The Christmas tree still stood proudly in the corner of the Tonks family living room, twinkling faintly with golden lights as the fireplace crackled low in the hearth. The scent of pine and peppermint still clung to the air, but all three young witches and wizards were already dressed in travel cloaks and ready to leave.
"Well," Andromeda said, smoothing Dora's scarf and brushing invisible dust from Hadrian's collar, "try not to make any new passageways explode this term."
"No promises," Dora replied with a grin, making her mother sigh in mock exasperation.
"Take care of each other," Ted said, pulling them all into a warm group hug. "And keep your heads down around Filch."
They stepped into the fireplace one by one, green flames swallowing them whole.
King's Cross Station
The barrier to Platform 9¾ stood as silent and mysterious as always. Muggles bustled past with little notice, but Hadrian could feel the subtle pull of enchantments as they crossed through. The scarlet engine of the Hogwarts Express waited for them, steam curling up into the cold January air.
Laughter rang out from students reuniting on the platform. The train was a rush of noise and movement, of trunks being hoisted and owls hooting in protest.
Hadrian, Iris, and Dora found an empty compartment near the back, sliding the door shut and dropping into the soft red-cushioned seats. For a long moment, they sat in silence, watching the frost on the windows and the other students streaming past.
Iris smiled faintly. "Feels strange to go back."
Dora nudged her playfully. "Strange? Or exciting?"
"Both," Hadrian said. "We've got things to do."
Dora raised an eyebrow. "Like what? More shortcut-mapping? Or midnight broom races?"
He smirked. "Yes."
They laughed, and as the train began to pull away, their compartment fell into the kind of comfortable silence that only true friends could share. Outside, the snowy countryside rushed past.
Later, Aboard the Train
Students passed by their compartment now and then, some waving, others staring curiously at the close-knit Hufflepuff trio that had started to earn a reputation. Fred and George Weasley passed by once, gave the three a nod, and whispered to each other with matching grins.
"What do you think they're up to?" Iris asked after they disappeared.
Hadrian leaned his head back. "Probably the same thing we are."
"Which is?" Dora asked, stretching her legs across the seat and letting her head rest on Hadrian's shoulder.
He smiled.
"Making this year one to remember."
Return to Hogwarts
By the time they arrived at the castle, dusk was settling, casting the towers in shadow. Thestral-drawn carriages waited to carry the students up the long path, and the sight of Hogwarts—lit warmly against the snow-covered landscape—was just as breathtaking as the first time.
As they crossed the entrance hall, Hadrian slowed. The castle hummed with a sort of familiar magic, like an old song that had been waiting to be played again.
"We're home," Iris said quietly, her gloved hand brushing the stone wall.
The Hufflepuff common room welcomed them with warm lighting and the smell of baked apples. The fire roared invitingly in the hearth.
That Night
Unpacking didn't take long. They settled into their dormitories, greeted old roommates, and exchanged stories of winter break. But later, as the castle grew quiet again and night settled in, Hadrian stood at the window of the common room, looking out over the frozen grounds.
He touched the pages of the book in his mind gently.
Still more to do. But for now… they're safe. They're happy.
Behind him, Iris and Dora were playfully arguing over who got the last chocolate biscuit.
He turned, smiling.
Let's keep it that way.