SABAISM | H. POTTER

TWO. | HOGWARTS EXPRESS

Gemini was certain she and Harry had found the perfect compartment. The gentle, rhythmic clatter of the Hogwarts Express was a soothing backdrop to the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside her. The plush, slightly faded seats were warm from generations of students before them, and the window offered a rolling view of emerald fields and distant, misty hills. Sitting across from Harry, the excitement of her new surroundings made the ache of missing her father fade into the background, replaced by a bubbling sense of adventure.

"So, I was just saying, I sometimes use this gel to smooth out my hair. It doesn't smell like coconut, but it does wonders! If you're ever curious, I'd be happy to give it a try on you... not that there's anything wrong with your hair, of course!" Gemini's words tumbled out in a cheerful rush, her hands dancing as she spoke. She twisted her wild curls into a messy bun, securing them with a flick of her wand—her favorite trick for taming unruly strands. When she glanced up, she found Harry staring at her, mouth slightly agape, as if he'd never seen anyone quite like her before.

With a sudden flush of bashfulness, Gemini looked down, a sheepish smile tugging at her lips. "Sorry for rambling," she chuckled, twirling her wand between her fingers. "My dad always says I should keep talking—though if it annoys you, just tell me to be quiet!"

Harry was silent for a moment, his green eyes wide and earnest. Then, in a burst of sincerity, he blurted, "NO!" Startled by his own volume, he and Gemini locked eyes, both surprised. "Sorry! I didn't mean to shout. It's just... I enjoy listening to you."

Gemini tilted her head, puzzled and a little touched by his remark. Why wouldn't she talk to him? If anything, she was amazed he was speaking with her at all. Her family's complicated reputation surely cast a long, dark shadow, yet here was Harry Potter—the Boy Who Lived—seemingly captivated by her words. For a moment, she wondered if this was what it meant to truly belong.

Just as she was about to respond, the compartment door slid open with a hesitant creak, revealing a tall, lanky red-haired boy with a dusting of freckles and a nervous smile.

"Sorry, all the other compartments are full. Is it okay if I sit with you?" he asked, his voice hopeful but uncertain.

"Of course!" Gemini replied eagerly, flashing him a welcoming grin and glancing at Harry for approval. The boy barely waited for confirmation before plopping down beside Harry, his eyes widening in awe as he took in Harry's face.

"Blimey! You're Harry Potter, aren't you?" he blurted, his voice barely above a whisper, as if speaking too loudly might shatter the moment.

Harry shifted uncomfortably, the attention clearly making him self-conscious. Gemini rolled her eyes, feeling a pang of sympathy for Harry—who would want to be gawked at like a museum exhibit? "So, it's true?! Do you really have the... the..." the boy stammered, trailing off as he realized how intrusive his question sounded.

"The what?" Harry prompted, raising an eyebrow in polite confusion.

"The scar," the boy whispered, gesturing vaguely to his own forehead.

"Oh, yeah." Harry shrugged, brushing his fringe aside to reveal the infamous lightning bolt. Gemini, unable to resist, leaned in for a better look. It wasn't as gruesome as she'd imagined—more like a badge of honor than a mark of tragedy.

"Wicked," the boy breathed, his voice full of awe. "I'm Ron, by the way. Ron Weasley." The vibrant shock of red hair suddenly made perfect sense.

"I'm Gemini Lupin-Black. Yes, a true gem," she replied with a playful wink, her trademark pun earning a laugh from Harry.

Ron's face paled at the mention of her surname, and Harry shot him a curious glance. Before Ron could splutter out any awkward questions, Gemini cut in smoothly, "Yes, I belong to the Sacred 28 families. No, I don't believe in blood supremacy or any of that nonsense. I was raised by my Gryffindor father. And yes, my mother is Sirius Black, the infamous madman. I've never met him, and my father refuses to let me change my name. So, how are you?"