After returning from Diagon Alley, Glenn and Hermione dedicated their time to setting up layers of magical defenses around their home, both inside and out, until the day they departed for King's Cross Station.
Dumbledore had once entrusted Glenn with the task of upgrading and repairing Hogwarts' protective enchantments and mechanisms. Although he hadn't started the project yet, Glenn had already mapped out in his mind what he needed to do for that assignment. With Hermione's help, the two of them successfully fortified their home using various spells and alchemical tools.
"All done, Glenn. You can rest easy now. Our home is shielded by an impenetrable defense system, and my parents are equipped with and have activated the magical devices crafted by you and Grandma Lin. Unless it's the end of the world, they'll be fine."
At King's Cross Station, Hermione and Glenn stood side by side on Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, waiting for the Hogwarts Express. Glenn held a suitcase in his left hand—a decoy containing the books Hermione planned to read on the train—while Crookshanks sat obediently atop it, gazing around aimlessly.
Hermione reached out and gently patted Glenn's head, soothing the boy who still harbored a trace of unease deep within.
Both of them had grown a bit taller over the holidays. Although Glenn now stood taller than Hermione, the young witch could still easily reach his head.
"Yeah, I know. I was just mentally reviewing the measures we've put in place to see if there are any gaps."
"And? Did you find anything?"
"Nothing so far."
"Well, of course not. We've checked everything seven or eight times already. We did a great job. You should trust your judgment more."
Glenn remained silent for a moment before nodding.
"Yeah, I know."
Woo—Woo—
Billowing gray smoke heralded the arrival of the Hogwarts Express as the red-and-black train emerged from the distant darkness.
"The Hogwarts Express is here. Let's get on board."
…
Arriving early to their destination had become second nature to Glenn and Hermione. The extra time allowed for greater flexibility, adaptability to unforeseen circumstances, and overall convenience.
For instance, the two of them were among the first to board the Hogwarts Express. Apart from the Prefects' compartment, which they couldn't enter, the rest of the train was empty, giving them the freedom to choose any compartment they liked.
However, they didn't stop to pick a random seat. Instead, they headed straight for the last compartment of the train.
That was where they had agreed to meet their friends.
The farther back the compartment, the less likely it was to be chosen by other students. Since their friends also tended to board early, this arrangement wouldn't disrupt the seating choices of other students.
"Heave-ho~"
Hermione picked up Crookshanks, stepped into the compartment, and plopped down on the soft cushion by the window. After a moment's thought, she scooted over slightly and looked at Glenn with a playful smile, patting the spot where she had been sitting.
Glenn didn't react much. He casually closed the compartment door, placed the luggage on the overhead rack, and sat down beside Hermione. Then, he picked her up, shifted positions himself, and set her down again, completing the seat swap.
If Hermione had a specific reason for her request, Glenn saw no reason to argue.
"When Ginny and Luna arrive, you'll have to squeeze in by the window a bit," Hermione explained. "As for putting you across from Neville and Draco… Hehe, that's not even an option."
With no one else in the compartment yet, Hermione lay down on Glenn's lap, her small hand gently stroking his face as she elaborated on her reasoning.
"Pretty much what I expected," Glenn replied. "Though I thought Parvati Patil and Lavender Brown were coming instead."
"They went off to hang out with other friends. Apparently, they're planning a tea party on the train."
"Why didn't you join them?"
"Because I wanted to keep you company."
"I'm fine on my own."
"Well, I'm not. I'd rather cuddle with you than attend a tea party."
Sensing the shift in atmosphere, Crookshanks wriggled free from Hermione's arms, leapt onto the table, and began to nap.
"Hmm…"
Feeling Hermione's fingers lightly pinch his face, Glenn said nothing. But he felt he should reciprocate her affection in some way.
So, he leaned down slightly and planted a gentle kiss on her forehead.
"…That's not fair."
Hermione's face turned bright red as she glared at Glenn, who had already straightened up.
"Lower your head again. It's my turn. You can't be the only one benefiting."
"Alright."
Smooch.
The two of them continued their playful interaction for a while until Glenn suddenly sat up straight.
"Someone's coming."
Hermione, caught off guard by his abrupt statement, nearly tumbled to the floor. Fortunately, Glenn steadied her in time. She quickly sat up, tidied her hair, and cast a quick Clearing Charm on herself.
After all, one had to maintain a bit of decorum in front of others.
"Who is it?" she asked.
"An unfamiliar adult male."
?
That was odd. Adult wizards rarely appeared on the Hogwarts Express.
Although the man didn't seem to harbor any ill intentions, both Glenn and Hermione instinctively slipped their wands into their sleeves, gripping them tightly.
The approaching footsteps grew louder. Ignoring the empty compartments at the front of the train, the man headed straight for their compartment.
Finally, he stopped at the door of the last compartment.
"Huh?"
A rough, low male voice sounded from outside. He seemed surprised to find the compartment already occupied.
However, he didn't enter. Instead, he turned and walked back to the second-to-last compartment.
"He's gone. He entered the second-to-last compartment," Glenn reported, his heightened perception providing him with the information.
"Looks like he just had the same idea as us—choosing the last compartment to avoid disturbing others," Hermione concluded after a moment of thought.
"Probably. I didn't sense anything malicious from him," Glenn agreed.
"Hmm…"
Hermione crossed her arms and looked up at Glenn.
"So… who is he?"
"Let me check."
Activating his heightened perception, Glenn extended his senses to the next compartment.
He "saw" the man.
The man appeared relatively young, though his light brown hair was streaked with gray. His complexion was poor, and he looked sickly and exhausted.
He wore a tattered wizard's robe patched in seven places.
On the suitcase he placed on the luggage rack, the name "Professor R.J. Lupin" was written.
"He's the new professor."
"A new professor, huh? Then…"
…
Wait a minute…
Wasn't Defense Against the Dark Arts the only subject without a professor at Hogwarts right now?
"Doesn't that make him even more suspicious?!" Hermione exclaimed.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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