As time passed, the young wizards at Hogwarts station gathered with bags of various sizes, patiently waiting for the train to start.
When the train doors swung open, eager wizards rushed on board. Luke and Hermione, however, took their time. The train had ample capacity, especially since many students chose to remain at Hogwarts for Christmas.
Once inside, they located an empty carriage at the far end. Luke stowed Hermione's luggage in the compartment and settled directly across from her. The train's official departure was still a while away. Luke gazed out of the window at the snowy landscape, contemplating what to purchase upon reaching home.
First on the list was Diagon Alley, where materials for brewing potions and elixirs needed replenishing—an expenditure that couldn't be ignored. Additionally, he thought it might be interesting to visit Knockturn Alley, where various dark wizards operated shops with intriguing magical tools.
"Do you want to read a book?" Hermione asked, producing a record book titled "Kissing The Werewolve" from her backpack and placing it on the table. She borrowed it from the library to alleviate the journey's monotony, knowing Luke preferred biographical books to dull academic knowledge.
"Please no," Luke replied, taking a glance at the book.
Opposite him, Hermione retrieved a copy of "The Book of Spells" and began jotting down Professor Flitwick's end-of-term assignments—a true scholar regardless of the setting.
"Are you two in here?" A familiar voice interrupted.
Brother Fred stood outside the carriage with George and their luggage. George was about to pull the door in, but Fred halted him.
"Have a nice trip, you two!"
"You too," Luke replied, exchanging a glance with Fred before the twins departed.
This wasn't the right time to be a third wheel, and Hermione, wide-eyed, understood Fred's unspoken message.
Contemplating this, she felt a flush of warmth on her face.
"What's wrong with you?" Luke, engrossed in his book, looked at Hermione, who suddenly buried her head in hers.
"No... nothing," Hermione mumbled in a slightly embarrassed voice.
As the young wizards prepared for departure, the train began to whistle, signaling the start of the journey.
A sharp whistle pierced the air, and the wheels began to turn slowly.
Luke, engrossed in conversation and reading a book in the carriage, suddenly underwent a noticeable change in demeanor.
His complexion turned pale, and weakness overcame him as a wave of dizziness swept through his brain.
Motion sick?
Though he anticipated experiencing it sooner or later, Luke didn't expect it to hit so soon. Even the recent Quidditch match, just two days ago, hadn't triggered such severe motion sickness.
Without much thought, Luke weakly raised his head, leaning against the window for support. The feedback of nausea compelled him to place the book he held onto the table.
"Luke, what's wrong with you?" Hermione, sitting across from him, noticed his sudden discomfort and quickly moved beside him.
"Motion sickness..." Luke gritted his teeth, conveying the reason for his unease.
As the train accelerated, he felt his strength draining rapidly. Could the Dragon Slayer Crystal's power have surged so quickly? He had never experienced such a reaction before.
Motion sickness? Hermione was taken aback. She recalled Luke not being this vulnerable the last time they took the train. She had witnessed a similar situation only once, during a boat ride.
"Don't worry, it's okay. Just let me rest for a while." Luke reassured her, looking into her worried eyes.
It was just motion sickness, and he hoped to endure it until the train stopped in the evening. Fortunately, he had left the dormitory late and skipped breakfast; otherwise, he might have vomited.
"Let me lie down," Luke weakly requested.
To his surprise, Hermione hugged his shoulders and pulled him closer. Luke found himself resting against her legs, and the young witch avoided meeting his puzzled gaze.
"I think you're more comfortable this way."
Luke relished the softness beneath his head as the train began its journey.
The scenery beyond the window unfolded, showcasing a picturesque landscape. Vast green lawns were blanketed with heavy snow, rivers froze into shimmering ice, and occasional puffs of smoke from the countryside dotted the view.
Miss Hermione, not engrossed in a book this time, held onto Luke to ensure he wouldn't topple over. Their carriage echoed only with the rhythmic clatter of the speeding train.
As the pleasant scenery passed by, Hermione's gaze naturally fell upon Luke's face. His eyes were closed, and the steady rhythm of his breathing indicated a light slumber.
His previously furrowed and handsome face gradually relaxed.
For some reason, Hermione reminisced about their first meeting at the Oliwander's wand shop. Back then, the young boy had used a wand to create a beautiful golden tree with golden leaves.
The golden sunlight streaming through the window now highlighted his side profile, captivating her more than any magic could.
Lost in thought, Hermione couldn't resist lowering her head. Their foreheads gently met.
"You are mine…"
A soft, self-spoken murmur preceded a gradual connection.
After a while, blushing, Miss Hermione lifted her head. Meanwhile, the corners of Luke's mouth, resting on her lap, couldn't help but curl up.
"Are you awake?"
She inquired softly, but Luke's uplifted mouth quickly flattened.
Caught in the act! With that realization, Hermione pinched Luke's cheek.
"Caught you pretending to sleep!"
.....
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