The sky gradually darkened, clouds spreading across the horizon as the scarlet train roared forward. Its piercing whistle echoed over the desolate fields. Augustus held a magazine in one hand, pondering the intriguing title bestowed upon Fudge.
"This isn't the first time," revealed a source from the Ministry of Magic. "Fudge's friends affectionately call him the 'Goblin Crusher' Cornelius Fudge. If you catch him speaking when he thinks no one is eavesdropping, oh, he's always talking about taking action against goblins—drowning them, tearing down their homes, poisoning them, or even making them into pies..."
Indeed, the magazine's editor displayed remarkable creativity. Goblins turned into pies—it sounded rather fascinating. Augustus smiled slightly and handed the magazine back to Luna.
"Is there anything good in there?" Ron asked, glancing at Augustus.
"Of course not," Hermione interjected in a reprimanding tone. "That magazine is utter nonsense; everyone knows that."
"Sorry," Luna's voice unexpectedly lost its dreamy quality as she spoke, "my father is the editor."
An awkward silence fell over the compartment. "I—oh," Hermione stammered, looking embarrassed. "Well… it is sort of interesting… I mean, it's very…"
"Hermione means that the magazine is actually quite good," Augustus said with a gentle smile directed at Luna. "It's just that most people can't understand it. While the readership may be niche, those with a sense of humor will find it very engaging."
A flash of gratitude passed through Hermione's eyes, and she muttered softly, "Yes, maybe I didn't phrase it well. The magazine is definitely interesting."
Luna's expression gradually softened, and she nodded slightly before flipping the magazine upside down again to hide her face.
Night fell, and the pitch-black sky was devoid of stars. Tonight was a moonless evening. The compartment was illuminated by warm yellow light as Cho propped her chin on her hand. Her gaze, soft as flowing water, occasionally flitted toward Augustus, who was quietly engrossed in an ancient scroll. The tranquil atmosphere of the countryside was mirrored in the cozy compartment, wrapped in a serene and peaceful mood.
Eventually, the train began to slow down. Familiar bustling noises filled the air as everyone scrambled to gather their luggage and pets, preparing to disembark.
As they stepped off the train, a cool breeze swept by. Light rain fell from the sky. Sharing a black umbrella, Augustus and Cho walked along the lakeside path. The fresh scent of wet earth mingled with the crisp, minty aroma of the rainy season. Beneath the shared canopy, Cho's delicate fragrance was as entrancing as orchids.
In the distance, a lively female voice called out, "First years, this way! All first years, form a line here!"
A lantern illuminated the dark night, revealing the figure of Professor Grubbly-Plank, who had temporarily replaced Hagrid in teaching last year.
"Why isn't Hagrid here? Greeting the first years has always been his job," Cho asked, surprised, as she glanced at the professor holding the lantern.
"He's probably been assigned some important task by Dumbledore," Augustus speculated, his tone thoughtful. "Hagrid has always been one of Dumbledore's most trusted people. With Voldemort's return, it's only natural that Hagrid wouldn't be handling something as mundane as welcoming new students."
Cho nodded in agreement. "That makes sense. Hagrid may be clumsy, but he's unquestionably loyal."
The stone-paved road to Hogwarts Castle came into view as they passed the lakeside.
A hundred carriages were lined up on the roadside, each one harnessed to a Thestral standing quietly on the cobblestones.
The creatures were thin, their black hides clinging tightly to their bony frames. Their leathery wings jutted from their sides, resembling those of enormous bats.
Augustus's gaze rested on the air between the carriages, prompting Cho to ask in puzzlement, "What are you looking at?"
"Thestrals," Augustus replied with a faint smile. "They're considered ominous creatures. Don't they remind you of Professor Trelawney?"
Cho glanced at the empty space between the carriages in confusion. "But… there's nothing there."
Augustus sighed softly. "Sometimes, being unable to see something isn't such a bad thing."
The carriages rattled and swayed as they moved up the road. Passing through the gates of Hogwarts, flanked by tall stone pillars engraved with winged boars, the castle loomed closer. The many towers, black against the dark sky, were dotted with glowing windows.
The carriages came to an unsteady halt near the stone steps leading to the castle's oak front doors.
Augustus and Cho stepped out of the carriage and followed the crowd into the castle.
In the Great Hall, four long tables glimmered under the black, starless ceiling, mirroring the night sky visible through the high windows. Candles floated above the tables, illuminating silver ghosts drifting through the hall. Students chatted excitedly, sharing summer news, greeting friends from other houses, and commenting on new hairstyles and robes.
At the Ravenclaw table, Cho said goodbye to Augustus.
"Over here, Augustus!" At the Slytherin table, Loki waved him over.
Augustus approached, then turned to Thor in surprise. "Oh? Thor, your progress has been remarkable—only three levels behind Loki now."
Thor's deep blue eyes glimmered with joy. "The rainy season often accelerates progress. Compared to Loki's ice-based skills, I have a significant advantage, so it's nothing worth boasting about."
Lillian interjected with a scornful laugh. "You say that, but your eyes give you away. Can't you act a little more modest? As your senior, your attitude makes me feel so much pressure."
"Who's that at the staff table?" Draco Malfoy pointed toward the dais, indicating a woman seated beside Dumbledore.
Dumbledore tilted his head toward her as she whispered into his ear. She wore a pink cardigan over her robes, matching her curly, mousy brown hair adorned with a gaudy pink Alice bow.
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