"Basilisks are ancient creatures," the girl said calmly, tilting her head. "Breeding them has been forbidden by the Ministry for centuries, so most books don't mention them anymore. That doesn't mean they never existed. It's the same with Crumple-Horned Snorkacks. Most wizards think they're imaginary, but my father once saw one in Sweden."
"What's a Crumple-Horned Snorkack?" Colin asked immediately, eyes shining.
"It's a magical creature with very special horns," she replied. "It doesn't fly."
"That sounds more like an Erumpent," Rowan said mildly.
By then, he already knew who she was.
Luna Lovegood. Daughter of Xenophilius Lovegood, editor of The Quibbler. Her mother, Pandora Lovegood, had died when Luna was nine during an experimental spell accident. A quiet reminder that inventing magic without solid theory was never harmless.
Luna's knowledge of eagle-owls was likely genuine. Her father's influence, however, explained the Snorkack.
"There's an empty seat," Rowan said, standing up. "I'll help you with your luggage."
He lifted Luna's trunk onto the overhead rack with ease.
"Thank you. I'm Luna Lovegood," she said, watching him with interest. "You're very strong."
"Rowan Mercer," he replied.
The conversation resumed, mostly driven by Colin's endless curiosity. Luna answered thoughtfully. Rowan listened, only interrupting when something truly caught his interest.
The train whistle sounded long and low.
Just as the Hogwarts Express began to move, the compartment door slid open again. A red-haired girl with bright brown eyes peeked in, her expression hopeful and a little nervous.
"Is this seat taken?" she asked, pointing to the space beside Luna. "Everything else is full."
"No," Luna said gently. "You can sit here."
The girl relaxed instantly and sat down.
Moments later, two identical red-haired boys burst in, laughing as they helped her shove her trunk into place.
"Don't worry, Ginny! We saved the day!" one of them declared.
The other grinned. "Try not to forget your notebooks next time."
They were promptly chased out under their sister's glare.
"Hi," the girl said, smoothing her robes. "I'm Ginny. Ginny Weasley."
Introductions followed around the compartment.
"Luna Lovegood.""Colin Creevey.""Rowan Mercer."
Ginny glanced at Rowan. "You have the same name as my brother. One of those twins is George Weasley."
Rowan smiled. "Just Rowan is fine."
Colin, sensing the moment, quickly changed the subject. "Ginny, how many brothers do you have?"
Ginny held up her hands, folding down fingers as she counted. "Six. Bill works in Egypt as a curse-breaker. Charlie trains dragons in Romania. Percy's in sixth year. Fred and George are fourth years. And Ron's starting this year."
"That's a lot," Colin said in awe.
As the train rolled out of King's Cross and the countryside began to blur past the windows, the compartment filled with excited chatter. Even Luna, usually distant, seemed quietly thrilled.
Eventually, the conversation drifted away from magic and into childhood stories and family life. Rowan returned to his book, listening with half an ear.
Around half past noon, a smiling witch pushed a trolley to the door.
"Anything from the snack cart, dears?" she asked. "Every-flavour beans, Chocolate Frogs, Pumpkin Pasties, Cauldron Cakes—"
The others hesitated.
Colin had spent nearly all his money on his camera. Ginny came from a large family with little spare cash. Luna didn't seem particularly interested.
"I'll take one of everything," Rowan said, standing.
He paid and set the treats out neatly.
He slid a portion toward Ginny. "You mentioned you know a hex called the Bat-Bogey Hex. If you ever have time, I'd like to learn it."
Ginny's eyes lit up. "Of course! Fred and George hate it. Which means it works."
Another portion went to Luna. "I'd like to ask you more about magical creatures sometime."
She nodded, pleased.
The last share went to Colin. "Would you take a magical photograph of me later? Just one."
Colin beamed. "Absolutely!"
The train carried them north, toward Hogwarts.