The Art of Deception

Chapter 5

The Hogwarts Express chugged through the rolling green countryside, its rhythmic hum a comforting backdrop to the excited chatter and laughter echoing through the train. In their compartment, Harry and Aurelia sat across from each other, their trunks stacked neatly by the window.

Aurelia leaned against the cushioned seat, her head resting on her hand as she watched the scenery fly by. The snake, Peony, slithered out from under her sweater, curling itself delicately around her neck. Peony flicked her tongue lazily, her small movements soothing.

"You're going to scare someone with that thing," Harry teased, grinning as he glanced at the snake. He reached out to scratch Hedwig's feathers through the cage beside him.

Aurelia rolled her eyes, a playful smirk on her lips. "Peony wouldn't hurt anyone... unless I asked her to," she said, her voice dripping with mock menace. Peony, as if on cue, lifted her tiny head, blinking innocently.

"Yeah, she looks really terrifying," Harry deadpanned, gesturing to the snake's small, curious expression.

Aurelia chuckled softly, adjusting Peony as the snake nestled closer. "She's just shy. She probably thinks you're too loud," she quipped, sticking her tongue out at Harry.

Harry shook his head, laughing quietly, but then his gaze drifted out the window, and his smile faded slightly. He leaned back, his fingers tracing absentmindedly over the scar on his forehead. "I still can't believe this is happening," he murmured. "Magic, Hogwarts... all of it."

Aurelia's playful demeanor softened as she studied her brother. "Yeah," she said quietly, her voice carrying an unusual tenderness. "It's a lot to take in. But... it's kind of amazing, isn't it? We're leaving everything behind—finally getting a chance at something... better."

Harry nodded, meeting her gaze. "Yeah. It feels... right. Like we're supposed to be here."

Peony hissed softly, her head resting against Aurelia's collarbone as if sensing the shift in mood. Aurelia reached up, gently stroking the snake's smooth scales. "It's going to be different, that's for sure. But whatever happens, Hazza, we've got each other."

Harry smiled, the warmth of her words cutting through his lingering doubts. "Always," he said firmly.

The train gave a slight jolt, and the door to their compartment slid open, revealing a boy with bright red hair, freckled cheeks, and a nervous smile.

"Mind if I join you? Everywhere else is full," he asked, holding his wand awkwardly in one hand and dragging a battered suitcase with the other.

Aurelia tilted her head slightly, studying him, then shot Harry a questioning look. Harry nodded. "Sure. Come in."

The boy stepped inside, closing the door behind him. "Thanks. I'm Ron. Ron Weasley." He offered a tentative smile, settling into the seat beside Harry.

"Aurelia Potter," she introduced herself with a small wave, her sharp tone softened by curiosity. "This is Harry."

Ron's eyes widened, darting between them. "Blimey, you're them, aren't you? The twins who lived?" He seemed awestruck, leaning forward slightly as if seeing celebrities in the flesh.

Harry flushed, shifting uncomfortably. "Er... yeah, that's us."

Aurelia leaned back, folding her arms and raising an eyebrow. "Just 'us,' no big deal. You're not going to gawk the entire trip, are you?"

Ron blinked, then laughed nervously. "Right. Sorry. Just... it's not every day you meet someone like you." He fumbled with his suitcase, pulling out a sandwich. "Want one? Mum always packs too much."