Lucien found Harry sitting near the courtyard, broom resting beside him, staring at nothing in particular.
He didn't announce himself.
He just sat down.
Harry glanced over—and smiled immediately. "You saw it, didn't you?"
"The broom?" Lucien asked lightly. "Hard to miss."
Harry laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I was scared for a second. Then excited. Then scared again."
Lucien nodded. "That's normal."
Harry hesitated. "…You're not upset, right?"
Lucien looked at him. "Why would I be?"
"That I'm the Seeker. That everyone's talking about me."
Lucien smiled softly. "I'm happy for you, Harry. You're doing well."
Harry relaxed visibly.
"…I'm going to work hard," Harry said seriously. "I don't want to fall behind you."
Lucien reached out and ruffled his hair. "Then we'll both keep moving forward."
Harry laughed. "You sound like an old man."
Lucien stood. "I learned from the best."
The Third Floor and a Complaining Gargoyle
Later that day, Lucien climbed to the third floor.
He stopped before the stone gargoyle.
"Lemon drops," Lucien said calmly.
The gargoyle groaned and slid aside.
"Ugh. Again with the stupid sweet passwords."
Lucien blinked. "…Is it that bad?"
The gargoyle sighed dramatically.
"Want the list? Sherbet lemons. Chocolate frogs. Fudge squares. Acid pops. Peppermint humbugs—"
Lucien winced. "That's… really bad."
The gargoyle nodded solemnly. "Finally. Someone agrees with me."
A Welcome from the Past
Inside, Lucien greeted the portraits politely.
Several former Hufflepuff Headmasters and Headmistresses smiled warmly.
"A fine one, this boy," one murmured.
"Such talent—and kindness," said another.
"Hufflepuff gains a gem," a third declared proudly.
Lucien bowed his head slightly in thanks.
Phoenix and Dragon Treats
Dumbledore was at his desk, writing a letter.
Lucien took a seat silently.
Moments later, Fawkes fluttered in, landing gently on Lucien's shoulder and chirping happily.
Lucien smiled and patted him.
From his pocket, he produced a small treat—meant for Dragonite—and offered it.
Fawkes tasted it.
Paused.
Then chirped loudly in approval.
Dumbledore looked over his glasses, amused.
"I see you've won him over."
Lucien smiled faintly.
A Gentle Conversation
Dumbledore set the letter aside.
"So," he asked kindly, "how is Hogwarts treating you?"
"It's good," Lucien replied. "Fun, too."
Dumbledore nodded. "If you ever have academic doubts, you're welcome here."
Lucien inclined his head.
Then Dumbledore's voice softened.
"Lucien… do you hate me for not sending you to live with your brother?"
Lucien shook his head immediately.
"No," he said firmly. "I don't."
Dumbledore watched him carefully.
"I'm grateful," Lucien continued. "You let me meet my adopted parents."
His voice lowered slightly. "They loved me. And their granddaughters loved me too."
Dumbledore nodded gently.
"They passed peacefully," Lucien said. "I miss them… but I don't regret anything."
Silence filled the office—warm, understanding.
Dumbledore smiled softly.
"You've grown into someone remarkable."
Lucien looked down briefly, then up again.
"I had good guidance."
Fawkes chirped in agreement.
Lucien rose, bowed politely, and turned to leave.
As the door closed behind him, Dumbledore leaned back, eyes thoughtful.
Two brothers.
Two paths.
And Hogwarts, once again, stood at the center of something quietly extraordinary.