Enigma~ Part 1|| Harry Potter x The Originals

Chapter VII

Lyra settled into a quiet compartment at the back of the Hogwarts Express, Pebbles purring contentedly in her carrier. As the train pulled away from Platform 9¾, a swirl of steam and magic enveloped the station. Lyra watched it disappear, a mix of excitement and nostalgia filling her.

A soft knock interrupted her thoughts. The compartment door slid open, revealing a girl with a wide, friendly smile and a tangle of dark curls. "Mind if I join you?" she asked.

"Not at all," Lyra replied, sliding over to make room.

"I'm Lena Blackwood," the girl introduced herself.

"Lyra Tonks," Lyra returned, shaking her hand.

Lena's eyes lit up when she spotted Pebbles' carrier. "A cat! That's so cool!" she exclaimed. Lyra opened the carrier, and Pebbles emerged, a sleek, gray shadow. She sniffed Lena curiously, then curled up on Lyra's lap.

"She's beautiful," Lena murmured, reaching out to stroke Pebbles' soft fur. "I've always wanted a pet, but Mum says I can't even keep a plant alive."

Lyra chuckled. "Yeah, pets are a lot of work. But they're worth it, believe me."
The two girls talked for hours, sharing stories about their summers, their hopes for the year ahead, and their favorite subjects. Lena was a natural storyteller, her voice filled with energy and her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

Just then, a cheerful voice broke through their conversation. "Anything from the trolley, dears?" A woman with a cart piled high with an array of colorful sweets stood at the door.

"Yes, please!" Lena said, practically bouncing in her seat. "What do you recommend?"

Lyra's eyes widened as she scanned the assortment of Chocolate Frogs, Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans, and Pumpkin Pasties. "I’ve heard the Chocolate Frogs are amazing!"

"I'll take a few of those and some of the jelly slugs!" Lena said, grinning.

They quickly picked out a selection of treats, their laughter and chatter filling the compartment as they paid the trolley lady. Once the cart had moved on, they laid out their treasures.

Lyra unwrapped a Chocolate Frog and watched as it hopped away, nearly escaping her grasp. "Hey! Come back!" she laughed, but Lena just giggled at the sight.

"Here, try this!" Lena offered, holding out a jelly slug. "I promise it’s not as slimy as it looks!"

With a mix of trepidation and excitement, Lyra took a bite, her eyes widening in surprise. "Whoa! That’s actually really good!"

They spent the next few moments munching on sweets and swapping stories about the Hogwarts traditions they were eager to experience.

As the train rumbled on, the Scottish Highlands unfolded outside the window. The landscape was breathtaking, with rolling hills, ancient forests, and sparkling lochs. Lyra and Lena were captivated by the beauty of the scenery.

"I can't wait to explore the castle," Lena said, her voice filled with anticipation. "I've heard so many amazing stories about it."

"Me too," Lyra replied. "It's going to be a great year."

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