Melody bounced in her seat, unwrapping a Pumpkin Pastie. “You have to try one—like a warm hug in pastry form!” Duchess smiled politely. Melody pushed a box of Bertie Bott’s toward her. “Every Flavor Beans—every flavor. I once got sardine and soap. Roulette for your tongue!” She pulled out a Chocolate Frog next. “They jump! Eat it fast. And it comes with a famous witch or wizard card.” A frog leapt past Duchess’s elbow. “Oops!” Melody giggled. “Last—Cauldron Cakes. Gooey, chocolatey, and technically not cursed anymore.” Duchess raised an eyebrow. “Anymore?” Melody winked. “Don’t worry. I only brought safe snacks.”
A trolley clattered to a stop outside their compartment. A plump witch with curly gray hair peeked in.
“Anything off the trolley, dears?”
Melody’s eyes lit up. “Yes, please! Oh, Duchess, you have to try—”
But Duchess was already standing. “We’ll take two of everything,” she said, reaching for her satchel.
The witch blinked. “Two of everything?”
Duchess smiled. “To thank Melody for all her treats.”
Moments later, their compartment was overflowing with Cauldron Cakes, Pumpkin Pasties, Chocolate Frogs, and Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans.
They sat cross-legged on the train seats, surrounded by wrappers and laughter.
“I think we might explode,” Melody groaned.
“Worth it,” Duchess grinned.