The Hogwarts Express finally began to slow as twilight settled over the Scottish Highlands. Outside the windows, mountains rose like dark giants against the fading sky, their peaks painted violet and silver beneath the last traces of sunlight. Students pressed against the glass, excitement building with every passing minute. The familiar silhouette of Hogwarts Castle stood in the distance, illuminated by hundreds of glowing windows that shimmered like stars against the gathering darkness. For first-years, the sight inspired wonder. For returning students, it felt like coming home. Yet inside one particular compartment, thoughts were focused less on the castle and more on two boys currently flying across Britain in a stolen enchanted car.
Hermione looked as though she had aged ten years during the journey. Every few minutes she would glance toward the window as if expecting Harry and Ron to suddenly crash into a mountain. Percy remained pale and deeply unsettled, occasionally muttering things about Ministry regulations and parental disappointment. Fred and George seemed trapped somewhere between concern and admiration. Blaise and Theo were still trying to process the fact that someone had successfully stolen a flying car. Daphne found the entire situation equal parts horrifying and fascinating. Luna appeared thoughtful, as though she were attempting to determine whether flying automobiles migrated seasonally. Mira sat quietly beside the window, watching the castle draw closer while Pip curled comfortably in her lap. The Niffler seemed entirely unconcerned about Harry and Ron's situation.
The first sight of Hogwarts Castle never failed to stir something deep inside those who saw it.
Even for returning students, the castle rising above the dark waters of the Black Lake felt almost unreal, as though it had been painted directly onto the twilight sky. Hundreds of windows glowed with warm golden light, turning the ancient fortress into a beacon against the deepening evening. The air carried the scent of damp earth, pine needles, and distant woodsmoke drifting from unseen chimneys. Students streamed across the grounds in excited clusters, their voices mingling into a constant hum of anticipation. Trunks rattled across stone paths. Owls hooted from cages. Somewhere in the distance, the giant squid disturbed the lake's surface, creating ripples that reflected the castle lights. Mira Silverthorne walked alongside Draco Malfoy, Neville Longbottom, Luna Lovegood, Hermione Granger, the Weasley brothers and several other students, her silver-white hair catching the moonlight as she gazed toward the castle that had become her second home.
Professor Snape and Professor McGonagall stood near the entrance steps, overseeing the arrival of students with practiced vigilance. McGonagall's sharp eyes swept constantly across the grounds while Snape, dressed entirely in black as always, his expression already suggesting he would rather be anywhere else. Most students wisely avoided drawing attention to themselves while passing the two professors. The sight of him immediately reminded Mira of something important.
"We should tell them," she said quietly.
Draco nodded at once, "Before Potter and Weasley somehow make things worse."
"Can they make it worse?" Neville asked nervously.
Draco looked toward the sky, "They stole a flying car."
"Fair point." Neville agreed.
Mira adjusted her trunk and began weaving through the crowd toward the professors.
Snape noticed her approach first.
His expression softened slightly, though only someone who knew him well would have noticed.
"Mira," he greeted.
"Professor."
McGonagall offered a polite nod, "Miss Silverthorne."
Mira hesitated only briefly, "There's something you two should know."
Both professors immediately became attentive.
A year of experience had taught them that when Mira used that particular tone, trouble usually followed.
"What is it?" McGonagall asked.
Mira took a breath, "Harry and Ron didn't board the train."
Snape's eyes narrowed.
McGonagall frowned.
"They missed the train?" McGonagall asked.
"Not exactly."
Draco stepped forward, "They stole Arthur Weasley's enchanted Ford Anglia and flew it to Hogwarts."
Silence.
Complete silence.
Even the sounds of students unloading trunks seemed distant for a moment.
McGonagall stared.
Snape stared.
Neither professor blinked.
Finally, very slowly, Snape closed his eyes.
The expression on his face suggested he was reconsidering every life choice that had led him to this moment.
"They did... what?" he asked quietly.
Draco pointed upward, "We saw them flying alongside the train."
Snape opened his eyes again.
The darkness in them promised unpleasant things.
Many unpleasant things.
McGonagall looked as though she might actually be speechless.
"They flew a car," Mira clarified gently.
"I understood the first time," McGonagall replied.
Snape's jaw tightened.
Very rarely did he lose patience before the school year officially began.
This was apparently one of those occasions.
Snape's face somehow became even more displeased. Mira wasn't entirely sure how that was possible. His lips flattened into a thin line that looked capable of cutting stone. "An enchanted vehicle," he repeated slowly. "Crossing half of Britain. Through Muggle airspace." His voice dropped lower with every word. "Without supervision."
Mira nodded reluctantly, "Unfortunately yes."
Before either professor could respond further, a strange sound echoed across the grounds.
BEEP!
Everyone paused.
BEEP! BEEP!
Several students turned toward the source.
Every nearby student froze.
Conversations died instantly.
The noise continued.
BEEEEEP!
"What in Merlin's name is that?" Blaise asked.
The sound was unmistakably Muggle.
And completely out of place.
The strange noise echoed across the grounds.
Heads turned toward the source of the sound.
For one confused moment nobody moved.
Then another alarm joined the first.
And another.
And another.
The mechanical wailing carried from somewhere near the edge of the grounds.
McGonagall's eyes widened.
Snape's expression became positively murderous.
Without a word, both professors spun toward the noise and began striding rapidly across the grounds. Students immediately followed behind them, curiosity overwhelming caution. Mira, Draco, Neville, Luna, and dozens of others hurried after the professors. The alarms grew louder with every step. The sounds echoed off the castle walls and rolled across the lake. Students exchanged nervous whispers as they ran. Several older students already appeared to suspect exactly what they were about to find. Mira felt a growing sense of dread settle in her stomach. The fact that her warning had been immediately followed by mysterious car alarms was not encouraging.
They reached the edge of the grounds just in time to witness complete chaos.
The enchanted Ford Anglia had crashed directly into the Whomping Willow.
The massive tree was furious.
Branches thicker than broomsticks swung violently through the air. Leaves exploded outward like green fireworks. The ancient trunk twisted and groaned as it unleashed its rage upon the unfortunate vehicle. The car lurched backward under another devastating strike. Metal crumpled. Windows rattled. The alarms continued screaming. Students gasped collectively as another enormous branch smashed into the roof. McGonagall pressed a hand against her forehead. Snape looked as though he was mentally composing several hundred detentions simultaneously. Even Draco appeared genuinely impressed by the scale of the disaster.
Inside the car, two familiar faces could be seen scrambling frantically.
Harry Potter.
Ron Weasley.
Naturally.
Mira reacted immediately.
Drawing her wand, she stepped forward and focused on the struggling vehicle. She could see the Whomping Willow preparing another massive swing. If that branch connected properly, it might completely destroy the car. Her mind settled into the calm focus she often experienced during emergencies. Around her, students watched anxiously while professors prepared to intervene. Before anyone else could cast a spell, Mira raised her wand firmly.
"Wingardium Leviosa!"
Silver-blue magic shot forward.
The Ford Anglia suddenly jerked upward.
For a brief second the car hung awkwardly in midair.
Then it lifted completely clear of the tree's reach.
The Whomping Willow swung again.
Its branch cut harmlessly through empty air.
A collective sigh spread through the crowd.
Mira carefully guided the floating vehicle farther away until it rested beyond the Willow's striking range. The ancient tree continued thrashing angrily for several moments before slowly settling back into its usual position. Leaves drifted through the air like green snow. Broken twigs littered the ground. Silence gradually returned as everyone stared at the battered vehicle.
The silence lasted exactly three seconds.
Then both car doors exploded open.
Harry and Ron were violently ejected from the vehicle.
Their trunks followed.
Then several books.
Then assorted clothing.
Then Hedwig's cage.
Then a tiny basket.
The two boys yelped as they tumbled through the air.
Harry barely managed to regain his balance before reaching out and catching Hedwig's cage. The snowy owl hooted indignantly from inside, clearly unhappy with recent events. Nearby, Ron stumbled forward and caught the basket containing Scorch. The tiny teacup dragon poked its head out immediately and chirped in confusion. Clothes continued raining down around them. One sock landed on Neville's shoulder. Another somehow ended up hanging from a nearby bush. Students began laughing despite themselves. Harry and Ron stood amidst the wreckage looking thoroughly miserable.
Then something unexpected happened.
The car shuddered.
Its headlights flashed.
The engine growled.
For a moment it almost seemed to be glaring at them.
Then the Ford Anglia abruptly spun around and drove away.
The vehicle accelerated across the grounds at surprising speed. Students watched in astonishment as it bounced over uneven terrain. It ignored shouted commands. It ignored logic. It ignored every expectation anyone might reasonably have regarding transportation. Within seconds it reached the edge of the Forbidden Forest. The trees parted slightly as though welcoming it. Then the car vanished into the darkness beneath the ancient canopy. Silence followed its departure.
Luna watched the forest thoughtfully.
"I think it's upset," she said softly.
Several students turned toward her.
Luna continued gazing at the place where the car had disappeared, "It worked very hard to get them here. Then it got attacked by a tree. I'd be upset too."
Neville blinked.
Draco stared.
A few students actually seemed to consider the possibility.
Harry stared after the car in disbelief.
Ron's face turned pale as realization dawned. "My dad's gonna kill me," he muttered weakly.
Meanwhile, Snape looked as though Luna's observation was somehow the least ridiculous part of the evening.
The Potions Master slowly turned toward Harry and Ron.
The two boys immediately straightened.
Neither dared speak.
Neither dared move.
Neither dared breathe too loudly.
Snape's black robes billowed slightly in the evening wind as he approached them with terrifying calm. Internally, Harry felt a growing sense of doom unlike anything he had experienced. Ron looked equally horrified. Every possible excuse they had prepared suddenly seemed pathetic and inadequate. Around them, students watched with fascinated anticipation. McGonagall folded her arms tightly across her chest. Mira almost felt sorry for them. Almost.
"Mr. Potter." Snape's voice was dangerously quiet.
Harry swallowed, "Professor."
"Mr. Weasley."
Ron squeaked slightly, "Professor."
Snape stared at them for several long moments.
The silence became unbearable.
Finally, he spoke.
"You will come to my office."
Another pause.
"Right now."
Neither boy argued.
Neither boy protested.
Neither boy attempted an explanation.
Harry clutched Hedwig's cage.
Ron held Scorch's basket.
Together they followed Professor Snape toward the castle like condemned prisoners marching toward judgment. Students quickly parted to allow them through. Whispers erupted immediately after they passed. Some looked sympathetic. Most looked entertained. Mira watched them disappear through the castle doors and suspected that the evening was only beginning. Behind her, the Whomping Willow rustled irritably in the darkness while somewhere deep within the Forbidden Forest, an enchanted car drove away nursing what Luna insisted were hurt feelings
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