Chapter 21

Harry woke up early the next morning, the sky still dark and the castle quiet. He glanced at the clock on his bedside table: just before sunrise. A small part of him wondered if this was what mad scientists felt like when they woke up with a breakthrough idea. He stretched, feeling the anticipation of the day ahead, and then turned to Ron, who was snoring like a lawnmower that hit a rock.

"Ron, wake up," Harry said, trying to be gentle as he shook Ron's shoulder. "We've got to get dressed. We're meeting some people in the castle grounds."

Ron mumbled something into his pillow that sounded suspiciously like, "It's Saturday, mate." He pulled the blanket over his head, effectively turning himself into a human burrito. 

"Come on, Ron," Harry insisted, giving the blanket a tug. "You don't want to miss this. Besides, if we don't go now, we'll miss the sunrise. And you know how McGonagall gets when we're late."

With a grumble that could probably be translated to "this better be good," Ron finally sat up, his hair sticking up in every possible direction. He rubbed his eyes and yawned, looking for all the world like he'd just emerged from hibernation.

"Fine, fine," Ron said, swinging his legs over the side of the bed. "I'm up. But this better be worth it. If I miss breakfast for nothing, I'm hexing you with something I learned from Fred and George."

Harry chuckled as Ron stumbled around, pulling on his robes. "No worries, mate. I'm pretty sure breakfast will still be there when we get back."

Next, Harry moved over to Neville's bed. Neville was a lighter sleeper than Ron, but even he needed a bit of encouragement this early. "Neville, time to get up," Harry said softly, giving his shoulder a gentle shake.

Neville blinked a few times, looking like a deer caught in the headlights of a really slow-moving car. "What's going on, Harry?" he asked, a bit of panic in his voice as he patted around his bed, probably looking for his wand or some other item he'd misplaced.

"We're meeting some people in the castle grounds," Harry explained. "Come on, let's get dressed and head out."

Neville nodded, though he still looked a bit dazed. "Right, I remember now," he said, though his tone suggested he'd be just as comfortable back under his blankets. As he got out of bed, Harry couldn't help but notice the array of plants Neville had on his bedside table. Some of them looked like they were reaching for the nearest source of light. 

Neville managed to dress without losing any socks or tripping over his shoelaces, which was always a plus. He looked around, making sure he hadn't left anything important behind—like his wand or his self-confidence. Despite his clumsiness, Harry knew Neville had a heart of gold and a bravery that was second to none. After all, he was willing to face his friends or his enemies if it meant standing up for what was right.

The three boys quickly dressed, trying to be as quiet as possible so as not to wake the rest of their dorm mates. Ron grumbled something about the need for morning coffee in the wizarding world, while Neville double-checked his pockets for his wand. Once they were ready, they slipped out of the dormitory and made their way through the silent castle.

As they walked down the corridor, Harry couldn't help but think about how lucky he was to have friends like Ron and Neville. Ron might be lazy and hot-headed at times, but he was always ready for an adventure. And Neville, well, he was the perfect example of why you should never judge a book by its cover. Beneath the clumsiness and self-doubt, there was a lion-hearted Gryffindor who could teach them all a thing or two about courage.

The castle grounds awaited them, and Harry had a feeling that today was going to be one for the books.

—

When Harry and his crew finally reached the Gryffindor common room, Hermione and Jean were already there. Hermione had her usual look of studious determination, while Jean had a smile that was so infectious, it made Harry's heart do a little tap dance.

"Ready?" Jean asked, her voice bright and cheerful. Her eyes sparkled with the kind of energy that made Harry's face turn a bit red. The whole 'crushing on each other' thing was a tricky business. They both knew they liked each other—probably more than just a little—but neither had quite managed to muster up the courage to say it out loud.

"Yeah, let's go," Harry replied, trying to sound casual even though he felt like he was internally combusting.

As they stepped out into the cool morning air, Harry couldn't help but steal glances at Jean, who was walking beside him. It felt like every time he looked at her, she was doing something that made his heart race a little faster. Maybe it was the way her hair caught the light or the way her smile seemed to make everything else seem a bit brighter. Whatever it was, it made him more nervous than he'd ever been facing a dragon.

Neville, who had—despite having checked before leaving—somehow managed to forget his wand on his bed and was now carrying a rogue sock in his hand, shuffled along behind them.

Ron, on the other hand, was still grumbling about having to get up before breakfast. His hair was sticking up in all directions, and he kept casting annoyed glances at the sky, as if it was personally responsible for making him get out of bed.

"I swear, Harry," Ron muttered, rubbing his eyes. "If this isn't something really important, I'm going to need at least three extra sausages at breakfast."

Harry laughed softly. "You're a true visionary, Ron. But trust me, this is going to be worth it."

As they walked towards the meeting place, Hermione hung back slightly, her eyes flicking between Harry and Jean. There was a mix of admiration and something else in her gaze, something Harry couldn't quite place. He had always thought of Hermione as his smart, no-nonsense friend, but over the holidays, something had shifted. The way she looked at him sometimes made him wonder if maybe, just maybe, she saw him differently now.

The first light of dawn was starting to creep over the horizon, casting a soft glow over the castle grounds. Harry led the way, feeling a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation. This was definitely one of those moments where he wished he had a bit more confidence, or maybe a few more practice runs with his heart.

As they arrived at the meeting place, Harry couldn't help but feel a surge of energy. The day was just beginning, and it promised to be full of new adventures and—hopefully—some much-needed courage from everyone involved.

—

When Harry and his gang reached the castle grounds, they found Susan and Hannah waiting. Susan greeted them with a bright smile that made Harry's stomach do a little happy dance. She already had that awkward teenage crush thing down to an art. Hannah was her usual calm self, giving them a polite nod.

"Morning!" Susan said cheerfully, her gaze lingering on Harry for just a moment too long.

"Morning," Harry replied, trying to sound casual even though he could feel the early morning chill against his cheeks.

As they settled in, Daphne and Tracey showed up, both with a look that said they'd rather be anywhere else. Ron, ever the drama king, threw his hands up. "Seriously? I dragged myself out of bed at the crack of dawn to hang out with snakes?" He crossed his arms, clearly unimpressed.

Hermione, ever the peacemaker, shot Ron a sharp look. "Ron, let's not start. We're here to work together."

Ron huffed, but the sharpness of Hermione's stare made him bite his tongue. Jean, giving Harry a quick, encouraging smile, nudged him to take charge.

"Alright, everyone," Harry began, trying to muster some authority. "Thanks for coming. We have a lot to cover, so let's dive in."

Daphne and Tracey exchanged a look that spoke volumes—mostly, "We're here, but don't expect us to be thrilled about it." Still, Daphne's ice-cold demeanor softened a bit at Harry's earnestness. Neville, who had somehow managed to misplace his wand but was carrying a single mismatched sock like it was a treasure, looked around with a mixture of curiosity and sleepiness.

Hermione, ever prepared, pulled out her notepad and ballpoint pen, much to Ron's bewilderment. "What's that contraption?" he asked, eyeing the pen as if it were a dragon egg.

"It's a ballpoint pen, Ron," Hermione explained, holding it up with a hint of pride. "It's a Muggle invention. Much less messy than a quill and ink."

Ron was momentarily impressed, though he still looked like he wasn't quite sure how to react. "Muggles are full of surprises," he admitted grudgingly.

Jean turned to Daphne, her expression both curious and respectful. "Daphne, do you mind showing us your mutation? It might help us understand how to support you better."

Daphne raised an eyebrow, her usual sarcasm on full display. "Oh, sure. Let me just pull out my ice powers from my sleeve. Not like I've been hiding them or anything."

With a dramatic sigh, she held out her hand, and a chilly breeze swept over them. Frost began to form on her fingers, eventually crystallizing into a delicate ice sculpture. Neville, ever the class clown despite his reputation, couldn't resist. "So, does that make you the Ice Princess of Hogwarts?"

Daphne gave him a dry smile. "If the crown fits."

The ice in her hand was both beautiful and frustrating to her. "I don't exactly have control over it. It just sort of… happens."

Harry stepped forward, giving her an encouraging nod. "That's why we're here. We'll help you figure it out. You're not alone in this."

Hermione, jotting down notes furiously, added, "We'll research cryokinesis and come up with ways to help you manage it."

Jean nodded in agreement. "And practice will definitely help. We'll all work together to make sure you feel confident with your abilities."

Daphne looked at the group, her usual aloofness melting a bit. "Thanks. It means a lot to have your support."

Tracey, her curiosity piqued, turned to Harry, Susan, and Jean. "What about you guys? What are your mutations?"

Harry exchanged a look with Susan and Jean before stepping up. "Mine's a bit of a mixed bag. I can absorb the abilities of magical creatures and artifacts, but I have to be careful not to hurt them in the process."

Susan spoke up, her eyes bright with interest. "I can detect lies. If someone's lying to me, I can sense it. It can be a bit overwhelming, though."

Jean gave a soft smile. "I have telekinesis and telepathy. I can move things with my mind and communicate without speaking. It's useful, but challenging at times."

Tracey looked impressed, a bit awed. "That's amazing. And a little intimidating."

Hermione, still writing away, added, "It's a lot to handle, but we'll get through it together."

Ron, now fully invested and shedding his earlier grumpiness, chimed in. "Yeah, we've got each other's backs. We'll handle whatever comes our way."

The group stood together, united by their quirks and their courage, as the first rays of the sun illuminated the castle grounds.

—

After their early morning strategy session with Susan, Hannah, Daphne, and Tracey, Harry and his Gryffindor crew—Ron, Neville, Jean, and Hermione—raced back to the tower with the kind of urgency usually reserved for escaping giant spiders. The air was so crisp it could cut glass, and they pelted up the stairs, each of them eager to get out of their pajamas and into their uniforms. With robes and ties straightened as much as possible, they trooped down the corridors, their footsteps echoing off the stone walls like a stampede of determined sheep.

Entering the Great Hall, the smell of breakfast hit them like a friendly tackle from a giant. The enchanted ceiling above was reflecting a serene morning sky, creating the perfect backdrop for the chaos of students settling into their respective house tables. Harry spotted Hagrid at the staff table, his beard bristling with what looked like a mixture of excitement and breakfast sausage.

Harry and his friends plopped down at their table, filling their plates with toast, eggs, and bacon. Hermione had her nose buried in a book, only looking up occasionally to chime in with her thoughts on the latest from the Daily Prophet. Neville, who had the uncanny ability to lose or break just about anything he owned (seriously, the guy could make a broken wand look like a modern art sculpture), was trying his best to enjoy his breakfast without attracting too much attention.

Just when Harry thought the morning couldn't get any more chaotic, Cormac McLaggen swaggered over with the kind of grin that should be illegal. "Morning, Jean," he said with a wink that could probably be seen from space. Completely oblivious to Jean's obvious annoyance and Harry's fists clenched so tightly he was about to turn his knuckles white, Cormac hovered like an unwelcome cloud.

Jean, her attention fixed on her breakfast, gave him a polite nod. It was clear she was trying her best to ignore Cormac's persistent attempts to engage her. Meanwhile, Harry felt a familiar surge of irritation—Cormac was about as welcome as a rainstorm at a picnic. It didn't help that he could sense the awkward tension between him and Jean. They were both caught in that stage where they liked each other but were too shy to make a move. It was like being stuck in a bad rom-com, only with more spells and fewer montages.

Hermione, who had developed a crush on Harry, was struggling to focus on her book. She couldn't help but notice the electric chemistry between Harry and Jean, which made her feel like a third wheel in a very awkward love triangle.

Ron, ever the loyal and sometimes lazy sidekick, was grumbling about Cormac's intrusion. "Honestly, Harry, I'd rather wrestle a fully grown troll than deal with McLaggen's ego," he muttered, grabbing another piece of bacon. 

As the Great Hall buzzed with the usual morning chaos, Harry knew one thing for sure: Hogwarts was never dull. With his friends by his side and a full day ahead, he was ready to tackle whatever came their way—whether it was Cormac's unwanted attention or navigating the tricky waters of teenage crushes.

—

Harry, Jean, and Hermione, flanked by Susan and Hannah from Hufflepuff, ventured through the maze of Hogwarts corridors on their way to their first Arithmancy class. The castle was alive with the usual chaos of students racing to their lessons, their chatter bouncing off the stone walls like an over-caffeinated echo.

They finally reached the Arithmancy classroom and quickly snagged seats together. Daphne and Tracey joined them, settling in as the class began. Professor Vector, with her sharp features and no-nonsense demeanor, took her place at the front. Her gaze was as piercing as a basilisk's, sweeping over the students with the kind of intensity that could make even the bravest Gryffindor squirm.

"Welcome to Arithmancy," Professor Vector began, her voice as firm as a troll's fist. "Today, we start our journey into magical numerology. This is the study of how numbers influence spells, potions, and all things magical."

She paced the front of the classroom, pointing to a chalkboard filled with what looked like the magical equivalent of abstract art. Her lecture was a symphony of numbers and spells, breaking down the relationship between numerical patterns and magical effects with the precision of a Swiss watchmaker. She made it sound like understanding numbers was the key to unlocking the secret vaults of spellcraft.

Hermione's hand shot up almost instantly, her enthusiasm unmistakable. "Professor Vector, could you explain how the Fibonacci sequence affects the resonance of protective spells?" she asked, her voice brimming with curiosity and a hint of determination.

Professor Vector's eyes lit up with approval. "An excellent question, Miss Granger," she said, her tone warmer than usual. She moved to the chalkboard, her wand tracing out a diagram of the Fibonacci sequence, which looked like a fancy number spiral.

"The Fibonacci sequence," she explained, "appears throughout nature and mathematics. In spellcasting, these numbers help us create harmonic frequencies that enhance protective spells. By aligning your spell with these natural patterns, you amplify its effectiveness."

Hermione leaned in, her eyes sparkling with understanding. "So, if we use these sequences, we can make spells that not only repel but also harmonize with the environment, making them more effective over time?"

Professor Vector nodded, clearly impressed. "Precisely, Miss Granger. The Fibonacci sequence helps optimize spellcraft by making our magic resonate with the natural world."

As the discussion shifted, the class was abuzz with theories and ideas. Jean, her brow furrowed in concentration, raised her hand. "Professor, how do prime numbers affect potion brewing? Can they influence the stability of ingredients?"

Professor Vector's lips curved into a slight smile, a rare sight that hinted at her appreciation for Jean's insight. "Indeed, Miss Grey. Prime numbers have unique properties that can impact the stability and potency of potions." She gestured to the board, sketching out examples of how primes could be used in potion-making.

"For example," she continued, "a potion that needs to last a precise amount of time can be stabilized by incorporating a prime number into its brewing process. This helps maintain the potion's magic more effectively."

Jean nodded thoughtfully, and Harry, feeling brave (or perhaps just curious), raised his hand. "Professor, could we use prime numbers to improve a healing potion's ability to regenerate tissues?"

"Excellent suggestion, Mr. Potter," Professor Vector said, nodding in approval. "Prime numbers can indeed enhance a potion's regenerative properties, making it more effective in healing wounds."

The room was soon alive with excited chatter, students debating and theorizing about the potential of magical numerology. Harry and Jean exchanged glances, both acutely aware of the awkwardness that came with their mutual crush. They were stuck in that frustratingly familiar phase where they liked each other a lot but didn't quite know how to deal with it.

As the bell rang, signaling the end of the lesson, Professor Vector reminded the students to think more about these concepts for their assignments. The class dispersed, and Harry, Jean, and their friends left the room, minds buzzing with the complexities of Arithmancy and the lingering, awkward thrill of teenage crushes.

As they walked out, Harry couldn't help but think that Hogwarts was like a never-ending puzzle, full of magical mysteries and the occasional romantic awkwardness. And with friends like Ron, Hermione, Susan, and Hannah by his side, he knew that even the most confusing spells—and crushes—would be worth the adventure.

—

At the Ministry of Magic, Sirius Black strode through the bustling atrium like he was on a mission, which, to be fair, he was. The space was alive with witches and wizards darting around, but Sirius had a single goal in mind: the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. He was a reinstated Hit-Wizard now, thanks to Amelia Bones, and Pettigrew was at the top of his list.

As Sirius approached the department, he spotted Amelia Bones in her element, talking shop with a junior Auror. Her usual stern expression softened just a bit when she saw him, though Sirius could tell she wasn't in the mood for any nonsense.

"Amelia!" Sirius greeted with his trademark grin. "Nice to see you. Bet you're thrilled to see me—Sirius Black, back in action. You know, Sirius rhymes with 'serious'—I'm sure you've heard that one before."

Amelia raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile playing at her lips despite herself. "Sirius," she replied, her tone carrying that mix of formality and hint of irritation he knew well. "What's got you in my office today?"

"I'm here for an update on Pettigrew," Sirius said, leaning in a bit too close for comfort. "And to see if there's anything I can do to help. I'm all ears for your latest leads."

Amelia's eyes narrowed, her professional demeanor snapping back into place. "We've had some progress, but it's painstakingly slow. Pettigrew has a talent for vanishing."

Sirius chuckled, shaking his head. "Well, that's nothing new. The man's a master of hide-and-seek. But seriously, Amelia, how about dinner tonight? We could discuss the case more... privately."

Amelia's cheeks flushed slightly, but her expression remained firm. "Sirius, this is neither the time nor the place for personal conversations. I'm focused on ensuring the search for Pettigrew is handled with the utmost efficiency."

Sirius tilted his head, his grin widening. "Ah, always the epitome of professionalism. It's one of the things I admire about you. But come on, Amelia, a little downtime never hurt anyone."

Amelia sighed, her lips twitching with the effort to keep her professional demeanor. "Sirius, I'm serious about my work. I need to focus on the case."

"And I'm serious about getting results," Sirius retorted lightly. "But if there's anything I can do—besides charming you into dinner—just let me know. Pettigrew needs to be caught, and I'm all in."

Amelia softened a fraction. "I appreciate that, Sirius. We're all working towards the same goal. I'll keep you posted on any developments. And... be careful. We don't want you ending up back in Azkaban."

Sirius's face darkened for a moment, the joke fading as he nodded solemnly. "Believe me, I've had enough of Azkaban to last several lifetimes. Just keep me informed, okay?"

With a final nod and a smile that was more tired than mischievous, Sirius turned and walked away from the department. His mind was a whirlwind of determination and old regrets. His role as Harry's godfather weighed heavily on him, along with his sense of responsibility for his late friends, James and Lily Potter. Sirius knew he had to be careful, even if his instincts urged him to rush in headfirst. The search for Pettigrew wasn't just a matter of justice—it was deeply personal.

—

In the calm of Dumbledore's office, with Fawkes the phoenix giving off an almost magical glow as he basked in the sunlight, the atmosphere was as serene as a quiet Sunday morning. Dumbledore was seated behind his desk, his eyes twinkling like the stars he so often gazed upon. Across from him sat Remus Lupin, his usual calm demeanor belying the excitement he could barely contain.

"So, Headmaster," Remus began, his voice steady but with an undercurrent of disbelief. "I've got some pretty extraordinary news. Thanks to Harry's mutant powers, I haven't needed the Wolfsbane Potion. I didn't transform during the last full moon."

Dumbledore's eyes sparkled with a mix of curiosity and delight. "That is indeed remarkable, Remus. It seems Harry's abilities are more profound than we ever imagined."

Remus nodded, looking out of the window where the Hogwarts grounds sprawled magnificently. "It's like a dream come true," he said, his voice reflecting a deep sense of relief. "For the first time in my life, I can look at the full moon without the usual dread."

Dumbledore's smile was as warm as ever. "Your journey has been fraught with challenges, Remus. If Harry's powers have given you this reprieve, it's a testament to the unpredictable and awe-inspiring nature of mutants."

Remus felt a weight lift from his shoulders. It was as if the moon had finally been put back in its place, no longer a source of terror but a silent companion in the night sky. "I never imagined I'd live to see the day when I could embrace my condition instead of fearing it."

"You've always faced your trials with commendable grace, Remus," Dumbledore said softly. "It appears that a new chapter is opening for you now."

Remus smiled, a sense of profound peace settling over him. "Yes, Headmaster. I'm looking forward to it—freed from the constraints that have shadowed me for so long."

Dumbledore stood and walked over to Remus, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Keep an eye on your condition, Remus. And remember, Hogwarts and its resources are always at your disposal should you need them."

"Thank you, Headmaster," Remus replied with genuine gratitude. His eyes met Dumbledore's with a look that conveyed both appreciation and respect. With a final nod, he turned and walked out of the office, a newfound sense of hope guiding his steps.

—

As Remus Lupin turned to leave Dumbledore's office, he found the gargoyles by the staircase stirring to life. This wasn't the usual office gossip. Someone important was about to make an entrance.

"Harry Potter, Jean Grey, and Susan Bones are waiting outside, asking for permission to enter," the gargoyle croaked, looking about as pleased to deliver the news as a toad about to be turned into a potion ingredient.

Remus paused, a small smile creeping onto his face. Fate seemed to be orchestrating another one of those "let's throw these characters together" moments. "Let them in," Dumbledore said, as he tried to hide his amusement.

The gargoyle shifted aside with all the grace of a boulder rolling downhill, revealing Harry, Jean, and Susan just outside the office. Harry's face was set in that familiar serious expression, like he was about to reveal the next big thing in the wizarding world. Jean looked determined, and Susan... well, Susan seemed to be the very definition of "nervously excited."

"Come in," Remus called, ushering them with a wave.

The trio entered, their footsteps making a soft, echoing rhythm on the polished floor. Dumbledore greeted them with his trademark warm smile, which probably had its own fan club.

"Good afternoon, Harry, Jean, Susan," Dumbledore said. "To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?"

Harry stepped forward, his expression almost comically earnest. "Professor Dumbledore, we've stumbled upon something pretty big about some of our fellow students."

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled, and Harry swore he could almost hear the old man's brain whirring with curiosity. "Do tell."

Harry took a deep breath. "We've found out that Daphne Greengrass is a mutant with cryokinesis—basically, she can control ice. And we think Neville Longbottom might also be a mutant, but his X-gene hasn't fully activated yet."

Dumbledore's gaze turned to Jean, who nodded, adding her own bit of sparkle to the mix. "Hogwarts is becoming a hotspot not just for magical talent but also for mutants with unique abilities."

Remus, ever the calm and collected observer, chimed in. "It looks like these dual abilities are becoming more common among students. It's both fascinating and a little concerning."

Dumbledore leaned forward, his face a picture of thoughtful consideration. "This is indeed a significant development. The merging of mutant and magical traits offers both opportunities and challenges."

Harry, wearing his serious face like armor, nodded. "We think Hogwarts should be ready to support students like Daphne and Neville as they deal with their dual identities. They need guidance and understanding."

Dumbledore's smile was as warm as a cozy blanket on a cold day. "Your concern for your peers is admirable, Harry. Hogwarts has always embraced diversity."

Jean added, her tone as determined as a superhero in a climactic battle scene, "We're also looking into how these abilities might mesh with our magical education. There's a lot we can learn from each other."

Dumbledore nodded, clearly impressed. "I'm confident that together, we can create an environment where all students feel supported and empowered."

Harry leaned in, a furrow of worry on his brow. "Is there a place where new mutants can train without drawing attention? They need a safe space to learn control."

Jean nodded in agreement, her expression serious. "A secure place to explore their powers is crucial."

Dumbledore pondered their request for a moment, then raised his hand. With a soft *pop*, a house-elf named Blinky appeared, bowing so low it was like he was greeting royalty.

"Blinky, could you show Harry, Jean, and their friends to the 'Come and Go' Room?" Dumbledore requested, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

Blinky's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Yes, Professor Dumbledore, sir! Blinky knows just the place!" He gestured for them to follow, bouncing on his toes.

As they followed Blinky through a labyrinth of corridors and up several staircases, Harry couldn't help but feel a mix of anticipation and skepticism. Finally, they reached a stretch of blank wall on the seventh floor.

"Here we is," Blinky announced with a flourish, pointing at the wall. "This is the 'Come and Go' Room. It appears when you need it, and it's perfect for practicing and learning!"

Harry raised an eyebrow. "How does it work?"

Blinky's face lit up with pride. "You just walk past the entrance three times while thinking about what you need, and the room will change to fit your requirements. It's ideal for practicing without drawing attention."

With a snap of Blinky's fingers, a door appeared out of nowhere, opening to reveal a spacious room lined with training dummies, magical targets, and various apparatuses.

Jean stepped inside, her eyes gleaming with relief. "This is perfect. Thanks, Professor Dumbledore, and thank you, Blinky."

Dumbledore's smile was warm and encouraging. "It's my pleasure. Hogwarts is here to support all students."

Harry glanced around the room, a look of genuine gratitude on his face. "Thank you, Blinky. We really appreciate your help."

Blinky beamed and bowed deeply. "Blinky is happy to be of service," he squeaked before vanishing with another *pop*.

As Harry, Jean, Susan, and Remus explored their new training space, discussing their plans, Dumbledore watched from the doorway. He felt hopeful about the future of mutant education at Hogwarts. They had found a sanctuary where new abilities could be understood and embraced.

—

In the still, enchanted corridors of Hogwarts, Luna Lovegood drifted like a dreamy specter, her bare feet barely making a sound on the stone floors. You'd think she was on a secret quest for lost magical artifacts or hunting down elusive creatures, but no, she was just being Luna. Her unique sight turned the ordinary world into something out of a whimsical fairy tale. To her, the hallways weren't just stone and mortar—they were alive with invisible creatures only she could see.

As she meandered past a gaggle of students who were probably rushing to get to the Great Hall before the line for breakfast got too long, Luna's eyes sparkled with the sight of what she called Wrackspurts—tiny, glittery pests buzzing around the heads of those who looked a bit too stressed or distracted. To the average observer, they were nothing more than a touch of errant dust. To Luna, they were a dazzling, if somewhat annoying, parade of ethereal sparkles. She smiled to herself, knowing that trying to explain them would probably earn her a few more awkward glances. She preferred to keep her magical secrets tucked away, like treasures hidden in an enchanted chest.

As she floated past the library, her gaze fell on Cho Chang. Cho was surrounded by shimmering blue Blibbering Humdingers, those charming creatures Luna associated with joy and a touch of enchantment. Luna felt a warm, fuzzy feeling in her heart. She glided over to Cho with a wave that looked more like a gentle breeze than an actual movement.

"Hello, Cho! Your Humdingers are putting on quite a show today."

Cho, accustomed to Luna's offbeat remarks, grinned. "Thanks, Luna. It's been a really nice day."

With a whimsical nod, Luna continued her journey, heading towards the dungeons. She stumbled upon a Slytherin student sitting by himself, his aura clouded by Nargles—those pesky creatures that seemed to thrive on negativity. Luna felt a twinge of sympathy and considered offering a word of encouragement, but she decided to let him be for now. As she passed, she whispered a quiet wish for his mood to lift, hoping he wouldn't feel quite as alone as she sometimes did.

Moving on, she encountered a Hufflepuff prefect whose aura was encircled by bright, golden Snorkacks—creatures Luna saw as symbols of resilience and hope. She couldn't resist the urge to be cheerful.

"Good afternoon!" she called out, her voice brimming with joy.

The prefect, clearly brightened by Luna's presence, replied with a smile. "Good afternoon, Luna. Are you off on another adventure?"

"Every day is an adventure," Luna said dreamily, as if she truly believed that finding a lost shoe or uncovering a hidden passage could be as thrilling as battling ancient dragons.

Finally, Luna reached the Astronomy Tower. Peering out over the grounds, she saw the Forbidden Forest alive with an array of magical auras. The Centaurs were there, shimmering with otherworldly lights, and the Unicorns' auras cascaded like silver waterfalls. Luna imagined them as majestic beings in a world full of secrets, and for a moment, she felt incredibly connected to everything.

Back in the Ravenclaw common room, Luna found her housemates scattered around, some studying, others chatting. She sank into her favorite nook by the window and pulled out her sketchbook. The pencil danced across the pages as she captured the magical creatures she'd seen earlier.

As Luna sketched, her mind wandered to the future. Her ability to see auras was an odd, magical gift that didn't always fit in with the norm. But Luna was used to that. Despite the occasional teasing from her peers, she remained true to herself. She smiled as she continued drawing, feeling like she was part of something bigger and more magical than she could ever fully describe. Hogwarts, with all its quirks and wonders, was the perfect place for someone like her to call home.

---

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