Snow swirled gently around the carriages lined up just beyond the front gates of Hogwarts. The sky was overcast, a soft blanket of clouds muffling sound and turning the castle behind them into a gray silhouette. Students bustled about, scarves fluttering, trunks levitating or bumping along behind them.
Hadrian stood beside Dora and Iris, watching as the enchanted carriages began to move, pulled by the eerie, skeletal Thestrals—though none of the three could see them. He knew what they looked like from his memories of the books, but here, they remained invisible, silent creatures of magic and mystery.
"Feels a bit strange," Dora murmured as they climbed into one of the carriages, "riding something you can't even see."
"Maybe it's better that way," Hadrian said, settling in. "Some things are more magical when you don't overthink them."
The carriage ride was short, but peaceful, winding through snow-dusted forest paths before reaching the train platform, where the Hogwarts Express waited like a massive red dragon coiled in the snow. Steam hissed from beneath its wheels and the whistle blew a low, expectant note.
They found an empty compartment and waved goodbye to familiar Hufflepuff faces through the window. Dora pressed her nose to the glass as the castle faded into the hills.
"I'll miss it," she said.
Iris leaned against her. "We'll be back soon enough. For now, I want a proper bed, a big tree, and my own pajamas."
Hadrian smiled faintly. "And no mandatory cauldron cleaning."
The ride back to King's Cross Station was uneventful but cozy. They shared chocolate frogs, laughed over Zonko's joke items, and compared their shopping lists to make sure no one had forgotten a gift. As the train pulled into Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, the noise swelled with reunions and farewells.
Waiting at the barrier stood Ted and Andromeda Tonks, warmly dressed and waving the moment they saw the trio step off the train. Ted hoisted Iris's trunk with a grunt and a grin.
"Blimey, what are they feeding you kids? This thing weighs a ton!"
Andromeda enveloped them each in a warm hug, her eyes lingering a little longer on Hadrian. "Everything go well?"
Hadrian nodded. "Better than well."
Ted gave him a wink. "Good. Now let's get you home."
They made their way through the station, careful to avoid Muggle eyes. When they reached a quiet section of King's Cross, Andromeda produced a small brass key and unlocked what appeared to be a janitor's supply closet—but inside, it was lined with old fireplaces, each enchanted for travel.
"Ladies first," Ted offered, and Iris and Dora stepped forward together.
With a pinch of Floo powder and a chorus of "Tonks Residence!", they vanished in green flames. Hadrian went last, stepping into the hearth and calling out the same destination before the magic pulled him forward.
The familiar scent of pinewood, lavender, and old parchment greeted him as he tumbled out of the Tonks' living room fireplace. Iris caught his elbow before he fell, and Dora brushed soot off his shoulder with a grin.
"Home sweet home," she said.
The house was warm and welcoming, already decorated for the season. A tall evergreen stood in the corner, unlit for now, but covered in glittering baubles and enchanted paper snowflakes that swirled gently with no breeze. Stockings had been hung above the fireplace, three new ones included for the kids.
"First thing's first," Ted said, clapping his hands. "Hot cocoa, warm baths, and no mention of homework until at least New Year's."
"I second this motion," Iris said immediately, raising her hand like it was a classroom vote.
"Unanimous," Hadrian agreed, eyes twinkling.
They spent the rest of the evening in quiet comfort. Andromeda served stew with fresh bread, Dora put on a record of holiday music that made the walls hum with warmth, and Hadrian couldn't help but marvel at how quickly this had become home — not the house itself, but the people inside it.
That night, as the wind howled softly outside and the fire crackled, the trio sat close together on the couch, wrapped in one enormous blanket, sipping cocoa and watching the enchanted snow globe on the mantle play out tiny wizarding winter scenes.