#26 Getting Lucky

Before he knew it, Lucky had dozed to sleep on Sophia's shoulder. He'd meant to reach for Martha's bag for sustenance, but never made it before exhaustion set in. His hands arms were folded over his chest, his eyes closed, and his hair had fallen into his face. Lips slightly parted, he softly snored -- or really, it was a gentle purring, a soft and comfortable rumbling sound.

His breathing was steady, as was the rise and fall of his broad chest, as he slept soundly for the first time in days. The sound of the train was low and whooshing, like the soft winds of a clear sky, as it traveled familiar tracks towards their destination -- and paired with the relaxing lull of their compartment, it could've had Lucky sleeping for ten days straight. He was comfy, snug.

Who knew his best friend's shoulder was so comfortable?

Lucky woke in a daze when the train stopped, yawning and trying to remember where he was. The sun streamed through the car window, and for a moment, he felt disoriented. He grabbed his things and followed his friends into the aisle, rubbing his eyes and clearing them of any salty grit. No eye boogers. That was good. It meant he wouldn't need to pluck any from Sophia's hair.

The station was filled with the noise of excited children squealing into the arms of their parents, mothers proclaiming how tall their sons had become, and fathers lifting their daughters into the air -- the energy was infectious, and Lucky bounced on the balls of his feet in anticipation of meeting his best friend's parents, his amber eyes scanning the crowd in front of them.

He'd spared a moment to say a quick farewell to Martha, and reached for her with an open arm. It wouldn't be the last time he'd see her for the summer, at least he hoped not. They had made plans to hang out over break, both at the World Cup and for a shopping trip in Diagon Alley.

It wasn't long after that he was standing in front of the man and woman that raised his best friend. From what he could tell, Sophia's parents were quirky, unusual, and her father seemed especially taken by his stature -- but they were loving, likeable, and welcoming, and he grinned at the sight of their paper crowns, before returning Penelope's hug with one of his own.

'Yeah, all my best mates call me Lucky.' He smiled and straightened out his posture, as if to speak more clearly and make a better first impression. 'Chuffed to meet the both of you.'

Lucky flashed a grin brimming with joy, his head nodding at her father's mention of Quidditch. He felt like he was caught in a whirlwind as they left the platform, sweeping away all the sadness and silent pain -- and replacing it with pure, unsaturated happiness. Getting to know Noah and Penelope, and spending the summer hanging out with their daughter, was going to be a blast.

--

The smile never left his face after leaving the station. He smiled while walking, talking, and sitting -- with no sign of his happy expression faltering. It was permanently painted on his face, boyishly charming, and grew two times larger the moment he stepped out onto the soil of Puddles Way.

Her family's cottage laid in front of him, quaint and cozy, and surrounded by a forest. He looked at it fondly, for it was his home for the summer. Not even the garden decorations, and various hanging baubles, could detract from its picturesque appeal. SunDaliah, Sophia had called it.

It was whimsical and strange, and yet felt perfectly natural, in the best of ways.

'Did you lot make the ornaments yourself?' He looked at Sophia with an amused look, then turned towards Penelope. 'I love a bit of arts and crafts. We worked with clay, wood, and other things in Charms this year. Brought our creations to life and everything. It was brilliant stuff. My wooden platypus was a real head-turner too, wasn't he, Soph?'

Lucky chuckled, before his gaze swept the rest of the property, and he caught a glimpse of the backyard. He beamed, his handsome eyes taking in the vast size of its field -- no doubt able to hold a Quidditch game or two. He was fully prepared to make use of it during his stay, but only if Sophia felt like playing, of course. And why wouldn't she? It was Quidditch, their favorite.

He nodded at the stern instruction from Noah, his brows knitting together as he registered the flying information in his head. Had he been that obvious in his admiration of their yard? Probably.

Sophia's father seemed stern, but Lucky could tell it was from a protective and paternal place. He didn't know what it was like living in a mixed community, having only lived in a magical one his whole life, but he imagined he'd grow accustomed to it. He wanted to, too. Noah and Penelope were doing Lucky a kindness by allowing him to stay with them the duration of the summer.

It was only right that he abide by and follow their rules.

The rest of day was theirs to do whatever they wanted, whether it be a continuation of the house tour, or them heading out back. He was keen to get a look at Sophia's bedroom, but wanted to save that for when he could truly appreciate it. There was something more pressing he needed to take care of before anything else -- and the sooner he took care of it, the better off he'd be.

'Lets check out the rest of your house first, yeah?' Lucky grabbed the handle of his luggage, and began to pull it forward. 'Need to pay your loo a visit. Been bloody holding it since leaving the station.' He whispered the last bit to Sophia, trying not to bust into laughter.