The term ended faster than expected.
Perhaps due to the aftermath of the Philosopher's Stone incident, the final exams were canceled, and all of Hogwarts was steeped in the relaxed relief of having survived a disaster.
King's Cross Station, Platform 9 and Three-Quarters.
The clamor of voices mingled with the roar of steam engines as students reunited with their families, hugging and saying goodbye.
Skofot stood alone beside a pillar, coldly watching the heartwarming scenes unfold.
He wore old robes that were slightly too large for him, his thin frame utterly out of place amid the surrounding bustle.
A few students who noticed him instinctively gave him a wider berth, whispering among themselves.
He did not care.
His gaze swept across the crowd.
He saw Harry and Hermione surrounded by the Weasley family.
He saw Percy lecturing Ron earnestly.
And he saw Snape standing in the shadows, black robes billowing, his gaze falling upon him like a sticky spiderweb.
Snape's stare carried undisguised scrutiny and a cold warning.
Skofot could even sense that gaze trying to peel away his layers of disguise.
He tilted his head slightly and met Snape's eyes. The corner of his mouth lifted ever so faintly in a fleeting, almost provocative curve.
Want to know where I'm going and what I'll be doing this summer, Professor?
He conveyed the message soundlessly.
Too bad. You'll never guess.
Snape's eyes sharpened abruptly, and the air around them seemed to drop several degrees.
[Emotion Points +50] (from Severus Snape's vigilance and disgust)
Satisfied, Skofot withdrew his gaze and boarded the Hogwarts Express with the flow of people.
He found an empty compartment, shut the door, and blocked out the noise outside.
The carriage swayed gently as the train began to move.
Outside the window, Hogwarts Castle gradually