The train began moving swiftly, gradually picking up speed. The Weasleys, Moody, Tonks, and the others vanished from sight as the train rounded the bend. The corridor where they stood began swaying unsteadily.
"Well, shall we find a compartment?" Harry asked.
Ron and Hermione exchanged a meaningful look.
"Er..." Ron said.
"We—well—Ron and I have to go to the prefects' carriage," Hermione said awkwardly.
Ron avoided Harry's gaze, suddenly finding his left fingernails absolutely fascinating.
"Oh, right, of course..." Harry said quickly. "Fine, off you go then. Orli and I can find somewhere to sit."
"I don't think we'll be there all day," Hermione said hastily. "Our letter said we get instructions from the Head Boy and Girl, then patrol the corridors periodically."
"Alright then, see you later. Perhaps we can share lunch," Orli said cheerfully.
"I'd rather not—but I have to—you know what I mean. I don't like this. I'm not Percy," Ron said with desperate finality.
"Right, I know," Harry smiled. Ron and Hermione headed toward the front of the train with their trunks and pets.
A small, hollow sensation crept into Orli's chest. She glanced at Harry, suspecting he might feel the same way.
"Um... perhaps we should walk around and find seats..."
Orli turned and realized Ginny had been standing nearby the entire time. She said quickly, "Maybe we should split up. Ginny, why don't you go with Harry? I might have better luck finding a spot on my own..."
But her voice trailed off as Ginny fixed her with a pleading look, while Harry's expression seemed to accuse her of also "abandoning him."
So Orli had no choice but to follow them. After passing six or seven carriages, they finally found a compartment with three empty seats. Only one girl sat by the window—long white hair flowing freely, wearing peculiar wing-shaped spectacles. Luna. Luna Lovegood.
"Hello, Luna," Ginny said with a smile. "May we sit here?"
Luna turned her head, studying them from behind those colorful lenses. Her wand was tucked behind her left ear, she wore a necklace of cork stoppers, and held a copy of The Quibbler. She nodded silently.
"Thanks," Ginny smiled warmly.
They stowed their belongings and settled in. Orli quickly claimed the seat beside Luna, forcing Harry and Ginny into the same row. The two sat with bizarre awkwardness—one staring at the door, the other gazing out the window; one tugging at his hair, the other picking at her trouser fabric.
"Did you have a pleasant summer holiday, Luna?" Ginny finally shattered the silence. Orli quietly exhaled in relief.
"Yes," Luna said dreamily. Her gaze drifted from Ginny's face to Harry's.
"Yes, quite lovely, you know—you're Harry Potter," she added matter-of-factly.
"I know I am..." Harry said uncertainly. He seemed to have never properly interacted with Luna before and felt completely out of his depth.
"And you—you're Orli Waters," Luna continued. She handed Orli the magazine, pointing to a Rita Skeeter article.
"Is this about you?"
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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