Thanks to Su Er, young Master Malfoy was no longer around to pick fights at every turn on the journey back to school, making the whole trip much more uneventful.
Ron bought a great heap of snacks and set them on the table in the middle for everyone to share. Having suddenly come into money, he did not begrudge a single silver sickle he spent.
Mrs. Weasley had still prepared a sandwich for everyone, while Su Er and Hermione brought out beef pies.
They listened to the rain pattering against the train windows and roof, chatting now and then about what flavour the Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans in their hands might be.
It was not particularly boring.
By the time they changed into their school robes, the Hogwarts Express finally slowed down and drew to a gentle halt at the pitch-dark Hogsmeade Station.
"Am I not getting a Christmas present either?" Hermione quietly asked Su Er as they waited in the compartment for the train to stop completely.
Su Er paused, then quickly shook his head and said with a soft laugh, "Other people might not get one, but you definitely will."
"I'll make sure you're happy with it."
"You'd better keep your word!" Hermione gave him a lovely smile, her eyelashes fluttering.
Rain was still pouring down as they followed the crowd off the train. Hermione held Crookshanks in her arms, sheltering him beneath her cloak, while Su Er stayed close beside her and raised his wand to conjure a large, transparent umbrella.
Hagrid stood on the platform with his dim yellow lantern as usual, welcoming the students. Harry called out a loud greeting to him as he got off the train.
"Hello, Harry, and Su Er. If we haven't drowned by then, I'll see you at the