CHAPTER 100: NEWS

The first light of dawn crept through the frost-kissed windows of White Manor in London , painting the stately bedchamber in pale amber hues. Winter air laced with the scent of old parchment and lavender drifted through the open balcony doors. Inside, Eira lay half-wrapped in her silken sheets, her White hair tousled, the remains of restless sleep still faint on her face.

A gentle pop sounded in the air.

"Miss," came the small, chirping voice of her house-elf. Lolly appeared at the foot of the bed, balancing a polished silver tray with a porcelain teacup and a freshly folded Daily Prophet. Her bat-like ears drooped under the weight of the rolled paper’s thick bold letters.

Eira sat up slowly, brushing her hair back from her face. "Good morning, Lolly."

"Morning, Mistress," the elf said, voice quivering slightly. "The news... it’s out."

Eira blinked and took the tray. She sipped the jasmine tea before reaching for the newspaper. Her eyes scanned the cover—and then narrowed.

The front page was dominated by a moving photograph taken the day before in the Ministry Atrium. There she was: standing tall in her navy-blue robes, her chin lifted imperiously, her white hair shimmering under the glowing ceiling. Around her, stunned journalists leaned forward with recorders and open mouths.

Above the image, in massive swirling letters:

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LADY WHITE SPEAKS: CECIL VOCLAIN CONFIRMED

The Matriarch of the White Family Breaks Her Silence—Scandal, Heritage, and Denials That Stopped the Ministry Atrium Cold

⸻

Eira exhaled through her nose and unfolded the paper fully.

{ By Marietta Featherstone, Senior Correspondent

In what can only be described as one of the most monumental moments in recent magical history, Lady Eira White, matriarch of the ancient and noble House of White, faced the press yesterday in the Atrium of the British Ministry of Magic and laid to rest weeks of speculation that have gripped both Britain and the Continent.

Standing amid a sea of reporters and flashbulbs, Lady White addressed the swirling controversy surrounding the legitimacy of one Mr. Cecil White—formerly known as the disowned son of the late Elijah White.

"Yes," Lady White said solemnly, in front of dozens of witnesses. "Olivia White and Adrian Voclain had a secret affair. Cecil is the result of that union."

The confirmation sent ripples through the wizarding world, validating rumors that had for weeks been dismissed as baseless gossip. Lady White’s composed yet commanding delivery of the truth marked a dramatic moment of reckoning, not only for the White family, but also for the highly esteemed Voclain family of France.

Records show that Adrian Voclain was the patriarch of one of France’s most influential pureblood families. This revelation therefore places Cecil Voclain as the half-brother of none other than Minister Isabella Voclain of France, as well as Lord Maximilian Voclain, head of the Voclain estate and one of the most powerful business magnates in Europe.

Sources within the French Ministry declined to comment, but Minister Voclain’s office issued a brief statement this morning: "Minister Isabella Voclain is currently reviewing private family matters. She asks for respect and privacy." }

Eira flipped to the next page. Her own name stood boldly again in the subhead:

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Inheritance, Bloodlines, and Justice: White Matriarch Justifies Reclaiming Family Assets

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{ In the same interview, Lady White answered questions about the abrupt reclamation of assets from Cecil Voclain (née White). When asked whether the confiscation of his bank vaults, estates, and heirlooms was tied to his status as an illegitimate child, Lady White responded:

"He is not a White by blood. After becoming matriarch, I was obligated to review all family matters. It became evident, through reports and verified documents, that Mr. Cecil was not entitled to any White inheritance. Tradition is clear—only blood family may inherit."

While this decision has sparked debate among more progressive wizarding circles, many ancient houses—such as the Greengrasses, the Selwyns, and the Bulstrodes—have expressed support, citing similar inheritance laws within their own families. "It’s a hard truth," one member of the Wizengamot said anonymously. "But it is the law of blood that governs our world."

Whether Cecil Voclain will now pursue claims on the Voclain inheritance remains to be seen. As of this writing, no public response has been issued from him.}

Eira sipped her tea again. It had grown lukewarm. She set it down.

She continued reading, eyes now drawn to another section:

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Lockhart Love Letter Denied: ’I Don’t Know Who That Is,’ Says Lady White

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{ One of the more comical moments from the impromptu interview came when Lady White was asked about a widely circulated claim made by Gilderoy Lockhart. The flamboyant author alleged that Lady White had sent him a handwritten love letter requesting a romantic rendezvous, an autograph, and a private dinner at a London hotel.

Lady White’s initial response?

"I’m sorry, who is Gilderoy Lockhart?"

The Atrium erupted into gasps, and Lockhart’s supporters were seen clutching their chests. But Lady White did not relent. After a quiet whisper from her assistant, Emma Bloom, she clarified that she may have read one of his books as a child—but did not recall the man with any fondness.

"I certainly did not send him any love letter," she said. "If he’s said otherwise, I suspect he’s simply seeking attention."

The implication, though delivered coolly, was unmistakable: Lady White considers Lockhart a fame-hungry opportunist. This morning, Mr. Lockhart responded via owl post from his book signing in Diagon Alley:

"I am deeply saddened by Lady White’s claim not to know me. I suspect she is simply shy. These things happen when young witches meet their literary heroes."

Lady White declined to respond further, but sources close to her say she found Lockhart’s response "amusing, if predictable."}

Eira allowed herself a small smirk.

"Pathetic," she murmured, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear.

Lolly, who stood quietly by the nightstand, spoke hesitantly. "Miss... Lolly thinks Lockhart is a fool. Lolly is proud of Mistress for not being tricked by such a slimy man."

Eira gave a soft chuckle. "Thank you, Lolly. I quite agree."

She turned to the final column in bold:

⸻

No Engagement to Malfoy Heir, Says Lady White: ’I Barely Know Him’

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{ Amidst the flurry of family revelations and rumor denials, Lady White addressed a persistent whisper among British society circles—that she was secretly engaged to Draco Malfoy, heir to the House of Malfoy.

"No," she said plainly. "The last time I saw Mr. Malfoy was last year, briefly. I do not know him well, and I have no plans for engagement—secret or otherwise."

Despite this clear statement, Malfoy family representatives have not issued any official comment. Lucius Malfoy, head of the Malfoy estate, was seen exiting Gringotts this morning, refusing to speak to reporters.

Gossip columnist Tansy Skeeter (niece of famed journalist Rita Skeeter) added this:

"If Lady White wanted to make herself seem unavailable, she did a splendid job. Though I’d wager the Malfoys aren’t the only family lining up at her door."

With titles, fortune, and political power at her disposal, Eira White may soon become one of the most sought-after witches in Europe. But from the tone of her statements yesterday, she seems determined to chart her own path—free from scandal, sentiment, or softening of tradition.}

At the bottom of the page, a note in bold read:

A full transcript of Lady White’s statements is available on page 12.

Eira folded the paper and set it aside on the nightstand.

The weight of it all sank in—not just the articles, but what they meant. Her words were now inked into record. She had spoken as matriarch—not a frightened girl or a hesitant heir. She had acted decisively, and the wizarding world had listened.

Lolly stood on tiptoe, brushing lint from the hem of Eira’s nightgown. "Will Mistress be all right?" she asked softly.

"I will," Eira said. She rose from the bed, moving with the calm dignity expected of her title. "But I imagine others won’t."

"Should Lolly prepare the owl room? There will be many letters today."

Eira nodded. "Yes. And tell Emma to ready herself—we may receive visitors. And summon a scribe. I need to write to France."

"Yes, Mistress."

As Lolly disappeared with a pop, Eira crossed the room to the window. She looked out over the quiet gardens of White Manor.