The final feast before break started was a lavishly decorated affair as the great hall had twelve fir trees covered in holly, mistletoe and tinsel as well as candles. The great hall was warm and the feast had many food favorites from this time of year such as eggnog and cider. I ate without a care since tomorrow I'd be boarding the train with everyone else. I did briefly consider just shooting off and bouncing between the clouds to travel but thought better of it. It wasn't something most people paid attention to but the students were carefully watched to make sure they all got on the train if they weren't staying.-
This was to make sure no student changed their mind last minute without telling anyone and causing chaos.
"I can't believe you are going traveling over break. I seriously thought you'd just stay at Hogwarts." Terry said as we piled into the train cabin the next day.
I shrugged "If I stayed not much would change for me as I'd still spend most of my time studying. By traveling I can get some real world experience as well. Plus it'll let me get some shopping done for everyone's christmas presents." I said frankly.
"You haven't already done it? That's not like you at all!" Mike said dumbfounded.
"Hogsmeade is limited in what it has. If I want to really get the best present I can think of I need to hit diagon alley." I said calmly.
"Fair enough I suppose. You sure you don't want to visit over the holidays, i'm sure mum and dad would love to have you over?" Terry offered again.
I shook my head "Maybe for summer break but I have plans this time. Thanks for the offer all the same." I said with a smile.
We chatted for a while before eventually settling in to relaxing as the train moved across the land. I was reading two different books at the same time as I normally do while Terry and Mike were playing chess. Not the wizard version as neither had a set but I did know for a fact they both wanted one. Hogsmeade had some sets for sale but I didn't get them one of those as they were more plain models and if I was getting a gift it was going to be top tier.-
The ride back to Kings cross station was uneventful and quiet which was to be expected. Once the train got settled and we were allowed off we said our farewells and went our separate ways. The moment I got the chance I stored my trunk in my inventory. Once out on the street I casually drew my wand and raised it slightly before waiting. Moments later a familiar red bus stretched into sight and blurred to a stop right in front of me. The doors opened and a familiar voice spoke up.-
"Welcome to the Knight bus, emergency transportation for the stranded wizard or witch. My name is Stan Shunpike and i'll be your operator this afternoon." The guy said casually.
"Afternoon Stan." I said calmly as I stepped onto the bus.
It took a moment but the guy finally remembered me.
"Ah, the speed demon. Back for more are you?" he asked with a bit of barely contained excitement.
"Yep, to the Cauldron this time though." I said as I passed the fare to him.
"You heard the kid Ernie, full speed to the Leaky cauldron!" Stan said with a grin.
The few other people on the bus just stared at me like I was a demon when I rooted myself in place with armament haki and the bus shot off down the street. I was not tossed around but the same could not be said of everyone else as the bus bounced, hopped and drove on the sides of buildings at ridiculous speeds. It was a bit like the insides of the bus having gotten tossed in a dryer to be honest. I was totally fine by the time the bus came to a stop but the others were all retching and a right mess.-
"Thank you for choosing the Knight bus for your transportation needs, we hope to see you again." Stan said with a grin as I stepped off the bus nice and steady.
Thanks to my tempering my body was much much sturdier than it reasonably should be so a bit of turbulence like that wasn't enough to really upset my stomach. From the street I pushed open the door of the pub and walked in. Tom was behind the counter polishing a mug and the place was not empty but also not terribly busy either so he spotted me instantly.
"Alex my boy! Decided to come back for break I take it?" the older man asked with a smile.
"Just passing through, need to do some last minute christmas shopping before I hit the road." I said honestly.
"Must have plans to spend the break with some friends from Hogwarts then. Good on you lad. Got a request of you though if it's not too much?" he said switching topics easily.
"What?" I asked a bit curious.
"Ah it's the rats lad. Gotten a bit attached to them you see. Was wanting to know if I can buy them off you?" he said with an embarrassed chuckle as he rubbed the back of his head.
"Just that? Take them. Consider it an early christmas present." I said waving it off.
"You're a good one lad. Have a merry christmas." the man said with a happy smile.
"And to you as well Mr. Tom." I said as I headed out the back door.