On September 1st, the weather was as hot as the students' moods. The Hogwarts Express sped across the mountains, its red exterior gleaming like a fiery serpent under the sun. Inside a small compartment, Hermione leaned against the window, her eyes distant as she watched the scenery blur past.
"Hermione, did you say David and Harry were both going there?" Neville broke the silence, his voice soft.
Neville had arrived at Platform Nine and Three-Quarters early, hoping to reunite with his friends after a lonely summer. But to his disappointment, only Hermione was waiting at the train entrance. David, Harry, and Ron were nowhere to be found.
When the train started, Neville and Hermione ran into Fred, George, and Ginny Weasley at the entrance. Fred and George, in their usual dramatic fashion, joked about Harry and Ron being "kidnapped," sending Ginny into a panic. Hermione quickly reassured her, but the worry lingered.
Now, back in the compartment, Neville repeated his question: "Where are David and Harry going?"
Hermione sighed, her face clouded with concern. "I don't know..."
Since David had written to her about going to Romania, she hadn't heard from him again. Tina, David's contact, had replied to her letters, saying David was still at the dragon farm. But Hermione's letters to the farm went unanswered. By the time school started, she still had no news.
That morning, Hermione had arrived at the platform early, hoping to see David. She had even planned how to confront him—thirty-six letters deserved thirty-six hits! But David never showed up.
"Look, it's Harry!" Ginny suddenly pointed out the window, her voice a mix of surprise and worry.
Hermione snapped out of her thoughts and followed Ginny's gaze. A battered car was speeding alongside the train. Through the window, Ron could be seen driving, with Harry in the passenger seat.
"How could they do this? They'll be expelled if they're caught!" Hermione exclaimed, her anger flaring.
"But... at least they're safe for now," Neville mumbled, staring out the window.
Hermione's anger softened. Yes, at least they were safe. But where was David? Was he safe too?
---
Meanwhile, in the hall of a remote manor, David stood among a group of masked individuals. Pavel, the leader, was delivering a long, rambling speech. David tuned out most of it, his mind wandering to Hogwarts. By now, Hermione and the others would be on the train, heading to school.
As Pavel finally wrapped up his speech, the group prepared to depart. Each person picked up a golden ring with an "R" engraved in the center—a Portkey. They formed a line, hands on shoulders, and with a whirl of wind, they were transported to a desert.
The scorching sun beat down on the orange soil, and cacti cast shadows against the cliffs. David recognized the landscape—Arizona, part of the Colorado Plateau. But what were they here for?
Ion, a towering figure with a menacing presence, led the group. David approached him cautiously. "Where are we? It looks familiar."
"Arizona," Ion growled, his voice like a beast's snarl. "Know the way?"
David shook his head. "No, I was thinking of New Mexico."
Ion grunted and unfolded a map, studying it intently. David retreated to Tariq's side, his mind racing. Arizona... the Rocky Mountains... What magical creature were they after?
As the group flew southeast, the landscape shifted from desert to lush forests and rivers. Ion eventually led them to a dense forest near a towering mountain. At its peak stood a massive tree with a giant nest—Frank's home.
Frank, a Thunderbird, was a powerful creature sensitive to danger. Approaching from the air would alert it, so Ion ordered the group to proceed on foot. The forest floor was slippery and reeked of decay, a testament to the Thunderbird's influence on the environment.
David's heart sank. They were here for Frank. The thought of capturing such a majestic creature left a bitter taste in his mouth. But he had no choice—he had to play along for now.
As the group trudged through the forest, David's mind raced with plans. He couldn't let them harm Frank. But with Ion leading the charge, the odds were stacked against him. For now, all he could do was wait and watch for an opportunity to act.