Bab 17: Chapter 1: The Hogwarts Express
The platform at King's Cross Station was bustling with activity as students and parents milled about, preparing for the journey to Hogwarts. Luna Lovegood, clutching her ticket in one hand and her father's hand in the other, stood at the barrier between platforms nine and ten. Xeno gave her a reassuring smile as they both stepped through, emerging on the other side onto Platform 9¾.
The scarlet Hogwarts Express stood gleaming in the sunlight, a symbol of the adventure that lay ahead. Luna's heart fluttered with anticipation as she gazed at the train, its windows filled with excited faces. She bid a fond farewell to her father, who squeezed her hand warmly.
"Write often, Luna," Xeno said, his voice tinged with emotion. "And remember, knowledge is your greatest ally."
"I will, Father," Luna promised, giving him one last hug before boarding the train.
As Luna made her way down the narrow corridor, she glanced into the compartments, searching for a familiar face or an empty seat. She spotted a group of redheads—Ron Weasley and the twins, Fred and George—engaged in animated conversation with none other than Harry Potter. Gathering her courage, Luna knocked lightly on the door.
Ron glanced up and smiled. "Luna, right? Come in!"
Luna stepped inside, greeted by friendly faces. Her eyes briefly met Harry's, and she offered him a small smile. The twins immediately launched into a playful discussion about the upcoming Quidditch season, and Luna found herself laughing along, feeling more at ease.
As the train began to move, the door to the compartment slid open again, and a bushy-haired girl with a stack of books tucked under her arm peeked in. "Mind if I join you?" she asked.
Ron nodded toward an empty seat. "Go ahead, Hermione."
Hermione Granger introduced herself to Luna with a polite smile, and Luna responded in kind. They chatted about their summer holidays, and Luna quickly realized that Hermione was as much of a bookworm as she was—though perhaps with a different perspective.
"So, have you read Gilderoy Lockhart's new book?" Hermione asked eagerly, her eyes shining with admiration. "It's amazing how much he's accomplished!"
Luna tilted her head slightly, her tone curious but skeptical. "I've read it, but I'm not sure I'd believe everything in it. Just because something is written in a book doesn't mean it's true."
Hermione looked taken aback. "But he's done so many incredible things—defeated all those dark creatures and saved so many people."
"Maybe," Luna conceded, her voice calm. "But isn't it possible that some of it might be exaggerated or embellished? After all, stories tend to grow with each telling."
Harry and Ron exchanged amused glances, clearly entertained by the budding debate. Hermione, however, looked thoughtful, as if considering Luna's words for the first time.
"I suppose it's possible," Hermione admitted reluctantly. "But even so, he's still a great wizard, isn't he?"
"Perhaps," Luna replied, her tone light. "But I think it's wise to question everything—even what's in books. Sometimes the truth isn't as straightforward as it seems."
The conversation shifted to other topics, and Luna soon found herself lost in the easy camaraderie of her new friends. As the train continued its journey, she excused herself, feeling the need for some quiet time. She wandered down the corridor until she found an empty compartment.
Settling in by the window, Luna pulled out a book on ancient runes from her bag and began to read, the soft clatter of the train's wheels a soothing background noise. The debate with Hermione lingered in her mind, and Luna couldn't help but smile. Hogwarts was already proving to be an adventure, full of new ideas, challenges, and friends.
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