The following day marked the official commencement of the Christmas holiday. Trains were bustling, shuttling students from Hogwarts to London daily. However, Artel and Hermione, opted for the evening train to avoid the initial rush.
As the day unfolded, the two got together in the auditorium after dinner. With most students having departed earlier, the Great Hall echoed with only a handful of lingering conversations. Notably, Harry and Ron engaged in a game of magical chess at the Gryffindor table.
Observing Ron's continued presence, Hermione couldn't help but inquire, "Ron, haven't you packed your bags yet?"
Ron, with a nonchalant shrug, expressed his change of plans, revealing, "My parents are off to Romania to visit my brother Charlie, who's dealing with dragons. Looks like I'll be spending Christmas at school."
Artel, seizing the opportunity, suggested, "Well, you can accompany Harry, and perhaps explore the Forbidden Forest for anything intriguing."
In the midst of their discussion, Artel checked his pocket watch and declared, "It's almost time, let's head to the platform."
Hermione, nodded and gathered her belongings. With a wave to Harry and Ron, Artel bid them farewell, "Goodbye and Merry Christmas."
"Same to you, Artel. Merry Christmas," echoed Harry and Ron in unison.
As Hermione and Artel departed, Ron mused to Harry, "Are we supposed to get them gifts?"
Harry pondered the thought before replying, "Well, we're friends, aren't we?"
Ron, with a playful eye roll, suggested, "Alright, let's consider it. Maybe some candies, like what George and the others got from Honeydukes."
.....
Exiting the castle, Artel and Hermione reached the small platform by the Black Lake. A dark red train awaited them, its windows aglow with the warmth of young wizards inside. Finding an empty compartment, they settled in.
Hermione stowed her suitcase beneath the seat and, with a delicate brush of her hair, took her place next to Artel.
"When are you coming to Manchester to visit?" she inquired, fingers nervously fidgeting.
Artel turned to her, catching the hint of her shyness. "After Christmas. We're planning a trip to Switzerland and will be back around the 27th."
He had already informed his uncles of this plan in a recent letter. However, it was merely a cover story. Artel's true destination was elsewhere, where he intended to visit the troll tribe and, if all went well, gather materials for a potent orc potion.
"That sounds amazing," Hermione replied, a tinge of envy in her voice. "I haven't been to Switzerland yet, but I've heard it's beautiful there."
"I could snap some pictures for you if you're interested. Yet, reckon the best choice might just be to tag along. There's a heap of fascinating things in Switzerland."
Artel put on a show, counting his fingers as he pondered, "Snowy peaks in the Alps, an ancient city by the river, a mountain village surrounded by snow-capped ranges..."
Hermione looked up, eyes filled with anticipation, as Artel gave her a smile and reached out to tousle her hair. Hermione quickly surrendered, letting out a soft snort, turning her head to fiddle with her fingers.
Seeing Hermione like this, Artel felt an odd sense of nostalgia. He got caught up in memories from his past life.
"I'll head to Manchester after the Swiss trip. We throw a bash every New Year's Day. Gotta entertain some close ones and business partners. I'll hand-deliver the invitations to your folks."
"Alright, I'll inform Mum and Dad."
Hermione nodded in agreement. For the British, New Year's Day might not match up to Christmas, but it's still a time for celebrations. The Shelby family, in particular, hosted a grand shindig at Shelby Manor, inviting nobles and business folks from Birmingham.
With a whistle, the train started to move. Lights dimmed, and the two fell silent. Hermione, leaning towards Artel, remained quiet for a while.
Since school started on September 1, over three months had passed, and Hermione had grown used to Artel's constant presence. The thought of not seeing him for the next ten days left her feeling a bit down.
Artel, unaware of his importance in Hermione's heart, couldn't fathom her sadness. Little did he know, it was partly due to the influence of the Ring of Power, coupled with his charm and upbringing in the Shelby family.
Sophia would say it's near impossible for a girl to resist Artel.
.....
As they chatted, darkness fell outside, accompanied by a snowstorm. Thankfully, the compartment was heated, and Artel and Hermione felt no chill.
The train trundled forward, lights dimming. Hermione, feeling drowsy, closed her eyes and rested on Artel's shoulder.
Artel found a comfortable position, and Hermione adjusted to lean on his shoulder, her hand gently tugging at his wizarding robe's cuff.
Artel turned to look out the frosted window. After a few months in the wizarding world, the Muggle world seemed a bit unfamiliar.
"No chance for a proper break this holiday. Got the air ring, though. Should make sorting out the troll tribe a breeze. The rest...back to school..."
With plans in mind, Artel felt a bit drowsy. Hermione's even breathing filled his ears. He closed his eyes.
In the dim light, Hermione's ears turned a shade of red.
....
Artel awoke past five o'clock the next morning. Sleeping in a train seat was tiresome, but he was content. Hermione, awake before him, sat across, watching him.
"Good morning."
Artel stretched, feeling the pleasant pull of his muscles after a good rest.
"Good morning. The radio says we'll be in London in half an hour," he announced.
Hermione turned away from the window, her expression unfazed as if the news was routine.
The evening train moved at a slower pace, considerate of young wizards not wanting to reach London in the wee hours. The thought of little wizards wandering around in the early morning wasn't appealing.
There was a certain charm in sleeping during the journey and waking up in the heart of London.
"About six o'clock, right? My uncle should be waiting for me at the station. Where's Uncle Granger? What time did you tell your family?" Artel inquired.
"I informed them around six as well. My parents should have arrived in London yesterday," Hermione replied.
"Too bad. I was thinking if they didn't show up, I'd take you back to show my house...Hahaha," Artel teased, causing Hermione to blush slightly.
"Alright, no more jokes. Let's change out of these wizard robes. We'll draw too much attention if we show up at King's Cross Station like this," he suggested.
The two changed into more ordinary attire and settled into the carriage, awaiting the train's arrival.
.....
As Artel's pocket watch hit six, the train pulled into King's Cross Station on time. Artel and Hermione disembarked, spotting Jimmy and the Granger couple eagerly waiting nearby.
"Hey, Artel, we're here!" Jimmy exclaimed, waving excitedly.
"And there's Hermione," he added.
The Grangers greeted them with smiles, taking a few steps forward.
"Daddy, Mommy!" Hermione called out to them.
"Hello, Uncle! Mr. Granger, Mrs...." Artel and Hermione greeted the Grangers warmly.
"Have you eaten yet? Mr. Granger, care to join us for breakfast?" Artel proposed.
"Sure!" Hermione chimed in before the Grangers could respond, not eager to part ways with Artel so soon.
"Kids..." Mr. Granger chuckled, then agreed, "After a night on the train, I think we're all hungry. Lead the way, Mr. Shelby."
"No need to be so formal. Like I said, just call me Jimmy," he replied, displaying unexpected politeness, undoubtedly influenced by Hermione's presence.
In Jimmy's eyes, the parents of a witch, regardless of their status, deserved respect.
.....
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