Departure from Hogwarts
Keith packed his luggage calmly, sliding it into the portable dimension with a thought. Moments later, Rias arrived, her own luggage in hand. Keith took it from her without a word and stored it away as well.
Rias smiled softly.
Hand in hand, they walked through the castle corridors one last time—unhurried, peaceful. Rias was genuinely happy, savoring the time spent beside her husband without interruptions, plots, or chaos.
At the Hogwarts train station, Keith stopped briefly to speak with Hagrid.
"Tak'n off already, eh, lad?" Hagrid said warmly.
"Just for the break," Keith replied with a smile. "I'll be back."
Hagrid nodded. "Figured as much. Hogwarts feels… louder when you're not around."
Keith chuckled lightly, gave a small wave, and boarded the train with Rias.
The Expanded Compartment
They entered a compartment where Tonks, Helena, Susan, Daphne, Cassandra Vole, Katie, and Angelina were already seated. With a snap of his fingers, Keith casually expanded the compartment's interior, giving everyone ample space and comfortable seating.
Conversation flowed easily—laughter, teasing, and shared memories of the year.
A knock interrupted them.
The door slid open to reveal Cedric Diggory, followed by Fred and George Weasley.
"Well, this explains why the corridor felt cramped," Fred said, stepping inside.
Cedric glanced at Tonks. "So—what's next for you?"
Tonks straightened proudly. "Auror training."
She pulled out her acceptance letter… and then the Runcandel-sealed recommendation.
The compartment went silent.
Everyone stared.
Except Keith and Rias.
Cedric blinked. "You gave her a recommendation?"
Keith nodded calmly. "She earned it."
Fred and George exchanged a look of awe.
Keith then gestured casually toward Cedric, the twins, Helena, Katie, Angelina, and Hermione.
"If any of you want a recommendation in the future," he said evenly, "I can provide one."
That earned immediate reactions—wide eyes, stunned silence, and barely restrained excitement.
He then turned to Susan, Daphne, and Cassandra.
"As for you three," Keith added, "you don't need one. Your families already have standing in the Ministry."
They nodded in understanding.
Hermione hesitated, then asked, "Why did you give one to Rias?"
Keith answered simply, "She'll be my assistant—my secretary—in the future."
A faint ripple of jealousy passed through the compartment.
Rias smiled politely.
King's Cross Station
The train arrived at King's Cross.
On the platform, Keith greeted several familiar faces:
Hermione's parents Cassandra's mother Daphne's mother Katie's mother Angelina's mother Andromeda Tonks Amos Diggory Molly Weasley
Then his gaze landed on Amelia Bones.
Keith paused.
Why do so many people look like they stepped out of another world…?
First Helena, then Katie, Angelina… and now Amelia.
He shook his head internally.
"Keith Argus Runcandel," he introduced himself politely.
Amelia froze.
Her face went completely blank.
Outwardly calm—internally, total panic.
That's him.
The boy who writes letters like that.
Why is he real? Why is he standing here? What do I say—
Raphael's voice echoed calmly in Keith's mind:
"She is experiencing panic."
That explained it.
Keith gently used telepathy.
Relax. Take a deep breath.
Amelia obeyed instinctively.
Keith smiled. "You look cute when you're thinking too hard."
Amelia's composure shattered. She blushed deeply.
Nearby, Fred and George proudly introduced their younger sister.
"This is Ginny."
Keith glanced at her, momentarily surprised.
…She looks like a childhood version of Stella Vermillion.
He smiled warmly. "Nice to meet you, Ginny."
Ginny turned bright red.
Return to Runcandel Mansion
With goodbyes exchanged, Keith took Rias's hand once more.
Together, they departed the platform and returned to Runcandel Mansion, leaving behind a station full of stunned parents, blushing witches, jealous glances, and one very confused Amelia Bones.
And Hogwarts?
Hogwarts would feel the absence immediately.