The days had grown shorter, and the chill of early winter was slowly settling over the Beauxbâtons Château. The gardens, once lush with autumn's fiery colors, now stood bare and frost-touched, the gentle crunch of frozen leaves underfoot echoing in the quiet morning air.
Eira sat alone by the tranquil pond in the southern garden, the waters mirroring the pale gray sky above. Her breath rose in soft clouds as she hugged her arms to her chest, savoring a rare moment of stillness between lessons and duties. The delicate silver chain around her wrist caught the weak sunlight as she absentmindedly traced its pattern.
Suddenly, a tawny hawk descended gracefully, landing softly on the stone bench beside her. Clutched in its talons was a cream-colored envelope sealed with an emerald wax stamp—the unmistakable seal of the White family.
Eira smiled gently, reaching out to take the letter. With practiced ease, she broke the wax seal and unfolded the parchment, settling back onto the bench to read.
************
My lady,
I write to you with intrigue news from Britain that has rippled through the Ministry of Magic and the Hogwarts community these past days.
On the night of Halloween, an unprecedented breach occurred at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The dangerous fugitive—Sirius Black—managed to infiltrate the castle grounds. Reports indicate that he attempted to enter the Gryffindor common room, causing damage to a portrait in the process.
Fortunately, no students were harmed, and the situation was quickly contained by the professors and Prefects present. However, the incident has sparked considerable unrest among the students and their families.
Many parents have sent letters expressing their alarm, and some influential pure-blood families have applied pressure on Minister Cornelius Fudge to take decisive action to safeguard the school's security.
At the heart of the matter lies a dispute between Headmaster Albus Dumbledore and Minister Fudge regarding the presence of external mentors patrolling the castle during the night. Dumbledore, valuing the school's autonomy and the trust in his staff, has firmly opposed such patrols, leading to tensions within the Ministry.
Though these details remain confidential and largely unspoken in the broader magical community, the whispers have spread through the corridors of Hogwarts and the homes of its students.
I will keep you informed of any further developments.
With all my respect,
Emma
⸻
Eira's eyes lingered on the last line as a faint smile touched her lips, tinged with irony.
"Well, well," she murmured, folding the letter carefully. "Seems Hogwarts never quite loses its excitement."
Beside her, Fleur, who had joined quietly and sat on the grass, peered curiously at the folded parchment.
"What is it, Eira? You're smiling like you read a secret joke," she asked softly.
Eira handed the letter to Fleur, who read it with furrowed brows.
"…Sirius Black? That's quite serious," Fleur said, looking up.
Eira nodded, the amusement in her eyes dimming. "Apparently, he managed to get inside the castle itself, tried to break into Gryffindor common room, and damaged a painting. But no one outside the Ministry really knows. Parents are frightened, and the Ministry is in chaos behind closed doors."
Fleur's voice lowered, tinged with concern. "And what about Dumbledore and the Minister's quarrel?"
Eira shrugged. "Dumbledore refuses to allow external patrols. He trusts his staff to protect the students. But the Ministry wants more control, fearing this fugitive's presence could endanger everyone."
Fleur sighed, staring at the pond's still water. "Such a dangerous time for Hogwarts."
**********
A breeze rustled the last of the frostbitten leaves as Fleur handed the letter back to Eira.
"What kind of school lets a fugitive like that in?" Fleur scoffed, a mischievous smile curling her lips. "Honestly, has Hogwarts really fallen that low? Next thing you know, the Dark Lord himself will be roaming the halls, playing teacher and showing students how to become dark wizards."
She shook her head, eyes sparkling with amusement. "I mean, what's next? Allowing Death Eaters to hold workshops in the Great Hall? Hogwarts used to be the pinnacle of magical education—discipline, tradition, respect. Now it feels like anything goes."
Fleur glanced at Eira with a sly grin. "At least here, we don't have to worry about the school turning into a playground for dark magic fanatics
Eira rolled her eyes playfully. "Come on, Fleur, don't say that. I'm the governor of Hogwarts now—you shouldn't talk bad about the school."
Fleur chuckled, a hint of sarcasm in her voice. "I mean seriously, how can a person like Dumbledore let things like this happen? He's supposed to be the greatest wizard of our time—or at least the protector of that school. Even Madame Maxime admitted he's the most powerful wizard around. Hogwarts should be impenetrable with him there."
Eira smiled wryly. "It's not that simple."
Fleur gave her a skeptical look. "Isn't it? If the headmaster can't keep the school safe, what kind of school is it?"
Eira leaned back against the cold stone, watching ripples dance across the pond. "Hogwarts is no ordinary school. It's the birthplace of magical society in Britain, nearly a thousand years old. It has a history full of magic, wonder… and danger."
Fleur frowned. "Danger?"
Eira nodded thoughtfully. "Throughout history, especially during the last wizarding war, Hogwarts was attacked several times by dark wizards and Death Eaters. Each time, Dumbledore and the professors defended it fiercely. The school holds powerful protections and secrets that are not always visible."
She paused, tracing a pattern in the frost with her finger. "The Sirius Black incident is worrying, but not unheard of in this school's long, complicated history."
Fleur looked at her, eyes wide. "So you think this is just part of the… risk?"
"Exactly," Eira said. "It's a dangerous time. Sirius Black is on the loose, yes. But Hogwarts is more than just a school—it's a symbol, a sanctuary, and sometimes a battleground."
Fleur exhaled slowly. "Still, the students must be scared. And the parents…"
"They are," Eira agreed. "Every day, more letters come to the Ministry, demanding answers and assurances. The governors and trustees are involved, trying to maintain order. But Dumbledore's position is strong, even if he clashes with Minister Fudge."
Fleur tilted her head. "What about the dementors? The Ministry wants them inside at night?"
"Yes, that's the bone of contention," Eira replied. "Dumbledore believes that Hogwarts' staff are enough to protect the students, that adding Ministry patrols undermines trust and disrupts the school's atmosphere."
Fleur sighed. "I suppose it's a difficult balance—security and freedom."
Eira smiled, her gaze softening. "You're right. Hogwarts isn't perfect. It's a place of learning, growth… and yes, danger. But it's also a home for British,Scottish and Irish children."
Eira's thoughts drifted to the many letters she had received from Emma over the past weeks. Each contained pieces of the larger puzzle of magical politics, family intrigues, and the challenges Hogwarts faced in a changing world.
"The world outside is complicated," Eira murmured. "But inside Hogwarts, the magic still breathes, even when shadows fall."
Fleur nodded, squeezing her hand gently. "And you—what will you do? As governor, you must have influence."
Eira considered this. "I will watch, listen, and act when needed. Hogwarts needs careful guardianship more than ever."
They sat in silence, the frost creeping closer to the pond's edge, their breaths mingling in the cold air.
************
Days later, Eira received further correspondence from Emma, detailing how the incident had escalated politically.
The families of students had banded together to apply pressure on Minister Fudge, demanding increased security and transparency. Rumors swirled that some sought to question Dumbledore's leadership directly.
Emma wrote of hushed meetings, magical security enhancements, and the undercurrents of fear that rippled through the British wizarding world.
Yet amidst this turmoil, Dumbledore remained a figure of calm authority, balancing the demands of tradition with the harsh realities of a world that was changing faster than anyone could control.