Ron's voice carried through the corridors again—
loud, embellished, heroic.
He bragged about the points, about his contribution, about how Gryffindor had "almost" turned everything around.
Lucien didn't listen.
Packing Up
Lucien returned to the Hufflepuff dorms, calm and unhurried.
His belongings were packed efficiently, every item slipping neatly into his personal dimension.
When he stepped back out, he found Akeno waiting, her own luggage beside her.
Without a word, Lucien took it from her, stored it away, then laced his fingers with hers.
Together, they walked toward the Hogwarts train station.
Farewells
Hagrid spotted them immediately.
"There y'are!" he boomed, smiling wide.
Lucien and Akeno chatted with him for a while—about the year, about Hufflepuff's win, about how fast time had passed.
Then Lucien noticed Harry nearby.
He stepped closer and asked quietly,
"Brother… are you coming to live with me now, or staying at the Dursleys?"
Harry hesitated, then replied honestly,
"I'll stay a few days at the Dursleys. I want to say goodbye properly. After that… I'll come live with you."
Lucien nodded, satisfied.
"Alright. I'll be waiting."
They exchanged a brief look—no dramatic hug, no long speech.
Just understanding.
Lucien turned and left with Akeno.
The Compartment
Inside the train, Lucien and Akeno entered a familiar compartment where:
Hermione, Katie, Clara, Angelina, Daphne, Cassandra, Evelyn, Tonks, Susan, Cho Chang, and Penelope were already gathered.
Lucien sat beside Akeno.
From his dimension, he took out a box and passed it around—
honeycomb candy, made from Combee honey.
One by one, they tasted it.
Sweet—but not overwhelming.
Rich, smooth, comforting.
Eyes lit up.
They asked for more.
Lucien gave it freely.
Conversation flowed easily—laughter, small talk, memories of the year.
Then Tonks spoke up, casually but with purpose.
"I'm joining the Aurors."
Everyone nodded, proud.
Lucien didn't say anything, but his hand tightened slightly around hers.
Tonks noticed.
She leaned closer and said softly,
"I'll be okay, Lucien. I promise."
She knew.
She always knew.
Lucien nodded—still worried, but trusting her strength.
King's Cross
The train slowed.
Steam hissed.
Soon, King's Cross Station came into view.
The year was over.
But what waited beyond the platform…
was only just beginning.