Second - Seventh Year Carriages

[BanaBatGirl]

While Hogwarts' new first years are heading for the castle via the firstie boats, the rest of the students will be taking the usual carriages.

These are the same carriages that have been used for years and years. They are round, black, and seat about four students. They also appear to move along on their own, with an invisible something inside the harnesses...

[Erindipity]

Soooo Kalla had slipped out of the train station when Garrick arrived... and she had made it all the way home and insisted her parents take her to Hogsmeade on their own. MHM. She didn't like being new. Or ignored. So she had taken matters into her own hands.

Now...

She slipped quietly into a carriage and waited on someone or some people to join her for the ride to the castle. And no, she was not as excited as the other kids would be. She actually sat inspecting her fingernails with a rather bored air about herself.

[bitsyandtank]

Asher stepped off the train, ready to have his feet on the ground. Glancing up and down the stretch along the side of the train, he tried to see if any of his classmates were near. The carriages were new to him and he was a bit uneasy about boarding one alone. Especially if he ended up surrounded by much older students.

Figuring he would end up with someone friendly, he boarded and waited to take off towards the castle...and the feast.

[DaniDiNardo]

Somewhere in the hustle and bustle of de-training she'd lost Lottie. Boo. Just when she was starting to feel better. It wasn't all bad though. Through a bit of shoving through the corridor she'd managed to run into Cassia who'd kindly agreed to get her luggage while she saved them a carriage. If she found Lottie that'd have been a plus but if not then it would only be two to this carriage, no questions asked, no guests allowed.

Lex flopped down in an empty one, knowing it wouldn't start moving just yet. Felix took the spot across from her, saving it while she kicked her feet up. Soon they'd be back at the castle. Food then sleep. That sounded like the best combination ever.

First there'd be that speech thing. More depressing news about the broke castle and filthy rooms. Quite expected, so she wouldn't even grumble when the time came.

After five minutes of sitting there she got impatient Big surprize there. After another ten she was ready to send a search party for the snake. Seriously. Where was she??

[Bazinga]

Really, the.girl didnt know what to do with all the praise she was getting from her friend. Though she should of expected this, coming from min really. It was just like her to say all of this. She gave a shrug as she still leaned on her friends shoulder "i dont know" about the whole Uni thing. The girl.never really gave the thought of uni after hogwarts much thought really. She just kinda expected life to.just point her in the right direction, though she knew it wouldnt do that, not really. She was about to open her mouth to say something else when the train stopped. "what?" she said peeling herself off her friend she went over to the window stepping over the two puffs as she did. "we're here. Were at the station" that was Quick! Surely When the train stopped Ariana's forst thought first of the train breaking down again, then dementors,but it was just the station. "come on Madison, we're here." she said leaning over and picking up her bag and grabbing her robes out of them and draping them over her arm. She could put those on as she walked into the castle."Maddy, come on." she said to the stubborn puff as it finally listened and hoped into her hand."she never listens." she said to min as she watched Min gather her things. She opened the compartment door and all the noise from the hall hurried in. She bit her lip and waited for Min in the doorway with her free hand out for her friend, cause Min was holding Ariana's hand weather she liked it or not.


Minerva had watched as Ariana got up. They were at the station.. At school. Emotions and nerves filled her yet again. It was time to start the term. Start her year without one of her comforts around all the time. She nodded slowly at her friend and got up. Picking up Fluffy and placing the puff on her shoulder Min turned to see Ariana's hand and she froze for a second. She was wanting to hold her hand. Min bit her lip as a few tears fell. They were in this together and she took her best friends hand. I have to make sure first years get off and get my things from the prefect compartment, but then we can go to the carriage.


After making sure all the things were done that needed to be she walked to the carriages with her best friend. She was feeling numb inside from all the different emotions. "This is really it.. We are really here." She shook her head. Summer went way to fast or maybe it was because she had only had half a summer. She put Liesel's cage in before getting into the carriage herself. Turning to help Ariana up as well. Looking out at the carriages she shook her head as the thoughts of previous years hit her. "Why does this seem like it is going to be so hard? Every where I turn he's going to be there in my head. Every class that seat is going to be there.. Every spot." She looked away as she sat there trying to keep it together. She had duties to fill this was not going to do if she was a crying mess.

[the fastest seeker]

Somewhere in the hustle and bustle of de-training she'd lost Lottie. Boo. Just when she was starting to feel better. It wasn't all bad though. Through a bit of shoving through the corridor she'd managed to run into Cassia who'd kindly agreed to get her luggage while she saved them a carriage. If she found Lottie that'd have been a plus but if not then it would only be two to this carriage, no questions asked, no guests allowed.

Lex flopped down in an empty one, knowing it wouldn't start moving just yet. Felix took the spot across from her, saving it while she kicked her feet up. Soon they'd be back at the castle. Food then sleep. That sounded like the best combination ever.

First there'd be that speech thing. More depressing news about the broke castle and filthy rooms. Quite expected, so she wouldn't even grumble when the time came.

After five minutes of sitting there she got impatient Big surprize there. After another ten she was ready to send a search party for the snake. Seriously. Where was she??

Best friends help each other out. Best friends do tiring stuff for each other knowing they'd be repaid and appreciated. Best friends---
this WAS so exhausting OKAY?!

Dragging TWO trunks plus clutching her owl's cage wasn't an easy thing to do! Not. At. All. When they were about to get off the train and Lex asked Cassia to get both of the trunks, the snake didn't even think about it and agreed. How could one forget the size of the trunks? HMM? Though, Lex was kinda looking not like she always did. So Cassia was too focused on that to think of how on Earth she'd get to the carriage at this pace.

There were no more gentlemen who saw a young lady trudging with two trunks and a cage. She was very close to abandon the cage, you know. Except people kept telling her she left a bloody cage behind! Well, someone bloody help her THEN! Nope. N O O N E. She was on her own.

Her only thought was that she'd be too late and the carriages would take off leaving her here. Maybe she should have asked Scuyler about that cardbox. She might need it this night.

Luckily, no such thing was needed. She..finally. …saw…the …carriages.

Non-gracefully, Cassia dumped the trunks onto the station and chucked the caged owl above them. Yeah, hoot, whatever!

Then she climbed the carriage and plopped down on the seat opposite the lioness, took a couple of minutes to PANT and fill up her lungs again. Maybe she'd start feeling her arms again? That'd be a cool thing. And she was too tired to wipe the beads of sweat on her forehead. But then, she remembered.

Since she and Lex didn't come across each other on the train, that meant the fourth-year was with someone else. She needed up dates.

"So, had a nice ride?" But now Lex would answer with 'yes' or 'no'.

"Please start from the second your foot was on the train to the second it was off it." She was all ears.

[TakemetotheBurrow]

Ella was smiley as she climbed into an empty carriage and got comfy. It was good to be back here and though summer had been brilliant, she was eager to reunite with friends and for Quidditch and for classes too. She'd missed it all except for the food.

...The food would be better this term, right?

Taking a notebook out of her favorite elephant tote, the blonde began doodling as she waited for the journey back to the castle. It shouldn't be too long now.

[DaniDiNardo]

Best friends help each other out. Best friends do tiring stuff for each other knowing they'd be repaid and appreciated. Best friends---
this WAS so exhausting OKAY?!

Dragging TWO trunks plus clutching her owl's cage wasn't an easy thing to do! Not. At. All. When they were about to get off the train and Lex asked Cassia to get both of the trunks, the snake didn't even think about it and agreed. How could one forget the size of the trunks? HMM? Though, Lex was kinda looking not like she always did. So Cassia was too focused on that to think of how on Earth she'd get to the carriage at this pace.

There were no more gentlemen who saw a young lady trudging with two trunks and a cage. She was very close to abandon the cage, you know. Except people kept telling her she left a bloody cage behind! Well, someone bloody help her THEN! Nope. N O O N E. She was on her own.

Her only thought was that she'd be too late and the carriages would take off leaving her here. Maybe she should have asked Scuyler about that cardbox. She might need it this night.

Luckily, no such thing was needed. She..finally. …saw…the …carriages.

Non-gracefully, Cassia dumped the trunks onto the carriage and chucked the caged owl above them. Yeah, hoot, whatever!

She plopped down on the seat opposite the lioness, took a couple of minutes to PANT and fill up her lungs again. Maybe she'd start feeling her arms again? That'd be a cool thing. And she was too tired to wipe the beads of sweat on her forehead. But then, she remembered.

Since she and Lex didn't come across each other on the train, that meant the fourth-year was with someone else. She needed up dates.

"So, had a nice ride?" But now Lex would answer with 'yes' or 'no'.

"Please start from the second your foot was on the train to the second it was off it." She was all ears.

Her fingers tapped impatiently against the side of the carriage. If things continued this way she would hop out and go looking for the girl herself. Even the thestral seemed to be getting impatient. It had other rounds to make and she could understand that. It was getting dark and she was ready to collapse at the Gryffindor table.

The noise of something dragging against the ground caught her attention but the fact that Felix didn't move an inch told her it was welcomed company. She waited for the noise to get closer and found her Best Friend panting as she came along. Way to make a girl feel bad about asking a favour. In future, she'd simply get her own trunk and save her the hassle.

"You can go now." She said to the creature after Cassia had taken the seat. She settled in as it began moving. No Lottie then. Okay. Hufflepuff table it would be.

She was about to thank her for her trouble when she asked THAT. A nice ride? "I wouldn't say that." She said choosing her words carefully though really, worst and most embarrassing day ever. "It was loud and...er...shocking I guess." Her eyes widened a bit. "I really don't think you wanna hear how my whole ride went. Why don't you tell me about your ride instead?" She leaned forward, indicating her interest and desire not to say.

[Erindipity]

Ella was smiley as she climbed into an empty carriage and got comfy. It was good to be back here and though summer had been brilliant, she was eager to reunite with friends and for Quidditch and for classes too. She'd missed it all except for the food.

...The food would be better this term, right?

Taking a notebook out of her favorite elephant tote, the blonde began doodling as she waited for the journey back to the castle. It shouldn't be too long now.

Uh no. Not empty. Kalla was just sitting at the very edge and it was kind of shadowy. HMPH. And yeah, she watched the girl for a long moment... Why was she carrying an elephant ANYTHING. How odd. And childish.

But Kalla kept the scathing remarks to herself.

For now.

"Oi. Saving a seat for my troll cousin if he makes it here in time. Just... so you know..." And no, she was not offering her name first. And what was she writing? Kalla leaned a little closer and very brazenly looked at the notebook.

Doodles.

How useless.

[the fastest seeker]

Her fingers tapped impatiently against the side of the carriage. If things continued this way she would hop out and go looking for the girl herself. Even the thestral seemed to be getting impatient. It had other rounds to make and she could understand that. It was getting dark and she was ready to collapse at the Gryffindor table.

The noise of something dragging against the ground caught her attention but the fact that Felix didn't move an inch told her it was welcomed company. She waited for the noise to get closer and found her Best Friend panting as she came along. Way to make a girl feel bad about asking a favour. In future, she'd simply get her own trunk and save her the hassle.

"You can go now." She said to the creature after Cassia had taken the seat. She settled in as it began moving. No Lottie then. Okay. Hufflepuff table it would be.

She was about to thank her for her trouble when she asked THAT. A nice ride? "I wouldn't say that." She said choosing her words carefully though really, worst and most embarrassing day ever. "It was loud and...er...shocking I guess." Her eyes widened a bit. "I really don't think you wanna hear how my whole ride went. Why don't you tell me about your ride instead?" She leaned forward, indicating her interest and desire not to say.

Great, the blood started flowing through the veins in her arms and she was feeling them again. Her heart wasn't beating SO hard, either, so she was feeling better. Thanks for asking. She gathered her strength and raised her hand to wipe her forehead. She only hoped she had retrieved the bottle of water from her trunk. She obviously needed to TALK to get everything out of Lex. Who was answering vaguely. BAD timing to test the Snake's patience. BUT Hold on! she had a bag looped around her neck. Look at how stupid she looked. Cassia (http://www.tuebl.com/) slid the bag's string over her head, fished the water bottle out. Uncapping it, she gulped all what was inside.

Now she talks.

"Alexa," Yup, answer vaguely again and there'd be last-name usage. "I want to know those loud and shocking events. In detail," She was talking slowly both because she hadn't yet recovered and because it was more dramatic.

Pffft, tell her about her ride. As if Lex was a fan of the people in Cassia's year. The snake totally ignored the question and kept looking at Lex. And since she assumed it'd be quite a long and interesting story, she pushed herself a bit up and brought her legs beneath her. Getting comfy and all.

Story time.

"You may start," Or there was going to be shoving someone off the carriage.

Then bringing them back up.

[TakemetotheBurrow]

Uh no. Not empty. Kalla was just sitting at the very edge and it was kind of shadowy. HMPH. And yeah, she watched the girl for a long moment... Why was she carrying an elephant ANYTHING. How odd. And childish.

But Kalla kept the scathing remarks to herself.

For now.

"Oi. Saving a seat for my troll cousin if he makes it here in time. Just... so you know..." And no, she was not offering her name first. And what was she writing? Kalla leaned a little closer and very brazenly looked at the notebook.

Doodles.

How useless.

O___O

How in Merlin's beard was there someone in the compartment already? Ella had sworn it was empty but then again, it's not as if she'd really looked that well. She would have expressed how impressed she was at the girl's stealthiness had it not been for her tone. Wow, grouchy much?

"I have an ogre brother so I don't mind trolls." Yup, that was all the girl was getting from her for the moment. Ella was in a good mood and she didn't want anything to ruin it. Seeing as this girl seemed less than pleased by her appearance, it was best to keep quiet.

Except now the girl was invading her personal space and eyeing her doodles. Ella casually shut the notebook and looked up at the stranger curiously, eyebrows raised. She didn't mind that she was looking but it was unexpected. "So...new to Hogwarts?"

[DaniDiNardo]

Great, the blood started flowing through the veins in her arms and she was feeling them again. Her heart wasn't beating SO hard, either, so she was feeling better. Thanks for asking. She gathered her strength and raised her hand to wipe her forehead. She only hoped she had retrieved the bottle of water from her trunk. She obviously needed to TALK to get everything out of Lex. Who was answering vaguely. BAD timing to test the Snake's patience. BUT Hold on! she had a bag looped around her neck. Look at how stupid she looked. Cassia (http://www.tuebl.com/) slid the bag's string over her head, fished the water bottle out. Uncapping it, she gulped all what was inside.

Now she talks.

"Alexa," Yup, answer vaguely again and there'd be last-name usage. "I want to know those loud and shocking events. In detail," She was talking slowly both because she hadn't yet recovered and because it was more dramatic.

Pffft, tell her about her ride. As if Lex was a fan of the people in Cassia's year. The snake totally ignored the question and kept looking at Lex. And since she assumed it'd be quite a long and interesting story, she pushed herself a bit up and brought her legs beneath her. Getting comfy and all.

Story time.

"You may start," Or there was going to be shoving someone off the carriage.

Then bringing them back up.

This was a PLEASANT surprize. The carriage ride had started. They were on their way to the castle and everything but Cassia wasn't bombarding her with questions when she'd refused to answer. Perhaps the snake was learning to mind her own business. That was apparently something Lex would need to learn to do, so says him and she would. Much like Cassia was minding hers and drinking water--expected after lugging both their trunks out of the train in the crowd. Of course she was prepared to enjoy said silence but Cassia broke it.

-___-

"Why can't you leave it at loud and shocking?" She asked, suppressing a sigh. They were doing so well just now. "Loud...loud was Aidan practically yelling so the entire compartment could hear. Shocking was the things he yelled like a mention of a certain letter and stuff on said letter and eh and just a really awful time andnowhehatesme." The last bit was rushed. It was the worst truth all day.

Lex made a face at her eager friend.

"Don't look so excited. If I could have gotten off the train then and there I would have. There's no way I'd write a whole letter full of feelings." Ick and EW. "But he said I did and now anyone who heard will think so too." More icking and ewing and CRINGING.

[Erindipity]

O___O

How in Merlin's beard was there someone in the compartment already? Ella had sworn it was empty but then again, it's not as if she'd really looked that well. She would have expressed how impressed she was at the girl's stealthiness had it not been for her tone. Wow, grouchy much?

"I have an ogre brother so I don't mind trolls." Yup, that was all the girl was getting from her for the moment. Ella was in a good mood and she didn't want anything to ruin it. Seeing as this girl seemed less than pleased by her appearance, it was best to keep quiet.

Except now the girl was invading her personal space and eyeing her doodles. Ella casually shut the notebook and looked up at the stranger curiously, eyebrows raised. She didn't mind that she was looking but it was unexpected. "So...new to Hogwarts?"

Not grouchy at all.

Matter of fact.

Common misconception there. Heh.

"Witty retort. I approve." And Kalla gave her a rare half smile. Yeah. Even the half ones were rare. Benjy said she looks weird when she smiles... But he's also very rude.

And speaking of RUDE! Kalla had been looking at that. Hmph. Scooting back over into the shadowy part of the carriage she nodded once, half smile coming back. "Yep. Sixth year student, though." Clearly she wasn't a first year, but if the girl felt the need to ask was she new... when by all rights if she WASN'T they would have seen one another sometime... well let's just say Kalla was questioning her intelligence.

But she kept her tone light and sweet. Hehe.

[hermygirl]

Uh no. Not empty. Kalla was just sitting at the very edge and it was kind of shadowy. HMPH. And yeah, she watched the girl for a long moment... Why was she carrying an elephant ANYTHING. How odd. And childish.

But Kalla kept the scathing remarks to herself.

For now.

"Oi. Saving a seat for my troll cousin if he makes it here in time. Just... so you know..." And no, she was not offering her name first. And what was she writing? Kalla leaned a little closer and very brazenly looked at the notebook.

Doodles.

How useless.

O___O

How in Merlin's beard was there someone in the compartment already? Ella had sworn it was empty but then again, it's not as if she'd really looked that well. She would have expressed how impressed she was at the girl's stealthiness had it not been for her tone. Wow, grouchy much?

"I have an ogre brother so I don't mind trolls." Yup, that was all the girl was getting from her for the moment. Ella was in a good mood and she didn't want anything to ruin it. Seeing as this girl seemed less than pleased by her appearance, it was best to keep quiet.

Except now the girl was invading her personal space and eyeing her doodles. Ella casually shut the notebook and looked up at the stranger curiously, eyebrows raised. She didn't mind that she was looking but it was unexpected. "So...new to Hogwarts?"
Between seeing Garrick at Kings Cross, and then having Garrick's parcel to open as a distraction on the journey, Benjamin had conveniently managed to forget about his other cousin. He'd figured that she'd just find her way back to bother him eventually...but here he was in Hogsmeade, and she hadn't.

Weird.

Which meant he really should check that, well, she was actually here. He didn't seriously think she wouldn't be, especially if her being here was Uncle's wishes, but one never knew what Kalla had planned.

He'd promised Garrick he'd look out for her though, and he wasn't about to let his best mate down on the same day if he could help it. Not after what he'd found in the package. That photo really was a special find.

He glanced between the carriages sat at the station, and sighed. There was seriously no sight of her. Except...had he just head someone say 'troll' and 'cousin' together? He backtracked a little, and gave the carriages a closer look.

"Did I hear there was room for trolls in this carriage?" he asked, stepping on up, and the edge of his lips curled upwards in a smirk aimed at Kalla. "Because this one needs somewhere to sit."

If you can't beat'em, join'em?

And with that, he sat and gave Ella an apologetic look.

[TakemetotheBurrow]

Not grouchy at all.

Matter of fact.

Common misconception there. Heh.

"Witty retort. I approve." And Kalla gave her a rare half smile. Yeah. Even the half ones were rare. Benjy said she looks weird when she smiles... But he's also very rude.

And speaking of RUDE! Kalla had been looking at that. Hmph. Scooting back over into the shadowy part of the carriage she nodded once, half smile coming back. "Yep. Sixth year student, though." Clearly she wasn't a first year, but if the girl felt the need to ask was she new... when by all rights if she WASN'T they would have seen one another sometime... well let's just say Kalla was questioning her intelligence.

But she kept her tone light and sweet. Hehe.




Between seeing Garrick at Kings Cross, and then having Garrick's parcel to open as a distraction on the journey, Benjamin had conveniently managed to forget about his other cousin. He'd figured that she'd just find her way back to bother him eventually...but here he was in Hogsmeade, and she hadn't.

Weird.

Which meant he really should check that, well, she was actually here. He didn't seriously think she wouldn't be, especially if her being here was Uncle's wishes, but one never knew what Kalla had planned.

He'd promised Garrick he'd look out for her though, and he wasn't about to let his best mate down on the same day if he could help it. Not after what he'd found in the package. That photo really was a special find.

He glanced between the carriages sat at the station, and sighed. There was seriously no sight of her. Except...had he just head someone say 'troll' and 'cousin' together? He backtracked a little, and gave the carriages a closer look.

"Did I hear there was room for trolls in this carriage?" he asked, stepping on up, and the edge of his lips curled upwards in a smirk aimed at Kalla. "Because this one needs somewhere to sit."

If you can't beat'em, join'em?

And with that, he sat and gave Ella an apologetic look.

Ella smiled back and shrugged. It was true, Edric was a total ogre. She enjoyed it, though. He'd even taught her a thing or two which the blonde learned to use against him. Grin. She missed him.

Sixth year, eh? "I'm a sixth year too." So they'd be seeing each other around and such. "Where did you go before?" The blonde wasn't trying to be nosy but she also didn't like to sit in silence. It really wasn't her thing.

And then there was a troll and Ella watched the interaction between the two with mild interest before offering him a smile. "Hi. I'm Ella." And her eyes wandered from him to his cousin and back. See? Introductions.

[Erindipity]

Kalla watched as Benjy climbed in the carriage. He was a troll sometimes, but right now she was kind of glad to see him... mixed with an urge to punch him for forgetting about her and clearly not noticing she hadn't been on the train.

HMPH.

"Of course I had the forethought to save you a seat.[/b]" Her voice was quiet, mildly injured sounding, and full of contempt. Well not FULL of CONTEMPT. More like accusation. Mhm.

And attention back to the blonde. Mhm. A Sixth Year also. Interesting. "I didn't go anywhere before. I have been homeschooled. My therapist thought it was time I interacted with more kids my own age, though." She may have failed to mention that to Benjy, though. Oh well.

And look the blonde had a name! Ella. "Kalla." She pointed to herself as she spoke. Just in case there was any confusion.

[hermygirl]

"Maybe you should have had the foresight to tell me where it was too," Benjy said, speaking generally about both this seat and on the train. Because how was he meant to find her if she insisted on sitting in the shadows? GAH. It was only due to luck he'd overheard her, really. And his promise to Garrick that had made him actually look properly. But she didn't have to know that.

He turned from his cousin, at the moment, and gave the other member of their carriage a pleasant smile. "Benjamin." Just because Kalla called him a troll, didn't mean he was ugly and unpleasant. He could do niceties as and when he chose. "Fifth year. Not a transfer." Or home schooled. He'd been here the whole time. Yup.

And then he stared back at Kalla. Hang on. Her therapist had said she should come? He wouldn't comment on it right now, but that wasn't what she'd told him over the summer. He'd just hang on to that little snippet to make something of later. If that was the truth, then she couldn't blame ALL of this on HIM any more.

[the fastest seeker]

This was a PLEASANT surprize. The carriage ride had started. They were on their way to the castle and everything but Cassia wasn't bombarding her with questions when she'd refused to answer. Perhaps the snake was learning to mind her own business. That was apparently something Lex would need to learn to do, so says him and she would. Much like Cassia was minding hers and drinking water--expected after lugging both their trunks out of the train in the crowd. Of course she was prepared to enjoy said silence but Cassia broke it.

-___-

"Why can't you leave it at loud and shocking?" She asked, suppressing a sigh. They were doing so well just now. "Loud...loud was Aidan practically yelling so the entire compartment could hear. Shocking was the things he yelled like a mention of a certain letter and stuff on said letter and eh and just a really awful time andnowhehatesme." The last bit was rushed. It was the worst truth all day.

Lex made a face at her eager friend.

"Don't look so excited. If I could have gotten off the train then and there I would have. There's no way I'd write a whole letter full of feelings." Ick and EW. "But he said I did and now anyone who heard will think so too." More icking and ewing and CRINGING.

She really was hoping that Lex wouldn't insist on not telling since the snake was really drained and she could barely move. And she really wanted to know VERY badly. She tried not to look as tired as she was so Lex wouldn't take advantage of that. Cue why Cassia pushed up a bit and propped an elbow to the seat's arm. Totally, relaxed and could carry a bunch of other trunks.

Did it work?

And she was talking! Woot!

Cassia listened making sure not to let any emotion show on her face. She needed to hear this out and know everything then and only then would she say what she should say. Which she wasn't very good at!

Although internally, Cassia was only thinking of a way to sneak inside the fourth-year's dorms in the Ravenclaw's common room. She might want to drop a gift there for the boy. How dare he speak of the letters aloud?! He should have totally swallowed up his feelings, reactions and opinions. Who cared about them anyway? Yeah? Oh, probably Lex did. But like, he should have stuck to the script and NOT said it aloud. Everyone knew that rule.

He had a locker, too, right? Juuust gathering info here.

"He can say WHATEVER he wants," She said sitting up straight too enthusiastically. Bad move. Don't make a big deal of it or Lex would feel worse. Stupid, Cassia.

She tried again with a shruuuuug. "He just wants to pretend that he received one,"which he kinda did Pffffffft. Dreamer boy. Telling the truth and breaking girl's hearts. This needed to be stopped.

And now he hates her? What was Alexa Cambridge saying?

"Why would he? And who cares, Lex?" NO ONE! RIGHT! "Listen, it's nothing, ignore it. Leave it behind you. It's history, now!" And they were kinda doing so by approaching the castle and getting away from the train. Geddit?

[TakemetotheBurrow]

This wasn't awkward or anything. Ella just kind of stared down at her shoes as the two talked about who couldn't find who and wondered if she had time to switch carriages. That would probably be really rude though, right? Yeah.

Homeschooled. Ella's mom had wanted to keep her home before magic and things happened. She always thought it'd be quite lonely, though. "Oh. Well, welcome and I hope you like Hogwarts." And all that jazz. Mhm.

"That's a nice name." Ella said thoughtfully, giving Kalla a small smile. She'd never heard it before, actually. Eyes on Benjamin now, the sixteen year old offered him a smile as well. "It's nice to meet you." Nodnod. "Both of you."

[Erindipity]

Kalla gave Benjy a blank faced stare and leaned up in her seat a little bit. "Well seeing as I never got on the train the only chance I would have had to tell you where I would be... I reckon I never got a chance, did I?" Since he had forgotten about her when Garrick showed up.

She had expected it, but it didn't make her feel any less wretched about it.

But whatever. SMILES ON.

"It's highly probable that I won't like the place, but thanks for the sentiment. That's really nice of you." And no, that was not sarcasm. She was being GENUINE. She appreciated the expected comments even if they were... expected.

"Like the Lily. Only spelled different. And Ella sounds somewhat similar so I won't be likely to forget your name." And that was a compliment. Sort of. Kalla didn't make it a habit of remembering people's names since she never gave them a chance anyway. Heh.

But then she said it was nice to meet her. Kalla thought this was a bit of a stretch. She preferred honesty... "I would say the same, but I am not entirely sure that's the case just yet."

[hermygirl]

HANG ON. Benjy stared at her, completely deadpan. "So...how exactly DID you get here?" Because clearly the train was FAR too much EFFORT, and simply wasn't GOOD ENOUGH for Princess Kalla over there.

Ella was hoping Kalla liked Hogwarts? A loud snort from Benjamin accompanied Kalla's answer. Fat chance of that happening, Ella. We're sorry. But it was the truth. All Benjy hoped was that Kalla was sorted as far away from him as possible, namely: Slytherin. He reckoned there was a good shot of it too.

C'mon, have you HEARD the girl?

He shook his head at Kalla, who clearly need to work on the social side of things, which was saying something coming from Benjamin, and turned to Ella. "You play Quidditch, right?" He thought he recognised her, anyway.

[DaniDiNardo]

She really was hoping that Lex wouldn't insist on not telling since the snake was really drained and she could barely move. And she really wanted to know VERY badly. She tried not to look as tired as she was so Lex wouldn't take advantage of that. Cue why Cassia pushed up a bit and propped an elbow to the seat's arm. Totally, relaxed and could carry a bunch of other trunks.

Did it work?

And she was talking! Woot!

Cassia listened making sure not to let any emotion show on her face. She needed to hear this out and know everything then and only then would she say what she should say. Which she wasn't very good at!

Although internally, Cassia was only thinking of a way to sneak inside the fourth-year's dorms in the Ravenclaw's common room. She might want to drop a gift there for the boy. How dare he speak of the letters aloud?! He should have totally swallowed up his feelings, reactions and opinions. Who cared about them anyway? Yeah? Oh, probably Lex did. But like, he should have stuck to the script and NOT said it aloud. Everyone knew that rule.

He had a locker, too, right? Juuust gathering info here.

"He can say WHATEVER he wants," She said sitting up straight too enthusiastically. Bad move. Don't make a big deal of it or Lex would feel worse. Stupid, Cassia.

She tried again with a shruuuuug. "He just wants to pretend that he received one,"which he kinda did Pffffffft. Dreamer boy. Telling the truth and breaking girl's hearts. This needed to be stopped.

And now he hates her? What was Alexa Cambridge saying?

"Why would he? And who cares, Lex?" NO ONE! RIGHT! "Listen, it's nothing, ignore it. Leave it behind you. It's history, now!" And they were kinda doing so by approaching the castle and getting away from the train. Geddit?

You know that eager look that Cassia sometimes had that made Lex want to smack it off her face? The same look she had that time they had that talk and Lex nearly walked out on her? Yeah, she was seeing it on the girl's face again and was tempted to step from the MOVING carriage and WALK the rest of the way.

Yes Cassia, that's how much she would have preferred not to see you looking so eager for what was actually really bad news. But of course she kept the scowl from her face because the girl didn't know any better. How was she to know? No need to get annoyed at her...unless this giddy headed business continued. In all honesty, it wasn't that obvious this time, that didn't mean she never realized.

The sudden outburst was one thing but her expression definitely brought the scowl this time. "He most certainly can NOT. There are other people involved and he's not making himself look bad." A rational thought. If he was only smearing his own name she probably wouldn't have cared.

"He can pretend if he wants so long as he does it quietly." Seriously. He could have cussed all he wanted, it just went downhill when he brought up the letter. Her scowl deepened. "I care." How couldn't she? "It's like what we talked about with that other thing and friendship being the most important thing. That kinda died when he told me I was a rubbish friend."

This...wasn't making her feeling any better at all. Thinking about it...not what she was trying to do. "And it can't be history because whenever he walks by I'll remember he hates me." Kinda hard to put that behind you.

[TakemetotheBurrow]

This was like a tennis match of sorts. Every time Kalla said something, Benjamin seemed to have a quick retort. For the second time, Ella wondered if the two needed privacy but she was sort of stuck at this point. She remained quiet and fiddled with her hands a bit, also kind of curious as to how Kalla ended up in Hogsmeade.

So...she'd suggested something ridiculous, apparently. The blonde raised her eyebrows slightly but otherwise kept smiling. "You're welcome, I guess." She was feeling all sorts of unsure right now if they couldn't already tell.

Like the Lily, right. Ella's Gran would have known that but Ella wasn't exactly an expert on flowers. Just like she wasn't an expert on how to respond to the things Kalla was saying. "That's good, then." Maybe.

... ... "Okay." Kalla was allowed to make up her mind about people anyway she wanted but Ella had never had anyone say anything like that to her before. She supposed she respected the girl's honesty, though.

Quidditch? Thank Merlin! The blonde turned her attention to the boy and smiled, grateful for the subject change. "I'm the Hufflepuff Captain, actually. I love Quidditch." And she was itching to fly again. "Do you play?" He did look familiar but that could have been from classes and such too.

[Erindipity]

How had SHE gotten here? "Your mum and my mum got me to the train station here. I was a bit overwhelmed as it was. They saw fit to respect my wishes not to be on the train." Truth. TRUTH. There were so many people around.

And was Ella uncomfortable? How sad. But as she was opening her mouth to respond to the you're welcome I guess bit... she heard Benjamin SNORT. She cut her eyes to him, narrowing one slightly more than the other. He was being brattier than normal. She would have to put a stop to this. As soon as there were no witnesses.

And this girl was NOT a conversationalist. That was becoming abundantly clear.

And then Quidditch.

Kalla let her head fall back against the seat, rather dramatically, and let out a loud, pointed SNORE. They were boring her to DEATH over here.

[JennMarie]

Minerva had watched as Ariana got up. They were at the station.. At school. Emotions and nerves filled her yet again. It was time to start the term. Start her year without one of her comforts around all the time. She nodded slowly at her friend and got up. Picking up Fluffy and placing the puff on her shoulder Min turned to see Ariana's hand and she froze for a second. She was wanting to hold her hand. Min bit her lip as a few tears fell. They were in this together and she took her best friends hand. I have to make sure first years get off and get my things from the prefect compartment, but then we can go to the carriage.


After making sure all the things were done that needed to be she walked to the carriages with her best friend. She was feeling numb inside from all the different emotions. "This is really it.. We are really here." She shook her head. Summer went way to fast or maybe it was because she had only had half a summer. She put Liesel's cage in before getting into the carriage herself. Turning to help Ariana up as well. Looking out at the carriages she shook her head as the thoughts of previous years hit her. "Why does this seem like it is going to be so hard? Every where I turn he's going to be there in my head. Every class that seat is going to be there.. Every spot." She looked away as she sat there trying to keep it together. She had duties to fill this was not going to do if she was a crying mess.

Hand in hers Ariana walked beside Min up to the carriages. This would be the last time they ride they carriages. On their way out they would be on the first year boats. Ariana bit her lip once again as Maddy jumped onto her head. Silly puff. She let min help her up though she didnt need the help but she took it anyway. She put her backpack on the floor of carriage and Maddy on her lap "seems surreal huh? Our last year." she kept an eye on the creature pulling the thing. She found them fascinating since she began to to see them two years ago. Such beautiful things really."dont think about it. We'll be fine we have each other." that they did. The best slytherpuff pair around in her opinion.

[hermygirl]

Benjamin rolled his eyes. "Right. Because clearly being the only one in the entire school not to arrive in the standard way is the best way to settle in." But really, his MUM had given in? Was he the ONLY one in the family she didn't spoil?

SIGHS.

He knew he'd regret saying that later. If not because of her reaction, because of his promise to be nice.

Eh, whatever. He'd deal.

At Kalla's pointed snore, Benjamin decidedly turned his back on his cousin, and gave his attention to Ella. She was the Huffie Captain? "Oh awesome!" Benjy said with a grin. "I bet you're looking forward to flying and tryouts then?" At her question, he shook his head. "No. 'Fraid not." He was hoping to put that right though. If he could. "You know who the Ravenclaw Captain is this term?" Just out of interest, and all. Surely she'd see them in the Prefect's compartment on the train and would know?

[the fastest seeker]

You know that eager look that Cassia sometimes had that made Lex want to smack it off her face? The same look she had that time they had that talk and Lex nearly walked out on her? Yeah, she was seeing it on the girl's face again and was tempted to step from the MOVING carriage and WALK the rest of the way.

Yes Cassia, that's how much she would have preferred not to see you looking so eager for what was actually really bad news. But of course she kept the scowl from her face because the girl didn't know any better. How was she to know? No need to get annoyed at her...unless this giddy headed business continued. In all honesty, it wasn't that obvious this time, that didn't mean she never realized.

The sudden outburst was one thing but her expression definitely brought the scowl this time. "He most certainly can NOT. There are other people involved and he's not making himself look bad." A rational thought. If he was only smearing his own name she probably wouldn't have cared.

"He can pretend if he wants so long as he does it quietly." Seriously. He could have cussed all he wanted, it just went downhill when he brought up the letter. Her scowl deepened. "I care." How couldn't she? "It's like what we talked about with that other thing and friendship being the most important thing. That kinda died when he told me I was a rubbish friend."

This...wasn't making her feeling any better at all. Thinking about it...not what she was trying to do. "And it can't be history because whenever he walks by I'll remember he hates me." Kinda hard to put that behind you.

Why was she annoyed at her. Fiiiine. She'd take the hear. Let the lioness vent!The snake nodded at the words not interrupting her. Let her say it all and while that Cassia would think of the right thing to say. Or whatever to make Lex feel better. She needed to understand the reasons of her being upset to find out that so she needed to listen carefully.

"Well, yeah he can't, I know. But I mean, you do not care about what people think. That's if anyone believed it." Cassia herself might have not, had she not been told about it from the source. "When you did it, you did it for a reason for an answer. And you know it now, even if it's not pleasant, it's better than not knowing." That kinda was harsh but Lex wasn't weak. Shouldn't be weak.

Well, of course she does. "Do not take his words too seriously and deeply." Okay, she really didn't want to defend the dude but whatever it was to make Lex feel better. "He might have been too overwhelmed or whatever, to say harsh stuff." Well, she didn't like defending him. "And if he really meant the words. Then consider this as a friendship test." She gulped after saying that hoping only for Lex's sake that he didn't mean them and he was just angry. Because, personally, Cassia only cared about the friendship knowing that Lex did care about it hugely.

Cassia stood and walked over to Lex's seat and sat next to her. She took her shoulders and angled her body so that they were face-to-face. "Give it time and you'll realize it isn't that bad." She said her hands still on the fourth-year's shoulders. "Everything can be repaired ," She slowly said, paused then wrapped her arms around Lex.

[Bazinga]

Hand in hers Ariana walked beside Min up to the carriages. This would be the last time they ride they carriages. On their way out they would be on the first year boats. Ariana bit her lip once again as Maddy jumped onto her head. Silly puff. She let min help her up though she didnt need the help but she took it anyway. She put her backpack on the floor of carriage and Maddy on her lap "seems surreal huh? Our last year." she kept an eye on the creature pulling the thing. She found them fascinating since she began to to see them two years ago. Such beautiful things really."dont think about it. We'll be fine we have each other." that they did. The best slytherpuff pair around in her opinion.

Minerva wasn't sure whether Fluffy would get down or not. She just kind of stayed quiet on Min's shoulder. Looking to the front of the carriage and not seeing anything, but knowing something was there she then looked up ahead. "It does seem impossible to be at this point already." In one moment Minerva felt it was impossible to be a seventh year, no way had she made this trip every year, but in the other instance she just wanted this year to be over so she could be back where she truly wanted to be at the moment.

She shrugged knowing Ari would be the strong one yet again when it came to this. "I try not to, but it's hard when every where I look I think of things." She wiped at her face and just looked away from her friend. She hated that she felt so weak and pathetic about all of this, but she had every right to be upset, didn't she? The least she could do was look away so that Ari wouldn't have to deal with her tears. She had to focus on other things, like the firsties and helping them out or classes starting. She welcomed the stress of classes just to get something else on her mind. "Wonder what Staff changes we will have this term." There were always staff changes. As long as she had Hadley she could handle any of the others. She finally smiled at Ariana, "We do and I couldn't have asked for a better best friend than you."

[TakemetotheBurrow]

Ella wasn't sure she wanted to spend any more time around this Kalla girl in the future. Not that she thought Kalla wanted to spend time with her. It seemed to Ella that the girl wasn't a fan of her already which was new. Or maybe the blonde just wasn't used to anyone thinking she was boring and uninteresting. The snoring, though? It was sort of unnecessary.

Instead the sixteen year old fought a frown and focused on Benjamin and Quidditch. "I'm really looking forward to it!" And her smile was wider this time around, her excitement evident. "I wasn't able to fly all summer so I'll need the practice." And flying was brilliant so there was that too. "You could always give it a go, y'know. It's a lot of fun, Quidditch is." And there was no harm in trying out. As for knowing who the captain was, Ella nodded. "Mo's the captain this term. He's a really nice guy and I'm sure he'll do well." And maybe Benjamin knew him? Probably, yeah?

[emjay]

Minerva had watched as Ariana got up. They were at the station.. At school. Emotions and nerves filled her yet again. It was time to start the term. Start her year without one of her comforts around all the time. She nodded slowly at her friend and got up. Picking up Fluffy and placing the puff on her shoulder Min turned to see Ariana's hand and she froze for a second. She was wanting to hold her hand. Min bit her lip as a few tears fell. They were in this together and she took her best friends hand. I have to make sure first years get off and get my things from the prefect compartment, but then we can go to the carriage.


After making sure all the things were done that needed to be she walked to the carriages with her best friend. She was feeling numb inside from all the different emotions. "This is really it.. We are really here." She shook her head. Summer went way to fast or maybe it was because she had only had half a summer. She put Liesel's cage in before getting into the carriage herself. Turning to help Ariana up as well. Looking out at the carriages she shook her head as the thoughts of previous years hit her. "Why does this seem like it is going to be so hard? Every where I turn he's going to be there in my head. Every class that seat is going to be there.. Every spot." She looked away as she sat there trying to keep it together. She had duties to fill this was not going to do if she was a crying mess.



Hand in hers Ariana walked beside Min up to the carriages. This would be the last time they ride they carriages. On their way out they would be on the first year boats. Ariana bit her lip once again as Maddy jumped onto her head. Silly puff. She let min help her up though she didnt need the help but she took it anyway. She put her backpack on the floor of carriage and Maddy on her lap "seems surreal huh? Our last year." she kept an eye on the creature pulling the thing. She found them fascinating since she began to to see them two years ago. Such beautiful things really."dont think about it. We'll be fine we have each other." that they did. The best slytherpuff pair around in her opinion.Once she had seen the train slowing towards the station, Claudette took a few moments to freshen up her appearance, making sure her hair was still perfectly coiffed before collecting her things and making her way off the train. As one of the last ones off, the 16 year old easily followed the line of people towards.. horseless carriages? Odd. But whatever..

The blonde carried her caged owl in one hand and pulled her wheeled trunk behind her with the other, looking for a vacant spot to travel to the castle. She passed a few full carriages and her eyes fell on several up ahead that were moving already. The next one up ahead appeared to have a few empty seats and she quickened her pace to get in before it left as well. Oh.. lucky for her it contained one of the few people she already knew here..

"Hi, Minerva.." she smiled brightly as she lifted her owl's cage to the carriage, then climbed in before pulling up her trunk to sit next to her. And one of Min's close friends by the looks of it. "Hello," she added to the other girl, still allowing a friendly smile to remain on her lips. "I'm Claudette." Certainly they wouldn't mind her tagging along for the ride.. it was what, 10 minutes? She peered out over the edge of the carriage, trying to catch a glimpse of Hogwarts in her sights.

[DaniDiNardo]

Why was she annoyed at her. Fiiiine. She'd take the hear. Let the lioness vent!The snake nodded at the words not interrupting her. Let her say it all and while that Cassia would think of the right thing to say. Or whatever to make Lex feel better. She needed to understand the reasons of her being upset to find out that so she needed to listen carefully.

"Well, yeah he can't, I know. But I mean, you do not care about what people think. That's if anyone believed it." Cassia herself might have not, had she not been told about it from the source. "When you did it, you did it for a reason for an answer. And you know it now, even if it's not pleasant, it's better than not knowing." That kinda was harsh but Lex wasn't weak. Shouldn't be weak.

Well, of course she does. "Do not take his words too seriously and deeply." Okay, she really didn't want to defend the dude but whatever it was to make Lex feel better. "He might have been too overwhelmed or whatever, to say harsh stuff." Well, she didn't like defending him. "And if he really meant the words. Then consider this as a friendship test." She gulped after saying that hoping only for Lex's sake that he didn't mean them and he was just angry. Because, personally, Cassia only cared about the friendship knowing that Lex did care about it hugely.

Cassia stood and walked over to Lex's seat and sat next to her. She took her shoulders and angled her body so that they were face-to-face. "Give it time and you'll realize it isn't that bad." She said her hands still on the fourth-year's shoulders. "Everything can be repaired," She slowly said, paused then wrapped her arms around Lex.

So maybe she was overreacting just a little. Technically Cassia wasn't making faces that were out of the ordinary but at the same time...she would have preferred a blank sheet of an expression. Was that too much to ask at a time like this? Were it not for the scowl her face would have been blank.

She had a valuable point there but it was moreso for her than for the opinions of others. At the end of the day...she didn't find them relevant enough to care but see, hearing him say out loud what she did, audible reminder of a stupid move, it got to her. Stupidity wasn't something she prided herself in but that seemed like an awful lot to explain so she simply shrugged and let that die there. "I didn't do it for an answer persay."...No, no she didn't.

Aaaaand the convincing. Cassia was trying, she was but Lex didn't want to hear it. In fact she was just about getting tired of this entire conversation. It was bringing her mood right back to the ground and she'd already kinda picked it up and dusted it off earlier. "You're right, he might just have said that for saying it sake." She didn't believe her own words. She was just saying this so they could drop it.

Except they were talking about repairing things now and she didn't see how. Alexa wasn't about to walk up to him and carry on a conversation like nothing happened. There were some things that you just couldn't deny until they went away. This was now one of them. "I don't see ho--"

O_O

Hugs were happening. She didn't return it at first, just slightly taken aback by it but she wasn't about to refuse. NOPE. Lex liiiiiiked hugs. They had a way of improving things, if only a little. "Thanks Cassia." Really, thanks.

[the fastest seeker]

So maybe she was overreacting just a little. Technically Cassia wasn't making faces that were out of the ordinary but at the same time...she would have preferred a blank sheet of an expression. Was that too much to ask at a time like this? Were it not for the scowl her face would have been blank.

She had a valuable point there but it was moreso for her than for the opinions of others. At the end of the day...she didn't find them relevant enough to care but see, hearing him say out loud what she did, audible reminder of a stupid move, it got to her. Stupidity wasn't something she prided herself in but that seemed like an awful lot to explain so she simply shrugged and let that die there. "I didn't do it for an answer persay."...No, no she didn't.

Aaaaand the convincing. Cassia was trying, she was but Lex didn't want to hear it. In fact she was just about getting tired of this entire conversation. It was bringing her mood right back to the ground and she'd already kinda picked it up and dusted it off earlier. "You're right, he might just have said that for saying it sake." She didn't believe her own words. She was just saying this so they could drop it.

Except they were talking about repairing things now and she didn't see how. Alexa wasn't about to walk up to him and carry on a conversation like nothing happened. There were some things that you just couldn't deny until they went away. This was now one of them. "I don't see ho--"

O_O

Hugs were happening. She didn't return it at first, just slightly taken aback by it but she wasn't about to refuse. NOPE. Lex liiiiiiked hugs. They had a way of improving things, if only a little. "Thanks Cassia." Really, thanks.



Were they tiptoeing around the whole point or what? Cassia did NOT sigh, though she felt the need to. Not because she was bored with Lex, never that, but because she wanted to say something that would make Lex feel better and wipe away all the uneasiness she bottled up. Only, right now, there wasn't. The Gryffindor only needed time. The snake only hoped that time would solve it.

And while all that happened, she really was having seconds thoughts about lots of things regarding certain developments in her own feelings. The Gryffindor knew about them, though they never talked. The Slytherin didn't need a reason to chicken out.

She pushed those thoughts away, she didn't need that now. Or ever actually.

Cassia nodded at Lex's words hoping that she really meant them. Or if not right now, then maybe she'd keep remembering them and would believe in them later. Hopefully.

Her arms tightened around the lioness who was thanking her. Will she stop?! Thanking her like that, like Cassia was doing her a favor. Pffft. What did expect her to do, sit there seeing her feeling that bad.

After staying like that for a bit, Cassia released Lex and scooted away leaning on the opposite wall of the carriage from where Lex sat. She paused not knowing what to say. Maybe there was no need for words for now.

Silence.

[DaniDiNardo]

QUOTE=DaniDiNardo;11427835]

So maybe she was overreacting just a little. Technically Cassia wasn't making faces that were out of the ordinary but at the same time...she would have preferred a blank sheet of an expression. Was that too much to ask at a time like this? Were it not for the scowl her face would have been blank.

She had a valuable point there but it was moreso for her than for the opinions of others. At the end of the day...she didn't find them relevant enough to care but see, hearing him say out loud what she did, audible reminder of a stupid move, it got to her. Stupidity wasn't something she prided herself in but that seemed like an awful lot to explain so she simply shrugged and let that die there. "I didn't do it for an answer persay."...No, no she didn't.

Aaaaand the convincing. Cassia was trying, she was but Lex didn't want to hear it. In fact she was just about getting tired of this entire conversation. It was bringing her mood right back to the ground and she'd already kinda picked it up and dusted it off earlier. "You're right, he might just have said that for saying it sake." She didn't believe her own words. She was just saying this so they could drop it.

Except they were talking about repairing things now and she didn't see how. Alexa wasn't about to walk up to him and carry on a conversation like nothing happened. There were some things that you just couldn't deny until they went away. This was now one of them. "I don't see ho--"

O_O

Hugs were happening. She didn't return it at first, just slightly taken aback by it but she wasn't about to refuse. NOPE. Lex liiiiiiked hugs. They had a way of improving things, if only a little. "Thanks Cassia." Really, thanks.



Were they tiptoeing around the whole point or what? Cassia did NOT sigh, though she felt the need to. Not because she was bored with Lex, never that, but because she wanted to say something that would make Lex feel better and wipe away all the uneasiness she bottled up. Only, right now, there wasn't. The Gryffindor only needed time. The snake only hoped that time would solve it.

And while all that happened, she really was having seconds thoughts about lots of things regarding certain developments in her own feelings. The Gryffindor knew about them, though they never talked. The Slytherin didn't need a reason to chicken out.

She pushed those thoughts away, she didn't need that now. Or ever actually.

Cassia nodded at Lex's words hoping that she really meant them. Or if not right now, then maybe she'd keep remembering them and would believe in them later. Hopefully.

Her arms tightened around the lioness who was thanking her. Will she stop?! Thanking her like that, like Cassia was doing her a favor. Pffft. What did expect her to do, sit there seeing her feeling that bad.

After staying like that for a bit, Cassia released Lex and scooted away leaning on the opposite wall of the carriage from where Lex sat. She paused not knowing what to say. Maybe there was no need for words for now.

Silence.[/QUOTE]

The silence that followed the hug was comfortable--at first. You know, everything that needs to be said being said, nothing more to do but enjoy the ride and the sky darkening around them. She wouldn't have minded riding the rest of the way in silence but then that was going to be a problem. Silence allowed for thinking and thinking was just about the last thing she wanted to do right now so...

She was about to fake it until her brain was too preoccupied to remember anything but the present.

Ahem.

"I got some new candy when I went down to Muggle candy shop just up the road from my house. Fresh stock or something like that. Hang on you have to see--taste too but that's kinda obvious because there's no real point in looking at candy without allowing yourself the simple pleasure." Lex grabbed at her candy bag and pulled out a small, shiny blue packet. "These fizz in your mouth, blueberry flavoured I believe, but they have lemon too. No pumpkin flavour though. They also had raspberry, cherry, kiwi, apple, watermelon--I was gonna take a sourberry one but figured I ought not to just yet. Sour flavours were for another day but I was having a sweet craving." When wasn't she??

Lex grabbed a handful of them from bag, displaying most of the flavours she'd just named. "Pity they don't have chocolate things that fizzle, I guess they were going for a fruity thing? I dunno, I don't question candy geniuses."

She moved her hand even closer. Cassia needed to take one and give her input so they could talk and she could not think about earlier events.

[Erindipity]

Benjamin rolled his eyes. "Right. Because clearly being the only one in the entire school not to arrive in the standard way is the best way to settle in." But really, his MUM had given in? Was he the ONLY one in the family she didn't spoil?

SIGHS.

He knew he'd regret saying that later. If not because of her reaction, because of his promise to be nice.

Eh, whatever. He'd deal.

At Kalla's pointed snore, Benjamin decidedly turned his back on his cousin, and gave his attention to Ella. She was the Huffie Captain? "Oh awesome!" Benjy said with a grin. "I bet you're looking forward to flying and tryouts then?" At her question, he shook his head. "No. 'Fraid not." He was hoping to put that right though. If he could. "You know who the Ravenclaw Captain is this term?" Just out of interest, and all. Surely she'd see them in the Prefect's compartment on the train and would know?

Ella wasn't sure she wanted to spend any more time around this Kalla girl in the future. Not that she thought Kalla wanted to spend time with her. It seemed to Ella that the girl wasn't a fan of her already which was new. Or maybe the blonde just wasn't used to anyone thinking she was boring and uninteresting. The snoring, though? It was sort of unnecessary.

Instead the sixteen year old fought a frown and focused on Benjamin and Quidditch. "I'm really looking forward to it!" And her smile was wider this time around, her excitement evident. "I wasn't able to fly all summer so I'll need the practice." And flying was brilliant so there was that too. "You could always give it a go, y'know. It's a lot of fun, Quidditch is." And there was no harm in trying out. As for knowing who the captain was, Ella nodded. "Mo's the captain this term. He's a really nice guy and I'm sure he'll do well." And maybe Benjamin knew him? Probably, yeah?

Her eyes narrowed a bit more. "Shut up." That was all she said... all she should NEED to say.

And there he was ignoring her again... and so was the other girl. How bloody rude for the pair of him. The snoring merely indicated that she found the discussion of quidditch to be boring. And she did. DEAD boring.

And there he was kissing up to the Prefect girl. Or whatever she was. So typical.

Kalla's eyes darted around looking for an empty carriage before standing and swiftly jumping down.

SO LONG SUCKERS!

[the fastest seeker]

The silence that followed the hug was comfortable--at first. You know, everything that needs to be said being said, nothing more to do but enjoy the ride and the sky darkening around them. She wouldn't have minded riding the rest of the way in silence but then that was going to be a problem. Silence allowed for thinking and thinking was just about the last thing she wanted to do right now so...

She was about to fake it until her brain was too preoccupied to remember anything but the present.

Ahem.

"I got some new candy when I went down to Muggle candy shop just up the road from my house. Fresh stock or something like that. Hang on you have to see--taste too but that's kinda obvious because there's no real point in looking at candy without allowing yourself the simple pleasure." Lex grabbed at her candy bag and pulled out a small, shiny blue packet. "These fizz in your mouth, blueberry flavoured I believe, but they have lemon too. No pumpkin flavour though. They also had raspberry, cherry, kiwi, apple, watermelon--I was gonna take a sourberry one but figured I ought not to just yet. Sour flavours were for another day but I was having a sweet craving." When wasn't she??

Lex grabbed a handful of them from bag, displaying most of the flavours she'd just named. "Pity they don't have chocolate things that fizzle, I guess they were going for a fruity thing? I dunno, I don't question candy geniuses."

She moved her hand even closer. Cassia needed to take one and give her input so they could talk and she could not think about earlier events.

This was probably the first time, where Cassia and Lex sat alone together and silent. History being made! Though, it was kinda awkward after a few minutes passed. The both weren't the kind that didn't find anything to talk about. Also, Cassia didn't want her bestie being deep in thought because right now all the thoughts weren't bright more like morbid. She needed to find something to talk about.

The weather!..?

Luckily, Lex was first to speak. About candy, here's a shock.

The lioness got all Cassia's attention who listened intently and took the piece of candy turning it over in her hands. "It looks....different," She commented which was kinda obvious. "Blueberry is good," Though her favorite was raspberry but this was fine, too. She ripped it open and took a small bite. In case she didn't like it.

She took her time devouring the taste and assessing whether she liked or not. "It's not bad," She nodded then took another bite. "Though it lacks something," She said thoughtfully trying to find out the missing taste.

"And you bought it with muggle money?" Juuust a question.

[Kitten]

Back at Hogwarts... and the Slytherin wasn't sure whether she was over the moon or not too happy to be back.

With the condition that it was in last year she wasn't happy about going back - but the classes were amazing, which was something that no one could say anything about. And the castle in itself was beautiful, the blonde able to see all the potential that there was in it. But she only really wanted nice food, proper plates and a clean dorm without rats and spiders. That was all.

Not too much in her opinion.

So sighing she quietly slipped into a carriage, waiting to see whether or not anyone she knew would show up.

[Sonea]

Back at Hogwarts... and the Slytherin wasn't sure whether she was over the moon or not too happy to be back.

With the condition that it was in last year she wasn't happy about going back - but the classes were amazing, which was something that no one could say anything about. And the castle in itself was beautiful, the blonde able to see all the potential that there was in it. But she only really wanted nice food, proper plates and a clean dorm without rats and spiders. That was all.

Not too much in her opinion.

So sighing she quietly slipped into a carriage, waiting to see whether or not anyone she knew would show up.

Walking with her two rats on her shoulder, Little Princess and Sir Blue, she looked around her. She had a excited look in her eyes and a wide smile was visible on her face, she was going back to HOGWARTS!!! Finally she was back, the school was a place where she needed to work hard and where she needed to study, but this was also not her home and THAT was something she liked, not being home and with her mom! She wanted to forget that she had problems at home and that her relationship with her mom was VERY bad, she hoped that school would distract her and that she could concentrate here on all the good things she could do!

And while she looked around her she saw a girl she knew, a Slytherin who was younger than she was. "Hello! How are you doing?" greeted Sonea while she sat down next to the younger girl and looked with a wide smile at her.

[Kimothy]

Honestly, Kat was just so happy that she was able to leave the train. Especially the Prefects' Compartment. So much for her first day of her seventh and final year, and most of all as Head Girl... guess the odds weren't exactly in her favour for today. Well that sucked. But at least she didn't need to be stuck with some certain people and handle a firstie and fake!Head Boy Toby. Reserve that for this term, where she'll have even more problems and things to face and they weren't just the NEWTs waiting for her at the end of the year. Head Girl responsibilities were going to kill her, since she had to balance studies and Quidditch. Her mum told her to drop Quidditch (it was horrifying) but they knew Kat could never do that. She loved Quidditch way too much to let it go.

Making her way to an empty carriage, Kat waved a bit at the Thestral that was going to drag the carriage she would ride on. Yep, she could see them clearly ever since her fourth year. Then she went inside and sat down. SIGHS. If nobody was going to sit with her, she might as well catch up with her lack of sleep the whole summer and snooze for at least five minutes. Restless and tiring nights, of course, with a baby nephew and the most annoying brother in the world both in the same house as hers. Kat wished Di would have gotten a new house with her husband to live in. Gale's cries in the middle of the night were irritating. She just couldn't wait to move in with Elise.

So, waiting was gonna happen until her carriage moved.

[DaniDiNardo]

This was probably the first time, where Cassia and Lex sat alone together and silent. History being made! Though, it was kinda awkward after a few minutes passed. The both weren't the kind that didn't find anything to talk about. Also, Cassia didn't want her bestie being deep in thought because right now all the thoughts weren't bright more like morbid. She needed to find something to talk about.

The weather!..?

Luckily, Lex was first to speak. About candy, here's a shock.

The lioness got all Cassia's attention who listened intently and took the piece of candy turning it over in her hands. "It looks....different," She commented which was kinda obvious. "Blueberry is good," Though her favorite was raspberry but this was fine, too. She ripped it open and took a small bite. In case she didn't like it.

She took her time devouring the taste and assessing whether she liked or not. "It's not bad," She nodded then took another bite. "Though it lacks something," She said thoughtfully trying to find out the missing taste.

"And you bought it with muggle money?" Juuust a question.

She saw the small shadow of doubt on Cassia's face as she took the candy. It was expected. You could never really be sure of anything muggle. They were an odd bunch when it all boiled down to it. The fact that she didn't pop the whole thing in her mouth but instead took a small bite was another indicator. This amused Lex. She herself was never wary of candy.

"I think it's all the anticipation you have building up because of the wizarding candy you're use to. When something magic-y fizzes you have to wonder if it'll pop next, but these...these are mundane stuff. They don't do much but have sugar and taste good." Imparting candy knowledge like the expert she was. This seemed so much more legit than talking about anything else and it allowed for the Priorities she and Lottie had discussed so this was turning out even better.

"Yeah, muggle. It's so funny looking. It isn't even real." It didn't look very real and what could you do with paper anyway? It...it was everywhere wasn't it? "Jeremy and I walked there, he was offering to buy me some 'normal' candy to take back to school....but then he hadn't taken all that much money and I didn't want just a few sweets so I got Daddy to change a couple galleons for me."

Limits in a candy shop? MADNESS!

[amadshade]

Walking with her two rats on her shoulder, Little Princess and Sir Blue, she looked around her. She had a excited look in her eyes and a wide smile was visible on her face, she was going back to HOGWARTS!!! Finally she was back, the school was a place where she needed to work hard and where she needed to study, but this was also not her home and THAT was something she liked, not being home and with her mom! She wanted to forget that she had problems at home and that her relationship with her mom was VERY bad, she hoped that school would distract her and that she could concentrate here on all the good things she could do!

And while she looked around her she saw a girl she knew, a Slytherin who was younger than she was. "Hello! How are you doing?" greeted Sonea while she sat down next to the younger girl and looked with a wide smile at her.

Back at Hogwarts... and the Slytherin wasn't sure whether she was over the moon or not too happy to be back.

With the condition that it was in last year she wasn't happy about going back - but the classes were amazing, which was something that no one could say anything about. And the castle in itself was beautiful, the blonde able to see all the potential that there was in it. But she only really wanted nice food, proper plates and a clean dorm without rats and spiders. That was all.

Not too much in her opinion.

So sighing she quietly slipped into a carriage, waiting to see whether or not anyone she knew would show up.
Tora had never been in the carriages before. She had heard about them from other students of course, but they still looked rather intimidating looming up as black shapes from the darkness.

So she looked for a friend. Turning around she scanned the crowd of students until she glimpsed a girl she knew slip into one of the carriages followed by someone she didn't. For a second Tora hesitated before following the girls into the carriage. What if they wanted to be alone? But you're more often hurt by hesitation than by whatever it is you were hesitating to do, so she jumped aboard.

"Hi. Remember me?" She asked Kahlan and then turned to nod to the other girl she didn't know. "I'm Tora Gallaway. You are?"

[JennMarie]

Minerva wasn't sure whether Fluffy would get down or not. She just kind of stayed quiet on Min's shoulder. Looking to the front of the carriage and not seeing anything, but knowing something was there she then looked up ahead. "It does seem impossible to be at this point already." In one moment Minerva felt it was impossible to be a seventh year, no way had she made this trip every year, but in the other instance she just wanted this year to be over so she could be back where she truly wanted to be at the moment.

She shrugged knowing Ari would be the strong one yet again when it came to this. "I try not to, but it's hard when every where I look I think of things." She wiped at her face and just looked away from her friend. She hated that she felt so weak and pathetic about all of this, but she had every right to be upset, didn't she? The least she could do was look away so that Ari wouldn't have to deal with her tears. She had to focus on other things, like the firsties and helping them out or classes starting. She welcomed the stress of classes just to get something else on her mind. "Wonder what Staff changes we will have this term." There were always staff changes. As long as she had Hadley she could handle any of the others. She finally smiled at Ariana, "We do and I couldn't have asked for a better best friend than you."

"Seems like yesterday we we're arriving on the firstie boats right?" it really did and as glad as she was to finally be in her final year she was sad cause this place was her home as well as home to so many other's and it was where she met some of the dearest people in her life and in the matter of months it was just going to be a place where she learned and that's that. she looked down at the puff and over to her owls cage which she had their too by the way, " it's going to be hard, yeah, but we can do it, we'll make more memories of our own final year, and you have your mirror so you can talk to him every night, yeah?"
She should be grateful for that, Ariana only got a letter, rarely but she was still grateful for that, grateful that he was ok even. Staff changes, that was something she had thought of really " the groundskeeper, i dont really think anyone would be leaving so i think we're ok." poor Mr. Groundskeeper, really." Don't get all sappy on me." she just cried a river, no more waterfalls.


Once she had seen the train slowing towards the station, Claudette took a few moments to freshen up her appearance, making sure her hair was still perfectly coiffed before collecting her things and making her way off the train. As one of the last ones off, the 16 year old easily followed the line of people towards.. horseless carriages? Odd. But whatever..

The blonde carried her caged owl in one hand and pulled her wheeled trunk behind her with the other, looking for a vacant spot to travel to the castle. She passed a few full carriages and her eyes fell on several up ahead that were moving already. The next one up ahead appeared to have a few empty seats and she quickened her pace to get in before it left as well. Oh.. lucky for her it contained one of the few people she already knew here..

"Hi, Minerva.." she smiled brightly as she lifted her owl's cage to the carriage, then climbed in before pulling up her trunk to sit next to her. And one of Min's close friends by the looks of it. "Hello," she added to the other girl, still allowing a friendly smile to remain on her lips. "I'm Claudette." Certainly they wouldn't mind her tagging along for the ride.. it was what, 10 minutes? She peered out over the edge of the carriage, trying to catch a glimpse of Hogwarts in her sights.

Then. There. Was. A. Stranger.

Whether the blonde called her best friend out by name or not she was CLEARLY not invited here, she snake furrowed her brows and gave the girl looks "scuse you." yes YOU, "what the hell are you doing?" She wasn't invited and it was RUDE to intrude didn't she know. Ariana was already very irritable, and this did not help not one bit rolling her eyes she crossed her arms and just stared at the girl, ugh she was SUPER girly looking, too girly for her taste. Could she get left behind and they just forget about her? that'd be great.

[Bazinga]

"Seems like yesterday we we're arriving on the firstie boats right?" it really did and as glad as she was to finally be in her final year she was sad cause this place was her home as well as home to so many other's and it was where she met some of the dearest people in her life and in the matter of months it was just going to be a place where she learned and that's that. she looked down at the puff and over to her owls cage which she had their too by the way, " it's going to be hard, yeah, but we can do it, we'll make more memories of our own final year, and you have your mirror so you can talk to him every night, yeah?"
She should be grateful for that, Ariana only got a letter, rarely but she was still grateful for that, grateful that he was ok even. Staff changes, that was something she had thought of really " the groundskeeper, i dont really think anyone would be leaving so i think we're ok." poor Mr. Groundskeeper, really." Don't get all sappy on me." she just cried a river, no more waterfalls.


Then. There. Was. A. Stranger.

Whether the blonde called her best friend out by name or not she was CLEARLY not invited here, she snake furrowed her brows and gave the girl looks "scuse you." yes YOU, "what the hell are you doing?" She wasn't invited and it was RUDE to intrude didn't she know. Ariana was already very irritable, and this did not help not one bit rolling her eyes she crossed her arms and just stared at the girl, ugh she was SUPER girly looking, too girly for her taste. Could she get left behind and they just forget about her? that'd be great.

Originally Posted by emjay View Post
SPOILER!!: Minerva and Ariana
Once she had seen the train slowing towards the station, Claudette took a few moments to freshen up her appearance, making sure her hair was still perfectly coiffed before collecting her things and making her way off the train. As one of the last ones off, the 16 year old easily followed the line of people towards.. horseless carriages? Odd. But whatever..

The blonde carried her caged owl in one hand and pulled her wheeled trunk behind her with the other, looking for a vacant spot to travel to the castle. She passed a few full carriages and her eyes fell on several up ahead that were moving already. The next one up ahead appeared to have a few empty seats and she quickened her pace to get in before it left as well. Oh.. lucky for her it contained one of the few people she already knew here..

"Hi, Minerva.." she smiled brightly as she lifted her owl's cage to the carriage, then climbed in before pulling up her trunk to sit next to her. And one of Min's close friends by the looks of it. "Hello," she added to the other girl, still allowing a friendly smile to remain on her lips. "I'm Claudette." Certainly they wouldn't mind her tagging along for the ride.. it was what, 10 minutes? She peered out over the edge of the carriage, trying to catch a glimpse of Hogwarts in her sights.

Min just couldn't help but chuckle a bit. Wiping her tears she shook her head, "Look at you getting all sentimental." Ariana thinking about first year and stuff. "It doesn't seem like it's been seven years ago. So much has changed since then." She had her family still in tact then, bad things hadn't happened yet. It was just weird to think of. To Minerva it seemed like a life time ago.

She looked at her friend knowing she was right, "Yeah I know we will. We will have a great term." Looking down at the new part of her robes she sighed, "I guess I will have more things to do anyway to keep my mind off of missing him. I just hope I don't screw it up to bad." She then nudged Ari, "Plus we have Newts to study for. We will be studying together, alright?" That should keep the girls motivated at least. No big distractions if they were studying together. "It was a shock when Magnus left, so hopefully no more of those. I saw the new Groundskeeper at the station. Probably should have introduced myself, but that can wait." She was going up to this castle with her best friend other people would have to wait.

Speaking of other people Min looked up just in time to see Claudette giving the girl a smile her blue eyes snapped over to Ari and her jaw dropped. Why did this even surprise her anymore. Ariana was a wonderful, caring person, but you had to break down that ugly wall first. She just shook her head and laughed a bit, "Claudette don't fear her to much. Her bark is worse than her bite. Believe me the first time I met her she ran off that mouth and flipped me with her wand." Min's smile grew bigger at the memory.

"Ari if you are done being mean. This is Claudette, Ethan's cousin, so basically my family." She did look at Claudette as family and Ariana wasn't going to be mean to her family. "She is here for the year on a exchange program." She looked towards Claudette, "You are more than welcome to sit with us up to the castle." She was still chuckling at her best friends forwardness. "I hope you got your luggage and found the carriages alright." She probably should have been a better prefect and friend by staying and making sure she did, but she seemed to have managed alright.

[natethegreat]

With the long, and suspenseful train ride to Hogwarts, Nate finally got out of the train. He was ready for a new year, and couldn't wait to see all of his friends again. Nate quickly found his luggage bags, and strolled them towards one of the carriages. Noticing some of his friends already on the carriages, Nate walked over to one of them. Once he arrived at the carriages he said "Hey Minnie! Can I join you guys?" Asking with a curios look in his eyes.

[PuppySara]

Brodie looked at the carriages and just waited for his turn to get in... So far the year was already kinda hilly... He'd met two new... He was guessing he could call them friends... and he'd also gotten into two arguments... So far it was tied... Well, still leaning more towards crappy since one of the people he'd gotten into an argument with was Taylor, and he still had to wait for the limp to go away and his arm to heal completely... He shrugged, oh well, he was here, no turning back now. He looked around again, seeing one of his new friends... but she was around Minnie and that was just a no... He was not going to deal with her attitude again, nope... Maybe try again when he was in a better mood but not now. He managed to pull a piece of paper out to started to write a new song... He'd have to send it to Vince soon so he could send it out to the rest of the boys, Vik, and Rach. So he kept writing and waiting.

[Mell]

Honestly, Kat was just so happy that she was able to leave the train. Especially the Prefects' Compartment. So much for her first day of her seventh and final year, and most of all as Head Girl... guess the odds weren't exactly in her favour for today. Well that sucked. But at least she didn't need to be stuck with some certain people and handle a firstie and fake!Head Boy Toby. Reserve that for this term, where she'll have even more problems and things to face and they weren't just the NEWTs waiting for her at the end of the year. Head Girl responsibilities were going to kill her, since she had to balance studies and Quidditch. Her mum told her to drop Quidditch (it was horrifying) but they knew Kat could never do that. She loved Quidditch way too much to let it go.

Making her way to an empty carriage, Kat waved a bit at the Thestral that was going to drag the carriage she would ride on. Yep, she could see them clearly ever since her fourth year. Then she went inside and sat down. SIGHS. If nobody was going to sit with her, she might as well catch up with her lack of sleep the whole summer and snooze for at least five minutes. Restless and tiring nights, of course, with a baby nephew and the most annoying brother in the world both in the same house as hers. Kat wished Di would have gotten a new house with her husband to live in. Gale's cries in the middle of the night were irritating. She just couldn't wait to move in with Elise.

So, waiting was gonna happen until her carriage moved.

Finally the train had arrived at Hogsmeade and Michael was able to lose Rhodes in the crowd. He still hadn't worked out whether he liked that girl or disliked her. She was totally annoying that was for sure.

He weaved his way through the crowd hoping to catch up with his BFF. He wanted to ask her what had been going on with her and that Slytherin boy back at Kings Cross station. he would have tried to look for her on the train but between playing tag and getting stuck in a compartment with Merivel, he hadn't had the time.

The carriages came into view and he made a beeline for them. he noticed Alexa up ahead and followed after her, hoping that he could share her carriage but he could see that she was already with friends and by the time he reached the carriage it was already full.

With a little huff and a kick to the wheel of the carriage, Mikey stomped over to the next carriage and swung himself up into it and because of his disappointment of not being able to get into the other carriage, he didn't take in his surroundings and promptly plopped himself down.

Right onto the Head Girl's lap.

[Kitten]

Walking with her two rats on her shoulder, Little Princess and Sir Blue, she looked around her. She had a excited look in her eyes and a wide smile was visible on her face, she was going back to HOGWARTS!!! Finally she was back, the school was a place where she needed to work hard and where she needed to study, but this was also not her home and THAT was something she liked, not being home and with her mom! She wanted to forget that she had problems at home and that her relationship with her mom was VERY bad, she hoped that school would distract her and that she could concentrate here on all the good things she could do!

And while she looked around her she saw a girl she knew, a Slytherin who was younger than she was. "Hello! How are you doing?" greeted Sonea while she sat down next to the younger girl and looked with a wide smile at her.

Looking up she noticed the older Slytherin girl, a toothy smile forming on her face. "Hey Sonea, I'm great how are you?" she returned the question - though she was still wondering whther or not Hogwarts would be any different to last year.

Then she noticed the other rat on the girls shoulder, cocking her head to the side questioningly. "You got another rat?" she adked looking at it, internally hoping that it was new and it wasnt that she'd just never noticed it.

"So are you happy to be back?"

[the fastest seeker]

She saw the small shadow of doubt on Cassia's face as she took the candy. It was expected. You could never really be sure of anything muggle. They were an odd bunch when it all boiled down to it. The fact that she didn't pop the whole thing in her mouth but instead took a small bite was another indicator. This amused Lex. She herself was never wary of candy.

"I think it's all the anticipation you have building up because of the wizarding candy you're use to. When something magic-y fizzes you have to wonder if it'll pop next, but these...these are mundane stuff. They don't do much but have sugar and taste good." Imparting candy knowledge like the expert she was. This seemed so much more legit than talking about anything else and it allowed for the Priorities she and Lottie had discussed so this was turning out even better.

"Yeah, muggle. It's so funny looking. It isn't even real." It didn't look very real and what could you do with paper anyway? It...it was everywhere wasn't it? "Jeremy and I walked there, he was offering to buy me some 'normal' candy to take back to school....but then he hadn't taken all that much money and I didn't want just a few sweets so I got Daddy to change a couple galleons for me."

Limits in a candy shop? MADNESS!

At first she had taken her time tasting it reluctantly at first but then she wasn't as hesitated as she was, and nom-med on the candy bar until is was gone! Not bad, the muggles knew how to make candy, good for them! Cassia was a bit worried about them that they didn't know the taste of candy. Not really, she never thought of it. Who cares about them.. She now could sleep deeply!

Reaching for the seat were she had earlier been settled, Cassia snatched the bottle. Though she sighed seeing that it was empty. Yeah, right, she gulped it down when she was dying panting and recovering from the journey. She sat back on Lex's seat and put the bottle aside. Stupid water bottles that do not fill themselves. Anyway, back to Lex's story. "I yet have to meet Jeremy," She said. Since she had already met Will several times.

"I have only seen them a couple of times," The muggle money. "Blue showed them to me,too." And they had used them when they went to buy stuff.

She examined the candy's wrapping and blinked at all the stuff that were printed. Whatever those meant. She balled it in her hand them turned to Lex. "I picked up what I was supposed to pick before arriving at the station," She said knowing that Lex would understand what she was referring to. And speaking of, she hoped that the box she had made was holding well, it'd be better once she was in the dorms and unpacked. Thinking about her dorm and the common room, brought a smile to her face. She was really eager to go there.

[magikewe]

Honestly, Kat was just so happy that she was able to leave the train. Especially the Prefects' Compartment. So much for her first day of her seventh and final year, and most of all as Head Girl... guess the odds weren't exactly in her favour for today. Well that sucked. But at least she didn't need to be stuck with some certain people and handle a firstie and fake!Head Boy Toby. Reserve that for this term, where she'll have even more problems and things to face and they weren't just the NEWTs waiting for her at the end of the year. Head Girl responsibilities were going to kill her, since she had to balance studies and Quidditch. Her mum told her to drop Quidditch (it was horrifying) but they knew Kat could never do that. She loved Quidditch way too much to let it go.

Making her way to an empty carriage, Kat waved a bit at the Thestral that was going to drag the carriage she would ride on. Yep, she could see them clearly ever since her fourth year. Then she went inside and sat down. SIGHS. If nobody was going to sit with her, she might as well catch up with her lack of sleep the whole summer and snooze for at least five minutes. Restless and tiring nights, of course, with a baby nephew and the most annoying brother in the world both in the same house as hers. Kat wished Di would have gotten a new house with her husband to live in. Gale's cries in the middle of the night were irritating. She just couldn't wait to move in with Elise.

So, waiting was gonna happen until her carriage moved.

Finally the train had arrived at Hogsmeade and Michael was able to lose Rhodes in the crowd. He still hadn't worked out whether he liked that girl or disliked her. She was totally annoying that was for sure.

He weaved his way through the crowd hoping to catch up with his BFF. He wanted to ask her what had been going on with her and that Slytherin boy back at Kings Cross station. he would have tried to look for her on the train but between playing tag and getting stuck in a compartment with Merivel, he hadn't had the time.

The carriages came into view and he made a beeline for them. he noticed Alexa up ahead and followed after her, hoping that he could share her carriage but he could see that she was already with friends and by the time he reached the carriage it was already full.

With a little huff and a kick to the wheel of the carriage, Mikey stomped over to the next carriage and swung himself up into it and because of his disappointment of not being able to get into the other carriage, he didn't take in his surroundings and promptly plopped himself down.

Right onto the Head Girl's lap.

Lily hopped off the train, carrying her owl and shoulder bag. Phoenix, her owl, had finally fallen asleep, so the sixth year was careful not to bump her cage. Walking down to the carriages, she looked for an empty spot in one of the carriages. Upon seeing one, she climbed in and saw that the two occupants were sharing the same seat.

"Oh.... um... do you guys mind if I join you?" The redhead spoke up, a little unsure of why the two people were sitting on each other's lap. Either way, Lily needed a seat and hopefully the two wouldn't mind her joining them. So she stood in the entrance to the carriage waiting for a reply.

[emjay]

"Seems like yesterday we we're arriving on the firstie boats right?" it really did and as glad as she was to finally be in her final year she was sad cause this place was her home as well as home to so many other's and it was where she met some of the dearest people in her life and in the matter of months it was just going to be a place where she learned and that's that. she looked down at the puff and over to her owls cage which she had their too by the way, " it's going to be hard, yeah, but we can do it, we'll make more memories of our own final year, and you have your mirror so you can talk to him every night, yeah?"
She should be grateful for that, Ariana only got a letter, rarely but she was still grateful for that, grateful that he was ok even. Staff changes, that was something she had thought of really " the groundskeeper, i dont really think anyone would be leaving so i think we're ok." poor Mr. Groundskeeper, really." Don't get all sappy on me." she just cried a river, no more waterfalls.


Then. There. Was. A. Stranger.

Whether the blonde called her best friend out by name or not she was CLEARLY not invited here, she snake furrowed her brows and gave the girl looks "scuse you." yes YOU, "what the hell are you doing?" She wasn't invited and it was RUDE to intrude didn't she know. Ariana was already very irritable, and this did not help not one bit rolling her eyes she crossed her arms and just stared at the girl, ugh she was SUPER girly looking, too girly for her taste. Could she get left behind and they just forget about her? that'd be great.



Min just couldn't help but chuckle a bit. Wiping her tears she shook her head, "Look at you getting all sentimental." Ariana thinking about first year and stuff. "It doesn't seem like it's been seven years ago. So much has changed since then." She had her family still in tact then, bad things hadn't happened yet. It was just weird to think of. To Minerva it seemed like a life time ago.

She looked at her friend knowing she was right, "Yeah I know we will. We will have a great term." Looking down at the new part of her robes she sighed, "I guess I will have more things to do anyway to keep my mind off of missing him. I just hope I don't screw it up to bad." She then nudged Ari, "Plus we have Newts to study for. We will be studying together, alright?" That should keep the girls motivated at least. No big distractions if they were studying together. "It was a shock when Magnus left, so hopefully no more of those. I saw the new Groundskeeper at the station. Probably should have introduced myself, but that can wait." She was going up to this castle with her best friend other people would have to wait.

Speaking of other people Min looked up just in time to see Claudette giving the girl a smile her blue eyes snapped over to Ari and her jaw dropped. Why did this even surprise her anymore. Ariana was a wonderful, caring person, but you had to break down that ugly wall first. She just shook her head and laughed a bit, "Claudette don't fear her to much. Her bark is worse than her bite. Believe me the first time I met her she ran off that mouth and flipped me with her wand." Min's smile grew bigger at the memory.

"Ari if you are done being mean. This is Claudette, Ethan's cousin, so basically my family." She did look at Claudette as family and Ariana wasn't going to be mean to her family. "She is here for the year on a exchange program." She looked towards Claudette, "You are more than welcome to sit with us up to the castle." She was still chuckling at her best friends forwardness. "I hope you got your luggage and found the carriages alright." She probably should have been a better prefect and friend by staying and making sure she did, but she seemed to have managed alright.

With the long, and suspenseful train ride to Hogwarts, Nate finally got out of the train. He was ready for a new year, and couldn't wait to see all of his friends again. Nate quickly found his luggage bags, and strolled them towards one of the carriages. Noticing some of his friends already on the carriages, Nate walked over to one of them. Once he arrived at the carriages he said "Hey Minnie! Can I join you guys?" Asking with a curios look in his eyes.Claudette mirrored Minerva's smile as she lowered herself on the seat from the two girls, then her green eyes snapped over to the girl beside her friend. Blink. Well.. rude much? She simply stared at her, slightly amused, as the girl ranted a bit and gave her ugly looks. Was she three? Because she was sort of reminding her of a temper tantruming toddler.. simply for the fact she had gotten into the carriage with one of her friends?

What the hell was she doing? Was this girl serious? It seemed pretty obvious.. she was doing what every single student at Hogwarts was doing at this moment.. "Catching a ride up to the school.. just like you," she answered a bit complacently, still rather amused by how easily excitable she was, but also for the fact that the French girl wasn't going anywhere else. She was already sitting and wasn't about to be intimidated into leaving.. which she didn't know why she needed to be. Was it really a big deal for her to sit there? The rude girl could deal. "Besides, with all these carriages being identical, I can see that you did not reserve your own personal carriage.." As in, she could sit here if she wanted.. they were for the whole school to use.

And then Minerva spoke and Claudette gave her a grateful smile. She really was such a nice person. The 16 year old raised an eyebrow at Min's words. Flipped her the first time she met her.. How pleasant. But she allowed a light chuckle to pass her lips, then she glanced back at the rude girl. "You know, I bet you're very pretty.. when you're not making that face." Because scowling and rolling one's eyes did nothing for their appearance. And she could genuinely tell the girl was pretty underneath that disdain.

She beamed back at Min as she introduced her, leaning back in her seat to make herself comfortable, being that she actually was welcome here. "Well, thank you, Minerva," she said brightly, fighting the urge to give a pointed look at Ari. She could be mature here. "Oh yes, I found my way.. not hard to miss the crowd pouring out of the train." She laughed a little, but it had been true.. even though she wasn't really sure where she was supposed to go or what to do.. it was fairly simple to figure out. Still, it was very kind of her friend to ask. "The train ride went a lot quicker than I thought it would," she began glancing at a few of the carriages that had already started their journey towards the castle, peering at them curiously again. She supposed they were magicked to drive themselves.. either that or thestrals.

She was pulled out of her thoughts by a voice at the outside of the carriage and she turned her head in that direction. Oh.. a boy about her age and he seemed to know Minerva. She scooted over a bit on her seat to allow him room, but said nothing as he had addressed Minerva. She glanced over at the two girls, wondering if Ari would get all huffy again.. or if that had just been reserved for her.

[lazykitty]

Brodie looked at the carriages and just waited for his turn to get in... So far the year was already kinda hilly... He'd met two new... He was guessing he could call them friends... and he'd also gotten into two arguments... So far it was tied... Well, still leaning more towards crappy since one of the people he'd gotten into an argument with was Taylor, and he still had to wait for the limp to go away and his arm to heal completely... He shrugged, oh well, he was here, no turning back now. He looked around again, seeing one of his new friends... but she was around Minnie and that was just a no... He was not going to deal with her attitude again, nope... Maybe try again when he was in a better mood but not now. He managed to pull a piece of paper out to started to write a new song... He'd have to send it to Vince soon so he could send it out to the rest of the boys, Vik, and Rach. So he kept writing and waiting.

She had no idea how she managed to do it, but Sky had finally caught up on some sleep that she had missed over the summer. Thanks to her baby cousin and apartment hunting, of course. Now she was taking her sweet time making her way from the trains to the carriages, trying to commit everything to memory since this would be the last time she'd see these things as seventh years traveled back to the train on the boats currently transporting the firsties. And she may have stopped to stare at the new groundskeeper too.

Once she'd reached the carriages, she started looking around for one. She'd hoped to sit with a fellow seventh year (why this was so important to her, she had no idea), but there was no way she was sitting with Wheatborn, Kat was occupied with an ickle and a sixth year and the rest were probably still at the train.

She was actually about to turn around and go back, but then she found a carriage occupied by what seemed like a lone seventh year. Thing was, she couldn't remember having seen him before. Huh. She climbed in and settled herself, not bothering to lower her sunglasses. "New to Hogwarts?"

Legit question.

[PuppySara]

She had no idea how she managed to do it, but Sky had finally caught up on some sleep that she had missed over the summer. Thanks to her baby cousin and apartment hunting, of course. Now she was taking her sweet time making her way from the trains to the carriages, trying to commit everything to memory since this would be the last time she'd see these things as seventh years traveled back to the train on the boats currently transporting the firsties. And she may have stopped to stare at the new groundskeeper too.

Once she'd reached the carriages, she started looking around for one. She'd hoped to sit with a fellow seventh year (why this was so important to her, she had no idea), but there was no way she was sitting with Wheatborn, Kat was occupied with an ickle and a sixth year and the rest were probably still at the train.

She was actually about to turn around and go back, but then she found a carriage occupied by what seemed like a lone seventh year. Thing was, she couldn't remember having seen him before. Huh. She climbed in and settled herself, not bothering to lower her sunglasses. "New to Hogwarts?"

Legit question.

Brodie looked up from his piece of paper at the Slytherin. Well, guess he was going to be finding out if it was true if all of them were rude and bratty... He reminded himself to give her and chance and shrugged, "Well, it's my second year here... So I guess I'm still technically new." He shrugged, that probably made him sound like an idiot, but hey he didn't talk to anyone last term, he was allowed to still see himself as a new student wasn't he?

He mentally shook his head and looked at the girl, "Brodie Livingston... And you are?" Brodie gave a small smile, hoping to seem at least a little friendly, but not the kill with kindness he'd seen with some of his fellow housemates.

[Kimothy]

Finally the train had arrived at Hogsmeade and Michael was able to lose Rhodes in the crowd. He still hadn't worked out whether he liked that girl or disliked her. She was totally annoying that was for sure.

He weaved his way through the crowd hoping to catch up with his BFF. He wanted to ask her what had been going on with her and that Slytherin boy back at Kings Cross station. he would have tried to look for her on the train but between playing tag and getting stuck in a compartment with Merivel, he hadn't had the time.

The carriages came into view and he made a beeline for them. he noticed Alexa up ahead and followed after her, hoping that he could share her carriage but he could see that she was already with friends and by the time he reached the carriage it was already full.

With a little huff and a kick to the wheel of the carriage, Mikey stomped over to the next carriage and swung himself up into it and because of his disappointment of not being able to get into the other carriage, he didn't take in his surroundings and promptly plopped himself down.

Right onto the Head Girl's lap.

Lily hopped off the train, carrying her owl and shoulder bag. Phoenix, her owl, had finally fallen asleep, so the sixth year was careful not to bump her cage. Walking down to the carriages, she looked for an empty spot in one of the carriages. Upon seeing one, she climbed in and saw that the two occupants were sharing the same seat.

"Oh.... um... do you guys mind if I join you?" The redhead spoke up, a little unsure of why the two people were sitting on each other's lap. Either way, Lily needed a seat and hopefully the two wouldn't mind her joining them. So she stood in the entrance to the carriage waiting for a reply.
So the carriage didn't move yet, and nobody was riding it besides Kat. She was considering on snoozing a bit until some THING had taken refuge on her lap. Wait, what? Why was someone sitting on her lap? Kat sort of twitched, hoping that the kid would leave her lap and sit beside her instead.

But he didn't.

... Awkward. "Uhm, excuse me? Wrong seat." Literally the wrong seat. Kat would ask him to sit beside her but you know, she was still sleepy. Maybe she'd just nap a bit in the Great Hall while waiting for the Headmistress' speech. It usually took a while for the woman to do so, which meant she should just use those minutes wisely. She'd wake up to see food on the Slytherin Table and that was great. Of course everyone should agree.

And then another person wanted to join the carriage too. Well, okay. "Sure thing," Kat said. "Just not on my lap. The Head Girl was a bit preoccupied with another young kiddo.

[Mell]

So the carriage didn't move yet, and nobody was riding it besides Kat. She was considering on snoozing a bit until some THING had taken refuge on her lap. Wait, what? Why was someone sitting on her lap? Kat sort of twitched, hoping that the kid would leave her lap and sit beside her instead.

But he didn't.

... Awkward. "Uhm, excuse me? Wrong seat." Literally the wrong seat. Kat would ask him to sit beside her but you know, she was still sleepy. Maybe she'd just nap a bit in the Great Hall while waiting for the Headmistress' speech. It usually took a while for the woman to do so, which meant she should just use those minutes wisely. She'd wake up to see food on the Slytherin Table and that was great. Of course everyone should agree.

And then another person wanted to join the carriage too. Well, okay. "Sure thing," Kat said. "Just not on my lap. The Head Girl was a bit preoccupied with another young kiddo.

This seat felt a little...

OH!! HAHAHAHAHAHA!!

Michael didn't immediately move from off the girl's lap, he just kinda turned his body a little and looked at the older girl. Of course the first thing he noticed was the badge.

Bwaha!! Even better.

"I was just about to comment that these seats were way more comfortable than the ones in the boats." Maybe if he had sat on someone's lap last term then those seats would have been just comfortable.

He eased off the Head Girl's lap and grinned at her. "Never a dull day at Hogwarts eh?" He moved over to opposite side of the carriage and sat down on a vacant seat. "My name's Michael by the way."


Lily hopped off the train, carrying her owl and shoulder bag. Phoenix, her owl, had finally fallen asleep, so the sixth year was careful not to bump her cage. Walking down to the carriages, she looked for an empty spot in one of the carriages. Upon seeing one, she climbed in and saw that the two occupants were sharing the same seat.

"Oh.... um... do you guys mind if I join you?" The redhead spoke up, a little unsure of why the two people were sitting on each other's lap. Either way, Lily needed a seat and hopefully the two wouldn't mind her joining them. So she stood in the entrance to the carriage waiting for a reply.

Oh look someone else was joining them. Michael flashed the other girl a grin as well. "I don't mind." The more the merrier in his opinion.

And if he was a couple of years older, he would probably totally appreciate this situation but as it was he was twelve and was merely looking forward to the feast. "Think they'll have better food this year?"

[Sonea]

Tora had never been in the carriages before. She had heard about them from other students of course, but they still looked rather intimidating looming up as black shapes from the darkness.

So she looked for a friend. Turning around she scanned the crowd of students until she glimpsed a girl she knew slip into one of the carriages followed by someone she didn't. For a second Tora hesitated before following the girls into the carriage. What if they wanted to be alone? But you're more often hurt by hesitation than by whatever it is you were hesitating to do, so she jumped aboard.

"Hi. Remember me?" She asked Kahlan and then turned to nod to the other girl she didn't know. "I'm Tora Gallaway. You are?"

Okay, she was here to see Kahlan, not that they have been really good friends during their previous year, they just had not done some cool stuff with each other, but she knew the younger Slytherin and she wanted to talk to her, being friendly was not bad, right? even for her was it possible... But, what was THIS girl doing here? She was... not from Slytherin... No, she knew all the older and *boring* students and this girl was not one of them, so who was she? And why was she inviting herself so sudden? AND WITHOUT HER PERMISSION? And yes, in Sonea's point of view it was MANDATORY that this girl needed to ask her if she could sit besides them... So... she didn't responded too friendly, but not really nasty."I'm Sonea Duvessa, third year Slytherin, but... WHAT are you doing here? You know that it is rude to invite yourselves without asking? The third year eyed the other girl while she waited for her answer.

Looking up she noticed the older Slytherin girl, a toothy smile forming on her face. "Hey Sonea, I'm great how are you?" she returned the question - though she was still wondering whther or not Hogwarts would be any different to last year.

Then she noticed the other rat on the girls shoulder, cocking her head to the side questioningly. "You got another rat?" she adked looking at it, internally hoping that it was new and it wasnt that she'd just never noticed it.

"So are you happy to be back?"

Hmm, why was everybody, including herself, always asking the same question, How are you? everybody was asking that question, but the truth was, nobody was really caring about the answer, they just were polite and nobody was really interested... so why was everybody asking that question? Hmm, she also knew that she could expect this question, but she didn't liked it to answer, so she lied, again and grinned. "I'm fine, thank you for asking!" But the truth was, she was not doing fine, she felt HORRIBLE, but she didn't wanted to talk with anybody about it, she simply didn't knew HOW to express her feelings and if she was honest, she was also afraid to talk about her worries... So... lying was the best thing she could do at the moment, lying and faking some smiles....

The third year was a little suprised that Kahlan didn't knew her baby rat, Sir Blue (http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/SoneaYeong/Sirblue_zps3db52064.jpg). But she started to smile while she looked at her new pet, but at the same time, she felt how her face reddened. "Eh... Yes, this is my rat Sir Blue, and.... He is the baby from Little Princess. It.. eh... It was accident." Her face was now really red, she was embarrassed that she didn't had knew that her rat had been pregnant, so she hoped that Kahlan wouldn't ask more questions about how Little Princess had become pregnant... "Yes! I'm VERY happy to be back, It's always fun to be here, and you, do you like it to be back?"

[amadshade]

Okay, she was here to see Kahlan, not that they have been really good friends during their previous year, they just had not done some cool stuff with each other, but she knew the younger Slytherin and she wanted to talk to her, being friendly was not bad, right? even for her was it possible... But, what was THIS girl doing here? She was... not from Slytherin... No, she knew all the older and *boring* students and this girl was not one of them, so who was she? And why was she inviting herself so sudden? AND WITHOUT HER PERMISSION? And yes, in Sonea's point of view it was MANDATORY that this girl needed to ask her if she could sit besides them... So... she didn't responded too friendly, but not really nasty."I'm Sonea Duvessa, third year Slytherin, but... Why WHAT are you doing here? You know that it is rude to invite yourselves without asking? The third year eyed the other girl while she waited for her answer.

Hmm, why was everybody, including herself, always asking the same question, How are you? everybody was asking that question, but the truth was, nobody was really caring about the answer, they just were polite and nobody was really interested... so why was everybody asking that question? Hmm, she also knew that she could expect this question, but she didn't liked it to answer, so she lied, again and grinned. "I'm fine, thank you for asking!" But the truth was, she was not doing fine, she felt HORRIBLE, but she didn't wanted to talk with anybody about it, she simply didn't knew HOW to express her feelings and if she was honest, she was also afraid to talk about her worries... So... lying was the best thing she could do at the moment, lying and faking some smiles....

The third year was a little suprised that Kahlan didn't knew her baby rat, Sir Blue (http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/SoneaYeong/Sirblue_zps3db52064.jpg). But she started to smile while she looked at her new pet, but at the same time, she felt how her face reddened. "Eh... Yes, this is my rat Sir Blue, and.... He is the baby from Little Princess. It.. eh... It was accident." Her face was now really red, she was embarrassed that she didn't had knew that her rat had been pregnant, so she hoped that Kahlan wouldn't ask more questions about how Little Princess had become pregnant...
Excuse me? "Oh I'm sorry I thought anyone could come in whichever carriage they wanted." Tora didn't say it in a particularly rude way, but made no inclination that she intended to move either. In fact, she didn't intend to go anywhere other than where she wanted to especially if someone spoke to her like that. "What am I doing here? Well, I met Kahlan at Kings Cross and so, needing a ride to Hogwarts, I decided that going with someone that I knew would be better than riding alone. You know I've been making an effort to make some new friends." She continued on answering Sonea's questions as directly as possible.
"Did you know that it's rude to exclude people?" She fired back.

Tora refused to be intimidated by this third year. So she casually leaned back against the side of the carriage and put an "amused" expression on her face. There. Maybe the (slightly) older student would back off now.

[magikewe]

So the carriage didn't move yet, and nobody was riding it besides Kat. She was considering on snoozing a bit until some THING had taken refuge on her lap. Wait, what? Why was someone sitting on her lap? Kat sort of twitched, hoping that the kid would leave her lap and sit beside her instead.

But he didn't.

... Awkward. "Uhm, excuse me? Wrong seat." Literally the wrong seat. Kat would ask him to sit beside her but you know, she was still sleepy. Maybe she'd just nap a bit in the Great Hall while waiting for the Headmistress' speech. It usually took a while for the woman to do so, which meant she should just use those minutes wisely. She'd wake up to see food on the Slytherin Table and that was great. Of course everyone should agree.

And then another person wanted to join the carriage too. Well, okay. "Sure thing," Kat said. "Just not on my lap. The Head Girl was a bit preoccupied with another young kiddo.

This seat felt a little...

OH!! HAHAHAHAHAHA!!

Michael didn't immediately move from off the girl's lap, he just kinda turned his body a little and looked at the older girl. Of course the first thing he noticed was the badge.

Bwaha!! Even better.

"I was just about to comment that these seats were way more comfortable than the ones in the boats." Maybe if he had sat on someone's lap last term then those seats would have been just comfortable.

He eased off the Head Girl's lap and grinned at her. "Never a dull day at Hogwarts eh?" He moved over to opposite side of the carriage and sat down on a vacant seat. "My name's Michael by the way."




Oh look someone else was joining them. Michael flashed the other girl a grin as well. "I don't mind." The more the merrier in his opinion.

And if he was a couple of years older, he would probably totally appreciate this situation but as it was he was twelve and was merely looking forward to the feast. "Think they'll have better food this year?"

Smirk. So they hadn't wanted to sit on each other? Whatever... they were letting the sixth year sit there so it wasn't a big deal. Lily stepped into the carriage and placed her owl and shoulder bag down by her feet.

The redhead gave the other two a small smile. "I hope so. The food last term was terrible." Lily added, nearly shuddering thinking about the castle the previous term. Then she remembered. "Oh... I'm Lily, sixth year claw.. and this here is phoenix, my owl." She said introducing herself and her sleeping snowy owl.