Farewell
The end of the school year arrived with a flurry of excitement and bittersweet goodbyes. Students bustled about the castle, their trunks packed and ready for the journey home. For most, the Hogwarts Express meant reunions with family and summer adventures. For Harry, it meant returning to the shadowy woods, where Teeth awaited.
The Slytherin common room was unusually lively for the end of term. A few older students offered nods of respect as Harry passed, their usual sneers replaced with something closer to grudging acknowledgment.
Draco Malfoy, standing near the fireplace with his usual entourage, approached him. “Well, Potter,” he drawled, though his tone lacked its usual venom. “I suppose even someone like you deserves a break.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” Harry replied, his voice as detached as ever.
Draco smirked. “Don’t get used to it. But... you weren’t terrible in Potions this year. See you next term.”
Pansy Parkinson chimed in, “Try not to get killed by whatever lives with you out there.”
Harry’s lips twitched into the faintest hint of a smile. “No promises.”
On the way to the carriages, Hermione caught up with him, a book in her hands.
“Harry! Wait!” she called.
Harry turned, eyebrows raised. “Something you forgot to lecture me about?”
Hermione huffed. “No, I just wanted to give you this.” She thrust the book toward him. “It’s about magical recipes. I thought you might like it. Or find it useful.”
He took the book, glancing at the title. Easy Magical Dishes. “Thanks,” he said simply.
Ron shuffled awkwardly next to Hermione, rubbing the back of his neck. “Er, yeah. See you next year, mate. Try not to let anything, uh... upset you?”
Harry’s detached mask softened for a moment. “I’ll be fine,” he said. “Take care.”
As Harry made his way to the carriages, he found Luna Lovegood standing alone by the thestral-pulled carriages, her dreamy eyes fixed on something in the distance.
“Hello, Harry,” she said, as if she’d been expecting him.
“Hi, Luna.”
She tilted her head, studying him. “You’ll be alright this summer. The thestrals told me so.”
Harry nodded, not entirely sure how to respond. “Thanks... I think.”
Luna smiled, handing him a small charm made of twigs and feathers. “It’s for protection. Just in case.”
Harry accepted the charm, tucking it in his pocket.
Fred and George intercepted Harry just before he boarded the train.
“Oi, Potter!” Fred called.
“Don’t think we forgot about you,” George added, holding up a box.
“It’s not a prank,” Fred assured him. “Well, mostly not.”
Harry accepted the box, opening it to reveal a collection of small gadgets. “What’s this?”
“Just a little something to make your summer more interesting,” George said with a grin. “Exploding snaps, some joke sweets... you’ll love it.”
Harry gave a ghost of a smile. “Thanks, guys.”
Hagrid waved enthusiastically from the platform, calling out, “Take care, Harry! Don’ forget ter write!”
Professor McGonagall offered a curt nod as he passed, her eyes softening briefly. “Mr. Potter, I trust you’ll stay out of trouble this summer.”
Dumbledore was waiting near the carriages, his gaze twinkling with unreadable emotion. “Until next year, Harry. Stay safe.”
Harry’s reply was brief but respectful. “I will.”
Before he could escape completely, Professor Snape intercepted him near the train. “Potter, the headmaster requires a word.”
Harry sighed but followed Snape back to the castle, where Dumbledore was waiting in his office.
“Harry,” Dumbledore began, his tone gentle but firm, “before you leave, I must ask again about your guardian. We need to ensure you’re safe.”
Harry’s expression didn’t change. “I’m fine.”
“Harry,” Dumbledore pressed, “we don’t know where you go during the holidays. We don’t even know who your guardian is.”
“You don’t need to know,” Harry said, his voice calm but unyielding.
Snape, standing nearby with his arms crossed, interjected. “Your refusal to cooperate only raises more questions, Potter. Who is this... guardian? And why are you so determined to hide them?”
Harry’s eyes flicked to Snape, cold and calculating. “I’m not hiding anything. I just don’t think it’s any of your business.”
Dumbledore sighed, his gaze heavy with concern. “Very well, Harry. But know that we are here for you, should you ever need us.”
Harry nodded curtly. “I know.”
As he finally boarded the Hogwarts Express, Harry felt a strange mix of relief and unease. He was going home—to Teeth. But the questions from Dumbledore and the others lingered in his mind.
The woods would welcome him back, as they always did. But for how long could he keep his secrets hidden?