Eira nodded, returning the gesture with a mild smile. "Yes, Mr. Rowen. I heard Hermione accepted your invitation. I hope that is true."
A sparkle flickered in his gaze.
"Fortunate for me," Isaac replied. "I asked. And she agreed."
"And you will treat her with respect," Eira said, voice soft yet weighted with steel. "I will be watching."
Isaac's amusement didn't fade, though his smile shifted into something earnest.
"You need not worry," he replied. "She is more than capable of protecting herself. She knows what is right and wrong."
"That she does," Eira agreed, eyes narrowing slightly, though her lips tugged up into a quiet smirk.
Before Isaac could say more, soft footsteps signaled another presence. Hermione Granger descended from the stairs, appearing nothing like the book-worn girl who spent every spare moment in the library.
She looked radiant.
Robes of periwinkle blue flowed around her like petals in a breeze. Her curls were tamed into an elegant style that framed her face beautifully. Her posture was careful and graceful, chin lifted with nervous pride.
"Hi, Eira!" Hermione said cheerfully before turning to Isaac with a faint pout. "You said you would wait for me near the entrance to Gryffindor Tower. I did not see you there."
Isaac, clearly dazzled by her appearance, stumbled over his explanation.
"Filch did not allow me to wait there. I tried to explain the arrangement but he insisted that everyone must come straight here. So I was forced to wait for you by the hall."
Hermione gave a tiny giggle, then looked back to Eira.
"You look beautiful tonight."
Eira raised a brow playfully. "Are you really Hermione?"
Hermione rolled her eyes with dramatic exaggeration.
Eira laughed softly and added, "You are stunning. The dress suits you perfectly."
Hermione's cheeks flushed pink in satisfaction.
"We should go inside," Isaac cut in gently. "The hall awaits."
Hermione nodded, then squeezed Eira's hand before taking Isaac's arm. With a final warm smile and a blushing expression, she allowed herself to be guided toward the Great Hall, slipping into the flood of excited students.
Eira watched them go, feeling an unusual warmth in her chest. She was happy for Hermione.
A soft tap landed on her shoulder.
Eira turned—
—and her breath caught.
Fleur stood behind her, more radiant than moonlight on fresh snow.
Her dress was pure white silk and satin, adorned with subtle embroidery that reflected soft hues of pearl and silver when she moved. Opera gloves hugged her arms elegantly, highlighting delicate wrists and fingers. Her hair flowed in waves of molten gold, pinned loosely with frosted crystal flowers.
(Fleur's clothes pic)
The Veela charm within her seemed to hum in approval.
But it was her eyes that truly captured Eira. Blue like the brightest sky over the French countryside, filled with undeniable love and a spark of mischief.
Eira could not help the whisper that escaped her lips.
"She is beautiful…"
A slow smile spread across Fleur's face. She stepped close, fingertips trailing along the inside of Eira's wrist in a silent affection that made Eira's pulse skip.
"Of course I am," Fleur murmured playfully. "But you, mon cœur… you are breathtaking."
Eira blushed, lowering her gaze only for Fleur to gently guide her chin back up with two gloved fingers.
"No hiding," Fleur whispered. "Not tonight. They should all see who you belong to."
Before Eira could speak, Professor McGonagall's voice cut sharply across the entrance.
"Miss Delacour, kindly join us. We have all been waiting for you. The Ball cannot begin without the champions' first entrance."
Fleur gave a polite nod toward the professor before turning to Eira and offering her gloved hand, palm up, lips curved sweetly.
"Let us go, my lady."
Eira's heart fluttered as she placed her hand into Fleur's, their fingers intertwining. The warmth of Fleur's touch, even through gloves, was enough to burn like a secret fire.
Fleur proudly guided her to the group of champions who had already assembled. Their linked arms did not go unnoticed. Several students whispered, heads tilting in curiosity and envy.
To Fleur it did not matter.
She lifted her chin proudly, shoulders squared, and made sure her body remained just a fraction closer to Eira than necessary. Protective. Possessive in a way that made Eira's chest tighten with affection.
Professor McGonagall approached them, eyes sharp but not unkind.
"Champions and their partners, get in line in pairs," she instructed firmly. "The Great Hall is ready to receive you."
Krum and Tracey positioned first. Cedric and Cho next. Harry and Parvati nervously shuffled into place. And then—
Fleur stepped forward with Eira on her arm, placing them confidently at the very end of the formation.
Eira inhaled, her heart pounding not from nerves but from excitement. From joy. Fleur squeezed her hand gently.
"All eyes will be on us," Fleur murmured, leaning close, brushing her lips against Eira's cheek.
"Yes, they are." Eira whispered back.
Fleur's smile grew slow and triumphant.
Hand in hand, hearts aligned, the two stood at the entrance.
The line of champions stood ready beneath the archway of the Great Hall, the air thrumming with anticipation. Lanterns glowed along the walls like suspended stars, and snow drifted from the enchanted ceiling above. Music hummed beneath the chatter of students already inside.
Professor McGonagall stepped forward, hands clasped as if she were trying to suppress her own excitement.
"Champions and their partners will follow me. When the doors open, you will walk straight ahead and join your seats."
The heavy doors swung wide, and applause surged like a wave crashing against the stone.
Cedric Diggory entered first with Cho Chang, both smiling shyly as whispers followed them. Harry and Parvati came next, Harry stiff with nerves but Parvati practically glowing with delight.
Then Viktor Krum with Tracey Davis. The sight made more than a few heads snap toward them, whispering with surprise. Tracey looked as if she might float away entirely, her blush brighter than the ruby beads woven into her dress. Hushed voices shot through the crowd.
"Is that Tracey Davis?"
"She looks different tonight."
"How did Krum agree to be with such an ugly girl."
Eira and Fleur stepped into view next.
It was nearly instant. The hall shifted in tone. The music continued, but the applause softened into a ripple of surprised murmurs. People stared without bothering to hide it. Fleur walked proudly, chin slightly raised, her hand linked with Eira's as though she were presenting the most precious treasure in the world.
Students whispered low, some curious, some simply taking in the sight.
"So the rumors were true then. Eira White really is dating Delacour."
"They look… kind of perfect together."
"They look expensive. Both of them."
One boy muttered to his friend with a hint of envy.
"She could have had anyone. And she chooses a girl."
His friend shrugged.
"Well, look at them. Hard to blame her."
Some Slytherin girls near the back smiled at each other.
"I like them together."
"Malfoy was boasting that she's his fiancée, but it appears to be just a rumor."
"It suits her better than Malfoy or any other boy here."
Most eyes held admiration rather than judgement. Fleur felt them too, but instead of shrinking she leaned closer, letting her shoulder brush along Eira's in a private, protective gesture. Eira responded with a soft smile that warmed Fleur far more than the torches ever could.
The champions reached the front table where the judges sat. Madam Maxime's face brightened the moment she saw them. There was something deeply affectionate in her gaze, like someone watching family.
"You are simply stunning, the both of you" she said, her voice rich with pride. "Fleur, ma belle, you honor Beauxbatons tonight. And Eira, you shine as beautifully as ever. I knew this hall would not dim you."
Fleur gave her headmistress a dazzling smile.
"Merci, Madame."
Eira's eyes softened.
"Thank you, Madame Maxime."
The woman winked at them in a way that most students would never believe possible from someone so dignified.
At the judges' table sat Ludo Bagman, dressed in robes far too loud for the occasion, Percy Weasley very stiff in the seat normally reserved for Mr Crouch, and Professor Dumbledore at the center smiling broadly, eyes twinkling.
As they took their seats, Fleur settled in close enough that their knees touched beneath the table. Eira smoothed a hand over her dress and glanced discreetly across the hall.
Hermione and Isaac were seated nearby. They looked like a painting come to life, perfectly poised. Hermione's periwinkle gown shimmered with every small movement. Isaac was leaning toward her slightly, listening as she quietly explained something, and then he laughed in a way that was soft and genuine. Hermione brightened at the reaction, brushing a curl behind her ear, clearly pleased.
Eira smiled at the sight, nudging Fleur with her elbow.
"They look rather well together" she said.
Fleur followed her gaze, then gave a satisfied hum.
"He is enchanted by her. Anyone with sense would be."
Eira's eyes glimmered.
"You think people with sense are in short supply here tonight."
Fleur did not deny it. She lifted her chin toward the ceiling's enchanted frost that sparkled down like diamonds as she leaned closer to whisper.
"If Beauxbatons were hosting, the décor would be more elegant. The musicians would actually know what beauty is. And the food, well… let us pray it is not dreadful."
Eira smothered a laugh.
"Careful. You are about to live here in England next year. You must come to appreciate English simplicity."
Fleur made a playful face of horror.
"I will never appreciate simplicity."
Their quiet giggles drew a glance from McGonagall, who seemed relieved to see students actually enjoying themselves.
Dumbledore rose from his seat, clapped his hands once and a golden menu appeared before every person in the hall.
"I have always found it best to let our guests choose for themselves. Simply tell the menu what you desire."
He demonstrated by requesting "pork chops" and his plate filled accordingly. The students followed excitedly, murmuring with curiosity.
Fleur eyed the menu suspiciously.
"This is so unusual."
Eira ordered something light, a delicate plate of roasted lamb with herbs. Fleur asked for a dish familiar to her taste and received a plate of bouillabaisse. She sniffed it carefully, then nodded.
"At least they attempted."
Eira dipped a spoon into her own dish, then offered Fleur a taste. Fleur accepted without hesitation. When she returned the spoon, she did not hand it back but instead used it to scoop up a bit of her own broth before bringing it to Eira's lips. Their eyes held each other's as Eira tasted it.
"It is good" Eira admitted.
Fleur smiled triumphantly.
"France always leads the way."
Around them, other conversations rose softly.
A Ravenclaw girl whispered to her date.
"I think they look like a couple who have been together for years. They seem really in love, though it's very weird two girls in relationship it just doesn't make sense."
A Hufflepuff boy shrugged while cutting his chicken.
"If that is who she likes, who cares. I just hope the Weird Sisters play loud."
Some Slytherins kept their voices extremely low.
"So the rumors were true."
"House White really does not need a male heir."
"This outcome is preferable, as it ensures the White bloodline ends with her. Like the Blacks, their House will be divided among the other pure-blood families, which is what truly matters."
"Please don't say that. The Blacks still have one surviving descendant—a male, recently proven innocent, though he hasn't been seen lately. Even if their House falls, the Ministry will likely confiscate most of their assets. As for these two girls, their relationship might just be a fleeting phase of their youth. In time, they'll likely come to understand their responsibilities to their Houses. She will need a husband to produce an heir to secure the future of her bloodline."
The gossip did not feel cruel, only curious. Hogwarts students were more enthralled by their own night than anyone's relationship status.
Fleur leaned closer and brushed her fingers against the back of Eira's hand beneath the table. A private connection, meant for only them. Eira ran her thumb slowly over Fleur's knuckles, a silent reply.
Across the room, Hermione laughed at something Isaac whispered, a genuine happy sound that turned a few heads. Isaac looked proud to have caused it. He poured pumpkin juice for her and she said something in return that made him smile again, eyes soft. Their conversation was lively, equal, comfortable.
"In a corner, a certain redheaded boy was glaring at them, looking envious of the closeness between the two."
Eira took note of a small moment between Hagrid and Madame Maxime. Hagrid kept glancing toward her, cheeks flushed, trying to act casual as he wiped his brow with a napkin. Maxime pretended not to notice but her lips curved subtly.
Fleur caught Eira's gaze and followed it. When she saw the pair, she covered her mouth, trying not to giggle.
"They have a little story between them."
Eira gave a tiny shrug.
"Love makes fools of us all."
"Except you and me" Fleur declared.
"We are perfect."
Meanwhile, a small figure sat at another guest table. Gabrielle was chatting animatedly with a younger girl from Slytherin, Astoria Greengrass, who pointed out decorations and made the younger Delacour giggle. Clearly Maxime had arranged her attendance, and Gabrielle looked thrilled to be part of her sister's world.
The food gradually vanished from plates as students enjoyed the meal more than Fleur expected. She leaned close to Eira again, a whisper tickling her ear.
"All right. I admit the food is not dreadful. But it would have been even more delightful if we were at our school."
Eira grinned.
"Perhaps Hogwarts is saving its grandeur for the dancing."
Fleur scoffed quietly.
"They will need a miracle."
As laughter and conversation filled the hall, Dumbledore rose once more.
"Ladies and gentlemen, kindly stand."
Chairs scraped back. Robes swished. A thrill ran through the students.
Dumbledore flicked his wand and the enormous tables flew gracefully to the edges of the room, clearing a broad space of polished stone floor. A raised platform appeared along the right wall as if grown from the castle itself.
Instruments materialized upon it. Drums, guitars, a lute, a cello, and what looked very much like bagpipes. The hall erupted with applause as a band dressed entirely in torn black robes stepped onto the platform.
The Weird Sisters.
Students cheered louder. Excitement spread like sparks igniting a fuse.
Fleur grinned and squeezed Eira's hand.
"Now the night truly begins."
Eira smiled back, knowing this was the moment the entire school had been waiting for.
The musicians picked up their instruments.
The lights seemed to dim just slightly.
And the first note was seconds from striking the air.
Professor McGonagall's voice rang through the hall.
"Champions, you may begin the dance."
A spotlight of anticipation seemed to fall over the room. Eira could feel Fleur's hand slip into hers, warm and confident, as they stepped forward alongside the other three couples.
Krum with Tracey Davis.
Harry with his date, trying his best not to trip.
Cedric and Cho, glowing with excitement.
The music swelled. Fleur twirled Eira effortlessly into the first steps, her fingers guiding with practiced grace. It felt like floating, like the two of them were dancing alone despite the hundreds of eyes watching.
"You are very quiet, mon cœur," Fleur whispered, her smile teasing. "Ever since we came here in Hogwarts, you have never openly said you are with me. Do you perhaps feel ashamed of us in Hogwarts?"
Eira blinked, startled. "Ashamed? Fleur, that is not true."
"Then you are hiding me?" Fleur leaned in closer, eyes playful but searching. "Or do you simply enjoy being mysterious?"
Eira sighed, then softened. "We never needed to say anything before. Everyone already knew at Beauxbatons. And besides, I think bringing you as my date tonight makes it obvious enough."
Fleur glanced at her with a slow, dangerous smile. "Obvious, yes. But it's.... Not enough."
Eira narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "Fleur. What are you planning?"
Fleur did not answer. She simply continued dancing, eyes gleaming with mischief while Eira became more suspicious by the second.
Around them, reactions rippled through the crowd.
Slytherin girls whispering:
"I knew it—the rumors were true. They're even dancing together now."
"Hmph, she chose a French girl? What a traitor."
"Well, they do look stunning together. Besides, the White family has always been known for their close ties with French wizards and witches."
A Ravenclaw boy snorted to his date.
"White family heiress is into girls. Figures she would be too good for the rest of us."
Some younger students giggled in excitement:
"They look like a fairy tale couple."
Others didn't care at all, too absorbed in their own partners and the enchantment of the evening.
At a nearby table, Hermione and Isaac were laughing over some small joke Isaac made as they waited for their turn to join the dance floor. Hermione's smile was bright, her eyes soft in a way Eira rarely saw in her. They seemed perfectly content, wrapped in their own gentle world.
The hall itself watched, curious and dazzled. Even the professors looked pleased.
Madame Maxime beamed with pride.
Professor McGonagall smiled knowingly.
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled almost mischievously.
The song drew near its final notes. Fleur suddenly locked eyes with Eira… and struck.
She dipped Eira back in a smooth, elegant motion that made half the hall gasp.
And then Fleur kissed her.
Boldly. Deeply. Undeniably.
All at once the hall erupted in voices.
"Oh wow, that is romantic!"
"Utterly shameless! They don't show even a hint of restraint, kissing so boldly in front of professors and Ministry officials."
"I wish someone would kiss me like that."
"Well, there goes Hogwarts gossip for the next decade."
Harry nearly stepped on his own feet staring.
Cho covered her mouth with delight.
Tracey blinked in shock before laughing lightly.
Fleur lifted Eira upright again, triumphant. "Now everyone knows." She tapped Eira's cheek lightly. "You are mine."
Eira's face had gone so pink it might rival the Gryffindor tapestries. "Fleur Delacour," she hissed under her breath. "You… what am I supposed to do with you?"
Fleur grinned with absolute satisfaction. " Adore me, Kiss me, be with me forever, and buy me anything I want."
Another song began and the rest of the students flooded the floor to join them.
Hermione tugged Isaac with her and they spun off, laughing as he nearly tripped but recovered smoothly.
Draco danced with Pansy, though he spent more time glaring jealously at Eira and Fleur than paying attention to his own date.
The Weasley twins were dancing with exaggerated theatrical flair, making Angelina and Alicia laugh.
The entire hall was alive happiness and excitement.
Fleur pulled Eira close again, brushing a kiss near her temple. "Mon amour, why so shy? We have kissed many times in public before. Do you not remember the Star Hall at Beauxbatons?"
"That was different," Eira muttered. "And surprising. Look at you, your lips are stained with my lipstick."
Fleur giggled proudly. "It is a medal. A sign of victory."
"So vulgar," Eira said.
"You made me this way," Fleur whispered, nipping her ear just enough to make Eira shiver.
They danced a little longer until the crowd became too dense for comfort.
Fleur leaned close. "Come. I want to have you to myself."
"You do not want to dance more?" Eira asked.
"Not when everyone is dancing here." Fleur wrapped their hands together and gave a gentle tug. "Let us go."
They moved through the throng while laughter, music and swirling gowns filled the air around them. On the way out, Eira caught sight of Madame Maxime dancing with Hagrid, their large forms surprisingly graceful together. Dumbledore twirled Professor Sprout with surprising flair, his purple robes shimmering under the enchanted snow.
Finally, the two slipped out of the Great Hall and into the fresh winter air of the courtyard. The faint music followed them but it felt quieter, more intimate. Snowflakes drifted like tiny pieces of stardust around them.
Fleur turned to Eira, the confidence in her expression softening into tenderness. Her hand rose to brush a snowflake from Eira's white hair.
"Now," Fleur whispered.
"We can have some alone time just for ourselves."