Conversations on the Hogwarts Express

The Hogwarts Express stood waiting at Hogsmeade Station, steam rising into the air as students hurried aboard, eager to return home after another long school year.

Ezekiel boarded alongside Alys and Daphne, both of whom were already chatting about their summer plans. Adrian and Elena had gone ahead to secure a compartment, but as Ezekiel made his way down the corridor, he caught sight of a familiar trio—Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger.

They were seated in a half-full compartment, engaged in conversation, but Harry's gaze flickered toward Ezekiel. After a brief hesitation, Harry offered a nod of acknowledgment.

Ezekiel, never one to shy away from an interaction, stepped inside.

"Mind if I join?" he asked casually.

Ron looked surprised but shrugged. "Uh, sure, mate."

Ezekiel sat across from them, glancing at Harry. "I suppose congratulations are in order. House Cup winners."

Harry shifted awkwardly, scratching the back of his head. "I guess. Though, to be honest, I wasn't really expecting it."

"Yeah, well, that's what happens when you go on secret adventures," Ezekiel said, his tone carrying amusement.

Hermione straightened, giving him an appraising look. "You knew?"

Ezekiel smirked. "I'm not blind, Granger. You three sneaking off at odd hours, the whispers of something happening with the Philosopher's Stone—it wasn't exactly subtle."

Ron groaned. "Blimey, if you figured it out, how many other people did?"

"Not many," Ezekiel reassured him. "Most students were too caught up in exams and Quidditch."

Harry frowned slightly. "You're not… mad that Gryffindor won the House Cup, are you?"

Ezekiel chuckled. "Not in the slightest. We won the Quidditch Cup. That's the real prize."

Ron, who had been sulking slightly, perked up. "You lot played well this year. If Wood wasn't so obsessed with training, I might've actually enjoyed watching the matches."

"It's only going to get tougher next year," Ezekiel commented. "I imagine Gryffindor will be even more determined to take the Quidditch Cup."

Ron grinned. "Too right. Next year, we're winning it for sure!"

Harry smiled slightly but remained quiet. Ezekiel noticed the thoughtful expression on his face.

"Something on your mind, Potter?"

Harry hesitated before saying, "I guess… it's just strange to be heading back to the Muggle world after everything that happened."

Ezekiel could understand that. Harry had spent his entire life in the Muggle world, only to discover he belonged in a different one altogether. Now, after a year of magic, he was being sent back to the Dursleys.

"Must be difficult," Ezekiel said, not unkindly.

Harry gave a small nod. "Yeah. But… at least I know I'll be coming back."

Hermione smiled at him. "And if you ever need anything, you can always send an owl."

"You lot sticking together, then?" Ezekiel asked.

"Of course," Ron answered immediately. "The Golden Trio isn't breaking up anytime soon."

Ezekiel smirked. "Golden Trio, huh? I like the sound of that."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "That's not an official title."

"Yet," Ezekiel added, amused.

Before their conversation could continue, the door slid open, and Alys peeked in.

"Ez, we're sitting in the next compartment." She glanced at the trio before looking back at her brother. "Unless you'd rather stay here?"

Ezekiel stood up, stretching. "I'll leave you three to it. Have a good summer."

As he turned to leave, Harry spoke up.

"Ezekiel."

He glanced back.

"Thanks."

Ezekiel gave a nod before stepping out.

The Hogwarts Express rumbled down the tracks, carrying them all toward another summer—one filled with rest, family, and preparations for what was to come.

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