Return to Runcandel Mansion
Keith and Rias stepped through the portal into the grand marble hall of the Runcandel mansion.
Before Keith could even take a breath—
Grayfia,
Luna,
Scathach,
Albedo,
Gamma,
Bellatrix,
and Nagini
were already waiting.
Keith smiled warmly and hugged each of them one by one.
Grayfia accepted the hug with her usual calm grace.
Luna held him tightly, tail flicking happily.
Scathach smirked, though her eyes softened.
Albedo clung to him a little too long.
Gamma saluted stiffly before melting under Keith's arms.
But the most flustered were—
Bellatrix and Nagini.
Bellatrix turned crimson from ear to ear. Her voice nearly cracked.
"H-home at last, Master Keith…"
Nagini shyly wrapped part of her tail around her ankle, whispering,
"Welcome back…"
Both were so red even Rias raised an eyebrow.
Neither had confessed their feelings yet—
and neither dared to.
Keith, oblivious to the chaos he caused, simply smiled.
Sharing Hogwarts Stories
Inside the living room, Keith and Rias recounted everything that had happened during the term:
Darkrai saving the Troll Trio Ron's "pants accident" Quidditch drama Vulpix becoming a celebrity Keith being declared Hufflepuff's uncrowned emperor
The girls listened with full focus—especially Luna and Albedo, who were making mental notes on anyone who bothered Keith.
Then Luna asked,
"Keith, may we see the new Pokémon you acquired?"
The others leaned closer.
Keith nodded and opened the portable dimension.
Inside the Portable Dimension
The girls entered and were instantly stunned by the heavenly scenery.
Zygarde Core
A tiny, squishy, bouncing green creature hopped toward Keith.
"Squish-squish!"
Gamma almost fainted.
Rias picked it up like a plush toy.
Nagini poked it gently, mesmerized.
Vulpix
The tiny fox sprinted toward Keith and leapt into his arms, yipping adorably.
Every girl's heart melted instantly.
Bellatrix: "I want one."
Ceruledge
A towering armored figure stepped forward, swords blazing with purple fire.
A silent assassin.
Deadly.
Intimidating.
Albedo and Scathach both nodded with deep approval.
"A fine warrior," Scathach whispered.
After the brief tour, they exited the dimension.
Letters From Important People
Luna handed Keith a stack of letters.
"Master Keith, these arrived while you were away."
Keith opened them on the sofa.
Amelia Bones
A formal thank-you letter, politely inquiring about his interests.
Narcissa Black
A graceful, elegant letter—clearly impressed by Keith's reputation and wanting future ties.
Keith wrote courteous replies to both.
Then he opened the final letter.
Nicolas Flamel
A request for a meeting.
Urgent.
Respectful.
Curious about Keith's unique magical signatures.
Keith replied immediately:
He would visit right after Christmas.
Christmas Shopping
Keith stood and stretched.
"Rias, let's go buy Christmas gifts."
Rias smiled. "For all of your admirers?"
Keith smirked. "For my friends."
They headed to Diagon Alley and spent hours choosing gifts:
For the Hogwarts girls:
Daphne Cassandra Hermione Penelope Tonks Susan Helena Angelina Katie Astoria
Each received a personalized enchanted item.
For the Professors:
Snape – rare potion ingredients
McGonagall – transfiguration relic
Flitwick – legendary dueling wand grip
Sprout – ancient herbology seeds
Dumbledore – a phoenix tear crystal
Hagrid – a massive enchanted creature-care kit
They borrowed owls from the Diagon Owl Postal Office and sent everything off—
except gifts for the mansion girls.
Those would be given in person.
Christmas Day
Morning arrived with heavy snowfall outside the window.
Keith descended the grand staircase to find a mountain of gifts waiting.
From Hogwarts students:
Daphne, Cassandra, Hermione, Penelope, Tonks, Susan, Helena, Angelina, Katie, Astoria
From professors:
Snape, McGonagall, Flitwick, Sprout
From staff and mentors:
Dumbledore, Hagrid
From his family:
Grayfia, Luna, Scathach, Gamma, Albedo, Bellatrix, Nagini, and Rias
Each gift was heartfelt, thoughtful, and precious.
They spent hours together:
Opening presents Sharing sweets Drinking warm cocoa Talking and teasing Vulpix running around in Santa costume Zygarde core bouncing into the tree Ceruledge standing like a silent guardian Bellatrix and Nagini trying to sit closest to Keith Rias laughing at how chaotic the mansion was becoming
It was warm.
Peaceful.
Perfect.
Departure to France
By evening, Keith packed his bag once again.
He hugged everyone goodbye—earning blushes from Bellatrix and Nagini all over again.
Rias walked him to the gate.
"Be careful, okay?" she said softly.
Keith nodded.
"I'll be back soon."
A portal opened, glowing faintly.
Keith stepped through—
Heading to France.
Heading toward Nicolas Flamel.
Heading toward the next chapter.