It was the fastest goodbye in the history of goodbyes. Genny protested that her parents accompanied her to the station simply because she was a lot older than last year. There was no need for people to see her with her dad holding her luggage and her mom fixing her hair, ugh. It was the worst when she tried to smooth out her eyebrows with her thumbs, ew.

Thank Merlin it was over and she was on board now. Smiling as her nature, Genny walked into a compartment and took residence there.

Woah...just...woah.

That little scene out at the platform just boggled his mind. Cornelius walked in a sort of daze as he made his way through the front of the train.

Girls.

He knew they were special. They weird and unpredictable and confusing, but...WOAH. Cornelius staggered a bit and leaned against the wall. Maybe he had forgotten to bend his knees and now he was suffering the repercussions.

Just....woah.

Azura bit her lip a little as she headed onto the train, so she hadn't seen Chris, it wasn't a big deal right? Surely he hadn't changed his mind after two weeks away from her right? Even if he HAD missed their 4 month anniversary and she had ended up lost in Paris for two days..

And no one had even noticed..

Still, everything was fine yeah?

Yes! She put on a smile determined to be happier and not anxious when her purple eyes fell on a familiar curly headed boy that made her smile that much wider.

"Cornelius! " She said as she bounded towards him only to gasp in slight concern as he leaned against a wall..

"Are you.. Okay? " She asked as she gently put a hand on his arm.

He would have jumped if it wasn't for the fact that her voice was familiar to his ears.

Cornelius blinked at Azura and the pulled her into a hug. "Miss Azura! Don't ever go crazy on me, okay?" He rather liked Azura all sweet and kind and not...not...TOO girly.

He was probably also frightening the poor girl, so he pulled away and held her and arms lenght. "Sorry, what was that?" Mind boggled to the extreme.

Ohhh!

Before Az knew it, she was being pulled into a hug and she smiled and hugged him back, though there was a slightly bemused smile on her face as she heard his words.

"Well, I'll try not to. " She said with a grin as he pulled back and she looked up at him a tad bit concerned.

"I asked if you were okay? You look a little.. Dazed? " Yeah that was a good word for it. Had something happened? Her purple irises were studying him now, hoping he hadn't got hit in the head or anything.

You'd think that fifteen years old was old enough to get on a train and travel to school with it alone. But no. His parents did not think so. Even after saying goodbye at the platform they had walked with him through the wall , maybe afraid he'd get lost because it would be his first year at hogwarts.

He felt embarassed by his parents doting him and he could still hear his mother's voice even inside the train to "Not forget to brush your teeth before going to bed" walking to the front cars quickly with his school bag over his shoulders, Mason entered the first compartment he saw and he sat down at the window. Big mistake because as if he had a trace on him, his mother found him and tapped the window from the other side. "And put on clean underwear every day and don't forget to write to me when you get there and if anyone picks on you , you go to your Head of House and..."

Mason groaned as he slid down the seat to hide as the train took off.

Alice Lupin found an empty compartment near the front of the train. It seemed just as good a spot as any. The-now-third-year was excited for her return to Hogwarts. Things were different than they were last year.

Since the beginning of summer she'd Kissed a different boy other than stupid Phillip.. She turned 13 and had landed a role in a film. A small role but it would get her name out there. Now she was ready to start her drama club up again because she had her passion refueled and had taken on Blaise as a partner in a play they were working on.

Diaval was with her in the car, she had brought some seeds and berries for the bird and fed him a few as she waited for someone she knew to possibly come by.

Tim looked around the train for her little redhead. With gymnastics keeping her busy most of the summer, she didn't have much time to hang out with Alice. After leaving Conrad to hang out with some friends, Tim found herself at the front of the train. This was the last place for her to look. She barged in on a few people until spotting the only person she knew with red hair.

Swinging the door open, she jumped in. "ALICE LUPIN!" She practically yelled in the compartment.

He believed her. He believed she wouldn't go nuts on him and go all glittery and...SHUDDER.

Cornelius smiled, feeling a bit at ease. His fingers were still jittery but he's been jittery for a few days now. Who could blame him? He felt as if he was being replaced an that did not sit well with the Slytherin.

"Oh...oh! I'm okay now." He ruffled his hair and then rubbed his face in his hands. "I think I forgot to bend my knees for a long while." Yeah. That.

Alice jumped a little and even squeaaaaled in shock. "TIM!" She hopped up and hugged her friend, the older girl had to be a sixth year by now.. But Alice loved her, she was older and smart and like a big sister for her.

"I MISSED YOU! Are you excited to go back? I didn't steal you away from Conrad did i?" Because boyfriends needed their time too. "Tell me all about Comic Con?" Because that all had to be said in one breath for sure.

There was a SQUWAK as well as the Raven perched in the compartment said hello to the new passenger as well.

Torrance took an Empty Compartment in the Front of the Train. No sign of Benton anywhere yet, but his Cousin would be fine on his own. They were both Teens now. As much as he thought Benton would need him he decided against it today to go searching.

This will be the first term he'll be going to Hogwarts without his Stupid Uncle Julien there. Good Riddance to Bad Rubbish. he had only just learned that his New Cousins were just born too. He wished them a good upbringing.

So this Term could mean he can get away with things he previously could not now with now watchful dumb eye looming over his every move.

Ah, finding the Good in things was always a plus.

Janelle made her way down the corridor in search of a compartment that was to her liking. She normally sat further back in the train, but today she didn't have the energy to go much further. She peeked into the compartment windows that she passed, hoping to find an empty one. Then she realized that riding all the way to Hogwarts alone didn't really appeal to her.

When Janelle saw a boy about her age sitting alone, she decided to take a shot. Knocking softly on the door, she opened it and stuck her head inside. "Hi, mind if I join you?" She hoped that the answer was yes because, she was already halfway inside the compartment. "I'm Janelle. You're new aren't you?" The newly minted sixth year didn't pretend to know every student at Hogwarts, but she knew faces........and she was pretty sure that she had never seen this boy before. It was always her goal to meet new people and make new friends, so why not start now?

Azura was still looking at her friend in concern, something seemed up with him and she bit her lip a bit worriedly. She hoped he would talk to her, otherwise he would have a slightly panicky Ravenclaw on his hands..

Which hopefully wasn't crazy?

She gave him a reassuring smile as the Slytherin ruffled his hair and said he was okay now. "If you are sure.. " She didn't fully believe him and she was still hovering a bit close to him in case he decided that he wanted to meet the floor personally..

"Right.. Well, umm.. How about we go sit down hmm? I have some sugar quills and some water? That should help right? " Once a healers daughter, always a healers daughter.

In some ways, it was just another trip to Kings Cross, another trip on the Express. In others, it was much different. For one, Brooklyn was now of age and therefore she didn’t have to wait until she got to Hogwarts before she could do magic. She’d used that excuse to avoid having to deal with her parents accompanying her to the platform, having said her goodbyes back at home. It had made it easy to slip onto the train while the other students were dealing with family members and irritating separation anxiety already beginning. There were still many things that created conflicting thoughts in the redhead’s mind, but she wasn’t adding tearful goodbyes to the mix.

In any case, as usual, she’d headed for the front of the train in her search for a compartment, Tywin weaving through the legs of the others in the corridor as she managed to slip her way through. Her father had promised to send Cat to Hogwarts after the term began, so for now she only had her cat as company. Her gyrfalcon had to wait.

For now, it seemed like everyone had to wait, not that there were many people Brooklyn deigned to speak to on a good day. For what it was worth, it was a good day, but she still chose her friends wisely and a good portion of those weren’t at Hogwarts anymore. It remained to be seen if anyone else would manage not to irritate her while they were all stuck on the train. She’d gotten to the front of the cars and found an open compartment fairly easily. Most people still chose to sit at the back as if that was going to keep them from getting to school quicker. It was a ridiculous thought, and she half-slid the compartment door shut before taking a seat inside the compartment, stretching her legs out across one side of the space as usual. She waited to bring out her book, but she had it just in case.

Tenacius was in a jovial mood. Oh yes he was. More jovial than usual. Because summer was GREAT (albeit tiring) but the last few weeks just sent the entire Salander family into cloud nine. There was a glow about everyone. And it shows on the Gryffindor Ace.

So as he walked down the narrow hallway, randomly high fiving confused students and tossing sweets here and there (which admittedly ends up giving a slight concussion to others) he saw ol' baby Tatertots duck into a compartment "Ey Genneh...... for you!" the Curly Top jogged after her, then cleverly swooped-tossed a chocolate frog from behind his back and aimed it at the sheepquestrian.

Vivian tried her very best not to get so attached to saying good bye to her parents and her sister back in the Platform, just like what had happened last term. She didn't want to lose all of the good spots and end up butting inside a compartment full of strangers and firsties. Not that she didn't like them, but she'd rather chill on her own or let a friend find her or something. In fact, the main purpose why she wanted to board the train was so she could contemplate on things. Yes, things. What even was it with growing up?

The blonde had went by to visit the food trolley and had renewed her stash of sweets - from licorice wands to fudges - before slipping inside a compartment. Her efforts of hopping on the train as soon as she could didn't go to waste. Vivian flopped onto the seat, her Kneazle Marshmallow curled up beside her for its so-called "hibernation mode on the way to boarding school". She took her guitar with her, a prized possession she received from her parents on her birthday a few weeks ago.

Maybe she'd just play a simple tune or polish it? She didn't know.

Whoehooo! Time for school and to become even more better than the kids at home! With a big smirk on her face, her eyes sparkling with excitement she walked through the train, she wanted to have a seat in the front for one simple reason, she wanted to be one of the first to see the school, if that was possible. She wasn't sure if he could see the school from the station but if it was possible, then she wanted to be one of the first!

The small girl stroked the rat she carried in her pocket, with her brown hair, brown eyes and freckles she looked just ordinary but she didn't care, one day she was going to be one of the best and nobody would dare to stand in her way! Oeh, she wanted to show the kids at home, those stupid kids that she wasn't one of them, that she was better! Yes... She was a witch now and they were not! Haha!

Still wide grinning Leesha stopped before a compartment with only one girl sitting in it. The girl was older but... She didn't care, she wanted a perfect place and this one was good! So she stepped inside and smiled one of her best smiles at the older girl. "Hiiiii!" She waved. "Mind if i join you?" Without waiting she sat down opposite of the girl and started grinning even more. "Are you a powerful witch? You look strong! ..." Without even taking a breath she spoke again, her eyes blazing with excitement, not even considering that she might annoy the other girl, she just... didn’t thought about anything beside her questions and her own excitement. "Oh, do you belong to a house? I want to be a Slytherin!" Remembering suddenly her manners, and yes, she HAD manners, although her mum always said that she needed be behave herself or else people would think that she had been raised by wolves... And she stuck out her hand to the other girl, "I'm Leesha Griffel!"

The long-dreaded ride where social contact was rather unavoidable-you know- because getting an empty compartment was mission impossible. Yet, it was alright. Ethan had gone over this in his head, he'd gone over his need to grow up some more this year. Or well, his mother went over this concept with him, at least, but it sunk in his mind for quite some time now.

It was going to be okay. It was going to get better. Just some more practice. Yup.

The third year took a deep breathe venturing amongst the train. He'd just come from the back, hoping he'd clear his head with a long walk. It did wonders to him, so much so that when he began peeking through compartments he managed to urge himself to step in one. One, of which someone was in, although it was someone he had to admit he had met once before. Still, this wasn't usual for him.

"Uh-uh, he-hello. Ca-can I sit for a while?" he spoke somewhat softly.

Was this how socializing was meant to be? Did he do a good job?

Practice, right. Practice. He could do this.

Beaming, Tim hugged her little redhead tightly. Well, she wasn't so little anymore considering the girl was almost her height now. Waddling into the compartment with Alice still attached to her, Tim closed the door behind her. Secretly, the blonde loved when her friend rambled on about things she was curious about. Finally letting Alice go, Tim sat down and nodded. "I'm kind of excited to go back, even if I'm gonna be here for another two years." Which meant dealing with certain people she doesn't really want to as much. And people that were the reason she really didn't want to come back this term. "No, you didn't. He went looking for friends when I said I was gonna come look for you," Tim gave her a reassuring smile. Besides, she'd see Conrad later on anyway; and the rest of the term.

Giggling, she patted the spot next to her. "Comic con was awesome! I dressed up as Wonder Woman and got to meet Veronica Grimm," Tim began recalling how she cried to the woman and thanked her for drawing her favorite hero. But her makeup got ruined for a good reason. "So what about you? Did you enjoy filming? Did you do anything else besides that during summer?" Mhm, the blonde had questions too. Tim leaned towards where Dival was and softly scratched his head. Birds needed love too.

Vivian was strumming her guitar and singing a soft lullaby-like song to her pet Kneazle, whom she figured had fallen asleep way before she could even hit the first note. But she didn't really care that Marshmallow wasn't even paying attention to her. The blonde simply imagined that her younger sister was the one listening, for she knew Eloise would enthusiastically sing alone and sway her head from side to side. Nevertheless, the music her guitar produced kept her company just fine.

The door sliding open did make Vivian look up for a while. She squinted towards the boy who had just spoken to her, and immediately a smile followed. She knew this guy. He was rather familiar to the blonde. "Hello there! Ethan, right?" the Slytherin asked. She even remembered him with that teddy bear. Wherever was that fluffy thing, anyway? "You don't have to sit for just a while. You can stay for as long as you like." Anyway, it didn't bother her as long as he was okay with her playing the guitar, and the presence of her sleeping Kneazle.

Plus, she had food with her which she was quite willing to share.

The boy nodded. Maybe he should tune his theatrics down, he was frightening poor Azura. She was one of his favorite people and that's the last thing he'd want to do. "I am. Just stuff." They could talk it over in a compartment privately. It was too open out here.

And she read his mind.

Cornelius grinned. "The way to my heart." He gripped his chest. "Save for the water. Water is no way to my heart, but it'll do." He gave a her a quick wink before reaching for her hand and leading them to an empty compartment he'd spotted moments ago.

To his luck it was still deserted. "Your carriage, madam."

Genny did not need invitation to go on in on the fun Ace was having all by himself and his candies. She instantly opened her mouth wiiide open and leaned forward to try and catch it immediately with her mouth. The frog hit her in the cheek (which was close enough) and her hand quickly grabbed it and shoved it into the open mouth. MMMmMM, she giggled with her mouth closed and the chocolate melting deliciously on her tongue.

"You seem giddy." He was always happy but today he seemed giddy. "Are you that excited for school? Do you have more?" More chocolate frogs? Genny automatically looked at his pockets with her eyes going wide with sugar.

And so her Hogwarts life will begin anytime soon. Not now, but definitely going on this train will. Autumn has never done this before. Go to school and meet people of various age and culture. Sure she has convinced herself ready for quite sometime now but nothing can still prepare her here. She made her way all the way to the front cars. Most of the compartments were getting full and she is okay with whatever she can get at this point.

She made her way to one with her small luggage as she tried putting it on the baggage shelf. She was all set after all. "Have to remember to take this later." she murmured and making a mental note to herself. Phew. She sat down and looked around. She knew this place is going to be really packed in a few seconds.

Phew! Niomi arrived onto the train just in time. Her mother was so sad for her go that she almost missed the train. Luckily that didn't happen. She must go to Hogwarts! Now, the train was becoming full she needed to find a place to sit. Niomi walked around looking for seat that wasn't packed with people, which almost all of them were. She was getting upset by this she was about to give up and find a place to hide.

In one of the compartments she saw a girl, who looks about her age, siting alone. Niomi didn't recognize her. Was she new?? Wel, let's find out. She walked towards the door and opened it. "Hi," she greeted.