When Lucien returned to Lionhardt Mansion, the first thing that happened was—
Angelina tackled him in a hug.
"Don't forget us during Christmas!" she said, squeezing hard.
Lucien laughed and patted her head. "Your house is literally next door."
Angelina grinned, hugged him one last time, and ran off toward the Johnson residence, waving dramatically like she was leaving for war.
Back Home
Lucien stepped inside with Akeno and Penelope.
Waiting for them were:
Grayfia, Gamma, Yasaka, Sylpha, Nagini, Venelana, and Claire.
Before anyone could speak, Lucien was already being hugged from all directions.
"You're thinner."
"You didn't eat properly, did you?"
"Did Hogwarts explode?"
"Did you cause chaos?"
Lucien smiled. "Yes. No. Not this week. And… maybe."
Lunch turned into a full Hogwarts gossip session.
Lucien told them everything:
Quidditch madness Hoverboard chaos Quirrell being suspicious Voldemort being an idiot Ron reading books upside down
By the time he finished, Gamma was laughing, Yasaka looked proud, and Grayfia had already mentally updated Hogwarts' danger rating.
Christmas Shopping (a.k.a. Controlled Chaos)
After lunch, Lucien dragged Akeno and Penelope into town.
The gift list was… long.
Harry – a necklace
Ron – a book… right-side up
Neville – rare herb seeds
Hermione – enchanted notebooks
Daphne & Cassandra – matching protective charms
Evelyn – jewelry that could change form
Katie & Clara – training gear
Angelina – broom accessories
Weasley Twins – experimental alchemy materials
Susan – healing charms
Tonks – mood-reactive jewelry (she would love it)
Cedric – enchanted gloves
Professors:
McGonagall – enchanted tea set Flitwick – tuning forks for spell resonance Sprout – rare plant fertilizer Snape – potions notes a copy of the peverell family Dumbledore – wool and 101 Guide to KnittingFawkes – phoenix fire treats Hagrid – dragon-safe gloves
Penelope stared at the pile.
"…Are we spoiling them?"
Lucien replied calmly, "Yes."
Akeno nodded approvingly.
Plans Within Plans
Back at the mansion, Lucien addressed everyone seriously.
"I'll be going to France to meet Nicolas Flamel."
No one was surprised.
Then he turned to Gamma, Yasaka, and Nagini.
"Firebolt first. Pay their debts in full. Give them two years to deliver the best broom in the world."
They nodded.
"Cleansweep next," Lucien continued calmly.
"We own 100%. If the board resists—"
"—Ted Tonks," Yasaka finished.
"Or Lionhardt legal," Gamma added.
"And Uncle Edgar checks their finances," Nagini concluded.
Lucien smiled. "Exactly."
Everyone nodded. Orders received.
Departure
The next morning, Lucien hugged everyone goodbye.
Akeno adjusted his coat.
Penelope slipped a charm into his pocket "just in case."
Vulpix waved her tail sleepily.
Lucien boarded the private flight.
Destination: France.
Destination goal: Meet the legendary alchemist who might try to adopt him.
Lucien leaned back, amused.
"Christmas is going to be interesting."