Thick of it : reboot

James was seated in a compartment on the Hogwarts Express, the rhythmic clatter of the train's wheels against the tracks providing a soothing backdrop to the conversation. The compartment was cozy, with plush red seats and a small window that offered a view of the rolling British countryside. Hermione sat across from him, her nose buried in a thick book titled Transfiguration Techniques. The scent of chocolate frogs and pumpkin pasties wafted through the air, mingling with the faint metallic tang of the train itself.

Hermione looked up from her book, her brow furrowed with worry. "Where have Harry and Ron gone? "

James leaned back in his seat, his hands tucked behind his head, looking completely unbothered. "Don't worry, Hermione. Even if they miss the train, they can always use the Floo Network to get to Hogwarts. Or pinch a couple of broomsticks and fly there. Knowing those two, they'll turn up somehow."

Hermione sighed, her fingers drumming nervously on the cover of her book. "I hope so. But honestly, those two are a walking disaster. If they've managed to get themselves locked out of the platform, I wouldn't be surprised."

James chuckled. "Relax, Hermione. They've got more lives than a Kneazle. So, what do you think about the new Defence Against the Dark Arts professor? Heard anything interesting?"

Hermione's eyes lit up at the mention of the subject. "Oh, I met him in Diagon Alley! You should've been there, James. He's got this… aura about him. Very distinguished. He even has a Merlin Award!"

James raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching into a smirk. "Who, Gilderoy Lockhart? That bloke? Got an aura? Are we talking about the same bloke who writes books about himself and poses for every photo like he's auditioning for Witch Weekly's Most Charming Smile Award?"

Hermione rolled her eyes, though a small smile played on her lips. "Yes, the same one. He's very accomplished, you know. His books are—"

Before she could finish, a loud commotion outside the window interrupted her. Both James and Hermione turned their heads just in time to see Harry hanging precariously from the door of a flying car, the vehicle tilting dangerously to one side. Ron was in the driver's seat, his face pale as he struggled to steady the car.

Hermione let out a shriek, her hands flying to her mouth. "oh god! What are they doing?!"

James, whipped out his wand and pointed it at Harry. With a flick of his wrist, he cast a charm that sent a stream of wind shooting toward the car. The gust of air pushed Harry back inside, and Ron managed to straighten the vehicle just in time. Harry and Ron, now safely inside the car, looked out the window and spotted James and Hermione. They waved enthusiastically, as if they hadn't just narrowly avoided plummeting to their deaths.

James lowered his wand, pretending to wipe nonexistent sweat from his brow. "Well, that was close. Bloody lunatics."

Hermione was still staring out the window, her face a mixture of shock and exasperation. "What on earth are they thinking? They're going to get expelled!"

James shrugged, leaning back in his seat again. "I wouldn't be so sure about that. If anyone can talk their way out of trouble, it's those two."

Later that evening, the Great Hall was alive with the buzz of students enjoying the start-of-term feast. The long Gryffindor table was packed with students, the golden plates and goblets gleaming in the candlelight. James and Hermione were seated together, tucking into plates of roast chicken and mashed potatoes, when Harry and Ron finally made their entrance. The entire table erupted into cheers and applause as the two made their way over, their faces flushed with embarrassment and pride.

Fred and George Weasley were the first to greet them, slapping Ron on the back with exaggerated enthusiasm. "Really wicked, you two!" Fred said, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Never knew you had it in you, little brother."

George wiped away a fake tear, his voice dripping with mock emotion. "You've made us proud, Ron. Truly."

Ron groaned, pushing past his brothers to sit down next to James. Harry slid into the seat across from him, looking sheepish. Neville, leaning over from the side, gave them a thumbs-up. "That was really brave of you guys. Mad, but brave."

Harry and Ron mumbled their thanks, their faces red. James smirked, leaning forward. "Not even a 'thank you' for saving your arse, Harry? I'm hurt."

Harry grinned, rubbing the back of his neck. "Thanks, James. You really saved me back there."

Hermione, however, was not amused. She crossed her arms, her expression stern. "What were you two thinking? You could've fallen out of that car Or worse, could've been expelled! and—"

Ron interrupted her, holding up a hand. "We're not expelled, Hermione. Just got detention. McGonagall said we were lucky to be alive, let alone still at Hogwarts."

Hermione threw her hands up in exasperation. "What possessed you to do something so reckless?"

Harry sighed, poking at his food. "When we were trying to get through the barrier at King's Cross, it closed on us. We panicked and thought we'd get in trouble for missing the train, so we… well, we took the car."

James snorted, shaking his head. "You could've just used the Floo Network and been here before us. Honestly, it's like you two try to make things difficult for yourselves."

Harry and Ron exchanged guilty looks. "It… never occurred to us," Ron admitted sheepishly.

James rolled his eyes, then changed the subject. "So, how was your summer, Harry? Anything exciting happen?"

Harry's face lit up. "It was great! Sirius came to visit the Dursleys. You should've seen it—he practically threatened to turn them into pigs if they didn't treat me better. It was brilliant."

Hermione smirked, her stern expression softening. "Serves them right."

Harry nodded. "Then he taught me some broomstick tricks. Ron and I practiced a lot over the summer."

Ron chimed in, his mouth full of food. "You should've come to my house, James. We could've had so much fun."

James shrugged, a wistful smile on his face. "Sorry, mate. My friends from the orphanage were missing me, so I spent most of the summer with them. But next time, yeah?"