The train back to Hogwarts started to move, and the cabin where Luna, Harry, and Pansy were opened up. Behind the door was Draco; he smiled weakly at Pansy, but she was not looking his way. Instead, she was frowning at Luna.

"Afternoon, Suzuki. I hope you enjoy your holidays, yes?" said Malfoy.

"Draco. Good to see you, too. I did have a good time at home. Although I did want to spend more time with family and friends, the family business can be time-consuming," replied Harry.

Draco nodded with a courtesy smile, then turned to see Pansy, "Parkinson. We missed you at the party".

Pansy turned her gaze to Draco for a moment, still frowning, then she sighed, "I doubt it. Last time we went there, we were stuck with the house elf who did not let us do anything except eat and talk".

Draco smiled for a moment at that memory, then he looked at the third occupant of the cabin. "Well, I'll be taking my leave. I'll see you at the castle." The three of them nodded, and Draco left the cabin.

"He seems to be quite attached to you," said Luna. "He seems to be with less Wrackspurts than before."

"Well. A change of scenery once in a while always helps with that", said Harry.

"Oh, of course. Most of them are weak to the change", said Luna with a smile.

Pansy rolled her eyes while hearing their talk. Then she interrupts Harry before he can answer, "Where is Pandora?"

Luna's eyes turned to Pansy for a moment, and Harry first turned to Luna, "She is talking about my cat." He then turned to see Pansy and replied to her, "he is at home."

"What? Why?" Pansy wanted to pass the time while patting the cat, but now she would end up bored with Loony's random talk.

"Because I don't want anything to happen to him. I don't want him to end up like Ms Norris."

Pansy sighed for a second time, "I guess that makes sense."

"Say Harry. Do you know any of the Maho-nashi magic?" asked Luna.

"Maho-nashi magic?" asked Harry, perplexed about how contradictory that sentence was. Pansy rolled her eyes, getting ready for Luna's nonsense.

"Yes, you see, they created this amazing thing they called 'instant ramen.' It is a magical concoction crafted by them. They have this peculiar ability to transform a brick of noodles into a steaming, comforting bowl of warmth. They used warm water and just need to wait 5 minutes for it to complete".

"You know. You could have gone to the Staff Canteen", said Harry.

"Oh, of course. But Lupu invited me, and I could not resist," said Luna with a smile. "So, do you know how they do that? I am also interested in knowing how they were able to subtract flavors and put them inside small packages".

At that moment, Hermione and Dean opened the door. Hermione saw Pansy's annoyed expression towards Luna and could not help but feel sympathetic towards her. She had heard Luna's explanation of how the Lore of the videogames they played at Harry's home made perfect sense in real life. Dean, on the other hand, went inside and sat next to Luna.

"Hey guys! What are you talking about?" asked Dean.

"Instant ramen," said Harry. Dean and Hermione turned to Harry suddenly.

"Yes. I am fascinated by the magic used by the Maho-nashi. How were they able to create such a fascinating concoction. And the skill to remove flavor and put it into small bags." said Luna in her dreamy voice. "I was told that they do it so they can choose the flavor they want to test."

Dean frowned, lost in what she was talking about, and turned to Hermione. She paused for a moment, "well. I have eaten an instant ramen once before. I only know that they dehydrate the noodles, but I am not sure how they do it. And to make it comestible, you need to add hot water. The water would be absorbed by the noodles to get to the normal size. The recipe for the flavor should vary from brand to brand... wait. Harry, don't tell me that AOG is going to do Instant ramen now?"

"Ah. Well, Lupusregina has been insistent on it. But I don't think that would happen soon," replied Harry.

Hermione nodded. "All right. But then, why were you talking about Instant ramen?"

"Because Looney here thinks that is magic from the non-wizards," said Pansy.

Hermione turned to see Luna, who met her gaze and then smiled, completely unshaked by being called Looney.

"Of course, they have magic. How would you explain their 'walkmen'?" asked Luna

"walkmen?... ah, you mean Walkman?" said Dean.

"Yes. Walkmen are like having a tiny music charm with you wherever you go. Maho-nashi has found a way to capture and carry the essence of music.", said Luna.

"It's Walkman. And the way they work is by reading the tape inside the cassette that you will insert inside it", explained Hermione. Pansy started to look outside the window to distract herself from the talk.

"Of course. But isn't it rather interesting how they were able to record music on such a tiny tape? I did see one of them, and I discovered how it works. Firstly, the tapes are like ancient scrolls, but instead of parchment, they use a long, thin, brownish ribbon. They use intricate runic symbols on this ribbon to trap the music. When they want to listen to the music, they use the Walkmen that reads these runic symbols and translates them back into the enchanting sounds they represent."

Harry could not help but chuckle at how close Luna was to the truth and how far she was at the same time.

"I- agh," said Hermione, and Dean chuckled at Hermione's reaction. "First of all. The plural for 'Walkman' is 'Walkmans,' not Walkmen. And second, non-wizards, or Maho-nashi, don't use runes".

"I don't know, Hermione. Runes does sound like about the right way to explain it", said Dean. Hermione turned to see Dean with a deep frown; Dean put his arms in the air as if surrendering, "Just saying."

A snort would be heard, but when Hermione turned to see who the one laughing was, she could not find out who was laughing. Harry would then turn to Pansy, who was still looking outside the window, suppressing her laughter.

Luna would smile, "Oh, you know, there are countless mysteries surrounding Maho-nashi magic. I believe the best way to unravel them is by immersing ourselves in their peculiar way of living." The blonde turned to see Suzuki's heir, "Harry, could you be our guide on this curious journey? There's so much to discover hidden in the folds of their magical existence. I can already sense the whispers of extraordinary tales waiting to be uncovered in the Maho-nashi realm."

Harry would smile, nod, and then turn to Pansy, "You will be coming, right?"

Pansy turned to see Harry and then rolled her eyes back to the window, "Sure."

After a while, the train stopped. Harry then noticed Hagrid's demeanor. It was depressing, "Pansy, could you remind me to visit Hagrid later?" Pansy would only shrug and continue walking.

The five of them used the same carriage. The carriage trundled smoothly, pulled by the unseen hooves of the thestrals. Harry, still intrigued by the peculiar creatures, turned to Luna, his inquisitive expression betraying his lack of knowledge about these magical beings.

"Luna, you know more about magical beasts out of us. These creatures pulling our carriage. I haven't seen them in any other place. What are they called?" Said Harry while looking at the front of the carriage.

"Harry, there is nothing"- "Oh, you mean the Thestrals?" Luna interrupted Hermione, who was sure that the carriages were moving with magic and not by invisible beasts.

Harry nodded at the information and then realized Pansy's expression, "What's wrong?"

Pansy frowned, "Thestrals are a bad omen. They are supposed to bring death to those who can see them."

"Oh, that's just a misunderstanding," said Luna in her dreamy voice. "Their looks may be menacing, but they are smart and loyal creatures. They are able to discern a friend from an enemy."

All in the carriage seem not to care about the information, except for Harry and Luna themselves. Pansy shrugged the information off and continued looking away. Hermione made a mental note to search for it at the library. And Dean was drowsy and did not pay attention.

"A very good quality to have," said Harry.

The welcome dinner went without any problem and was an uneventful thing. Students greeted their friends who were not able to see each other during the winter break.

To Pansy, it was a boring dinner until she had to de-attach from Harry to go to the loo. She told Harry that they would meet later and went alone. But on her way back to the dungeons, she ended up in front of Ron and Ginnevra Weasley.

Pansy saw Ginnevra freeze in fear, or so she thought, which made Pansy smirk. Ron realized this and opened his mouth, "What are you laughing off Pug face? You are happy that your ugliness scared my sister?"

"Please. She fears her own shadow. And if you must know, I am laughing at your idiocy. Or what, are you so poor that you cannot even pay attention?" said Pansy, crossing her arms.

Ron Weasley, fuming with anger, couldn't hold back his frustration any longer. "You know, Pansy, you're not fooling anyone with that smug look of yours. I wouldn't be surprised if you're the one behind those petrifications."

He sneered, crossing his arms, "Always skulking around, aren't you? I bet you've got a knack for more than just annoying people. Probably brewing potions to cause trouble, too."

Pansy raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Really, Weasley? Accusing me of all people? Maybe your little brain can't comprehend real magic. Unlike you, I don't waste my time on such low-level hexes."

Ron shot back, undeterred, "Low-level or not, you're always lurking in the shadows. Wouldn't put it past you to have a hand in this." Ron, with a scowl on his face, continued his accusations, "I've figured you out, Parkinson. You're behind those petrifications because you can't stand anyone getting close to your precious boyfriend, Potter. It's a pathetic way to keep people away, using dark magic to scare them off."

Pansy, looking defiant, retorted, "You're delusional, Weasley. My relationship is none of your business."

Ron, however, pressed on, "Oh, it's my business when you start endangering people. And let's be honest here. And let's be honest here, Potter is only going out with you because he feels sorry for you. He pities you, and I guess I can understand why. You've got no real friends, and Potter's probably the only one willing to tolerate you."

Pansy, furious, responded, "You think I care about your opinion, Weasley? Keep your assumptions. I don't need Potter's pity, and I certainly don't need anything from you."

Pansy then left fuming; the echoes of their argument faded, and the weight of Ron's words began to sink in. Alone in a quiet corridor, her anger gave way to a flood of tears.

Feeling a painful realization, Pansy couldn't shake off the doubt that Ron's words might hold a grain of truth. The thought that Harry is only with her due to their family connection, that no one even tries to get close to her for the same reason. The idea that Harry might be with her out of pity haunted her, and the weight of loneliness pressed on her heart.

She found a secluded spot, away from prying eyes, and allowed the tears to flow freely. Pansy cried out of fear that Weasley might be right about Harry. The pain of questioning her worth was too much to bear.

(*)

On the first day back in classes, Harry ended up making it barely on time. He was in the common room, waiting for Pansy to go down, but she never did. After the first classes, at lunch, Harry decided to go and search for her. And he ended up in the common room again. He found a first-year girl and asked her to search for Pansy in the girl's rooms.

Harry waited for about minutes until the girl walked down the stairs. She confirmed that Pansy was in her room, but she did not want to talk. Harry thanked her and stayed in the common room for a while.

He let himself fall on a chair and sighed deeply. He found himself pondering the mysterious seclusion of Pansy. His mind went to think about the pros and cons of waiting for her to emerge.

On one hand, he would show concern for an ally; waiting would allow him to express concern for Pansy's well-being, reinforcing the bonds of trust. He can also then find an immediate solution to whatever the issue may be; addressing the matter promptly could potentially unveil any issues bothering Pansy and offer a chance for resolution.

On the other hand, if he presses way too much, it can be seen as a privacy invasion, which might breach the delicate balance of trust between both. Not only that but pressing the matter might create an awkward atmosphere, especially if the reason for her seclusion is personal.

Harry sighed deeply again. He knows that he was asked to protect his allies, but he has his duty with his mission. Looking good in front of others, gathering followers, and making more connections. The facade of perfect students should remain while protecting his allies now that these attacks are happening.

He realized that Pansy would be secure in the common room, as none of the attacks had happened in the common rooms. While Harry felt a genuine concern for Pansy, he also understood the importance of the mission. Thus, he resolved to continue with his daily responsibilities, promising himself that he would check on Pansy's well-being at the earliest opportunity.

The rest of the day couldn't have been more uneventful. Unfortunately, Pansy did not leave her room. But the next day, she went to classes as if nothing had happened. Harry realized that Pansy was trying her best not to let her problems be shown, so he got with it. He did not want to force the information out of her.

Another he noticed was that she was rather suspicious about the people around her, and her mood had not improved, especially in classes. So he decided to ask her to accompany him to visit Hagrid. Maybe this change of scenery would help her.

Once they arrived at Hagrid's house, Harry knocked on the door. When Hagrid came out, his usually jovial demeanor was replaced by a somber one, his eyes reflecting a tinge of sadness.

He left both students to enter, "I've prepared some tea. Come in, come in". Pansy and Harry sat next to each other while Hagrid walked slowly and gave them a cup of tea.

"Hi, Hagrid. Did something happen?" asked Harry.

Hagrid nodded, still silent; he sipped his tea and said, "Argog. My pet spider died." He then sipped his tea again to calm his nerves.

"Spider pet?" murmured Pansy, grimacing.

"I am sorry to hear that. I can only imagine how you may be feeling", said Harry

"Thank ya, Harry. It's tough losin' a creature you've cared for. Aragog was a true friend; that he was", said Hagrid.

Trying to shift the mood, Harry recalled a happier topic, "You know, Hagrid, I have a friend who works with the magical beast. Kind of a tamer. I can ask her if she can check for a pet for you. Maybe a Chiyari toge usagi, or a Tindarosunoryōkenda"

Hagrid, confused by the names and, with a hint of a smile breaking through, responded, "There's no need, really. Thank ya, Harry".

Pansy's thoughts were consumed by her own problems and insecurities. In the quiet cabin, each of them carried their own burdens, unaware of the complexities that lay beneath the surface of their seemingly casual conversation.

Harry then broke the silence, "Hagrid. I wanted to ask about the horses pulling the carriages; Thestrals are their names, if I am correct".

Hagrid nodded with a better smile, "wonderful creatures. I trained them, aye."

"Beautiful, too. They have a unique look, but I hear they have a bad reputation as bad omens", said Harry.

"Aye, that they do. Misunderstood they are. Not everyone can see 'em, ya know. Only thos who've witnessed death and accepted. That's why they think that they show when dead arrived", Hagrid specified. Pansy's eyes moved to Harry, wondering in silence if the big oaf was true and if Harry's dead parents had a kind of impact on him.

"Is it difficult? To get one and train them?" inquired the Suzuki's heir.

Hagrid purred more tea on his cup and nodded, "It's difficult to get one. Ya need permission from the ministry. They are classified as XXXX, which means that ar not aggressive, but rather endangered species or difficult to capture, and Thestrals are the last."

Harry turned to the window, "It is getting late. I guess we need to take our leave." He stood up and walked to the door, Pansy behind him, "I am really sorry for your loss, Hagrid, but know that your friends are with you. Also, your other pets are still with you". Harry then looked at Hagrid's dog, Fang, who was sleeping during the visit.

"All right, Harry. Thank you", replied Hagrid with a smile.

Harry and Pansy walked to the castle, and almost immediately, Luna went close to them. She said nothing and only stood at the other side of Harry. Pansy wanted to give it a little importance, but then a couple of Hufflepuffs girls arrived and asked Harry questions, questions that Pansy did not care to listen to.

They continued walking until, after one turn, they found Ron Weasley. Suddenly, Pansy remembered their last interaction. Weasley looked bigger out of nowhere, and she felt small. She was worried that Weasley would go and say again that Harry was with her out of pity. She was afraid that Harry would confirm it. She froze for a moment and then left the place.

Draco, who was walking towards their common room, saw Pansy. Then he decided to see what was happening. Behind him was only Crabbe and Goyle. When he arrived at the place of the commotion, he saw Harry surrounded by Hufflepuff girls, and in front of him was Ron, together with Longbottom.

"Look at you, surrounded by girls. Compensating for something, or you wanted to use them as your shield", said Ron, but he noticed that not even Neville laughed. He charged again. "OR maybe you are trying to find a replacement for pug face. Not that I blame you". That one made Neville laugh a little. Some of the girls were about to, but looking at Harry's face, they stopped.

"Jealous, aren't you? Still unable to speak with a girl outside your sister or mom?" replied Harry

Ron, feeling defensive, retorted, "Jealous? Please! I've got more important things to do than waste my time chatting up every witch in sight, just like you."

Harry, leaning in with a playful glint in his eyes, fired back, "Or maybe I loved the company of the ladies, while you like the company of... Longbottom? I want to think that's the best you could get. But unlike you, I won't judge".

Weasley frowned deeply, and Harry continued in a more childish way, "I bet you have your room full of posters of men." Ron, for a moment, remembered his poster of Krum, and his face went red. People thought that he was angered, but no one thought that it was for embarrassment.

Draco finally cut it, still laughing, "No mate, he is so poor that he doesn't have money for that." Harry, who typically doesn't want to be in those petty squabbles, smiled. Then Draco smirked, "Although he may use them to hide the holes in their walls."