No one can chat for nine hours straight. Apart from Scarlet, who remained calm and composed throughout the journey, everyone in the compartment eventually dozed off. They hadn’t slept well the night before, too excited about going home for the holidays.
Half an hour before reaching their destination, the Weasley twins knocked on the door, waking everyone up to get ready for their arrival.
It wasn’t particularly cold in the compartment, so most of them had taken off their coats when they first settled in. Now, as they checked their belongings and began putting their coats back on, Scarlet, stood out – she changed her clothes effortlessly by commanding her pendant to do the work.
Everybody cast envious glances her way, especially Hermione, whose curiosity was obvious.
The protagonist trio had witnessed Scarlet’s clothing enchantment during their ride to Hogwarts, but the excitement of starting school had made them forgot about it until now.
Amelia and Maya, as Scarlet’s roommates, had seen this little magic trick many times before, but they still couldn’t help feeling envious.
Scarlet smiled at them. “I’ve taught you how to do it. You just need to master the enchantment.”
Both girls shook their heads.
Amelia admitted, “It’s too complicated.”
Maya added, “I’ve tried, but I just can’t seem to get it right.”
Scarlet glanced over at Fred and George, who shrugged in unison and said, “We’ve tried it. Takes a lot of practice to wrap your head around it.”
Ron, looking confused, asked, “Since when did you two learn that trick from her?”
Harry tilted his head. “Not even Fred and George can master it? How about you, Hermione?”
Hermione looked at Scarlet eagerly, and Scarlet smiled. “I’ll teach you all when you have some free time. Who knows, maybe you’ll be able to pull it off. But for now, let’s get ready to disembark.”
The train soon came to a stop, and the doors opened. Some students rushed out to meet their families, while others, like Scarlet and her friends, walked casually, greeted by their relatives.
Harry’s godfather, Sirius Black, ran up to them, full of excitement. He hugged Harry tightly and even lifted him off the ground, spinning him around.
“Harry!”
“Sirius! I missed you!”
Next came Amelia’s parents, another round of enthusiastic hugs.
As introductions were made, Mr. Black shook hands with Scarlet, staring at her as though he were trying to memorise every detail of her face. “I must invite you to dinner. You have no idea how grateful I am.”
“Thank you,” Scarlet replied with a smile. “I’d love to, but my holiday schedule is packed. Maybe next time, during the next school break, we’ll have more time to catch up properly.”
“Yes, we must. The pleasure is all mine,” Mr. Black responded, giving her another firm handshake.
Just as he and Harry were about to leave, Draco appeared with his parents trailing behind him.
Mr. Black and Mr. Malfoy immediately locked eyes, their glares sharp. Mr. Black was the first to strike. “Well, well, if it isn’t the cowardly followers. I was hoping to see you back in Azkaban - what a shame.”
Mr. Malfoy, looking like an older version of Draco, raised his chin and sneered, “I don’t waste my words on the dishonour of the Black family. I’m here for Ms. Hong.”
He extended a graceful hand to Scarlet, who shook it politely, while Sirius ground his teeth in frustration. “I understand Ms. Hong has given my son some sound advice, and I greatly appreciate it.”
“It was nothing,” Scarlet replied, her eyes briefly flicking over Mr. Malfoy’s face and his left arm. “I was just helping a classmate where I could. It’s a pity I won’t have much time this holiday, or I’d love to have a deeper discussion with you...about the embroidery on your sleeves.”
The Malfoys often adorned their clothing and accessories with their family crest, but Mr. Malfoy sensed that Scarlet was hinting at something more...something beyond just the crest.
“Hello, Ms. Hong.” Mrs. Malfoy greeted with a graceful smile. “I hope you don’t mind if I call you Scarlet? Oh, I’m just so thrilled that Draco mentioned you fondly in his letters. He seems to value your friendship.”
Scarlet returned her smile with a polite nod, “The pleasure is mine. He’s quite the clever boy.”
Mr. Black, still fuming, couldn’t seem to understand why Scarlet was speaking so cordially with the Malfoys. Even Ron glared at them with disdain. Fred and George, however, exchanged knowing glances, while Percy remained quiet and observant.
The Malfoys left soon after, with Draco throwing a smug smirk at Ron and Harry. As usual, Ron bristled with anger, but Hermione and Harry managed to hold him back. Hermione rolled her eyes, while Harry, lost in thought, asked, “Scarlet, are you planning to do business with them?”
Scarlet raised an eyebrow, “Not right now, but it’s wise to maintain proper connections. You never know when you might need them in the future, right?”
“Bah! I bet they’ve got a shop in Knockturn Alley, selling all sorts of dark artefacts,” Mr. Black sneered.
“Well, it can’t be denied that as a pureblood family with generations of wealth and power, they have access to resources others don’t,” Scarlet explained. “For example, they have rare books that are limited to their families and close friends. I’m particularly interested in their collection, and they’re fully aware that’s part of the reason I maintain ties with them.”
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.
Ron looked confused, “That’s...complicated.”
Even Harry seemed unsure of what she meant, but Hermione nodded in understanding – the clear intellectual of the trio.
Amelia’s parents, while not fully grasping the nuances of pureblood society, recognised that Scarlet, their daughter’s roommate, commanded the respect of even the haughty purebloods. This reassured them that their daughter was in good company at Hogwarts.
Amelia and Harry soon left with their parents, followed by Hermione and Maya after exiting Platform 9¾.
Eventually, only the Weasleys were left, trailing behind Scarlet as they followed her through the station. They approached a side door leading to a bustling pick-up spot where cabs and cars lined up to collect passengers.
A black-haired Asian man in beige coat stood nearby, scanning the crowd as if waiting for someone. When he turned and spotted a group of redheads with Scarlet in the middle looking small in comparison with the other tall boys, he broke into a smile.
“Scarlet!”
“Dad!”
They hurried toward each other and shared a tight hug.
Kyle smirked, “Thought my independent daughter wouldn’t miss me at all?”
Scarlet playfully punched him. “Shut up, I’m underage, and my hormones need some quality time with family, okay?”
“Sure, whatever you say.” Kyle chuckled, patting her head before turning to the Weasleys. He extended a hand. “Hi, I’m Kyle Hong. Nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you too, Mr. Hong.” Percy responded as the eldest, shaking hands first, followed by Fred, George, and finally Ron.
“Please, call me Kyle.” He grinned, then motioned for them to wait. “Let me make a quick call - our ride will be here shortly.”
The Weasleys exchanged puzzled looks as Kyle pulled out a Motorola MicroTAC cell phone and made a call. Noticing their stares, Kyle raised an eyebrow, “I’m guessing you don’t have these in the wizarding world.”
“Magical, but a bit outdated to be honest.” Scarlet remarked bluntly, “It feels like their creativity is restricted, though I can’t pinpoint why. Fred and George, for example, are very creative thinkers. They’ve even started inventing things. But I rarely find anyone similar to them.”
Kyle nodded, giving the twins a thumbs-up, “I’m looking forward to your future inventions! I’d be great if you could come up with something like this,” he said, waving the cell phone. “it’s such a hassle using owls to communicate...Not that I don’t love our Faye, but it’s ridiculously how long it takes just to send Scarlet a message.”
The Weasleys exchanged confused looks. Fred and George spoke up before anyone else, “Sorry, Mr. Hong, but...what exactly is that thing you’re hold? Some kind sound-recording device?”
Kyle’s eyes widened in disbelief before he turned to his daughter. “They don’t even have phones?”
“I doubt they’ve ever used one either,” Scarlet replied with a shrug.
Kyle said in surprise, “I thought they’d at least something similar. Like the talking mirror in Snow White?”
Scarlet chuckled. “The talking mirror just tells you how to dress in with trendiest fashion, not to connect with someone else who has one.”
As a white van approached, Scarlet motioned for the Weasleys to follow her, “Just walk naturally, and try to blend in.”
Although the Weasleys were dressed in sweaters, scarves, and coats like everyone else, their old-fashioned luggage made them stand out.
Kyle opened the van door, and one by one, the Weasleys climbed in, wide-eyed with awe. Scarlet was the last to enter, while Kyle and William, her manager, loaded the luggage into the boot.
“What is this?” Ron asked, tentatively touching the seat.
“It’s a van,” Scarlet responded casually. Noticing Kyle’s raised eyebrows, she added, “I thought I mentioned it in my letter?”
Kyle shrugged with a grin, “I never expected it to be like this. Bet this will be one of their most memorable Christmas holidays.”
As the van headed toward the Hong family manor on the outskirts of the city, the Weasleys exchanged excited whispers.
The houses became sparse, and the streetlights more distant. After an hour, they finally arrived at a well-lit manor, warmly furnished in inviting. A woman stood beside the front door, smiling as she waved them over, signalling the servants to come forward.
When everyone had exited the van at the manor’s entrance, the servants quickly approached to take their luggage. Another man took over the driver’s seat and drove the van away, while William and Meiko, the house supervisor, open the entrance for them.
Scarlet introduced them as they entered, “That is William, my manager. He handles everything on my behalf. And this is Meiko, the house supervisor. She’s in charge of all the servants and house matters. Let her know if you need anything.”
The Weasleys could only stare in awe.
“Are all Muggle families like this?” Ron muttered, eyes wide.
“No, this is because I’m rich. I’m a daughter of a businessman, after all.” Scarlet explained, leading them to the mudroom near the entrance, “Here, you’ll need to change into house slippers. My household follows a more Asian style, so shoes are not worn inside.”
The Weasleys clumsily changed into the slippers provided. William announced, “It must have been a tiring day. Dinner is ready. And, perhaps a film afterwards?”
Scarlet considered for a moment. “Any suggestion?”
“I recommend Studio Ghibli’s Kiki's Delivery Service,” William said with a warm smile. “I think it would be a good introduction for them.”
Fred and George eyes lit up. “Did you say films?” Fred asked, excitement evident in his voice.
“What’s a film?” Ron asked, puzzled.
“Film, or movie, is like a moving picture that tells a story!” Fred explained eagerly.
“Lee Jordan told us about them. We’ve always wondered what they were like, but mum and dad never let us go on our own.” George added.
“I bet they don’t even know what it is.” Fred said with a chuckle.
Scarlet frowned slightly. “But I thought you guys would know more about the Muggle world - considering your dad works in the Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office.”
“Nah.” Fred and George said with a dismissive wave, while Ron complained, “That’s the most boring department, and he’s always working overtime. It’s a small office with very few members.”
Scarlet turned to Percy, “How about you?”
“Mind-blowing.” Percy said, clearly contemplating. “I’m still trying to process everything since we got into your van.”
His emphasis on “van” suggested he was unsure of the pronunciation.
“Alright,” Scarlet nodded to William. “Please go ahead and prepare the film you suggested. And what about my dad’s friends?”
“Mr. Lupin is still weak, and Mr. Hawk is taking care of him. They won’t be present tonight, but you can see them tomorrow morning,” William said, handing Scarlet a notebook, “Here’s your schedule for the holiday.”
Scarlet nodded and made a few notes in the notebook, “Alright, proceed with the schedule.”
“Yes, milady.” William replied with a slight bow before leaving.
The Weasleys stared at Scarlet, wide-eyed. Ron was the first to speak. “He called you milady?”
“Well, that’s his preference, I told him not to, but he insists!” Scarlet replied, her cheek flushing pink.
Meiko, who had been standing quietly in the corner, grinned, “Milady, it suits you very well.”
“You shut up too!” Scarlet’s face turned even redder, “Follow me now, I’ll take you to the dining room.”
“Wait for us, milady!” Fred and George chorused as they chased after her. Ron hurried to keep up, while Percy shook his head with a faint smile.
The echoes of Fred and George’s questions filled the hallway, “What’s our film about tonight?”
“It’s about a young witch, from a Muggle’s perspective, if I’m not mistaken. It was a hit when it came out; children love it.”
“Really?!”
“Well, at least in Japan...” Scarlet’s voice trailed off as she led them toward the dining room.