In what felt like the blink of an eye, the summer had flown by, and it was finally time for Yasuke

to head back to Hogwarts. He had been waiting for this moment for months, and now that it was

here, his excitement was impossible to contain. His hard work over the summer had paid

off—he had raised enough money to cover his trip to England, and the prospect of returning to

the magical world filled him with a renewed sense of purpose.

Yasuke stood in front of his house, his suitcase packed, his small collection of books tucked

safely inside, and Typhoon perched on his shoulder. The sun was still low in the sky as the

morning breeze brushed against his face. He felt a pang of sadness leaving Colin behind, but

his little brother had hugged him tight that morning, full of excitement for his next year at

Hogwarts.

"Bring me back something cool!" Colin had said with a grin, his eyes bright with curiosity and

envy.

Yasuke had promised he would. With one last wave to his house, he started his walk toward the

bus stop, his heart racing with anticipation. San Diego International Airport awaited, and after

that, a flight to London.

--

The flight from San Diego to London was long, but Yasuke didn't mind. He spent most of it

daydreaming about what awaited him in the magical world, flipping through the books he had

borrowed from Professor Binns for the hundredth time. Spatial magic, elemental manipulation,

wand theory—it all fascinated him. But there was one stop he was particularly excited about.

Diagon Alley.

Yasuke had planned his trip meticulously. Before heading back to Hogwarts, he wanted to visit

Mr. Ollivander, the legendary wandmaker, and ask him about wands and magical cores. The

idea of creating or improving magical items had been lingering in the back of Yasuke's mind

since his encounter with the Sword of Gryffindor. If wands could channel magic, was it possible

to apply that same principle to other objects—like a sword or even something more personal,

like the toy lightsaber he had been thinking about?

As the plane touched down in Heathrow Airport, Yasuke's excitement only grew. He hurried

through the terminal, eager to make his way to Diagon Alley. The bustling streets of London

were a familiar sight, but he couldn't wait to escape the Muggle world and enter the vibrant,

hidden magical alley.

After a short trip through the streets of London, Yasuke arrived at the entrance to The Leaky

Cauldron. He smiled to himself as he pushed open the door, the familiar smell of magical brews

and old wood filling his senses. He greeted the barman with a nod and made his way to the

hidden entrance to Diagon Alley. With a few taps on the bricks, the wall parted, revealing the

bustling magical marketplace.

Yasuke's heart swelled as he stepped into the familiar alley, surrounded by witches and wizards

going about their business. The air was alive with the sounds of conversation, the hum of

magical creatures, and the clatter of enchanted objects. He could smell fresh parchment from

Flourish and Blotts and the sweet, tantalizing aromas of freshly baked treats from the shops

nearby.

But first, he had a mission.

Yasuke headed straight for Ollivanders, the old wand shop nestled between tall, crooked

buildings. The bell above the door tinkled softly as he stepped inside, the quiet atmosphere of

the shop a stark contrast to the noise outside. The air was thick with the scent of polished wood

and magic, and Yasuke felt a sense of awe wash over him as he gazed at the rows upon rows

of wands lining the shelves.

After a few moments, the familiar figure of Mr. Ollivander appeared from the back of the shop,

his silver hair glinting in the dim light. He greeted Yasuke with a small, knowing smile.

"Ah, Mr. Okikaze," Ollivander said, his voice as soft as ever. "I was wondering when you might

return. How may I assist you today?"

Yasuke smiled, stepping forward. "I wanted to ask you about wandmaking—about how wands

are made and how they channel magic. I've been studying magical theory, and I think there's

more to it than just using a wand. Could that kind of magic be applied to other things? Objects?"

Ollivander raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "You're thinking beyond the traditional uses of a

wand, I see. Interesting… very interesting. The core of a wand, as you know, is what channels

the magic of the wielder. The wood serves as a conduit, but the magic comes from within you.

What exactly do you have in mind, young man?"

Yasuke hesitated for a moment, unsure if he should reveal his wild idea. But this was Mr.

Ollivander—the master wandmaker. If anyone could help him, it was him.

"I've been thinking about creating a weapon—maybe not a wand, but something else that can

channel magic. I don't know if it's possible, but I wanted to know if there's a way to apply wand

theory to other objects."

Ollivander's eyes twinkled with curiosity. "Ah, you're thinking of creating a magical tool, not just

for casting, but for more practical use. There is precedent for such things, though they are quite

rare. The Sword of Gryffindor, for instance, is imbued with magical properties, as you well

know."

Yasuke's heart skipped a beat at the mention of the sword. He nodded, excitement bubbling up

inside him.

"Each magical object requires a different approach," Ollivander continued. "You would need to

understand the properties of the material, the core, and the intent behind the object. A wand is

for channeling spells. A sword? It may serve a different purpose. But it can be done."

Yasuke listened intently, his mind spinning with possibilities. He knew it would take time and

effort, but the idea of creating something that could channel magic beyond a wand filled him with

determination.

"I want to learn more," Yasuke said, his voice steady. "Could you help me? Maybe give me

some advice on where to start?"

Ollivander gave a small nod. "I can provide you with some guidance, yes. But understand, Mr.

Okikaze, that this is no small endeavor. It will require study, patience, and an understanding of

both magical and non-magical materials. But if you are willing to pursue it, I believe you are

capable."

Yasuke smiled, feeling a surge of excitement. This was exactly what he needed—a new

challenge, something to push him further.

After a few more minutes of discussion, Ollivander handed Yasuke a small, worn book on the

basics of wandmaking and magical cores. "Start with this," Ollivander said, his voice gentle. "It

will give you the foundation you need."

Yasuke thanked him, slipping the book into his bag before stepping back out into the bustling

streets of Diagon Alley.

--

As Yasuke wandered through the shops, he couldn't help but think about how far he'd come in

the past year. Hogwarts had changed everything, opening his eyes to a world of magic and

possibility. Now, as he stood in the heart of Diagon Alley, he was eager to learn more, to push

the boundaries of what he thought was possible.

But there was still more to do. Yasuke knew his money would only stretch so far, and if he

wanted to get some extra supplies for school, he would need to be resourceful. He began

visiting the smaller shops, offering to do odd jobs in exchange for supplies—stacking shelves,

sweeping floors, and helping wherever he could. Some of the shopkeepers were skeptical at

first, but with his work ethic and determination, Yasuke quickly earned their trust.

The sun was beginning to dip lower in the sky, casting long shadows over Diagon Alley as

Yasuke finished his day of shopping. His arms were weighed down with bags full of supplies, but

his heart was light with excitement. He had gathered everything he needed for his second year

at Hogwarts and more, thanks to a few interesting stops along the way.

His first stop had been at Flourish and Blotts, where he purchased all of his second-year

textbooks. The smell of parchment and ink still clung to his clothes from spending hours in the

shop, carefully selecting each book on the list provided by Hogwarts. From The Standard Book

of Spells, Grade 2 to Magical Drafts and Potions, Yasuke now had everything he needed for the

upcoming school year. But, as always, he couldn't resist picking up a few extra books for his

personal study—books on elemental magic and defensive enchantments that caught his eye.

His next stop had been the most exciting. After his conversation with Mr. Ollivander about

wands and magical cores, Yasuke couldn't help but return to the wandmaker's shop to pick up a

few more resources. Ollivander had been kind enough to provide him with two slim,

ancient-looking books on wandmaking and magical core theory. The first book detailed the

intricacies of crafting wands—how different woods interacted with magical cores, the balance

between length and flexibility, and the importance of intent behind the creation of each wand.

The second book focused on the more mysterious process of selecting magical cores—unicorn

hair, phoenix feathers, dragon heartstring, and beyond. Yasuke knew he was only scratching the

surface of what he could learn, but the idea of creating a magical tool of his own filled him with

determination.

Lastly, Yasuke found himself drawn to Slug and Jiggers Apothecary, where he stocked up on the

basic ingredients he would need for Potions class. As he wandered through the dimly lit aisles,

his eyes scanning shelves filled with shimmering vials and jars of strange substances,

something caught his attention—a small, unassuming bottle tucked away behind a row of potion

ingredients.

Yasuke picked it up, turning it over in his hands. The label was faded, but he could just make out

the words: Elixir of Magical Fortitude. It promised to increase magical strength if consumed once

every Christmas for five years straight. The idea of becoming stronger, of increasing his magical

capacity, was intriguing. Though Yasuke wasn't entirely sure how much truth there was behind

the promise, he decided to take the risk. After a quiet word with the shopkeeper and a few coins

exchanged under the counter, the potion was his.

With his purchases secured, Yasuke walked out of Slug and Jiggers, feeling the weight of the

small potion bottle in his pocket. He couldn't help but wonder what kind of impact it might have

on him, if it worked as the label claimed. Would he become stronger? Could it help him master

the magical techniques he had been struggling with? Only time would tell, but Yasuke was

willing to try.

--

As the afternoon faded into evening, Yasuke made his way back toward The Leaky Cauldron.

His arms were laden with bags, but his heart was light. The prospect of returning to Hogwarts,

now armed with new knowledge and tools, filled him with a sense of purpose. He had not only

gathered his school supplies but also laid the groundwork for something greater—learning to

craft his own magical tools and enhancing his magical abilities.

He sat down at one of the tables in the dimly lit inn, his bags at his feet, and ordered a small

meal. As he ate, his thoughts drifted to what the new school year would bring. His mind buzzed

with ideas, plans for practicing magic, and the exciting possibility of mastering wandless magic.

He imagined himself wielding both a wand and something else—perhaps a weapon imbued with

magical power, something uniquely his.

After dinner, Yasuke carefully unpacked his bags and looked through everything he had

purchased. His textbooks were neatly stacked on one side, but his gaze lingered on the smaller,

more personal items: the books from Ollivander on wandmaking, the Elixir of Magical Fortitude,

and the extra reading material he had picked up for his own studies.

With a sense of satisfaction, Yasuke placed the Elixir safely in his trunk. He would wait until

Christmas to test its effects, but the anticipation was already building inside him. If it truly

increased his magical strength, it could be the edge he needed to push his abilities even further.

Typhoon fluttered down from his perch and landed next to Yasuke, chirping softly. Yasuke

smiled, reaching out to stroke the falcon's feathers. "We're almost ready, Ty," he whispered.

"Another year at Hogwarts, and this time… we'll be stronger."

Ty chirped in agreement, as if understanding his words. Yasuke could feel the excitement

bubbling up inside him again. He couldn't wait to return to Hogwarts, where the halls of magic,

mystery, and adventure awaited.

--

The next morning, Yasuke packed up his things, ready to head to King's Cross Station. With

Typhoon perched on his shoulder and his bags filled with supplies, books, and secrets, Yasuke

stepped out of The Leaky Cauldron, his heart pounding with anticipation.

In just a few days, he would be back at Hogwarts. Back home.

--

The early morning air was cool, with just a hint of autumn creeping into the breeze as Yasuke

walked through the bustling streets of London. His heart was racing, not from the weight of his

luggage, but from the overwhelming excitement bubbling up inside him. Today was the day—he

was finally returning to Hogwarts.

Yasuke arrived at King's Cross Station far earlier than necessary, but he didn't care. He wanted

to savor every moment, to feel the rush of returning to the magical world that had become his

true home. Typhoon, perched comfortably on his shoulder, ruffled his feathers as they navigated

the busy station, the sounds of Muggles moving about their day blending into the background.

As he neared the hidden entrance between platforms 9 and 10, Yasuke felt the familiar tingle of

anticipation wash over him. He casually leaned against the brick pillar for a moment, scanning

the area to make sure no Muggles were watching, before stepping through the barrier.

The transition was smooth, the familiar magic pulling him through to Platform 9. Yasuke

emerged on the other side, and the sight that greeted him made his heart soar.

There, in all its gleaming, majestic glory, stood the Hogwarts Express. The scarlet train billowed

soft puffs of steam into the air, the platform alive with the sounds of excited students and the

shuffling of luggage. Yasuke's face lit up with a giant grin, unable to contain the sheer joy

flooding through him. He had missed this—every moment of it. The laughter, the excitement, the

promise of another year filled with magic and mystery.

He felt the urge to run, to sprint toward the train, his excitement too much to bear. He could

already picture himself finding Harry and Ron, catching up on their summers, and talking about

the year ahead. His feet began to move, his body filled with energy, ready to dash forward—

—but then he heard a soft, almost delicate cough behind him.

Yasuke stopped mid-step, turning around, his grin still plastered on his face. Standing just a few

feet away, with an amused yet slightly bashful expression, was Hermione. She had her hands

tucked neatly around her own luggage trolley, her bushy brown hair framing her face, and her

cheeks were tinged pink. Yasuke's grin must have caught her off guard because she blushed

slightly, a soft smile forming on her lips as their eyes met.

For a brief moment, time seemed to slow.

"Excited?" Hermione asked, her voice teasing but warm.

Yasuke chuckled, feeling the tension of his eagerness dissolve into something more

comfortable. "Maybe a little," he admitted, trying to tone down his grin but failing. "I missed this. I

missed… all of it."

Hermione stepped closer, her own expression softening. "I did too. There's something about

Hogwarts that just feels like home, isn't there?"

Yasuke nodded, the weight of her words settling over him. "Yeah, exactly that."

They stood there for a moment, just watching the hustle and bustle of the platform. Other

students rushed past, parents waving their children off, and trunks being hoisted onto the train.

But Yasuke felt a calmness in this moment, standing here with Hermione. The excitement still

buzzed inside him, but there was also a warmth that came from seeing her—one of his closest

friends—standing here, sharing this moment with him.

"You've been studying, haven't you?" Yasuke teased, glancing at the stack of books peeking out

of her trolley.

Hermione's blush deepened, but she smiled proudly. "Of course. There's always something new

to learn. And what about you? I bet you've been practicing all summer."

Yasuke grinned. "Yeah, a little. I may have picked up a few new tricks."

Hermione raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Like what?"

"Guess you'll have to wait and see," Yasuke said with a wink, enjoying the banter.

Hermione rolled her eyes but laughed softly, clearly pleased by the exchange. "Well, don't keep

me waiting too long."

The sound of the train's whistle interrupted them, signaling that it was nearly time to board.

Yasuke glanced over his shoulder at the Hogwarts Express, the excitement bubbling up inside

him once more.

"Shall we?" he asked, gesturing toward the train.

Hermione nodded, and together they began walking toward the carriages, weaving through the

sea of students and luggage. Typhoon, still perched on Yasuke's shoulder, chirped contentedly,

as if sharing in his excitement. As they approached the train, Yasuke couldn't help but glance at

Hermione, who was still smiling softly to herself.

"I'm glad I ran into you," Yasuke said quietly as they neared the doors of the train.

Hermione looked up, her eyes warm and full of understanding. "Me too."

They boarded the train, their bags in tow, and Yasuke's heart swelled as they found a

compartment and settled in. The noise of the platform faded as the train doors closed, and

Yasuke could feel the familiar rhythm of the Hogwarts Express beginning to hum beneath his

feet.

This was it. The start of another year. And this time, Yasuke was ready for whatever came his

way.

As the train slowly pulled out of the station, leaving the Muggle world behind, Yasuke looked out

the window, a sense of peace washing over him. He was home.

--

The rhythmic clatter of the train's wheels against the tracks set a comforting backdrop as the

Hogwarts Express sped north, carrying Yasuke and Hermione back to the world they cherished.

The soft hum of conversation filled the compartment, but Yasuke only had eyes for his friend

across from him. The excitement of returning to Hogwarts buzzed in the air, but the warmth of

this moment was something different—something special.

Yasuke leaned back against the cushioned seat, watching as the countryside blurred past the

window. He turned his attention back to Hermione, who was quietly reading the spine of a new

book she'd brought along. Her brows furrowed slightly in concentration, she looked up as soon

as she felt his gaze.

"So," Yasuke began, his tone light, "tell me about your summer. What did you do? Did you go

anywhere exciting?"

Hermione smiled, clearly pleased by the question. She set her book aside, giving him her full

attention. "Oh, it was mostly quiet. My parents and I didn't travel much this year—just a couple

of small trips around the UK. But, I spent a lot of time reading, of course. I went through my

entire reading list for the year ahead, and then some."

Yasuke grinned. "That sounds like you. What kind of books did you read?"

"Mostly magical theory," she replied, her eyes lighting up. "But I also dove into some advanced

Transfiguration texts. Oh, and I found a fascinating book about the history of magical creatures

in Europe. Did you know that Hippogriffs were once considered too dangerous to be handled by

wizards?"

Yasuke shook his head, smiling at her enthusiasm. "I didn't, but I'm not surprised you found that

out. Anything else? What's it like where you live? Do you spend a lot of time outdoors or is it

more... city life?"

Hermione's expression softened at the mention of her home. "We live in a suburb outside of

London. It's quiet, really—just rows of houses, some parks, and lots of families. Not much magic

happens there, but it's nice in its own way. My parents are both dentists, so things are always

very orderly and calm at home."

Yasuke raised an eyebrow. "Dentists, huh? I guess that explains why you always take care of

your teeth so well."

Hermione laughed, the sound gentle and warm. "Yes, they're very strict about that. I suppose it's

one of the reasons I ended up being so disciplined. My parents expect a lot from me, but they're

kind and supportive. They don't fully understand the magical world, but they've done their best

to keep up with everything I've learned."

Yasuke nodded, his gaze thoughtful. "That's nice, though—having parents who care like that. It

must be different, growing up with Muggles and then finding out you're a witch."

Hermione smiled softly. "It is different. Sometimes I feel like I'm living in two worlds—one where

magic is real, and one where it's not. My parents do their best to keep me grounded, but

Hogwarts is where I truly feel like myself."

Yasuke leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "I get that. I never really felt like I

belonged anywhere before Hogwarts. Now it's like... I don't know, like I'm finally where I'm

supposed to be."

Hermione studied him for a moment, her expression thoughtful. "What about you? How was

your summer? You never really talk about where you live."

Yasuke hesitated for a moment, but then sighed, feeling the weight of the truth. "It's...

complicated. I live in California, in a city called Oceanside. It's close to the beach, which I love,

but my family life is... not great."

Hermione's face softened with understanding. "I'm sorry. That sounds hard."

"Yeah," Yasuke continued, glancing out the window for a moment before returning his gaze to

Hermione. "My mom works all the time, and my sister—well, we don't get along. It's just me and

my little brother, really. He's the only one I feel close to at home."

Hermione reached out, her hand resting gently on his arm for a moment. "That must be tough,

leaving him behind when you come to Hogwarts."

Yasuke nodded, appreciating her concern. "It is. He's young, and I worry about him a lot. But

Hogwarts... it's my escape. It's the only place where I feel like I can be myself without all the

noise from home."

Hermione's eyes were filled with empathy. "I understand. It's hard being torn between two

worlds, but at least we have Hogwarts. It's a place where we can be who we're meant to be."

Yasuke smiled, feeling a warmth settle over him. It wasn't often that he opened up like this, but

with Hermione, it felt easy. She understood him in a way that few people did, and her kindness

made it easier to talk about things he usually kept to himself.

"What else did you do this summer?" Yasuke asked, wanting to keep the conversation going.

"Did you have any adventures outside of reading?"

Hermione laughed softly, shaking her head. "Not really. We went to the seaside for a few days,

which was nice, but nothing as exciting as what we get up to at Hogwarts."

Yasuke grinned. "That's true. Nothing quite compares to what happens at school."

They talked at length, sharing stories about their summers and laughing over the little things

they missed about Hogwarts—the moving staircases, the smell of the Great Hall during feast

days, even the quirky professors. Yasuke found himself asking Hermione more about her life,

curious about the way she navigated both the magical and Muggle worlds.

"What's your favorite place at home?" Yasuke asked at one point, genuinely interested in getting

to know more about her world.

Hermione smiled, thinking for a moment. "There's a park near our house with a beautiful

garden. I used to go there to read when I was younger. It's peaceful, and sometimes I miss the

simplicity of it. What about you? Is there a place in California that's special to you?"

Yasuke didn't hesitate. "The beach. I go there whenever I need to clear my head. There's

something about the sound of the waves and the smell of the ocean that makes everything else

seem small."

Hermione's eyes lit up with understanding. "That sounds lovely. I'd love to see it someday."

Yasuke's heart warmed at the thought of Hermione visiting his world. "Maybe one day you will."

The hours passed quickly as they continued to talk, the conversation flowing effortlessly

between them. By the time they realized how long they had been talking, the sky outside had

grown dark, and the gentle sway of the train had lulled them into a comfortable rhythm.

As the Hogwarts Express carried them closer to their destination, Yasuke felt a sense of

contentment settle over him. He was going back to the place where he belonged, and he was

surrounded by the people who made him feel understood—people like Hermione, who saw him

for who he truly was.

They sat in companionable silence for a while, the hum of the train filling the space between

them.

--

As the train continued its steady journey north, the sky outside darkened, casting a soft glow

over the compartment. Yasuke and Hermione had been talking for hours, their conversation

ranging from lighthearted stories about their summers to more serious topics about school and

life. Yasuke had felt more comfortable with Hermione than he had with anyone in a long time,

and as their conversation turned to magic, he felt a spark of excitement.

He had been practicing wandless magic over the summer—something he hadn't told anyone

yet—and now, sitting across from Hermione, he couldn't resist the urge to show her.

"I've been working on something," Yasuke said, leaning forward, his voice lowering slightly as if

to make the moment more intimate. "It's not perfect yet, but I think I'm getting close."

Hermione raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "Oh? What is it?"

Yasuke hesitated for a moment, then smiled. "Wandless magic. I've been trying to see if I can

do some basic spells without my wand."

Hermione's eyes widened in surprise and excitement. "Wandless magic? That's really

advanced, Yasuke! Not many wizards can do it, especially at our age."

Yasuke chuckled softly. "Yeah, I know. But I wanted to see if I could push myself. I started small,

with simple spells, and then I tried to work on something a bit more complex."

He shifted in his seat, straightening his back and holding out his hand in front of him, palm open.

"I've been trying to form a spatial sphere without my wand. It's tricky, but I've gotten close."

Hermione leaned in, her eyes fixed on his hand, eager to see what he could do.

Yasuke closed his eyes for a moment, focusing on the magic inside him. He could feel it, like a

soft hum just beneath his skin, waiting to be shaped. He let the magic flow through his body,

guiding it toward his hand, imagining the shape of the sphere in his mind.

For a moment, nothing happened. But then, slowly, the air around his hand began to shimmer

faintly. A small, flickering light appeared just above his palm, the outline of a sphere beginning to

take form. It was unstable, the edges flickering in and out, but it was there.

Hermione gasped softly, her eyes wide with amazement. "You're really doing it!"

But just as quickly as it had appeared, the sphere flickered and disappeared, the magic slipping

from Yasuke's grasp. He sighed, his hand dropping to his lap. "It's still not quite there," he

admitted, a hint of frustration in his voice. "I can almost get it, but it's hard to control without my

wand."

Hermione shook her head, her expression filled with awe. "Yasuke, that was incredible. I mean,

even attempting something like that with a wand is impressive. You're really close."

Yasuke smiled at her encouragement, feeling a bit better. "Thanks. I've been practicing a lot, but

it's definitely challenging. I think I'll get it eventually, though."

Hermione nodded, her eyes still gleaming with excitement. "You will. I know you will. Wandless

magic is all about control, right? You just need to keep focusing on refining your technique."

Yasuke leaned back, feeling a sense of accomplishment despite the failure of the sphere. "Yeah.

It's all about control. But there's one spell I can do without my wand."

Hermione tilted her head, intrigued. "Really? What is it?"

Yasuke held up his hand again, this time with a grin. "Lumos."

He concentrated for a brief moment, and with a soft pulse of energy, the tip of his index finger

began to glow with a faint, warm light. The soft, white glow illuminated the compartment, casting

gentle shadows on the walls.

Hermione's eyes widened again, her face breaking into a smile. "Yasuke, that's amazing!"

Yasuke couldn't help but laugh, the sense of pride bubbling up inside him. "It's not much, but I

figured out how to channel the magic into this simple spell. It's kind of like a wand, but... well,

without the actual wand."

Hermione reached out to touch his glowing finger, her smile widening as the light flickered

gently. "I've never seen anyone our age do this before," she said softly. "You're really talented,

Yasuke."

He felt a blush rise to his cheeks, embarrassed but pleased by her praise. "Thanks. It's taken a

lot of practice, but I think it's worth it."

They sat in silence for a moment, the glow from Yasuke's Lumos casting a soft light around the

compartment. Hermione was clearly impressed, and Yasuke couldn't help but feel a sense of

pride. He had worked hard to get to this point, and even though he still had a long way to go, he

was proud of how far he had come.

As the light faded from his hand, Yasuke turned to Hermione, his voice quiet but full of

excitement. "There's so much more I want to learn this year. I'm going to keep working on the

spatial sphere, and maybe even some more advanced spells."

Hermione nodded, her expression serious but supportive. "I'll help you however I can. We can

study together, practice together. I'm working on some advanced Transfiguration techniques

myself, so maybe we can push each other."

Yasuke smiled, grateful for her support. "Yeah, that sounds great."

The train rumbled on, the sound of the wheels against the tracks filling the silence between

them.