Keefer suddenly appeared on the platform, looking as if he had skipped his way through the barrier. Skipping was really the best way to get around, after all. Breathing heavily, he stepped out of the way for his parents to get through. The three of them walked toward the train, his father pushing the trolley. They came to a stop near a door and Keefer left them momentarily to find a place for his luggage on the train.

He returned and gave his parents swift hugs, favoring his mother with a small kiss. "I'm going to miss you guys." Forestalling his mother, who had just opened her mouth to speak, he said, "and I'll try to stay out of trouble, mum!" She gave him a wan smile.

His father stepped forward and ruffled Keefer's fiery-red hair. "Do us proud, son."

"Thanks, dad, I will. I promise."

"And try to find yourself a pretty girl, eh, Keef?"

Keefer turned away from his father, rolling his eyes. His lack of female magnetism seemed to have presented a personal challenge for his father, who was always a witches-man in his days at Hogwarts. Never mind that I'm only fourteen, only a fourth year... he thought.

Well, I might as well find some people I know. Too bad there's always so much steam! He walked off, humming merrily to himself something that sounded awfully like God Rest Ye, Merry Hippogriffs.