Vita Magicis (HP SI-WC) (Patreon)

Chapter 33: Homecomings and Summer Dreams

“Is everyone ready to go?” I asked, turning toward the girls gathered around the eating area.

It was quite a sight.

Nearly every seat was occupied by a homunculus maid, their identical appearances and matching black-and-white uniforms giving the scene an eerie, doll-like symmetry. Anyone walking in would’ve thought they’d stepped into a surreal painting.

A few locals sitting nearby were watching us with wary curiosity. Some of the bolder men eyed the girls with less innocent interest—but they were promptly ignored. I didn’t pay it any mind.

Illya’s eyes suddenly gleamed with playful mischief.

She sprang up from her seat and grabbed my free hand. “Lead the way, Onii-chan~” she said sweetly, not-so-subtly shooting smug glances toward Rin.

Rin clicked her tongue in irritation but rose as well, joining us at my side. Her cheeks were still faintly red, and she refused to meet my eyes—or Sakura’s.

Bella and Ilulu joined next, calm and composed. Asako, ever dutiful, was off securing our exit path.

Under the curious gaze of the locals, our strange little group checked out of the inn and exited the town. The last traces of sunlight were already fading from the horizon, casting long shadows behind us.

After wandering off the path for a few minutes, we came upon a quiet clearing—surrounded on all sides by tall trees.

A moment later, Asako emerged from the shadows, kneeling before me in one smooth motion.

“Master, the area is secured.”

“Great job, Asako. I’ll be sure to reward you properly once we’re home,” I replied with a nod, earning a small blush and quiet smile as she moved to rejoin the group.

“So… how are we getting to your world, Onii-chan?” Illya asked, red eyes scanning the clearing with curiosity, clearly searching for a hidden spell or portal.

“Give it a moment,” I said, reaching into my inventory and pulling out the Company Phone.

Tapping into the We Will Meet Again perk, I designated our return destination—the Harry Potter world—and activated it.

A subtle hum filled the air.

Then, gasps echoed around me as a shimmering portal opened before us—just large enough for a fully grown adult to pass through.

The gateway swirled with silver and blue energy, casting dancing lights across the trees.

Walking in front of the girls, I turned with a teasing smile and bowed slightly, gesturing toward the swirling portal.

“After you, ladies~”

Asako, ever the dutiful shadow, was the first to step forward.

“I’ll take the lead to ensure there’s no danger ahead,” she said quietly, then disappeared into the light.

One by one, the others followed.

Illya skipped through with a bright “Let’s go~!”

Rin rolled her eyes, muttered something about “drama queens,” and walked in with her arms crossed.

Ilulu gave me a soft, happy look before entering, and Bella simply nodded—her expression cool but affectionate.

Then it was just me and Sakura.

She looked up at me with eyes full of love and trust. That gentle smile of hers could melt glaciers.

“I’ll see you on the other side, Senpai~” she whispered sweetly and then stepped through.

Now alone, I cast one last look around the quiet clearing.

The wind stirred the trees gently. Shadows stretched long and deep. Despite everything that happened here, it felt… peaceful.

“Time to head home,” I murmured with a small smile. “Maybe we’ll return someday, see what else this world has to offer.”

With that, I stepped forward.

The portal closed behind me with a soft hum, leaving the world of Fate behind.

=====

Cordelia Manor – Receiving Hall

 Stepping out of the portal, I was greeted by the familiar stone walls and polished granite floor of my home.

And then—suddenly—I blinked.

Because I was staring at the ceiling.

A split second later, my brain caught up to the rest of my body.

Happy squeals rang out. Several voices all shouted my name at once.

And I realized, with both amusement and a hint of suffocation…

…I was buried beneath a pile of female bodies.

It took a few minutes, but I finally managed to extract myself from the pile of very enthusiastic girls—after greeting them all, of course.

Maya, in particular, was a force to be reckoned with.

She practically sucked my soul out with her greeting kiss and refused to let go until I was nearly gasping for air.

When I finally stood up again, straightening my clothes and catching my breath, I was immediately met with the combined jealous glares of Rin, Sakura, and Illya.

All three were pouting in sync, arms crossed, eyes locked onto the swarm of affectionate girls still clinging to me.

Eight, to be exact.

Not including Ilulu, Asako, or Bella.

“Hehe…” I scratched the back of my head, giving a sheepish smile. “Right, uh… anyway—let me introduce everyone.”

Once I finished the introductions, I was met with deadpan silence.

Rin and Illya stared at me like I’d just confessed to murdering a unicorn.

(Which, technically, I guess I had… her purity that is.)

“Let me get this straight,” Rin said slowly, her voice unnervingly flat and her eyebrow twitching. “You turned a Phoenix… a Horned Serpent… a Hippogriff… a Thestral… a Unicorn… a Thunderbird… a Basilisk… and a normal owl into cute girls and made them your girlfriends?”

She blinked. “Did I get that right?”

Next to her, Illya was staring at me with wide, sparkling eyes—like she was seeing me for the first time.

She even covered her chest playfully with her arms and said, “I knew it. Onii-chan really is a beast~”

Sakura, who had remained mostly quiet, was just watching everything unfold with a strange look in her eyes.

Then she shook her head… and something steeled in her expression.

Her violet eyes grew determined.

“Umm… yeah,” I admitted finally, offering a nervous grin. “That’s… about right.”

Pleased sounds and soft giggles came from the girls clinging to me, clearly unbothered.

Thankfully, I was saved from Rin’s inevitable interrogation by a familiar, melodic voice speaking the most magical words imaginable.

“Everyone~ I know you’re all excited that Master has returned, but please make yourselves ready for dinner. It’ll be ready in 30 minutes~” Ilulu announced with a warm smile as she passed by, already headed toward the kitchen.

The effect was instantaneous.

The girls who’d stayed behind with me cheered as if someone had just cast a mass-level cheering charm.

“Finally! Real food! No more scraps!”

“Ilulu’s cooking! I missed you so much!”

“I won’t have to go hungry anymore~!”

In a blur of motion, the crowd around me vanished—off to freshen up and prepare for the feast to come.

And just like that, I was left with only Rin, Sakura, Illya, and the group of new homunculus maids… all blinking in quiet awkwardness.

They weren’t sure what to do next.

Coughing politely into my hand to draw their attention, I smiled. “Alright. How about I show everyone to their rooms so you can get settled in before dinner? We can save the million questions for after—or tomorrow.”

That earned a few nods and relieved smiles.

Sakura and Illya immediately latched onto me—one on each arm—without hesitation.

Rin stepped forward… only to find her usual spot already claimed.

She blinked, frowned, then pouted, falling into step beside me with arms crossed and cheeks puffed.

“Hmph. Whatever,” she muttered under her breath. “Next time, I’ll win.”

As I led them through the manor, light conversation filled the halls.

The girls, still taking in the magical architecture, stopped at nearly every moving portrait we passed—some laughing, some blinking in disbelief.

When I explained that enchanted portraits were a normal thing in this world, their expressions ranged from awe (Illya), to skepticism (Rin), to quiet wonder (Sakura).

Before long, the tour was complete.

As expected, the girls all requested rooms in the same wing as mine—and as close to my room as possible.

I didn’t even bother acting surprised.

Once they were settled in, I finally returned to my own room. The manor was quiet now, filled only with the distant hum of movement and the faint scent of food wafting in from the kitchen.

I walked over to my desk, wiping my hands on a fresh towel as I eyed the small stack of neatly placed letters that had arrived during my time away.

‘I wonder how everyone’s doing…’ I thought as I reached for the first envelope.

=====

Hermione’s Letter

Dear Aether,

How is your summer going? Have you already started on your homework assignments?

Speaking of assignments, what electives are you planning to take for our third year? I heard Ancient Runes and Arithmancy are both amazing, but I also find myself curious about Divination and Muggle Studies—just to see how the wizarding world views us from their perspective. Ugh, there are just too many choices! Why can’t we pick every elective?

Anyway, I hope you’re doing alright—whatever it is you were up to this summer. But I hope you know I expect a full, detailed explanation on our way back to Hogwarts, mister. Don’t even think about dodging the question.

Write back as soon as you can, so I don’t worry myself to death.

Love,

Hermione Granger

=====

Daphne’s Letter

Dear Aether,

How are you doing? I hope this letter finds you well—and that you’re able to return my correspondence soon.

Well… other than worrying myself to the point of madness, things at home have been better than expected. My parents immediately noticed that Astoria looked healthier than when term began and took her to see a healer.

As you can probably guess, they were shocked beyond belief to find her completely cured—with no trace of a curse left in her body.

They tried to get answers out of us, of course, but we didn’t say anything. While we’ve managed to get them to back off for now, I don’t think it’ll be long before they figure out the truth.

I’m sorry. I know you didn’t want attention drawn to yourself, and I feel terrible that I couldn’t do more to help with that—especially with my own family. The only comfort I can offer is that the healer won’t say a word about it (confidentiality, you know), and my parents tend to be very private in their affairs. So even if they do figure it out… I don’t think it’ll bring too much trouble your way.

Hopefully.

…Haah. Enough of me moping.

I hope that whatever you’ve been doing this summer turned out alright. I’ll be needing my tutor back next year, after all.

With best regards,

Daphne Greengrass

=====

Astoria’s Letter

My Dear Aether,

I miss you! When are you getting back from your trip? You better let me know as soon as you do so I can come and visit, okay?

Anyway, I’m doing much better now—thanks to you, of course~ It feels so good being able to run again without passing out from exhaustion!

On a more serious note, I guess you’ve already heard about my parents' reaction from Sis, huh? I caught her smiling with that dumb look on her face earlier—and she only gets like that when she’s thinking about you~ But you didn’t hear that from me.

Don’t worry, I promise I’ll do everything I can to make sure our parents don’t bother you, even if they end up finding out the truth. It’s the least I can do.

But I was serious earlier… I really miss you. I want to see you. There’s something important I need to talk about with you once school starts. Most of all, I just hope you’re okay.

You’re not allowed to disappear from my life anymore—not after stealing a young girl’s heart, mister.

With all my love,

Astoria Greengrass

=====

Rose’s Letter

Dear Aether,

How are you, Aether? I hope this letter finds you well—and that by the time you’re reading this, you’re already safely back home.

As for me and Harry, Padfoot decided to take us to Japan to tour some of the ancient Shinto shrines. It’s been so fun exploring and reading about their culture! I just wish you were here to keep me company… as much as I love my idiot brother and Padfoot, they’ve shown zero interest in the ancient monuments. They just want to spend all their time eating the local cuisine.

Not that I didn’t enjoy it too—the food is amazing—but I just wish someone was here who shared my interests…

Please send a letter as soon as you’re back, okay? We should return from our trip the day before our birthday. I know you said on the Express you might not be able to make it… but I can still hope, right?

Anyway, I better go—Harry and Padfoot are making faces at me again, which means they’re probably hungry.

I can’t wait to see you again—whenever that is. Stay safe.

With love,

Rose Potter

=====

Ginny’s Letter

Dear Aether,

First of all, I hope you’re okay—whatever it is you’re doing. You left with some… worrying and mysterious words back on the Express, and I’ve been thinking about them a lot.

Let me be the first to tell you (in case you haven’t seen the Prophet)—Dad won the Daily Prophet Grand Prize Galleon Draw! He decided to take the whole family to Egypt to visit my brother Bill for the holidays.

I really hope you get to meet Bill soon. I’m sure you two would get along brilliantly. He’s my favorite brother, and he’s the one who taught me the Bat-Bogey Hex to scare off boys—haha.

Egypt has been amazing, and I’m having a blast… but I can’t deny I wish you were here.

Oh! Speaking of magic—I've been training with the ability you gifted me in all my spare time. I’ve got a surprise for you when we meet again~!

Write to me soon, okay? And just so you know, we should be back just before my birthday. I really, really hope you’ll be able to make it.

I miss you.

With all my love,

Ginny Weasley

=====

Luna’s Letter

Dear Aether,

Did you know that Bowtruckles hum when they miss someone?

I’m not entirely sure it’s true, but one of the little ones in our garden has been humming a lot lately. I think it might be thinking of you. Or maybe it just really likes the pear tree.

How have you been? I hope your journey—wherever the winds took you—was filled with light and not too many Wrackspurts. I tried to ask the clouds if you were safe, but they only gave me shapes that looked like turnips. That seemed like a good sign.

Mother says hello, by the way. She’s been working on a new potion to help with sleepwalking Crumple-Horned Snorkacks, and she’s finally teaching me how to use phoenix ash properly. I asked her if I could send you a bit in this letter, but she said it might be considered contraband in some countries. Pity.

I miss talking to you. Things are… quieter without you. Not bad-quiet, just… less warm. Less bright.

Oh! I made a new necklace from sea glass and moonflower seeds. I think you’d like it. It makes a lovely sound when it moves—sort of like laughter and windchimes.

Please write back soon. I know you're probably doing something very important. You always are. But I feel better when I know you’re alright.

The humming Bowtruckle agrees.

Always your friend,

Luna Lovegood

=====

Putting the letters down, I felt a warm flutter in my chest at how much they all cared about me.

But at the same time… I felt a small pang of guilt.

I’m the one who made them worry in the first place.

Shaking my head, I stood up, pulled out my phone, and checked the time—half an hour had already passed.

I left my room and headed toward the kitchen, the sound of cheerful chatter growing louder with each step.

Moments later, I stepped inside and was greeted with a wave of warmth—laughter, conversation, and the rich aroma of freshly cooked food. I smiled and offered my greetings before making my way to the head of the long dining table, already salivating at the sight of the feast Ilulu had prepared.

Dishes from multiple cultures, stacked bowls, warm breads, fresh fruits, even desserts—it was all there, prepared with love.

Looking up, I found every pair of eyes on me.

Some smiling. Some smirking. Others just glowing with happiness.

I cleared my throat.

“First of all, I just want to say—if it wasn’t already obvious—our trip was a major success.”

I turned and gave Rin, Sakura, Illya, and the row of homunculus maids a welcoming smile. The girls at the table echoed it with their own greetings, causing the newcomers to fidget a little under the attention.

“Secondly,” I continued, “I know I promised we’d take a vacation in that world after the missions were done. But…”

I bowed my head slightly.

“I’m sorry. That world turned out to be far more dangerous than expected. I made the call to come home early for everyone’s safety.”

There was a small pause before Maya, her crimson hair shimmering in the light, raised her hand and asked quietly, “Does that mean we won’t be going on a summer trip anymore…?”

Her long, red-tipped ears drooped slightly.

The others around the table started to look disappointed as well.

Quickly, I raised my hands.

“Of course not!” I said, smiling again. “I promised all of you a summer trip—and that’s exactly what we’re going to have.”

I waited a beat—then added:

“We were only gone for two weeks. We still have the rest of the summer ahead of us.”

Cheers erupted around the table.

Maya’s ears perked back up instantly. Several of the girls—who had clearly already imagined themselves stuck at home for the rest of the break—let out sighs of relief and excitement.

I held up my glass and grinned.

“So everyone—get your summer clothes ready. Because in a couple of days, we’re going to the beaches of Greece.”