Return of the Heir
Lucien stepped back into the Lionhardt Mansion, and for a brief moment, the world felt complete.
He was immediately pulled into a storm of warmth.
Grayfia's composed embrace.
Gamma's relieved smile.
Yasaka's gentle pat on his head.
Akeno's familiar warmth.
Sylpha and Velgrynd greeting him with calm pride.
Nagini's quiet but sincere hug.
Angelina and Penelope clinging to him without hesitation.
Venelana and Claire smiling as if a long-lost prince had returned.
Lucien hugged them all in turn—unhurried, sincere.
Bayonetta stood beside him, watching silently, her eyes soft. For someone who embodied the end of all things, this kind of beginning still felt miraculous.
Business Before School
Once everyone settled, Lucien turned to Yasaka and Gamma.
"How did Cleansweep and Firebolt go?"
Gamma adjusted her glasses.
"Firebolt accepted our terms. Their research will conclude within two years. Debt cleared."
Yasaka continued smoothly.
"Cleansweep resisted. Failed. Financial laundering confirmed. Full takeover secured."
Lucien nodded, satisfied.
"Well handled."
He didn't waste time.
"Nagini, Yasaka, Gamma—begin phase one of the Lionhardt Stores in the wizarding world."
All three nodded immediately.
"Use the Black family's influence to secure every viable herb supplier," Lucien continued.
"Buy out the market if needed. Plant everything in portable dimensions. Increase yield. Lock England's potion supply through contracts."
Nagini's lips curved slightly.
"And my role?"
"You'll be CEO of Lionhardt Stores."
There was no hesitation.
"I accept."
Lucien then added calmly,
"I'll handle the potion brewers separately. There's a better way."
No one questioned him. They had long learned that when Lucien spoke like that, the future was already decided.
After farewells, Lucien departed with Akeno, Penelope, and Angelina, heading for King's Cross.
Hogwarts Express — Expanded Compartment
The moment they entered the train, Lucien spotted familiar faces:
Susan, Tonks, Daphne, Cassandra, Cho Chang, Katie, Clara, Hermione, and Elize.
With a snap of his fingers, the compartment expanded seamlessly, space bending without notice.
They settled in, chatting immediately.
Akeno quietly handed Lucien a neatly written list.
It detailed every Christmas gift he had received—from students, professors, allies, and family alike.
Lucien scanned it carefully.
Before he could finish—
Hermione crossed her arms.
"…You didn't open them."
Lucien paused, then sighed softly.
"I'm sorry. I went to France and only returned today."
Susan tilted her head.
Tonks squinted suspiciously.
Daphne and Cassandra exchanged looks.
Cho tried not to stare.
Katie and Clara huffed lightly.
Elize nodded as if already judging him.
Angelina, Penelope, and Akeno immediately backed him.
"He really was busy."
"Very busy."
"Dangerously busy."
The girls relented—but only slightly.
"You'll make it up to us," Tonks said, grinning.
Lucien nodded.
"I will."
A Name That Shook the Compartment
Tonks leaned closer.
"So… where exactly did you go?"
Lucien replied calmly.
"France. To meet Nicolas Flamel."
Silence.
Complete, absolute silence.
"…The Nicolas Flamel?" Hermione whispered.
Lucien nodded.
"The alchemist. Philosopher's Stone. That one."
Every single girl froze.
Cho blinked.
"You… met him?"
Susan looked like her brain had stalled.
Katie and Clara stared openly.
Daphne and Cassandra were visibly stunned.
Tonks' hair shifted colors unconsciously.
Lucien continued casually, as if discussing the weather.
"I stayed at his mansion. Learned alchemy. Cooked with his wife."
Hermione clutched her head.
"…Of course you did."
Lucien leaned back, calm and faintly amused.
The Hogwarts Express sped forward, carrying with it a boy who had shaken business empires, ancient immortals, and now—once again—the expectations of everyone around him.