"You mean..." Pheobe's heart gave a sudden leap.
"I mean," Madame Maxime said, her smile widening.
"Perhaps you should stay here a little longer as an exchange student, too? Consider it... an extra reward for your outstanding performance in the tournament. Of course, that is if you consider exams a reward!"
Pheobe felt as though she had been struck by a Happiness Charm, followed by an ecstasy that threatened to overflow from her chest.
"Oh! Headmistress! I... can I really?!" Her voice trembled slightly with excitement.
"Of course you can, my dear child." Madame Maxime gently patted Pheobe's shoulder with her enormous hand. "Go on, pursue the... knowledge you desire."
She placed particular emphasis on the word "knowledge."
Pheobe's cheeks flushed scarlet, but she had no time to be shy. After bowing deeply to Madame Maxime, she turned almost immediately, gathered up her skirts, and ran toward the Castle.
She knew that the man with the long, flame-red hair must still be there.
Sure enough, she soon spotted that familiar figure beneath the Castle's portico.
Bill Weasley was leaning against a stone pillar, his hands in his pockets, saying something to Douglas.
The fang earring in his ear gleamed with a hint of wildness in the morning sunlight.
"Bill!"
Pheobe's voice rang clear as a silver bell, carrying an eagerness even she had not noticed.
Bill turned his head, and when he saw her, a brilliant smile immediately spread across his face, warm enough to melt all the ice and snow in the Scottish Highlands.
"Oh? Look who it is! Our beautiful Beauxbatons Champion. Have you come to say goodbye?" His tone was full of teasing.
"No!"
Pheobe ran up to him, a little breathless from hurrying, an enchanting flush coloring her fair cheeks.
She raised her head, gazed at