Fourth year already. Sometimes he was still shocked he'd made it back again after his second year, but also was grateful that he had. He felt a lot more at peace coming into the great hall, perhaps not excited like his first term, but at least not dreading it. He'd finally taken care of some things and had some conversations he'd needed to have over summer. No, he did not get his best friend back, but after everything that hadn't been his goal. He was just glad she had a home now and certainly hoped Ilvermony treated her well.

Making his way to the table, Evan could spot Ash and chose to make his way over to slide into a seat next to her. "Hey." This term was going to be good, better than the last few. He was uncharacteristically optimistic, for both of them. "How was the rest of your summer?"