Back Home Is Always Loud
Coming back from King's Cross was always… an experience.
Lucien Aurelius Lionhardt stepped out of the carriage first, stretching slightly as if he hadn't just walked through a station full of whispering witches, staring parents, and at least three girls who fainted for reasons he preferred not to question.
Akeno hopped down beside him, cheerful as ever.
Penelope followed carefully, luggage floating behind her.
Angelina lingered for a moment, fidgeting slightly.
"Well," Angelina said, forcing a smile, "this is me."
Her house stood right next door to the Lionhardt mansion—close enough that Lucien could see her window from his own.
Lucien nodded. "Make sure you rest. Hogwarts drains people more than it admits."
Angelina laughed softly. "You say that like an old man."
He smirked. "Experience."
She hesitated… then hugged him quickly.
"Good night, Lucien."
"Good night, Angelina."
She practically sprinted inside, face red.
Akeno watched her go, then leaned in.
"She's cute."
Lucien sighed. "Please don't encourage this."
Too late.
The Lionhardt Welcome (Survival Mode)
The front doors opened.
Lucien had exactly half a second to brace himself.
"LUCIEN—!"
Grayfia appeared first, elegant and composed… until she hugged him tightly.
Gamma followed, patting his head while mentally calculating something.
Yasaka smiled warmly, tails swaying happily.
Velgrynd crossed her arms but nodded approvingly.
Sylpha waved cheerfully.
Venelana and Claire approached last—
—and Lucien was immediately trapped between them.
"You're back," Venelana said softly, hugging him.
"Took long enough," Claire muttered, hugging him too.
Nagini appeared from behind, wrapping her arms around him with a gentle squeeze.
Lucien vanished under affection.
"…I missed you too," he said, voice slightly muffled.
Akeno clapped.
"So this is what dying looks like."
Inside the Mansion – Business (Unfortunately)
After everyone finally let Lucien breathe, they moved inside and settled into the main lounge.
Tea appeared. Snacks appeared. Someone (Gamma) produced documents.
Lucien sat back calmly.
"Alright," he said, "reports."
Venelana straightened slightly.
"Runcandel Group in the muggle world is stable. Profits are rising. No hostile moves."
Gamma nodded.
"Runcandel Store in the wizarding world is expanding smoothly. Demand is… excessive."
Yasaka smiled.
"No interference from the Ministry. For now."
Lucien nodded once.
"Good."
Then he turned to Nagini.
"And the Firebolt broom research?"
Nagini answered calmly.
"Eight months. The first Firebolt-class broom will be completed then."
Lucien nodded again.
"Excellent."
He paused, then asked, "What about the potion brewers Professor Snape recommended last year?"
Nagini smiled faintly.
"They're doing very well. Skilled. Dedicated."
Lucien tapped his fingers lightly.
"Give them access to advanced potion formulas. Train them personally. Those potions will be released to the market."
Nagini bowed her head slightly.
"Understood."
Then Lucien added casually—
"My brother will be living here in one or two months."
Silence.
Then—
Everyone nodded.
No questions.
No hesitation.
"Of course," Venelana said.
"We'll prepare," Gamma added.
"Family is family," Yasaka said warmly.
Lucien relaxed slightly.
Dinner and Quiet
Dinner that night was calm.
Too calm.
Lucien ate, listened, nodded, occasionally smiled. For once, no emergencies, no surprises, no explosions.
Afterward, he retreated to his room.
Venelana followed.
She hugged him gently, resting her forehead against his.
"You did well today," she said softly.
Lucien smiled faintly and returned the hug.
"…I'm home."
That night, Lucien fell asleep quickly.
For once—
Peace stayed.