On the December platform, the sky dropped snowflakes like willow catkins, settling gently on the shoulders of passersby.
Ethan's lips curved upward in anticipation. As soon as he got off the train, his gaze seemed drawn like a magnet to the girl standing by the wall.
At this moment, she wasn't looking toward Ethan but was focused intently on the snow drifting through the sky. Snowflakes fell on her flowing pale golden hair, her fair and gentle face like the tranquil moon at night.
She raised her hand to catch the snowflakes falling from above, her gaze following their graceful trajectory as they drifted down. Then, as naturally as apples fall to the ground and the sun rises from the east, she met Ethan's eyes.
"Luna!"
Ethan carried his suitcase and walked quickly forward, standing before Luna with a bright smile.
Luna looked him up and down, taking in his brand-new, clean clothes. She raised the corners of her mouth and said cheerfully: "It suits you perfectly, Ethan. You're like a little prince who walked out of a storybook."
Ethan smiled warmly: "Long time no see, Luna."
Luna also curved her clear blue eyes, greeting him: "Long time no see, Ethan."
As if they had never been apart, the two walked side by side naturally.
Luna began chatting: "I read a story before about several siblings who went through a wardrobe to another world. The villain White Witch in the story was eventually defeated. It's such a pity they could never see winter covered in ice and snow again."
"I think if it were you, you definitely wouldn't be defeated..."
Ethan watched Luna, who was like a cheerful little bird, lightly bouncing and chattering non-stop. The corners of his mouth never stopped curving upward.
After passing through the magical barrier, Ethan asked: "Luna, how do we get to your house?"
At this moment, a male voice suddenly interjected: "We'll first take Muggle transportation to near the wizarding village, then walk through the countryside to home on foot. How does that sound?"
Ethan looked up in surprise: "Mr. Lovegood, you came too?"
Lovegood stared at him blankly: "..." I've been here the whole time.
He laughed awkwardly twice, skipped over this topic, and extended his hand toward Ethan: "Here, give me your suitcase. I'll carry it for you."
Unexpectedly, Ethan politely declined. "No, thank you for your kindness, Mr. Lovegood. I'll carry it myself."
Ethan hugged the suitcase protectively, his eyes curving mischievously as he said mysteriously: "Inside are wonderful little surprises we'll use today."
Hearing this, Mr. Lovegood couldn't help but laugh. What a cute child, what wonderful little surprises could there be?
Of course, anyone who could be friends with my Luna couldn't be a bad child, right? Tonight I must treat Ethan well...
"BANG!"
Suddenly, a muffled sound came from the suitcase. As if something alive was struggling and hitting inside, sharp whistling sounds like wind came from within.
Ethan's smile widened as he gave Mr. Lovegood a helpless "oops, you caught that" look. He suddenly raised his hand and tapped the suitcase once, and it immediately fell silent, returning to calm.
Lovegood stared in growing alarm: "..." No... what exactly do you have in there?
His expression gradually became terrified. However, having missed the opportunity to ask, he could only continue following anxiously.
It should be fine, right? He's just a child after all. Although his paintings are rather unique, that only shows his artistic style is distinctive.
"I'm really looking forward to tonight's Christmas," Ethan said with a smile, standing at the exit.
He turned his head to look at Mr. Lovegood behind him. With his back to the open outdoors, his face and figure were shrouded in shadow. Only that joyful smile on his face was clearly visible.
Like a demon released from its cage.
Lovegood swallowed nervously. He suddenly wondered if he should go to the Ministry to buy life insurance in advance.
After the chaotic Muggle public transportation, Ethan, Luna, and Mr. Lovegood walked together through the snow-covered wizarding village.
Looking around, there was nothing but desolate land covered in pristine white snow. Sparse branches and bare shrubs made the place look rather bleak.
However, Luna pointed excitedly: "Look! These are berries from the holly! They're food reserves for those thumb-sized little sprites. In winter they hide in tree holes and survive on these berries."
As she spoke, she suddenly bounced to the other side, crouching by a sturdy oak tree and excitedly waving at Ethan.
Ethan walked over unhurriedly, listening to Luna talk about "boggarts" and "hinkypunks" with obvious delight. He suddenly spoke up: "Do you want to see my new painting now?"
Hearing this, Luna raised her small face, her blue eyes widening with pure delight, not hiding her inner joy and anticipation at all.
"Yes! I want to see it!"
Ethan's lips curved upward. First, he reached out and pulled Luna up from her crouch. Then, with a flick of his wrist, an exquisite rectangular card appeared in his palm.
On the other side, several middle-aged witches carrying firewood looked at the Lovegood family and whispered among themselves:
"Tsk tsk, Lovegood is out playing with his eccentric little girl again."
"I really don't know what's fun about this terrible weather, always running around wildly."
"If you ask me, not having a mother really shows..."
"Hm? Look, isn't there another child over there? Luna's friend? When did she get friends?"
Before they could finish speaking, they saw a massive, dark figure suddenly leap out from beside the two children!
"ROAR!"
The beast's roar shot up to the sky. Like a messenger from hell, a scorching and otherworldly aura instantly melted the snow, hitting them like a physical wall!
"Clatter!"
Firewood fell to the ground, scattered everywhere. Those middle-aged witches stared wide-eyed, frozen in place, looking at the monster in stunned terror.
What was that thing?!
Attracted by the commotion, in their field of vision, the monster turned its head... turned three whole heads toward them.
"AHHHHH!"
Shrill screams erupted, ringing out loudly across the wasteland.
Ethan turned his head, watching several figures flee in panic, scratched his head, and said innocently: "Were they too shy?"
What simple folk these are.
Luna looked at the three-headed dog with shining eyes, murmuring in wonder: "Hell Cerberus, Cerberus..."
She slowly extended her hand, gently stroking its scorching and thick fur. The usually violent three-headed dog actually gradually calmed down under her touch.
Of course, this was partly because Ethan was smiling and watching it from behind.
Luna said with genuine admiration: "I never thought I'd actually witness mythological creatures with my own eyes... So beautiful. I really envy those contestants in the challenge. They got to play with it early."
Ethan said proudly: "They had such a great time playing."
To save magical power and let Luna play with the three-headed dog longer, Ethan cast a Shrinking Charm, making the three-headed dog as small as a puppy, which Luna lovingly held in her arms.
"Whine, whine!"
The majestic three-headed dog called out in dissatisfaction. It restlessly chewed on Luna's hair, then surrendered to her exquisite petting technique, melting into a contented puddle.
The two walked happily in front, the atmosphere harmonious and beautiful. They had completely forgotten there was another person present.
Mr. Lovegood stared in shock at Ethan's back, his legs shaking so much he could barely walk!
No one said those paintings could actually come to life!
Lovegood imagined what would happen if all of Ethan's paintings became reality... He shuddered violently.
Forget the wizarding world... the entire world would probably be gone.
Could he survive tonight?
Lovegood forced a miserable smile and stumbled after those two oblivious companions.
Through wilderness and forest, up the hillside, Ethan pushed aside withered branches and exclaimed, "Wow!" in delighted surprise, his eyes widening with genuine appreciation.
Luna's house! They'd arrived!
Tonight, he would show off his skills and leave a deep and wonderful impression on Luna's family!