The Calm Before Exams
As final exams crept closer, Hogwarts shifted.
Libraries filled.
Corridors quieted.
Sleep became optional.
Penelope practically lived inside revision scrolls, OWLs looming like storm clouds.
Tonks, preparing for her NEWTs, had stopped joking during study hours entirely—a terrifying sign.
Everyone was serious.
Everyone…
Except Lucien.
He remained calm, unbothered, almost lazy—yet somehow always prepared.
Lucien's "Study Sessions"
Instead of panicking, Lucien did something very Lucien.
He taught.
Under a large oak tree.
By the Black Lake.
In unused classrooms.
Subjects rotated effortlessly:
Charms explained with simple logic Transfiguration broken into principles instead of memorization Defense taught as patterns, not spells Potions reduced to cause-and-effect
Hermione stared at her notes after one session and whispered,
"…Why is this suddenly easy?"
Katie blinked. "Wait. That's it?"
Clara gasped. "I was scared of this chapter!"
Angelina laughed. "Why didn't anyone explain it like that?"
Daphne and Cassandra exchanged impressed looks.
Evelyn listened quietly, absorbing everything.
Susan relaxed for the first time in weeks.
Cho Chang smiled, relieved.
Penelope felt actual confidence.
Tonks—astonishingly—stopped stressing.
Akeno simply watched Lucien with fond amusement.
Of course he'd do this, she thought.
Lucien never bragged.
Never acted superior.
He just… made knowledge feel natural.
"Where's Vulpix?"
One afternoon, as they lounged outside after studying, Hermione frowned.
"…Has anyone seen Vulpix lately?"
Katie looked around. "Now that you mention it—no."
Clara tilted her head. "She's always with Lucien."
Angelina crossed her arms playfully. "Don't tell me she ran away."
Lucien smiled faintly.
"She found a friend."
Confusion spread instantly.
"A what?" Tonks asked.
"A friend," Lucien repeated calmly.
Only Akeno smiled knowingly.
A Very Adorable Reveal
Lucien lifted his hand.
"Come here."
A soft shimmer of magic passed through the air.
From behind a tree—
Alolan Vulpix trotted out gracefully, tail swishing.
And beside her—
A Galarian Ponyta, mane glowing like moonlit mist, hooves barely touching the grass.
Silence.
Then—
"Oh my GODS—"
"That's—"
"It's so—"
"ARE YOU REAL?"
Hermione froze.
Katie squeaked.
Clara nearly melted on the spot.
Angelina covered her mouth.
Daphne's eyes sparkled.
Cassandra stared, stunned.
Evelyn blinked slowly.
Penelope whispered, "Merlin…"
Cho Chang smiled in pure awe.
Susan clutched her chest.
Tonks' hair turned pastel pink instantly.
Akeno laughed softly.
Lucien stepped back.
"They won't bite."
That was all it took.
A Day of Pure Happiness
They took turns petting Ponyta's glowing mane—warm, soft, soothing.
Vulpix pranced happily, accepting scratches and gentle hugs.
Clara giggled uncontrollably.
Katie leaned against Ponyta's side, smiling.
Angelina pretended not to squeal—failed.
Hermione studied Ponyta's magic signature, utterly fascinated.
Cho whispered thanks as she brushed Ponyta's mane.
Susan looked calmer than she had in months.
Penelope laughed freely.
Tonks hugged Vulpix and whispered, "I want one."
Lucien watched them quietly.
No schemes.
No plans.
Just peace.
Akeno stepped beside him, murmuring,
"You spoil them."
Lucien smiled softly.
"They deserve it."
As the sun dipped behind the towers of Hogwarts, laughter echoed across the grounds.
For one perfect afternoon—
There were no exams.
No dark lords.
No worries.
Just friends… and magic.