Hogwarts

Second year

As all the students were on the train heading home, Amber sat with Vare, her close friend. The two had shared so many memories over the year that saying goodbye to the school felt bittersweet. 

Vare leaned back against the seat, looking at Amber. "Are you happy to go home, Amber?"

Amber hesitated before responding, "Well, I am, but I want to stay here for a bit longer. It feels like there's still so much to do."

Vare nodded thoughtfully. "I know what you mean. I love it here too, but we have to go home sometime. We need to rest up for all the adventures waiting for us next year."

Amber smiled softly. "Yeah, you're right. But it's hard to leave, you know?"

As the train sped closer to their destination, Amber stared out of the window, her mind racing through all the incredible experiences she had had during the year—the friendships, the challenges, and even the mistakes that helped her grow. It had been a whirlwind, and she wouldn't trade it for anything.

Vare nudged her gently. "What are you thinking about now?"

Amber turned to her with a grin. "Just how amazing this year was. I'm already counting down to next year."

Vare smirked. "Me too. Next year will be even better, I just know it."

As the train finally slowed to a stop, Amber and Vare stood up, gathering their belongings with a mixture of excitement and reluctance. The platform outside buzzed with the sounds of families reuniting, laughter, and cheerful greetings.

Amber slung her bag over her shoulder and turned to Vare. "Promise me you'll write. I want to hear about everything, even if it's just what you're having for dinner."

Vare grinned. "Of course! And you better write back. I'll need updates on all your summer adventures."

They shared a laugh, the thought of staying connected making the goodbye a little easier. They stepped off the train together, scanning the crowd for their families. Amber spotted hers first and gave Vare a quick hug. "Don't forget your promise."

"I won't," Vare said with a warm smile. "See you next year."

Amber waved as she walked toward her family, her heart light despite the end of the school year. She knew she and Vare would stay close, no matter the distance. As Vare turned to find her own family, she smiled, already thinking about the first letter she'd send to Amber.

Amber was near to her parents when she accidentally bumped into someone. "Oh, sorry!" she said, glancing up to see Jason, a boy from her class.

Jason gave her a small, shy smile. "No worries. Hey, um... have a good summer."

Before Amber could respond, Jason subtly slipped a folded letter into her hand and walked off toward the crowd. Amber stared at the letter, puzzled, as Jason disappeared among the other students and families.

Her mother's voice called out, snapping her out of her thoughts. "Amber, over here!"

Quickly tucking the letter into her bag, Amber hurried to her parents, a mix of curiosity and excitement bubbling in her chest. Whatever Jason had written would have to wait—at least until she got home.

Mom; "We are so happy that you are back"

Dad; "did you do good in school?"

Amber; "Ya I did"

Mom; "We are just waiting on Lucan"

Amber; "Got it"

Then Lucan came over, grabbing his things and grumbling as usual. The family piled into the car, the conversation shifting between Amber, Ava, and their parents.