It was that time of year again. Natalia had come to the train alone. She had said her goodbyes to Diar and Joe at home and made her own way to the station. Once through the plateform she looked around. Without speaking to anyone she headed straight for the Prefect department. She was now head girl. She still wondered if the professors had lost their minds, but she was going to do the best damn job she could at the position and prove to herself she deserved the badge.


The words of her father rang in her ears as she opened the door and noticed she was the first one there. They saw that you are worth it. You are an inspiration to the younger students. She had been through so much and still made it to this very point. Her last term at school. Friends, she had so many friends. Something she didn't have at her old school and trust, she had trust now. She trusted professors, she trusted her father, she trusted her closest friends. Yes, Natalia Grace Franks-Mundie had come a long way and now she was staring at an empty compartment.

Pulling small containers out of her bag she sat one on each seat. One for each prefect and one for the head boy. They had cookies in them. A little welcome back and congrats present from her.

Once finished she sat down in a seat and looked out the window. Maybe she'd see Cal as he got on board.

Juno had just put her ONE suitcase in the luggage compartment. Her mother had forced her to put an expansion charm on it instead of carrying the extra three bags of luggage she usually had. Hey, she had a lot of boots. She couldn't help it. Now she was approaching the Prefects compartment with her snowy owl Aster in her cage, purple pygmy puff Stardust in her jacket pocket along with her pet rock, Firefly, and a rather large box in her other hand. She was hoping to be the first one in because she had made special cupcakes for everyone, but it looked like she was going to be second to arrive.

There was a girl she had never seen before in the compartment. But...she had the Head Girl badge on so she was definitely in the right place! Juno pushed the compartment door open, "Hello there! I am Juno Darcy, Puff prefect. You must be our new Head Girl!" She said with a smile. She quickly placed Aster up in the luggage rack, and put the box down on the little pullout table under the window, before putting her hand out to shake the older girls hand.

She noticed the little bags of cookies in all the seats and smiled. "Thanks for the cookies! That is so sweet of you! I made cupcakes for everyone," she patted the box, "so feel free to take one. I made enough for everyone to have two." Juno quickly grabbed up a seat by the window, gently plucking the bag of cookies out of it before she sat down.

Prefect year. Holy Merlin's Beard with sprinkles.

Noelle smoothed her dress. One that her mom made her wear. She was not a dress kind of person unless it was to a formal event. Her summer was spent in shorts and baggy pants. Especially when she was running. But her mom thought it was necessary since she was starting the term as a prefect. Ugh. She was so uncomfortable.

She gave her mom a goodbye and told her to tell her dad and her siblings to be good. Noelle headed onto the train, a new nervousness spreading through her. It kind of felt like her first time on the train. She felt like eyes were on her when none were. She felt unconfident, which... was new for her.

Taking a deep breath, Noelle headed for the Prefect's compartment. She was used to sitting in the middle of the train with her group of friends, but this year was already totally different. She didn't have Hady or Az. And now, she couldn't sit with Noah. And who else was going to be in the compartment? All the questions.

Slipping into the compartment, she smiled small and gave a wave at the two that were already in there. One person she knew. She let out a breath of relief. "Hi!" She said, trying to sound like her confident old self, but failing slightly. Her eyes fell on the cookies. Oh, why hadn't she brought something for everyone????

After hauling her things to the luggage compartment, Zoryn needed to find a place to sit too. 'Cause she could sit with the luggages, but she preferred more talkative company. Hehe. So instead, she pranced around the front compartments, peering into them looking for a place to sit. And as excited as she was, she had a hard time settling on one.

Seeing a compartment right at the front of the train, she ran up to it and STUCK HER FACE RIGHT UP AGAINST THE GLASS DOORS. HEhehe. She made the SILLIEST face, and her nose probably looked soooOOooooOOOoo funny pressed up against the glass. AND when she breathed out it got all fogged up heheehe.

GASP!! They had cookies!!!!

Maybe if she stood here long enough with her big eyes and cute ickle nose pushed up against the glass and funny faces and MAYBE they'd think she was cute and give her some treats too.

Pweeaaaaaaaaase?

Okay, also, the foggy glass was SO funny! She giggled.

After saying goodbye to his annoying and overprotective mother and little dweeb of a sister, he got his trunk dropped off and owl cage and he got onto the famous Hogwarts Express. This train lived up to his expectations though. The food trolley was banging. It had the best treats though. As he walked by the food trolley that wasn't ready yet, he decided on which compartment to get but then looked down at his badge. Oh right he was the head boy. He kind of denied being in that kind of power. He didn't want to inflate his ego. He kept it quiet though. He didn't want to draw attention to himself. He read on his letter that he needed to visit the Prefect's compartment.

As he made it, he opened the door and saw there was already people in here. He was stunned but amused all the same. He nodded to all of them. He made his way to his seat and sat on something squishy. He lifted up his butt and saw there was cookies. He shrugged and saw Natalia his co worker, fellow house mate or as known as the head girl. "Hey Natalia. I am guessing these are yours?" he held up his squished cookie bag. "You know I always loved squished cookies.." he said examining the bag.

He looked over and saw that the female hufflepuff prefect (Juno) was here. He nodded towards her and said, "What's up?" He looked more to his right and saw the gryffindor female prefect (Noelle) and nodded. "Hey.." he muttered. He wasn't much of a talker. I mean Natalia was an exception since she was his house mate. He knew her pretty well and chilled out in the common room. He looked over and saw a little girl (Zoryn) was out by the door. He furrowed his brows in confusion and wondered who she could be? Why was she making funny faces on the window. Weird kid....

Kitty had never felt so excited to be back for another term at Hogwarts. She was excited because one: her friends were all here, two: being a prefect was fun, and three: this year would be the year she dove into activism on behalf of Muggle rights. Over the summer Kitty had discovered her passion and now she was going to share it with everyone at Hogwarts, whether they were interested or not. In her right arm was her worm container and in her left a bag of schoolbooks. The Gothic prefect was already wearing her robes so she didn't have to change into them later, and her hair was loose.

"Hi guys!" She beamed at everyone as she moved to sit down. Almost immediately she noticed the new head girl. "Ooh, congrats on becoming head girl, Natalie." Then she recognized Noelle. "Hi Noelle. You're a prefect too? Congrats!" And she noticed the cookies and cupcakes, (cupcakes from Juno) one of which was in her spot. "Ooh who are these from?" She needed to know who to thank.

At first she hadn't noticed the first year (Zoryn) but after awhile she noticed her out of the corner of her eye. Who was she? Maybe she was related to one of the prefects, Kitty thought to herself. At any rate it seemed rude to just ignore her, so Kitty opened the door. "Hello there," she greeted the first year kindly. "Would you like to come in with us?" Technically it wasn't allowed, but the teachers wouldn't mind a visit, right?

Other's were coming now. She smiled as Juno walked in. She kind of looked at her funny as she introduced herself. She was prefect of Hufflepuff last term and Natalia was kind of up on who was who at Hogwarts. "Yep they were crazy enough to give me a badge." Smiling she hoped the girl knew she was joking. Oh cupcakes that sounded good. "Thank you, they look good."

Someone else walked in and she smiled seeing that it was Noelle. "Morning, did you have a good summer? I hope you like cookies." She couldn't help but laugh as Colt sat on the cookies, "You seriously didn't see them as you sat down? They are actually yours. I'm pretty sure no one else in here wants butt cookies." She glanced at the door seeing some younger kid at the door. "Maybe she wants some butt cookies if you don't." Did someone want to go to her (Zoryn)? She didn't have to, did she? Joe's words hitting her again she sighed and got up from her seat.

Before she went to the girl though she saw Kitty come in, "It's Natalia not Natalie." She hated when people called her Natalie. She never understood how it got mixed up. Her eyes widened as Kitty invited the weird child in.

Well then this was starting off fabulous. "Do you need something?" She wasn't trying to be rude, but the germs this first year probably was picking up with her face that close to the glass made Nat want to back away.

Tenacius Salander is never late. Nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to.

.... Meaning it took his father's perplexed scowl though the window and an urgent pointing to the front of the train for him to realize that he shouldnt be mucking about at the back as he usually does.

The Gryffindor Ace zoomed to the front, past the kid (Zoryn) making a tattoo of her face on the glass-- and was soon looking at an annoyed Train Engineer telling him to get out authorized personnel only. Ok not the Prefects Compartment gotcha. Although really maybe they should hold it here, have they seen the magic that makes this train run? Amazing.

He finally got to where the kid was, just as the people inside were talking to her. He spotted Kitty immediately, and then that Darcy which was the Prefect and not the other one. Yep this is the place, Badge Brigade assemble! "Hey guys!" Tenacius beamed his trademark megawatt smile as he blundered in, taking in the rest of the faces-- "Colt!" Blue green eyes widened to realize his Slytherin friend was now the big man of Hogwarts. And whoah wait is that hubba hubba Siren Songstress wearing the Head Girl badge? "Hiiiiii..." easy on the fanboying dont freak her out...

And then theres Noelle. Noelle in a dress. Noelle in a dress with a Prefect badge. Really if this was a plan to make her nearly unrecognizable they almost pulled it off "Noelle you're my Co-Prefect? Awesome!" he was wondering all summer who it would be.

Oh and food! And theres the kid. But food first. Nomnomnomnom "Want some?" he offered the young girl, dangling the packet of cookies in the air.

Colt was busy observing the compartment when he saw the female ravenclaw prefect. He nodded towards her and and heard her name was Kitty. Huh...thats a strange name. He kept his opinions to himself obviously. He heard his fellow Slytherin (Natalia) talk to him and gave her his full attention. He heard her laughing and he smirked too. "Yeahh well I didn't expect you to give me cookies. I thought we were going to sit in a circle, hold hands and talk about our feelings.." He would puke if he had to do that. "Well I guess squished cookies are the best.." he said examining his bag. "Hey butt cookies are the best, they are one of a kind.." he said in his defense. He looked at the door with the little one still standing there being creepy. "I think if I gave her butt cookies it would be an initiation sort of thing. Should I fart on them?" he considered.

He saw Natalia keep staring at the door and he might have answered what she was thinking, "Don't open it for her. Let her be in suspense." As he said that, he turned his attention to the door opening and saw the male gryffindor prefect come in (Tenacius). He seemed to be fashionably late. He tried to remember his name but he couldn't. He knew it began with a T. He would get to it later. He seemed too enthusiastic to be here. He saw his lion badge worn proudly. He nodded and said, "What's up?" He saw him wide eyeing his badge and he shrugged and laughed. Yeah he knew he was the big man on campus.

"Tenacius!" squeaked Kitty as the dashing Gryffindor boy moved into their carriage and found a seat. "Welcome aboard. I knew you'd get a badge eventually. How was your summer?" She wondered if Haddie knew about this.

And oh, she had gotten the head girl's name wrong. Well that was embarrassing. "Sorry Natalia, I knew your name wasn't Natalie but my tongue slipped." Not true! Kitty really had thought her name was Natalie but she didn't want the head girl to know that so she lied. Was that kind of a Slytherin thing to do? But then she remembered Mason, Elsa, Hady and all the other awesome Slytherins and felt ashamed for stereotyping.

Zoryn watched with big eyes as the taller students talked to each other stiffly. How come none of them looked like they were friends with each other? That was weird. Didn't they get to CHOOSE where they sat??? Zoryn was gonna sit with HER FRIENDS. Even though she didn't have any yet. But once she got friends, she'd always sit with them on the train.

Still eying the cookies, she hardly payed attention to the girl who was walking towards the door. "Hiiiiiiii," she beamed, taking a step back and blinking with her HUGE, totally-innocent eyes. Waving to EVERYONE in the compartment. 'Cause they had cookies and maybe they'd share. But before she could answer the questioned directed at her (by Kitty) (nah, she didn't want to go inside 'cause Zoryn knew when she wasn't welcome) (also everyone in there was stiff and boring, she decided), the other girl (there were a lot of those) started getting angry.

Uh oh.

And before she knew it, Zoryn was being asked ANOTHER question. Hold up people, she could only do one thing at a time, okay! What was the question again? Oh yeah-- "What's THAT for?" She pointed to the big shiny badge the tall girl (Nat) was wearing. Actually, they were ALL wearing shiny badges.

"Where do I get one!?" Zoryn wanted SEVEN.

OH! And then there was the curly hair dude (Tenacius) who ran away earlier. Zoryn giggled at him 'cause he was silly. "DO I!?!" She nodded vigorously, jumping up and down trying to reach for the packet he held.

Best. Train. EVER.

Juno smiled at the younger girl. She seemed kind of stressed so she figured she would start off right...with a cupcake. "Hi...Noelle right? Welcome to the prefects compartment and congratulations on becoming a prefect! Want a cupcake?" Juno plucked a Gryffindor cupcake from the box and held it out to the younger girl. Why did she suddenly feel like a welcome wagon? WEIRD! "By the way, your dress is really pretty." She gave her a small smile. Juno didn't usually wear dresses but she liked to occasionally let her girly side out.

Juno decided it was best to ignore the ickle firsty at the door. Hopefully no one would pay her any attention...or let her in. It was hard enough to have to watch them all term. Couldn't they have a few moments of peace without them? She was kinda cute, in a goofy sort of way.

Oh, joy. Colt was a prefect this term??? Wait, he was head boy! She was feeling slightly embarrassed by her actions last year at the Halloween party. He was clearly not into her and just enjoyed the casual flirting. Juno however, enjoyed a little too much. She would be mature and pretend it never happened. Yep. "Hey Colt! Congrats on becoming Head Boy! That's awesome! Want a cupcake?" She held out a Slytherin cupcake to the older boy.

Juno smiled up at Kitty, and held out a Ravenclaw cupcake to her. "Hey Kitty!! How was your summer?" Kitty seemed to be in really good spirits. She was a really nice girl, even if sometimes her appearance was slightly depressing. But that was the Gothic fashion!

Then she let the firsty in. WHY!?! Juno couldn't help but let out a small sigh. But it was their duty to help the kiddos out so...lets see what the kid wants!

Juno smiled at the older girl. She was glad the others had said her name before she could respond to her. The head girl seemed to already know who Juno was. She typically kept to herself so she really didn't know a lot of people outside of her house and a select few others. "Oh, I am sure you will do great Natalia!" She smiled and handed the older girl a Slytherin cupcake. "You are so welcome! I can't wait to eat these delicious cookies!! Thanks for bringing them!" Juno gave Natalia a small smile and a wink, before opening said bag of cookies and shoving a whole one in her mouth. She was so hungry...as usual.

Then Tenacius walked in. He was the male Gryffindor prefect? This was going to be an interesting year for sure. Juno gave him a smile and handed him a Gryffindor cupcake, "Hey! Welcome and congrats on becoming prefect!" Tenacius was a pretty cool kid. She didn't know him very well, but she hoped they could become friends.

Juno gave the younger girl (Zoryn) a small smile. She was very enthusiastic...or maybe she was just hyper...for a first year. "Hi! The badges are for the prefects of each house, and the Head boy and Head Girl. You have to be at least a fourth year to be picked for prefect, and a seventh year to be picked for Head Girl or Boy." She smiled again at the younger girl, "If you do really good and keep good grades, you never know! You may just get picked one day." With a wink and a smile, she handed the younger girl a cupcake that had the Hogwarts crest on it.

Running her hand through her hair she looked at the group. Were they all here? Looking at the Gryffindor prefect as he came in she smiled. "Hi, I hope you like cookies." She pointed to his seat. This was fun having their own special area and all get to sit with the other badged people. Getting to know them a bit more then she did. She knew who they were but she really didn't know much about them. None of them ran in the crowd she did.


"Oh gross Colt." She laughed even though she hoped to Merlin he wasn't serious about farting on the cookies. That was so gross. Why were boys so immature. Teenage boys were such idiots.

Her eyes went to the girl that was now coming in. "It's fine Kitty." She really didn't mean to snap and she wanted to start this term off better and in a nice way so she would let it go. This new girl though... She was all forms of odd. First years just got more interesting didn't they?

She was about to answer the girl about the badges when the Hufflepuff prefect answered for her. Well then... she threw another hand through her hair and let miss know it all puffer answer. Less voice she had to use. She couldn't help but snort about the grades. While this compartment didn't know her past well. She had the grades now and did well on her owls, but she had to work like crazy last term to finally catch up. Don't worry if you struggle the first term or so. There are people that can help you." Looking to Juno she gave her a smile, "Thanks for the confidence." She was glad she liked the cookies.

This department was getting stuffy with the goodie goodies being super nice to the first year all she could think of was Roman tripping one and she was going to have to make a run for it if she started laughing with the image.

Ugh

She couldn't help but ugh when she realized she had become one. Wow she could hear Cal's voice calling her nerd. It almost brought a chuckle to her lips. "So Colt and I had gotten the Patrol schedule and I duplicated it for everyone." She handed them to Colt so he could pass them out. "Other than that have a great train ride and oh I guess we should make sure first years know when to put on their robes and stuff." That probably would help them out. The badge people did that, right?

Okay, there was a lot of smiling and niceness going on. Cookies and a cupcake?? Noelle thanked (Juno) for the cupcake before looking at her dress. "Yeeeaaah. I dont usually wear dresses but my mom insisted.... " Just so the girl knew. Not that she didnt like her dress. It was a pretty one, but Noelle just hated wearing the things.
So she didnt know everyone. And everyone probably didnt know here. And how often would they be together anyways? She knew Kitty, Nat, and Colt.

Then Ace walked in and suddenly the stiffness that Noelle brought in with her eased off. Thank Merlin he was her co-prefect. She was comfortable with him even though they didnt hang out a whole lot. Guess that would change this year. She laughed as he took a second glance at her. "Dont. Im already.... nope. And can you believe it?? US as prefects." Though Ace wasnt a surprise. She would have picked him. He would make a good leader. "Want some of my cupcake that.. " Noelle looked over at Juno. "What was your name?" She asked again with a little blush. Embarrassing to have to ask.

And then there was a face at the window. And this cute little firstie came up. Noelle snorted at the girl. She shook her head but everyone else was being welcoming, so she didnt bother. She just winked at the girl before turning her attention to Nat who had begun talking.

Then Head Girl Nat, (yep that was her new nickname) was explaining things. Noelle, who was easing up and more comfortable, reached and took the paper. Patrols. She remembered Hady talking about them. Some of the stories had been funny. Noelle nibbled a cookie, while looking over the schedule. Not too bad. She already had a list she needed to make a good schedule this year and not become too bogged down. "So," Noelle started and raised a cookie in the air while looking at Nat. "Do we have to do anything from the train to the castle after we board? Or just go with everyone to the Great Hall?" Noelle needed to know for compartment reasons just in case she decided not to stay here.

Colt.... he forgot his name didn’t he? Granted, his name wasnt exactly the most popular name in the baby book. Heck his name probably wasnt even in any baby book "Its Tenacius." he repeated for the upperclassman. "Like the English word but without an O."

But oh at least Kitty remembers his name. "You did?" he had no clue that he would even qualify for a badge. It was something other people got, or his dad, which technically is still other people. But him? Ze 'ol Curly Top? Indeed it was a very pleasant surprise that summer. "Summer was pretty good, spent it with the fam and my new baby sister. We moved into the new house so a lot of it was spent doing family things." Lots of new things this year of 2091 for the Salanders.

"I aint sayin nuthin!" the Curly Top laughed as he held his hands aloft at Noelle's statement about her attire. But yes she did look different, a good kind of different, and naturally he would notice. "I know right? Totally didnt expect it." he glanced at the badge on his jacket. Sometimes he would even forget that its there until his eye catches the gleam. Truly honored he was.

Oh and hey cupcakes from the Hufflepuff "Thanks Prefect Darcy!" nomnomnomnom. Her name was June right? Or wait.... maybe he should let Noelle fish that info out. Right now cupcake was pretty and yummy and deserves much attention from one who appreciates food as a work of art.

Like the Head Siren's cookies. Something good like this should be appreciated and shared. Because that is a foodie's way of life! So while the Prefect Darcy explained the Way of the Badge to the kid (Zoryn), Tenacius was fishing out a cookie for her. As he handed it to her, he held it back for a second "Ok I'm giving you this but can you do me a favor afterwards? Can you just wipe off the smudge on the glass there?" the one that has the imprint of her cute face "The Train Engineer, he's kinda cross today, lets not make it worse by thinking we're all a bunch of trolls who doesnt know how to use a train compartment ok?" And theres your cookie young one.

And alright Prefect duties and rounds... ok his dad told him about this. As he was glancing he asked "Do we have anyone patrolling the grounds because I could volunteer?" Like really give him a legit reason to be there Centaur stalking

Oh and telling firsties when to wear their robes. Again his attention went to the kid (Zoryn) That means her. "Hey what's your name again? We're nearing Hogwarts so yeah you should change into your uniform soon, that way we're not in a rush when we get to Hogsmead"

It was cute how modest Tenacius was, but really, Kitty didn't think it was such a big surprise he was prefect. "Well I was pretty sure you'd be because you've been one of the top Gryffindor point earners every year you've been here, right? I remember being pretty certain last year that you would be a prefect this year or the next." She smiled superiorly when she finished as if she had just answered a riddle no one else was able to answer.

Kitty felt relieved that Natalia wasn't upset with her for messing up her name. She definitely didn't want to start this year in the bad graces of the head girl! To make up for this she listened with extra attention as Natalia gave out instructions. "If you want Natalia, I can go out now and make sure everyone has their robes on."

"Ooh my summer was fantastic," Kitty replied to Juno, who was the one kind enough to give everyone a cupcake. "Thank you for the cupcake, that was nice of you. Anyway, I met a lot of Muggles my own age for the first time ever! They were all really nice though some of them seemed a little scared of me at first. Must have been my spider outfit. Anyway, I've decided that this year I'm going to become involved in Muggle rights activism at school. And I'll do anything to recruit you." Did that sound awkward? Hermione had become one of her history heroes over the past summer, and Kitty intended to duplicate what she did for house elves but turn it for Muggles.

Of course she was very enthusiastic, she was going to WIZARD SCHOOL.

BOO-YAH!

Y’know, this was kind of confusing. Everyone was answering her questions, even though she only asked the stiff one. But Zoryn did try her very best to pay attention to the new girl who was talking now (Juno). And boy…. Did she talk. And Zoryn maybe caught like 3% of it. Why’d she have to use so many words??? Could’ve been said in like four. ”Sounds like a lot of work,” she commented. ”So… I’ll pass.” The first year waved her hand in the air dismissing the idea entirely. She didn’t need a badge to tell her she was AWESOME. She already knew.

She moved her eyes back to the other one (Nat). PFFFFT. Zoryn didn’t need any help!! Also, how many people could even fit into these compartments??? It was starting to feel real stuffy in here.

Also, for the record. Zoryn had picked her favorite badge-heads. The one that winked (Noelle) and the one that offered his cookies (Tenacius) because they were the nicest and they didn’t even say anything to confuse her. Speaking of the boy one, Zoryn’s attention was back and 100% on him. Well… Maybe like 59% on him because Zoryn wasn’t really capable of focusing 100% on anything. There was just SO MUCH going on.

”Okay!!!” she agreed eagerly, reaching out for the cookie. He was smart. She probably wouldn’t have agreed without the cookie. Maybe that’s why he was a badge-head. ”I’m not a troll!” she giggled, looking over at the big face smudge she made on the glass.

She nibbled happily on her cookie, semi-eaves dropping on what the big kids were talking about. Not that she understood what any of it meant. What the heck was a “round”? ”ZORYN!” she jumped into the air announcing herself once more. [b]”Aye, aye captain badgered!”[b/] She grinned, running out of the compartment and wiping the smudge off the window with the bottom of her shirt. ”BYE!!”

That was fun.

They LOVED her.

See, Brian hadn't intended to be late. In fact, he'd even boarded the train with time to spare and had decided to take a nap in his extremely empty compartment. So by the time he'd come to the realisation that he was a prefect (because really, you'd think he'd have gotten used to the fact by now), and had a prefect meeting to attend, he was making the long trek up from the back cars where he'd boarded the train.

And honestly, this was not a fun trek in a wheelchair. He'd figured he was going to save himself the effort of walking, but he'd underestimated the crowd and how everyone seemed to be helter-skelter at the beginning of the train ride. Merlin. He was rather tempted to stand up and walk the remainder of the way, but he realised that would probably be a lot more freaky than seeing a bloke in the chair in the first place. But he seemed to have made it just in time to get the patrol schedules that were being distributed. What wonderful timing.

"Sorry about the wait. Train is only somewhat wheelchair-friendly," he said, looking around to see who he'd be working with this year. No big surprises, except maybe for Noelle, but then again, he'd always been fond of her. Working with the group here wasn't going to be strictly unpleasant, from what he'd seen of them. He'd take it. Better than last time around with the "power couple" who were more obsessed with eating each others' faces off than actual leadership. Oh, and regarding the random child screaming about badger captains. "Though I'd been under the impression that Juno and I were badger captains. Considering house mascot and all." Which loosely translated to what misinformation have you been feeding this child? Don't worry. He was only mostly joking.

It was only then that the Hufflepuff actually turned his attention to what was the patrol schedule. He had to admit, he wasn't expecting it to be ready until the feast. But since they were on the ball, well, hats off to them. Until, that is, he actually read it. Because the first thing Brian Woods did (really, the first thing ANYBODY did when given a roster) was to check where his name was. And there it was. Right there. Smack under "Upper Floors and Towers."

Looking up very slowly at the two people who were his alleged bosses this year, he grinned somewhat conspiratorially. "I know you're both Slytherin and you've got a renown for being rather fond of pain and suffering, but please tell me you're joking." And didn't actually schedule the boy with an artificial leg to do patrols where he'd have to deal with the largest quantities of unnecessary stairs possible. Because contrary to popular belief, a simple Wingardium Leviosa was rather exhausting to sustain if one had to do it over several flights of stairs, and dealing with those without the chair was only slightly better. Remember what he said about the train only being a little wheelchair friendly? This was just plain wheelchair hostile.