On the platform in December.
Snowflakes drifted down from the sky like willow catkins, gently dusting the shoulders of passersby.
Ethan's lips curved into a smile.
The moment he stepped off the train, his gaze was drawn to the girl standing by the wall.
Right now, she wasn't looking at him, but instead staring intently at the white snow fluttering all around.
Flakes settled on her loose, pale blonde hair, and her fair, delicate face resembled the serene moon at night.
She lifted her hand, welcoming the falling snow.
Her eyes followed the path of the snowflakes as they drifted downward.
Then.
Just as apples fall to the ground and the sun rises in the east.
Naturally, her gaze met Ethan's.
"Luna!"
Ethan, lugging his suitcase, hurried forward and stood in front of her with a grin.
Luna looked him over from head to toe, taking in his fresh, neat clothes.
Her lips curved up, and she said brightly, "It suits you perfectly, Ethan. You look like a little prince straight out of a fairy tale."
Ethan chuckled. "Long time no see, Luna."
Luna's clear blue eyes crinkled as she replied, "Long time no see, Ethan."
As if they'd never been apart, the two fell into step side by side with easy familiarity.
Luna said, "I once read a story about a group of siblings who stepped through a wardrobe into another world."
"The evil White Witch in it was eventually defeated. It's a shame they'll never see a winter blanketed in ice and snow again."
"I think, if it were you, you definitely wouldn't be defeated..."
Ethan watched Luna, who chattered away like a cheerful little bird, skipping lightly and talking without pause.
The smile never left his face.
After passing through that magical barrier, Ethan asked, "Luna, how do we get to your house?"
At that moment, a man's voice suddenly cut in: "How about we take Muggle transportation to the edge of the wizarding village, then walk through the grounds all the way home?"
Ethan looked up in surprise. "Mr. Lovegood, you're here too?"
Mr. Lovegood replied, "I've been here the whole time."
He let out a dry chuckle, skipped over the subject, and reached out toward Ethan. "Here, hand me your suitcase. I'll carry it for you."
Unexpectedly, Ethan politely refused.
"No need, thank you for the offer, Mr. Lovegood. I'll handle it myself."
Ethan clutched the suitcase close, his eyes narrowing slyly as he added mysteriously, "Inside are the wonderful little props we'll be using today~"
At that, Mr. Lovegood couldn't help but laugh.
What a charming kid, with his wonderful little props.
Besides, anyone who could be friends with his Luna couldn't possibly be a bad child.
Tonight, he'd make sure to treat Ethan well.
"Bang!"
A muffled thud suddenly echoed from the suitcase.
It was as if something alive was struggling and banging around inside, accompanied by a whistling sound like wind rushing through.
Ethan's smile grew wider, and he shot Mr. Lovegood a helpless "Oh dear, would you look at that" expression.
He abruptly raised his hand and smacked the suitcase hard. Immediately, it fell silent, returning to stillness.
Mr. Lovegood: ???
No, what in the world do you have in there???
His eyes slowly filled with apprehension.
But he'd missed his chance to ask, and now he could only follow along timidly, his nerves on edge.
...It should be fine, right?
The other one was just a kid, after all. Sure, his paintings were a bit unusual, but that just meant he had a unique artistic style.
"I'm really looking forward to Christmas tonight," Ethan said with a smile as he stood at the exit.
He turned to glance at Mr. Lovegood, who was trailing behind.
With his back to the open outdoors, his face and figure were shrouded in shadow.
Only the gleeful smile on his lips stood out so clearly.
As if a demon had just been set loose.
Mr. Lovegood swallowed hard.
He suddenly wondered if he should buy some insurance from the Ministry of Magic ahead of time.
After a chaotic ride on Muggle public transport.
Ethan, Luna, and the others made their way together through the snow-covered wizarding village.
As far as the eye could see, it was a barren landscape blanketed in white.
Sparse branches and bare shrubs made the place look truly uninviting.
But Luna pointed out, "Look! Those are holly berries! They're the winter food stash for those tiny, thumb-sized elves."
"In the cold months, they huddle in tree hollows and live off these."
As she spoke, she suddenly skipped over to the other side, crouched down beside a sturdy oak tree, and waved excitedly at Ethan.
Ethan strolled over at a leisurely pace, listening as Luna chattered on about "dwarves" and "hags."
He suddenly asked, "Do you want to see my new painting right now?"
At that, Luna lifted her small face, her blue eyes widening in delight, openly showing her excitement and anticipation.
"Yes! I do!"
Ethan's lips curved up.
First, he reached out and helped Luna to her feet from her crouch.
Then, with a flick of his wrist, a delicate rectangular card appeared in his palm.
On the other side.
A group of middle-aged witches, hauling bundles of firewood, watched the Lovegoods and whispered among themselves:
"Hmph, Lovegood's out wandering with his little oddball daughter again."
"I can't imagine what's so enjoyable about this miserable weather—always acting so wild and peculiar."
"If you ask me, not having a mother around isn't doing her any good..."
"Wait, look—isn't that another kid over there? Luna's friend? Since when does she have friends?"
Before the words were even out.
A massive, shadowy figure suddenly erupted from beside the two children!
"Roar!!!"
The beast's bellow thundered into the sky.
Like a messenger from the underworld, a scorching, dark aura instantly melted the surrounding snow, surging forward like a tidal wave!
"Clatter!"
The firewood tumbled to the ground.
The middle-aged witches' eyes bulged, frozen in shock as they stared blankly and fearfully at the monster.
Wh-what is that?!
Drawn by the noise.
In their view, the creature turned its head—all three of them.
Just "Ahhh!!!"
Shrieks of terror exploded, resounding across the empty wilderness.
Ethan turned his head, watched as several figures scrambled away in panic, scratched his head, and remarked, "Are they just too shy?"
What simple folks.
Meanwhile, Luna gazed at the Cerberus with eyes sparkling in wonder, murmuring, "Hellhound, Cerberus..."
She slowly reached out her hand and gently stroked its hot, coarse fur.
The typically ferocious Cerberus gradually settled under her touch.
Of course, it helped that Ethan was smiling and watching from behind.
Luna said, "I never imagined I'd actually see a mythical creature with my own eyes... It's so magnificent. I envy the champions in the tournament who get to interact with it ahead of time."
Ethan replied proudly, "They had a blast with it."
To save on magic and let Luna play with the Cerberus for longer.
Ethan cast a Shrinking Charm, reducing it to the size of a puppy, which Luna cradled lovingly in her arms.
"Woof woof!"
The once-majestic Cerberus barked in protest.
It nipped anxiously at Luna's hair, then melted under her expert petting, turning into a contented puddle.
The two walked ahead in perfect harmony, the mood serene and sweet.
Completely forgetting about the third member of their group.
Mr. Lovegood's eyes were wide with shock as he stared at Ethan's back, his legs shaking so badly he could barely walk!
He'd never mentioned that those paintings could actually come to life?!
Mr. Lovegood pictured what might happen if all of Ethan's drawings sprang into existence...
He shuddered violently.
Forget the wizarding world—the entire planet might cease to exist.
Would he even survive the night?
Mr. Lovegood forced a pained smile and hurried to catch up with those two troublemakers.
Through the wilderness and the woods, up the hillside.
Ethan pushed aside the dry branches, let out a "Wow," and his eyes widened in genuine surprise.
Luna's home! They'd arrived!
Tonight, he would showcase his talents and leave a deep, unforgettable impression on Luna's family!
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