“Today’s the day,” he whispered to himself, glancing over his shoulder at Zephyr, who lounged comfortably on the small couch, his white robes draped elegantly around him. 

 Zephyr looked up, emerald eyes sparkling with mischief. “Are you nervous, little wizard? I can see that twitch in your fingers.”

 “I’m not nervous,” Jinx protested, though he could feel the flutter in his stomach. It was one thing to attend the convention as a solo wizard, but this year he had Zephyr at his side. A dragon, no less, in human form, ready to turn heads and raise eyebrows. “I just… haven’t introduced you to anyone yet.”

 “Right,” Zephyr said, stretching lazily. “Because revealing I’m your familiar is going to be a walk in the park. No pressure, though.” 

 “Very funny,” Jinx replied, rolling his eyes. “But it’s true! I mean, I’ve never told anyone. They’ll wonder why I didn’t have one sooner…”

 “Or they’ll be astonished at your good fortune,” Zephyr interrupted, standing up and adjusting his robes. “Just remember, you’re a wizard, and I’m a dragon. We can handle whatever comes our way.”

 “Easy for you to say,” Jinx mumbled. “You’re not the one who’s spent years trying to prove yourself.”

 “Perhaps, but you’re not alone anymore. You have me.” Zephyr’s voice softened, and he stepped closer, placing a reassuring hand on Jinx’s shoulder. “Trust in that.”

 “I know,” Jinx said, feeling warmth spread through him. “But what if they don’t like you? Or worse, what if they freak out?”

 “Let them.” Zephyr shrugged, a playful grin returning. “They’ll either be impressed or terrified. Either way, it’ll be entertaining.”

 Jinx chuckled, feeling a bit of the tension lift. “Alright, let’s get this show on the road. The sooner we go, the sooner it’ll be over.”

 As they made their way through the village, the sounds of laughter and chatter filled the air. Colorful banners fluttered in the breeze, and stalls were brimming with magical trinkets, potions, and spellbooks. Jinx’s heart raced with anticipation, and he could feel Zephyr’s presence beside him like a steadying force.

 “Look at that,” Zephyr said, pointing towards a booth filled with shimmering crystals. “Shall we stop?”

 “Sure! But let’s not get too distracted,” Jinx replied, moving towards the booth, his curiosity piqued. 

 They approached the vendor, an older woman with a twinkle in her eye. “Ah, young Jinx! Here for the convention, I see! And who’s this charming fellow?” 

 “Um, this is Zephyr,” Jinx said, his voice slightly shaky. “He’s my… friend.”

 “Friend?” The vendor raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile spreading across her face. “He looks more like a familiar to me.”

 “Uh…” Jinx fumbled, caught off guard. 

 Zephyr chuckled, leaning slightly closer. “You could say I’m a bit more than just a friend, a dragon.” 

 “Oh my! A dragon familiar! How wonderful!” the vendor exclaimed, her eyes wide with admiration. “You’re lucky, Jinx. Not many wizards get to bond with a creature like him.”

 Jinx felt heat rise to his cheeks. “Yeah, lucky,” he echoed, glancing sideways at Zephyr, who looked utterly amused. 

 “Indeed. Perhaps we should get a crystal to commemorate this moment,” Zephyr suggested, turning his attention back to the vendor. 

 Jinx managed a weak smile as they browsed through the crystals, but his mind was racing. If the vendor reacted this way, what would the rest of the village think? His family? 

 “Are you alright?” Zephyr asked softly, catching the flicker of worry in Jinx’s eyes.

 “I’m fine,” Jinx insisted, though he could feel the tightness in his chest. “Just… thinking.”

 “About?”

 “About the convention. My family is going to be there,” Jinx confessed, biting his lip. “They don’t know about you. They think I’m still just a regular wizard without a familiar.”

 “Then let’s surprise them,” Zephyr suggested, his tone light. “After all, what’s life without a little chaos?”

 “Easy for you to say,” Jinx muttered, picking up a small crystal and handing over a few coins. “You’re not the one who’s been avoiding family gatherings.”

 “Maybe it’s time to stop avoiding them,” Zephyr replied, a hint of seriousness in his voice. “You’re stronger than you think, Jinx. Show them.”

 “Yeah, right,” Jinx said, but the thought lingered in his mind as they continued through the convention. 

 As they wandered from booth to booth, Jinx felt the weight of anticipation grow. The villagers greeted him with friendly waves, but he couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that his secret would soon be out. 

 “Look! There’s the potion booth!” Zephyr exclaimed, tugging Jinx’s arm excitedly. “Let’s see if we can find something interesting.”

 “Okay,” Jinx said, his heart racing as they approached the booth filled with colorful potions and elixirs. 

 “Welcome, young wizards!” the vendor called out, a bald man with a long beard. “Looking for something to enhance your spells?”

 “Maybe,” Jinx replied, glancing at the swirling bottles. “What do you recommend?”

 “Ah, this one!” The vendor grabbed a shimmering blue potion. “It enhances focus and clarity. Perfect for a young wizard like yourself.”

 Jinx’s eyes widened. “That sounds great!”

 “Then it’s yours!” The vendor beamed, handing it over. 

 “Thank you!” Jinx took the potion, feeling a rush of excitement.

 “Now you’re ready for anything,” Zephyr teased, nudging him playfully. “Except maybe revealing our little secret.”

 “Shut up,” Jinx shot back, but he couldn’t help but laugh. 

 “Jinx!” a voice called out, and he turned to see his mother making her way through the crowd, a wide smile on her face. 

 “Oh no,” Jinx muttered, feeling panic rise. 

 “Jinx! There you are!” She rushed over, arms open wide for a hug. “I was starting to worry. You know how it gets at the convention.”

 “Hi, Mom,” Jinx mumbled, returning the embrace. 

 “And who’s this?” She looked at Zephyr, curiosity etched on her face. 

 “Uh, this is Zephyr,” Jinx said, his heart pounding. “He’s… my friend.”

 “Pleasure to meet you,” Zephyr said smoothly, extending his hand. 

 “Pleasure to meet you too!” she exclaimed, shaking his hand with enthusiasm. “Jinx has mentioned you! He’s been practicing his spells.”

 “Practicing, yes,” Zephyr replied, his tone teasing. “He’s getting quite good, though he still has a few mishaps.”

 “Mishaps?” Jinx groaned, shooting Zephyr a glare. “Thanks for that.”

 “Oh, you’re welcome,” Zephyr grinned. 

 “Don’t worry!” Jinx’s mother laughed, her eyes twinkling. “We all have our mishaps. Just the other day, your father mixed up his potions and ended up with a rainbow-colored beard for a week!”

 “Really?” Jinx asked, surprised. “That’s hilarious!”

 “It was a sight to behold,” she replied, laughing heartily. “Come! Let’s find your father. He’ll be thrilled to see you.”

 As they walked through the bustling convention, Jinx felt a mix of anxiety and warmth. The familiarity of his mother’s laughter eased his nerves, and he allowed himself to enjoy the moment. 

 “Jinx!” a deep voice boomed, and Jinx turned to see his father approaching, a broad smile on his face. 

 “Dad!” Jinx exclaimed, feeling the tension in his shoulders ease. 

 “Look at you! All grown up and ready to take on the world!” His father pulled him into a bear hug, lifting him off the ground for a moment. 

 “Put me down!” Jinx laughed, feeling giddy. 

 “Not until you promise to show us some of your magic,” his father said, finally letting go. 

 “Magic, huh?” Zephyr chimed in, his eyes glinting with amusement. “I think Jinx has a few tricks up his sleeve.”

 “Really?” Jinx felt a wave of embarrassment wash over him. “I mean, I’ve been practicing, but—”

 “Let’s see it!” his father encouraged, clapping Jinx on the back. 

 “Okay, okay,” Jinx said, feeling the pressure. He took a deep breath, focusing on the energy within him. “I’ll show you a simple levitation spell.”

 The crowd around them began to take notice, and Jinx felt a rush of adrenaline. He concentrated, envisioning the small stone he’d practiced with, feeling the magic hum through him. 

 “Here goes…” he murmured, extending his hand. The stone lifted a few inches off the ground, hovering just above his palm. 

 “Bravo!” Zephyr exclaimed, clapping. 

 Jinx opened his eyes, a grin spreading across his face. “See? Not too shabby!”

 “Not too shabby at all!” his father said, pride shining in his eyes. “You’ve really grown in your abilities.”

 Jinx felt warmth spread through him, fueled by the encouragement. “Thanks, Dad.”

 “Now, what else can you show us?” his mother asked, her excitement palpable. 

 “Um…” Jinx hesitated, glancing at Zephyr for support. 

 “Why not show them something a bit more impressive?” Zephyr suggested, a glint of mischief in his eyes. 

 “Yeah, like… a fire spell!” Jinx blurted out, eager to impress. “I’ve been working on that too!”

 “Fire? Now we’re talking!” Jinx’s father leaned closer, interest piqued. 

 “Okay, but it’s not perfect yet,” Jinx warned, feeling the energy build as he focused again. 

 “Just remember to control it,” Zephyr said, his voice steady. 

 Jinx nodded, channeling the magic. Warmth spread through him as he conjured a small flame, letting it flicker to life above his palm. 

 “Wow!” his mother gasped, eyes wide. 

 “Careful!” his father said, awe evident in his voice. “That’s impressive!”

 “Thanks!” Jinx said, feeling exhilarated. “I’m still working on it, but—”

 Before he could finish, the flame suddenly flickered and flared, shooting higher than he intended. 

 “Ahhh!” Jinx screamed, instinctively trying to snuff it out. 

 “Whoa!” Zephyr stepped forward, a calmness radiating from him as he waved his hand, cooling the flames with a gust of wind. “Easy there!”

 The crowd gasped, eyes darting between Jinx and Zephyr, whispers filling the air. 

 Jinx’s heart raced, embarrassment flooding his cheeks. “I didn’t mean to—”

 “Impressive control!” Zephyr said, his tone light despite the chaos. “Just a bit too much excitement, that’s all.”

 Jinx’s parents exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of surprise and admiration. “You really have been practicing,” his father said, laughing. “Just be careful; we don’t want the whole village to catch fire!”

 “Right,” Jinx mumbled, feeling a mixture of relief and embarrassment. “I’ll work on that.”

 “Maybe you should stick to levitation for now,” Zephyr teased, a playful glint in his eyes. 

 “Thanks for the vote of confidence,” Jinx shot back, but couldn’t help but laugh. 

 “You’re doing great, Jinx. Just remember, magic is all about intention,” Zephyr reminded him, his voice steady. 

 “Yeah, I get that now,” Jinx replied, feeling the warmth of support from both Zephyr and his parents. 

 As the day went on, Jinx found himself relaxing more and more. He introduced Zephyr to more villagers, each reaction a mix of surprise and awe. 

 “Did you really bond with a dragon?” one villager asked, eyes wide. 

 “Yep,” Jinx said, feeling a swell of pride. “He’s the best.”

 “Best dragon?” another villager chimed in, mock-seriously. “We’ll see about that!”

 Amid the laughter and chatter, Jinx realized that the worry he had carried had begun to lift. 

 “See? Nothing to worry about,” Zephyr said, leaning against a booth with a satisfied grin. 

 “Maybe you’re right,” Jinx admitted, glancing at Zephyr. “They’re taking it better than I expected.”

 “Just wait until they see your next trick,” Zephyr teased, nudging him playfully. 

 “Okay, okay! No more fire spells!” Jinx laughed, feeling a sense of ease wash over him. 

 As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the convention, Jinx felt grateful for the day, for the laughter, and for the bond he shared with Zephyr. 

 “Ready to head home?” Zephyr asked, glancing at the setting sun. 

 “Yeah,” Jinx replied, feeling a mix of contentment and excitement. “But I think I might actually miss this place.”

 “Miss it? We’ve only just begun, my friend,” Zephyr said, a glimmer of mischief in his eyes. “There are plenty more adventures awaiting us.”

 Jinx smiled, feeling the weight of the day lift. “You’re right. And with you by my side, I think I can handle anything.”

 “Absolutely,” Zephyr agreed, his voice warm and reassuring. “Now let’s see what other trouble we can stir up.”

 Together, they stepped into the fading light, ready to face whatever came next, united by magic and a unbreakable bond.