"Partings always come in January, or September; memories are the ache of longing.
London's winter fog, kissing my forehead..."
Hermione climbed up to the attic to hurry him along, pausing in confusion as she caught Qin Yu humming a song she didn't recognize. She couldn't make out the words, but the melody was tinged with melancholy—though, judging by his exaggeratedly forlorn expression, he was laying it on a bit thick.
When he reached a certain line, he cupped her head in his hands and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.
"Hermione, Qin! Hurry up, we might hit traffic on the way!" came Mrs. Granger's voice from downstairs at exactly the wrong moment.
Qin Yu jumped, a flicker of panic in his eyes.
The little witch shook her head in silent amusement. With nerves like his, she wondered, how could she ever expect him to accomplish anything daring in the future?
He poked his head out to check the coast was clear, only relaxing once he was sure it was safe. Then he resumed his humming, making the final adjustments to his packing.
When everything was in order, he scanned the room one last time, fiddled with the arrangement of a few trinkets on the desk, and finally nodded in satisfaction.
"...London, all I can take with me is you~"
He sang out one last line, then took her hand and led her downstairs, luggage in tow.
…
Just as Mrs. Granger had warned, they did hit a bit of traffic.
Fortunately, they'd left early enough to reach King's Cross Station right at 10:40.
Practice makes perfect—by now, they had the timing down to an art.
This time, the farewell wasn't nearly as fraught with emotion.
After all, Miss Granger was no longer a wide-eyed first year. By next September, she'd be able to sit back and critique the new batch of students squealing under the Sorting Hat.
As for Mr. and Mrs. Granger, they'd emerged—somewhat—from the fog of bewilderment that had shrouded their introduction to the wizarding world. They were still full of questions, of course, but seeing their daughter so lively and thriving, even better than before, put their hearts at ease.
And, of course, the presence of Qin—so steady and reliable—was a great comfort. With him looking out for their daughter, they didn't have to worry so much. The facts had proven it.
"Take care of yourself, listen to Qin, and remember to write to Mum and Dad often," Mrs. Granger reminded at the station entrance.
"I will, Mum! You two take care of yourselves too. When you get a holiday, go traveling—London's weather really is dreadful," Hermione advised in return.
The four of them—two adults, two children—waved their goodbyes.
Once the children had disappeared into the station, Mr. Granger led his wife back to the car.
Mrs. Granger didn't cry this time, but her mood was clearly subdued.
On the drive home, Mr. Granger did his best to cheer her up, and soon her spirits lifted.
With time to spare, he suggested they go rent a few more videotapes.
They debated whether to watch some new North American B-movies or indulge in the artistic flair of French New Wave films, and finally decided to rent both.
With the kids gone, they didn't have to worry about age ratings—18+, 19+, it didn't matter anymore.
Naturally, talk of movies led to discussion of the "activities" they might enjoy while watching them.
"Honestly, Jenny, the kids are getting older. I'm really worried that one day we'll be caught in the act," Mr. Granger admitted, a little sheepish as he drove.
"Exactly! We had a few close calls this holiday," Mrs. Granger replied, still a bit on edge thinking about it.
She gave him a playful slap, half reproachful. "I told you it was risky, but you just had to rush things—in broad daylight, no less!"
"Heh, I thought they were napping," Mr. Granger said, embarrassed.
"Even so, you've got to consider the timing," Mrs. Granger said, rolling her eyes—not that he saw it, but after so many years together, he could feel it in her tone.
He glanced over with a cheeky grin. "But you have to admit, you enjoyed it, didn't you, Jenny?"
"Eyes on the road, David!" Mrs. Granger retorted, blushing as she gave him another little smack.
Still, she couldn't help replaying those moments in her mind, her gaze growing a touch dreamy as she looked at her husband—though he never noticed.
Unconsciously, she reached out her right hand, meaning to rest it on his leg…
(Note: In the UK, cars are right-hand drive—the driver sits on the right, the passenger on the left, so she reached out with her right hand.)
A sudden burst of car horns from behind snapped her out of it, stopping her hand in its tracks and saving her from distracting her husband at the wheel.
Don't get frisky while driving; save it for when the car's parked.
If you mess around while driving, your loved ones will be left in tears!
Always remember: traffic safety comes first!
"Ahem, David, seriously, we really do need to keep things discreet around the kids," Mrs. Granger said, regaining her composure.
"Absolutely, you're right. They're still young, after all," Mr. Granger agreed solemnly.
As the saying goes, the cautious fear each other.
They were so worried about the kids catching them in the act—little did they know, those two were just as afraid of being caught themselves.
Well, they'd just keep dodging each other.
Maybe there's a secret thrill in mutual avoidance.
…
Time slips by like sand, years gallop past like wild horses.
Life is a train winding through mountains, passing one landscape after another, stopping at stations where we leave our marks—some deep, some faint.
Lost in such reflections, Qin Yu arrived at Hogsmeade Station aboard the Hogwarts Express.
The little witch, who'd been napping with her head on his lap, woke just as the train slowed—perhaps roused by the growing commotion in the corridor.
Seizing the moment, Qin Yu leaned down and pressed a quick kiss to her forehead, rousing his sleeping princess.
"Welcome back to Hogwarts, Miss Granger!"
"Welcome back, Mr. Qin!"
They exchanged these mock-formal greetings, then burst out laughing. It was the delight of finding each other a little silly, and the joy of having someone to share that silliness with.
The Black Lake was frozen solid, thick ice stretching across its surface. Students could walk straight across it.
After disembarking, the young wizards piled into sleighs pulled by towering reindeer, each sporting antlers like tangled branches—majestic and imposing.
As the sleighs skimmed over the ice, it truly felt like riding Santa's sleigh.
Especially with Hagrid at the reins—if he swapped his coat for a red suit and donned a matching red hat, the illusion would be complete.
Qin Yu and Hermione were among Hagrid's passengers.
The first-years, riding sleighs for the first time, were beside themselves with excitement. It was far more thrilling than the boats at the start of term. Many, ignoring Hagrid's warnings, stretched out their arms and shrieked into the icy wind.
But by the time they reached the shore, every nose and ear was red, some kids sniffling, others sneezing.
No doubt Madam Pomfrey's infirmary would be packed tonight.
Qin Yu, of course, had stopped Hermione from leaning into the wind, shielding her with his arm.
Her cheeks were rosy, but she hadn't been chilled too badly.
Back at the castle, everyone returned to their dorms to drop off luggage and freshen up before heading together to the Great Hall.
A steaming, sumptuous dinner awaited them.
As they gathered at the tables, friends reunited after days apart—there were greetings, laughter, and easy chatter.
With the holidays at an end, Hogwarts was bustling once more.
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