The summer sun had barely settled over the English countryside when nine familiar names found themselves written together on an unusually extravagant set of travel arrangements.

Paris. An entire month in France, courtesy of nine families who had collectively decided that their children deserved one final summer of freedom before returning to Hogwarts for their seventh and final year.

Their destination was an enormous magical estate tucked away within one of Paris's most beautiful neighbourhoods. Behind its grand iron gates stood a magnificent property of pale stone, climbing roses and elaborate balconies, its windows catching the golden afternoon light.

The group arrived in a flurry of trunks, travelling cloaks and barely contained excitement. The iron gates swung open of their own accord, revealing a sweeping gravel drive lined with perfectly trimmed hedges. The estate rose before them like something from a storybook — all pale stone, ornate ironwork and roses the colour of fresh cream.

Inside, nine individually prepared bedrooms awaited their occupants. Fresh flowers adorned the entrance hall, the dining table had been arranged with delicate porcelain, and the kitchen was already preparing an elaborate welcome dinner. A house-elf in a crisp linen uniform appeared with a bow, directing trunks toward the correct rooms with a snap of its long fingers.

The entrance hall opened into a vast sitting room, all high ceilings and tall windows that let in the golden afternoon light. Beyond that, a dining room already set for dinner, and a terrace that overlooked the gardens. The house smelled of fresh linen, roses and something warm and sweet from the kitchen.