The weeks leading to Christmas passed in a flurry of snow, lessons, and laughter.Despite her determination, Hermione Granger still hadn't found anything about Nicolas Flamel. Every spare hour she could steal was spent buried between stacks of books, parchment scattered around her like a scholar's fortress.
Harry and Ron had started strong—at least for a few days—but their enthusiasm didn't last long.
"It's Christmas soon," Ron had said one morning, stretching lazily. "Let's take a break, eh?""You mean give up," Hermione muttered, flipping a page.Harry smiled apologetically. "We'll help after the holidays, promise."
And so, while Harry and Ron stayed behind at Hogwarts for Christmas, Hermione prepared to return home—with her mind still half in the library.
❄ Platform Nine and Three-Quarters
Snow flurried gently over Hogsmeade Station as trunks were loaded onto the scarlet Hogwarts Express. Steam billowed, filling the air with warmth and excitement.
Roy, Hermione, Daphne, Cassandra Vole, Cho Chang, and Penelope Clearwater gathered near the platform, their scarves fluttering in the cold wind.
They exchanged cheerful goodbyes with Harry and Ron, who were staying behind. Hermione, ever the responsible one, gave them final instructions.
"Please, try to find something about Nicolas Flamel while I'm gone.""Sure," Harry said."We'll look into it," Ron added, though his grin betrayed zero conviction.
Roy chuckled under his breath. "I'll take that as a no."
Hermione shot him a look, half-annoyed, half-amused, before following her friends onto the train.
🚂 A Train Full of Secrets
Once the Hogwarts Express began to rumble to life, the girls settled into a cozy compartment. Hermione, Cassandra, Daphne, Cho, and Penelope were already chatting when Roy, who had been speaking to Hagrid about rare magical creatures, passed by outside their door.
He gave a polite nod and said, "I'll join you in a bit," before heading down the corridor.
Inside, the conversation had already taken a mischievous turn.
Cho and Penelope, who had heard about the bet from Cassandra and Daphne, turned to Hermione with playful grins.
"So… the famous bet," Cho began. "You still haven't found who Nicolas Flamel is, have you?""N-not yet," Hermione admitted, fiddling with her quill.
Penelope smirked. "Then it looks like you'll be someone's lap pillow soon."
Hermione's face went scarlet. "W-what?! You all shouldn't even know about that!"
Daphne laughed softly, exchanging a knowing glance with Cassandra. "Oh, we know everything, Hermione. You should've seen Roy's face when he made the deal. He looked far too confident."
Cassandra chimed in, grinning. "And when we told him we wanted to be his lap pillows too, he didn't even hesitate. Said we could take turns."
At that, both Cho and Penelope gasped in mock outrage.
"That's not fair!" Penelope exclaimed. "Why do you two get that privilege first?""Yeah," Cho added, pretending to pout. "I want my turn too."
Daphne smirked. "Then wait your turn, Ravenclaw."
The compartment burst into laughter. Even Hermione couldn't help but giggle, though her cheeks stayed bright pink.
"You're all impossible," she muttered, burying her face in her scarf.Cassandra leaned closer and teased, "Admit it, though. You wouldn't mind being Roy's lap pillow.""T-that's not the point!" Hermione stammered, to which all four girls laughed again.
Soon, the teasing faded into other cheerful chatter—holiday plans, snowy vacations, books to read, and new spells to master.
The train whistled sharply, signaling departure. Steam hissed from beneath the wheels, and the rhythmic clatter of motion began to fill the air.
Just then, Roy slid open the compartment door, a calm smile on his face.
"Did I miss anything?"
Five startled faces turned to him—five very red ones.
"N-no! Nothing at all!" Hermione blurted."Just talking about… Christmas presents!" Cho added hastily."Yeah, presents," Penelope echoed, a little too quickly.
Roy raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced, but let it go with a knowing grin as he took a seat.
🌨 Arrival at King's Cross
The journey passed quickly after that, filled with laughter, cards, and quiet moments gazing at the snow-streaked countryside.
When the train finally slowed into King's Cross Station, the platform glowed with golden light and warmth. Families waved eagerly, reuniting with their children.
Roy stepped off with his trunk in hand, scanning the crowd—until a familiar voice called out.
"Roy!"
It was Astoria Greengrass, waving shyly beside Lady Greengrass and Madam Vole, who had come to pick up their daughters.
Astoria looked radiant—healthier than ever. Her once-pale skin glowed with life, a testament to Roy's earlier help in lifting her curse.
Roy smiled warmly. "Astoria, you look wonderful. I'm glad to see you well again."
Astoria beamed. "All thanks to you, Roy!"
Lady Greengrass inclined her head gracefully. "Our family is in your debt, Lord Valvas. You've done more than you know."
Roy bowed slightly. "It was nothing, Lady Greengrass. I only did what anyone should."
Nearby, Hermione's parents approached, curiosity in their eyes as Hermione introduced them.
"Mum, Dad, this is Roy Valvas—one of my friends from Hogwarts."
Mrs. Granger's smile turned teasing. "Oh, the Roy, is it? The one you mentioned in your letters?"
Hermione froze. "Mum!" she hissed, mortified.
Roy chuckled, offering a polite handshake. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Granger."
"Likewise," Mr. Granger said kindly, while Mrs. Granger winked at her daughter.
Next, Roy met Cho's parents, bowing respectfully to them as well. They spoke warmly of their daughter's admiration for his diligence and kindness.
After bidding farewell to everyone, Roy hoisted his bag over his shoulder.
"Have a good holiday, everyone. I'll see you after the break."
"Where are you heading?" Hermione asked.
Roy smiled. "Home. France."
As he turned toward the exit, the winter air swirling around him, five pairs of eyes followed his figure—each carrying a different feeling: admiration, fondness, curiosity, and something quietly growing beyond friendship.
The Shura of Hogwarts was heading home for the holidays.But come January… so were his promises.
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