The Keeper and the Monster

Chapter 2: The Hogwarts Express

For the first time in her life, Ophelia took the Hogwarts Express. She shared a compartment with Ominis, Poppy and Amit. It was an odd combination, but it was quite entertaining. She knew them individually and had forgotten they knew each other since the first year – though they hadn't talked very much.

"Natty is already at Hogwarts with her mother" informed Ophelia.

"And where is Sebastian?" asked Poppy. "I thought he would be with you, Ominis."

"We argued recently" he replied, and since he didn't give any details, Poppy didn't pry.

They hadn't seen him in the station. Ominis had asked Ophelia, but it had been too crowded. So, since the train left London, she looked everytime someone would walk next to their compartment – and Ominis would listen to their footsteps.

"Oh, no... No, no, no!"

"Amit, what is it?"

He was looking for his latest telescope in his luggage, proud to show it to his comrades.

"Did you forget it at home?" asked Ominis. Like it would be possible.

"That is not my luggage! Those are slytherin uniform... and a skirt... and..." he blushed as his hand touched white undergarments.

"Well, put that back, that's not really proper!" ordered Ophelia, though she was rather amused and fought against a smile. Let's not forget it was the XIXth century.

Amit tried to close the luggage but his panic wasn't helping. He let out a desperate cry.

"What did he touch?" asked Ominis.

"Her most private clothes" said Ophelia with a fake indignation, though she faked it too well and Amit was red with shame.

Poppy tried to calm him. "Be careful! Don't damage the fabric. You have chocolate on your hands!"

"I can't put it back! It doesn't fit anymore! How did she managed to put this much clothes in there?"

"She must be a witch" figured Ophelia. She picked up her wand and tapped the luggage. All the clothes went back inside."It won't be as tidy as it was, but at least it is inside."

"Thank you" said Amit sheepishly.

"That is why you were sorted in Ravenclaw, Ophelia" stated Ominis.

"I'm in Ravenclaw too!"

"Yes, well..." and he didn't add anything, but the pause was full of meaning. The girls laughed.

"What's the name on the luggage?" asked Ophelia.

"It is... let's see. Reyes Imeld–" he stopped. He could've cry. "She's going to kill me."

"I'm sorry. You did crease her undergarments." said Ophelia.

"She won't kill you, Amit" reassured Poppy. "But you should give it back to her now."

"That, I should... Ominis, you know her better than I. Maybe you could... do it? No, right, you're blind."

"I can help you, Amit" said Ominis. "Take my hand and put it on your shoulder" he showed his hand to Amit who hesitated, but obeyed. Ominis then patted his classmate on the back, almost in a contemptuous manner. "Good luck."

"That was the help?"

"That, it was. She tremendously loathes when anyone touches her possessions."

"Merlin. Ophelia, you're a girl, you should do it."

"Me? No, I won't."

"Please, I beg of you. You can tell her it was me, I just can't face her in person. "