After the fierce battle, the cabin was in shambles.
Of the goblins, the three Charlie had stunned were still breathing.
The four taken down by Professor Flitwick, however, were beyond saving, dead beyond doubt.
Charlie stood in silence, eyes lingering on the corpses, discomfort stirring in his chest.
He wasn't faint-hearted, but… this was the first time he'd seen actual death up close.
"Professor, they…?"
"They're dead," Professor Flitwick replied calmly, his voice devoid of its usual warmth.
Don't be fooled by his gentle demeanor in class, when things got real, Flitwick didn't hesitate.
After all, he'd lived through the dark, chaotic days of the magical world.
Back then, anyone who hadn't killed a Dark Wizard wouldn't dare step outside alone.
With a wave of his wand, the blood vanished from the floor.
Charlie looked at his Head of House with renewed awe.
Seems like every Hogwarts professor hides a storm behind their smile.
Gripp, meanwhile, was curled up in a corner, shivering.
He looked pale, eyes fixed on the corpses. "It's over… Bagman escaped… He's going to come back for me. I need to move. Far away. Somewhere they can't find me…"
Flitwick placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
"Don't worry. I'll handle it. Bagman attacked wizards. The Ministry won't turn a blind eye."
He waved his wand again, binding the stunned goblins in magical ropes.
"Let's head back to Hogwarts first. I'll deliver these three to the Ministry afterward."
Charlie slipped on the troll-hide vest and followed Flitwick back to Hogwarts.
The castle halls were quiet, most students had already left for the Christmas holidays.
As they walked, Flitwick suddenly slowed, then turned with a sheepish grin.
"Charlie, about what happened today… could we keep it between us?"
Charlie blinked in confusion.
"I mean, especially don't mention it to Professor McGonagall," Flitwick added in a whisper.
"If she finds out, I'm doomed."
Charlie gave him a knowing smile.
Don't worry, Professor, I'd never snitch.
"You have my word. I won't tell anyone."
Just then, a flat, emotionless voice cut in from nearby,
"Oh? And what exactly shouldn't I hear about?"
Both of them froze and turned.
Professor McGonagall stood at the corner of the hallway, staring at them with that terrifyingly calm expression.
"P-Professor McGonagall!" Flitwick stammered.
"What a surprise! What are you doing here?"
"I'm doing my rounds," she replied curtly, walking over and scanning them both.
"And you two? What are you doing out here so late?"
Charlie glanced sideways at Flitwick, who was now visibly sweating.
Ten minutes later, Charlie quietly slipped away while Flitwick got thoroughly scolded like a naughty schoolboy.
Even a dueling champion fears the lioness…
Charlie rolled his suitcase onto the Hogwarts Express.
The train wasn't empty, some students were still returning home, though others had chosen to stay at school.
Harry and Ron had stayed behind.
Charlie found an empty compartment, kicked back, and stretched out.
"Finally get to see Grandma White again," he murmured with a smile.
"She must really miss me."
…
"Who are you?" asked Grandma White coldly.
Charlie froze at the door.
"…It's me. Charlie."
"Charlie who?" (T.L : Damn ☹️)
Charlie blinked in shock.
Wait, does Grandma have memory loss?
His eyes welled with emotion.
"It's okay, Grandma. Even if you don't remember me, I'll stay by your side."
Grandma White: "???"
A moment later, her fist landed squarely on his head.
"You little brat! What did you say before you left? You'd write me letters! And where are they?! Not a single one! Am I supposed to recognize you?!" (T.L/: Wtf, i thought...)
Charlie rubbed his head. It didn't actually hurt, she hadn't used any force.
"Hehe… sorry, Grandma. I kinda… forgot."
She shook her head in exasperation. But in truth, she had missed him dearly.
Charlie had been away all term. He must've gone through so much.
Ernie: "???"
Malfoy: "???"
Charlie was such a well-behaved child.
Every Hogwarts professor: "???"
Thinking about it softened her gaze. She gestured him inside the orphanage.
"Come on in, it's freezing out there."
Charlie grinned and latched onto her arm.
"Grandma, I missed you so much!"
"Save it. If you really missed me, you would've sent a letter."
She grumbled, but the smile tugging at her lips gave her away.
"I promise I'll write next term!" Charlie raised his hand solemnly.
Laughter rang out from the orphanage halls. The children's voices filled the air, warm and familiar.
It was a feeling entirely different from Hogwarts.
Hogwarts had friends. It had warmth.
But this place… this was home.
"Big bro Charlie!"
A group of younger kids ran out and circled him.
Charlie crouched down, chatting and playing with them, careful not to mention a single word about magic.
Grandma White stood at the side, her gaze full of affection.
Some things never change.
That evening, Charlie, Grandma White, and all the children shared a Christmas dinner together.
It wasn't as grand as Hogwarts' feast, but it was far cozier.
Roast chicken, mashed potatoes, vegetable soup, and Grandma's famous homemade apple pie.
"Grandma, your cooking is still the best."
Charlie chomped happily on the pie.
"If you like it, eat more." She ladled a big bowl of soup into his dish.
"You've gotten so skinny! Are they starving you at that school?"
Charlie nearly choked.
Skinny? He was eleven and already 5'7", tall and lean.
Back at Hogwarts, he was practically a princely heartthrob.
There really is a condition called "grandma thinks you're undernourished."
After dinner, the two of them sat by the fireplace.
"How's school, Charlie?" she asked gently.
"It's great, Grandma," Charlie replied earnestly.
"I've made good friends. The teachers are really kind to me."
"That's good." She finally relaxed.
"I just worry about you being so far away."
"No need to worry."
"They all take good care of me."
They chatted deep into the night until her eyelids drooped. They each went to bed.
The next morning, Storm (the owl) got to work.
Charlie had a long list of Christmas gifts to deliver.
First: Professor Snape.
A 13-in-1 shampoo set.
Because, let's face it, Snape's hair always looked greasy.
This magical shampoo could be used as:
Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorant, peanut butter, sports drink, milk, tinfoil, tennis shoes, dental floss, and eye drops.
Perfect for a reclusive bat like Snape.
Next: Professor McGonagall.
A generous pouch of catnip.
She had a cat, this was a calculated gift.
(Charlie just hoped the cat didn't get addicted.)
Then: Professor Flitwick.
A small wooden step stool.
So he wouldn't have to stand on books to teach.
For Professor Sprout:
A new pair of dragonhide gloves.
Her old pair had nearly been chewed through by a Mandrake last time.
As for Dumbledore…
Charlie didn't bother.
Guy's probably drowning in presents already.
Harry and Ron? Easy.
A custom set of Charlie's own study notes.
Compiled after sleepless nights, full of spellwork and Transfiguration insights.
They were going to cry.
Fred and George?
A copy each of The Ultimate Guide to Pranks and Trick Gadgets.
Charlie hoped they'd create new legends at Hogwarts.
[His Majesty is now viewed by classmates and staff alike as a walking disaster. Tyrant Points +10]
"You cold-blooded system, how could you possibly understand the bonds between us?"
He even brought magic candy for the orphanage kids.
Jumping Candies, Chocolate Frogs, Bertie Bott's Every-Flavour Beans.
Of course, he told them they were imported sweets.
And for Grandma White, he got her a thick, soft wool scarf.
Light blue. It suited her perfectly.
By the end of the day, Charlie's wallet was empty.
And he didn't regret it one bit.
[Detected reckless spending. Tyrant Points +5!]
"Do you have to ruin the moment right now?!"
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