Homecoming

After the train ride, all the students began to leave, eagerly reuniting with their families outside the station. Felix watched them as he stepped off the train, his mind drifting to fragments of memories he believed to be of his biological parents, his thoughts intertwined with the necklace that hung around his neck—a cherished memento from his past.

"Felix!" a sudden voice called out, breaking through his thoughts. He turned towards the sound and saw Sister Martha, a middle-aged woman with exhaustion etched on her face, trying to catch her breath. Warmth filled Felix's heart as he recognized the woman who had raised and cared for him since he was young. He hurried towards her.

"Sister Martha, I'm glad you made it in time," Felix said, a glimmer of excitement in his eyes.

Sister Martha smiled wearily and replied, "I thought I might be late, but I managed to get here just in time."

Felix couldn't contain his joy and embraced Sister Martha without uttering a single word. They held each other tightly, knowing that despite his intelligence and independence, Felix still needed the love and support of a family.

After a few moments, Felix released his grip and said, "I'm back, Sister."

"Welcome back, Felix," Sister Martha said with genuine warmth in her voice, her love for him shining through. They left the train station and made their way back to the orphanage.

Upon their arrival, Felix went straight to his room and found it untouched, just as he had left it. Someone had taken care to ensure that it remained a safe and familiar space for him. He unpacked his belongings, allowing his pet owl, Brutus, to stretch his wings and hunt freely. Felix knew he needed to spend some time with the children he had grown up with, catching up on their lives and sharing his own adventures at Hogwarts.

Later that day, Felix joined the other children in the common area of the orphanage. Their laughter and cheerful chatter filled the room as they exchanged stories and played games. Felix felt a sense of belonging, grateful for the friendships he had formed over the years.

As the day wore on, Felix eventually went to Sister Martha's office. He approached her and asked, "Sister, have you ever found any information about my biological family? I've been wondering if there's anyone out there with the surname Scarletwound."

Sister Martha's face softened with concern. She sat down next to Felix and gently took his hands in hers. "Felix, I've searched high and low, but I couldn't find any records of a family with the surname Scarletwound in the UK. It's possible that your true family has roots elsewhere, or they may have used a different name."

Felix listened to her words, a mix of disappointment and acceptance washing over him. He nodded slowly, understanding that the answers he sought might not be easily found. Nonetheless, he was grateful for the love and care he had received from Sister Martha and the other children at the orphanage.

With a sigh, Felix said, "Thank you, Sister Martha. I appreciate all the efforts you've made to find information. For now, I will focus on the family I have here and continue to embrace the magic and opportunities that lie ahead."

Sister Martha squeezed his hands gently and smiled. "That's the spirit, Felix. You have a bright future ahead of you, filled with endless possibilities. We may not know your true origins, but you are part of our family here at the orphanage, and we will always support and love you."

Felix's heart warmed at her words, finding solace in the love and acceptance he had found at the orphanage.After their conversation, Felix left Sister Martha's office and returned to his room. As he lay in bed that night, he thought about the adventures he had experienced at Hogwarts. While his quest for knowledge about his biological family remained unresolved, he knew that he had a chosen family that cared for him deeply.

The following days at the orphanage were filled with joy and camaraderie. Felix spent time with the other children, sharing stories of his time at Hogwarts while hiding the magical side of it and listening intently to their own adventures. Together, they created new memories, building a strong bond that surpassed blood ties.

As the day of his return to Hogwarts for the second semester approached, Felix began to contemplate his plans. With the Book of Enigmas solved and five trials remaining, he knew he needed to strategize his approach. Considering that the second trial focused on magic and its branches, he surmised that the remaining challenges would likely center around different subjects taught at Hogwarts.

Felix assessed his strengths and weaknesses in various magical disciplines. His proficiency in charms was at a level equivalent to that of a fifth-year student. His knowledge of magical plants and their care was extensive, and he memorized every recipe in the book of potions. Therefore, he decided to prioritize Defense Against the Dark Arts and the history of the magical world as potential subjects for the upcoming trials.

Although Felix had not yet fully tested his abilities in Transfiguration, he felt a growing confidence in his mastery of this magic , particularly after successfully creating the Halloween vampire costume. That's why he decided to start studying medical books on the human body to help him understand human-transfiguration magic, one of the most complex and dangerous forms of transfiguration.

With his plans taking shape, Felix prepared himself mentally for the challenges that lay ahead. He knew that the trials would test not only his knowledge and magical abilities but also his resilience and determination. However, he felt invigorated by the progress he had already made and the support of Sister Martha and his chosen family at the orphanage.

As the day of his return to Hogwarts drew near, Felix bid farewell to the children and Sister Martha, grateful for the love and encouragement they had given him. With his belongings packed and Brutus perched on his shoulder, he made his way to the train station.

As the Hogwarts Express whistled and pulled away from the station, Felix gazed out the window, a mixture of excitement and anticipation bubbling within him. He was ready to continue his magical education, to delve deeper into the mysteries of the wizarding world, and to uncover the truth about his own identity.