Chapter 53

The morning at school began calmly and predictably—though, really, how predictable could it ever be? The witches sat at their tables, enjoying a breakfast of juice, cold water, tea, warm freshly baked croissants, and fruit. It wasn't the most lavish of spreads, but none of the young witches dared complain; such behavior could easily earn them punishment from the teachers.

Fleur sat at a table with a few of her friends—fellow Veela—and waited eagerly for the morning newspaper. Many students were anticipating its arrival, as the Ministry was expected to announce the school's next Headmaster soon. Speculation and rumors were rampant, but no one knew for sure who it would be. Would it be a man or a woman? For the past hundred years, witches had governed Beauxbatons, but perhaps today would bring a change.

"Who do you think the next Headmaster will be?" asked Anabelle, one of Fleur's closest friends. They had known each other since childhood; their mothers had been friends, as had their grandmothers before them.

"Oh, I don't know, Anabelle," Fleur replied. "We can only hope for the best."

For the Veela, life had grown more complicated since the death of Olympe Maxime. They had lost the preferential protection of a Headmistress who had always advocated for them. Many students—especially the girls—harbored grudges against the strikingly beautiful half-Veela. Boys resented being rejected by them, while girls often felt slighted, accusing the Veela of "stealing" potential boyfriends. And then there was the lingering prejudice against them for being non-human. Because of this, the Veela had to stick together.

"They say not even the department heads know," Fleur added thoughtfully.

Everyone knew that Fleur's father had secured a prominent position within the Ministry. It was particularly remarkable, given that he was married to a Veela. Although the role wasn't especially influential, being the head of a department and sharing a table with the Minister was certainly more prestigious than being a captain in the Gendarmerie. Most of the other Veela's parents didn't hold such respected positions, which gave Fleur a certain sway over her peers—even those older than her.

"Tsk," muttered a younger Veela, scowling. "Someone salted my mint tea."

"That's not right," Fleur said. With a wave of her wand, she cleaned the younger girl's glass and poured in a bit of her own tea.

Incidents like this were becoming increasingly common. Even among the teachers, many believed the Veela didn't belong at the school. Without Olympe Maxime's herculean efforts, they would never have been admitted in the first place. For that alone, the Veela would have gladly erected a hundred-meter-tall statue of the half-giantess in gratitude.

"The owls are running a bit late," another Veela observed.

"They are," Fleur agreed, glancing at the clock on the wall before shifting her gaze to the empty Headmaster's chair. "Maybe we'll find out soon who the next Headmaster is…"

At that moment, the windows swung open, and dozens of owls swooped into the room. Some delivered items directly to their recipients, while others dropped newspapers onto the tables before flying off. All the teachers received letters from the Ministry along with their newspapers. Ministry owls were unmistakable.

The rustling of newspaper bundles filled the air as students eagerly opened their papers to pore over the latest news. Fleur and the other Veela quickly grabbed their copies, wasting no time tearing them open. On the front page, the headline read:

"Meet the New Headmaster of Beauxbatons!"

Beneath the headline was a large photograph of Timothy Jody, a wizard well-known and dearly beloved by Fleur. In the photo, he stood confidently before a crowd, speaking calmly. Fleur's heart skipped a beat. No, it purred like an engine. A Muggle might have compared the sound to the roar of a high-performance race car.

Her flushed cheeks were an utterly charming sight—if anyone had been paying attention. Composing herself, Fleur began to read the article, which continued on the second page. It explained that Timothy Jody would serve as the interim Headmaster of Beauxbatons for a year and a half. Fleur couldn't help but wish he would be made permanent, though much could change in that time. The article detailed his many achievements, included additional photographs, and provided his answers to journalists' questions.

"Fleur, that's him, isn't it?" asked Anabelle.

"Yes," Fleur replied with a dreamy smile. "Oh, I'm so happy..."

"Hmm," a first-year Veela hummed thoughtfully. "I wonder what kind of cake he likes better—chocolate or vanilla."

She was still very young and didn't fully understand the feelings some of the older Veela had, but she could be forgiven for that.

"If you get the chance, you can ask him yourself," Fleur said with a small laugh.

The joy and excitement she felt filled her with butterflies—not just in her stomach, but in her head as well. Now, her love would be right before her in the flesh, not just in the dozens of pictures she had cut out from newspapers and magazines. And nobody else needed to know about the life-sized Timothy-shaped pillow she slept with every night—or the fact that, on that pillow, the future Headmaster was shirtless. No, definitely not.

Meanwhile, the teachers and administrative staff finished reading their letters and broke into excited discussions about the news. They had learned it at the same time as the students, which annoyed some of them, but there was nothing to be done. The Ministry's letters included instructions about what to do and when the new Headmaster would arrive for his first inspection of the school.

"Attention, everyone," the Deputy Headmaster called out, his voice cutting through the chatter. "As you all now know, we have wonderful news. The Ministry of Magic has appointed a new Headmaster for Beauxbatons. He will be arriving here in five hours. This means that today's classes are canceled. All students are expected to help prepare the school to look its very best. You will be divided into groups, and each group will be assigned a task. Afterward, we will all dress in our ceremonial uniforms to welcome him. I trust no one needs to be reminded of the rules regarding proper attire."

This announcement caused a stir among the students. While many were delighted to have the day off from classes, they grumbled about being roped into cleaning. Most would have preferred to relax and do nothing, but orders were orders.

Cleaning with magic wasn't the hardest task in the world. It required focus, diligence, and a keen eye to ensure no spots were missed. Fleur, eager for her beloved's arrival, worked with such meticulousness that everything seemed to sparkle under her touch. Her fervor was unmistakable, and the other Veela, sensing her intensity, either stayed out of her way or made sure their own work met her exacting standards.

When the time finally came to prepare for the Headmaster's arrival, everyone turned their attention to their appearance. Fleur once again stood out, taking it upon herself to oversee the Veela, ensuring they looked flawless. Some found her leadership a bit tiresome, but few dared challenge her—especially not a powerful witch whose obsession with the new Headmaster was thinly veiled. Though Fleur tried to keep her feelings for Timothy Jody a secret, her behavior often betrayed her, especially to her closest friends.

The students assembled in the courtyard, their ceremonial uniforms pristine, waiting for the new Headmaster. Even those indifferent to the event couldn't help but feel a tinge of curiosity. The weather seemed to play along, offering warm sunshine, a gentle breeze, and a perfect temperature, making the wait pleasant.

At last, the main gate separating the school grounds from the outside world swung open, revealing two figures. One was immediately recognizable as the Head of the Department of Education. The other, though unfamiliar, was someone they had just learned about through the morning's newspaper.

Timothy Jody was tall and undeniably handsome—a fact acknowledged by both witches and wizards, though the latter were reluctant to admit it. His calm, confident expression reflected keen interest as his eyes scanned the neat rows of students. With an effortless gesture, he adjusted his jet-black hair and stepped forward, his movements commanding attention.

***

After the small celebration, I didn't go straight to the school. Instead, I rested in one of the rooms that had been set aside for me. It wasn't very large, but I didn't need a grand space to relax.

The Department Heads were eager to meet me, and I didn't turn anyone away. So far, no one had left a particularly strong impression on me. However, Amel stood out as the most reasonable among the group of wizards and immediately pledged his support for any initiatives I might undertake.

The other Department Heads noticed the rapport between Amel and me and that we had known each other prior to today. If they were harboring their own internal intrigues or strategizing how my presence might affect their plans, they surely saw that Amel's strengthened position as my ally granted him more opportunities and influence.

The most important part of the day, however, was beginning to understand what Beauxbatons truly was.

In the morning, I met André, who was almost vibrating with excitement. He reminded me of a fanatic meeting their idol, though I refrained from dwelling too much on the comparison. Delving into that line of thought felt unnecessary—and potentially morally uncomfortable.

"Are you ready, Headmaster Jody?" he asked eagerly.

The title felt strange to me. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine becoming the Headmaster of such a prestigious magical school.

"Ready," I replied. "Shall we go?"

"Yes," said André. "I've got a Portkey that will take us to the right location. From there, it's just a short walk—nothing too strenuous."

"That shouldn't be a problem," I assured him.

"Then let's go."

He handed me a small stick, gesturing for me to take one end. I grabbed it firmly without hesitation, waiting for André to say the activation word. As soon as he did, the magic surged around us, pulling us through space.

A moment later, we arrived at a small clearing surrounded by four stone columns. Each column was adorned with pure white sculptures of people I didn't recognize.

From the clearing, a stone-paved path stretched toward the school. At first glance, it was evident that Beauxbatons was a world apart from Hogwarts. Majestic mountains framed the horizon, their peaks brushing the heavens, while light clouds dotted the vast blue sky. A warm breeze swept across the meadows, which were blanketed in vibrant, multicolored flowers.

The school itself was a masterpiece of grandeur and luxury. While Hogwarts resembled a formidable fortress with its imposing towers and defensive structures, Beauxbatons exuded the splendor of a royal palace.

The academy's facades were adorned with intricate carvings and opulent sculptures, seamlessly blending artistry with elegance. Graceful curves and flowing lines framed its wide windows, while elaborate frescoes breathed life into its walls. Gleaming spires soared skyward, inspiring both awe and reverence in anyone fortunate enough to gaze upon them.

After a brief walk, we reached a gray marble road etched with magical runes that glimmered faintly, leading toward the main gates. As I surveyed the surroundings and discreetly cast wandless spells to analyze the area, it became apparent that the palace's vulnerable appearance was an illusion. Any attempt to harm the school would be met with a network of formidable defenses, dormant yet ready to spring into action at a moment's notice. At a glance, it was impossible to gauge the full extent of their power.

We stopped in front of the main doors. André paused to catch his breath—he wasn't exactly in peak physical condition. I, however, felt no trace of fatigue from the short walk.

On the doors, the school's crest was proudly displayed: two crossed wands emitting magical sparks. It was a tasteful design, understated yet imbued with a noble shade of blue.

"Well then?" André asked, turning to me. "Headmaster, are you ready to meet your staff and students?"

"Yes," I replied simply.

"Then good luck."

The door opened slowly, flooding the room with light for a few moments. As it fully swung open, I was greeted by the sight of neat rows of witches and wizards of all ages, dressed in blue uniforms. Their gazes were fixed on André and me, though most of the attention was undoubtedly directed at me.

Walking forward, I waited for the door to close behind me before pausing to carefully observe the students, their teachers, and the rest of the administrative staff, all of whom watched me with a mixture of curiosity and expectation.

"It's a pleasure to welcome you, my friends," I began, addressing the assembled witches and wizards. Scanning the crowd, my eyes settled on a familiar face—Fleur Delacour, who was smiling radiantly. For a brief moment, I brushed against her mind. Her eyes widened slightly in surprise, but she didn't raise any defenses, not even her innate magical resistance. Sending her a playful mental impression of an airy kiss, I shifted my attention back to the rest of the crowd.

"My name is Timothy Jody, though I suspect most of you already know that," I said with a warm smile, striving to make it as charming as possible. "You may address me as Headmaster, Monsieur, Monsieur Jody, or whatever you find suitable. It is truly an honor to see all of you here to welcome me. I'm confident that over time, we'll build a wonderful rapport, and I'll have the chance to share with you some of the magical wisdom I've gathered over the years."

The room remained quiet, with the students and teachers continuing to observe me, as if waiting for further instruction.

"I'm sure we'll have more opportunities to speak during dinner this evening," I continued. "For now, I'd like to take some time to familiarize myself with the school and attend to the matters left by the previous Headmistress. Students, you are dismissed for the day. Professors and administrative staff, I'll ask you to meet me in my office later for a more personal introduction."

At my words, the students began to disperse. André then led me toward the Headmaster's office.

During the walk, I paid little attention to the school's beauty, though I was certain it was an architectural marvel. I couldn't help but feel that the school held many secrets capable of fascinating even the most seasoned wizard. And who better than I, with my Archive, to uncover them all?

The Headmaster's office was rather empty. A massive but plain desk, an equally large chair, and the surrounding furnishings were all built to accommodate a half-giant. It almost felt as though André and I had been shrunk, though that wasn't the case. Everything here was simply oversized.

With a wave of my hand, I resized all the furniture to better suit a human frame. André froze, his mind momentarily blank with astonishment. Had he really never seen a wizard use wandless magic before? Apparently not. He'd heard of such a thing but had clearly never witnessed it.

"Welcome?" he said, his tone uncertain. "This is now your office… If you'd like, you can submit a request to the Ministry, and they'll allocate funds for you to redecorate it to your taste."

"That wouldn't hurt," I nodded. "Yes, that would definitely be helpful."

"Since you're now the new Headmaster, Monsieur Jody, I must also provide you with the codes for the protective enchantments," André said, placing a folder with several dozen papers on my desk.

I opened it and quickly skimmed through, noting all the essential information. I'd review it more thoroughly later to ensure there were no errors, but even at a glance, one thing stood out to me: I didn't like the idea of these security codes being in anyone else's hands. I understood the reasons behind it, but that didn't mean I had to agree with it.

"Excellent, thank you," I said. "Are there any other documents I need to review?"

"Not really," André replied, shaking his head. "Most of the documents were managed by Madame Maxime's deputy. All financial transactions, contracts, and similar matters went through him. Madame Maxime only provided the final signature."

"Not a bad arrangement on her part," I thought. I would just need to ensure that this deputy could be completely loyal to me, rather than secretly siphoning resources from the school—or from me personally. Perhaps I could involve Kiara Daly... No, she was already handling the management of my business ventures. No point in piling additional responsibilities on her.

"I think that's all for today," André said. "Tomorrow, I'll return with the documents, lesson plans, guidelines, and future proposals. We'll need to discuss everything. The Ministry is eager to hear your opinions on certain matters."

"No problem," I replied with a nod. "If there are specific issues you'd like to address, I'll be happy to go over them."

"Well then, Headmaster Jody, I wish you a pleasant day. I'll see you tomorrow."

André walked over to the oversized fireplace, shouting something incomprehensible just before vanishing in a flash of green flames.

Left alone in the office, I wasted no time gazing out the window, though the view was undeniably spectacular. Instead, I began a preliminary inspection of the Headmaster's office, drawing upon the expertise of Agent Zero. Spells flowed effortlessly from my wand, softly enveloping the walls, ceiling, floor, wooden statuettes, stone sculptures, and every other object in the room.

The first priority was to eliminate all surveillance spells. These could either be destroyed outright or recalibrated to feed false information. Both methods came naturally to me, thanks to Agent Zero's memories.

To my mild surprise, the office contained numerous surveillance and tracking spells. Some served dual purposes, which I neutralized, while those dedicated solely to spying were obliterated. No one would be watching me here. Once the surveillance was eradicated, I began layering the walls with a "cake" of defensive spells and runes, modeled after Agent Zero's techniques for securing his own office. From now on, no one could enter or leave the room through the fireplace without my explicit permission. The walls themselves became highly resistant to tampering, making it difficult for new surveillance spells to take hold—a particularly useful precaution if someone attempted to install anything in my absence.

For any overly ambitious intruders, I added a few surprise spells. Those would ensure I had a lively discussion with such individuals in a dungeon or holding cell of my choosing.

Next, I turned my attention to the school's protective enchantments. Using the security code spell provided in the folder, I opened a small mental channel to the enchantments, allowing them to connect with my mind. Almost immediately, I understood the sheer complexity of the system. With a mere thought, I could activate numerous defensive mechanisms, though doing so would require a significant amount of energy. Once triggered, the protections could function autonomously for approximately six months before requiring additional power sources to sustain them.

Following the channel's connection, I traced it to its origin: a semi-sentient artifact designed as an interface to simplify the management of the palace's defenses and several other systems. The artifact was located somewhere deep within the heart of the school. It seemed prudent to visit it soon, both to assess its condition and evaluate the security measures surrounding it.

Satisfied with the initial defenses I had set up, I turned my attention to the living quarters accessible through one of the doors in the Headmaster's office. This door was concealed by multiple layers of enchantments, and revealing it gave me the distinct impression it hadn't been opened in a very long time.

The interior confirmed my suspicions. The space was devoid of even basic surveillance or defensive spells, a clear indication of its long-standing neglect. After casting the necessary enchantments to secure the area, I activated the water supply for the dry pool and transfigured a large bed, a desk, and a wardrobe for myself. There was no need to search for other accommodations—this would serve perfectly.

By the time I had finished setting up, several hours had passed. It was remarkable how quickly time slipped away when immersed in tasks of importance or intrigue. Closing the door to my private quarters, I concealed it once more with multiple layers of spells.

Just as I completed the final concealment, a sharp knock echoed through the office.

"Enter!" I called, waving a hand to open the door.

A man stepped inside, his eyes immediately drawn to the resized furniture, which he examined with unconcealed curiosity.

"Good afternoon, Headmaster," he greeted, his tone polite but his expression slightly awkward. It was clear he was still adjusting to addressing someone several decades his junior as Headmaster. No doubt, others would share the same struggle—but they'd adapt, with or without my assistance.

"My name is Denad Brien. I served as Deputy Headmaster under Madame Maxime."

"Excellent," I said with a nod. "And how do you find the job? Do you enjoy it?"

"It's quite satisfactory," he replied after a brief pause. "But that's not why I'm here. As the former Headmistress's deputy—and, I hope, your deputy as well—I feel it's my duty to give you a tour of the school so you can better fulfill your responsibilities."

"That would be helpful," I agreed with another nod.

"I suggest we begin at the main entrance," Denad said.

As it turned out, the former deputy was an exceptional guide.

The moment you step into Beauxbatons Academy of Magic, you are immediately enveloped by its grandeur and opulence. Every corner of the academy exudes sophistication, showcasing a harmonious blend of intricate design, vibrant colors, and masterful artistry.

"As you might have guessed, Nicolas Flamel's wife was one of the key figures behind the school's redesign," Denad explained as we strolled through a magnificent corridor. "It was during a time when she became enamored with Roman Baroque architecture."

The grand foyer was a sight to behold. Its soaring ceilings featured intricate frescoes depicting magical creatures and pivotal moments from wizarding history. The gleaming marble floors, polished to perfection, reflected the warm magical glow of ornate chandeliers suspended above. Graceful staircases crafted from intricately wrought iron and marble ascended to the upper floors, flanked by colossal columns adorned with meticulously carved capitals.

In contrast, Hogwarts seemed cold, austere, and almost unwelcoming.

Beauxbatons' hallways continued the theme of elegance, with grand arches, elaborate moldings, and richly decorated walls accented in gold. Luxurious tapestries depicting legendary events lined the walls, their vibrant colors and fine details captivating the eye. In alcoves and niches stood statues of renowned wizards and mythical creatures, each a flawless masterpiece that seemed to tell its own story.

"Each classroom was designed with a unique aesthetic in mind," Denad explained, leading me into one of the rooms used for Transfiguration lessons.

"Amusing," I remarked, noticing a small statue of Dumbledore pacing along a shelf, its tiny arms waving dramatically.

"That was one of last year's fourth-year projects," Denad said with a smile. "You can be sure that this year, you'll be a popular subject among them. I wouldn't be surprised if they try to capture you in some figurines."

"Well, I wouldn't mind," I replied with a chuckle.

The dining hall maintained the school's signature elegance. Rows of polished marble columns supported a stunning coffered ceiling, painted with scenes of magical feasts and celebrations. Luxurious tables were thoughtfully arranged to ensure that no one felt either crowded or isolated. Even the teachers' table had a more inviting design compared to the imposing one at Hogwarts. Since it wasn't mealtime, the hall was eerily quiet and entirely devoid of students.

The library was another essential stop. Though not vastly different from the Hogwarts library, it featured both a public section and a restricted section. The restricted area wasn't supposed to house anything particularly dangerous, but access was limited to students with a professor's recommendation.

The librarian, an elderly man with a semi-mad gaze that darted from place to place, presented a rather peculiar sight. Still, if he performed his duties well, I saw no reason to concern myself with his eccentricities.

The outdoor grounds were equally impressive, encompassing gardens, several nurseries, and a Quidditch pitch. As we passed the pitch, a team was practicing, their players seemingly indifferent to our presence.

"In two weeks, we'll have a game," Denad said. "The Dragons versus the Waterfall."

Unlike Hogwarts, Beauxbatons had five houses, each with a distinct focus. While the houses at Hogwarts shared a largely uniform curriculum, those at Beauxbatons were more specialized. Furthermore, male and female students lived and attended lessons separately.

House Lumière had the most comprehensive curriculum in theoretical magic. Its graduates often pursued careers in the Ministry as clerks, researchers, potion masters, or healers. The house's symbol was a light-yellow sun on a blue background, with delicate rays radiating outward.

House Verdoyan specialized in the study of magical creatures and plants. Its students frequently collaborated with other magical races and often worked in greenhouses, reserves, or research expeditions. The house's symbol featured a tree with a dense green canopy, flanked by two stylized hares.

House Aquilon was renowned for its excellence in Charms. This house produced the largest number of members for the Charms Guild and had strong representation in other practical magical disciplines. Many of its students also became skilled potion makers. Its symbol was a stylized stream of air on a green background.

House Montagnard trained future combat wizards, gendarmes, and hunters. Its curriculum focused on studying dark creatures, their habits, and methods for combating them, including dealing with monstrous humans. The best graduates could rival seasoned gendarmes, although they rarely remained ordinary members of the profession. The house symbol was a dragon struck through by a lightning bolt.

House Harmonia, the most prestigious house, was known for its rigorous academic workload. Its graduates often held leadership roles in the Gendarmerie, the Ministry, or professional guilds. Many became leading researchers and exceptionally skilled wizards. Harmonia attracted the most talented students, those who entered with a clear vision of their futures.

Because of the five houses, Beauxbatons had ten Quidditch teams, with boys and girls playing together. This arrangement made their Quidditch season much more dynamic and engaging than Hogwarts'. Additionally, Beauxbatons hosted inter-house competitions in various visual arts. I was shown a gallery featuring some of the finest student work, ranging from simple still lifes to epic battle scenes. Many of the artworks incorporated magical spells and techniques, adding layers of depth and creating an immersive, almost lifelike quality.

"Oh, it's just about time for dinner," said Madame Maxime's former deputy as we concluded the tour of the school. Some of the legends and stories he shared were fascinating, offering a deeper glimpse into the school's spirit and its rules.

The code of conduct was straightforward and easy to recall. It outlined basic societal expectations as well as guidelines for studying magic responsibly. However, one question lingered in my mind: why, with such a high-quality approach to well-rounded student preparation, do fewer masters emerge from Beauxbatons compared to Hogwarts? It's a complex question, one I don't yet have an answer to, but I suspect that after spending more time here, I'll identify the difference.

"By tradition, the Headmaster enters the dining hall last. All students are expected to be seated by six o'clock," Denad explained. "Anyone who's late can either get their dinner in the kitchen or go hungry. No one's going to starve to death."

"So, I'll wait another five minutes," I replied with a nod.

At precisely six o'clock, I entered the hall and was briefly taken aback to see all the students and staff standing. Their eyes were fixed on me, filled with a mix of anticipation and curiosity. Maintaining a calm demeanor, I made my way to the Headmaster's chair, which naturally commanded the most attention. Walking under the scrutiny of such a crowd wasn't easy, but I ensured that no trace of emotion crossed my face.

When I reached the chair, I turned to address the students.

"I wish you all a pleasant meal."

With that, I sat down, prompting the students to do the same. They pulled out their chairs and began to whisper among themselves. A menu appeared on the plate in front of me, and I picked it up immediately. The other teachers remained silent, though I could sense their unspoken desire to talk amongst themselves.

Dinner unfolded in this strange silence. I didn't mind their discomfort; there was nothing pressing to discuss with them yet.

"I trust you haven't forgotten about tonight's meeting," I said, directing my words to the professors and administrative staff.

"Excuse me," one of the witches from the administrative team interjected. "Everyone? Even the janitors?"

"Not yet," I replied. "First, I want to meet with those who work directly with the students: professors, their assistants, and house heads along with their assistants."

"And where will we be meeting?"

"Where did the previous Headmistress hold such meetings?"

"She didn't," Denad answered.

"She didn't?" I repeated, momentarily surprised. "In that case, I invite you all to the Headmaster's office for introductions and to begin our discussions."

After dinner concluded, I stood first, signaling the end of the meal. Only then did the students begin to rise, their eyes following me with curiosity to see what I would do next. I left the dining hall and headed to my office to prepare for the meeting.

As I walked through the corridors, I became aware of someone following me. Pausing, I turned and stepped aside, waiting. Moments later, Fleur appeared, glancing around nervously.

"Miss Fleur," I called softly.

"Timothy," she responded in a quiet voice, her eyes darting about as though afraid of being seen. Oddly enough, it seemed she was more concerned about my reputation than her own. "Headmaster," she added belatedly.

She slipped into a small alcove with me, and before I could say anything, she threw her arms around me. The surge of positive emotions radiating from her Veela nature was overwhelming, far beyond what I had anticipated.

"It's been a while," I said gently, stepping back to give her space.

"I'm so happy you've become the Headmaster of Beauxbatons," she said, her smile radiant.

"Temporary," I corrected her. "For now, it's only temporary."

"Yes," she exhaled, still smiling. "But even so, I'm glad I'll finally get to see you every day."

"Tell me, Fleur," I asked, meeting her gaze. "You haven't changed your mind about us?"

"I've already made my decision," she replied firmly, folding her hands in front of her.

"Alright, darling," I said, brushing my hand gently against her cheek. Her emotions were so vivid, they felt almost tangible. At my touch, she seemed overwhelmed with ecstasy—a reaction that struck me as odd, but I decided not to dwell on it.

"I can't stay and talk with you for long right now," I continued, "but there are many things I'd like to ask you about."

"Of course," she replied, nodding eagerly, her willingness to help unmistakable.

"I'd like you to gather your thoughts about the professors," I said. "Next time we meet, I'll want your insights on them. Can you do that for me?"

"You even have to ask?" she said with a teasing smile. "I'll answer all your questions—if you give me a kiss."

"Maybe," I replied with a smirk, sidestepping her request. "Maybe."

"Hmph," she pouted playfully. "Fine. I'll think about the questions you might ask and make sure I give you the best answers."

"Good attitude, Fleur," I said with a nod.

She lingered, clinging to my hand as though reluctant to let go. It seemed she derived genuine joy even from such simple physical contact. I found it difficult to understand, having never experienced anything similar. Still, I refrained from any inappropriate actions, much to her evident disappointment.

Eventually, we parted ways. Fleur headed to her dormitory to work on the assignment I had given her, while I returned to my office to prepare for my introduction to the Beauxbatons staff. I was curious to learn more about these individuals—their personalities, ambitions, and whether any secretly despised teaching and longed for another career—or, conversely, if any truly loved their profession with all their heart.

"Headmaster," a raspy voice called out. Turning, I saw an elderly house-elf. He appeared so ancient that it seemed the sands of time might spill from him at any moment. Despite his frailty, he carried himself with remarkable determination.

"I am the head of the Beauxbatons house-elf community," he said, bowing slightly. "My name is Rumi."

"A pleasure to meet you, Rumi," I replied, inclining my head. "Tell me, how much authority do you recognize in me?"

"More than the previous Headmaster," he answered without hesitation. "The stronger the Headmaster, the greater their authority over the school."

"Excellent," I said with a nod. "Then, I'd like the house-elves to gather all the information you have on the professors and other staff members. How long will that take?"

"Two days," Rumi responded instantly, his voice tinged with a hint of satisfaction. He seemed pleased by my directness. "In two days, all the information will be at your disposal."

"Then get to it," I said firmly. "I'll be waiting in my office. Time to get acquainted."