The compartment fell silent for a moment.
Theo forgot his earlier embarrassment and exchanged a worried look with Ryan.
Meanwhile, Michael winked at Wade and silently mouthed, "Heartbroken... definitely."
Thinking of how Cho and Cedric were always together whenever they had free time, Wade silently nudged the paper bag on the table closer to Harry with sympathy.
The train swayed as the gray, overcast fields outside the window streamed backward.
After quite a while, there was another knock on the compartment door. Harry instantly sat up straight, his lips tightening as he looked toward the entrance.
This time, Ron and Hermione stood outside, both wearing Prefect badges. They looked exhausted, their hair slightly disheveled, like overworked office drones buried beneath countless trivial tasks.
"Harry!"
The moment Ron entered, he spotted Harry and immediately complained, "Didn't you say you'd help us save seats? We spent a full twenty minutes searching through the train, and then you..."
He stared straight at the table, his words abruptly cutting off.
Harry forced himself to perk up and said apologetically, "Sorry, Ron, I..."
"Forget it, that doesn't matter!"
Ron cut him off and eagerly squeezed Harry farther inside. Ignoring the fact that his best friend was nearly flattened, he said with shining eyes, "Anything will do! Can I have a pie? I'm so hungry I could chew the table!"
"Of course!" Ryan said warmly. "Help yourself! Do you like foie gras toast?"
"I like everything!"
Ron practically pounced on the food. He grabbed a piece of toast and took a huge bite, then promptly choked and hurriedly looked for water.
At Michael's invitation, Hermione sat down as well. She accepted a sandwich, thanked him, and began eating.
Only after Ron had swallowed an entire piece of toast did he let out a long breath and