Chapter 20
Kalevi stood in the dormitory, surrounded by his fellow Slytherins. The room was filled with a sombre atmosphere as they began the task of packing up his and his late brother's belongings. Each item held memories, both joyful and painful, but it was a necessary step in letting go.
His hands trembled slightly as he carefully folded August's favourite cloak, a piece of fabric that had once brought warmth and comfort to his older brother. Kalevi couldn't help but feel an ache in his chest as he realised he would never see August wear it again.
The other Slytherins worked silently, understanding the weight of this moment for Kalevi. They gathered books, trinkets, and clothing, each item holding significance to the brothers' past. It was a bittersweet task, as memories intertwined with grief.
Kalevi gently placed his rat inside his scarf, carefully wrapping it around the small creature. It was a token of comfort, a reminder of the warmth and companionship he had shared with his late brother. Dillburt was a late birthday present, August had told him that rat were magical, though years later it was revealed that Dillburt had a curse set on him. As he secured the scarf, Kalevi couldn't help but feel a sense of solace in knowing that a part of August would always be with him.
Kalevi sat on the edge of his bed, clutching the scarf that held Dillburt close to his heart. The room was silent except for the soft rustling of fabric as he gently stroked the rat's fur. With tears in his eyes, he began to speak in a hushed tone, pouring out his grief and longing for his late brother.
"Dillburt," he whispered, his voice filled with both sorrow and affection. Kalevi paused, memories flooding his mind as he continued to stroke Dillburt's back. "I miss him every day, Dillburt. His laughter, his guidance... everything about him. But having you by my side brings me some solace. It feels like a small piece of him is still here with me."
Tears streamed down Kalevi's face as he spoke softly into the silence of the room. "I know it's silly to talk to a rat, but somehow it eases my pain. Thank you for being here with me, Dillburt. I hope wherever August is now, he knows how much we both love and miss him."
As Kalevi finished speaking, he pressed his cheek against Dillburt's warm body, finding comfort in their quiet connection amidst the overwhelming grief that consumed him.
Kalevi carefully folded his shirts and trousers, placing them neatly into his trunk. Each garment held memories of his time at Hogwarts, moments shared with friends and late-night study sessions. As he packed, he couldn't help but feel a sense of melancholy settling over him.
His hands trembled slightly as he picked up a worn-out quill, its feather slightly frayed from months of use. It was the same quill Draco had given him on his first day at Hogwarts.
Next, he carefully wrapped up a small jar filled with a glittering blue potion. It was the last potion August and Kalevi had brewed together before August's untimely passing. The memory of their laughter-filled afternoon echoed in Kalevi's mind, bringing both joy and sorrow.
As he looked around the room one final time, Kalevi felt a mixture of sadness and gratitude. Sadness for the loss of his brother and the end of this chapter in his life, but gratitude for the memories they had created together.
With a heavy heart, Kalevi closed his trunk and prepared to leave Hogwarts behind.
Draco watched as Kalevi closed his trunk, a sombre expression on his face. He understood the mix of emotions that Kalevi was experiencing, having gone through a similar transition himself, watching the boy he loved go through so much grief. Draco joins Kalevi as they walk out of Hogwarts to the train. A sombre silence hangs between them, filled with the weight of memories and the uncertainty of what lies ahead. They move in sync, their steps echoing in the empty corridors. The two boys reminisced about the adventures they had shared throughout their years at the magical school, laughter mingling with the sounds of their footsteps.
As they reach the platform, a soft breeze stirs Kalevi's unwieldy brown hair, and he takes a deep breath, inhaling the scent of freedom mingled with the lingering fragrance of magic.
As Kalevi stood on the platform, lost in his thoughts, a gentle tap on his shoulder brought him back to reality. He turned to see Dumbledore, the wise and beloved headmaster of Hogwarts, standing before him. A warm smile graced the old wizard's face as he extended his hand to Kalevi. "Kalevi," Dumbledore began, his voice filled with kindness and wisdom, "I wanted to personally bid you farewell and express my gratitude for the remarkable journey you have embarked upon during your time at Hogwarts."
"Thank you, sir," Kalevi muttered as the train whistle blew and Draco signalled that they had to go. Kalevi and Draco quickly boarded the Hogwarts Express. The compartments were filled with the excited chatter of students, eager to begin their summer break. Kalevi found an empty compartment and settled in, gazing out the window at the familiar sights of the magical world passing by. The train started moving, the scenery changing as they left Hogwarts behind.
As the train chugged along, Draco and Kalevi found themselves in a secluded compartment, away from the chaos and chatter of the other students. The soft rhythm of the wheels on the tracks created a soothing ambience, allowing them to escape into their thoughts. Sitting side by side, they shared a comfortable silence, each lost in their own world.
Kalevi put Dillburt in his lap, fingers running through the soft fur of his neck. Kalevi pulled his scarf up more in an attempt to cover his face before leaning his head on Draco's shoulder. Draco smiles softly, his eyes filled with warmth and affection as he runs his hands through Kalevi's hair. Feeling the gentle touch, Kalevi closes his eyes, savouring the
tenderness of the moment. An overwhelming sense of comfort envelops them both, making the compartment feel like a sanctuary from the outside world. Without a word, Draco leans in and presses a gentle kiss on Kalevi's forehead, a silent reassurance of their love and connection.