It'd been a big decision for West about coming back or not this term, given he'd been offered starting positions with a couple of professional teams. In the end he'd turned them down, instead saying yes to a spot as reserve chaser for the Wigtown Wanderers with the caveat that he could return to school for his final year, and travel as needed, just as he had when playing for the Under Seventeen's the previous two years. It was partly because of his friends that he'd wanted to return, but mostly because of his team. Because of Quidditch. Because of his responsibilities. And too, after the horrible way the season had ended the previous term for him personally, he obviously had a burning desire to make things right. So here he was, on the express and heading to the prefect compartment. Most of his best mates would be there anyway eventually, so it was a good place to start.

... and sort of strange now that he thought about it. His very first trip to Hogwarts had involved a visit to this very compartment, and now he was here legitimately.

The tall seventh year had already stowed his trunk, and now here he was... but there was a Ravenclaw bottleneck in the doorway. He eyed Mo and Nigel with vague curiosity and then managed to duck in past them.

Then he saw why they'd gone and froze up. The headmistress? Didn't she live in Hogsmeade? Why would she be on the express? He gave her a polite smile and sprawled comfortably in one of the seats.

"Morning Headmistress Truebridge." West greeted, not otherwise expecting any harm from her presence. Might've been a safety thing with professors stationed along the whole train for all he knew.