AN: 23.08.2020 - Did some minor editing to clean up the writing.


CHAPTER 2: Journey's Start


Lucas did not talk with his parents for a week after that. Far too angry that they would not be there to say goodbye to him the day he would leave for school.

The days went by, sometimes slowly, sometimes fast. Lucas kept himself busy learning how to take care of Cypria and delving into his school books. He wished he could sneak into his father's office and retrieve his wand, to cast some of the spells he read about. But he did not dare break the rules forbidding practicing magic, much less defy his father.

His grandparents had agreed for him to stay with them from the 29th of August, the same day his parents left for France. And with that Lucas now found himself spending the remaining days in Cobham before starting school.

His grandparents lived in the outskirts of the small village with good space between them and the nearest neighbors. A small safety precaution to help Lea Blackburn, Lucas' grandmother, worry less when using magic around the house.

Despite this. Lea and George Blackburn maintained a good standing in their local muggle community. Having earned themselves a reputation as a kindly old couple always willing to lend a hand in aid of Cobham's townsfolk.

His grandparent's home was an old cottage. The building itself was of modest size though there was plenty of ground used for gardening around it. In the few days he was there, he found himself occasionally having to help do chores to maintain it or to gather useful ingredients from the plants that his grandmother grew. And although Lucas couldn't claim he enjoyed it, at least it taught him a thing or two about herbology.

Soon it was the first of September. One day before he left for school. The first workday that was not the 1st, landed on the third of September this year. So pupils were to travel to Hogwarts on the second. Lucas was outside in the courtyard. Awaiting dinner after a day hard-spent in the garden.

He held a small stick in his hand. Enveloped in his own imagination. He pretended it was his wand and tried to replicate some of the spells he had seen in his schoolbook.

"Wingardium Leviosa," Lucas murmured. Pointing the stick at Grandfather's bike, he made a swish-and-flick motion as he mimicked the way he had seen his family do the spell countless times.

Blackburn lowered his arm. Frowning as the bike remained completely still. He thought back to the last time he had seen his father do the charm.

"No," He corrected himself in his father's voice "You did it wrong. You must say it with a clear and strong voice."

Lucas raised his wand arm for a second time "Wingardium Leviosa!"

A bicycle bell rang into the courtyard. Making Lucas drop his pretend-wand immediately. Turning to face the noise. He saw a man the same age as his grandparents ride in on a bicycle.

"Hello there, Lucas," The man greeted as he stepped off the bike. He reached for the basket on the back of the bicycle where a small container rested. Lucas knew the man was his grandparents' nearest neighbor though, admittedly, he forgot his name.

"Hope I wasn't interrupting anything important," The man spoke as he picked up the container "I see you were quite busy casting magic."

Lucas froze and he felt his heartbeat increase. Had he somehow revealed himself?

"Don't look so ashamed. When I was your age I would pretend I was a knight battling dragons," The man let out a small laugh afterwards "Nothing wrong with pretending you're a wizard then either I suppose!"

He walked up to Lucas who now studied the muggle with a cold look. His fear replaced with annoyance.

"I'm not pretending anything," The child answered.

The man let out another laugh.

"Listen," He spoke out afterwards "I just wanted to come by quickly to deliver this," He held up the container. Whatever was inside gave the scent of something freshly baked. Making Lucas' mouth water.

"Eric!" George's voice called out from the side. Drawing both his and Lucas' attention.

"Hello, George," Eric walked towards his neighbor. The two of them greeted each other "Just wanted to deliver a small thank-you from the old ball-and-chain. A little something for the evening. Freshly baked scones - just the way Lea likes them!"

George smiled as he took the package "I take it Elizabeth is feeling better then?"

"She is. Drank the tea before bed as your wife instructed. Woke up feeling good as new!"

George nodded "I'll tell her the good news. I'm afraid she's a little preoccupied right now to be able to talk though."

"That's alright. I'm heading back home anyway now," Eric answered.

"I'll follow you a bit of the way. Give us a chance to talk" George replied as he took out a cigarette and lit it. Just like Lucas' father, George was a smoker. A habit he picked up in his time in the RAF. George shared the same stout build and features as Adam though he was only of normal height.

George and Eric left down the road. Leaving Lucas to his own device as before. He picked up the same wooden stick he used earlier before finding a place to sit down. Spending several minutes repeating the wand-motions and incantations he remembered.

"How are you holding up, Lucas?" George's voice could be heard as he returned to the courtyard. Breaking the young wizard's solitude. George approached his grandson. Lit cigarette still in hand.

Lucas lifted his head to look at his grandfather with a raised eyebrow "Me?"

"You see any other Lucas here?" His grandfather gestured at the otherwise-empty courtyard with a single hand and a smile. Finishing off his cigarette. George sat down next to Lucas whose eyes were trailing him as he moved.

"I'm okay, Grandpa. Just a bit hungry," Lucas murmured. Staring down as he now poked through the gravel with his pretend-wand.

"I wasn't worried about your stomach, child," The veteran replied in a humored tone. He paused for a moment. Studying his grandson with a pensive gaze "I'm worried about you."

Lucas turned to George "I'm fine, Grandfather. I'm excited to start at Hogwarts," he answered quietly. It was the truth, he did look forward to beginning at the school. Though he left out his worry over everyone judging him for his brother's disappearance...

Lucas looked away again.

George clapped the boy on the shoulder once "That's good to hear. I know things haven't been the best at your last school. But I am certain you'll fit in better when there are others just like you."

Lucas nodded absently at the elder's words "I should never have been at my old school," Sourness tinged the young wizard's tone.

"Your father and mother only had good intentions."

The words made Lucas throw the stick into the ground. He looked back at his grandparent with a half a scowl "How?!"

George took another moment to gaze upon his grandchild. His face betraying barely any expression "Maybe they wanted you to understand normal folks? To have been part of their world, even if only for a short while."

"I don't want to be part of their world," Lucas' eyes narrowed in as he stared back at his grandparent "All the muggles I've met have been stupid and ignorant - I don't like them!"

"I'm a muggle too, Lucas," George pointed out calmly.

"You're different than them!" Lucas countered immediately "You accepted me and Jacob … You accepted father!"

As far as Lucas was concerned. The only grandparents he had were George and Lea. Those on his mother's side might as well never have existed. Lucas knew nothing of them other than their names. They had disowned Kelly for her magical talent and the day she had turned Eighteen, thrown her out the house. His mother's parents had never once contacted her since, not even after Jacob and himself had been born.

"I'm no different than most people, son."

Lucas shook his head but did not answer back. The wizard stared down at the ground again. Gently kicking the dropped stick further and further away. His eyes turning more downcast every time. George let out a deep sigh.

"Lucas, I know your parents - your father, especially - well enough to know they're taking Jacob's absence hard. Lord knows me and your grandmother have. And I fear that they might lose sight of you in the middle of all this."

Lucas remained still. Several moments passed before George spoke again.

"If you want to talk about it, we can. I can relate to losing a brother."

"Jacob is not dead!" Lucas cried out in anger. His sight spun towards the veteran "He's just …" The boy took several deep breaths "… away."

"Of course," George answered "But he may be away for a long time."

Lucas again did not answer his grandfather. Urging the elder to speak.

"Just know that if you want to talk about it with either of us - you can," Having made his offer. The man rose up "Come then, let's see what food that old witch of ours has conjured up."

The scent of cooked food greeted the two as they entered the house. Inside the kitchen was Lea Blackburn making the final preparations for the meal. Lucas' grandmother was a tall, wiry woman with large, welcoming eyes hidden behind oval-shaped glasses.

The kitchen was bustling with noise and activity as kitchen tools and wares moved and worked in unison to ready the food. And in the middle of all this was Lea humming the melody of an old song. Directing the objects as a conductor would an Orchestra. Stuck in her own little bubble. Lea only realized Lucas and George's presence when they stood right behind her.

"Oh dear! I did not hear the two of you!" Lea swung and waved her wand around as she spoke. Giving the last remaining orders for the kitchenware "Just sit down at the table, please. Dinner is almost here!"

Dinner at Lucas' grandparents was always a spectacle. Beyond the good food served. Lea loved to impress guests with moving cutlery, plates, and tableware doing small performances. Lucas laughed as he saw plates, forks, knives, and cups swing into position like a band of dancers. Lifting his darkened mood.

"So, is our little Lucas ready for tomorrow?" Lea asked as all of them had begun eating.

Lucas nodded absently "I am, Nan. I just wish Mum and Dad would be here."

"Of course. I wish they were too," Lea answered.

"Do not blame your parents, Lucas. If they had the option I am certain both of them would be here," George interjected. Lucas only stared vacantly at him. Wanting to believe his grandfather's words.

Lea frowned "At least Kelly could have been here. Nothing was stopping her from traveling to France alone a few days later."

"I'm no wizard. But it was my understanding that their plan relied on them traveling together. Kelly had to change plans as well," George countered.

The old couple argued over the subject for another minute. Lucas was uninterested in hearing either of them. He did not care what reasons his parents had for not being there, just that they weren't.

After dinner concluded George would play cards with Lucas as Lea prepared dessert to be offered. Something his grandfather would always do with him whenever he was over in Cobham. Desert would be served afterwards but not before Lucas was given several small gifts for his journey. Including a fine quill and some small pocket money for tomorrow's train ride.

With dessert out of the way, it was soon time for bed. Lucas had wanted to stay up late, but his grandparents insisted on him going to sleep early so he would be well-rested for tomorrow. They helped him go through all his baggage one last time to ensure nothing was missing and then it was goodnight!

Laying in his bed. Lucas found it impossible to fall asleep. His mind raced through all the possibilities Hogwarts would bring with it. It all felt exciting yet terrifying at the same time. He remembered previous years having to share the guest room with his brother. They would always talk for hours into the night. He would ask all sorts of questions about the school and what Jacob expected there to happen in the upcoming year. And with his own time to start at school finally at hand. Lucas wished more than anything else to have his brother to talk to.

Morning arrived: Despite what felt like a sleepless night. Lucas awoke feeling well-rested and ready. The young wizard was quick to get out of bed. Knowing that his grandmother had prepared, as she always would, an excellent breakfast to begin the day with. And soon Lucas had joined his grandparents in the kitchen.

"There, there, Lucas, can't have you travel all day on an empty belly," Lea declared as she filled a plate up to the brim with bacon, beans, eggs, and other goodness before handing it to Lucas.

The three of them ate their food in good spirits. George was reading through the morning newspaper. Sharing it with Lucas when he reached the comic strips found on the back page. Lea, meanwhile, quizzed Lucas on his knowledge related to wizarding subjects. Both to the young wizard's entertainment and enlightenment.

Eventually, breakfast was over and all began preparing themselves for the journey. They were on their way to London soon afterwards. Using the Floo Network to arrive at the city. They would travel the rest of the way to King's Cross Station on foot. Lucas was dressed in tidy, if muggle-styled clothes. Lea being Lea, however, dressed as if she was taking a stroll through Diagon Alley. Drawing the attention of several muggles on their way.

"You really ought to dress a bit more subtle, dear," George spoke out as they entered the train station.

Lea rolled her eyes at the words "Rubbish, George, you're speaking as if these muggles have never seen anyone wearing robes before!"

"I was thinking more of that pointy hat of yours," The veteran looked over his shoulder to ensure Lucas, who was pushing a cart with a mountain of luggage on top of it (complete with Cypria in her cage), still followed them. He turned to look back at his wife "Might as well flown in on a broomstick while you're at it."

Lucas couldn't help but laugh at his grandparents' bickering as the old couple went back and forth for several minutes. Going through the station. Lucas observed at least a half-dozen other people he suspected to be witches and wizards traveling to the same destination as they were. It made him wonder, was Rowan already on the train?

Standing before the barrier that was the secret entrance to Platform Nine and Three-Quarters. The three of them watched as another family of spellcasters went through the enchanted divide that was the doorway.

"Alright, Lucas, you're up," George motioned the young boy to go through first "Don't worry, your grandmother and I will be right behind you."

Lucas nodded. He had done this enough times by now not to feel any fear going through the wall. Still, he had never done it while pushing through all this luggage. He made sure to position himself so the entrance was straight ahead of him before making his run.

Pushing through to the other side. Lucas was greeted with a familiar sight. The platform remained a proverbial bazaar of sound and senses. The venerable Hogwarts Express was present. Its crimson engine letting out small bouts of smoke in preparation for the travel ahead. Wizard and witches, both young and old, stood on the platform. Mothers wept and fathers glowed with pride as they sent their children away for the first time. Older kids gathered in groups as classmates were reunited, showing off the strangest or coolest thing they had collected over the summer to impress each other. All while owls were hooting in the background, signaling their dissatisfaction to each other at being pushed around in such a noisy place.

Lucas' grandparents followed up right behind him. Both of them urging him forward. George took a quick glance at his watch "Train is leaving in five, we need to hurry."

The three of them moved through the crowd. Searching for an empty compartment, they went towards the end of the train seeing that fewer people were there. It was then Lucas saw three familiar figures close to one of the entrances.

"Rowan!" The junior Blackburn exclaimed as he got closer. All three of the Khannas turned their heads towards them.

"Lucas!" Rowan waved his hand as he approached the young Blackburn. He continued "I'm so glad you could make it. I've already found a compartment, should be room for you as well!" Lucas noticed that there was no luggage left of Rowan's on the platform. Presumably having stored it inside already.

"Hey, Rowan, it's great to see you!" Lucas answered before introducing his grandparents to the Khannas.

"Listen, Lucas," George spoke to his grandson as he finished greeting the other family "We don't have much time left. Better we quickly get your luggage onto the train - you can put them into the compartment once it's moving."

Lucas agreed to the idea. The two of them quickly put all of Lucas' items onto the train. Cypria let out a small hoot of disapproval at being left at the entrance. Standing on the platform again. The three Blackburns prepared to say goodbye.

"Well…" George said as he embraced his grandchild "You have a good time at Hogwarts." Finding the words stuck in his throat, Lucas could only nod. Letting go of each other. The veteran saw Lucas' eyes and mouth arched downwards. George reached out to ruffle the boy's hair making him laugh "And don't worry - I know you'll do fine."

Lucas' face brightened hearing his grandfather's words. Turning to his grandmother. He saw Lea, handkerchief in hand, wiping her eyes.

"Look how grown-up you are, Lucas," Lea's voice was beaming with joy and pride "All ready to go out and become a wizard of your own." She wiped her eyes a second time and leaned down.

"And your grandfather is right. You don't have to worry," Lea put a hand over Lucas' heart "The Blackburns are strong, Lucas - you're strong!"

"I know, Nan," Lucas answered with a faltering voice. They both leaned in for an embrace. Holding each other close. A whistle could now be heard through the platform. Lea finally let go of Lucas but not before planting a kiss on his cheek.

"Now then. Off you go, child!" She motioned him to get on the train. Lucas obeyed and climbed the stairs leading to the carriage where Rowan awaited. The doors of the train closed, and both boys now waved their families goodbye. The locomotive began moving and soon the platform was out of sight. Having fully left the station. Lucas and Rowan proceeded to get Blackburn's baggage into the compartment.

"I hope you don't mind sharing the compartment with two others," Rowan explained as he struggled with moving one of the luggage pieces. Lucas placed one of the suitcases at the door. Taking the opportunity to quickly peek through the window into the compartment. Inside Lucas could see a ginger-haired boy filled with freckles (he already had a good suspicion of who it was) and a girl whose hair was that of a bubblegum pink. He glanced back at Khanna.

"No, not at all!" Lucas cheerily replied. He looked forward to talking with other wizards and witches of his own age. Originally he had been afraid that others would judge or think him odd because of his brother. But even if they were only half as kind as Rowan was, how bad could it be? "Do you mind if I sit at the window? I'd prefer to get a good view of the outside."

Rowan moved up the last piece of baggage "Sure! I expect to be reading a book anyway if we're not talking."

Blackburn opened the door to the cabin "Hello, is it okay if I stay in this compartment?" Lucas asked the two children already there. Both of them nodded.

"Of course!" The pink-haired girl answered with a smile. Lucas looked at her. She was pale-skinned and had a heart-shaped face. She continued "We were told there'd be a fourth."

Lucas thanked them and proceeded to drag in his first suitcase. The boy rose up from his seat in response.

"Hey, Lucas, need a hand with that?" The boy pointed at a piece of baggage. Lucas turned his focus from the luggage to him. Hearing his voice and getting a good look at his face confirmed Lucas' suspicion. The boy was Charlie Weasley, the second oldest child of the Weasley family. Charlie had a broad face and his build was short and stocky. Seeing Charlie beside the tall and thin Blackburn made the girl grin. For being next to each other made both of them seem almost comical in their contrast.

"Nice to meet you too, Charlie," Lucas greeted Weasley "And thanks, I wouldn't mind the help," he replied before handing him a suitcase. Getting another pair of hands to help was not something he would decline. With Rowan and Charlie's assistance they quickly got all of the luggage inside and placed Cypria's cage in the middle between him and Rowan. With baggage out of the way, all children could now relax and enjoy the journey in full.

"You know each other?" Khanna asked. Planting himself into his seat. Charlie and Lucas glanced at each other before turning their sights to Rowan. Charlie was not someone Lucas would call a friend. Not because they were enemies but simply because they just didn't really know each other.

"We've met once or twice before at each other's homes," Lucas explained.

"Family dinners," Charlie added "Both our dads are employed by the ministry. They've worked together on several jobs in the past." Lucas nodded at the words. It was the truth. The Blackburns had once been invited over to the Burrow, though it had been so long ago Lucas could scantily recall the memory. As far as Lucas understood, Adam had worked together with Arthur Weasley to help secure several muggle items that had been cursed by Death Eaters. Lucas' father had saved Arthur from losing his right hand to a particularly sinister butcher knife that day. Molly Weasley had insisted on inviting them over for dinner afterward as thanks for ensuring her husband's safety.

The more recent time Charlie and Lucas met each other was about two years ago. Arthur had helped Adam with a peculiar problem wherein Lucas' grandmother had forgotten one of her dancing tea sets after lending it to a local celebration in Cobham. Arthur had helped Adam track down each piece of rogue teaware and assisted in making sure no muggle remembered the incident. To top it off. Arthur ensured that Lea escaped only with a warning instead of a fine. Given the circumstances. Lucas' parents only saw it fit to return the favor and invite the Weasleys over for dinner.

Lucas remembered that day. He had been asked after the main course to show Charlie his room and to stay there while dessert was prepared. Presumably in the hopes of him finally making a friend. In reality, the two of them had been completely mute for minutes after Lucas welcomed him in. The silence only ending when Charlie awkwardly asked him if he liked dragons.

Rowan looked at Charlie "Your father works for the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Department, doesn't he?"

"He does," Charlie answered.

The girl, having observed them, turned her gaze to Lucas "What about you? What department does your dad work in?"

Lucas turned to look at her. He was going to answer her but found himself hesitate, considering he did not know who she was "Sorry, but I don't think I've gotten your name yet."

The girl titled her head forward as a grin appeared on her face "Forgot to introduce myself! Name's Tonks."

"Tonks?" Lucas raised an eyebrow "Just Tonks?"

"Well, my full name is Nymphadora Tonks…" The girl was now scratching a shoulder and a visible blush appeared on her cheeks "But you can just call me Tonks!" Her reaction to having to say her full name made Lucas smile.

"Very well then, Tonks. My name is Lucas Blackburn."

"Blackburn?" Tonks wondered out loud "I feel like I've heard that somewhere before."

Lucas' smile retreated and he let himself fall back into his seat "My father is an Auror since you wanted to know, maybe you heard it from there?"

"Your dad is an Auror?" Tonks gleamed with interest "He must have fought in the war then!"

Lucas' cheer returned "He did - helped lock up lots of Death Eaters in Azkaban. He put a few in the grave too."

The pink-haired girl leaned forward in attention "He must have told you lots of amazing stories then."

Lucas shrugged his shoulders "I tried asking him but…" His gaze sunk to the floor before meeting Tonks' again "He never really talks about it."

"Your father was the one who arrested Sirius Black. Wasn't he?" Rowan asked. Lucas turned and nodded at him.

"By the time it was all over, the ministry decided to award him the Order of Merlin, First Class."

"Your dad sounds awesome!" Tonks exclaimed.

Blackburn stared at her for a moment before gazing out the window instead. The sting of his parents' absence returning. The train had just left London and was now speeding through the city's suburbs. Silence held the compartment.

"Yeah..." Lucas spoke out in a subdued manner. Wishing he could muster the same enthusiasm as Tonks did for his father "I guess he does."

"Are your parents somewhere else today? Those were your grandparents on the platform," Rowan's voice brought Lucas' thoughts back to the room.

"My father is in France for the ministry. My mother went with him. I've spent the last few days in Cobham."

Nymphadora leaned back in her seat "Where are you from anyway?"

Lucas gave her a swift glance "Maidstone."

"You lived amongst muggles, didn't you?" Rowan inquired. Blackburn noticed his friend's question also caught the interest of Tonks. He guessed she like Rowan and Charlie grew up only exposed to the magical community.

"I went to school with muggles," Lucas corrected.

"What was that like? It sounds so different - being amongst those with no magic," Rowan followed up. Both him and Tonks eagerly awaited his answer. Charlie was watching him as well, though with much less interest than the others. Not that it bothered Lucas. Charlie was perhaps already aware of his thoughts on the matter.

"I hated it," Lucas admitted. His blunt answer taking Rowan and Tonks by surprise.

"Oh," Rowan's voice was timid "I'm sorry to hear that." Lucas looked at him with a half-raised eyebrow.

"It's alright. I'm just glad I'm here now."

None of the four children spoke for some time after that. Lucas looked out the window. Observing the English countryside as the train sped past it. Eventually, the rattling of a wagon being pushed down the corridor could be heard outside. Catching the attention of all. An old woman with a large dimple opened the door to their compartment.

"Anything off the trolley, dears?"

Lucas was busy fishing out the money his grandparents gave him. His sweet tooth feeling particularly strong today. Blackburn purchased several liquorice wands, two chocolate frogs and a cauldron cake. Rowan and Tonks had also purchased their own sweets with Khanna having the coins to buy a large selection of the various candies available.

As the three children each received their ordered sweets. Charlie was left to politely decline buying anything. The cart moved on, and Lucas noticed Weasley staring out the cabin door into nothingness, his shoulders slumped.

"Hey, Charlie," Lucas spoke out. Charlie turned to meet his gaze. Lucas held out one of his two chocolate frogs "Want one?"

Charlie looked at him with half a frown. Lucas noticed Charlie pausing at his offer. He continued "For helping me with the luggage." Weasley's features eased up, and he reached out to accept the gift.

"And hey, you can keep the card if you want," Lucas added as he handed over the single piece of sweet. Charlie thanked him for the token.

"We should all open our chocolate frogs at the same time," Tonks suggested with a gleam in her eyes. The three boys all looked at each other for a moment as they considered the suggestion. And soon afterwards all four of them had a box in hand, ready to be opened.

Counting down together. The compartment soon filled with the sound of laughter as four chocolate frogs sprang to life. Tonks' frog made an impressive leap from her hand and into her pink hair, smudging it in chocolate. Lucas' landed on his shoulder before its charm lost its power and it rolled down his arm. Charlie's frog hopped up, bouncing off his nose and back into his lap. Rowan's tried escaping through the door-window, landing on the floor before jumping back into the seats.

"How bad is my hair right now?" Tonks asked as she finished up her enchanted candy "Can you see any chocolate?"

Lucas raised his own hand to his hair to help show Nymphadora where it was "Just a bit." The answer was rather modest. It was not just a little spot of chocolate in her hair. It was a whole lot.

Tonks' eyes darted upwards. She ran a hand through her hair as if to wipe the dirt off "And I don't have anything to clean it with!" She mused carefree. The lines of her face brightened, and her focus turned to the others.

"Hey! Watch this!" Tonks called out to the group. She closed her eyes as if in deep concentration, and her face tensed for a brief moment. Lucas watched with mouth agape as Tonks' hair went from bubblegum pink to a dark brown color.

"So, you see anything now?" Tonks spoke out to the three stunned wizards who could only utter out amazements. It took a moment for Lucas to gather enough of his wits to finally say anything.

"How did you do that? Is that a spell?!" Blackburn asked. Tonks shook her head while reaching for her box of Bertie Bott's Every-Flavour Beans.

"Nope! It was something I was born with!" She opened the pack of multi-flavored sweets and took a single one.

"You were born with this?" Rowan sounded more amazed than when he first saw the trick "That means you're a Metamorphmagus!" Lucas and Charlie exchanged confused looks with each other.

Tonks muttered out an "uh-huh" to Rowan. Bobbing her head and savoring the candy she was eating.

"Can you change other things too?" Rowan continued. All attention centered on the girl once more. The three boys all awaiting a new trick with bated breath.

Tonks' face tensed in concentration for a second time. Her nose began writhing and moving as the girl willed it into the shape of something resembling a bird's beak.

If the young wizards were amazed before they were outright floored now. Their reaction making the previous one deadpan in comparison. Tonks would continue to showcase her inborn abilities to the entertainment of all as they busied themselves feasting on their remaining sweets. Sharing what they bought with each other so all four children had a chance to try everything out.

"So, what house are you all hoping to join?" Rowan asked. His eyes focused on opening up his second sugar quill.

"Gryffindor for sure. That's where my Mum and Dad were and that's where my brother is," Charlie answered without hesitation before taking a bite out of a piece of liquorice wand Blackburn had shared with him. Tonks ceased rummaging through her box of flavour beans.

"I don't know. Just not Slytherin, I hope," Tonks replied in a gloomy manner with eyes staring vacantly forward.

Lucas raised an eyebrow "What's wrong with Slytherin?"

Tonks shrugged her shoulders "I just don't like the sound of it I suppose,"

"My father was in Slytherin," Lucas pointed out "You thought he sounded amazing."

Tonks met Lucas' gaze "Maybe, I'm not saying it's all bad," her voice was meek.

"Jacob was Slytherin too, right?" Rowan asked Lucas. Tonks' malaise withdrew overhearing the question. Putting her pack of sweets to the side. She began listening with intrigue as Lucas faced Rowan.

"Yes, my brother was also in Slytherin."

Tonks gasped as she finally made the connection inside her head "I knew I've heard Blackburn somewhere else!" She pointed a finger at Lucas "Your brother was the one who got expelled!"

Lucas starred at her with a numbed expression. Rowan instinctively cast a side-glance at his friend while Charlie straightened himself up in his seat. Oblivious, Tonks continued "Is it true that he went mad? And that he jumped off this train before it had even reached London?"

Lucas clenched his jaws and his eyes narrowed in as he glared at the Metamorphmagus.

Tonks' gaze fled from his. The girl shuffled uncomfortably in her seat "I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean it." She forced herself to look at Blackburn.

Lucas did not answer her. Shaking his head. He turned to watch the passing landscape of Scotland instead.

Silence filled the compartment, none of the three others sure of what to say. Lucas, for his part, appreciated the quiet. Feeling little desire to speak to anyone in his current state. Eventually, Tonks rose up and left the cabin to explore the rest of the train. Sometime later Charlie would excuse himself to go stretch his legs. Leaving Khanna and Blackburn the last two passengers in the compartment.

"I'm sorry Nymphadora talked about your brother that way," Rowan spoke out.

"It's not your fault," Lucas declared, still looking out the window. Evening was coming to an end. Heralded by a deep purple sky and the gentle rhythm of rain against glass "Besides, you warned me that people would know the story."

"That doesn't make it right. What if people start giving you trouble over your brother?"

Lucas revolved to face Khanna. His friend stared back at him in attention. Awaiting his command.

"I appreciate it, Rowan, but you don't have to stand up for me every time someone mentions my brother. I can handle myself."

The cabin opened up. Standing in the doorway, Charlie looked at both of them.

"We should probably put our robes on now. My brother just told me that we're fifteen minutes away from reaching Hogwarts."

Lucas and Rowan proceeded together with Weasley to change into the black robes that were expected of all Hogwarts students. Between the three of them. Khanna clearly had the most expensive robes. pristine in their condition. Its obsidian fabric was far more smooth. Drinking in and reflecting the light like polished glass. Lucas, in comparison, had to make do with Jacob's old, well-worn robes. A situation similar to Charlie who also wore second-hand clothes.

Tonks returned. Her hair shifted back into pink and (almost) cleaned of chocolate. She quietly moved to her seat and prepared herself.

All four children now sat down. Fully dressed and ready to leave the train. Waiting only for it to arrive at its destination. A bell could be heard throughout the locomotive. Signaling an upcoming announcement.

"We will be reaching Hogwarts in five minute's time. Please leave your luggage on the train, it will be taken to the school separately."

None of them spoke a word. Lucas felt his stomach churn with dread and anticipation. He looked at the others and saw them fare little better. Rowan was pale in the face. Charlie kept looking out of either the window or the door. Tonks sat on her hands. Casting quick glances at all three of them but avoiding Lucas' gaze.

The train slowed down and the noise of machinery grinding to a halt rumbled through the place. The vehicle stopped and the window to the outside now revealed a small platform, barely visible save for a few lampposts. Students filled the corridor outside. All of them desperate to get to the exit.

Lucas, Rowan, Charlie, and Tonks all took one last look at each other before rising up in unison.