Chapter 56

“Really nice!” Luna pulled a book from her backpack, it was the children’s version of My Life in the Order of the Phoenix. “Have you read this one? I think it’s written really well. I was there that night too, and Skoll’s speech was so touching.”

“Mm, I’ve read both versions,” Anne said with a smile. “But I left them at home.”

“This is my third reading. Someone even sent a letter to my dad, hoping he could interview Skoll—” Luna flipped the book open as she spoke.

Anne pulled a textbook on Astronomy from her hanging backpack and started studying; schoolwork still had to be taken seriously.

The compartment door opened, and Harry, out of breath, sat by the door and used his wand to place his trunk on the luggage rack.

“Phew, good morning, Luna, Anne,” he said, glancing through the compartment door at the hallway and letting out a sigh. “I got surrounded as soon as I arrived at the platform! Finally managed to escape just now—”

“Good morning, Harry,” Luna popped half her head from behind her book and waved before retreating again.

Anne nodded to Harry and returned to her book. Harry, clearly pleased with the two of them, took out an adult version of My Life in the Order of the Phoenix from his backpack and began reading.

Unlike the noisy compartments elsewhere, Anne’s compartment was quiet, filled only with the occasional rustle of turning pages.

Time passed slowly. The scenery outside the window blurred as the train sped along. Anne read, sometimes paused, closed her eyes, then opened them to glance out at the scenery.

As lunchtime approached, the compartment outside became lively again. Anne heard Ron and Fanny talking, as well as Hermione and Ginny. Harry sat up straight, eyes fixed on the compartment door expectantly.

The door opened, but seeing the compartment, all four standing at the door froze. Fanny reacted first and immediately sat down beside Anne.

Anne smiled, flipped her book onto the compartment table, and patted her leg, signaling Hermione to sit.

Hermione smiled and sat on Anne’s lap, wrapping her arms around Anne’s neck.

Ginny laughed and sat next to Fanny, opposite Harry. Ron chuckled as he sat between Harry and Luna, facing Fanny.

“Why is it taking so long today?” Anne asked.

“Someone didn’t realize, many students who were on leave or had skipped school returned this term. So prefects and student council presidents have more tasks, especially the student council president!” Fanny emphasized, glancing at Anne.

Everyone else turned their attention to Fanny. Anne couldn’t help laughing, which drew an annoyed glare from Fanny. Using her wand, Anne tapped her backpack, and a three-tiered wooden box jumped out. Anne caught it with one hand and handed it to Fanny with a smile.

“Beautiful and charming Student Council President, forgive me this once. I specially prepared a luxurious lunch for you today. How about it?”

Fanny lifted her chin slightly, took the lunchbox, and began opening it, saying, “Don’t think a few sweet words will make me—”

When the box opened, a delicious aroma instantly filled the compartment. Steam rose from the food. The first layer held red-braised beef over rice, the second had an assortment of beautifully made Cantonese dim sum, and the third layer was half vegetable salad, half fruit salad.

“Wow—” Fanny couldn’t help exclaiming. Then she looked at Anne and said with a smile, “I’ll forgive you a little.”

“Alright, alright. Do you want some hot tea?”

“Hot tea too?”

“Can we have some?” Ron asked. Fanny gave him a disdainful look, and Ron scratched his head sheepishly.

“Tea we have. The luxurious lunch is just one,” Anne said with a smile. She tapped her backpack again. A thermos and seven green-leaf patterned teacups appeared, suspended in the air. Steam poured into each cup, filling the compartment with the smell of delicious milk tea.

“Indian black tea with sweet milk,” Anne explained. Each person had a cup of steaming tea.

“Wow!” “This tea is amazing!” “Perfect with a hot drink in winter!”

Hermione sipped her tea, set it down, and said to Anne, “It’s still hot, you can drink it later.”

“Okay!” Anne nodded.

Fanny picked up a spoon from the box, ready to eat the beef rice, but paused. She looked at Anne. “Is it really okay for me to eat alone?”

“The luxurious lunch is really just one,” Anne said with a smile.

Fanny looked conflicted. She glanced at the three layers in the box, then gritted her teeth. “I can only share the second layer with you all. Only for girls!”

“Are you sure? I only made one of each dim sum?” Anne asked playfully.

“Never mind! I almost fell into your trap,” Fanny said. “You said there’s only one luxurious lunch, so there must be a normal version. Quick! Show me your normal lunch!”

She added, “And I want to see your girlfriend’s normal lunch!” Her expression clearly said: if Anne favored a romantic relationship over friendship again, she wouldn’t forgive him.

Hermione froze, then buried her head in Anne’s neck, laughing.

“Alright, it’s lunchtime anyway.” Anne tapped her backpack with her wand. Seven single-layered wooden boxes popped out, carefully labeled with their contents: tuna bean rice, Japanese sushi, pan-seared steak with cheese…

“Anne?” Hermione asked. “What do you want to eat?”

“Anything, I’m a bit hungry today,” Anne said.

“Okay.” Hermione picked the tuna bean rice and sushi for the others, saying, “Take the rest yourselves.”

“My house elf Leco made them, he’s a great cook,” Anne added.

Harry and Ron exchanged glances, each picked a box. Harry got one for Ginny, Luna grabbed the pan-seared steak with cheese. The food was steaming, and the steak was cut into bite-sized pieces.

Hermione opened her box, also steaming hot, and left it on the table, not eating immediately.

Fanny frowned, looking around. Every box was steaming, and the meat was cut into small pieces, cooked thoroughly. A box of crepes with fruit salad remained untouched. She asked Anne, “Anne? Why did you bring so many lunchboxes? Why is everything hot, meat cut into pieces, and Hermione told you to wait for hot tea, does it have to do with your illness?”

Ginny and Luna also looked at Anne. Luna, sitting opposite, stared straight at her.

Anne and Hermione exchanged a glance, then Anne explained, “A while ago I got injured in the stomach. My appetite has been poor since. I brought many lunches so I could have choices, eat a little even if I’m not very hungry.”

Fanny blinked, concerned. “Is it serious? How did you injure your stomach?”

“It’s fine now,” Anne said lightly.

“Oh! I understand!” Fanny suddenly seemed to recall something, nodding to herself. Her gaze softened. She picked up a small bun from the second layer and offered it to Anne, saying, “I forgive you for not coming out with me during Christmas. This bun is a reward.”

Anne took a bite, mumbling, “Thanks.” Fanny earnestly replied, “You’re welcome.” Then she started eating her lunch.