The Hogwarts Express let out a piercing whistle as it clattered onto the platform.
Wyzett squeezed through the bustling crowd with his roommates, finally managing to slip into a compartment that was blissfully empty.
Without a word, his friends unzipped their backpacks and pulled out stacks of homework—clearly, everyone had the same idea.
Blinking in surprise at their synchronized movements and eager faces, Wyzett asked, "What are you all planning…?"
"We're finishing our homework while you're still here!" Anthony shot him a meaningful look. "The train ride is long—we can't waste precious time!"
"For once, I'm with Anthony!" Michael slung an arm around his shoulder. "Get the homework done now, and we can enjoy summer to the fullest!"
"Agreed!"
"Same here!"
Terry and Chris chimed in, grabbing their hefty History of Magic textbooks to use as makeshift desks, all eyes fixed expectantly on Wyzett.
"Alright, alright! But you lot are really pushing yourselves." Wyzett laughed, shaking his head. He pulled out a piece of parchment and flicked it into the air.
Vera Verto! With a tap of his wand, the parchment transformed into a sturdy desk, fitting perfectly into the compartment's remaining space.
"Transfiguring a desk with a flick—now that's what an 'O' in Transfiguration is worth!" Anthony applauded with perfect timing.
The others joined in, and after a round of cheerful clapping, the group launched into their assignments with renewed determination.
Having only just finished their first year, their summer homework wasn't too complicated—mostly reviews of class material, using it as a foundation for short essays.
"Essays" was really just a fancy term; "reflections" would've been just as accurate.
As long as they listed out spell techniques, syllables, and added a few personal insights before wrapping up with a summary, they'd easily hit the required length.
Anthony and the others could handle the basics themselves, but for the final synthesis and conclusion, they relied on Wyzett.
With a head full of knowledge and a knack for citing sources, Wyzett could always add a touch of depth to their work.
Their studious mood even spread to the next compartment—soon, a few Gryffindors wandered over, including Harry, Hermione, and Ron.
"This really is a good idea…" Harry said, a hint of melancholy in his voice. "I bet when I get home, my uncle and aunt will lock all my stuff away."
Like Wyzett, Harry lived with others—but while Wyzett had no blood ties to Luna's family, he was treated well. Harry, meanwhile, had relatives, but his life was anything but easy—he slept in the cupboard under the stairs, and even his food was rationed as punishment.
A year at Hogwarts had filled out his once-scrawny frame, and he no longer looked so small next to his classmates.
For reasons he couldn't quite explain, listening to Harry stirred a deep homesickness in Wyzett.
To thank Wyzett for his help, Harry generously bought lunch for everyone, loading up on snacks from the trolley as a treat.
Michael picked up a box of Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans, looking puzzled. "Didn't you say your uncle treats you terribly? How do you have money for all this?"
Harry bit into a Cauldron Cake, forcing a smile. "It's pocket money my parents left me. It's all wizard money, so my aunt and uncle can't spend it anyway. Might as well use it to treat my friends, right?"
It was remarkable, really—despite everything, Harry managed to stay so cheerful.
Michael grinned in admiration. "If you ever get stuck on homework, come find me. And if I can't help, there's always Wyzett!"
Hermione cleared her throat, muttering under her breath, "I'm still here, you know…"
…
In this easygoing atmosphere, the group finished most of their homework and started daydreaming about the carefree summer ahead.
As the train whistled again, Platform Nine and Three-Quarters came into view.
Hermione carefully stowed her wand. "It's such a shame—we can't practice magic all summer…"
The school had sent out a notice to remind students not to use magic during the holidays.
"The rules aren't that strict," Anthony said knowingly. "As long as there's an adult wizard nearby, you can still practice without getting a warning from the Ministry of Magic."
Ron nodded. "Exactly. Fred and George are always casting spells at home, and they've never been told off."
Wyzett added, "If you want to practice magic and don't live in a wizarding village, you could always try Diagon Alley."
Hermione's eyes lit up. "Oh, right! Why didn't I think of that?"
"But I can't get out…" Harry sighed, then perked up. "But I don't have to tell my aunt and uncle that I'm not allowed to do magic outside school! Dudley's in for a surprise!"
Just then, a familiar hollow voice echoed through the train.
"The Hogwarts Express has arrived at the station. Please remember to take all your belongings with you…"
Wyzett let out a breath, grabbed his luggage, and joined the throng pushing out of the compartment.
Suddenly, a strange flutter stirred in his chest, making him glance up instinctively.
He glimpsed a flash of familiar pale gold hair weaving through the distant crowd.
He strained to see if it was really who he thought—but the figure vanished.
Terry looked back, puzzled. "Aren't you coming, Wyzett? You seem distracted."
Wyzett pressed a hand to his chest, feeling the flutter still there.
He shook his head gently. "I'll wait here a bit. You go ahead."
His heart beat faster—maybe it was just his imagination—until suddenly, someone covered his eyes from behind.
The touch was soft and cool—a pair of hands.
"Welcome back!" came Luna's unmistakably dreamy voice, trembling with excitement.
The hands vanished, and Luna appeared before him like a sprite—taller than before, dressed in a star-studded orange dress, her pale gold hair tied up to reveal the fair skin of her slender neck.
Her face was radiant with smiles, and her bright eyes sparkled as she blinked.
Wyzett grinned back. "I thought I saw you just now."
Luna nodded matter-of-factly. "I felt it too, so I hurried over!"
Eager to get home, students surged toward King's Cross Station.
A guard stood at the exit, directing the crowd to prevent any trouble.
"Shall we wait a bit?" Wyzett asked. "Is that alright?"
"Of course," Luna replied. "Dad wanted to wait outside, but I wanted to come find you."
Only when the crowd finally thinned did Wyzett pick up his luggage and leave the platform with Luna by his side…
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
The story isn't over...🤔 Want to know what happens next to the characters? 🤫 Eager to explore the untold secrets of this world? ✍ Ready to read more of my wildest stories?✨patreon.com/GoldenLong