Outside Hogwarts Castle, on the path leading to Hagrid's hut.
The narrow stone path was slick with rainwater as the group of four walked carefully along it. A sharp wind swept fine rain around them. Harry and Ron, trudging ahead with their heads down, kept sneezing, and their robes were soaked through in no time.
But the two people and one cat following behind them, protected by Waterproofing Charms, were still in the mood to chat.
"Vaughn, when did you get back?"
"Just now. I was about to head back to Slytherin for a rest when Fruit Tea spotted me."
Hearing her owner call her name, Fruit Tea, who had been romping about everywhere, bounced over and rubbed herself repeatedly against Vaughn's leg.
Hermione asked expectantly, "Is everything settled?"
Vaughn nodded. "More or less. What comes next is rather complicated. The Wizengamot and the werewolves need to send letters to the International Confederation of Wizards, then the three parties will arrange a time to discuss the organizational structure of the joint committee. I won't need to get involved in that, so I'll be staying at school until the end of term."
The young witch immediately broke into a sweet smile.
She glanced at the two friends trudging silently ahead, then quietly took Vaughn's hand. The gentle swing of their joined hands concealed the delight bubbling in her heart.
"Achoo!"
Harry sneezed again. He could not help tugging at his robe. Soaked through, it had become terribly heavy and had completely lost its ability to keep out the cold.
With the wind blowing against it, the chill seemed to seep straight into his bones.
He secretly glanced at Ron beside him. Ron was no better off, clutching his robe with both hands and shivering in the cold wind. His face was