The train chugged steadily across the vast plain, its rhythmic motion carrying it towards the distant cliffs that loomed on the horizon.
Within one of the carriages, Hermione and Luna engaged in lively conversation, their laughter mingling with the gentle hum of the train. They were already well-acquainted, their friendship having blossomed over shared adventures and moments of camaraderie.
Meanwhile, Luke reclined lazily in his seat, basking in the warm sunlight that streamed through the window. He idly flipped through the pages of "The Quibbler," a quirky magazine gifted to him by Luna. Its eccentric articles and fantastical illustrations provided a welcome distraction during the journey.
As the golden rays of the sun began to fade, casting long shadows across the landscape, the train finally reached its destination: Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The arrival coincided with the emergence of the moon, casting an ethereal glow over the scene.
With a soft hiss, the train came to a halt, signaling the end of their journey. Hermione, Luna, and Luke gathered their belongings, anticipation coursing through their veins as they prepared to disembark.
Upon stepping onto the platform, they were greeted by the towering figure of Hagrid, the beloved groundskeeper and keeper of magical creatures. Luna, as a first-year student, was directed to join her fellow newcomers for orientation with Hagrid, while Luke and Hermione made their way to the Hogwarts auditorium, where the sorting ceremony awaited.
This year, as second-year students, they would travel to the Great Hall in horseless carriages, guided by creatures known as Thestrals. Hermione recognized them from her studies in "Fantastic Beasts," but it was the first time she had seen them in person.
The sight of the skeletal-like creatures sent a shiver down her spine, their eerie appearance a stark reminder of the mysteries and wonders of the magical world. Luke, having witnessed death firsthand, could perceive the Thestrals, their presence a solemn reminder of life's fragility.
With their strange, otherworldly visages illuminated by the moonlight, the Thestrals pulled the carriages forward, their silent journey through the night marking the beginning of another year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
The space between the shoulder blades protruded, giving birth to what resembled bat-like wings, a grotesque feature indeed.
"The description in the book is so eerie. I wonder if it's accurate," Hermione pondered aloud, her curious nature piqued.
Luke couldn't resist running his fingers through her brown, curly locks, a gentle smile playing on his lips. "I know, it's not something you'd want to witness."
No one desired to encounter Thestrals; their association with death and their appetite for wizard's blood made them ominous creatures in the wizarding world.
"Do you see them?" Hermione asked, noticing Luke's gaze fixed on the horseless carriage.
As Hermione waved her hand in front of him, Luke nodded. "I can see them. I've witnessed scenes of death before..."
"Let's hurry to the auditorium; it's nearly time," Luke said, gesturing towards the first-year students already boarding the boats.
Taking Hermione's hand, they entered the carriage pulled by Thestrals. As they settled in, the carriage lurched into motion, the journey filled with unexpected bumps and turns.
Inside, a faint scent of mustiness and straw lingered, prompting Hermione to pull back the curtains for fresh air.
Beneath the starlit sky, the carriage splashed through puddles, the night breeze whispering along the path to Hogwarts.
"What about Harry and Ron?" Hermione suddenly inquired, peering out the window at the distant landscape.
"They'll likely face some point deductions, and didn't Fred inform Professor McGonagall?" Luke replied softly, resting his head on Hermione's shoulder.
"It's so frustrating to lose points right at the beginning of term," Hermione sighed, feeling the weight of Gryffindor's dwindling reputation.
"Don't dwell on it; we'll make up for it in class," Luke reassured her, offering comfort amidst the looming consequences.
Luke chuckled softly as the carriage came to a halt at Hogwarts Academy. However, Miss Hermione didn't seem amused.
"I do not want it!" she exclaimed firmly.
Stepping out of the carriage, Luke extended his hand to Hermione. "Come down, dear Miss Granger."
Despite her initial resistance, Hermione couldn't help but laugh at Luke's gesture. With a smile, she reached out and took his hand. "Let's go, many people around are watching us!"
"I thought you would swear your sovereignty!" Luke quipped back.
Hermione simply turned her head away, choosing to ignore him. However, the cat ears atop her head betrayed her true feelings, twitching nervously.
Hermione had been wearing the cat ears for nearly a day, and she seemed to have conveniently forgotten to remove them, opting not to cover them with a hat.
Upon arriving in the auditorium, Professor McGonagall greeted them at the entrance. "Professor McGonagall, Fred didn't tell you about Harry..." Luke began, his tone polite yet curious.
Even Hermione straightened the cat ears above her head, intrigued by the conversation.
"I've informed Professor Snape that they're on the beater willow side," Professor McGonagall replied, her gaze momentarily lingering on Hermione's cat ears. A hint of amusement danced in her eyes. "Excellent shapeshifting spell, Hermione!" she praised hoarsely.
"Shapeshifting spell?" Hermione echoed, momentarily taken aback before realization dawned on her. Hastily, she reached up to touch the top of her head, confirming the soft presence of the cat ears. She couldn't help but smile, realizing her forgetfulness. Blaming Luke for the mishap, she shot him a pointed glance.
Observing their interaction, Professor McGonagall smiled softly. "Go in, or the new students will come in a while."
As they entered the auditorium, Luke felt a swift kick to his heel, courtesy of an irritated Hermione.
Superficially brushing off the incident, Luke made his way to the Gryffindor table with a nonchalant smile. Even though it was the sorting ceremony, nothing could deter him, the cunning little snake, from joining the lion's table for dinner.
"By the way, did you just hear that," Hermione whispered as she settled into her seat, "Professor McGonagall said that Snape went to find Harry and the others."
Luke nodded, acknowledging that he had heard it too. With Snape gone, Harry was in for a rough night unless he transformed into Halle.
.....
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