Dumbledore looked at the room full of students. "I hope you will keep tonight's events a secret. This is important for Harry and Sirius."
Everyone nodded vigorously immediately.
"We won't tell anyone!"
Don't worry, Professor!
Dumbledore smiled, then turned to Sirius and said:
"Come with me, we'll arrange your accommodations. The train departs tomorrow, and I'll ensure you meet Harry formally in the most respectable and safest way possible!"
Sirius gave Harry a long look, and though he was still reluctant to part, he nodded.
"I'll wait for you, Harry."
I'll wait for you on the train.
Harry waved vigorously. "I will definitely come find you!"
Sirius gave him one last, deep look before turning and leaving with Dumbledore.
The portrait was closed, and the common room instantly returned to its lively state, with everyone immediately crowding around.
" Harry, you finally have family!"
"That's great, that's really great!"
" Sirius... he really loved you so much."
Ron patted Harry on the shoulder, smiling sincerely, "You're not alone anymore!"
Hermione wiped her eyes and smiled, saying, "Everything will be alright."
Draco stood to one side, watching Harry surrounded by people, his smile radiant, and a slight smile also appeared on his lips.
Harry is finally free from the family that bullied him.
As night deepened, Hogwarts remained quiet.
But on this night, a heart that had been lonely for fourteen years finally found its own harbor.
And tomorrow, on the Hogwarts Express, a reunion will take place, thirteen years overdue.
The next morning, Hogwarts Castle was bathed in a thin layer of golden morning light.
The air was filled with the scent of grass and dew, as well as the excitement, reluctance, and relief of returning home.
Everyone's backpacks were bulging, and they were carrying suitcases and owl cages. Their faces showed a mix of holiday excitement and nostalgia for the castle.
After all, this is the end of a school year and the conclusion of an adventure.
Everyone had changed out of their heavy wizard robes early and put on their casual clothes:
Hermione wore a light apricot-colored knit sweater paired with a light gray skirt, her hair flowing smoothly over her shoulders, making her look less serious and more girlish.
Draco, on the other hand, wore a simple black turtleneck sweater and dark trousers, looking exceptionally neat and handsome with his upright posture.
The two walked side by side in the crowd, choosing not to use the convenient Apparition.
I simply followed the group quietly, experiencing the atmosphere of this final departure from school like any other student.
The group slowly walked to the lakeside, where Hagrid was already waiting on the dock, still wearing that thick leather jacket and with his beard neatly combed.
We boarded the ship.
Everyone's eyes lit up when they saw Draco and Hermione standing side by side.
The first to resist was Lavender, who nudged Parvati's arm and said:
"Hey, look at those two—are they deliberately dressed as a couple? One in black, one in white, they match so well!"
Parvati, also looking on with a gossipy expression, exclaimed, "It really is! You don't notice it usually, but once they put on casual clothes, they look so well-matched it's almost blinding!"
Of course, Olivia couldn't resist joining in the fun. She gestured with her chin at the two of them. "Well done, you two. Even leaving school requires matching colors. Are you afraid people won't notice you're close?"
Ron crossed his arms and clicked his tongue twice. "I think I see now. These two planned this before they left, didn't they?"
After a night's rest, Harry was in high spirits and added insult to injury, "I think... they're a better match than the couple in the portraits in the castle."
"Hmm... it really looks good." Neville smiled shyly.
At this moment, Goyle, who had squeezed in from behind, scratched the back of his head and said loudly and foolishly:
Wow! Boss, you and your wife standing together really look like... like a black crow and a white lamb! So beautiful!
Vincent nodded vigorously beside him, his mouth bulging, and mumbled, "Yes, yes! It's beautiful!"
"Don't talk nonsense! It just so happens that I was dressed like this, there was no discussion!" Hermione said, covering her burning face.
With so many people around, she really wanted to jump into the lake.
"A bunch of people with nothing better to do? If you embarrass my Hermione again, I won't be asking you for any goodies next time!" Draco threatened.
But to the crowd, it had no deterrent effect whatsoever.
The boat rocked gently, and sunlight fell on the two of them, bathing their black and white skin in a soft glow, which made their companions chuckle again.
Hagrid chuckled, scratching his head and muttering softly, "Pretty good... pretty good, they really are a good match."
Draco: "..."
Hermione: "..."
Behind the crowd, Pansy's face was already so gloomy it looked like it was about to drip water.
She stared intently at Hermione, who was surrounded by people, smiling gently and dazzlingly. Her nails dug deeply into her palms, and intense hatred and resentment surged within her.
On what grounds?
Why is it that this Mudblood, this Gryffindor nerd, gets to stand next to Draco, wears such nice clothes, and is teased by everyone as a perfect match?
Why Draco not only not angry, but also accepts it readily?
Pansy bit her lip, vowing fiercely in her heart: Just you wait, Hermione Granger.
When I get home, I'll go straight to the Malfoy Manor and tell Mrs. Narcissa everything about how you two were flirting at school and parading around like a couple!
I'll let her know that someone like you doesn't deserve to be near Draco!
I will absolutely not let this matter rest!
The more she thought about it, the more she hated it. Her eyes were filled with venom as she glared at Hermione.
In the center of the crowd, the two people, one in black and one in white, quietly moved a little closer amidst the noise and teasing.
No one noticed the malicious gaze lurking in the corner.
This is their last trip by boat from the castle to the station; returning will mark the start of a new grade and new challenges.
Watching the students board the ship one by one, Hagrid sighed, "Ah... year after year, seeing you all leave, it's really a little hard to let you go... this castle will suddenly feel so empty."
Draco leaned against the side of the boat and said to him, "What are you reluctant to leave behind? This way you'll have time to go to Romania to see Norbert."
Hagrid's eyes suddenly lit up, and he slapped his thigh in realization. "Oh right! I forgot! My Norbert..."
"I wonder how big the little guy is now, whether he's eating well, and whether he's being bullied by the other dragons..." he murmured.
Ron clung to the edge of the boat and shouted, " Hagrid! Remember to say hello to it for me! Tell it Ron misses it!"
"Definitely! Definitely!" Hagrid smiled broadly and nodded vigorously.
Apart from Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Draco, all the other students looked blank and exchanged furtive glances.
Norbert? What's that?
What are they whispering about?
However, no one thought much of it and just treated it as their little secret.
The excitement of returning home quickly distracted everyone.
The boat glided slowly across the calm lake, leaving behind ripples.
The Hogwarts towers receded further and further behind us.
The sunlight shone brightly on the water, dazzlingly bright.
Upon arriving at the station, the steaming red Hogwarts Express was already waiting, its whistle blaring.
Everyone dragged their suitcases into the carriage, found their familiar compartments, chattered as they tidied their seats, and looked forward to the journey ahead.
Just then, the noise on the train suddenly quieted down.