Homecoming and Hidden Projects

 Return to Family Life

The journey from Hogwarts back to London was bittersweet for Raja. Though he was glad to be with his family again, he already missed the lively halls of Hogwarts, his friends, and the thrill of magical studies. Stepping off the train, Raja was greeted warmly by his adoptive grandmother, Eleanor, who enveloped him in a hug.

"Oh, Raja, you look so grown-up!" she said, her eyes shining with pride. Raja returned her smile, feeling a comforting sense of belonging.

As the days went by, Raja embraced his role as the "good grandson." He spent mornings helping Eleanor with the household errands and filling her in on his year at Hogwarts. In the evenings, he entertained family friends and charmed the neighbors with his piano and violin skills, earning admiration and invitations for future gatherings.

But behind this polite exterior, Raja's mind was racing with ideas. He had grown fascinated by alchemy and ancient runes during his time at Hogwarts, and he was eager to explore them further. His family had no idea of the experiments that soon filled his evenings.

 Alchemy and the Modern Magic Society

Raja began spending his nights in his study, poring over old alchemical texts and rune studies he'd acquired during his time at Hogwarts. He had a clear goal: to modernize the wizarding world's approach to magic, combining ancient principles with practical advancements from the non-magical world. He envisioned a society where magic could exist alongside technology, where wizards and Muggles could benefit from one another's progress.

His first experiments were simple, testing reactions and small transmutations in controlled environments. Using a careful combination of runic inscriptions and alchemical principles, Raja successfully transmuted base metals into purer forms, the first step on a journey toward more advanced transformations.

Raja quickly realized that his experiments had potential beyond just magical advancement—they could provide safer, more accessible magic for younger students and perhaps even Muggles if guided correctly. He sketched out various models, drawing up plans for alchemical gadgets and rune-etched tools that could make simple spells easier to perform.

One night, he sat at his desk, deeply engrossed in a notebook filled with diagrams and notes on spell modifications. He sketched ways to enhance spell precision using alchemical symbols etched onto wands and tools, dreaming of ways to bring about a magical society that would be accessible, efficient, and harmonious.

 A Visit to Privet Drive

One morning, after weeks of experiments and family gatherings, Raja felt a sudden pang of concern for Harry. He knew from their conversations that the Dursleys had never been kind to him, and the idea of Harry returning to a hostile environment weighed heavily on his mind. Resolute, Raja decided it was time for a visit to Privet Drive.

Appearing quietly outside Number 4, he approached the door and knocked. The door opened, revealing Petunia Dursley, her face immediately twisting into a suspicious scowl as she recognized the strange boy from King's Cross.

"Hello, Mrs. Dursley," Raja greeted her with polite but firm authority, stepping past her before she could react. "I've come to ensure that my friend, Harry, is well."

Petunia stammered, visibly unsettled, and called for Vernon. The large, red-faced man appeared in the doorway, looking just as displeased as his wife.

"What do you think you're doing here, boy?" Vernon demanded, crossing his arms.

Raja didn't flinch. With an unyielding look, he said, "I've come to give you a warning. If I hear that Harry is mistreated here in any way—if he's underfed, overworked, or even spoken to unkindly—I will make sure you face the consequences. Jail time is one possibility, but I can think of far worse."

Vernon's mouth fell open, his bluster faltering under Raja's steady gaze. Petunia looked pale, exchanging a worried glance with her husband.

"Fine," Vernon grumbled, his voice deflated. "He's… he'll be fine."

"I'm glad we understand each other," Raja said, his tone dangerously calm.

Turning away from the Dursleys, Raja made his way upstairs, locating the tiny room where Harry had been staying. To his relief, he found Harry there, but the room was cramped and poorly lit, with hardly any comforts in sight. Harry looked up in surprise, his face brightening at the sight of his friend.

"Raja! What are you doing here?" Harry asked, a smile breaking across his face.

"I came to make sure you're well looked after," Raja replied, offering him a reassuring grin. "Let's get you somewhere better suited."

Raja led Harry to the largest empty room in the house—a spare room, used mostly for storing boxes and unused furniture. With a few quiet spells, he cleared the room of dust, re-arranged the furniture, and added clean bedding and other necessities for Harry's comfort.

"From now on, this is your room," he said firmly. "You deserve better than a cupboard under the stairs or a neglected box room."

Harry looked around, awe and gratitude evident in his expression. "Thank you, Raja. Really, I… I don't know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything," Raja replied with a warm smile. "You're my friend. It's the least I can do."

Before leaving, Raja arranged for a small supply of daily necessities to arrive at Privet Drive for Harry's use. He made sure that Harry had books, snacks, and even a journal to keep him occupied, with enough supplies to last him until school resumed. Raja also arranged a discreet way to stay in touch, a small enchanted mirror that would allow Harry to contact him whenever he needed.

As he prepared to leave, Raja shot a final look toward the Dursleys, who had stayed out of his way, their faces a mix of anger and fear. He knew his presence here wouldn't be forgotten, and that Harry's summer would likely be more peaceful than ever before.

"Stay strong, Harry," he said, offering his friend one last reassuring smile before stepping out of the house.

 Renewed Purpose

Returning home, Raja felt a renewed sense of purpose. He had set things in motion both for himself and his friends. His alchemical experiments were progressing, his understanding of runes growing daily, and he had begun considering how these discoveries could benefit the magical world.

He spent his days refining his ideas, testing small modifications to everyday magical items, and designing practical tools that could simplify daily tasks. Though he kept his ideas to himself, he felt excited by the possibilities and was determined to return to Hogwarts with innovations that would benefit everyone—from first-years to professors.

As summer continued, Raja found satisfaction in the quiet pace of his family life and the hidden progress of his personal projects. Hogwarts awaited, and with it, another year of discovery. But for now, he was content, knowing he had done all he could to support his friends and advance his own dreams of a modern, connected magical society.