Led by Aisling, Roy and the others trudged through deep snow around the edge of the Forbidden Forest until they reached the hill behind Hogwarts Castle.
They crossed the ridge against the bitter wind at that altitude, and the Thestral Carriage Aisling usually rode came into view.
Several loyal servants of the Grindelwald House had prepared the Thestrals and had been waiting in the cold for some time. As soon as they saw Aisling arrive with the others, the wizards, led by Wolf, came forward and took the luggage from Aisling and Tonks.
"Get in."
Aisling relaxed considerably at the sight of Wolf and the others. She tossed him her luggage and climbed the steps of the luxurious carriage with an elegant sway.
Cedric and Tonks exchanged a glance at this first glimpse of Aisling acting like a grand lady. They shrugged helplessly and followed Roy up the steps into a carriage as large as a truck. Inside, they stared wide-eyed at the space the Undetectable Extension Charm had expanded to the size of a train car.
"Whoa. There's almost as much room in here as one of the Hogwarts Express carriages!"
Roy had long known Aisling owned a luxurious carriage, but he had never been inside it. Now that he finally had the chance to look around the Thestral Carriage, even he was startled by its lavish furnishings.
"Hmph. You've seen nothing. How can the Hogwarts Express compare to a magical vehicle like this?"
Aisling's lips curved at Roy's comparison, and she gave a dismissive snort. Then she opened the door to the largest compartment and ushered everyone in from the corridor.
"Yawn—I'm exhausted. I barely slept last night."
The moment she settled into a soft Leather Seat, Aisling yawned as though she were back home. She pulled an