After politely declining Mr. Weasley's request to "have a go" with the car, Tver and Sirius delivered them to King's Cross Station right on time.
Of course, that was nothing to brag about.
The Ministry-modified car was far easier to drive than an ordinary one. Collisions were not an issue at all. As long as he kept the vehicle from flying off the road at high speed, reaching their destination was as simple as breathing.
"Hurry along. Even with me here, if Voldemort really loses his mind and attacks you here, the chaos won't be easy to clean up."
Tver swept his gaze around the station.
Although the chances of Voldemort doing such a thing were not high, it was still better to be safe than sorry. After all, Voldemort's current state was strange enough to warrant caution.
There was nothing that truly needed his vigilance, but there were three people who caught his curiosity.
Harry looked as if he wanted to say something, but Sirius led him firmly toward Platform 9¾. Ron was trapped under Mrs. Weasley's arm as well, leaving him no chance to make any move.
Only Hermione, who had been left on her own, managed to slip quietly to Tver's side.
"Looks like you've noticed something again," Tver teased as he guided Hermione toward the magical wall.
Come to think of it, this was his first time coming here, and it would also be his first time boarding the Hogwarts Express this way.
Hermione's face flushed slightly.
Whenever this happened, it usually meant the three of them had once again done something against school rules or taken some unsafe action.
But given what they were worried about, she still whispered urgently, "Professor, we found out that someone's been following Harry!"
Tver paused in surprise, but his expression did not change. He shielded Hermione and passed through the barrier without any obstruction.
A second later, he found himself on the real Platform 9¾, where the bright red Hogwarts Express was cheerfully puffing out steam.
Seeing that Tver said nothing, Hermione thought he had ignored her, and anxiety immediately showed on her face.
"There are too many people here. In a moment, find a secluded compartment with Harry and Ron. I'll come to you," Tver said quickly by her ear.
He had to be quick. Some sharp-eyed students had already noticed him.
"Professor Fawley!"
Draco, who had originally looked displeased, immediately shouted in excitement the moment he saw Tver's tall figure.
His mother, Narcissa, did not stop him. She simply let Draco try to push his way through the increasingly crowded platform, until he was swallowed up by the equally excited students.
Because of that shout, all the students on the platform realized that Professor Fawley had arrived.
"Professor, are you taking the train back to Hogwarts too?"
"Will there be any interesting games this year? We barely got to attend your classes last year!"
"That's right! We didn't even get the Halloween imp game!"
Listening to the students' faint complaints, Tver had no choice but to raise both hands and signal for them to quiet down.
"Everyone, I don't want to hide this from you. Because of the well-known issues I need to deal with, I may not be able to return to Hogwarts this school year..."
Seeing the students look as if they had been struck by lightning, Tver quickly reassured them. "I promise, this school year, you will have an exceptionally outstanding new professor. Well, possibly more than one."
By the time he had herded the students surrounding him onto the train, there were not many students left on the platform.
Apart from Draco, who had never managed to squeeze through and had finally given up, waiting off to the side, and Neville, who stood beside him with an amused smile.
Even more unexpectedly, the Longbottoms were there too.
Although their hair still looked somewhat dry and withered, their complexions were much healthier. They stood together with Narcissa, watching Neville and Draco bicker quietly with relieved expressions.
Their identities as Death Eaters and Aurors did not affect the next generation. Nor did they show any hostility or disdain toward one another. They looked simply like parents seeing their children off to school.
Suddenly, the train gave an urging whistle. Neville and Draco had no time to keep chatting. They hurriedly said goodbye to their parents and followed Tver onto the train.
"Professor," Draco said at last, looking at the platform slowly receding outside the window, finally getting the chance to ask his question. "I heard You-Know-Who is planning to attack Hogwarts?"
"Where did you hear that?" Tver looked at Draco in surprise, even pausing in his search for Harry and the others.
Even Snape's intelligence had only shown that Voldemort was closely monitoring matters at the school. But an attack...
Unless Voldemort planned to act alone, there was no way the Death Eaters would show no movement for something as major as attacking the school.
"I guessed," Draco said matter-of-factly.
"Neville's parents suddenly said they were escorting him to school, and there are Aurors hidden around the station. Most importantly,"
He pointed at Tver smugly. "Someone as... busy as you personally escorted Potter and the others, and even boarded the train."
"All signs indicate that You-Know-Who is planning to make a move against Hogwarts, which is why you've increased protection for the students!"
Looking at Draco, who seemed as if some young detective had possessed him, Tver did not know whether to praise him for his sharp observation or scold him for overthinking it.
"In any case, Hogwarts's security has indeed been strengthened, but You-Know-Who has no plan to attack Hogwarts. At least, not yet."
"However..."
Tver suddenly pulled open a compartment door, startling Harry, Ron, and Hermione, who had been crouched by the door eavesdropping.
"That does not mean you can keep breaking school rules as recklessly as before and put yourselves in danger!"
"We weren't being reckless..."
Ron muttered, still trying to defend their past actions, only to be suppressed by Hermione and Harry working together.
Wasn't that as good as admitting they had broken school rules?
"Professor, about Harry..." Hermione quickly prompted him.
"Then let's talk."
Tver nodded.
He was curious too. What exactly had happened to make the three of them think someone was following Harry?
And who, exactly, could evade both Tver's surveillance of the Death Eaters and his protective measures around Harry?
With one hand on each head, he pushed Draco and Neville, who were craning their necks curiously, out of the compartment.
"Sorry, you two will have to find another compartment."