SABAISM | H. POTTER

TWO. | HOGWARTS EXPRESS

Gemini had true confidence that she and Harry had found the perfect compartment. Sitting across from each other, the excitement of her new surroundings made her momentary pang of longing for her father fade into the background.

"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 spoke in a whirlwind of enthusiasm. As she fondly twisted her curls into a messy bun, using her wand to secure the unruly strands instead of a hair tie, she glanced up only to find Harry staring at her, mouth agape. With a hint of bashfulness, she looked down. "Sorry for rambling," she chuckled. "My dad always says I should keep talking—though if it annoys you, just tell me to be quiet!"

After a moment of stunned silence, Harry blurted out, "NO!" Startled, they locked eyes. "Sorry! I didn't mean to shout. It's just... I enjoy listening to you."

Puzzled by his remark, Gemini tilted her head. Why wouldn't she talk to him? If anything, she was amazed he was even speaking with her. Her mother's reputation surely cast a long shadow, yet here was Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived, seemingly captivated by her words. Just as she began to ponder these thoughts, the compartment door swung open, revealing a sheepish red-haired boy.

"Sorry, all the other compartments are full. Is it okay if I sit with you?" he asked hesitantly.

"Of course!" Gemini replied eagerly, glancing at Harry for approval. The boy interrupted without waiting for a count, "Blimey! You're Harry Potter, aren't you?"

Harry looked somewhat uncomfortable as the boy shut the door and sat beside him; his look of awe made Gemini roll her eyes. Really, anyone with half a brain could recognize Harry! But her heart ached for him—who wanted to be gawked at like a rare specimen? "So, it's true?! Do you really have the... the..." he stammered, faltering as he realized how intrusive his question might sound.

"The what?" Harry prompted, raising an eyebrow.

"The scar," the boy whispered, lifting his wild hair to reveal the jagged lightning bolt.

"Oh, yeah." Harry shrugged casually. Gemini, well aware that staring could be rude but unable to resist the curiosity, glanced at the scar. It wasn't as terrifying as she expected—more of a badge than a blemish.

"Wicked," the boy declared excitedly. "I'm Ron, by the way. Ron Weasley." The distinct shade of his hair made sense now.

"I'm Gemini Lupin-Black. Yes, a true gem. It's a pleasure to meet you," she said, adding her trademark pun.

Ron's face paled at this revelation, and Harry shot him a curious glance. Before Ron could sputter anything, Gemini interjected, "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?"

The sheer confidence in her voice silenced Ron, turning his face a bright shade of red for his misguided assumptions. Humbled, he offered his hand, and they shook in mutual understanding.

"Your mother's name sounds like a man's," Harry remarked, perplexed.

"Well, he is a man. A lunatic, but undeniably a man," Gemini quipped, and both boys laughed, their shared camaraderie warming her heart.

"Why call him 'Mother' then?" Harry continued, still trying to comprehend the dynamics.

"Well, marriage between same-sex couples is allowed in the wizarding world," Ron chimed in, surprising them both. "Potions make it possible for those couples to have their own kids. I'm guessing Sirius carried Gemini, and that's why she calls him Mother. But there's no hard rule on that; it's really more about personal preference."