Moonlit Bonds: The Tale of Moony and Snowy

Chapter 149 - Farewell to Hogwarts

The Hogwarts Express chugged steadily away from the platform, carrying the Marauders and Eliza back to London for what might be the last time as students. The train, with its rhythmic clattering and familiar hum, seemed to echo with the weight of their shared history as it sliced through the scenic countryside.

Inside their compartment, the mood was a blend of nostalgia and trepidation. James sprawled across a seat, his gaze lost in the passing landscape, occasionally cracking a joke to lighten the mood. Sirius sat adjacent, laughter mingling with a faint shadow of concern that occasionally crossed his features whenever his eyes landed on Eliza.

Eliza herself sat by the window, her reflection mirroring the conflicted emotions within. The memories of her ordeal under the Crucio curse at the hands of her own family lingered like a dark cloud, and the thought of returning home brought a subtle chill despite the warmth of the summer air outside.

Remus, ever perceptive, sat close to Eliza, offering silent support. His hand found hers, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Hey," he whispered softly, just for her. "We're here for you, no matter what happens next."

Eliza managed a small, grateful smile, squeezing his hand back. "I know, Remus. It's just hard not to worry."

Across from them, Peter watched the interaction with a sympathetic expression, his own anxiety about the future palpable but overshadowed by his concern for his friends.

As the journey continued, they each shared their favorite memories from Hogwarts, from their first day as wide-eyed first-years to their final strides as confident, albeit apprehensive, almost-graduates. Laughter and the occasional reflective silence filled the compartment as they reminisced.

Sirius, trying to break the somber mood, chimed in with a lighter tone. "Remember the time we charmed all the suits of armor to do the conga during breakfast?"

James laughed, the sound bright and clear. "How could I forget? McGonagall didn't know whether to give us detention or join in."

As the laughter died down, the reality of their impending separations settled in. Eliza looked around at her friends, her heart heavy. "I'm going to miss this," she admitted. "All of you, all of this."

"We'll always be the Marauders," James said firmly. "Distance won't change that."

The train began to slow as it approached the outskirts of London, the cityscape gradually overtaking the greenery outside. Remus turned to Eliza, his expression tender. "This isn't goodbye, Eliza. It's just 'see you later.'"

Eliza nodded, her emotions catching in her throat. "See you later, then."

They gathered their belongings, and as the train pulled into the station, they made their way to the platform. The noise and bustle of King's Cross felt jarring after the tranquility of Hogwarts.

With one last group hug, they stepped off the train. Eliza and Remus shared a long, heartfelt embrace, whispering promises to write and visit. "I love you," Remus said quietly, his voice thick with emotion.

"I love you too," Eliza replied, holding onto him a moment longer before stepping back, her eyes bright with unshed tears.

Sirius, standing beside her now, draped an arm over her shoulders, his protective presence a comforting weight. Together, they faced the crowd, their steps synchronized as they moved through the throng of people, each step taking them further from their Hogwarts years and closer to the challenges of the wider world.