Invisible String | TVD x WIZARDING WORLD

PLATFORM 9 3/4

They stood just steps from the barrier between platforms nine and ten, the brick wall that hid the magical gateway to 9¾. Diana glanced between the solid structure and her very non-magical, very impatient father.

Damon narrowed his eyes at the wall like it had personally insulted him. "So you're telling me I can't walk through this thing? I've walked through actual fire for this kid."

Regulus gave him a measured look, his tone dry. "Yes, and I imagine the fire didn't require specific magical access."

Damon folded his arms. "I've fought witches, bled out on cursed ground, survived Mystic Falls High School. But I'm going to be stopped by a brick wall?"

"Technically, yes," Diana said brightly. "It's charmed to allow magical folk only. No vampires allowed."

Damon turned to her with a flat stare. "I'm feeling incredibly discriminated against right now."

Regulus sighed, as if this was deeply beneath his dignity. "Luckily, I've solved your problem."

Damon raised a brow. "Please tell me you're not suggesting what I think you are."

Regulus held out his hand to Damon, and with the other, he took Diana's. "We'll go through together. But you need to trust me, and for once, don't fight the magic."

"I don't fight the magic," Damon said, already taking his hand reluctantly. "The magic fights me."

Diana snorted.

"Ready?" Regulus asked, tone smooth and businesslike.

"Not even remotely," Damon muttered.

"Good."

And just like that, Regulus stepped forward, pulling them both with him.

There was a strange lurching sensation, like being yanked through heavy water—but without the wet. Damon's grip tightened, and for a second he looked like he might actually throw a punch at the very fabric of magic itself.

Then they were through.

Damon stumbled as they emerged on the other side, blinking at the sight of the scarlet train, the crowds of witches and wizards, the scent of parchment and sweets and steam in the air.

He looked... stunned.

Diana clapped him on the back. "Welcome to the magical side, Dad."

He straightened his leather jacket and tried to look unbothered. "I've seen weirder."

"Sure you have," Regulus said calmly, releasing their hands.

Damon turned to him. "You ever touch me again and I'll compel you to dance for an hour."

"You can't compel me," Regulus said, sounding deeply unimpressed. "And your hands are clammy."

"I just went through a wall, Black."

"Gentlemen," Diana interrupted, clearly amused. "I'm the teenager here, remember?"

Regulus glanced at her with a raised brow, his voice soft but edged with amusement. "You seem oddly at ease for someone about to step into a world of unpredictable magic and teenage drama."

Diana smirked, tossing her hair over her shoulder. "I'm a Salvatore, Regulus. Drama is basically my middle name."

Damon snorted, rolling his eyes. "Right. Because your favorite thing in the world isn't getting into trouble. No, you're totally about peace and quiet."

"I have a reputation to uphold, after all," Diana quipped, her gaze shifting to the Hogwarts Express as it steamed toward them, its large, shining windows reflecting the early morning light. "Besides, if trouble doesn't come looking for me, I'll just have to make my own."

Damon sighed, a small but knowing smile tugging at his lips. "Of course you will. Just don't get expelled before Halloween. The paperwork's a nightmare."

"Just let me know if you need me to rescue you from any dire situations," Regulus added dryly. "I know more secret passageways than you would care to imagine..."

Regulus nodded toward the train, the whistle blowing sharply now. "Time's up."

Damon's smirk faded, just a little. "Okay, okay. One last thing."

Diana turned to him expectantly. "Yes?"

"Don't flirt with anyone who looks like trouble."

Diana raised a brow. "Define trouble."

"You'll know." He gave her a quick, one-armed hug, something rare and fierce. "I love you, menace."

"Love you too, old man," she said into his shoulder before stepping back.

Regulus gave her a subtle nod, the barest hint of pride in his eyes. "Go on, Diana. The rest of your story's waiting."

She grinned, grabbed her trunk, and bounded toward the train.

As she climbed aboard, she looked back once—at Damon and Regulus, unlikely guardians standing side by side, magic and mayhem behind them both.

She waved.

They waved back.

And then the Hogwarts Express took her away, toward magic, mystery, and the wild, brilliant unknown.