The Boundary of Magic

Chapter 16: Summer

         Hogwarts shrank out of sight, and Perce was left to stare at the emptiness of the bright sky. The Hogwarts Express poured out smoke as it journeyed on, smoothly in the still morning air. He allowed his mind to slip out of his control and slither through the memories of the entire year that had passed. True, most of it had revolved around the grand Hogwarts library, but on no occasion could he forget the fantastic feasts or the vast grounds, or even the lessons — his unpopular opinion. His mind wandered... What would his mother have said? What letters would he have received if she was alive?

         He stopped the train of thought there. All year long he was determined not to dwell on the past. What could he do, cry? It was a vicious cycle. He had decided that he would work only on what was to be done. Grief was a waste of time. The future, and magic — this was where his interests lay. If there was something he could do, then, and only then, was it worth attention...

         He believed that it had been a year full of magic... He smiled inwardly at the silly pun. It seemed extremely ridiculous to still be used, yet he reserved it for conversations with himself. Magic always caused his mind to drool with desperation. Ambition sprouted its wings in his heart, and a sense of immense energy filled him. Fame and power, like the great Albus Dumbledore... It was enough to make any true Slytherin jump with eagerness. Yet of course, there were some other people. He glanced around to see Subash and sighed softly. Perce thought he lacked ambition. But he was a good friend. A great friend. He was, above all, trustworthy.

         He could sense that the time had arrived when the suggestion to play Exploding Snap would rise from someone's lips. And he was proven right two minutes later. Inwardly grinning, he allowed himself to be engaged in the game. And he won easily, owing to his comparatively speedy reflexes. He was thankful for not having to deal with a chess set and the annoying pieces. It was a game he was most clumsy at. Subash had dropped into fits of laughter during the first game he had played with Perce, when the latter was being bullied by the pieces, leaving him confused and making blunders.

         Always, as one begins to satisfy oneself in a moment of joy, time exercises its nasty habit and decides to speed up. Subash gave an exclamation of annoyance as the train began to slow down, announcing their arrival at Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, just as the group was about to begin another game. Perce was especially annoyed.

         "We've arrived. It was the best round yet!"

         "Best, surely, since you were winning again? I should've taken out my chess set..." said Subash.

         He received a scowl. Roger chuckled, rising from his seat.

         Like any child, Perce felt joy bubbling when he saw his father waiting on the platform, talking to another wizard. He grinned widely to himself, and helped his luggage descend from the racks. This involved some stepping-on-feet and cursing, since everyone attempted to do it at the same time.

         "Have a good summer," Subash said to Susane, who smiled and waved, leaving the compartment after bidding the other two farewell.

         "Bye," said Perce. He smiled at both of them. "I'll write to you about the books I find."

         Roger and Subash grimaced. Just then Drake was passing by their compartment, engaged in a conversation with Jake Elladore. They neither spoke to nor looked at them. Deftly, Perce distracted Subash by motioning them out.

         As they alighted from the Hogwarts Express, warm smiles and quick 'bye's were exchanged between them. Then, Perce turned to see his father's smiling face. It always brought the sense of comfort, seeing the familiar brown hair, brilliant blue eyes, and the warm smile.