August was drawing to a close.
During this time, in addition to studying Potions with Alaric, Harry had added another subject to his curriculum—Charms. Furthermore, at a certain someone's persistent request, the hours for Potions had been slightly reduced to make more room for spellwork.
In a month's time, with the combined tutelage of Alaric and Remus, Harry had pre-studied almost all the charms required for his first year. While Harry's talent in Potions was mediocre at best, he was by no means a slow learner when it came to Charms. In fact, he was exceptionally gifted.
Alaric felt that as long as Harry applied himself, becoming a Charms Master in the future would be well within his reach. Of course, the keyword was "applying himself." Based on Alaric's understanding of the boy, the term "diligent study" wasn't exactly a foreign concept to Harry, but it wasn't a close acquaintance either.
Late August.
Today was Harry's final day at Alaric's shop; tomorrow, he would be leaving for Hogwarts. Amidst his excitement, Harry felt a twinge of reluctance. Hogwarts was a boarding school, which meant he wouldn't have the chance to study at Alaric's side during the term.
He had already packed all his trunks. The only remaining issue was that he knew his aunt and uncle would never volunteer to drive him to King's Cross Station. He had no desire to beg them; the mere thought of their pinched, judgmental faces made his skin crawl.
However, he wasn't worried. He knew Alaric would help him.
After finishing his daily Charms practice, Harry asked nervously, "Teacher, could you take me to King's Cross tomorrow? My aunt and uncle definitely won't do it."
Alaric had anticipated this. He gave a casual wave of his hand. "No problem at all. In fact, I was already planning on it."
As he spoke, he pulled a card from his pocket. Harry leaned in for a closer look and realized it was a Muggle driver's license. The photo on it was indeed Alaric.
Alaric found himself reminiscing about the first time his parents had taken him to school. Sitting in the back of a car, buzzing with anxious anticipation for the station—that was a quintessential experience every first-year deserved.
"I've even prepared a Muggle vehicle," Alaric said with a smile. "Relax, Harry. I'll be there to pick you up around nine tomorrow morning."
Relieved by Alaric's response, Harry nodded vigorously. A weight lifted from his shoulders, and even his walk home felt lighter.
At that moment, Remus Lupin stepped out from the plantation door. "Has Harry left?" he asked.
Alaric nodded, then seemed to remember something. "Remus, I'll be taking Harry to King's Cross tomorrow."
Remus glanced at the calendar on the desk, realizing today was indeed the last day of August.
"Also," Alaric added, "you're coming with us."
Remus looked surprised. "Me too?"
"Naturally," Alaric shrugged. "Otherwise, who's going to drive the car back?"
Since both he and Harry would be boarding the Hogwarts Express, they needed someone to take the car home.
"Er..." Remus looked at Alaric with confusion. "What about you? Alaric, aren't you coming back with me?"
It was only then that Alaric realized he hadn't actually told Remus about his new position. He offered a small smile and explained, "Actually, starting tomorrow, I'll be teaching Care of Magical Creatures at Hogwarts."
"I see... Er, wait! What?!"
Remus practically sprang up from the sofa. "Since when? Why am I only hearing this now? And what about the plantation?"
The startled Remus fired off three questions in a single breath.
"It happened this summer. Professor Kettleburn retired and recommended I take his place," Alaric explained simply, as if discussing the weather. "As for the plantation, don't worry, Remus. You won't be losing your job. The gardens still need tending, and I have no intention of closing them down."
Remus sank back onto the sofa, his expression a complex mix of emotions. "That is... quite a surprise, Alaric. Becoming a Hogwarts professor is no small feat."
Alaric shrugged, his tone light. "I'm grateful to Professor Kettleburn for the opportunity. Besides, I find teaching quite enjoyable."
"Then, congratulations are in order," Remus said.
The idea of Alaric teaching at Hogwarts wasn't a bad thing in Remus's eyes. Based on the months he had worked here, Alaric was clearly a competent teacher. As Harry's mentor, Alaric would be able to look out for the boy at school.
Alaric nodded and tossed the car keys to Remus. Seeing Remus's puzzled look, Alaric pointed toward the door. "I suggest you go practice with that Muggle transport. It would be a disaster if you ran into someone tomorrow."
"Understood, Boss."
Taking the keys, Remus headed outside. Truth be told, he was quite curious about the Muggle contraptions known as "automobiles."
Early the next morning, Alaric and Remus pulled up in front of Number 4, Privet Drive.
"Is this where Harry lives?" Remus asked, leaning out the window to inspect the house.
"The family isn't exactly hospitable," Alaric noted, stepping out of the car. "I'll be right back."
He pressed the doorbell, and footsteps soon approached from within. The door was opened by Vernon Dursley, Harry's uncle. Behind him in the hallway stood Harry, surrounded by a mountain of luggage.
Vernon had never met Alaric before; the last time Alaric had visited disguised as a community liaison, he had only spoken with Aunt Petunia.
"Good morning, sir," Alaric said politely, tipping his hat. "I am a professor from Hogwarts. I've come to collect Harry. I believe he mentioned..."
Vernon's already impatient face darkened at the mention of "Hogwarts." His lip curled in an expression of pure loathing.
"Oh, another one of you lot—" he grunted, eyeing Alaric with hostility, though he managed to restrain himself. The pig's tail that large oaf had given his son was still a very present memory.
Vernon glared at Alaric, his face turning a shade of purple as he barked, "Just take the boy and his stinking things to that freak school of yours! I don't want to see any more of you—you... abnormal people!"
With that, he spun around and stomped toward the living room. Halfway there, he turned back to bark one last time: "Clear off!"
Harry was long since used to this and had expected nothing less. Alaric simply gave Harry a small smile, entirely unfazed by Vernon's rudeness—or rather, choosing to ignore it completely.
Picking up Harry's trunk, Alaric said easily, "Right then, Harry. Let's get going."