The bright moon hung like a brilliant pearl suspended on black velvet, radiating soft, clear light.
With the sound of the train whistle, thick mist swirled around the platform.
Hogwarts students moved through the fog, gathering by house, while first-years walked toward the light at the front of the train following Hagrid's calls.
Hagrid waved his lantern as usual.
"Sister, do we really have to separate?"
"Listen to me, Astoria. The path you're about to take is the same one walked by Hogwarts' founders."
"This is an honor."
"And hardship that every first-year must experience."
"We'll see each other again very soon."
Daphne patiently persuaded her.
Her sister Astoria Greengrass clutched Daphne's hand tightly, unwilling to leave.
Her young face appeared especially pale with inner anxiety, her eager anticipation for Hogwarts from the train seemingly blown away by a sudden cold wind.
Pansy, Draco, and the others stood quietly to one side, somewhat amused expressions on their faces, showing rare patience for the Greengrass family's younger sister.
"Slytherin students!"
"Come to me!"
Male prefect Burstrode's voice carried over faintly. Blaise turned to look, his tone somewhat helpless.
"Daphne, we're going to be late..."
"I know, Blaise. Just give me another moment—Astoria's very frightened..."
Daphne's heart ached for her sister to the extreme; she even wanted to secretly take her sister away.
"Draco, you've put your robes on backwards. Don't you feel the cold wind on your neck?"
Just then, a low, oppressive voice spoke. Tiger walked leisurely up behind everyone, Gunpowder in his arms.
Theodore followed expressionlessly beside him, looking somewhat disdainful as he watched Draco hastily adjust his robes.
The platform lights cast mottled, twisted shadows that slowly covered the Greengrass sisters.
Astoria instinctively looked up.
Fierce, violent features instantly came into view—dark, lowered eyes mixed with traces of cruelty and madness, like a beast ready to strike.
The corners of his mouth turned up slightly, as if he might utter cutting words or emit cruel laughter at any moment.
"Hey, Father, did you have a good holiday?"
"Good evening, Shelby."
"Oh, Father, if I may say so, you seem to have gotten even stronger..."
Everyone turned around, smiling as they greeted him.
Only Astoria's young, anxious pupils suddenly contracted, flashing with alarm, her small face growing even paler.
"Sister, I should go now."
A small but firm voice reached Daphne's ears, carrying a barely concealed tremor.
"See you in a bit..."
Before she finished speaking, Astoria released her sister's hand and stumbled toward the front of the train, as if fleeing.
"Huh?"
Watching her sister's panicked retreating figure, confusion and worry floated in Daphne's eyes.
"Ha!"
Pansy Parkinson couldn't help laughing out loud. She patted Tiger's arm, gloating:
"Shelby, you scared our first-year."
"Daphne, I have to say, your sister is absolutely adorable, hahaha..."
After spending the previous school year together, the sharp-minded Slytherin girls had developed a more profound understanding of Tiger's behavioral style.
Whether his daily interactions with the know-it-all Miss or conversations with other Slytherin girls, they found him increasingly familiar.
Until Lisa had casually complained: "Old fossil..."
That's when they realized Tiger's reactions and words toward them were exactly like the frequently frowning old fathers at home.
Though he rarely spoke, he would always force them to make changes through his actions, while simultaneously giving his family a strong sense of security.
Keep in mind, Tiger was only twelve years old.
This extreme contrast had woven an irresistible humor and charm around Tiger that the Slytherin girls found quite fascinating.
This also meant that compared to the boys, they acted more casually around Tiger.
However, when the beast narrowed his eyes, they would still flee and hide, secretly complaining about "old father's" unreasonable tyranny.
It had to be said, the word "Father" really suited Tiger.
"Actually, I think I'm quite gentle."
Tiger slowly stroked his chin, some helplessness and confusion floating in his dark, violent eyes.
Are you serious?!
Pansy's smile froze.
According to Hogwarts tradition, while first-years needed to take boats and walk to the castle, other students would ride Thestral carriages directly to Hogwarts.
Looking at the rows of magical carriages standing alone with no horses pulling them, many second-year students' eyes sparkled with curiosity and excitement.
"Father, everyone's here."
"We can depart now."
Burstrode walked up to Tiger, bowing slightly in his characteristic elegant manner.
However, Tiger never bothered with such trivial matters, merely waving his hand without saying much.
"Slytherin students."
"By year, groups of four, begin boarding. Be careful not to touch the Thestrals."
Burstrode turned to arrange the boarding order, with seventh-years climbing into carriages first.
Accompanied by harsh, strange neighing sounds, the carriages shot straight into the sky, drawing exclamations from the second-years looking up.
"Merlin's broken broomstick."
"Pansy, I think I'm a bit afraid of heights..."
Daphne murmured quietly, gripping Pansy's arm tightly, her already pale face completely drained of color.
"Thestrals?"
Looking at the skeletal, winged creatures in front of the carriages, Tiger raised an eyebrow slightly. He noticed many students seemed unable to see these creatures.
"Only those who have witnessed death and understand death can see them. They represent ill fortune."
"Not being able to see them is also a kind of happiness." Theodore stood beside him, murmuring somewhat absently.
"You're right."
Tiger nodded knowingly, his broad palm moving to Theodore's head, silently comforting him...
Just as Tiger and the others were preparing to board, melodious and cheerful neighing suddenly rang out from the forest behind Tiger. A unicorn draped in moonlit silver leaped high from the woods, appearing suddenly in everyone's sight.
The little snakes who hadn't yet boarded all unconsciously held their breath, while Hogwarts students from other directions also turned around, staring in disbelief, intoxicated by this sudden beauty and shock.
"Merlin's lace dress!"
"It's a unicorn!"
"Dear God, what am I seeing!"
"Mama, this isn't a dream!"
"Hey, are you alright!"
Faced with the unicorn's slightly aggrieved snorting, Tiger grinned broadly.
Seeing Father unceremoniously rubbing the unicorn's neck, the little snakes all showed envious expressions—they knew this unicorn's origins well.
When it glimpsed the carriage behind Tiger, the unicorn suddenly pulled back its neck, raising its proud head high. Then it gracefully stepped toward the Thestral and let out a disdainful snort.
Light flickered on its horn, full of threat...
As if frightened, the carriage suddenly began swaying left and right. The Thestral desperately struggled free of its harness and reins, then spread its wings and flew alone into the night sky.
The unicorn picked up the harness in its teeth, walked to Tiger's front, and proudly lifted its neck, its silky mane swaying in the wind and emanating wisps of light mist.
Except for it, no one else had the right to pull Master's carriage...
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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