The Quibbler

King's Cross Station bustled with activity as Luke and Hermione stepped out of the taxi, their suitcases in tow.

The clock showed it was nearing eight, leaving them with ample time before the nine o'clock departure. Inside the station, young wizards bid farewell to their families, a scene that caught Luke's eye as he glanced at Hermione beside him.

It seemed the anticipation of the school year ahead weighed heavily on Hermione, evident in her tired eyes and stifled yawns.

"Something bothering you?" Luke inquired, noticing her fatigue.

Hermione's response was interrupted by her playful jab at Luke's side. "Quit it with the mind games, Luke!"

Luke grinned at her reaction, knowing she was onto his wandering thoughts.

Following the protocol, they reached the pillar leading to the platform, hastening their pace as they disappeared into its magical confines.

It wasn't until they arrived at the bustling nine and three-quarters platform that Luke realized they were among curious first-years, fresh faces eager for their Hogwarts adventure to begin.

As they boarded the carriage, Luke and Hermione found themselves surrounded by empty seats, a rare luxury on the crowded train.

"Strange, where are the Weasleys and Harry?" Hermione pondered aloud, her brow furrowed with concern.

Indeed, among the familiar faces of Malfoy and Cedric, the absence of the Weasley clan and Harry was conspicuous.

Luke made a mental note to ask Fred about the missing Weasleys and their infamous prankster antics.

"Perhaps they're running late," Luke suggested optimistically, checking the time. "Plenty of time left till nine o'clock."

Luke playfully offered Hermione a multi-flavored bean.

Golden sunlight streamed through the window, draping them in a shimmering veil of warmth.

Hermione squinted contentedly, resembling a blissful kitten being petted.

"Cat ears would suit you better than rabbit ears," Luke mused, unable to contain his grin.

His wand felt weightless in his hand as his thoughts wandered, his gaze drifting down to the peaceful figure of Hermione nestled in his arms.

Their secluded carriage offered a sanctuary from the world, ensuring no interruptions.

With a mischievous twinkle in his eye, Luke seized the opportunity while Hermione was distracted, aiming his wand at her tousled locks.

"Transform into cat ears..." he whispered, the wand glowing faintly with magic.

Suddenly, two fluffy brown cat ears sprouted atop Hermione's head, twitching with life.

Luke couldn't help but feel a surge of delight at the sight.

However, before he could fully appreciate his handiwork, the carriage door abruptly swung open.

"Um!"

Hermione's eyes snapped open at the unexpected intrusion, swiftly disentangling herself from Luke's embrace.

Luke couldn't shake the feeling that something was off about the interruption.

As Hermione greeted their visitor—a petite witch with striking gray eyes and peculiar radish earrings—Luke discreetly eyed the now-twitching cat ears, sensing trouble looming.

If Hermione discovered his playful spell, he'd surely be on the receiving end of another playful nip.

As the newcomer hesitated at the sight of Hermione's altered appearance, Luke extended an invitation with a warm smile.

"You're welcome to join us in our carriage!"

Hermione greeted the first-year wizard with warmth, extending a direct invitation.

"My name is Hermione Granger, and he—well, he's my boyfriend, Luke Geralt!" she exclaimed, with a hint of pride in her voice.

Luke couldn't help but chuckle at her introduction, feeling a surge of confidence at being acknowledged.

"Thanks, I'm Luna Lovegood!" Luna announced with an ethereal tone as she gracefully entered the carriage, holding a magazine. She settled herself opposite Luke and Hermione.

"Hello!" Luke greeted with a friendly chuckle, already forming an impression of the intriguing young witch before him.

"Hello~" Luna responded politely, her demeanor serene yet curious.

"Is the magazine in your hand 'The Quibbler'?" Hermione asked, recognizing the publication she occasionally perused in her spare moments.

Indeed, "The Quibbler" held a unique place in the magical world, focusing on creatures and phenomena often deemed mythical, with sales rivaling even "The Daily Prophet." was Hermione's go-to room for defeating boredom, but she couldn't quite share Luna's enthusiasm for the magazine. Luke had heard her complaints before.

"Is Xenophilius Lovegood, the editor-in-chief of this magazine, your father?" Luke interjected before Hermione could voice her reservations.

"Yes, the editor-in-chief is indeed my father," Luna confirmed, her gaze shifting curiously to Luke.

Hermione, momentarily caught off guard, found herself at a loss for words. The pair of fluffy cat ears atop her head betrayed her inner turmoil.

Fortunately, Luke's timely interruption spared her from blurting out any critical remarks.

Although she might be deceived by Luke on occasion, Miss Hermione was certainly no fool.

Suddenly, Luna couldn't hold back any longer and pointed hesitantly at the top of Hermione's head.

"The cat ears on top of your head look funny..." she remarked with a touch of amusement.

Luke couldn't help but bury his face in his hands, realizing their secret was out.

It was over. The truth about the cat ears had been revealed.

Hermione's small ears froze in place, no longer twitching.

She reached up to touch the top of her head, confirming the presence of the fluffy kitten ears.

In that moment, she locked eyes with her target.

"Luke!" she exclaimed, her voice a mix of embarrassment and accusation.

.....

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