The Veela Witches

The Delacours and the Gautiers

I was dazzled by the richness of detail and how the story of Harry Potter, from my mother's perspective, was told. It was almost two in the morning when she began to share with us, my father and me, all her adventures during her adolescence and adulthood. My father was excited, as was I. In that room, everything seemed so vivid that it was as if it were daytime outside. My mother, with her long hair and celestial walk, headed to the third sofa in the room and lay down on it, just as she used to recline on the couch in her greenhouse, resembling a Renaissance painting of a mermaid. Then, she began to narrate her story.

She meticulously started narrating the fateful night when Voldemort took the lives of the Potters and was repelled by his own spell when he cast the curse on little Potter. At that time, she was only three years old, and her memories were initially based on her parents' account. However, in the days that followed, when the wizarding world began to celebrate the defeat of the Dark Lord, she claimed that her memories became surprisingly clear. Specifically, she vividly recalled the celebration that engulfed the entire France. In Paris, iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe were adorned with a profusion of magical lights visible only to wizards. Her mind still retained images of fireworks lighting up the skies near the River Seine, creating a magical atmosphere of celebration.

When she turned eleven, she received a letter similar to the one I also received. That year, Madame Maxime addressed all selected students for the institution. My mother stretched on the sofa and picked up a long blue envelope, delicately decorated with gemstones and boasting a golden symbol composed of two crossed wands and stars. Upon opening it, several magical blue butterflies flew out of the lace, making Penelope jump off my lap and try to catch them by scratching the room's curtain.

Beauxbatons Academy of Magic
Château de Beauxbatons, France

Dear New First-Year Students,

It is with great pleasure and anticipation that I extend my warm greetings to you, future students of Beauxbatons Academy of Magic! On behalf of the entire French wizarding community and the faculty of the academy, it is an honor to welcome you to our prestigious school of magic.
Congratulations on being chosen to be part of this illustrious academy. Each of you has demonstrated exceptional talent and potential, and we look forward to sharing our unique magical tradition with you. At Beauxbatons, we cultivate not only magical skills but also a deep understanding of the beauty and elegance inherent in the art of magic.

Over the years, Beauxbatons has been a beacon of excellence in magical education, and it is our commitment to provide you with a quality magical education that will shape your talents and prepare you for the challenges that await all wizards and witches in this vast magical world. As you pass through the gates of Château de Beauxbatons, you will enter an environment rich in knowledge, culture, and mutual respect.

Eager to meet you in person, our freshmen, feel free to embark on your educational journey in our magnificent palace. Every step at Beauxbatons is an opportunity for magical discoveries and lasting friendships.

In anticipation of an exciting and productive school year, rest assured that you are a fundamental part of the rich tapestry that is Beauxbatons Academy of Magic. Prestigious and acclaimed worldwide.

Sincerely,

Madame Olympe Maxime
Headmistress of Beauxbatons Academy of Magic

After reading the letter, she explained to me that the twins Louis and Frederique received a similar letter three years later. On September 1, 1988, she and her cousin Fleur could hardly sleep due to anticipation. Unlike Hogwarts, where students departed from King's Cross Station in London, Beauxbatons' first-year students gathered in the Jardin des Tuileries, located between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde.