Leon followed the line of students into the Hogwarts Express — far too many people packed into one place, but for a miniature troublemaker like him, it was nothing short of wonderful. Potential friends... or perhaps, future victims of his pranks. A cheeky grin crept across his face, and his slightly crooked teeth gleamed.

The young English first-year took full advantage of his unusually small size for his age, slipping easily through the gaps between the bustling crowd.

And there it was: an empty compartment. His eyes lit up. Leon darted forward and finally claimed a seat. He dropped his luggage in front of him and pressed his face to the window, watching the outside world begin to shift. There, Leon could see his mother and father running after the express. Even through their tears, they both proudly wore a look of joy. Their warm smiles would accompany the young man until the end of the school year.

And then, that smile became the motivation and foundation for the journey that lay ahead. Leon knew that longing, fear, and sadness would sometimes overtake him, but it was the certainty of the reunion promised by his parents that would be his greatest strength.