The dinner wrapped up, and the prefects from each house guided the new young wizards to find their respective dormitories, while the older students, mostly Hogwarts veterans, dispersed throughout the castle.
Some, like a young couple who hadn't seen each other over the holiday, opted for a stroll by the Black Lake or on the verdant lawn, enjoying each other's company under the starlit sky.
Harley and Ronald, feeling utterly drained from the day's events, finished their meal and eagerly headed back to the dormitory for some much-needed rest.
Luke bid farewell to his fellow Gryffindors, including Hermione, on the stairs before making his way to the Slytherin common room.
Although he would have preferred spending time with Hermione in the Room of Requirement, their belongings had already been taken to their respective dormitories by the diligent house-elves, leaving them with no choice but to return and sort through their things.
The following morning dawned with a clear blue sky, and owls gracefully soared through the air towards the Great Hall.
Upon arriving, Luke found Hermione and Harry already seated.
Taking a seat beside Hermione, who was engrossed in studying the elective courses list, he leaned over to get a glimpse.
"Planning your electives already?" he asked, surprised.
It was only just past Easter in their second year, and elective choices weren't due until nearly the end of the semester. Hermione seemed unusually eager.
"There's an Ancient Runes elective, and I think you'd excel in it!" Hermione pointed to the list before turning to Luke.
"If I take that, we won't be in the same class," Luke chuckled, shaking his head at the suggestion.
He knew Hermione wasn't particularly fond of the more esoteric subjects like Alchemy.
"I could always catch up..." Hermione murmured earnestly.
She didn't want to drag Luke back, especially since he had taught her a lot during the holidays, and Hermione knew the basics of alchemy quite well, certainly better than some of the younger wizards who hadn't grasped it yet.
"Have you two thought about these things now?" Ronald, sitting opposite, asked in surprise between bites of pumpkin pie.
Ginny, seated beside him, occasionally glanced at Harry, who had reverted back to his normal form. "Here comes the owl!" Harry exclaimed.
As the windows of the auditorium opened, colorful owls streamed in, feathers fluttering about.
Luke swiftly cast a defensive spell over the butter buns he was reaching for, protecting himself and Miss Hermione from the flurry of feathers.
Once the owls had found their owners, they discarded the letters or newspapers they carried.
"Hoo... roaring letter!," Ronald exclaimed, staring at the red envelope in his hand, his face turning pale.
Recognizing the letter, Ginny quickly made her exit, leaving Harry looking bewildered.
"A roaring letter? What's that?" Harry asked before the letter suddenly ripped open, revealing sharp paper teeth.
"Whisper!," Luke muttered, swiftly casting a spell.
"Ronald Weasley! How dare you steal that car! You know your father went to great lengths for this..." Mrs. Weasley's voice boomed from the letter. Though it should have been a roar, Luke's spell toned it down, though the anger remained palpable.
"Oh, and Ginny dear, congratulations on making it into Gryffindor! Your father and I are so proud of you," Mrs. Weasley added in a softer tone before the letter tore itself to shreds.
Ronald's eyes widened, and he gasped for air, feeling as though he might suffocate at any moment.
The voice from the roaring letter had been audible to everyone in the auditorium, threatening to publicly embarrass him to death!
Fortunately, Luke cast a spell, preventing the creature from roaring.
Ronald glanced at Luke gratefully, saying, "Thanks, mate. Didn't fancy having my ears blasted."
Luke shook his head modestly, replying, "No worries. Can't have us going deaf, can we?"
Sitting across from Ronald, he realized neither he nor Hermione would appreciate a loud roar.
Once the owl was sent away, it was almost nine o'clock.
Luke had a morning class on spells with Professor Flitwick, while Hermione had Herbology. Fortunately, they both had free afternoons.
At the changing staircase, Luke and Hermione parted ways.
This semester, Professor Flitwick would be teaching some intermediate magic spells, like shield charms and silencing spells.
Despite already mastering these spells, Luke listened to Professor Flitwick's explanations with casual interest, resting his chin on his hand.
Without Luke's swift responses in class, Ravenclaw earned quite a few points, much to the delight of their housemates.
After stowing his books away, Luke sought out Hermione on the green lawn.
They often attended classes in the outdoor plant shed.
Upon arrival, Hermione had just finished her lesson.
"Hey there!"
Luke's distinctive green robes and blond hair drew the attention of many fellow students, especially the young witches.
Hermione approached with a smile, leaning into Luke's embrace.
"I already miss class," she admitted wistfully.
"I kinda miss your bossy side," Luke teased, gently lifting Hermione's chin.
"Bossy?" Hermione pondered for a moment, then gave Luke a playful look. "Is that what you call it?"
"Absolutely," Luke chuckled, finding Hermione's playfulness endearing.
"You're terrible!" Hermione playfully nudged Luke's chin with her head, shaking her head in mock disappointment.
"I know how to appreciate it," Luke countered, interlocking his fingers with hers.
"Let's go on a date!" he suggested, since they had no classes that afternoon.
They strolled leisurely by the glistening black lake, enjoying the gentle breeze and the undulating grass.
.....
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