88 Departure

The following morning broke, and the young wizards at Hogwarts were up bright and early, their hearts filled with eager anticipation as they prepared for their journey back home.

Each student had received a sternly worded letter from the Ministry of Magic, reminding them that no magic was permitted during the holiday break, especially in the presence of Muggles. To enforce this rule, every wizard's wand was affixed with a tracking charm, designed to detect any magical fluctuations in their vicinity.

Luke glanced at the letter with a dismissive air, tossing it aside. Such directives were meant for wizarding families with Muggle connections, which he found to be a blatant double standard. Besides, he reasoned, he would be heading to Diagon Alley after the break, where magic thrived unchecked.

As he inspected his wand, he noticed a faint silvery-white mist enveloping it—a result of the imposed restrictions. It was a constant reminder of the limits placed on his spellcasting abilities.

Breaking the tracking charm would be an easy task for Luke, gifted as he was with the ability to discern the flow of magical energy. Yet, he hesitated, wary of potential repercussions from those who had dismantled the Ministry of Magic.

After a brief moment of deliberation, he decided to leave the charm intact, a cautious choice.

"Luke!"

A melodious voice rang out from a distance, catching Luke's attention. It was Hermione, her ponytail swaying as she approached with a radiant smile.

The curls of her ponytail danced behind her, exuding a sense of joy and excitement that mirrored the collective mood of impending reunions and homecomings.

However, amidst the excitement, Harry's demeanor remained somber. His furrowed brow betrayed his reluctance to return to the confines of his aunt and uncle's home, the thought of Dudley's presence weighing heavily on his mind.

As the students prepared to depart, they were faced with the choice of traveling home by boat across the Black Lake or on foot along the path. Luke, opting for the former alongside Hermione, decided to leave their luggage behind, confident that house-elves would ensure it reached the train.

This demonstration of efficiency only strengthened Hermione's resolve to pursue her ambition of becoming Minister of Magic, showcasing her unwavering dedication and organizational skills.

At noon, the pair finally boarded the Hogwarts Express bound for King's Cross. Meanwhile, Harry, Ron, and the twins settled into a compartment to discuss their card game's final strategies and its subsequent developments.

Since a compartment could only accommodate four people, Luke and Hermione were delighted to find an empty one at the end of the train. Their faces lit up with smiles, showing no signs of feeling left out.

Once seated comfortably, Luke reached into his system space, producing an array of snacks – chestnut cakes, popping candy, dorayaki, and pineapple buns. Many of these treats were new to Hermione, who marveled at the variety. There was no need to rely on the train attendant for snacks this time.

As the noon train departed, it became clear that they wouldn't reach King's Cross station at Platform Nine and Three-Quarters until the following morning. The prospect of spending the night on the train loomed ahead.

With the train's whistle signaling the start of the journey, the majestic castle outside the window gradually faded from view, replaced by a vast field.

Observing Hermione taking a small bite of dorayaki, Luke couldn't help but ask, "Why aren't you reading books anymore?" He noticed the change in her usual pastime.

Gazing out at the picturesque scenery, Hermione replied between bites, "Everyone needs some rest, and besides, I've already read the book in my hands twice."

Struck by Hermione's scholarly dedication displayed through her extensive book collection, Luke wondered if there was a limit to how much she could read.

Curious about her plans for the vacation, he asked, "What are you going to do during the break?" Hermione offered him a dorayaki, suggesting, "If you don't have plans, you can come and play at my house!"

With a thoughtful expression, Luke shared his intention to work at Diagon Alley, considering the Grangers. "I might be opening a potions shop there."

Slightly skeptical, Hermione inquired, "Working to earn a living?"

Luke nodded.

Luke savored a bite of the sweet dorayaki, his thoughts drifting to the pressing matter of the shop's rent, an issue that had slipped his mind during the Christmas festivities.

As he mulled over this, Hermione's eyes sparkled with excitement, and she proposed, "How about hiring me?"

"What do you mean?" Luke inquired, a playful smile dancing on his lips as he regarded Hermione.

"I mean, what if I become your employee?" Hermione elaborated, her voice growing softer as she continued, "I still have a lot to learn about potion-making, and I'm free during the holidays, so why not have some company?"

Her cheeks tinged with a faint blush as she spoke, her eyes never leaving Luke's.

After considering her proposal for a moment, Luke nodded in agreement.

It was true that Diagon Alley could be a lonely place, and having someone by his side wouldn't be so bad.

"But I'm not sure Mr. Granger would approve," he added, a hint of concern in his voice.

Hermione fell silent at his words, her expression a mixture of determination and uncertainty.

"Don't worry, I'll convince them both!" she declared, meeting Luke's gaze with a determined look in her eyes.

As the night wore on, the train rumbled through Muggle villages, the moon casting a gentle glow over the landscape.

Hermione soon drifted off to sleep, her head resting on Luke's shoulder.

He used his wand to conjure a soft blanket, wrapping it around the two of them as they dozed.

The rhythmic sound of the train lulled Luke into a peaceful slumber, his mind finally at ease.

....

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