Summer at Jadhav Manor passed in a flurry of activity and anticipation. With the manor now bustling with life, Sagar found himself able to relax for the first time in years. Yet as July melted into August, his thoughts turned more and more to Hogwarts and the mysteries that awaited him in his second year.
Letters and Lists
The first sign that the new term was approaching came in the form of a snowy white owl, swooping through the open window one morning and landing gracefully on Sagar's breakfast table. The envelope, sealed with the familiar Hogwarts crest, contained his list of required books and supplies for the coming year:
Second Year Students Will Require:
The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 2 by Miranda Goshawk
Break with a Banshee by Gilderoy Lockhart
Gadding with Ghouls by Gilderoy Lockhart
Holidays with Hags by Gilderoy Lockhart
Travels with Trolls by Gilderoy Lockhart
Year with the Yeti by Gilderoy Lockhart
Wand and school robes (as before)
New cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)
Sagar couldn't help but grin at the sight of so many Lockhart titles—he'd heard rumors of the flamboyant wizard's appointment as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor and was already looking forward to the spectacle.
Outfitting for the Year
With Mira's help, Sagar organized a trip to Diagon Alley for himself and the Patel twins, who would be starting their first year at Hogwarts. They traveled by Floo Powder, emerging into the bustling alleyway filled with the sounds of excited students, chattering parents, and the calls of shopkeepers hawking the latest in magical wares.
Sagar led his group through the shops with practiced ease, picking up new books at Flourish and Blotts—where Gilderoy Lockhart himself was signing copies and dazzling the crowd. Sagar watched the scene with amusement, exchanging a knowing glance with Hermione Granger, who was also in line with her parents.
At Madam Malkin's, he was fitted for new robes, and at Slug & Jiggers, he restocked his potion ingredients, choosing a few rare herbs that might come in handy for experiments of his own. He even treated his staff to ice cream at Florean Fortescue's, watching as the twins marveled at the magical flavors and the enchanted umbrellas that shaded their table.
Magical Upgrades
Back at the manor, Sagar spent the remaining weeks preparing for the challenges ahead. He enchanted his trunk with extra compartments—one for books, one for potions, and a hidden one for magical artifacts he'd discovered in the castle's depths. He practiced advanced spells in the privacy of the manor's dueling room, honing his skills for whatever surprises the new year might bring.
He also took time to mentor the Patel twins, sharing what he'd learned about Hogwarts life: the best way to avoid Peeves, how to win over the house-elves in the kitchens, and which professors to impress (or avoid). Tippy, the house-elf, packed their trunks with care, tucking in snacks and good-luck charms.
A Farewell Feast
On the eve of departure, Sagar hosted a farewell feast for his household. The great hall was filled with laughter, floating candles, and dishes from every corner of the magical world. Mira toasted to a successful year, the twins chattered excitedly about the train, and Sagar felt a deep sense of gratitude for the family he had built.
As the night wound down, Sagar stood by the window, gazing at the stars. He thought of Hogwarts—of secret chambers, enchanted diaries, and the friends he'd made. He knew the coming year would be even more dangerous, more mysterious, and more exciting than the last.
But Sagar was ready. With his trunk packed, his mind sharp, and his heart open to adventure, he looked forward to the journey ahead.