Prologue
The ache of parting clung to them both, a silent, desperate plea for time to slow. Two small boys, four and six years old, clung to each other with a ferocity that mirrored their grief. Tears streamed down their cheeks, blurring the edges of the world as the inevitable moment drew closer. "Okay Harry, it's time to go," his mother’s voice, gentle yet firm, ignited a fresh wave of sobs. He tightened his grip on his ‘hero,’ burying his face against the older boy's shoulder.
“Haz, it’s alright,” the six-year-old said, his voice trembling but resolute. “We will see each other very soon, I promise.”
“You promise?” Harry choked out, his small hands wiping at the tears blurring his vision. The older boy’s smile was fragile, a beacon of hope in a sea of sorrow. He raised his pinky finger, a silent vow. Harry intertwined his own tiny finger with his friend’s, sealing the pledge. The older boy cupped his friend’s cheeks, his touch tender.
Reluctantly, Harry detached himself, allowing his mother to lead him toward the waiting car. The engine sputtered to life, and he leaned out the window, his small face pressed against the cool glass. “Bye hero,” he shouted, his voice raw with emotion. “I will miss you!”
The car pulled away, and Harry ran, keeping pace for a moment, desperate to hold onto the image of his friend. “See you soon, Haz,” he called, his voice fading with distance. “Take care!” The car disappeared around the bend, leaving a hollow ache in its wake. He was left standing alone, a broken heart already aching with the weight of absence.
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Harry held a worn picture frame against his chest, the ghosts of memory swirling around him. The photograph showed two boys, one four, one six, holding hands, their smiles radiating a joy that felt impossibly distant. He traced the outline of their faces, a weak chuckle escaping his lips as he remembered the playful teasing about his height. A single tear traced a path down his cheek. He whispered, “I miss you, hero…” before carefully placing the picture into his bag and zipping it closed. He was ready. Ready to head to his new school—undercover.