Chapter 4: The Hogwarts Express

The scarlet steam of the Hogwarts Express hissed loudly as it sat waiting at Platform Nine and Three-Quarters. Students bustled about, trunks clattering and laughter echoing down the platform. Harry Potter, clutching his ticket tightly, felt a nervous excitement swirl in his chest. Beside him, Y/N Potter—his twin sister—stood calmly, adjusting her robes and observing everything with the quiet composure that had always made her seem older than her eleven years.

“Do you think anyone interesting will be in our compartment?” Harry whispered, glancing at her.

Y/N smirked faintly. “Interesting always finds you,” she replied, her emerald eyes scanning the moving crowd. A flicker of something ancient stirred quietly around her—a power she controlled effortlessly but never flaunted.

The twins slipped onto the train and found an empty compartment. Harry plopped down on the seat, still nervous about meeting other students. Y/N followed, placing her trunk neatly beside hers.

“Do you think Malfoy will be on this train?” Harry asked, remembering the pale blond boy who had glanced at them briefly at the platform.

Y/N’s lips curved into a subtle smile. “If he is, he’s about to learn that not everything he sees is as simple as it looks.” She leaned back calmly, watching the other students board.

Minutes later, an energetic boy with red hair burst into their compartment. “Can I sit here?” he asked, eyeing Harry.

Harry nodded quickly. “Yeah, sure…”

The boy flopped down beside him. “I’m Ron Weasley,” he said cheerfully, extending a hand.

“I’m Harry, Harry Potter” Harry said, shaking it.

“And I’m Y/N Y/N Potter,” his twin added softly, offering a calm, almost regal smile. Ron’s eyes widened slightly, surprised to see Harry with a twin he had never noticed.

Before introductions could continue, the door creaked open again, and a tall, bespectacled girl with bushy hair entered. “Is this seat taken?” she asked, glancing around.

Harry shook his head. “No, you can sit.”

“I’m Hermione Granger,” she said confidently, sitting down. Her sharp eyes flicked toward Y/N briefly, sensing something unusual about her calm presence.

The train started moving, and the countryside blurred past the window. Harry leaned toward Y/N. “Do you think Hogwarts is as amazing as they say?”

Y/N’s smirk was faint, almost secretive. “It’s… a start. But it’s only the beginning, Harry. There’s much more we’ll see… and some things no one expects.”

Ron, oblivious to the tension between Y/N and the world, chattered on about his family and Hogwarts. Harry tried to keep up, glancing occasionally at his sister, who remained calm and composed. Even in a crowded train, Y/N seemed in control of everything—her surroundings, her magic, and, most importantly, Harry.

Suddenly, a loud voice came from the corridor: “Hey! That’s my compartment!” A blond boy with sharp grey eyes and a pointed nose appeared. Draco Malfoy.

Y/N looked at him calmly, almost amused, while Harry froze. Draco’s gaze flicked between Harry and Y/N, lingering on her. For the first time, he felt the tiniest spark of uncertainty.

“Harry Potter, isn’t it?” Draco said smoothly. “I’d advise you not to get too comfortable. Hogwarts is full of surprises, and some… aren’t friendly.”

Y/N’s smirk deepened slightly. “I’ll keep that in mind,” she said softly, her voice calm yet carrying an unspoken challenge. Draco faltered, unable to place why this girl—quiet, unassuming—made him feel off-balance.

Harry stammered. “I—I’m sure… we’ll be fine.”

Y/N leaned closer to Harry, whispering just for him. “Don’t worry. I’ve got this.”

Draco, annoyed that he couldn’t read Y/N, gave a small, frustrated huff and turned on his heel, leaving the compartment. Harry let out a shaky breath.

“You’re incredible,” he said quietly.

Y/N only smiled faintly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “I just make sure nothing goes wrong,” she replied. Calm, composed, yet always subtly dangerous. Harry realized, once again, that whatever Hogwarts had in store, he wouldn’t face it alone.

As the train sped on through the countryside, the sun set over the horizon, casting a warm glow over the compartment. Y/N leaned back, her eyes reflecting the golden light, already calculating, observing, and preparing for the adventure that awaited them at Hogwarts.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***