A week later.
The late afternoon sun filtered softly through the stained-glass windows of the grand hall inside the Hôtel de Magie, nestled deep within the heart of Diagon Alley. This was the seat of Hogwarts' Board of Governors' annual meeting — an assembly as old and prestigious as the school itself. A long mahogany table gleamed under the enchanted chandeliers, each intricately carved chair awaiting the arrival of the twelve most influential figures entrusted with the school's welfare.
Eira entered the chamber, her posture calm but her mind alert. This was her first official Governors' meeting — a role that carried immense responsibility and scrutiny. Emma Bloom, her loyal assistant, walked beside her, quietly preparing notes and documents.
The room was already filling with murmurs and the rustle of robes as the other Governors took their seats. At the head of the table stood Cornelius Fudge, Minister of Magic himself, his customary broad smile firmly in place.
Fudge gestured grandly as Eira approached. "Ah, Miss Eira White, the newest addition to our venerable Board. Welcome. Your family's legacy is well recognized throughout the magical world."
Eira inclined her head politely, a flicker of pride and determination gleaming in her eyes.
"Let us begin with introductions," Fudge announced.
He motioned to the right side of the table. "First, Horace Diggle, Ravenclaw, Hogwarts historian, and guardian of tradition." An elderly man with sparkling eyes nodded, whispering something about ancient secrets.
"Miriam Chang, Ravenclaw, scholar of magical law and advocate for inclusive education." A sharp-eyed woman offered a curt smile.
"Percival Nott, Slytherin, staunch traditionalist and ally of the Malfoys." The pale man's expression was stern, bordering on cold.
"Agatha Warrington, Gryffindor, former Quidditch referee and champion of student athletics." Her warm smile belied a firm resolve.
"Fintan O'Flaherty, Hufflepuff, owner of a magical apothecary chain and practical education enthusiast." The jovial Irishman gave a hearty wink.
"Selene Vector, Ravenclaw, arithmancer and expert in financial oversight." Her eyes twinkled behind slender spectacles.
"Eleanor Vance, retired Unspeakable and proponent of academic rigor." Her gaze was sharp and intimidating.
"Barnabas Quill, Hufflepuff, former Ministry official and advocate for student welfare." A kindly face greeted Eira.
"Cassandra Flint, Slytherin, matriarch of the Flint family and protector of pure-blood traditions." Her icy stare swept the room.
"Augusta Longbottom, from the Longbottom family, respected ex-Auror and disciplinarian." The elderly woman's steady expression radiated authority.
"And finally, Miss Eira White, representing the White family." The room gave polite applause.
Fudge took his seat again and cleared his throat. "We gather today under grave circumstances."
He paused for effect, scanning the room.
"As you know, Sirius Black, once one of the He who Must Not Be Named's most loyal and dangerous Death Eaters, has escaped from Azkaban prison. Intelligence reports suggest his intent is to reach Hogwarts and target Harry Potter — the Boy Who Lived."
A hush fell over the room. Several governors exchanged uneasy glances.
"To combat this threat, I propose deploying Dementors as 'mentors' at Hogwarts — to protect the school and its students."
The suggestion sparked immediate debate.
Miriam Chang was first to speak. "Minister Fudge, Dementors are creatures of despair and fear. Their presence in a school will traumatize young minds."
Percival Nott added grimly, "The implications for Muggle-born students are concerning. This could deepen divisions and fears."
Agatha Warrington's frown deepened. "We risk destroying the safe, nurturing environment students deserve."
Eira rose to address the gathering. Her voice was calm, but carried clear conviction. "I must strongly oppose this proposal. Introducing Dementors will inflict psychological harm. Hogwarts should be a sanctuary, not a prison of dread."
Fudge fixed her with an intense gaze. "Miss White, the threat is real. Prioritizing safety sometimes requires uncomfortable choices."
Eira's eyes narrowed slightly. "Safety built on fear is no safety at all. Our students' well-being — mental and emotional — is paramount. Exposing them to these creatures is reckless."
Horace Diggle, leaning forward, added, "Our ancestors would not have wished such darkness upon their beloved school."
Fintan O'Flaherty nodded. "Practical measures are necessary, but not at the expense of children's innocence."
Selene Vector adjusted her glasses. "The financial implications aside, this policy risks alienating parents and students alike."
Barnabas Quill, voice steady, said, "We must consider the moral and ethical consequences."
A few voices murmured agreement.
On the other side, Cassandra Flint scoffed. "Dementors are necessary guardians. The safety of pure-blood students is at risk if we weaken our defenses."
Augusta Longbottom remained silent but stern.
Fudge raised a hand for order. "I appreciate the concerns. But we face a deadly adversary. Sirius Black is cunning and dangerous. We cannot be complacent."
Miriam Chang challenged, "Has anyone considered alternatives that do not involve traumatizing children?"
Fudge sighed. "I have proposed this in good faith, but the Board must decide."
Eira pressed, "What of the Headmaster? Why is Dumbledore absent?"
Fudge's expression tightened. "He opposes the Dementor deployment and refused to attend."
Murmurs of surprise echoed around.
Eira glanced around, meeting the eyes of her fellow Governors.
"This proposal affects every student and family," she said firmly. "Fear will not make them safer. I will not support it."
Fudge's voice dropped to a stern edge. "This is about protecting the Boy Who Lived. Should harm befall him, the consequences would be catastrophic."
Eira's gaze hardened. "We are responsible for all students — not just one."
The debate stretched on for over an hour, each governor voicing reasoned opinions, fears, and hopes.
At last, Fudge called for a vote.
Seven votes were cast in favor: Fudge, Flint, Nott, Warrington, Vector, Quill, and Diggle.
Five, including Eira, opposed: Chang, Longbottom, Vance, O'Flaherty.
Fudge's voice rang with finality. "The Dementor guardianship at Hogwarts is approved."
Eira shook her head slightly. The fight was not over, but today she had spoken her truth.
As the meeting adjourned, Emma approached her with a quiet smile. "You held your ground admirably, my lady."
Eira exhaled slowly, feeling the weight of the day. "Thank you, Emma. But this is only the beginning of the mess. We'll likely have to attend many more of these meetings. Even though today's meeting was arranged by Minister Fudge, Dumbledore's absence speaks volumes—clearly, relations between him and Fudge aren't good. His refusal to allow dementors at Hogwarts is probably why he didn't come today; it's his way of protesting."
The board members filed out, exchanging polite goodbyes and whispers of speculation.
Eira looked out the stained-glass window toward the setting sun. Hogwarts' halls would soon echo with the chilling presence of Dementors.