Platform Nine and Three-Quarters.
"Don't push, don't rush. Take your time, take your time."
A scrawny old guard stood by the pillar, allowing only two or three people through at a time.
He said it was to avoid attracting Muggle suspicion if too many people emerged all at once.
Lucien, carrying his suitcase, patiently waited in line.
Although the area around the pillar was protected by something like a Memory Charm, allowing passing Muggles to overlook young wizards and parents entering and leaving in small groups, it would be useless if too many people gathered at once.
Lucien glanced around at his classmates. Everyone had already taken off their robes and changed into Muggle clothing.
However, the owls in cages were still far too conspicuous.
One or two might pass as a child's unusual choice of pet, but owls had become the most popular wizarding pets in recent years, and nearly half of Hogwarts students owned one.
It was easy to imagine how Muggles would react if a group of children suddenly appeared, pushing large trunks and carrying owls, animals rarely seen in the Muggle world.
Placing the Hogwarts Express inside a Muggle train station and hiding Platform Nine and Three-Quarters in the gaps certainly had a sense of wonder, but large-scale arrivals and departures were undeniably inconvenient.
Suddenly, Lucien felt something move in his pocket and caught sight of a small, platinum-colored paw poking out.
He quickly reached out to cover it, lowering his voice as he whispered.
"Wait a little longer. I'll give you more little toys when we get home."
Perhaps because of a Niffler's natural talents, it was always able to slip out through the smallest gaps and spaces. As it grew, Ginger became increasingly lively, and this was far from its first "escape."
Lucien had also discovered that as long as he gave Ginger shiny treasures like gold or silver jewellery, the little fellow would quiet down for a while, only setting off on new adventures after redecorating its tiny nest.
Once he was back home, obtaining such treasures would be much easier, and he would no longer need to trouble Aunt Penelope to send them over.
Thanks to the animal communication ability granted by the unicorn's blessing, Ginger could understand what Lucien was saying and obediently pulled its paw back inside.
"Hey, Lucien, do you have a pet?"
Hermione had happened to notice the furry little paw sticking out of Lucien's pocket and asked curiously.
"Haha, it's a gift from a friend. It's still very young."
No sooner had Lucien finished speaking than it was their turn to leave.
Harry and Ron, who had gone ahead, were already waiting outside. Judging by the unmistakable red hair, Lucien quickly spotted the Weasley family.
"Grafton, it's good to see you. You've grown into quite a handsome young man."
The kind-looking woman beside Ron smiled warmly at Lucien as she spoke.
Lucien returned the smile politely.
"Mrs. Weasley, just call me Lucien. Thank you for the sweater you sent me. It's very comfortable, and it looks great."
"Haha, I'm glad you like it, Lucien. Ron always mentions you in his letters. I really must thank you for helping him so much. You have to come and visit our house this summer!"
Lucien could feel Mrs. Weasley's sincerity and warmth, and he had already decided that he would go during the holidays.
"Ron works very hard himself and did extremely well in his end-of-year exams. Thank you for the invitation. I'll definitely visit this summer."
As soon as Lucien finished speaking, Mrs. Weasley had yet to respond when Ron had already pulled a piece of paper from his pocket.
The paper was neatly folded. Ron excitedly opened it and handed it to his mother.
"Mum, it's all thanks to Lucien teaching me that I managed to get this score. Fred and George even gave me a toilet seat for it, saying it was to properly commemorate the occasion…"
The first half of his words made Mrs. Weasley beam, but her smile froze at the latter part.
At that moment, she happened to catch sight of the twins walking out from behind the pillar, arms around each other's shoulders, looking lively and carefree.
Watching the scene, Lucien wore a faintly amused smile. He hadn't expected Ron to have a slightly mischievous side, setting up his two brothers like this.
After being pranked by the twins for so long, he had finally seized an opportunity to strike back. Their brotherly relationship was truly something.
Suddenly, Lucien felt another movement in his pocket.
He looked down to see Ginger poking its little head out, staring fixedly at a passing woman—at the necklace around her neck, the earrings on her ears, and the rings on her fingers.
Lucien gently pressed Ginger back down with his hand and couldn't help but sigh. The Muggle world really was full of temptations.
At school, everyone was a student and a wizard, and very few people wore jewellery. But here, in this bustling train station, with pocket watches, necklaces, bracelets, and all manner of adornments everywhere, it was no wonder the Niffler felt utterly overwhelmed.
Lucien also noticed the little girl nestled beside Mrs. Weasley. She was wide-eyed at the moment, her small mouth slightly open, looking first at Lucien's pocket and then up at his face.
The little girl had brown eyes, thick fiery red hair, and scattered freckles that made her look very cute.
Ginny Weasley.
Lucien smiled at Ginny and quietly raised a finger to his lips in a shushing gesture.
Ginny couldn't help but blush. She pursed her lips and nodded at Lucien, as if promising to keep his secret.
After exchanging a few more pleasantries with the Weasley family, they parted ways.
As Harry walked off, he couldn't help letting out a soft sigh. The joyful and fulfilling school life had come to an end, for once again he saw Uncle Vernon's large, purplish-red face, with a frightened Aunt Petunia and Dudley standing behind him.
"Harry, I'm leaving first. Goodbye."
Lucien said his farewell to Harry, then headed in another direction. Loxia was already waiting for him there.
"Ah, goodbye."
Harry waved at Lucien.
Vernon, standing nearby, had wanted to hurry them along, unwilling to waste any more time because of Harry and his friend's conversation.
But then he thought that Harry had spent a year at that school for "wizards" or "magicians," and that his friends must be freaks as well.
Vernon said nothing more, finding it irritating to spare even a single extra word for these people.
Walking slowly behind his aunt's family, Harry couldn't help but look forward to Lucien's promise to visit.
He was glad that his friend would come during the holidays, yet at the same time he worried that Lucien might discover the truth about his living conditions.
Harry also couldn't understand why Lucien had asked about Uncle Vernon's company.
"Hurry up and catch up! Do you want to make us waste the whole day?!"
Hearing Vernon's angry shout, Harry pouted. He thought that since his aunt's family didn't know he was forbidden to use magic, it might be a good opportunity to scare Dudley.
"I hope this summer isn't too boring…"
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