Story Train

[Sita Raan]

Standing before you is none other than Professor Arjun Kapoor, a brilliant Magical Transportation scholar from the Ministry of Magic. You'd only seen him once in a guest lecture at Hogwarts, explaining the magic of enchanted carriages and long-distance apparition networks.

"But… but you disappeared!" you exclaim. "There were rumors that you had gone rogue..."

"...or that I was taken by dark wizards," Kapoor interrupts with a sad smile. "I assure you, I am still very much on the right side of magic. The same cannot be said for our dear train driver." He gestures toward the unconscious figure.

Colby frowns, crossing their arms. "So, what now? If this driver really is a dark wizard, what was he trying to do? And why charm the train to go this fast?"

[Matthew Treetop]

"Apparently, they suffered a huge mishap in their teenage years, and wanted some revenge against both teenagers and love. They were going to use this bottle to entice the whole train and make teenagers do what they wanted. A little bit strange if you ask me but you never know what is going on inside a dark wizard's mind", Professor Kapoor finishes with a smile.

You and Colby exchange some looks in sign of relief, and without saying a word, you know that you are both on the same track. You now understand Kapoor's intentions, and of course why the driver is in the state they were found. "Now, let's take this poor person to jail. However, you may know by now that this won't be an easy feat because well... we're moving at a very high speed and I cannot perform a spell in here", Kapoor adds, interrupting your thoughts.

He is right. If someone doesn't stop the train, or makes it slow down, it'll be impossible to transfer the dark wizard to an appropriate prison. Consequently, you grab Colby by the arm and walk them towards the front of the train, where the controls are. "We'll see what we can do, Professor", you reply to the once mysterious man, with security in your voice.

[Scarlet Robloutain]

As you and Colby make your way to the front of the train, your mind races with possible solutions. The enchanted controls are still glowing with those eerie runes, and you know you need to act fast. Colby examines the panel, their brow furrowed in concentration.

"We need to decipher these runes," Colby says, their voice steady. "They must be the key to slowing down the train."

You nod, pulling out your wand. "I'll try to dispel the enchantment. Keep an eye out for any changes."

With a deep breath, you begin casting counter-charms, focusing on each rune in turn. Slowly, the runes start to fade, and the train begins to decelerate. Colby watches the controls, ready to assist if needed.

Finally, the train comes to a gentle stop. You and Colby exchange relieved smiles, knowing you've averted disaster. Professor Kapoor joins you, his expression one of gratitude.

"Well done," he says. "You've both shown incredible bravery and quick thinking. Now, let's ensure this dark wizard is brought to justice."

With the train safely stopped, you think you can finally enjoy the rest of Valentine's Day with Colby...

[Matthew Treetop]

All seems to have come back to normal although there are some little things yet to solve. You realize you never repaired the damaged part of the train, the section you blased with Bombarda some hours ago, and you still need to decipher how you will make the train come back to Hogsmeade. The runes that control the train are gone, Professor Kapoor vanished in the air with his captive, but you were left with a stranded train.

You and Colby return to your cart, trying to plan ahead. "We're in the middle of nowhere without anyone knowing how to actually drive a train", you tell Colby with preoccupation. "I understand that. But you forget we're wizards. We can use magic to make the train move back to Hogsmeade. I don't know any spell for that obviously but probably someone around might", Colby ends with a positive look. You aren't surprised at Colby's words because you know they have always been positive even in the worst situations. So, you know what to do next. Find someone who can drive the train.

[Scarlet Robloutain]

As you and Colby step out of your cart, the train's eerie silence is broken only by the distant hoot of an owl. The corridors are dimly lit, casting long shadows that dance with the train's gentle sway. You both make your way through the compartments, peeking into each one, hoping to find someone who might know a spell to move the train.

In the third compartment, you find a group of younger students huddled together, their faces pale with worry. You reassure them, explaining the situation and asking if any of them have heard of a spell that could help. One of the students, a Ravenclaw named Elara, timidly raises her hand. "I remember reading about a spell in an old book," she says. "It's called Locomotor Train, but I've never tried it before."

With a glimmer of hope, you and Colby decide to give it a try. Gathering everyone in the compartment, you prepare to cast the spell, hoping for the best.