"Kevin, are you going back to the orphanage for the holidays?" Harry asked as the two of them made their way toward the Great Hall for the year-end feast.
"That's the plan," Kevin replied, "though I might stay at Hermione's for a bit—she invited me to visit."
"You two have such a good relationship," Harry said with a mix of admiration and envy. "Can I write to you over the holidays?"
"Of course. If I don't hear from you, I might just turn up at your place," Kevin teased, knowing full well that Harry's relatives would keep him locked down.
Harry's smile faltered a little. He still had to return to Privet Drive—his only blood relatives. Sirius, as much as he loved Harry, couldn't replace that particular protection.
"It's a deal, then," Harry said, brightening at the thought of having someone to write to.
"Do you think Gryffindor's going to win the House Cup this year?" he added.
"If it's not Gryffindor," Kevin said dryly, "I'll make Ron stand on his head and eat his own shoes."
"Why Ron?"
"Why not? Someone has to pay if I'm wrong."
Inside the hall, Hermione and Ron were already waving them over.
"You're slow," Hermione said.
"Harry insisted on taking a farewell lap around Hogwarts," Kevin replied without missing a beat.
Harry gave him a baffled look. "I… did?"
Hermione rolled her eyes and pulled Kevin into the seat beside her.
The feast began with Dumbledore's speech, and the old headmaster wasted no time in toying with the audience—first announcing Slytherin as the winners, letting them bask in their cheers, then casually awarding last-minute points to Gryffindor to snatch victory away.
The Slytherin table went silent. The rest of the hall erupted.
Kevin privately thought it was a rather theatrical way to pit children against each other—but Hogwarts did love its drama.
After the feast, the four friends were heading for the train when Snape intercepted them.
"You three go ahead," Kevin told the others, recognizing the look in Snape's eyes.
Snape handed him the enchanted, stretchable bag Kevin had borrowed earlier in the year.
"When you've finished, send it to me by owl," he said curtly, then swept away.
Inside the bag were potion ingredients, several pieces of equipment, and a list.
At the bottom was a note: All must be brewed to excellent standard. If you fail, replace the batch yourself. If even half a vial is missing, don't bother coming back next term.
Kevin stared at it. Holiday homework? Seriously? But there was no refusing—he was Snape's apprentice now.
From a window above, Snape watched Kevin walk away, animatedly talking with his friends. Hermione looked at Kevin with unguarded fondness.
Snape's expression shifted—just slightly. Dumbledore's voice came from behind.
"You're fond of this one."
Snape snorted. "Just talent."
But Dumbledore smiled knowingly. Time would tell. Kevin might one day surpass even Snape—not to replace him, but to become something different altogether.
On the train, Ron asked, "Want to come to my house during the holidays? I've already told my parents about you."
"Count me in," Kevin said instantly.
Hermione nodded as if this had been prearranged. "We can set a date now."
Ron blinked. "You plan holidays before they even start?"
"Of course," Hermione said primly.
Harry hesitated. "I'd love to… but—"
"Set it for the week before school," Kevin cut in. "I'll come fetch you myself. We'll go straight back from the Burrow."
Harry grinned. "Deal."
Hermione frowned at their easy camaraderie, memories of Kevin patiently teaching Harry spells flashing through her mind.
Her thoughts took a turn she didn't like. No. Absolutely not. She shook her head so hard that Ron asked what was wrong.
At King's Cross, the Grangers greeted Hermione warmly—and extended an invitation for Kevin to stay with them.
He politely declined. He'd stayed there over Christmas, and without any formal connection to the family, he felt it would be overstepping.
Instead, he planned to exchange some gold for Muggle currency, rent a place near their home, and surprise Hermione.
Mrs. Granger tried again. "Hermione would love for you to stay. We'd be happy to have you."
"I know, Auntie," Kevin said with a smile. "I'll visit soon, I promise."
Hermione blushed furiously when her mother teased that she'd be upset if he didn't.
Once they drove away, Kevin turned toward the Leaky Cauldron.
First stop: Ollivanders.
"Oh yes, I remember—red sandalwood, ten and one-tenth inches, phoenix feather," Ollivander said at once. "Broken, was it? Hogwarts informed the Ministry."
Kevin nodded. A new wand was placed in his hand—ginkgo wood, nine inches, unicorn hair. It fit perfectly.
"Nine Galleons," Ollivander said, satisfied.
Next stop: Gringotts.
Kevin exchanged 5,000 Galleons for £25,000—enough for rent, furniture, and other Muggle-world expenses.
He returned to the orphanage laden with purchases. Technically, he couldn't move out yet—until adulthood or adoption, he had to remain on the orphanage's books.
But he was already planning his next steps.