In the blink of an eye, the Abraxans landed smoothly.
The golden horses, each the size of an elephant, tossed their enormous heads and silver manes. Their fiery red eyes darted about, and they soon spotted Harley.
Several of them snorted in greeting. One even whinnied, startling the young wizards nearby.
Harley remembered how, when Pheobe had shown her the Abraxans' stables, she'd personally fed those pampered young lords and ladies several barrels of fine single-malt whisky.
She hadn't expected them to have such good memories. They'd recognized her right away.
The carriage followed close behind the Abraxans, crashing heavily to the ground and kicking up a cloud of dust.
Once it had come to a complete stop, the doors—decorated with "two gleaming golden wands crossed, each with three stars rising from it"—swung open.
A boy in pale blue robes jumped down. Bending slightly, he unfolded a golden staircase from the floor of the carriage.
Then he stepped back respectfully, his head slightly bowed as he waited for the other passengers to emerge.
When a gleaming black high heel appeared from the carriage, many students gasped.
That shoe was enormous! Was that really a normal shoe size? Surely only a Giant would need shoes that big!
Madame Maxime led the Beauxbatons students gracefully down from the carriage and onto the open ground.
Just as when she'd last met Harley, she wore an abundance of exquisite accessories. This time, though, she had on a black satin dress.
Professor Dumbledore led the students in applause, then kissed Madame Maxime's hand without bending over.
"Dear Madame Maxime, welcome to Hogwarts!"
"Professor Dumbledore," Madame Maxime said slowly in her deep voice, "I hope you're well."
"Very well, thank you," Professor Dumbledore replied.
"These are the students I've brought with me. I'll be troubling your