Chapter Text
FALL 1990
August was being ushered off—or you could say pushed off— the Hogwarts Express by an endless gaggle of eleven year olds. It was night; but, an unimaginable amount of stars provided some light, along with lined candled lanterns. The lanterns led the new generation of witches and wizards to the horse drawn carriages… with no horses? A giant of a man with unruly black hair, whom August would later find out was named Hagrid, corralled the first years together and began to lead them down a narrow path.
August fussed nervously with his new robes in an effort to distract his nervousness— this was, after all, so entirely new to him. Of course, that witch… Professor McGonagall was kind enough to answer any questions he and his family had about the wizarding world. Even after seeing everything at Diagon Alley… Perhaps August also had it buried underneath that this was still some kind huge, cosmic prank or that he was dreaming. But, here he was: dressed in robes, wand in pocket and walking behind a man who seemed like he may be a giant.
Walking near August were two girls who seemed like they had been friends for lifetimes. He gathered that their names were Cho and Marietta from their conversation. Most of the other first years remained quiet. If the large man was saying anything, August was much to anxious to hear anything. After about ten minutes of walking, the path opened to a giant lake, reflecting the moonlight, and also giving the pre-teens their first clear look at Hogwarts.
Shouts. The sound of shouting and cries filled their little apartment in Brooklyn. It may be a surprise for one to find a small boy sleeping in one of the two bedrooms in the apartment. August was used to the late night fighting— it’s not like it was a nightly routine— but, the stress about money and trying to provide ate away at his parents. Still, while August was used to these volatile outbursts, it instilled an anxiety in him that was hard to shake. He learned coping mechanisms and ways to persevere, block out the buzz.
His parents were loving to him. Perhaps to a fault, as their infighting stemmed from a constant fear of their parenting skills and providing for a young child. August’s father was between jobs and his mother had been stay at home, while August was young. Now, both parents were fraught with nerves to find jobs to support their family.
In some— strange— twist of fate both parents received job offers to become tour guides in London… Did either of them know anything about London? No. Did they say that they did to get the job? Yes, they did. Luckily, it was not a complete lie… August’s mom did study abroad in London for a summer in university. So, with new jobs, the Garrel family ferociously learned everything they could about London, got their visas and shipped off to England.
Hogwarts was a massive castle, with more turrets and towers August thought possible for one structure. Magical rowboats brought them through a tunnel and to an underground harbor. The first years were led up a staircase and through a large oak door. A fury of shrill voices surrounded August as the students excitedly squealed for what was next. August still had a tough time with loud noises, and perhaps he was developing a fear of crowds from this overstimulation. Luckily, a familiar figure of a stern woman commanded the attention of the eleven year old witches and wizards: Professor McGonagall.
“I said… your son is part of a much larger community then just what you see. A community full of wonder. Simply put, your son is an emerging wizard.”
The Garrel family was stunned. This strange woman, a Professor Minerva McGonagall, was telling them that their son is capable of some abra, cadabra, pulling bunnies out of hats lifestyle? Or is it more boil, boil, toil and trouble? This woman certainly did not seem like the type to hoodwink random people. But, what she was saying was so fantastic.
The Garrel parents were exceptionally ordinary in appearance. Plain and simple. Neither skinny or rather large. The only distinguishable thing about them were deceptive gray hairs and light, weathered lines on their faces. This gave the impression that they were far older than they likely were.
Studying the bewilderment on the Garrel parents’ faces, Minerva probed, “You mean to tell me, you have never witnessed young Mr. Garrel do anything unexplainable? Or maybe got out of an impossible situation?”
“Well…” started Mrs. Garrel and glancing at her husband nervously, “there was that time… August was being bullied. Quite badly when we first moved to England. You know, having trouble fitting in. Well, one time this one bully followed him from school and started pushing him around… and… and one minute they were pushing him around and the next minute, they were h-hanging from their school packs in the tree above. We certainly were never able to explain that.”
“A-and what about that time, we were looking for our car keys? You know, when we were taking him to the clinic and he was screaming bloody murder because he didn’t want to go… and where we normally put the keys, all we could find was candy. Was that m-magic?” Mr. Garrel said this expectedly towards Minerva.
Minverva, caught off guard at the intensity of his question, “Oh— Yes, I suppose that could have been an example of an unstable, emotionally charged transfiguration spell.” Minerva glanced at August, obviously uncomfortable with the fact that his parents were talking about him as if he were not there.
“This is great! August can be famous! Maybe we won’t have to be tour guides anymore, Liz!”
Immediately, Minerva interjected, “I am afraid that would not be possible, at least in the muggle— your world. While, I am pleased to see that you have— rather suddenly— accepted your son for what he is… We have strict laws, preventing the revelation of witches and wizards to… regular humans. Let it be known, that you are to never tell anyone about this. We— Hogwarts, the Wizarding community and myself— sense great promise in your son. However, any attempts to reveal our kind to the larger world will be dealt with, either from erasing your memories and… even binding your son’s blossoming abilities.”
“NO! They won’t tell anyone. Please. Please don’t bind my powers! This means I’m not alone! There are people like me! Who will accept me and I won’t get bullied… and… and…” August’s speech started to drift off, as he begun to cry at the thought of being stripped of something that might hold all the answers for him.
The room was shocked at the young boy’s first interjection since Professor McGonagall arrived. His parents looked at each other, a bit embarrassed by their excitement and self-interest. Only Minerva smiled warmly, perhaps the first crack in her stern demeanor, at August, “No, I do not want that either.”
Professor McGonagall quieted the group of new students and presented them with a somewhat of itinerary for the evening and what to expect. Her presence calmed August down from his sudden surge of anxiety. First, was sorting. Perhaps the most important aspect of one’s wizarding career at Hogwarts. The Hogwarts house you will be assigned can dictate the people you interact with, or at least live with, in your time at this school. The professor outlined the four Houses: Hufflepuff, Gryffindor, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. There was much murmuring among the students on what house they would want to be in. The vast majority were murmuring Gryffindor. August wondered why. The description sounded nice enough, but the other three houses sounded just as interesting— if not more so.
Finally, the time had come to be sorted. Professor McGonagall quickly led the new students into the Great Hall. What seemed like hundreds of eyes pierced each of the new students as they walked through the four long tables to reach the front. August did not dare look behind to examine how many other students were actually there. Professor McGonagall then retrieved a dingy, brown witch hat that looked like it had a face. The professor placed the hat on a wooden stool and it began to speak. Sing even, a funny little tune. Once that was over, Professor McGonagall called the first student to the stool and placing the old hat on their head. After a few moments, the hat exclaimed Hufflepuff and the student’s robes shifted to fit their newly assigned house. August was amazed, how did the hat determine? It took longer on some students than others too?
August had now found out that the two girls from earlier were Cho Chang and Marietta Edgecombe. Funny enough, they were both placed in Ravenclaw and both giddily sat together at the Ravenclaw table, squealing with delight. Finally, it was August’s turn.
“Garrel, August!”
August walked up the few steps and turning to face the rest of the first years, also getting his first full look at the Great Hall and the large student body that were present. August glanced at the faculty table on his way to the stool, noticing a woman with wild hair and large glasses and a greasy haired man, shrouded in black. Professor McGonagall faintly smiled to August, as he took his seat at the stool and the Sorting Hat was placed on his head and slipped over his eyes.
‘Oh, a Mud Blood! Oh my…first one tonight. I apologize. I guess I should say muggle born. I don’t wish to offend.’ The same gravely voice that had sung a tune, now seemed to be speaking to him… in his head?
‘Are you in my head?’ August thought back.
‘Sure am. I like my privacy. Now what to do with you… At first glance, I would say Hufflepuff: the sense of camaraderie might do you good. It seems like you’ve had a rough time with forming connections. Then again, you’re very bright as well… Ravenclaw? No. No… Your resourcefulness is very captivating, a great quality for a Slytherin. However, you are a mud— muggle born and that is almost unheard of. There might be challenges if you were placed there.’ The Sorting Hat let out a grave laugh in August’s head. ‘Well, let’s do it. I’m a little tired of being so obvious tonight. So, let’s spice it up… let’s see how you fare kid. Must be a…’
“SLYTHERIN!”
The faculty behind him, and Professor McGonagall gasped. They all begun to talk amongst themselves, in hushed voices, as McGonagall lifted the Sorting Hat off August’s head and his robes changed to have green and silver accents. A few students were able to sniff out that August was muggle born on the train ride to Hogwarts. Unluckily for August, one of those students was a boy just placed in Slytherin, who began spreading this information to the Slytherin table.
When August made his way to sit at the Slytherin table, the students closest to him made an obvious shuffle away from the new Mud Blood Slytherin. Students from other houses looked remorsefully, as did some professors. Minerva slowly looked behind her, sadly catching a bearded, elegant, but old, man’s eyes, before calling the next student. August simply welled up with tears and struggled to keep them in.
Minerva turned around as she crossed the front door threshold, “Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Garrel. Expect an owl. It will have his Hogwarts acceptance letter and details on how to prepare. If needed, we may have a member of staff escort him to Diagon Alley.”
After shaking hands with August's parents, Minerva leveled with the small ten year old, “August… I want you to know that the wizarding world is a beautiful place and I am sure you will be able to find a place in it. However…” she struggled on what to say, pondering until, “I would be remiss to not tell you that, your status as a first generation wizard may have obstacles. Many in the wizarding world still have trouble accepting wizards born to nonmagical parents. But, I want to tell you that you were chosen for a reason. Now, I must be off.”
And in flash, Minerva was no longer in front of the Garrels. But, they did see a funny looking cat dash away from their flat.
Mud Blood. August quickly figured out from the Sorting Hat, and his newfound house, that Mud Blood is what he is: muggle born.
“What is a filthy Mud Blood doing in the House of Slytherin?”
“This has to be some kind of joke, right?”
“This is just another step towards Hogwarts’s efforts in tarnishing the Slytherin name.”
The rest of the sorting proceeded even with the spreading gossip. Gryffindor. Ravenclaw. Hufflepuff. Hufflepuff. Slytherin. Gryffindor and so on and so on. Quickly, all of the new Hogwarts students had been sorted and the Sorting Hat was taken away. The elegant, bearded man replaced Professor McGonagall at the top of the Great Hall.
“Welcome to a new year at our beloved school. I am Professor Albus Dumbledore and I am your headmaster here at Hogwarts. Returning students: welcome back. And to all of our new recruits of young witches and wizards: I am so very glad to see you all here and do try the cake. Now tonight we have already had some surprises,” Dumbledore glanced toward August, “as well as some much needed consistency and levity from our favorite Weasley twins,” August saw two identical red heads stand and high five each other, “but before we get on to our school song and feast. I just want to say, Hogwarts is a home to you all. If you ever feel alone, or scared, our doors are open.”
Around him, August heard a few snickers from his fellow Slytherins before the entire hall erupted into a cacophony of sounds that somewhat resembled a school song? As soon as the song finished, the empty tables of the hall had filled with endless amounts of food. August had never seen such richness before. Unfortunately, his mood was dampened by the people of his house actively distancing themselves from him. One fellow first year Slytherin attempted conversation, before being quickly pulled away by another. By the end of the feast, August had only managed to move around the food in his plate with his fork.
Once the feast was over, all houses quickly rose from their tables and excitedly followed their prefects to their new dormitories. One of the prefects walking with the new Slytherins, told them that their living quarters were located in the dungeons. But, not to worry because they were awesome. Yeah… August was not so sure about the sound of that.
On the way, three fellow first year Slytherins yelled, “Hey! Mud Blood!” August froze and turned to them, knowing that they were definitely calling for him. “We don’t know what you’re doing in our house, but we won’t let your tainted blood mess with the legacy of House Slytherin.”
“Legacy? Aren’t you first years like me, what do you know about legacy?” August retorted. Ah yes, his quick wit. August was usually very quiet, but he did have a sharp tongue and it sometimes slipped out. Perhaps, that was another reason for being placed in Slytherin.
Well the three boys did not like that. The boys yelled, “Why you filthy Mud Blood!” as they pushed August up against the dampening brick walls of the incoming dungeons.
“Woah, woah! Stop that! Prefect here and we ask that you please release your fellow Slytherin brother. We understand he might be a mud—muggle born, but he was still sorted into the esteemed House Slytherin. So, he deserves the dignity and respect our house brings to our brothers and sisters.” The three boys scoffed, released their hold of August and staggered away from him.
“Thank you.” August said politely to the prefect.
“No problem. Listen, Slytherin gets an elitist rep and, okay, there are quite a bit of those here. But, there are also a lot of us who believe in the attributes of the Slytherin House. So keep your head up. Oh, I’m Damon by the way.” Damon was tall, he was well built, and had dark skin and a shaved head. He also told August that he was a seventh year and on the quidditch team.
The entrance of the dungeon dormitory was dark with only candlelight leading the way. Damon informed August that there was a secret code to whisper into the dungeon bricks, in order to be let in. This year the code was: mamba. A little on the nose if you asked him. Damon also warned August that their dungeon dormitories resided underneath the Black Lake they crossed to get here. Making it inside the dorms revealed an ornately decorated common room of black woods, bathed in green light. The green light streamed in from the windows revealing the deep waters of the Black Lake. It was a little unsettling, but August supposed he would have to just get used to it.
Damon led August and, unfortunately, the three boys he had altercation with and one other to a dorm room. Opening the dorm room revealed a rectangular room, decorated similarly to the common room, with beds and and dark bedspreads that were alternately placed between green windows. The three boys pushed past August, claiming the three beds next to each other on the right. August took the bed on the far left. Making his way to his bed, August found that all of his belongings were delivered. Including his new pet, a black kitten: Celine.
It had been days since August had received his acceptance letter and details on course materials. He was enamored: Charms, Potions, History of Magic. It was all so new and exciting. One problem… August had no idea where to buy any of this stuff. His parents tried a local second hand book store? No luck.
As the date of August’s train to Hogwarts came, the entire family was stressed. Thankfully, a welcome knock on the door revealed Minerva McGonagall, herself, at the Garrel door again.
“I’m not usually the one to do this, but we were shorthanded this year. I have to say though, I hope you have your trunk packed and said your goodbyes. We will have to move swiftly to Diagon Alley and then to Platform 9 and three quarters to get you on the train to Hogwarts.”
The family was caught off guard at this news. Luckily, August had been packed for days and ran to his room to retrieve his trunk. He turned to his family, “Thank you. I’ll see you… soon. I’ll write.” and gave both of his stunned parents a hug and a kiss and was out the door with Minerva.
Suddenly, August was transported into a whole new world: Diagon Alley. It was a place he never would of dreamed of, with all kinds of people moving about. Many young people, some of whom were just as enamored as August, littered the crowded streets. First, Minerva took August to get his robes fitted and bought, then he retrieved his required text books and then it was time for his wand. Ollivander was funny to August. He was comfortable with Madame Malkin when he got his robes fitted, but Ollivander was eccentric. The pair tried many wands until they found the one: ten inches, willow wood, horned serpent horn core, sturdy. It seemed a bit silly having a wand, but he supposed some stereotypes stem from truth? August chuckled to himself. Next thing you know, witches and wizards actually flew on brooms.
“Oh yes, flying on brooms thrills many young witches and wizards. In fact, we have a sport called quidditch that is played in the air on brooms.” Minerva informed August. After shopping for an hour, August thought that it might be time to catch his train. But, Minerva asked, “Well not to play into more stereotypes, as you said, but how would you like a pet? Hogwarts allows cats, owls and… er— toads. I think a companion might do a young wizard, like yourself, some good.”
So, that was how August came to find a small, black kitten with brown eyes. He decided to name her Celine and gave her a small collar, with a fake pearl. Soon, August found himself at King’s Cross Station and was pushed through a brick wall— to his surprise— and onto the Hogwarts Express. He found an empty compartment and immediately descended on looking through his new textbooks. A few people came and went through his compartment, curious at who would already be cracking open their schoolbooks. But, they eventually left a nervous August to himself.
August stared at himself in the slightly fogged mirror in the Slytherin, first year bathroom. August was rather slender— in fact quite skinny— but had a nice, slightly athletic build that would appear toned as he grew. His skin was pale, but had a slightly warm undertone. He had dirty blonde hair that was cut into somewhat of a bowl cut— his hair was straight but had some life to it. August had grey-blue eyes and full lips. A few freckles here and there and he had thick glasses— for reading, but could otherwise take them off whenever. He looked like them. All the other Slytherins. So, what was it that made him so different in their eyes? Just because his parents were not magic users?
August quickly finished getting ready for bed and returned to his room, thankful that his roommates were already asleep. He went to bed, thinking and hoping that this school would provide him what he had been searching for… in New York, in London and now Hogwarts.
WINTER 1990
August was enjoying his courses at Hogwarts. He assumed he would though. Every little thing about the wizarding world was new to him. Many of his fellow first years grew up with magic. So, History of Magic might have bored them, but it fascinated August. He learned about the Great Wizarding Wars and the Boy Who Lived, and consequently Lord Voldemort. Though, August quickly learned to not speak his name. It amazed August that he was only a year older than the Boy Who Lived. Did that mean he would come to Hogwarts next year? August thought he would very much like to meet him.
Unfortunately, while August excelled in his studies, he was hitting walls socially. Perhaps, the reinforcement of houses was a detriment to Hogwarts. Classes were usually limited to houses. But even when there were two houses in a class, it seemed that most stuck to their own house. Slytherin were particularly exclusive, and most of Slytherin was not very welcoming to a Mud Blood in their house. Damon would sometimes chat with August, but he was a seventh year and far too busy to be hanging out with a first year. Going to a quidditch game gave him a slight sense of community, but that was short-lived when he remembered he was in the stands alone. August had tried a few times to interact with other houses, but it seemed like they were not too keen on Slytherin either. It was frustrating. On paper, August rather liked Slytherin. Unfortunately, the house had its collection of elitists that refused to look outside.
So, yeah August was getting bullied… badly. He had been knocked around quite a bit, incessantly called a Mud Blood or just ignored. He came here excited to build a community, something that he was just not getting. He did visit Professor McGonagall, even outside of her class. She was not as open and warm as she was in London, but August still felt a warmth around her. Truthfully, it seemed most of the staff were trying to look out for August. His transition had not been smooth and it was obvious, probably obvious to many students as well.
Winter break was a welcome respite from the discomfort August found in the halls of Hogwarts. It was disappointing, really. August thought the vast castle of magic and wonder would be a sort of new home for him. After all, the Headmaster— Dumbledore— said exactly that. But, a home was not what it felt like. He enjoyed his time in his classes. His parents were happy to see him. August tried to brush off much talk about his social life, and only talked about his classes with them.
A week back at Hogwarts, August’s quick whit and sharp tongue got the better of him. He failed to foresee that no one else was around, when standing up to his present bullies.
“What did you just say to me Mud Blood?!”
“Flint, this thing doesn’t belong with us… We should teach him a lesson.”
His attackers were two fourth year Slytherin boys, who were much bigger than August. They cornered him into the mostly, now abandoned second floor girls’ bathroom. August tried to beg, “N-no please! I’m s-sorry! Please sto-p!” His pleas were unheard as the two boys threw him to the ground and proceeded to kick him. August tried to protect his head. His ribs took most of the incoming kicks. After a while they got bored enough, and left August to cry by himself on the floor.
Unknown to August, Cedric Diggory was passing the second floor girls’ bathroom. After hearing screams and seeing the two Slytherin boys walk out of the bathroom, Cedric began to hear crying. Cedric stumbled into the bathroom to investigate, only to find a first year Slytherin crumpled on the floor.
“Hey! Are you okay?! Hey— look at me!” Cedric said when he rushed to the kid’s side. He started to try and examine if the kid was hurt. He definitely was, but Cedric had know idea how to treat injuries… like at all. “Right.. uh okay! Yes, hospital wing! Yeah, Madam Pomfrey can help.”
As Cedric started to lift him gently, August recognized the boy helping him. Cedric Diggory was a second year Hufflepuff. He recognized him from the stands at a quidditch game he had seen. Evidently, he was bound to get promoted to Hufflepuff team seeker this year, if not next. He was very popular. What was he doing helping out a Mud Blood first year and a Slytherin? Was he just nice or what? August was not used to this kind of care. Still, Cedric carried him all the way to the hospital wing. It was probably a sight to see. August was definitely stealing glances at Cedric and would quickly look away when he felt Cedric take notice.
“You’re very lucky Mr. Garrel, just a slight concussion and some bruised ribs. You ought to thank Mr. Diggory for his help.” Madam Pomfrey told August. August remained silent.
Cedric laughed it off, “No, it was nothing really. I’m just glad you’re alright. But, man I hope we catch those guys. Who in their right mind would beat up a first year like that?!”
“Are you sure you don’t know who did this to you, son,” Madam Pomfrey looked to August for an answer, “Well… Mr. Diggory I hope you can help a professor find these students.”
“It’s because I’m a Mud Blood.”
“What?” Both Madam Pomfrey and Cedric turned toward August, who just said his first words since coming to.
“They hit me because I’m not worthy to be a Slytherin. Because I’m a Mud Blood.” August’s eyes welled up with tears and then started to stream down his face, when he turned his head away.
“Hey, hey that’s not true.” Cedric said as he returned to August’s side.
“It i-is.” as August’s voice broke.
“Listen to me. There’s nothing wrong with being muggle born. You’re here just like the rest of us, aren’t you?”
August cried harder as he turned in Cedric’s shoulder. Madam Pomfrey’s eyes were glassy, but another student needed to be attended to. Cedric started patting August’s back and mouthed that he would stay with him to Madam Pomfrey, before she left.
Cedric managed coax August into talking more over the next few hours. He learned that August had yet to make a real friend in the months that he had been here, was extremely smart and actually very funny when he forgot about his hardships. Cedric liked his quick, witty, sarcastic humor. It was around dinner time when Cedric got up. It was hard for August to mask his disappointment, which Cedric noticed. But Cedric said, “Hey, I’m going to get us both something to eat. I’ll be back, I promise.” He smiled. August smiled.
SPRING 1991
Ever since Cedric saved August, the two had been inseparable. Mostly on account of August clinging to Cedric, like he was the only thing out in the middle of an ocean. And to be fair, that was partly true. Cedric was the first friend August made at Hogwarts. If Cedric minded August’s clinginess, he did not show it. Or maybe he really was just that nice.
But, Cedric did push August to start talking to other people. And he tried… a little bit. It helped that his new friend was one of the most popular guys in their years, maybe even in upper years. But, Cedric was not cocky about it— well sometimes when he wanted to be, he was— but, he had a warmth around him that was infectious and genuine. So, slowly by slowly August opened up to others throughout the year. He still got strange glances from some people for being both Slytherin and muggle born. But, Cedric would not stand for any negative talk about it.
Cedric and August would sometimes sneak out at night, exploring the Hogwarts grounds or castle itself. By the end of final exams, they had been shushed by too many living paintings to count. They almost got caught once. Cedric and August even sneaked each other into their house common rooms for a moment, in the early hours of the morning.
“You don’t get creeped out… living down in the dungeons?” Cedric shuddered slightly as they descended the dark stairs.
August laughed, “At first, I was unconvinced. But, the common room itself is beautiful. Just wait and see!”
When the two boys made it to the stone wall, August whispered the password into stones and then poked his head into common room. After making sure no other Slytherins were in the room, August quickly ushered in Cedric.
“Woah…” Cedric’s eyes followed the stream of deep green light over the room. “This is completely different from the Hufflepuff common room.” He traced his hand over the plush seating by one of the windows. “Slytherin must have some nice donors.”
August heard a slight hum and a chill rush up his spine. “The Bloody Baron! Cedric, hide!” He whispered.
Cedric just made his way behind an armchair, when the gaunt ghost found August. The glittering, silvery blood shimmered in the green light of the room. “Mr. Garrel! What the devil are you still doing up?”
“U-uh— hello Baron— couldn’t sleep…” August tried to force a smile and stifle a laugh.
“Well… get on to bed, quickly.” August followed the Bloody Baron as he sifted through the entrance of the common room. August signaled for Cedric to come out and the two of them doubled over in laughter.
August’s first school year at Hogwarts was coming to end. It had happened so slowly, and yet so quickly at the same time. Like there was a scratch on a record in certain sections, where it would just skip.
August aced his classes. Aside from spending time with Cedric, all he did was study. He loved Transfigurations and Professor McGonagall seemed to be proud of his progress. Snape was hard to read, being Head of Slytherin definitely gave them a strange relationship— even if August was one of the best in the class. August was also extremely interested in taking Divinations with Professor Trelawny, in the future, thanks to a discussion with one of Cedric’s friends. So, he was excited for the future and what was to come at Hogwarts.
But, leaving Hogwarts for the summer, also meant leaving his first real friend.
Students were bustling all around the platform to hop onto the Hogwarts Express. Cedric and August stood together, waving goodbye to some of Cedric’s friends. They still had the train ride together, but here seemed to be a more appropriate place to formally say goodbye… for now.
“Here’s my address,” Cedric said as he handed a piece of parchment to August, “make sure you write, first year.”
“And here’s mine.” August handed Cedric his own address. “Also, I’m not a first year anymore.”
Cedric grabbed August into a light headlock and ruffled his hair, “Suuuure, you aren’t.”
As the two laughed and made their way into the train, August with Celine and his trunk in toe, he took one more look back towards the castle and the platform. His eyes landed on a solitary Professor McGonagall at the end. The two exchanged a warm smile and a wave, before August shuffled in behind Cedric and an odd looking cat skipped back towards the castle.