The Chronicles of Blood and Fire (HP Fanfic)

The holiday had passed in what felt like a breath. Between Susan's endless questions about Hogwarts, Bridget's bustling in the kitchen preparing treats for every hour of the day, and Amelia's calm presence, Caelum had found rare comfort. It was strange, how natural the house felt now—like a place to return to, not just a place to stay.

But now, as January snow crunched under their feet, he stood once more at King's Cross Station, Platform Nine and Three-Quarters bustling with students and their families. The scarlet Hogwarts Express puffed gently, ready to carry them all back north.

Caelum's trunk was already secured, his owl crate properly tucked in. His wand, rested in the inner fold of his dark cloak. Everything was ready.

Amelia Bones stood beside him, her arms folded beneath her thick winter coat. The wind played with the ends of her scarf, brushing them against Caelum's sleeve.

"Susan and Bridget send their goodbyes again," she said with a fond smile. "They wanted to come, but I thought better of it. You know how Bridget gets around large crowds."

Caelum nodded. "They said enough this morning."

Amelia hesitated for a moment before clearing her throat. "There's… something else."

He turned toward her. She looked serious now, her expression shifting into the familiar, composed demeanor of the senior Ministry official.

"It's about your request," she said, lowering her voice slightly. "To visit Adrian Rosier."

Caelum's eyes narrowed just a little, but he didn't speak.

"I've thought about it. I still don't like it, and truthfully, I'm not sure it's a good idea. But I also know you won't drop it," Amelia continued, her gaze firm. "So I'll arrange it—but not until the end of the school year. Not before June. And I will accompany you myself."

A beat of silence. Then Caelum nodded. "Understood."

"Good," she replied, reaching out and pulling him into a tight embrace. It caught him off guard, but he didn't resist.

"You'll be alright," she murmured near his ear. "And remember, Caelum… you're not alone anymore."

When they stepped apart, Caelum gave her a faint smile. "I'll write every week."

"You'd better."

With one last nod, he turned and boarded the train.

…

The Hogwarts Express rumbled forward, its familiar rhythm settling over the compartments. After a short search, Caelum met Evran Thorne in the corridor, the boy already carrying a box of Honeydukes licorice wands.

"No sign of Bastian?" Evran asked.

Caelum shook his head.

"Maybe he missed the train. He mentioned going skiing with his uncle… might've extended his holiday."

Cedric Diggory passed by then and paused, grinning. "Hey, Caelum. Evran. Want to join us? I've got a compartment."

The boys exchanged a glance before nodding. Inside the compartment, Cedric was seated with another Hufflepuff student—Ben Copper, who stiffened a little upon seeing Caelum but quickly offered a polite nod. Caelum, as always, took the measure of the space quietly and unobtrusively, sitting with composed poise.

Conversation picked up naturally after a few minutes. Cedric had a knack for smoothing awkwardness. Even Ben seemed to forget his hesitation.

Outside the window, the white-draped countryside blurred past.

As they neared Hogsmeade Station, students began gathering their things. Caelum buttoned up his cloak, the hem brushing the floor of the compartment. The door slid open with a hiss of cold air, and they stepped down onto the platform.

Snowflakes drifted gently from the clouds above, clinging to hats and scarves. The chatter and laughter of returning students filled the air.

Carriages waited at the edge of the platform.

Caelum paused for a moment, eyes narrowing. The skeletal creatures hitched to the carriages were plain as day to him. Their gaunt bodies, leathery wings folded tight, their pale, unseeing eyes—Thestrals.

He stood still a moment longer, then silently climbed into the carriage, his gaze never leaving the creature in front of him.

Evran didn't say anything, perhaps not noticing—or perhaps noticing too much.

To him, the carriage still moved like magic.

Caelum leaned back in his seat and looked up toward the looming silhouette of Hogwarts Castle in the distance. The snow glittered across its towers like silver dust.

The warmth of home faded behind him. Ahead lay another term. 

He exhaled, fog clouding the cold window briefly.

The ride continued forward, quiet but steady.