"Zhang, over here! Come on-"
The young witch held the ginger Crookshanks in her arms and waved vigorously at him.
After greeting a few classmates along the way, Zhang Xiao threaded through the crowd and reached a relatively quiet corner.
"I didn't really notice it at The Burrow, but now everyone seems pretty nervous."
Harry's emerald-green eyes swept around them, lingering on the Aurors beside the train as they kept a wary watch on their surroundings.
A British man in a formal hat lowered his head to check his watch, then nodded to his companion.
A shrill whistle rang out.
"Five minutes earlier than usual." Malfoy frowned at the round clock hanging on the wall.
Quiet murmurs rose around them, but the Aurors paid no attention. They brusquely herded the young witches and wizards onto the train.
"Let's go too. We can talk on board."
Zhang Xiao helped his friends carry their luggage aboard. Railway staff walked along the train, closing every door.
The train puffed steam and sounded a loud whistle, as though impatient to leave.
The wheels began to turn slowly.
Only then did Arthur, his wife, and Sirius come through the barrier. Seeing that the train was already moving, they visibly froze and instinctively checked the clock.
Why was it leaving early?
But the train was already picking up speed with a rhythmic clatter. All they could do was wave to the children leaning out of the windows, until the train rounded a bend and they disappeared from view.
"Come on. Let's find somewhere to sit."
Zhang Xiao, Malfoy, Harry, Ron, and Hermione walked down the corridor, looking for an empty compartment, but every one was full.
Except the very last.
There was only one person in this compartment, sitting by the window, fast asleep.
Zhang Xiao