She liked his idea of meeting up in Diagon Alley, but that would a be a very long time before they would get the opportunity to do that seeing as how term hasn't even started yet. "That's such a long time from now, but I guess you are right." The train station was getting very crowded and she knew that she needed to get herself on the train, and she really needed to at least find her sisters. It was just then that she noticed that Ian's mum had indeed not followed them through the wall. "That could be a good thing." Not trying to seem rude or anything, but his mother was in no state to go through a wall barrier right now. AJ was pretty sure that it may just send her over the edge.

AJ let her new friend lead the way. They were friends right? The excitement was really starting to kick in for her now. Here she was fixing to board a train that would take her somewhere new, somewhere where magic actually existed. She rocked on her feet, from the tip of her toes back to the heels of her feet. Her attention turned back to Ian as he asked her a questions. "I'm from England. I live in a town called Devon." It was pretty cool and all, but nowhere near as cool as she hoped Hogwarts was. "You?" She wanted to know everything.

One minute he was amongst the muggle train station craziness and the next he was on the platform awaiting the Hogwarts Express. Granted technically hidden from the crowds of Kings Cross but no less subdued in people and hustle and bustle. Benny moved out of the way of the wall barrier and took a free spot off to one side as he looked around trying to spot any familiar faces. The red engine had yet to arrive so any students and families there on the platform were the only ones there at the moment.

Yet he didn't spot any of his friends.

It seemed for once he was the early one, something he chalked up to the wiliness to get back into the swing of things and be back around his bestie and his girlfriend and the other people who mattered to him, no matter how few. Oh and the magical creatures of course. That was the highly anticipated subject as always. Gathering himself to wait, the fifth year perched on his trunk to bide his time.

Safely through The Wall? Check!

Guster on his shoulder still? Check!

Now to find the bestie. And girlfriend. Adi adjusted his tee shirt as he made sure his appearance was to his liking before he set off down the North side of the Platform. Gus began croaking happily and excitedly, joining the bit of chatter and various animal sounds already there.

Adi scanned the platform for any familiar forms and was rewarded pretty soon. Grinning happily, he hurried over and plopped down next to the bestie who was on his trunk. "Hi, Dragon!"

Making her way carefully around the platform with her trolly, Paige struggled a bit to keep her copy of last term's yearbook tucked safely under her right arm. She would just put it in her trunk and take it out on the train, but with how crowded the corridors were and how likely it was she would get engrossed in conversations with people in their compartment...she wanted to make sure she didn't miss the chance to get it signed by who ever she could manage. Especially those that had received superlatives.

"Shhhh, it's alright Lionel," she cooed at her owl that was screeching and flapping its wings at all the noise. "If you are patient for just a moment I'll give you a treat." Which was turning out to be more difficult that she had anticipated as she fumbled around with her backpack searching for the owl treats that she must have packed all the way at the bottom.

OH MY MERLIN!

Kate could barely contain her excitement as she walked with her mom and dad down the platform and toward the place where she'd board the train. Later on, she'd realize how much she would miss them. Not now, though. She was too excited about Hogwarts to think about the fact that she'd be away from home for the very first time.

The Addison family of four spent the next several minutes saying their goodbyes for now. Kate would see her mom, dad, and little brother Ryland again at Christmas. She assured her mom she would fine, would act like she was taught to act, and would be a wonderful student no matter which house she was sorted in. She also couldn't understand why her mom had tears in her eyes. Hogwarts was EXCITING!

The train would be coming soon, so Kate stood there, trunk by her side and owl cage in her hand, and looked down the tracks in anticipation. Suddenly, she realized that she didn't have anybody to ride the train with. She swallowed the lump forming in her throat and tried not to let her mom and dad see the new expression on her face. She was going to be the NEW KID.

Thornton had not been at all sure that he would actually be here. In fact, it wasn't until the end of the summer that it had even been for sure. But now that he was on the platform, it was real. He had said goodbye to his parents at home and persuaded Seren that he did not need to be accompanied all the way to the train.

So he was wandering, hoping to spot a friend somewhere in the crowd. He had seen some over the summer, but not nearly as much as he had hoped. His shoulder bag bounced against his back as he tried to see around the taller students. He spotted her curls before he saw her face and started to make his way down the platform.

"Paige! Hey, Paige!" he called out, bouncing over. He was grinning as he came to a stop next to her. "They let me come back."

Isidora wasn't one to volunteer taking Paris anywhere. Ever. But she had been so busy this summer with well.... everything, that she decided to see off her smallest friends, uncertain if she would see them again before next summer. And since Paris just so happened to be leaving with them, she offered to take him to the station, saving his parents and their uncle the hassle.

They didn't have to talk while they traveled, but that didn't seem to stop him, and she begrudgingly kept up some small talk until they got to the station and through the border. Answering all the questions he tossed her way with some disinterest.

"Here." She handed him a small pouch full of coins, her hazel eyes roaming the platform in a casual manner. "Don't expect this to become a thing." Just because she lived closer than all of his family (btw it made NO sense to her that he rode the train), didn't mean she would be doing him this favor too often.

With a wave she dismissed him then continued her scan for Ravenclaws much smaller than he was.


--------------------------------------------------------------


He was as tall as she was now, did she know? He noticed almost immediately that he no longer had to look up to her like he'd done all of his life, and was very proud of this fact.

This new found fact made it easy for him to hide a tiny amount of the surprise that he had at her volunteering to take him to Kings Cross. She'd never done anything voluntarily for him BEFORE, but he wasn't going to complain now. It got him out of having to go with any of his family who would embarrass him, and for that he was thankful.

The rising fifth year did his best not to talk too much but it had been a while since he'd seen her, and he had a few questions to ask. Very important questions that couldn't be be asked to the sisters for reasons.

"I don't need money." But he took it anyway. Knowing her, it was well more than enough to get him through the term. "But thanks, Isidora." He flashed her a grin, pocketing the money and didn't even wait for her to dismiss him before he turned to go find his own friends, luggage trailing behind.

Maddison Cooper had undergone QUITE the transformation over the summer. Tanner and with longer hair, the third year had ALSO experienced quite the growth spurt, something which annoyed her older brothers. Longer legs meant more legs for boys to notice and that was SORT of an older sibling's worst nightmare, yes? The thought made Maddie smile. She'd TOLD them she was a woman and they didn't believe her so really, they deserved what they got.

Paris Sykes had caught her attention first and seeing as Dima and Kyroh were no where to be found, she figured she OUGHT to say hi. It was who she spotted BEHIND Sykes that determined her next course of action, though. Dora was here. It was a pleasant surprise and though she wasn't exactly sure how the older girl felt about company, she was willing to go find out for herself. So with a smile and a wave for the older Ravenclaw boy, given as she passed, the younger claw went to find out what the Hogwarts alumna was doing here.

"Feeling nostalgic?" The thirteen year old sidled up to the older girl's side and scanned the platform before letting brown eyes fall on Dora. She smiled then, one she hoped showed that she was glad to see the ex-claw. Things like that certainly wouldn't be voiced out loud. Not necessary.

Paris waved back cheerfully, but didn't stop to talk. He knew when someone wanted his full attention and when they were just saying hello. He didn't stop Maddie, and instead kept on his search for one of is other friends. Toby? He hadn't seen that boy practically all summer.

--------------------------------------------------

She didn't watch Paris leave, so maybe that was the reason she didn't immediately spot out Maddie. Or maybe it was because all of these younger ones where shooting up on her height wise and she just wasn't expecting them to be so tall so soon. Whatever the reason, it had been a moment before she spotted Maddie, and when she did, a small smirk graced her lips.

"Not even a little bit." She slid her hands into her pockets, inclining her head towards the departing fifth year. "Dropping him off. Hoping to see a few friends of mine." Her hazel eyes roamed over the younger girl appraisingly for a moment before her smirk grew a bit. "You've grown."

Quote:

Originally Posted by AmbiguouslyMe

Thornton had not been at all sure that he would actually be here. In fact, it wasn't until the end of the summer that it had even been for sure. But now that he was on the platform, it was real. He had said goodbye to his parents at home and persuaded Seren that he did not need to be accompanied all the way to the train.

So he was wandering, hoping to spot a friend somewhere in the crowd. He had seen some over the summer, but not nearly as much as he had hoped. His shoulder bag bounced against his back as he tried to see around the taller students. He spotted her curls before he saw her face and started to make his way down the platform.

"Paige! Hey, Paige!" he called out, bouncing over. He was grinning as he came to a stop next to her. "They let me come back."

She had all but emptied her bag by the time she had found the little sunflower shaped container with her owl's treats inside, each item being placed very carefully on her trunk so it would not tumble off, and was just about to give the owl what it had been screeching over when she her her name.

"THORNTON!" she chirped, skipping over to meet him halfway. Her eyes widened even more when she her his fantastic news - not that she doubted for a moment that he wouldn't really be allowed to come back. Thornton had far too much goodness and good karma built up inside him for something so terribly sad to occur. "I knew it!" she squealed, throwing her arms around her best friend and hugging him tight.

So Dora knew Paris. Interesting and something Maddie had not been previously aware of. She'd have to ask him about this later but for now, other matters to discuss.

"Younger friends who're wise beyond their years?" The thirteen year old smirked and stood up straight, shoulders back and showing off her height. "In many different ways. Puberty, y'know." Could Dora SEE how grownup she was now? She turned on the spot just to give the older girl a good look. "NOW I just have to figure out how this'll help me rule." The looking older. Surely Dora had some ideas. She was more mature and more worldly, after all.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FearlessLeader19

Safely through The Wall? Check!

Guster on his shoulder still? Check!

Now to find the bestie. And girlfriend. Adi adjusted his tee shirt as he made sure his appearance was to his liking before he set off down the North side of the Platform. Gus began croaking happily and excitedly, joining the bit of chatter and various animal sounds already there.

Adi scanned the platform for any familiar forms and was rewarded pretty soon. Grinning happily, he hurried over and plopped down next to the bestie who was on his trunk. "Hi, Dragon!"

Absently humming as he thought on the new term and all it could possibly have to offer, Benny turned to look as he was joined on top of his trunk. "Hey Hippogriff..." the Gryffindor returned to his friend who was now sitting there with him, complete with his smaller familiar as well. "Hi Gus," he added to acknowledge the toad on Adi's shoulder.

"Ready for the new term?" he asked curious. He himself certainly was and it would likely be noticable in the way he held himself. Even if the end of term held something that made him a little nervous. The sometimes dreaded, always concerned about...OWLs.

"Were you humming?" Adi asked curiously and wondering if that habit of his was rubbing off on Benny. As Gus croaked at Benny, his owner looked around the platform, spotting the little form of Kate whom he had met in Diagon Alley. But no sign of AJ as yet. Nor an Angelfish.

"Ready as I'll ever be,'' Adi replied, happily anticipating the term ahead as he turned back to Benny and feeling slightly disappointed that AJ hadn't arrived as yet. "Not ready for OWLs though.'' Heh. But luckily there was time for those exams and he would be ready for them by then. Yes! Adi Rehman never backed down from anything.

"I think Gus wants to see Conrad." Conrad was close by, right?

As soon as they had arrived at Kings Cross, Angel had snuck off from her family, seriously she had no idea what was going on but she would try and do something about Abby one day soon or her name wasn't Angel Leigh Valentine, she would be keeping an eye on her most of the school term if she could.

Angel didn't know if she was happy to be going back to Hogwarts because well Benny and Adi were going to be fifth years and well that meant OWLS which meant they might not have much time to just hang out and relax though she would cross that bridge when she could.

Angel smiled when she suddenly saw Benny and Adi, well now was the best time to play a trick on them. "Ello Ello!" Angel said in her best grown up voice. "And what do we have going on here then?" Angel was trying her hardest not to snigger.

Hugs. So many hugs today. Maybe eventually, with enough of them, he'd actually be used to the sensation. But he'd never refuse a hug, because that would be impolite. And so he was getting used to them, since people at Hogwarts seemed to be exceptionally huggy people. Grinning, he hugged back, even as he tried to push what Dot had said out of his mind. He was pretty sure Paige wasn't interested in that. And right now, neither was he. "You were right," he said. In fact, it was probably that Paige had come to visit that had convinced his mother, even as the superlative had convinced his father.

He pulled back from the hug after a few moments. "Are you excited for school?" Thornton was still grinning, which was nothing like his first trip on the train had been when he'd known no one and had spent the ride fumbling over his manners.

"Younger friends who wish they were wise beyond their years, and not still in school." She quipped back amused. Yes, she was definitely taller. Not tall enough to be eye level, but there was plenty of time for that to happen, if it happened at all. Dora was taller than all her female friends, she wouldn't be surprised if the same happened with Maddie.

And yes she DID notice. She smirked more and watched the little turn, nodding in approval. Figure out how to use it? That got a small laugh out of the older girl. "Trust me, there's not much you have to do now. But once you do... you'll know how." She winked at her. "Where's your tag alongs?" And by that she meant Dima and Kyroh, of course.

Was he humming?

Um...

"Maybe..." Benny said simply, choosing not to out and out try to deny it. Or maybe not even fully aware of doing so. He followed Adi's gaze but came up empty as well. The sisters seemed to be not there as of yet. It was still early though. The fifth year nodded in understanding as his friend answered his question, just as torn at times but there was time to think on OWLs anyway.

"Come Gus..." he said offering his hand to take the hoping creature. "I'll put you in Conrad's cage." The object in question on the other side of him with the owl inside quietly hooting.

Then there was a voice that seemed vaguely familiar, someone that he couldn't place. "Hello," Benny had returned simply at first. "We are wai---" he started to as he turned towards where it originated, only to notice Angel there and breaking off as he caught sight of her.

"Hey."

Quote:

Originally Posted by AmbiguouslyMe

Hugs. So many hugs today. Maybe eventually, with enough of them, he'd actually be used to the sensation. But he'd never refuse a hug, because that would be impolite. And so he was getting used to them, since people at Hogwarts seemed to be exceptionally huggy people. Grinning, he hugged back, even as he tried to push what Dot had said out of his mind. He was pretty sure Paige wasn't interested in that. And right now, neither was he. "You were right," he said. In fact, it was probably that Paige had come to visit that had convinced his mother, even as the superlative had convinced his father.

He pulled back from the hug after a few moments. "Are you excited for school?" Thornton was still grinning, which was nothing like his first trip on the train had been when he'd known no one and had spent the ride fumbling over his manners.

Paige beamed a bit more as the giggles overtook her. Giggles that caused her curls to bounce about and catch the light from the wall fixtures. "And you have no idea how happy I am that I was," she replied, giving him one last squeeze before she finally let go. "I would have written you every day if you hadn't though. Just so you know. Well...almost every day. As often as I could at least." So it really wouldn't have been the end of the world. Just a little sad.

She gave him a firm nod. "I'm am! Especially now that you are for sure coming back." She almost gave him another hug, but resisted and instead finally remembered the owl treat in her hand that she then gave to her owl. "I'm going to see about signing up for the yearbook this term. Figure it will help me on my path to becoming a published author someday. Or Editor-in-Chief of the Prophet like daddy." Small goals as stepping stones to the bigger one!

Hayden tried not to skip down the platform, but she could barely contain her excitement. There was a small spring in her step as she pushed her trolley toward the train after saying goodbye to her parents. There were things she liked and disliked about Hogwarts, but overall the feeling of getting to return filled her with an abundance of joy. She had a big smile on her face, and she looked around for her friends.

She didn't spot anyone she knew, but she did spot a lot of people she didn't know. A lot of them must be new, some of them even first years. That was exciting. Hayden remembered her first year, considering it wasn't that long ago. She hoped they all felt as excited as she had, and none of them were feeling too lost or confused. She paused near one girl who was looking a little...sad? Frightened? Or maybe Hayden was completely misinterpreting her neutral expression. Either way, it wouldn't hurt for her to be friendly toward this girl and see if she needed help. She was a Hufflepuff so wasn't that kinda what she was supposed to do?

"Hi," she said cheerfully to the girl. She looked younger than Hayden but sometimes that was hard to tell considering her height. She certainly wasn't happy about being shorter than some of the incoming first years, but she tried not to think about that. This was a day to be happy. "Are you new?"

Kate shifted her weight from one foot to the other. Her parents had stepped away to allow her a little independence. They weren't far away, though. She could still see them out the corner of her eye. They were sitting on a little bench, and it too a lot for Kate not to want to leave her luggage just sitting there all by itself and abandon it to go be with her family again. She sort of missed them already.

She was about to motion for her mom to come stand by her, when she heard a voice nearby. It wasn't a voice she knew, but Kate figured out it was directed to her. She glanced over and saw a girl who looked to be about her age. Oh...someone was introducing themselves. Act cool, Kate. Act cool. Try not to seem like a little kid. "Hey," she said, turning to face the girl. Was she new? Yes. Was it that easy to tell? Maybe the girl just knew she'd never seen Kate around before. "Yeah. I'm a first year." Kate smiled. "Was it that easy to tell?" Maybe it was her height and tiny frame.

"What about you? Are you new?" she asked. Kate wouldn't know one way or the other. She didn't really know anybody yet. She'd met a few people in Diagon Alley, but she doubted any of them remembered her. Who knew, though. Oh, she should introduce herself! "I'm Kate Addison, by the way."

Cinna loved how her dad, just took the day off from his job just to take her to King's Cross just to see her off to school. Really? What was the big commotion about anyway? She was fifteen and completely capable of seeing herself off to school. She actually would have been okay with going with Bart and his mum. Todsy anyone but her own Dad. He was being extra father like.

Did you get everything you need? Write me a letter in the morning? Make sure you study. Be good. Blah blah blah....

If he treated his players anyway like he was treating her, she was surprised that no had beat him with a beaters bat. They would never do it. He would never be like that to them. Mostly because they wasn't his daughter. That's the only reason why he was being all.... Cameron Bayless super dad on her today.

On the bright side he was pushing her trolley with her things on it for her. And had given her money for snacks later it was the only reason why she was sticking around him. Until someone better came along. Then she was ditching daddy dearest.

"I would have written back. Every day that you wrote." Though it would have been terribly lonely to go back to being homeschooled after know what it was like to be surrounded by classmates all the time.

He watched as she fed the owl a treat. For this term, he'd been allowed to come back and had managed to be allowed to bring his own telescope, in no small part, he realized, to the help of many people. Maybe next term would be the term to ask about a pet...

"Yearbook sounds cool. This year's looked pretty good." He nodded, remembering when it had shown up. He had flipped through it and told Mairwen all about Hogwarts. And then Seren. And then Mother. But Father hadn't really had time, so Thornton had just left it on his desk, opened to the page with his superlative. "So you know you want to do something with writing, then?" Thornton was impressed. He had no idea what his options were, let alone what he wanted.

Alright. He'd made it through, now it was time to observe and meet the peeps. Hopefully someone would be kind enough to take pity and introduce themselves. McClay was booksmart, but as far as being the type to make friends instantly, that was a different story.

The train hadn't begun boarding yet, so he had some time to people watch at least. He leaned up against the platform wall, his trolly and trusty owl waiting patiently beside him. Alright. Time to work up some courage.

He looked around in search of a familiar face... hopeful. But there was no one. He was about to give up on the whole mingling business when a young girl that appeared to be his age... eh... maybe a little bit younger walked by with what looked like had to be her father. He saw the expression on her face, clearly her eyes were screaming 'help me'. It was go time.

"Hey there, I'm McClay Jackson, I'm uh... actually new here... uh... late bloomer.." He blushed, extending his hand for the girl and her father. "I was just wondering if you knew when the train was ready to board? I'm afraid my owl Alto's patience is beginning to wear thin.." He smiled at both of them, nodding his head over at his luggage behind him.

There. Conversation. An opportunity to connect. And the girl looked friendly enough. Probably grateful to be saved from the awkward goodbye conversation with the pops.

Final year!

She didn't know if she was excited or not. Bianca was excited because she's about to graduate. One more year then she can be like a fully adult. But she didn't seem very happy that she had to leave Salem. Her status as exchange student there was expired and that means she had to go back to Hogwarts again with Bryan. Well, the brunette never felt that she went to the same school with her twin brother since they didn't belong to the same house.

Speaking of, she hadn't seen him around. Maybe he was with his nerd buddies. Whatever. Maybe it would be better if she just stay still and wait for the train. Pushing her trunk to the nearest bench, the brunette took a seat and just wait. She took a small mirror from her handbag and applied her favorite red lipstick. Yeah, she always kept it in her bag with other make up stuffs.

"Could the train come any time soon?" She moaned. She was bored. AND she hates waiting. Hates. Present tense.

Zhenya had said a final goodbye to Dima and Keenan, and was feeling… kinda lonely. She suddenly missed her big brother and her little nephew. She wished she could have spend just a little bit more time with them. But… they were gone, and she had to get on with it. Again. At least this year she was starting with everyone else, and not just half way through the term. As she was standing there, she heard a moan behind her. Could the train come any time soon? She smiled slightly and went to sit down next to the girl.

"Bit bored waiting, are you?"