Hamari Lars was deeply conflicted.
He had thought Cypher would only allow him to choose one companion to accompany him to Hogwarts.
It was a painful decision, because his beloved ones and friends here were not just one person...
He took in his companions' expressions one by one—threats, encouragement, anticipation, bewilderment...
In the end, at his friends' urging, he chose the girl who was close to him in age.
The others' eyes held relief, composure, reluctance, and, naturally, jealousy and threats...
But with Cypher here, none of them dared show it openly.
Hamari Lars took the girl's hand and looked to Cypher for his opinion.
Cypher could see that there was nothing unusual about the girl, so naturally he did not make things difficult for them.
After looking her over, he nodded. At last, Hamari Lars let out a long breath, and the plain-looking girl beside him smiled as well.
"Only one person?"
Seeing Hamari Lars standing motionlessly before him, Cypher shot him an irritated look.
Hamari Lars froze, surprise appearing on his face. Likewise, some of the young wizards who had been discouraged suddenly perked up.
"I choose him! And him! They're both my best friends. And all my younger brothers and sisters..."
Cypher stopped him before he could continue.
"I understand how you feel, but don't push your luck. Think it through before you speak."
Aside from the two people Hamari Lars had chosen, everyone else stiffened. Even the children who had been boosted by the Cheering Charm looked ready to burst into tears under the oppressive atmosphere.
"I... can't take them all with me?" "No!" Cypher's response was unwavering.
Hamari Lars had no choice but to make another choice, but this time, he understood what Cypher meant.
Among the remaining peers was a red-haired boy. Despite his