King’s Cross.

  Jessica trailed behind Scarlet and Alexis, while Meiko and Bck followed close behind, with Bck handling the trolley piled high with luggage. Most of it belonged to Scarlet, packed with souvenirs from Japan meant for her friends and peers. Among the mountain of bags, one piece of luggage stood out – it was Alexis’s, stuffed with souvenirs from America.

  “When we got to Ptform 9, we’ll have to pass through a wall to enter Ptform 9?,” Scarlet expined. “Nothing to worry about. Just walk slowly and go right through.”

  “Got it!” Jessica clenched her fists in an attempt to bolster her confidence. She was so nervous that she hadn’t slept well the night before. Thankfully, Scarlet had reassured her that it would be fine to take nap during the train ride.

  “Ginny Weasley’s starting at Hogwarts this year,” Alexis chimed in. “Maybe you two could chat on the train. Not sure which compartment she’ll be in, though. It can’t be Fred and George’s, right?”

  “What can’t be ours?” one of the Weasley twins interjected, his voice cutting in as his head popped out on Alexis’s left.

  “Talking behind our backs, eh?” The other twin added from her right, shaking his head in mock disappointment. “Misguided damsel.”

  “Oh, that’s it!” Alexis snapped, rolling up her notebook and chasing after the fleeing gingers, intent on delivering a smack.

  “Ah, what a peaceful life,” Fred sighed dramatically, hands on his hips as he watched his brother narrowly dodged her swings. “Been missing the wacky girl’s antics all summer. Game development just wasn’t the same without her.”

  “...Let’s be real, you hit a wall with rune coding again, didn’t you?” Scarlet shot him a pointed look. “You two really need to learn to manage that on your own.”

  “There are some things even geniuses struggle with—whoa!” Fred ducked to avoid another swing of Alexis’s makeshift weapon as she huffed in frustration.

  “Don’t think I’ve forgotten about you! Most of the totally ridiculous ideas come straight from your brain, Fred!” Alexis huffed, finally slowing down as the chase started to catch up with her.

  Fred and George stood at a safe distance, looking impressed. “Wow, you can actually tell us apart!” George marveled.

  “I’d be blind if I couldn’t, after all those hours brainstorming with you two,” Alexis grumbled, rolling her eyes while trying to catch her breath. “Ugh, I seriously need to start working out again. Sensei, what if I can’t even get a room to myself? I think I need, like, a special room just for me – y’know, like your fancy training room.”

  “You will, as long as you’ve got the letter from my dad,” Scarlet assured her. “If not, you can use my room. Or that room. You’ll manage.”

  “Oh, yeah...” Alexis blinked as she remembered the Room of Requirement. “Can’t believe I forgot about that.”

  “Scarlet!”

  Ron’s familiar voice rang out as he ran up to her, his face slight with excitement. “You won’t believe what happened at Harry’s over the summer!”

  Before Scarlet could respond, a second voice interrupted.

  “Scarlet!” Maya rushed to her side, throwing her arms around her. “It’s been so long since we’ve seen each other - I missed you!”

  “Scarlet, Maya!” Amelia quickly joined in, enveloping both her roommates in a hug. “I’ve been calling you from behind, Maya! Didn’t you hear me? Anyway, Scarlet, you won’t believe all the drama we watched this summer...”

  “Scarlet!”

  Neville arrived next, slightly out of breath, clutching a neat stack of papers. His shy smile lit up his face as he held them out. “I made some reports and summaries about the big events in the wizarding world – annual stuff, plus anything important. I thought you might find them useful.”

  Scarlet looked pleasantly surprised as she accepted the stack of papers from Neville, tucking them neatly into her bag. “Thanks a lot, Neville, I’ll make sure to read these thoroughly.”

  “Meeting tomorrow as usual?” Neville asked, receiving a nod from Scarlet. “Alright, I’ll confirm with the others. I think they’ve prepared something for you too.” He nodded politely, bid farewell to the group, and headed toward the ptform, greeting others along the way.

  Jessica, standing slightly apart from the small crowd gathered around Scarlet, gaped in awe. Leaning toward Alexis, who stood nearby watching the scene unfold, she whispered, “Does this always happen around Scarlet?”

  “Well, she’s pretty popur,” Alexis whispered back. The ever-inquisitive Weasley twins leaned in, eavesdropping shamelessly. Alexis rolled her eyes at them but chose not to shoo them away. “Thing is,” she added, “Scarlet doesn’t really seem to realize how popur she is. Like, she’s...completely oblivious to it?”

  Jessica nodded in agreement. “Yeah, she’s always been like that. Even back at the orphanage, she was the one everyone admired, but she never seemed to notice.”

  “Hmm,” Alexis mused, folding her arms, “I should probably remind her—mmph!”

  Her thought was cut short as the twins cmped their hands over her mouth. She shot them a furious gre, but Fred and George merely grinned mischievously.

  “Well, isn’t it wonderful that out dear Lady is adored by many?” Fred said with a wink.

  “And isn’t it even better that our long-lost sister is so adorably uncomfortable about her fame?” George added, nudging Alexis with a conspiratorial grin.

  The twins pointed toward Scarlet, who was busily responding to greetings and arranging chats with each admirer before sending them on their way.

  Alexis batted the twins’ hands away from her face, huffing. “You two just enjoy watching her squirm.”

  “In a loving way,” Fred said, crossing her arms, clearly pleased with himself.

  “In the happiest way possible,” George added, gesturing toward Scarlet with a nod. “And look - she’s clearly in her element, sorting everyone’s problems.”

  A dawning realisation hit Alexis as she watched Scarlet, who did seem oddly at ease taking charge and organising schedules. It must be a habit, Alexis thought, one she had carried over from her days as a discipline teacher.

  Meanwhile, Jessica observed her beloved sister – tied to her not by blood but by bond – with admiration glimmering in her eyes.

  As the group moved toward the station, splitting up to avoid drawing attention from nearby Muggles, Jessica found herself walking beside a cheerful red-haired girl who could only be another Weasley.

  “Hi! I’m Ginny Weasley. Are you a first-year too?” Ginny asked with a bright smile.

  “Hi, I’m Jessica White.” Jessica replied with a nod. “Yes, I am...but I don’t know much about the wizarding world yet.”

  “Thats’s alright, I can fill you in!” Ginny grinned, brimming with enthusiasm. “Want to share a compartment? I have loads of questions I’d like to ask, too.”

  “Sure!” Jessica beamed, happily matching Ginny’s energy.

  Scarlet noticed and raised an eyebrow when she realised Jessica wouldn’t be joining her compartment but smiled warmly when Jessica expined her decision. She ruffled Jessica’s hair gently. “Alright then. But if you need anything, don’t hesitate to come to my compartment, okay?”

  “I will!” Jessica waved and, with an excited grin, grabbed her luggage and hurried off toward the ptform with Ginny.

  A little while ter, Harry arrived, looking slightly rushed. Behind him stood his Uncle Vernon, looking distinctly uneasy as he cast wary gnces at the growing crowd of young wizards and witches.

  “Hi, Scarlet,” Harry greeted, grinning as he walked up to her. “I’ve got loads to share with you. Same compartment as st time, yeah? Great, I’ll fill you in once we’re on the train. Oh, Sirius!”

  Harry rushed to embrace his godfather after confirming with Scarlet that they’d share the same compartment ter. He unched into an animated retelling of everything that had happened since their st meeting, leaving no detail spared.

  Meanwhile, Mr. Vernon Dursley, who had stayed back for a moment, wore an uncharacteristically broad smile when he approached Scarlet. With surprising enthusiasm, he extended his hand for a handshake, which Scarlet accepted graciously.

  “We’re making tremendous progress with the project in Africa!” Mr. Dursley excimed, pumping her hand with fervour. “We’re immensely grateful for the opportunity to colborate with your company.”

  “We are equally appreciative, Mr. Dursley,” Scarlet replied with a polite smile. “I’ve reviewed the reports, and I must commend your team for crafting such a thoughtful proposal for the local community. I truly appreciate your efforts. If this project proves successful, we’d be delighted to consider further colborations.”

  “Absolutely!” Mr. Dursley agreed enthusiastically, finally releasing her hand. “We’ll be in touch. I shouldn’t keep you from your journey – do take care!”

  “Thank you, Mr. Dursley,” Scarlet said with a nod and a warm smile before continuing on her way.

  As she turned, she noticed Harry, Ron, and Hermione standing nearby, watching the exchange with expressions of surprise and admiration. Behind them, Bck was observing her with a complicated look on his face – a mixture of awe, contemption, and something she couldn’t quite decipher.

  One by one, the young wizards entered Ptform 9? with their families, carrying trunks and saying tearful goodbyes. Once Mr. Dursley was satisfied that Harry had crossed safely into the magical world, he departed hastily, grumbling about his busy schedule.

  Before Scarlet steeped through the barrier, Meiko leaning close and whispered, “Midy, I will stay here and remain vigint until the wizards guarding the entrance have left. Please be cautious during your time at school.”

  “I will. Don’t worry about me,” Scarlet replied, her smile soft but confident. Waving her off, she added. “You know I’m capable of taking care of myself. I’ll write to you once I arrive.”

  Ptform 9? buzzed with the chatter of students bidding farewell to their parents. Harry and the others had helped Scarlet settle her luggage and were now waving at her from the compartment windows when she appeared. Scarlet smiled, motioning for them to hold on before turning to Bck, who had been at her side as her bodyguard until the st moment.

  “Mr. Bck,” Scarlet began politely, “Hogwarts’s magic will ensure my safety from here on. Thank you for looking after me these past few days.”

  Her gratitude seemed to weigh heavily on Bck. At first, he’d been certain he could protect her – after all, he was a skilled and powerful wizard. But after witnessing Scarlet’s mastery with unconventional magic, Meiko's extraordinary skills as a Jutsushi, and William’s unmatched marksmanship, Bck had come to an unsettling realisation: his protection hadn’t really been needed. Scarlet, supported by her highly capable team and her own impressive abilities, had proven she could defend herself far better than most witches or wizards.

  The sense of inadequacy gnawed at him. It was the same crushing feeling he had experienced after failing James. But James had been an adult, and Scarlet...she was just a girl. A very young girl.

  With a heavy sigh, Bck replied reluctantly. “It wasn’t much. Meiko did a far better job protecting you.”

  “You represented Professor Dumbledore, and that alone means a great deal,” Scarlet said with a kind smile and a slight bow. “Please take care of yourself - Harry still needs you.”

  “You too. Be careful,” Bck nodded, his voice tinged with both respect and concern.

  As he prepared to step back and watch the train’s departure from a distance, his sharp eyes caught movement nearby. His expression darkened as he spotted the approaching figures.

  “Malfoys,” he muttered in a deep, wary tone.

  “Well, well. If it isn’t the nearly-disowned son of the Bck family,” Mr. Malfoy drawled, his cane lightly tapping the stone ptform as he approached. His sharp, calcuting eyes flicked between Bck and Scarlet, his lips curling into a cold smile. “Ms. Hong. A pleasure, as always. I see you’ve found yourself...rather interesting company.”

  Before Bck could unch into a retort, Scarlet stepped forward, inclining her head slightly in a polite bow, “Greetings, Mr. Malfoy. I still recall our st meeting at your manor quite vividly. Despite our differences, I remain steadfast in my beliefs, and I trust time will prove my foresight to be worthwhile. I look forward to the day when our paths align more closely.”

  Mr. Malfoy smile faltered, but only for a brief second. The memory of their st meeting lingered: the piercing gaze that felt almost otherworldly, the spear radiating an overwhelming presence that momentary burning in his eyes. He still wasn’t quite certain what to make of the girl standing before him.

  Draco, oblivious to his father’s unease, crossed his arms and gave a dismissive humph. “Scarlet, you’re always the witty one, but I highly doubt that the gingers would have the same brain power.”

  Scarlet blinked, looking calm as she smiled, “You know I’d never speak poorly of my friends behind their back, Draco. But if I recall correctly, didn’t your st wager with the three of them end with Hermione coming out on top? Not to mention Harry and Ron tying with you for the same average grades?”

  Draco flushed slightly, his frustration visible as he scowled. “I was just letting them have a taste of success. It won’t happen again - they’ll never win against me!”

  “In academics?” Scarlet asked, tilting her head thoughtfully. “Or perhaps in Quidditch?”

  “Heh,” Draco smirked, puffing out his chest. “Both. Father’s been speaking with Madam Hooch about upgrading our brooms. Nothing but the best for the Slytherins, of course.”

  “Speaking of upgrades, Sirius,” Mr. Malfoy cut in smoothly, though his gaze were now fixed on Sirius, “it seems you’ve remained remarkably unchanged since your...extended stay on that desote, isoted isnd. Tell me, Sirius, do you miss it? Or are you simply clinging to that...charmingly dishevelled aesthetic as a token of nostalgia?”

  Bck, with his arms crossing, his grin widened to a near sneer. “Ah, it seems Mr. Out-of-Fashion has a touch of blurred vision. Perhaps you’d benefit from a decent pair of gsses, seeing as everything you behold seems utterly distorted. But then again – I suppose that’s nothing new for you. Blundering down the wrong path and calling it the right one is practically your signature move.”

  The tension in the air thickened as the exchange between the two men grew more pointed. Behind Lucius, Mrs. Malfoy stood with her hand resting lightly on Draco’s shoulder. Her gaze slid toward Bck, cold and composed, her lip pressed into a line of elegant disdain.

  “Some things never change,” she said icily. “Still clinging to your self-righteous little rebellions, Sirius, even when you’re clearly out of pce.”

  Bck narrowed his eyes but remained silent. Instead, his grin broadened as his thoughts wandered. The pure-blooded Malfoys and their archaic sense of superiority – they were relics of a world far too small and limited. Since leaving Grimmauld Pce, he had encountered a vast world filled with wonders unknown to the likes of the Malfoys: airport bustling with Muggle travellers, telephones, radios, and televisions pying endless shows. The sheer vibrancy of life beyond the British wizarding world was a stark contrast to the suffocating traditions the Malfoys clung to.

  Arguing with them was a waste of time, Bck mused, I have so much more to learn. Their narrow world is hardly worth another word.

  Scarlet seized the pause to intervene, her warm and diplomatic smile cutting through the tension. “Mrs. Malfoy, I’m certain there’s an interesting story behind your words, but I’m afraid I must take my leave. It’s been a pleasure meeting with you all today.”

  With a small nod, she turned to Bck and gave him a meaningful look. It was time to board the train.

  Mr. Malfoy lifted his chin with a practiced air of superiority, nodding toward Scarlet. “Ms. Hong, I dare say my son would provide far better company than others of your acquaintance. He’s always happy to spend time with someone who can match his intelligence – however rare that might be.”

  “Yeah, Scarlet,” Draco added with a casual shrug, “it’s not often you find someone worth talking to at Hogwarts.”

  Well, maybe that’s because you insist on surrounding yourself with Crabbe and Goyle, who can barely follow half of what you say, Scarlet thought with amusement. Outwardly, she maintained her pleasant demeanour. “I’ll see what I can do. See you at school, Draco.”

  “See you,” he said with a small nod, his expression smug.

  Scarlet stepped onto the train, leaving Bck and the Malfoys standing a few feet apart. Mr. Malfoy inclined his head slightly toward Bck, a gesture more dismissive than polite, before turning to escort Draco toward another entrance. As the Malfoys departed, Bck watched them go, his grin faded into a pensive frown.

  The train's whistle pierced the air, drawing his attention back. Quickly shaking off his thoughts, Bck gave a broad wave toward his godson and Scarlet, who had already settled into a compartment with the other. His grin returned as he called out, “Be good! And write if you need anything!”

  Scarlet returned his wave, just as Alexis entered the compartment and slid onto the seat beside her. Catching sight of Bck still standing on the ptform, Alexis arched a brow and leaned closer to Scarlet.

  “He’s...different,” she whispered.

  “It’s dynamic,” Scarlet replied softly. “He left Azkaban on stable footing and has been adjusting to the world freely ever since. His mind’s clearer now - sane and stable. Of course, he’s bound to improve.”

  “Sure, fanfiction logic. I get it,” Alexis said with a light-hearted shrug. “Anyway, I’m here to give you this.”

  “A notebook?” Scarlet asked, taking the small, palm size book from Alexis. It had ringed bindings, empty detachable pages, and divided sections resembling those of a pnner – perfect for keeping schedules neatly organised.

  “Not just any notebook,” Alexis said with a smirk, her tone ced with intrigue. She leaned back and gave Scarlet a pyful wink before standing to leave. “It’s a messenger.”

  With that, Alexis vanished down the corridor, leaving Scarlet staring at the mysterious notebook in her hands.