Chapter 9 (~8400 words)
– Sona –
Sona sat comfortably on the soft sofa of Rias's spacious clubroom, carefully eyeing the chessboard between herself and her second closest friend, Rias Gremory. Sona pushed up her glasses slightly, her pink eyes sharply focused as she contemplated her next move.
Across from her, Rias leaned back gracefully with her bright crimson hair cascaded freely over her shoulders. Beside them, Akeno—Rias's elegant and beautiful Queen—silently poured hot tea into delicate porcelain cups.
"Here you go, Sona," Akeno said softly, placing the steaming cup gracefully in front of her.
Sona nodded, giving her a polite but reserved smile. "Thanks, Akeno."
She picked up her tea, appreciating its soothing aroma. As Sona sipped, Rias made her next chess move with deliberate care, sliding her queen forward confidently. Sona raised an eyebrow—typical boldness from Rias, but she was already forming a careful counter-strategy in her mind.
"You know, Sona," Rias suddenly began, her voice playful and mischievous, "I heard an interesting rumor the other day..."
Sona glanced up briefly, wary of the playful glint in Rias's eyes. She knew that tone. "And what's that?" Sona asked calmly, placing her tea cup gently back on the saucer.
Rias leaned forward eagerly, elbows resting casually on her knees. Her lips curled into a teasing smile as her blue eyes sparkled with excitement. "Apparently your dear sister, Serafall, had a secret love child with a human woman…?"
Akeno gasped softly, her hand lightly covering her mouth in exaggerated surprise. She obviously already knew of course.
Sona rolled her eyes dramatically, letting out a long-suffering sigh. "Honestly, Rias, at this point you can't really call it a secret anymore. Serafall's been bragging nonstop to anyone who'd listen."
Rias giggled softly, tilting her head curiously. "Oh? So it's true? My, my, how scandalous. And what's this boy's name, hmm?"
Sona felt her cheeks warm immediately, a subtle yet noticeable flush spreading across her usually composed face. "His name is Harry," she mumbled, instantly annoyed at how quickly her blush gave away her embarrassment.
Rias caught the blush immediately, her smile widening wickedly. "Oh, Harry, is it? Interesting. Is there something you'd like to tell us, Sona dear?"
Sona huffed indignantly, adjusting her glasses again in a failed attempt at composure. "There's nothing to tell..."
"Funny," Rias replied teasingly, her voice full of playful suspicion, "because it seems your cheeks got very pink very quickly."
Akeno, sensing her friend's playful attack, immediately chimed in softly, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "Ara ara, she's right, Sona. That blush looks rather telling."
Sona shifted uncomfortably on the plush sofa, cursing internally as her cheeks grew hotter by the second. Damn Rias and her perceptiveness. Damn Akeno and her polite yet relentless teasing. Her heart sped up slightly, memories of brief yet charged interactions with Harry quickly flooding her mind.
"Honestly," Sona protested, clearing her throat to steady herself, "nothing happened between us!"
Rias let out a soft, knowing chuckle, leaning back gracefully and exchanging a conspiratorial glance with Akeno. "Well, I didn't even ask if anything happened, did I? Did I, Akeno?"
Akeno shook her head lightly, her voice dripping sweetly with feigned innocence. "Ara ara, no you didn't, Rias."
Sona groaned softly, her cheeks burning crimson now. She felt cornered, and it annoyed her greatly how Rias always managed to do that so effortlessly. She glanced away, nervously playing with a lock of her sleek, short black hair, silently scolding herself for falling into their gossip trap.
Rias leaned closer again, her voice lowering to a teasing whisper. "Come on, Sona. You're usually so composed and careful. I've never seen you blush like this. Harry must be quite special. And also, you've been away from Kuoh for weeks now, Sona. Did something perhaps happen between you and this mysterious Harry during that time…?"
Sona felt her heart jolt slightly, immediately sensing the dangerous waters she had wandered into. She glanced away quickly, but it was too late. Rias had already caught the subtle blush that was creeping onto her cheeks.
Before she could respond, Akeno leaned gracefully over the table, her smile innocent but her tone entirely too teasing. "Ara, ara, Sona. Were you perhaps doing something scandalous with this handsome boy back home in the underworld?"
"Nothing scandalous happened," she mumbled quietly, lowering her gaze slightly to avoid their intense stares. "I was merely busy training Harry. And when we weren't training…" She hesitated for a brief moment, memories of their peaceful strolls flooding her mind. "We simply spent time together on walks around the estate gardens, or sometimes explored the nearby devil towns. Going to restaurants or getting ice cream together."
She expected perhaps a soft chuckle or an amused remark, but instead, there was a lengthy silence. Frowning slightly, she dared to glance back up and immediately wished she hadn't. Both Rias and Akeno were openly gaping at her, eyes wide and expressions full of disbelief.
"You…" Rias began slowly, a delighted smile forming on her lips, "you mean to tell me, Sona Sitri, that you've essentially been going on dates with this Harry guy for the past two weeks?"
Sona's eyes widened, her throat drying instantly at Rias's accusation. "Dating?" she spluttered quickly. "We weren't—no, it wasn't like—"
"Oh my," Akeno interrupted sweetly, placing one slender hand over her lips in mock surprise. Her violet eyes gleamed mischievously as she glanced knowingly at Rias. "How bold of our dear Sona, quietly nurturing a romantic relationship without telling anyone. So naughty!"
Sona shifted uncomfortably, struggling desperately to regain control of the situation. Her fingers clenched nervously around the hem of her skirt beneath the table, heart pounding madly. "You're misunderstanding," she protested weakly, her voice betraying the uncertainty she felt. "There's nothing like that between Harry and me."
But Rias simply grinned knowingly, reclining comfortably against her chair as she exchanged amused looks with Akeno. "So tell us," Rias continued slyly, eyes twinkling. "How far exactly have you and Harry gone? Did you kiss?"
Sona's blush intensified, feeling impossibly warm beneath their scrutinizing gazes. "Of course not," she muttered defensively, voice almost a whisper.
Rias leaned in further, lowering her voice to a sultry murmur that made Sona's cheeks flame brighter. "Did you perhaps…take it further?" She paused dramatically, eyes glittering with mischief as she whispered the last word in a hushed, seductive tone, "Did you two fuck?"
Sona's eyes widened in shock at Rias's blatant question, her breath hitching sharply. "R-Rias!" she gasped, utterly scandalized by her friend's frankness.
"Ara, Ara," Akeno teased softly, her eyes dancing in amusement as she regarded Sona's bright red cheeks. "Judging by her adorable reaction, perhaps they truly did something naughty."
"We didn't!" Sona insisted desperately, glancing nervously toward the door to ensure no one overheard their teasing. "Nothing inappropriate happened between us."
Rias chuckled softly, shaking her head gently in amusement. "Really, Sona? So innocent? Are we to believe you spent two entire weeks together without any physical affection at all?"
Sona bit her lip hesitantly, feeling her resistance crumble under their expectant stares. "Well," she admitted softly, fidgeting nervously with her fingers, "we did hold hands…a few times."
Akeno raised an eyebrow, leaning forward eagerly, her smile dangerously sweet. "And…?"
"And…" Sona hesitated again, memories of Harry's warm embrace flashing vividly in her mind. She took a deep breath, her cheeks still flushed as she whispered quietly, "We hugged a few times as well."
Akeno placed a hand over her chest dramatically, feigning shock. "My goodness! Holding hands and hugging! How incredibly lewd of you, Sona!"
Rias giggled lightly, amusement clear in her eyes as she teased further, "Truly scandalous! Who knew you were such a dirty little devil heiress, So-tan!"
"Don't call me that," Sona retorted. "And who cares about my romantic life anyway. We all know that none of us have been very successful in that department!"
"Ah," Akeno sighed wistfully, leaning her chin lightly onto her palm. Her violet eyes glanced toward the ceiling in playful longing. "I'm so jealous. Where are all the good men for us? All we seem to get here in Kuoh Academy are peeping perverts and boys who can barely hold a mature conversation."
Rias groaned softly in agreement, rolling her eyes dramatically. "Exactly! It's really not fair. Sona finds a charming, handsome gentleman, and all we have are troublemakers constantly trying to catch glimpses up our skirts."
"...Still," Rias continued thoughtfully, "it seems to me that you really have it bad for your dear nephew, Harry. I don't think I've ever seen you blush this much before."
Sona sighed heavily, shaking her head slightly in embarrassment. "Maybe you're right," she whispered softly. "I didn't realize until I came back here how much I already miss him. It's… confusing." Her smile slowly faded into a troubled expression, and she grew quiet, staring at the polished surface of the chessboard in thoughtful silence.
Rias noticed the abrupt change and immediately frowned with concern. "Sona, what's wrong?" she asked gently, her voice softening.
Sona hesitated, biting her lip anxiously as she tried to gather the courage to express the troubling thoughts she'd been having recently. Finally, after a few tense seconds, she spoke quietly.
"Actually," she began softly, her voice barely above a whisper, "I've been having some regrets lately. These past few days… I've been thinking I really messed up."
Rias exchanged a quick glance with Akeno, both of them now clearly concerned. "Messed up?" Rias echoed gently. "What do you mean?"
Sona took a deep breath, struggling to find the right words. "Well, you and Akeno, you're both really close to your peerage members. They're more than just servants to you, Rias—they're like your family. You all genuinely care about each other."
Rias smiled softly, nodding in agreement. "Of course we do! That's how it's supposed to be!"
Akeno smiled warmly as well. "We truly cherish each other. Even Koneko when she finishes all the snacks," she added with a giggle.
Sona felt a pang of sadness as she saw their genuine happiness. It only made her realize even more clearly the difference between their bonds and hers. She slowly shook her head, voice trembling faintly as she confessed her true feelings. "But it's not like that with me," she whispered quietly, almost ashamed. "Other than Tsubaki, I don't really feel close to anyone in my peerage. To be honest, I barely spend any personal time with them. It's all strictly business in the student council." She paused for a second. "Lately, I've been considering severing ties completely..."
Rias gasped softly, eyes widening in shock. Beside her, Akeno's eyes widened as well, a hand rising slowly to her mouth in disbelief. "Sona…" Rias breathed, her voice filled with sudden sorrow. "Are you sure you really want that?"
Sona nodded slowly, her gaze focused on the chessboard, not daring to meet her friends' eyes. Most low-class devils don't know this fact, but the first year after reincarnation isn't permanent. The transformation into becoming a devil—the process can still be reversed. She could technically reclaim all of her evil pieces and return her peerage members to being human again…
All of them had been acquired in this past year.
Rias stared at her in stunned silence, waiting for Sona to continue.
"I've been thinking about it seriously, especially after how Saji acted toward Harry in our home in the underworld," Sona admitted softly, her voice filled with frustration and disappointment. "He was jealous, petty, and belligerent—nothing like family. And the others… I'm realizing they're all just individuals following orders. There's no real bond between me and them either. In fact, I'm pretty sure half my peerage are more interested in spending time with Saji than me."
Akeno shook her head slowly, looking deeply saddened by Sona's words. "But, Sona, surely you can build those bonds in time…?"
Sona sighed heavily, her eyes filling with quiet resignation. "I don't know. I've tried, Akeno, I truly have. But it never feels genuine. It feels forced. The bond Rias shares with her peerage is something I simply don't have."
Rias was quiet for a moment, absorbing Sona's words. Eventually, she spoke again, carefully and gently, her voice thick with genuine concern. "Have you spoken to them about this? Perhaps they'd surprise you."
Sona shook her head slowly, pressing her fingertips anxiously together. "No, but at the end of the day it's ultimately my decision. I shouldn't spend the next 10,000 years miserable with people that don't share my interests."
Not when the process can be reversed. On top of that, Sona realized that spending time in the underworld with Harry these past two weeks had been the happiest time she'd consistently had in years. Even when Serafall had forced her to play dress-up, Sona hadn't really minded at all. Or maybe that's because they were dressing up for Harry.
Either way, Sona was starting to realize that Kuoh wasn't her "home." She knew Rias would be upset to hear that she had been thinking about packing up and leaving for the past few days as well. And by thinking—she had pretty much already come to a decision.
Saying it all out loud just made it feel more real.
– Harry –
I walked through the bustling Muggle side of King's Cross Station, excitement bubbling in my chest as I navigated between families and busy travelers. The chatter and noise of the crowd surrounded me, and I took a moment to absorb it all, smiling broadly. Today was finally here.
I was going to be attending Hogwarts.
It had been an absolutely insane month. Sometimes I still couldn't believe everything I'd discovered and learned in such a short period.
First, the magical world. My whole life had flipped upside down upon learning that magic wasn't just real, but something that existed inside of me too. My days at my Aunt's home seemed so distant now.
Good riddance to that. Although, I did miss Dudley from time to time…
And then the revelation that I wasn't even human, at least not completely. Finding out I was a devil had been shocking but thrilling.
Most importantly, I had a living mother—Serafall. Meeting her was perhaps the most surprising and wonderful thing of all. Thinking of my mother instantly brought a warm flush to my cheeks. She was incredibly affectionate, beautiful, lively, and yes—clingy.
But I adored her for it, especially after growing up starved for love.
Thinking back just a few minutes, I lifted my fingers gently to my neck and smiled sheepishly. I was sure anyone who looked closely could spot the faint purple marks dotting my skin. Before teleporting to London, Serafall had decided she needed to "send me off properly." Her goodbye had been quite memorable, involving a tight embrace, and a few lingering, passionate kisses along my neck.
Was any of that behavior normal from a human family perspective? Obviously not—but we were devils. So actually, our farewell was considered pretty tame…?
I think…?
Shaking my head lightly to clear away those thoughts, I refocused my attention on the station around me. Platform 9¾ awaited, hidden somewhere within this bustling, confusing maze of trains, ticket booths, and hurried Muggles.
I could've easily asked Hermione to guide me, but I'd insisted on finding it myself. I wanted to enjoy the thrill of discovering it on my own terms.
I carefully examined the station, trying to spot something out of the ordinary. All I saw were brick walls, train platforms, benches filled with waiting passengers, and various shops selling food and magazines.
How was I supposed to find a secret magical platform here?
Then I noticed something. A family ahead of me dressed a bit differently. The parents wore oddly mismatched clothing, and the teenage boy pushed a trolley laden with a heavy trunk, an owl hooting softly from its cage.
Definitely wizarding folk.
Curious, I quietly followed behind, hoping they might lead me to the hidden entrance. As I watched, the boy–teenager–approached a brick barrier between platforms nine and ten. He casually walked straight into the solid wall and vanished.
"Whoa…" I muttered softly, my eyebrows shooting up in surprise.
Smiling, I approached the same wall, heart beating faster with anticipation. Okay, Harry, you got this. Just walk through the wall. Simple.
Taking a steadying breath, I passed smoothly through. The world shimmered around me momentarily, and then my vision cleared.
I emerged onto a new platform, bustling with witches and wizards, steam billowing dramatically from a massive crimson train waiting patiently along the tracks. Hogwarts Express, the sign read clearly in polished gold lettering.
Excited voices echoed everywhere, teenage and adult students greeting old friends or saying tearful goodbyes to their families. Owls screeched softly, trunks rolled noisily, and magical energy filled the air, almost tangible.
I stood frozen for a second, overwhelmed by the sight. My new life was really beginning now!
"Harry!" a cheerful, familiar voice called from nearby.
I turned quickly, a wide smile spreading across my face as I spotted Hermione approaching quickly through the crowd. She looked beautiful, curly hair bouncing softly around her face.
"There you are," she said breathlessly, hugging me tightly. Her body pressed warmly against mine, and I couldn't help noticing the enticing fragrance of her perfume. She stepped back, her eyes flicking briefly toward my neck. "Looks like someone gave you quite the send-off…"
My cheeks warmed instantly, but I grinned shamelessly. "Yeah, mom can be a bit affectionate."
Hermione raised an amused eyebrow, lips twitching into a playful smirk. "A bit? You forget I met the woman and watched her grind on your lap the first time she ever met you!"
I chuckled, running a hand sheepishly through my straight black hair. "Maybe more than a bit…"
Hermione laughed gently, linking her arm comfortably through mine. "Well, you're here now. Ready for Hogwarts?" Before Hermione and I moved toward the Hogwarts Express, she suddenly paused, her chocolate-brown eyes twinkling mischievously as she glanced up at me. "Wait," she said softly, pulling me closer with gentle insistence. "There's something I need to do first."
"What is it?" I asked curiously, eyebrows raised slightly. The platform around us buzzed noisily with conversations and laughter, but nobody seemed to be paying attention to us yet. It was oddly peaceful standing here with her amid the chaos.
She didn't respond immediately. Instead, she leaned upward, rising slightly on her tiptoes as she brought her lips toward the unmarked side of my neck. My heart skipped a beat as I felt the softness of her lips against my skin, her breath warm and inviting. My eyes widened in surprise, but I quickly relaxed into the pleasurable sensation of her tender touch.
Hermione's mouth moved slowly, deliberately, pressing warm kisses along my neck, gradually turning them deeper, more intimate. She parted her lips slightly, and I felt her tongue tease gently against my skin. It sent a shiver down my spine, warm tingles spreading throughout my body as her kisses turned into soft, sensuous suckling.
My breathing grew quicker, my hands instinctively sliding around her waist as I pulled her closer. I was vaguely aware of the bustling station, the whistles, and the chatter, but all of that seemed far away. The only thing I could focus on now was Hermione's warm, sensual mouth leaving its mark on me.
"Mmm," she murmured softly, voice vibrating against my sensitive skin, "now everyone can see my mark, too."
I chuckled softly, cheeks heating up as a blush spread across my face. It felt surprisingly thrilling to have her openly claim me, just like Serafall had earlier. Still, I hadn't expected Hermione—usually composed and reserved—to be this openly bold in public.
She finally pulled back slowly, her lips gently breaking contact with my neck, leaving behind a pleasantly warm spot on my skin. Her eyes sparkled playfully as she gazed up at me, clearly pleased with herself. However, within seconds, the reality of what she'd done dawned upon her, and her cheeks flushed deeply. "Oh my gosh," she murmured, hands immediately rising to her own face in embarrassment. "I can't believe I just did that right here!"
I grinned, enjoying her flustered state, finding her sudden bashfulness adorable. "I didn't expect you to be so daring," I teased gently, brushing a loose curl softly from her reddening face. "Especially in the middle of King's Cross."
She glanced around nervously, cheeks still a bright shade of pink, before letting out a relieved breath. "Well, luckily nobody seems to have noticed. They're too busy with their own goodbyes."
I leaned in closer, whispering playfully against her ear, "Still, I'm surprised you're comfortable leaving visible proof of your naughty side out here in public."
Hermione groaned softly, hiding her flushed face against my chest for a moment. "Oh, shut up, Harry. You're enjoying this way too much."
"Maybe," I admitted with a soft chuckle, gently rubbing her back. "But it's okay. I like your naughty side."
She lifted her head slowly, eyes meeting mine shyly yet eagerly. "Just don't tease me too much, alright?"
"Promise," I smiled, leaning down to press a quick, tender kiss to her forehead. "But seriously, Hermione, is there anything else I should know about? Any more surprise attacks planned?"
She laughed lightly, relaxing visibly under my gentle teasing. "Not right now, but I reserve the right to surprise you whenever I want."
"Deal," I agreed, smiling warmly.
Her eyes suddenly grew more serious, glancing nervously toward the train. "By the way, Harry, there's already a bunch of press and photographers swarming around the main entrance to the train."
"Really?" I asked, slightly annoyed. I'd hoped for a quiet arrival at Hogwarts. "I guess my fame precedes me."
Hermione nodded sympathetically. "You can say that again. Fortunately, there's another entrance to the train, closer to the back. It's hidden behind some of those luggage carts, so no one's paying attention there. We can easily slip in unnoticed."
"I'd rather not deal with reporters today." I breathed a sigh of relief.
She smiled reassuringly, taking my hand firmly in hers. Her fingers intertwined with mine comfortably. "Don't worry, Harry. I've got you. Just follow me."
I grinned, squeezing her hand affectionately. "Gladly. Lead the way, my beautiful girlfriend."
She blushed again at the word "girlfriend," a small but delighted smile forming on her lips. "Come on, you flirt," she said shyly, tugging me gently through the crowded platform.
We carefully navigated around families and students, weaving between piles of trunks, owl cages, and trolley carts, until finally spotting the hidden entrance Hermione mentioned. It was mostly obscured by tall stacks of luggage, allowing us to approach without drawing any unwanted attention
…The Hogwarts Express gently lurched into motion, steam billowing past the windows as the station slowly disappeared from sight. I settled comfortably into my seat, stretching my legs out a bit as I glanced across the compartment at Hermione.
She sat quietly, her beautiful brown eyes firmly fixed on the thick book in her lap. Her legs were neatly crossed, and one hand gently flipped the pages while the other absently twirled a loose curl of hair around her finger.
Watching her read, completely lost in her own world, was strangely relaxing. I admired how dedicated Hermione was to always bettering herself—she was intelligent, determined, and beautiful.
I didn't need to constantly hold her hand or talk to her every second we were together to feel connected to her. That's not what a healthy relationship was about.
Turning my head slightly, I watched the green countryside passing swiftly by outside the window. My thoughts began to drift pleasantly when suddenly the compartment door slid open with a loud clatter.
"There you are, oh great stealer of women's hearts!" called one of the familiar redheaded twins cheerfully, leaning casually against the open door frame.
"You, sir, are a man amongst men!" chimed in the other, giving a dramatic bow.
I laughed softly, shaking my head at their theatrics. "Fred, George—what did I do to earn such praise today?"
Fred grinned mischievously, exchanging a knowing look with his twin brother. "Well, George and I saw you strolling around the fairgrounds at the Quidditch World Cup, arm-in-arm with not one, but two stunningly gorgeous blonde Veela girls! TWO!"
I guess they saw Fleur and Gabrielle then. I wondered what they'd think if I told them about the passionate night I had with the two gorgeous sisters afterwards?
George raised his hand dramatically, as though pledging an oath. "And though we were tempted to come congratulate you right then and there, we resisted. It would've violated the sacred bro-code!"
"Oh, of course, the sacred bro-code," I chuckled. "Thanks for respecting that."
Standing behind them was Ginny Weasley, arms crossed beneath her chest, causing her figure to become even more noticeable. She rolled her eyes dramatically, releasing a soft huff of exasperation. Then her cheeks reddened slightly, and her eyes softened shyly as she looked directly at me. Her voice was quiet, almost hesitant. "Um… Harry, would you mind if I sat here with you? I usually sit with my best friend Luna, but she seems to have wandered off somewhere on the train."
"Sure, Ginny, there's plenty of room," I said warmly, gesturing toward the empty spot next to me.
Hermione glanced up briefly from her book but didn't say no either.
Ginny grinned triumphantly, though Hermione missed the sly smirk that flickered briefly across the redhead's face. Without hesitation, Ginny stepped in and smoothly slid down next to me, deliberately scooting so close that our thighs pressed gently together.
I raised an eyebrow slightly, offering Ginny an amused smile. She met my gaze boldly.
I turned my attention back to the twins, trying to ignore Ginny's obvious proximity. "Are you two joining us as well?" I asked curiously, gesturing at the empty spaces.
Fred shook his head. "Nah, Harry. We have… pressing business elsewhere."
"Pressing business with our lovely girlfriend!" George winked playfully, leaning slightly into the compartment. "However, would you mind terribly if we stored our trunk in here? We might have some, shall we say… contraband… that we'd rather keep out of the prefects' prying eyes."
I chuckled softly, nodding easily. "Sure thing. Just don't blame me if Hermione decides to inspect it later."
Hermione snorted quietly from behind her book, clearly amused but not looking up. "As long as nothing explodes, I won't be inspecting anything," she said calmly, flipping another page.
Fred and George gave matching grins of appreciation, simultaneously drawing their wands and levitating their heavy trunks neatly up onto the luggage racks above.
"Much appreciated, mates," George said.
"Enjoy your company!" Fred added, giving a knowing glance toward Ginny before they swiftly retreated down the corridor.
…Ginny and I chatted casually as the Hogwarts Express rumbled steadily along its tracks. The green countryside zipped by outside the window, creating a relaxing background to our conversation. Ginny had gradually moved even closer, her thigh pressed warmly against mine, giving me occasional shy glances and playful smiles.
"So, Harry," Ginny began curiously. "Have you thought about which Hogwarts house you'd like to join?"
I grinned mischievously at her question, my gaze flickering playfully over to Hermione as well. Hermione sat comfortably opposite us, still absorbed in her thick book, but I noticed her eyes subtly glance up at Ginny's question. Perfect timing.
"Well," I began thoughtfully, leaning back in my seat comfortably, "I already know two very beautiful girls who happen to be in Gryffindor, so honestly, why would I even consider another house?"
Ginny's cheeks immediately flushed a bright red, matching perfectly with her fiery hair, and a delighted, shy smile spread across her lips.
Hermione's reaction was less obvious—her face stayed mostly hidden behind her book—but her leg reached across to kick me playfully in the shin. Her foot lingered just a second longer than necessary, sliding slowly down my leg before pulling back.
I chuckled softly, enjoying the teasing interactions from both girls. Ginny's voice pulled me from my thoughts again, sounding playful yet genuinely interested. "I guess you'll fit in Gryffindor just fine then. You're definitely brave enough to openly flirt like this in public."
"I can't help it," I joked lightly, giving Ginny a charming smile that made her blush deepen even more. "When I see someone cute, I just have to let them know."
Ginny giggled softly, lightly pushing her shoulder into mine. "Careful, Harry. Keep flirting and Hermione might kick you harder next time."
I glanced toward Hermione again, noticing her lips twitch slightly upward behind her book, clearly amused but determined not to give me the satisfaction of openly smiling.
"So," Ginny continued, clearly trying to move on from the teasing before her cheeks permanently stained red, "have you thought about electives yet? There are some really interesting options."
"Oh?" I asked, genuinely curious. "Which ones are you taking?"
She smiled excitedly, leaning forward slightly as she spoke. "I picked Care of Magical Creatures and Divination. Creatures because I love animals, and Divination because… well, honestly, it just seemed like a fun, easy class to pass. What about you?" Ginny looked up at me expectantly as she waited for my answer.
"Well," I started casually, "obviously, I'll take all the basic classes—Defense Against the Dark Arts, Potions, Charms, and stuff like that." She nodded attentively. "But I'm also planning to take Ancient Runes and Care of Magical Creatures."
Ginny's eyes brightened immediately at that last class. A smile tugged at the corner of her lips, and she shifted even closer, pressing her thigh firmly against mine. "You're taking Care of Magical Creatures too? That's amazing!" she said enthusiastically. "I bet you'll love it. Maybe we'll even get to compare notes and stuff."
I chuckled warmly at her excitement, meeting her eager gaze. "Definitely. We can be monster-taming buddies together! Although, you might have to protect me if any big scary creatures try to bite my head off."
Ginny giggled playfully, leaning her head closer. Her voice dropped slightly, sounding teasing and flirtatious. "Oh, I don't know, Harry. You look more than capable of handling yourself against dangerous beasts. I've read all the Harry Potter children's books!"
I smirked back. "Those books? You shouldn't believe everything you read about me. Although, yes I can admit I have been slaying XXXXX monsters and rescuing pureblood princesses since I was 5 years old. I'm afraid I'm just built different and amazing like that compared to lesser wizards…" I finished with a teasing wink.
"Hmm, we'll see if that all turns out to be true," she purred lightly. "Although, I suppose it's a shame we'll be in different years. We might not get much chance to play hero together."
"True," I admitted with a mock sigh, "Guess I'll just have to find other ways to impress you."
She laughed softly again, the warm sound filling our compartment, before her expression turned thoughtful. "And Ancient Runes, too, Harry? You're brave. I heard that class is super difficult. Really complicated runes and symbols you need to memorize. Good luck with that…Ugh."
"Yeah, thanks for the warning. I heard it was tricky too," I said, grimacing slightly. "But I wanted something challenging. And I heard Arithmacy was basically math magic and I'm not about that…" So Ancient Runes was my only option.
Ginny giggled in agreement, leaning back comfortably against the seat, eyes glancing over at Hermione with a playful smirk. "Arithmacy. You're taking that one right Hermione?"
I wasn't aware of all the classes Hermione was taking, but that seemed like something she'd enjoy. "You know, you and Sona would really get along if you two ever met, Hermione."
The second Sona's name slipped from my lips, I felt Ginny tense slightly beside me. Her playful smile faltered just a tiny bit, with a noticeable twitch at the corner of her eye. "Sona?" she asked carefully. "Who's that?"
Hermione, apparently sensing the sudden tension, set her book down fully in her lap, wearing an amused expression as she met Ginny's eyes. "Sona's Harry's aunt," she explained for me. "Though she's actually only a couple of months older than Harry is. I hear they are very close…"
Ginny slowly turned toward me, a strange gleam entering her gaze. "Your aunt, huh? Let me guess—is this Sona also a beautiful young woman?"
Hermione snorted softly in amusement, shooting me a sideways glance full of mischief. "Oh, you have no idea. From everything I've heard and seen, she's definitely gorgeous."
Ginny let out a dramatic sigh, looking back at me with feigned exasperation. "Honestly, Harry, do beautiful women just seem to flock to you everywhere you go?"
I laughed openly at her playful accusation, shrugging casually. "Well, let's see. Hermione's here, you're sitting right next to me—so I guess maybe you're onto something?"
Ginny's eyes widened, cheeks turning scarlet in an instant. But instead of shying away, she leaned over quickly, smacking my arm in mock annoyance. Hermione's foot immediately kicked my shin again, playfully harder this time. The sting made me chuckle even more, rubbing my leg exaggeratedly.
"Ouch! Okay, okay," I laughed, raising my hands in surrender. "I deserved that one."
"Definitely," Hermione said firmly, rolling her eyes dramatically. She was clearly fighting a smile as she picked up her book again, giving us both a teasing glare before returning to her reading. "Honestly, Harry, flirting shamelessly right in front of me?"
I flashed her a playful grin. "It's hard not to, with such good company."
…The compartment door slid open again, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled around us. I glanced up in mild curiosity, only to see a pretty blonde girl standing in the doorway. Her platinum hair cascaded softly down her back, framing an attractive face that wore a dreamy, slightly distracted expression. Her eyes, a startling shade of silvery-blue, seemed to stare right through us. She had curves in all the right places, accentuated nicely by the snug fit of her Hogwarts uniform, giving Ginny a run for her money.
"There you are, Ginny," the blonde girl said softly, her voice airy and musical, yet somehow firm and direct. "I've been looking all over the train for you."
Ginny rolled her eyes dramatically, though her lips tugged up into an amused smile. "That's funny, Luna, because I went straight to our usual compartment, and you weren't there!"
Luna blinked slowly, seemingly processing Ginny's words for a moment. "...Oh, I did go there first," she finally replied. "But unfortunately, it was full of Wrackspurts…"
"Wrackspurts?" I asked.
Luna's silvery eyes drifted over to me, and she smiled sweetly, tilting her head slightly as though puzzled by my confusion. "Yes, Wrackspurts. They're tiny magical creatures that float around your head and cause your brain to feel fuzzy. Very troublesome."
Ok… Was she actually serious? I couldn't tell…?
Ginny giggled lightly, nudging me gently with her elbow. "Don't even bother trying to figure it out, Harry. Trust me."
Luna continued, either not hearing or simply choosing to ignore Ginny's words. "I decided it would be better to explore the train a bit instead. I spent the last few minutes chatting with the conductor, and luckily, this compartment seems free of any distracting creatures." Without waiting for an invitation, Luna stepped inside and sat herself right down next to Hermione. She settled comfortably, brushing her long blonde hair casually over one shoulder.
Hermione glanced up briefly from her book, clearly bemused by Luna's sudden appearance, though she didn't seem bothered by the intrusion.
Luna's silvery-blue eyes immediately locked onto mine again, and a soft, gentle smile spread across her pretty face. "It's nice to finally meet you, Harry Sitri," she said softly.
I froze immediately, my heart jolting in shock. How the hell did this girl know my true family name?
"Don't bother asking," Ginny said with an amused smirk, clearly guessing my thoughts. "Luna just always seems to know things. It's one of her many mysteries."
Luna's smile grew slightly wider, seemingly pleased by Ginny's explanation. "It's not that mysterious," she explained serenely, her eyes drifting dreamily across the compartment. "People's secrets sometimes just whisper themselves to me, like little birds singing in my ear…"
…We continued chatting comfortably for around an hour as the Hogwarts Express moved smoothly along the tracks, lush countryside scenery gliding past outside the windows. Ginny and Luna had an easy, familiar rhythm in their conversations, clearly close friends. Ginny would frequently burst into laughter at Luna's odd and often completely nonsensical observations, while Hermione seemed content quietly observing the two younger girls' antics over the edge of her book.
I leaned back comfortably in my seat, feeling pleasantly relaxed with Hermione's foot occasionally brushing against mine. Ginny continued pressing warmly into my side, her thigh snug against my own. I couldn't help noticing the gentle rise and fall of her chest whenever she laughed, or the way her hand would lightly rest against my leg in casual intimacy.
My devil instincts were keenly aware of the soft warmth of the girls around me, and I smiled, savoring this peaceful, enjoyable moment.
Our peaceful bubble was suddenly interrupted by the compartment door sliding loudly open again.
I looked up, immediately noticing the tall figure standing there—definitely not a student. He was older, perhaps in his early thirties, with flowing golden-blond hair styled dramatically. His brightly colored robes were impeccably clean, every fold precisely arranged.
"Woah… are you Gilderoy Lockhart?" Ginny asked in surprise. "What are you doing here?" she then turned to me and whispered her mom was a big fan of this guy. He was a famous author, although Ginny also whispered his books were a bit gaudy for her tastes. "I prefer erotic romance…" she winked before we turned back to the man at the compartment door.
The man's lips curled upwards into a cocky smirk when we turned back to him. "Indeed I am, young lady," he replied confidently.
Lockhart's eyes drifted slowly over each of the girls, lingering particularly long on Ginny's figure pressed close to mine, then roaming appreciatively over Hermione's crossed legs, and even Luna's soft curves.
His gaze made me bristle instantly. I could practically feel him mentally undressing them. My possessive devil instincts roared to life…
Finally, Lockhart's wandering eyes landed on me, his expression shifting to exaggerated enthusiasm. "Ah, there he is!" he declared dramatically, stepping boldly into our compartment without invitation. "The famous Mr. Harry Potter himself! I've been searching all over this train for you!"
"You have?" I asked dryly, my voice distinctly lacking enthusiasm. I already disliked the man immensely. I didn't need some strange teacher ogling my girlfriend and barging into my private space.
I was about to tell him to fuck off—
But Hermione shot me a look—clearly urging me to behave. I grumbled silently, biting my tongue for now.
Lockhart didn't notice or care about my obvious irritation. He simply flashed me another dazzling, fake-looking smile and leaned dramatically against the compartment wall. "Of course! Allow me to introduce myself properly—though I'm sure introductions aren't truly necessary. I'm Gilderoy Lockhart! World-famous novelist, adventurer, wizarding celebrity, and—most excitingly—your new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts!"
Hermione raised an eyebrow slightly behind her book, and Luna simply gazed dreamily out the window, seemingly uninterested. Ginny looked a bit confused and muttered, "why is an author going to be a Professor?"
Lockhart continued on grandly, clearly loving the sound of his own voice. "In fact, Headmaster Dumbledore actually offered me this prestigious teaching position two years ago. But alas, I simply had to decline. I was off exploring a hidden island filled with incredibly dangerous and thrilling magical creatures, after all. Couldn't deny my fans another best-selling novel, you see?"
He chuckled indulgently at his own words, smiling smugly as though he expected me to thank him for finally taking the job now.
"Yet," Lockhart continued dramatically, "when I heard Harry Potter—the legendary Boy Who Lived himself was alive after eighteen long years presumed dead, and finally attending Hogwarts…well, I simply had no choice but to accept the offer at last!"
My jaw tightened immediately at the hated nickname.
Lockhart's entire demeanor grated sharply against my nerves, his self-important tone, the intrusive way he'd barged in here, his blatant ogling of the girls, all of it rubbed me completely the wrong way.
I mean—yeah, as a devil my eye would naturally wander towards beautiful women as well, but I was never blatantly trying to be a creep about it!
"Well, Harry," Lockhart continued breezily, oblivious to the tension radiating from me, "I thought it would be a truly brilliant idea for you and me to become close friends this year. I could even mentor you personally! I can teach you all my exciting secrets, share my wisdom… the wizarding world's two most famous heroes united! Imagine the possibilities!"
I was just about to tell Lockhart exactly where he could shove his "mentorship" in the most "polite" way I could muster, when something strange happened. My words caught sharply in my throat as a sudden chill filled the compartment.
I could literally see my breath as the temperature plummeted around us, frosting over the glass window beside me. My instincts immediately screamed danger, a feeling I was quickly learning to trust.
Hermione reacted instantly. Her book fell forgotten to the floor, and she had her wand out in a flash, brown eyes wide with fear as she stared past Lockhart's shoulder.
I followed her gaze, and my heart skipped a beat in shock.
Right there behind an oblivious Lockhart hovered a pitch-black figure draped in tattered, flowing robes—a literal fucking demon. Its presence was pure darkness, radiating coldness and dread like a physical force.
How did I know exactly what it was? Simple—my mother, Serafall, had warned me thoroughly. As devils, we naturally had enemies, but surprisingly, the fiercest hatred didn't come from angels. No, our oldest, most bitter enemies were demons themselves.
Thousands of years ago, when Lucifer was cast down from heaven, the underworld had already been crawling with demons. Naturally, Lucifer didn't want to share, so he'd slaughtered most of them and banished the survivors to distant dimensions.
Ever since, demons had occasionally returned, consumed by vengeance and determined to kill every devil they found!
And now, incredibly, here one was, staring directly at me.
Ginny's voice trembled beside me, breaking the stunned silence. "H-Holy fuck, that's a Dementor!"
Lockhart blinked, finally registering Ginny's panicked voice. "A Dementor? Young lady, whatever are you going on about—" He turned around slowly, still smirking confidently, only to immediately lose all color in his face.
The demon had drifted closer, its dark hood tilted downward, and beneath that fabric, I glimpsed an eerie, malicious grin.
"—Oh," Lockhart squeaked pathetically, eyes rolling back into his skull. He collapsed instantly, hitting the floor with an embarrassingly loud thud. A dark, wet stain spread rapidly across the front of his flamboyant robes.
Wow, and this guy was going to be our Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor…?
The demon ignored Lockhart's unconscious body entirely, drifting past him, moving straight toward me, ice crystallizing along the compartment walls.
"Sirius Black isn't in here!" Ginny shouted shakily, clutching tightly onto my arm. She was trembling violently, pressing even closer to me, her warmth suddenly all the more noticeable against our skin.
"I don't think this demon's here for some escaped convict," I said grimly, watching the demon carefully.
It's here for me.
Hermione's eyes widened further, and she took a defensive stance next to me. "Harry, be careful!"
The demon paused slightly, seeming to savor the rising panic. Then, beneath its shadowy hood, that twisted grin widened even more.
I felt my blood ignite at the sight. Fuck this! If this demon wanted to fuck around, then it was about to find out!
"You messed with the wrong devil today!" I growled, raising my right hand in front of me. A surge of energy built rapidly inside me, like a swelling tide, begging to be unleashed.
Instantly, a glowing blue magical circle flared brilliantly in front of me, intricately detailed with the proud symbols of my mother's lineage.
"Amazing!" Ginny gasped sharply at my blatant display of magic, staring in awe as the demon drew even closer, its gnarled fingers outstretched hungrily.
"Get fucked!" I unleashed the full force of my magic. A torrent of water burst from the circle, erupting forward violently. It struck the demon with overwhelming force, sending it spiraling backwards out of the compartment.
The monster shrieked angrily, a terrible, haunting sound, as it clawed desperately to cling to the edge of the doorway. But I wasn't letting up! I poured even more of my devilish strength into the attack, the roaring waters surging powerfully forward. The demon screeched again, overwhelmed by the violent waves crashing mercilessly against its twisted form.
With a final explosive burst, my magic punched straight through the compartment wall, splintering metal and wood into jagged fragments. Cold wind screamed loudly into our compartment, whipping through our hair and clothing.
The demon tumbled helplessly through the opening, shrieking its fury even as it was blasted out into the countryside beyond. I watched it vanish into the distance, its figure fading rapidly from view.
I finally lowered my hand, feeling slightly drained but deeply satisfied. That thing had no clue who it was fucking with.
I turned back slowly, instantly noticing the shocked and amazed expressions on the faces of the girls in the compartment.
"Bloody hell, Harry!" Ginny gasped breathlessly. "That was incredible!"
"...You certainly live up to your name, Harry Sitri," Luna said dreamily, her silvery-blue eyes staring thoughtfully at the damaged wall of the compartment. Her voice was calm, soft like she was commenting on the weather, but I noticed the subtle tremble in her fingers. Luna was trying very hard to act unbothered by what just happened, even though it was clear the encounter had shaken her.
Still holding Ginny tightly against my right side, I reached my left arm out toward Luna without thinking. Her eyes widened in surprise when she felt my touch, and she let out a soft, startled squeak that was so utterly adorable I nearly forgot the gravity of the situation.
"Come here," I murmured softly, gently tugging Luna closer until she was pressed against my other side. She resisted only for a second before she relaxed into my embrace, her tense shoulders easing slightly as my warmth seeped into her trembling form. Her head rested against my shoulder lightly, blonde hair tickling my cheek. Ginny pressed even tighter against me, clearly appreciating the close contact too. I heard her soft sigh of relief as she melted into me further.
At least together, we could warm each other back up.
Across from me, Hermione let out a long, exaggerated sigh, rolling her eyes at my blatant display of affection. But even her slight scolding couldn't hide the amused twitch at the corners of her lips. I knew she was secretly glad that I was comforting the others.
The temperature in the compartment suddenly shifted, a comforting warmth spreading through the icy air. Before I could question it, a brilliant white glow poured through the damaged wall, manifesting into a majestic wolf made of glowing silver-white energy. Its ethereal body moved fluidly as it circled briefly around us, radiating peace and strength.
"That's a Patronus," Hermione said breathlessly, her eyes wide with awe as she admired the magical construct. The wolf seemed to study us briefly, then gracefully leaped back toward the damaged doorway.
As if summoned by the Patronus, footsteps sounded in the corridor, quick and purposeful. Seconds later, a tall man hurried into view. His face was deeply lined, and his short brown hair flecked with gray. He wore shabby robes that looked worn and patched, his appearance rough around the edges but undeniably strong. His eyes were warm, concerned, yet sharp as they swiftly scanned each of us.
"Is everyone alright?" he asked urgently, his voice low and reassuring. He held a wand that glowed with faint residual magic, indicating he'd been the one to conjure the Patronus. "I felt dark magic here and rushed over. Sorry I didn't arrive sooner. I was checking the front compartments first."
Was the dark magic he sensed from the dementor or was it from me? Obviously, it was better to make him think it was from the demon.
"We're fine," I assured him quietly, still holding both Luna and Ginny close against my sides. "A Dementor attacked our compartment, but I managed to repel it."
"Repel it…? That's very impressive." The man's gaze shifted to me directly at my words, recognition sparking instantly in his amber eyes. "Oh!" he gasped softly, clearly startled to see me. "Hello there, Harry," he said, his voice filled with gentle surprise and warmth, almost like we were old friends rather than complete strangers.
Something about his presence felt oddly familiar, though I had no clue who this man was.
"Sorry, have we met before?" I asked curiously, my eyes narrowing slightly as I studied him closely.
He hesitated, smiling slightly before replying. "Ah, forgive me. I'm Remus Lupin, your new Muggle Studies professor at Hogwarts." There was clearly more behind his eyes, but he quickly moved past it, shifting his attention toward the rest of the compartment.
Before I could question him further, Lupin's eyes fell to the floor, landing squarely upon the unconscious form of Gilderoy Lockhart. The flamboyant professor lay sprawled awkwardly across the floor, his bright robes stained embarrassingly dark between his legs.
Lupin's eyebrows shot up in genuine confusion. "Um…" He trailed off uncertainly, clearly baffled. "What exactly happened to him?"
Ginny giggled softly into my shoulder, her body shaking slightly as she suppressed her laughter. Luna smiled dreamily as well, the tension in her figure easing further at the comical sight. Hermione, though clearly amused, at least tried to keep a straight face, coughing politely into her hand to hide her smile.
"He fainted," Hermione supplied dryly. "When he saw the Dementor."
Lupin blinked, looking thoroughly unimpressed by Lockhart's lack of bravery. "Ah. I see…"
XXX