South End of the Platform
 

Marsha/Toriiiii and anyoneeee else ^_^
 

With a slight look of annoyance on his face, Adi shoved his trolley through the Wall and crossed over to the Platform. Seriously, why was she always on his case? It was his life, right? He could datw whom he wanted to; he didn't need his mother to tell him constantly that she disapproved of AJ. Why couldn't she just be as cool as his dad? Hmph. Adi was so glad to get away from her. Really, he did love the woman and he wasn't going to get into a shouting match at anytime with her. Nope, he respected her too much to do that so he would do what he did every time she brought up AJ... he'd shut his mouth and refuse to say a single word.

Heaving a HUGE puff of breath out through his mouth, Adi shoved his specs closer to his eyes. Where were his best friends? Benny, AJ, where art thou? And Margo? Henric? Beverly and alllll the others? Adi could sure go for some company right now to help get rid of his annoyance.

Brooding. Adi was still brooding over his mom and her comments to him before he left her and his dad on the other side of the Wall. Hey, at least he had gotten away from her now. He could ditch the bad mood. And look! There was someone there who cold help him do just that.

The guy Bestie!

"Heya, Benny,'' Adi said with a grin though his usual cheeriness was not that present. "Er, just mom and usual old fashioned mentality. About AJ and me...'' He trailed off. Benny would know exactly what he was talking about because he had told the other boy about it last term. Anyway, the Hufflepuff was not one to burden his friends with his problems so he switched the topic. "How does it feel to be sixteen? And to think that during the holiday after my birthday I'll be able to do magic out of school.'' With this thought, Adi's felt a whole lot more cheered up. "Know what that means, right?" Hehe.

Daissssyyyyy
 

<3
 

She wasn't clinging. She wasn't scowling. She wasn't hexing anyone yet. Beverly was perfectly fine. At least, that's what her exterior said. The prefect probably looked like she was in a great mood while holding Jeremiah's hand.

It WAS all great, no? They were good in health, they had a great time in the States and her dad -- who walked right behind them -- hasn't looked at her boyfriend like he had a target on his face. The day was actually running smoothly.

But it was not all okay.

Since her third year Jeremiah and her have been partners in crime, snogging buddies, the person they could blow up on and still be there for one another. It was all sappy and sentimental, the stuff she didn't like but...not having Jeremiah at arms reach was going to definitely feel strange. And the reality of it was suddenly hitting her.

Beverly ignored her feelings. "You're starting to sound like Kennedy." Of whom she heard chuckle behind them. "But I do. Everything ready here." She patter her trunk. Was she okay? The depended on things. "Perfectly okaaaay." She chirped a little bit overly cheery.

He heard the chuckle behind them and couldn't help but turn around to look at the guy, hey shush he was trying to be cute, okay? and he knew that Kenn had a fancy for HIS sister so all was fair and even as far as Jeremiah was concerned. "please don't try to be a hero... or try to set free any caged dragons.. they're caged for a reason." that didn't count for JUST dragons he meant most magical creatures. "and don't catch an aging virus or be caught by magical books....... okay?" ugh, this was hard. and he was trying not to get too choked up over it. not in front of her dad and brother anyway. he brought his voice down to a whisper "to the moon and the stars....."

"Got that right,'' Adi said with his determination. "Mom's not going to change my mind no matter how much she tries.'' He could make his own decisions, thank you very much. He knew it didn't bother AJ one bit about what the woman thought but it did bother him a bit but he wasn't going to take that on. He was going to enjoy this new school year. Yup!

"Heya, Conrad!'' The Puffer turned his attention to Benny's owl. "I forgot Gus at home.'' Croooooooook! Gosh, that sounded like reproachful croak. But, darn! Gus had spoilt his fun. Hehe. He reached into his pocket to fish out the amphibian. "Just kidding. Here's your buddy.'' Adi held Gus up in front of Conrad's cage which set the froggie off in more croaks.

"You're an old Dragon,'' he continued with a nod. "It's just too bad Bellaire told me to try it away from Hogwarts... not that it's going to stop me completely...'' Benny got a sly look from him. Adi looked back down at Guster and in the process catching sight of the tee shirt he was wearing. "Look, Benny! I'm promoting you.'' LOL.

A hero her? HAHA. She wasn't one, Kennedy was the hero of the family. As for dragons...Jeremiah KNEW she just couldn't keep away from those if the occasion presented itself. It was probably a good thing she hasn't told him she received a letter from the dragon sanctuary she intern-shipped a year ago at. And of course she wasn't going to purposely attempt to catch some weird aging disease. That'd been terrible and to this day she still checks for gray hairs, it's awful. And no more fairytale books for her. If something else dared possess her again...ooh, they were dead.

"Jeremiah, please--"

What'd he say?

His last line caused whatever she was going to say to get stuck in her throat. He did not just say that here, now. It made her feel all warm and fuzzy, sure always has, but now there was a lump the size of Mount Kilimanjaro lodged in her throat. The corners of her mouth threatened to pull downward, but she fought it, taking in a deep breath and putting on a brave smile.

"And back again."

No Jeremiah please nothing. He saw the sad in her eyes as she looked at him and he willed her not to cry. "i love you.... Mirror me after the feast tonight, ok?" cos he was missing her already and she wasn't even gone yet. He didn't even care that her dad and brother was there he was saying the L word, honestly he really didn't. "and don't even think of letting other boys look at you... because i'll come back and hurt someone for looking at you the wrong way you know it." even though there wasn't quidditch there was till Hogsmeade weekends and Jeremiah would be stupid if he didn't plan to be there at every one to see her.

There was one thing Beverly Juniper Wayne wouldn't ever do in front of people and that was cry. And she wasn't going to start now, she was tough. The L word melted the fake smile off her face, though, and she nodded. "Loveyoutoo." Then, just because she was feeling like it, Beverly thumped him right on the arm. "I have it and I'll try unless someone starts a fight again." She would either way even if she stayed up on the first night back.

Ohhh. Was that his Gryffindor making an appearance?

She rolled her eyes in joking manner. "I can gouge their eyes out all on my own, but c'mon, Jere. Wouldn't want to leave half the male population blind." She could make light out of mushy situations, see? "And you," she poked his chest, "remember, I'll fry any girl who looks at you in any way."

Noelle!
 

Olly was feeling a lot of different things because of the train at the moment. Yes, of course he was excited to go back to Hogwarts. But he was also sad to leave behind his dads and his brother. He'd said goodbye to Colin back home. Train stations full of people were not his favorite places so he'd stayed at home with one of his dads. The other dad had escorted Olly and Ellery to King's Cross. They'd come through the magical barrier and were ready to board the train. Olly's had wandered down the train, but had somehow gotten separated from them. Ellery was probably loading her stuff closer to the front. When Olly turned, he could just see his dad helping her with something.

He paused where he was. Maybe he was waiting for his dad to come find him and help load his trunk. Or maybe he was just delaying the inevitable. As much as he liked Hogwarts, he was also sad about going back. He loved the castle and his friends, but he loved his family. Why couldn't he have both at the same time? Why wasn't Hogwarts like a regular school?

For Seb/Alice
 

Alice stood next to her trunk, the birdcage on the little kart moved a little as the familiar squawk of her pet raven, Diaval made his presence known. Merlin, she felt so excited but also scared. Looking at the big red train and then back at Helen. "I really hope so.. I'll miss you too."

Now there were hugs and the first year hugged tightly and even pulled her little sister closer, hugging her as well. It would be a while before she'd see them again.. not until Christmas. "I'll write you all the time, mum." She didn't often call Helen that but this seemed appropriate.

For Anyone :)
 

*snags you*
 

Azura was slightly out of breath as she ran through the wall and now she was standing in the train station looking around in a slight bit of awe at everything going on!

She had just said goodbye to her Mom and Dad and now the small 11 year old was hauling her stuff across the platform and she came to a stop next to another first year who seemed.. as lost as she was!

"First year too?" She said with a bit of a warm smile as she pushed some of her black hair behind her ear and her bright purple eyes twinkled at him. "My name is Azura Kennedy." She said by way of introduction..

Jasper jumped slightly, not having noticed the girl that had come up and stood next to him. She was asking whether he was a first year too? Then she must be a first year as well! A sense of happiness flowed through him at that thought, before his eyes widened as he realised he hadn't replied to her yet. He offered a sheepish smile as he flushed, scratching the back of his neck.

"Uh... yeah I'm a first year..." he managed to get the words out of his mouth, he was hoping that she'd ignore how long it had taken. "Nice to meet you. I'm Jazz... I mean Jasper. My name is Jasper Quinn, just my family call me Jazz."

And now he was rambling. He should've just kept his mouth shut.

Oh whoops!! Azura bit her lip a little as the boy jumped at her arrival! She wasn't used to that, usually she was falling all over herself, so people certainly knew she was there! So did the ground for that matter! "Sorry." She apologized for scaring him.

She smiled again at him as he flushed a bit, and she bit her lip once more.. hoping that he was okay? She didn't often just go up to people, but he looked lost.. and she was too! Maybe they could help each other out?

"Oh good! It's my first year too and I'm not quite sure what to do." She admitted to him with a half of a smile..

She kept smiling at her, her purple eyes warm as he told her his name.."Jasper, It's nice to meet you Jasper Quinn!" She said as she grinned a bit at him.."Are you nervous about going to Hogwarts? Cause I'm terrified."

Should she really have admitted that? in front of a boy too?

"No worries... I was just lost in thought," he tried to explain himself. That was really the best way in which he could explain what was going on. He'd still been caught up in being in England. Caught up in trying to figure out what he was meant to do.

She didn't know what to do either? That was good. Meant that he definitely didn't miss a part of the letter. "Uh, neither am I," he admitted, his green eyes once again looking around at the people around them. It seemed that many people were either still in replies, or were catching up with friends. "Just follow the crowd I suppose?" he offered with a grin.

How was he supposed to react to that? Of course he was terrified but he wasn't meant to admit that he was absolutely terrified! But then again.... most people here probably were... after all the muggleborns would have no idea what to expect... that's how he made up his mind of responding honestly. Not that the lie would've been believable coming from him. "Yeah I'm pretty nervous," he answered with a shrug. "Do you know anything about Hogwarts?"

Azura could understand that.. though usually when she got lost bin thought she ended up falling or something! Which is why she needed to keep her wits about her at the moment! With all these people around!

"Following the crowd seems to be the safest bet at the moment." She replied as she looked up at Jasper for a moment and smiled back at him. He seemed nice! That was good! What if she had walked up to some mean guy? That would have been awful!

Azura was nervously playing with the ends of her hair as she awaited his response, Had that been a dumb thing to say? But she let out a sigh of relief as he said he was nervous as well! "I'm glad it's not just me then! I was worried thinking I was the only one scared!" She let out a small nervous laugh before nodded. "Mmmm, I know a bit about it, both of my parents went there, what about you? Do you know anything about it?" She asked curiously.

"At least there's only one train?" he offered with an amused smile on his face. He wasn't sure if the thought would amuse her, but he thought that would have been interesting. If the Hogwarts train wasn't separated from all the muggle trains. He was certain that he would've gotten on the wrong train while lost in his own mind. And it would've also been amusing if a muggle accidentally got onto the Hogwarts train.

"Yeah... my father went to Hogwarts for his last two years, says that he loved every moment of it" he commented, his eyes slowly turning back to the other eleven year old. With a dorky smile, he thickened his accent into the most cliche and bogan Australian accent he could muster before he spoke again. "Before that he went to 'nother school back in 'Straya."

He stopped at that though, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly, though the grin was still on his face. He wasn't too sure whether she'd find the accent funny or not.

For Ava
 

Henric was excited to meet his girlfriend at the platform. Although he had hoped her mother wasn't around to sent her off. But if she was, he would wait until he was on board the train to see llia. His pushed his trolley onward, his pet owl Horace Jr in tow. "Come on Horace, we shall meet our friends soon! Are you excited! Nervous? Cos' I sure am. Merlin, can you believe it...I'm a p-prefect now...does this mean we're allowed in the prefect's compartment,Horace?!" he asked his owl, his eyes opened wide in wonder.

Huh? Someone calling his name and so he turned around to see who. Oh! It was none other than his litt-...or not so little basketball/fifa playing partner, AVA! Henric waved back, "Hey Ava! Nice to see you here bright and early too! Your brother? Oh no I didn't see him, I'm sure he's not far off here somewhere. He's probably at the luggage loading area, I'm heading there soon, want to come with-eh?" He stopped and raised an eyebrow at her. Different? What did she mean by that? OH...did she notice his new cologne smell? It was kind of strong...really. But, he only put the best on him. He even changed his hairstyle again, yup...pretty brilliant-looking if he said so himself. All of this to impress his girlfriend when he finally see her again. Other than that...not much had changed...except...for one thing...he had yet to tell everyone.

Smirking. Henric wiggled his eyebrows, "Different you say?...Did you mean I've got more handsomer, perhaps? I did dye my hair a little darker..." he told her, pretending not tonotice what she was actually really looking at. He knew of course, she was staring at his new prefect badge he had worn on his collar right beside his Manchester United badge.

Dani [Suri, Benzi, Rachel] and Jesse [Melon, India, Gemini] if you would like
 

Marsha was excited. Not only was she going back to Hogwarts for her third year at school which meant she could go to Hogsmede Village AND take Care of Magical Creatures without having to beg her way into the classes, it meant that Melon was going to be at school - her Uncle’s … well, she didn’t really know what she was to him if he was her guardian - but she was going to say they were cousins… because with a family like her it was just easier…. much easier. Though she hadn’t seen her Uncle Thunder around yet so maybe Melon, India and Thunder weren’t here yet.

Looking up at her parents, she shrugged at them as they looked around the platform for them or for the Rider’s… because Suri. Who was going into second year. Where was the time going? Marsha really didn’t know, but she knew the Summer had passed too quickly - even if she had spent a good bit of it with Lance, AJ, Sha, Melon and Remy… Who was also going into second year now. Littttle cousin Remy. Giggling, she gave up trying to crane her neck and took her dad’s hand as she pulled him down the platform.

Standing still obviously wasn’t working, it was time to find Suri.

Eliot wasn’t ready to admit on any level that his eldest daughter was almost fourteen. Her presents had been packed into her trunk so that she could open them at the end of the month and both he, her mum and the little ones would make the trip to Hogsmede the first weekend that she was allowed to go… Alis had missed her too much over the last two years that the opportunity wouldn’t go missed.

Looking around the platform, he tried to find the Rider’s however he couldn’t find them… which was annoying. He was good at this, however he had only met them once and they might not even have been on the platform. He snapped out of it though, when he felt Sha wrap her hand in his and tug him forward, obviously impatient as usual. He smiled at Gemini who was pushing a buggy which was holding their son Rhys, while Alis stood on the platform at the back, fascinated with the train now that she was three and old enough to be interested.

”Okay, okay. I’m sure we will find them.” Still looking around as he got pulled (not really, Marsha would never have managed) along the platform a grin spread over his face as he saw Rachel and her oldest, Benzi. ”Marsha.” He said, tugging her hand to stop her from pulling him in the wrong direction. ”Look. Over there.” And then he pointed, in a straight line to Suri…. and watched Marsha take off to run at the younger girl.

Suri Rider-Mae was here. With her entire family. Her much bigger than last year family. Benzi, Mum, Bernard and OZZIE.

Also her name was Suri Rider-Mae now. Still weird.

"Muuuuuuuum, let's go that way, she's not here!" she insisted, bouncy and impatient as she ran across the platform looking for her friend. Her THIRD YEAR friend. In case you didn't know, Suri Rider(-Mae) was very cool, she had OLDER friends. Like Maggie and Dante, who were fifth years. And of course, Hayley and Noel who were going to be SEVENTH YEARS. She glanced around behind her to see Benzi absentmindedly pick at his clothes as he waited for the Diggory's to show up and rolled her eyes. He was so obsessed with Hayley, it was starting to get very annoying. She liked Hayley and all.. but ugh. Seriously. They were literally joined at the hip. Other than his Auror things, she was all he talked about.

Puh-lease.

The twelve year old turned around just in time to see Marsha come RUNNING towards her and SQUEALED, enveloping her in a MAAAAASIVE hug as if she hadn't seen her in months. (It had been three days.) "HI MARSHA!" she laughed into the hug, but very discreetly continued looking around the platform for one blue eyed dark haired boy who was also supposed to show up. Ahem. Because he was also important. Extremely. You know. Her other best friend.

Five years, that was how long she had been Marsha’s mother…well, officially speaking. Her daughter was heading back to school again and really, she didn’t know how exactly she felt about that. “Sha you look beautiful, okay?” She smiled softly and gave Eliot a soft smile as well. It was harder for him, she knew, seeing her off that is…she was his flesh and blood.

The look he gave her, she couldn’t help but smile as she thought about their little miracles. It was tough though, really, Sha had been such a blessing with everything over summer. Rhys was going to miss his older sister. “I’m going to owl you every chance I get sweety,” she told her and smiled…it wasn’t long after she had given those parting words that Eliot had pointed Suri out to Sha.

Those two were precious. “Eliot…did you hear from Thunder?” She asked as she craned her neck to see through the crowd of milling people. Where on earth was her little brother? Of course she wanted to show off Rhys and Alis to him as she always wanted to – she also wanted to hear about how he was doing…and well, seeing him bringing a kid here was kind of fun? Considering she never thought he would be one to attach himself to kids, especially with his additional siblings.


Kings cross still looked the same to her, even though it had been so long since she had been there. India’s hand pressed against her little sister’s back as she guided her through the crowd. “Now remember hold on to your ticket” she informed and smiled to the short girl in front of her, really, even for her age and weight her sister was short.

Watching Mel glance around the train station only made her remember her first time here, it was here that she had met her best friend. Thunder was like a brother to her, heck, she was already so grateful to him for everything…helping her find a place that was better for Mel even though Mel preferred living with Finn…which stung a little but she got it.

Mel wasn’t a city girl. She was the girl that wanted to go rock climbing in a dragon reserve, which was probably why she was banned from that dragon reserve come to think of it. “Okay Mel, you need to promise me and Thunder that you’ll be good? Okay, you don’t want to upset Thor now do you?” She asked using the nickname that even Mel had started to use for him. “And please be good, don’t go adventuring and for the love of god avoid the forest” she told her, her tone stricter than it ever had been.


Everything about how she looked today was calculated. She knew from talking to Rorie and well to India and Mika too…but mainly from Rorie that people had to change into their uniforms before getting to the school. So, she was going to as well right before the train docked….good idea? Maybe that way she wouldn’t have to do something cray? Maybe she could sneak into the carriages Mika had told her about? The ones face licker Kaiden had said were pulled by winged creepy horses?

“Indiaaaaaaaaaaa come on I’m going to be fine” Mel groaned as her sister told her again to be good and follow the rules and to do all those booooring things. Gosh what was she seven? “I already told you that I won’t walk onto some ship if it appears or taunt spiders or try and climb the luggage racks” she groaned. “but I’m not going to not adventure because if I did that all I would have left is studying and I don’t want to do that” she frowned.

“I want to go on adventures with Ace and Sam and I wanna find out where my new friend Mason is housed…the one from the apothecary” she grinned remembering the conversation with the other girl. She liked her. She was cool. Yeah so she was being a bit uuugh but India was being even more ugh. Seriously. She was going to have as much fun as possible “I promise I’m going to make a point of introducing myself to the prefects” she nodded a little hint of a smirk falling into place…sure, the prefects would be able to help her get that innocent little look she was going for that was why she had brought a few outfits in her bag thanks to India’s shop. Yep. She’d never notice those mannequins were all stark naked until it was too late.

Rachel <3
 

Garreth was nervous. Perhaps more so than he had any reason to be. He had been so excited about going to Hogwarts, but now that the day had finally arrived, and he stood there on the platform, all by his lonesome, one hand clutched around the strap on his dufflebag, the other around the handle of his luggage cart, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of fear. What if he didn't make any friends? What if nobody liked him? What if the professors were mean? What if he wasn't smart enough for to make it into Ravenclaw?

All these questions and more were running through his head, filling him with a sense of dread that was very out of character for him, especially since it was finally time to get on the train bound for the one place on earth he had longed to find himself for the longest time.

Now, more than anything, he needed reassurance.

Unlike some of the other students, Garreth wasn't moving about the platform, searching for new friends or anything of the sort. He was far too preoccupied with being a stressed little boy who already missed his parents. As if that wasn't enough, there were few things in the world that Garreth disliked more than large crowds of people. Surrounded by a wiggling horde of strangers, he couldn't possibly imagine a more uncomfortable scenario.

However, all was not lost.

"Rachel!" He called out when he spotted his best friend's face in the swarm. The last few times she had shown up when he needed her the most, she'd always managed to cheer him up, but this time, she didn't even really have to try. The mere sight of her reminded him that there were good people in the world who would support him, no matter what. She reminded him of the fact that if nothing else, at least she was his friend, and he wouldn't be alone.

The boy gave a celebratory wave of his hand and beamed a bright smile towards the girl. The question about his cat came as a surprise though, as the last time he looked, she'd been right there on top of his trunk! He opened his mouth to answer, but realized he didn't really know where she was. He gave a quick look around, afraid for a moment that Effie had fled the loud station and would miss the trip, but relaxed visibly when he spotted her walking along the roof of the train. He pointed with a finger at the Burman cat and shrugged. "Not sure how I'm going to get her to come down.."

Azura had to hold back a laugh as Jasper spoke.. "It's probably good that there is only one train, or I'm sure I'd probably get on the wrong one!" She said with a bit of a giggle as she looked up at him and grinned at bit, the thought was funny!

She kept her purple gaze on his as he spoke about his father and she smiled a bit as he started to speak and she clapped her hands a bit! "Oh Merlin! Is that what people sound like? It's amazing!" She said with a laugh up at him.. "Though.. I like your "normal" voice better.. It suits you." It somehow did! And now she could place it! Australia! So cool!!

First someone from Japan and now Australia? Goodness, she was just from boring old England! She smiled up at him, hoping he knew she wasn't teasing or making fun of him! That accent was genuinely funny!

Jasper grinned as he got her to laugh. She actually laughed! He hadn't expected her to actually find the thought amusing like he did, but he felt a lot more relaxed that she did. He paused for a moment, before finally deciding to quietly admit "I'd get on the wrong one too..."

The brown haired boy couldn't stop himself from grinning as the girl in front of him laughed and clapped at his little spiel. "Some people do," he answered honestly. He wasn't so sure if the way that they spoke was actually amazing, but if she felt that it was, who was he to argue that it was probably one of the worst accents? The only way to politely throw in his own opinion on alternative accents. "I prefer British accents... they're a lot more... proper?" Was that even good phrasing? Eh, he hoped she'd get it. He even threw in a friendly smile to make sure she realised he was actually being serious.

Her comment after that threw him off guard once again, his green eyes widening as he tried to frantically think of a reply. "Uh...." was the only sound that came out his mouth as he looked at her. He even grimaced at the response. But How were you meant to respond to someone that just said 'your voice suits you'. He kinda hoped his voice would suit him, given that it was his voice. "Thank you?" was that even any better than just saying uh?

Probably not.

He mentally face palmed at his response but didn't bother trying to summon any other words from his mouth.

Garreth breathed a sigh of relief when Rachel expressed her contentment at the two of them having bumped into each other. "Yes, please."He smirked, knowing full well how stressed he sounded when she confirmed his hopes that she would be staying with him for the remainder of the journey. He was so glad he wouldn't have to sit all by himself for the whole trip. You only get one first trip to Hogwarts, only one first view of the castle, only one first impression of the facade, the doorway, the staircase, everything. The first time you experience Hogwarts is an experience you'll take with you for the rest of your life, and Garreth would hate for such a precious memory to be tarnished by loneliness.

"Look at her, prancing about like she owns the place." He giggled at his adorable cat, taking in the sights and sounds of King's Cross from atop the Hogwarts Express. Suddenly, her ears shot up and she turned to look at the two. A split second passed before she bolted off towards them, leaping down onto a stray luggage cart and then to the ground. Effie's affection for Rachel was made obvious by her meowing and purring as she snuggled up to the girl's leg.

"You know, Rach." Garreth smiled, looking back and forth between the cat and the girl. "I think she likes you."

Azura smiled at at Jasper as he admitted he would get on the wrong train as well and she grinned back at him, she really felt like she was making a friend, they had so much in common and she was really glad she had walked up to him! "Well, then I guess we would both be going somewhere other than Hogwarts!" She said with a soft giggle.

"Wow really? That's awesome." Azura said with a smile up at the boy.. She was so used to how everyone in England sounded that different accents were so amazing!

She grinned warmly at him as he spoke, her purple eyes sparkling at her words.."We are rather proper aren't we?" She asked him as she took a breath and spoke in her most English of accents.. "Would you like a spot of tea? She said with a giggle.

Only to have her smile a fade a bit at her compliment!

"Oh Goodness, I meant that as a good thing! You accent is subtle and yet it comes out at time and it's just perfect.." She bit her lip and started to play with the ends of her black hair a bit nervously..

Gahh.. her mouth sometimes!

Thinking about the possibilities of taking the wrong train, Japser grinned back at Azura. "It'd be an adventure," he commented, the grin firm on his face as he just imagined how that would go. "But Hogwarts will be too," that was definite in his opinion. It was a magical school! With real magic! Real creatures! It was like a whole new world inside of the world that he lived in. A real one, not just one that he'd sketch when he was bored!

He couldn't help but laugh as she spoke in a posh English accents. On one hand, it somehow seemed to work and yet on another, it didn't really work for her. Maybe that's what she meant when she'd commented on his accent?

For a moment he contemplated answering in a British accent, but paused, figuring he'd probably just torture it. So, to exaggerate her poshness he grinned, falling back into his own thick Australian accent. "I'd love a cuppa, mate."

He cringed at the situation he had caused, noticing the way her smile faded and she tried to explain herself. His face flushed again at the term 'perfect', before realising he should probably try to put her back at ease.

He had no idea how to do that though....

"No, no... I didn't mean it like that! I didn't think you meant it badly" he blurted out, trying his hardest to find the words he needed. "Like, I just didn't really know how to respond? I took it as a compliment and I completely understand what you mean, like I think the same thing about your accent with what you just showed me! It's just I was wondering what I could even say in response to that! Honestly though you have a perfect accent," at that his eyes widened again, cutting off his own rambling. She had called his accent perfect, and it was true he thought hers was also nice, but he hadn't meant to say that. He found himself flushed red again, green eyes darting to the ground as he ran a hand through his hair. "Um... like it really suits you?"

He really deserved an award for the worst conversationalist ever.

The only good thing was he was once again able to only mentally facepalm.

This just kept getting better and better. With every word that escaped Rachel's mouth, Garreth became more and more reassured that not part of the journey would see him sit by himself. Rachel was going to stick by him the whole way, and maybe she could even help him make MORE friends. "Of course, that sounds great!" He smiled brightly at her suggestion. He had completely forgotten about the boat ride, and while under normal circumstances, he probably would have found some silly way to worry about that too, Rachel's presence and the comforting thought of her being with him through the whole thing had a negating effect on any troubled thoughts that sprung up in his mind.

"She's the queen of the world, as far as she's concerned." he teased. It had taken him slightly by surprise when the kitty bolted from her perch on top of the train to the tops of Rachel's feet in what seemed like a split second. Visibly impressed, he continued to glance back and forth between the cat and the girl. "Unusually so." He replied, scratching his head.

"Well, I can't say I blame her." He smirked at Rachel's remark. Of course Effie would want to spend her time with Rachel. She was so sweet, and gave plenty of cuddles. Besides, Garreth was obviously a big fan of her, and any friend of Garreth's was a friend of hers. The Burman reached up for Rachel's nose and clasped it firmly between her paws, meowing in contentment. "You girls need to spend some quality time together anyway."

Azura smiled at Jasper, "Mmm, it will be an adventure! I'm so nervous about the sorting! What house do you want to be in?" She asked him curiously as she smiled up at him! She still wasn't sure what house she wanted yet, but it would be super cool if they were in the same house! After all, she felt like she had made a friend.. She hoped at least!

As long as she didn't trip!

She watched him as he put on his fake accent to respond to her own and she giggled softly at him as he finally did speak! "Sporting! We shall go for a spot at the Prancing Pony!" She said with her fake accent again, giggling a bit more! This was fun! And his fake accent was just as fun as hers was!

She bit her lip as he flushed and she realized that she had said his accent was perfect! ACK! Now he was going to think she had some sort of crush on him, even though the only talked for a few minutes!

Though she DID like talking to him, and he WAS one of the only people who hadn't looked at her weird because her eyes were purple! So that was a plus!

Said purple orbs opened wide as she watched him try to stammer out a reply to try and make her feel better!! Ohh now it was her turn to blush as he said her own accent was perfect!

"Okay! I was just worried, I.. meant it as a compliment! I didn't want to like scare you away or anything or make you unhappy!" She would have been devastated if she had made him unhappy! She didn't want to do that!

She smiled a bit as he parroted her own words back to her. "Thank you." She said smiling warmly as she looked over at him as he looked at the ground. She searched for words in order to make him feel a bit better and wracked her brain a bit.. before..

Well this would make HER seem dumb.. but at least it would get HIS mind off of what had just happened.

"Can I tell you a secret?" She asked him

Helena actually teared up...slightly, but quickly blinked it away. Alice wouldn't like to see her cry for any reason. "I hope you write as often as you can..." she smiled. "Which house do you want to be in?" She didn't see anyone boarding JUST yet...she was sure the time would come soon.

And she hadn't let go of Alice yet.

Nope.

She was having...a bit of a difficult time. Valerie sucked on her thumb and rested her head on Helena's hip, hugging her leg. She did hug Alice back, but instantly went back to clinging to her mother. "Gryffindor?" she asked with a slight sparkle in her eye. She knew Jack had been one...and then Maxwell. Surely she would want those houses? She'd be utterly SHOCKED if the girl wanted Ravenclaw, since Elliot was that...and Alice wasn't the biggest fan of her daughter-in-law. Step-daughter-in-law? Merlin. Complicated families were complicated.

"Make sure Diaval is taken care off...don't forget to feed him...or let him stretch his wings...okay?" She stroked Alice's red hair.

Alice saw the tears. She didn't want Helen to cry! Nope nope nope. No tears, this was a happy day! A Hogwarts day! "As often as i can!" Or as often as she thought about writing.

What House? SHe hadn't even decided yet! "I'm not sure.. I'd look better in Blue or Green, so maybe Ravenclaw or Slytherin?" She grinned now as she thought about how she'd look in both of them, naturally she'd look perfect in both. "We'll see i guess."

"Of course I will! He's my best friend.. and he'll be in my room with me. I can't forget about him." The bird squawked as if on queue.

What house did he want to be in? How should he know what house he wanted to be in? His preference was any house as long as he was actually sorted! That would be awkward wouldn't it? Being the first student in Hogwarts history to not be sorted. "Dad told me the sorting is nothing to worry about, so you shouldn't be nervous," he told her with a smile to comfort her, rather than share his own feelings on the matter. For his preference on house? Simple. With her, given that she was his first friend in the wizarding world. He wasn't going to tell her that though. "I don't really mind what house I'm in. Do you have a preference?"

"Sounds good, mate. I'll shout ya one," he replied as seriously as he could manage, before he also started giggling chuckling at the situation. He couldn't believe that he had someone so willing to play along with this whole thing! Not that it wasn't fun.

It was very fun.

Oh no, and now she was blushing at his rambling, and that made him even more awkward and blush an even darker red. Why did he have to create this situation?

"It's fine, it takes more than a compliment to scare me away," he joked with a grin, awkwardly scratching the back of his neck. Did that meant the awkward conversation was over? He was hoping that's what it meant, he wasn't sure how he was meant to deal with this. At least the compliment seemed to make her happy again, and less awkward. He beamed in victory.

"No worries, it's true," he commented without thinking, a moment later his smile faltering and his eyes widening. He quickly covered it up by grinning at her again. Why did his mouth keep running on?

"Yeah?" it probably sounded like more of a question than a response. But it was her secret, so if she wanted to she could tell him. "I won't tell anyone," he added on as a promise to make her feel a bit more comfortable.

Especially after that response to her question.

"Yep, that's the plan." Henric nodded at her comment about pushing the trolleys around. He rather had his hands free from all the luggage he brought along too. "Lock himself in the compartment? That's not good...because we have to share the compartment, Ava, don't make me barge in there using the 'Alohomora' spell on his door," he grinned. He realised how different these two were in terms of personalities and behaviour. He wouldn't believe it for one second they were twins if she hadn't told him.

"Don't insult the hair, Ava. "He warned back playfully as he patted his hair carefully. What, FAT?! Urgh. Not her too! Candice called him fat as well. Unbelievable. HELLO girls...this right here is called body muscle mass not fat. But if they want to go all technical and what not, they all have fats in their bodies not just him alone. Henric rolled his eyes and snorted, "And I'm sure you only have eyes on Adair, some bestfriend you are Ava..hmph." He pouted and crossed his arm in retaliation.

Heheh. She noticed the badge now, huh? He laughed when she squealed in surprise at his new status in the school now."Yup! Surprise! Haha! Thanks Ava but you need to stop poking me, it hurts..oww..ow..." he chuckled as he tried to avoid her poking attack. Henric nodded,"Yeah, she was the first to know about it before I told Adi next. I wondered how many would notice my badge until they realised it, good eye Ava. Pfft...after you treated me earlier, I'm not giving away passwords to anything, good luck trying to get it out from me, shortcake,"he winked.

Azura nodded as Jasper spoke, "My mom said that it wasn't a big deal either, but I'm still slightly nervous." She confessed, seriously what if the hat took too long on her head? What if it decided it had made a mistake and she should go to Hogwarts? Her mind had made up several situations like those and would run them around in her head constantly!

"Ravenclaw." She answered automatically, before she could even think about it. "My mom was in that house, and I feel it fits.. either that or Hufflepuff! I've heard the have parties in the kitchen!" And that sounded fantastic to her.. and less stairs! So Win/win really!

She tried to keep a serious face as he replied to her! Shout her one?? Spiffing! Shall we then lad?" She managed to get out before she started to giggle a bit at the whole thing, this whole pretending thing was super fun and she really liked talking to him!

She was glad he was joking with her and she let the ends of her hair drop from her fingers as he spoke. "Oh good, I'll try not to compliment you as much, I don't want you to go far." She said with a warm smile up at him as he scratched at his neck a bit.. That was rather cute actually!!

"Well thank you.. again." She said as she blushed a bit and looked at the ground for a moment.. her foot making small circles on the cement floor..

"Mmmm, you better not tell anyone." Though really, everyone would probably know soon enough!

"I'm very clusmy.. I tend to fall a lot.. and I don't really know why.. So I'll just warn you that if we are to be friends.. you might be helping me up off the ground a fair bit." She bit her lip a little as her purple eyes stared up at him nervously..

"I just.. thought I would warn you."She wondered now if he would take off!!

He nodded understandingly at what she was saying. It was probably the same thing that he was thinking about that was bugging her. Whether or not they'd be hat stalls. Whether or not they'd actually get sorted, or whether they'd be kicked out of Hogwarts for not fitting in anywhere.

"Huh," was the intelligent answer he came up with when she gave her reasoning for what house she'd want to be in. "House parties in the kitchens? that sounded pretty weird. But then again, why not?

"I think my dad was a Gryffindor... but I don't really think that I'd want to be in that house," he was pretty sure he wouldn't fit in there. "Slytherin wouldn't be bad, the tie would match my eyes." he joked, though he shrugged his shoulders at that. He wasn't certain that felt right either.

Did any of the houses really feel right though?

"Sounds good," he commented, though he didn't have any slang words that he could throw in now. Instead he found himself containing his laughter from how Azura had spoke. Spiffing? That was an interesting word.

He couldn't help but laugh at what she next said, shaking his head in amusement once he'd stopped laughing. "How thoughtful of you to ensure my comfort," he answered, voice laced with amusement while a grin played on his face. But this blushing and being awkward thing. It really had to end. He didn't dignify the last thing with a response before HE scared her off with compliments!

That was her secret? Seemed like a weird secret seeing that everyone would notice/find out sooner or later. He shrugged, still grinning at the purple haired girl.

"Then I should probably warn you I get lost in my thoughts a lot," he told her seriously, and it was very true. He had a tendency to zone out, get caught up in his thoughts about what it might be like in another world, on another planet. Or just in another country. Anywhere really. "If you talk to me when I'm drawing I might never notice you."

Colt/Steph! <3
 

Dani and Jesse <3
 

Grinning, Sha couldn’t help but smile at her mum. ”Thank you! Granda likes it when I wear tartan.” She beamed, thinking about Granda Hayden and his love for his country and nationality. ”He says that I’m embracing my Scottish side when I do.” Which always made her feel special, since Gemini and her whole family where her Step-family but they had adopted and taken her as one of their own… Which made her feel special and loved and incredibly thankful to be part of such a large, incredible family. Even if it was hard remembering how everyone was related.

”I’ll write to you as often as I can too! I’m excited to get to take Care of Magical Creatures this year though I’ll miss Chestnut again… It was amazing getting to ride her over the Summer and to help you with the stables.” As much as Marsha loved school, she also loved being at home and getting to help out with her Mum’s business… and her siblings. She was going to miss them more than anything. But she wasn’t going to think about that yet, she was going to find Suri and then she would worry about saying good bye.

Looking up as her Taddy tugged on her hand, she pouted at him. Didn’t he know she was tr- SURI!

Taking off, the red-head flew across the platform before she clung to Suri, arms wrapped around her waist. Laughing happily, she tried to welcome her friend but it came out a muffled, tangled mess due to laughing. When she finally pulled back though, she grinned at the brunette. ”Suri! Hi!” She grinned before looking up at Rachel and waving. ”Hi Mrs Rider-Mae.” HUGE smiles for you, and your hubbbby. She gave Benzi a quick wave before realising that he was too busy searching the platform for someone else that he wasn’t paying her any attention. OH WELL.

”Are you ready? I’m so excited!” The Welsh girl said to Marsha, her attention fully back on her best friend. Though, where WAS Melon? And AJ and Lance and Rusty? Mentally she made a note to try and find them when she was on the train - but if not, then she would find them at the Gryffindor table for the feast. Yes. Plan, sorted.

Eliot smiled at the reunion of Marsha and Suri and moved closer to Gemini, his hand resting on her waist as they moved at a much slower pace to join them with the Rider-Mae’s. He noted that Alis was looking curiously at the little one and tried to place how old she was, but unfortunately was drawing a blank. Figuring out children’s ages wasn’t his strongest point. He would ask if Gemini didn’t…

He gave a semi-awkward smile-nod-type greeting thing to both Rachel, Benzi and Bernard though he couldn’t really remember their names and then looked at his tiny little daughter who was looking more and more like his ex-fiance every day. At least those memories didn’t hurt anymore… and he had Gemini and their gorgeous children now… which he wouldn’t have had if life hadn’t turned out the way it did… Everything happened for a reason, unfortunate but true by his thoughts.

When Gemini spoke to him, he tilted his head to the side to look at her better. ”Didn’t he say that he was coming with India and Melbourne when he was visiting over the Summer?” Eliot was pretty sure that was the right name.. Or was it Amy, Melanie? Amelia...? No… Pretty sure it was Melbourne… ”I’m sure he is around here somewhere.” Standing up straight, Eliot began to look through the crowds for his brother-in-law this time.


Thunder didn’t think that he would be making a trip to Kings Cross on September 1st for a long time yet as he didn’t have any children of his own, but as he had been helping India to raise Melbourne for the last few years… well, he was more attached to the over-confident eleven year old. Silently, he wondered if Hogwarts was ready and if Marsha would be able to keep her out of trouble.. but perhaps that was a big ask of his niece. Smiling at the thought though, he turned back to his best friend and her sister.

The smile on his face widened as he saw Dia fretting over Melon. He moved closer to them, fitting in on the third side to make a triangle between them, their own private little unit. ”Come on Dia, you know that Mel won’t go near the forest. She knows that no amount of adventures are worth the forest.” Looking down at the eleven year old, he searched her face. ”Whatever you promise us, make sure you don’t go into the forest without adult supervision and protection.” But. Thunder was adding and saying nothing about adventuring; he was a writer, he loved adventure. Just not forests where everything could and probably would, try to kill you.

”Marsha will be there to help you too, though you know that as she told you over Summer.”. Thunder laughed, suddenly nervous about leaving Mel on the train while he and Dia stood, left behind on the platform. Hmm, would it feel like this if she was his daughter? Would it be worse? Hmmm… Weird.

Ava and Henric <3
 

rearranging <333
 

For Saki :D And Ava/ Teddy?
 

Ilia arrived a little behind what she had hoped to because her mother had to go through all of her parental check lists.....as well as decide to add more clothes into her daughters already heavy luggage. Having a mother that is a model seemed to mean more clothing than you would ever need.....Her mother insisted that she wear her new outfit today....heels included...and it was beyond her. Why was she wearing heels at a train station??? Ilia had already become 5'7" over the summer, did she really need to be taller on top of it? Oh well....Henric would like how she looked so long as she didn't break an ankle....

Making small talk with her mother, she spotted the puff in his newly appointed badge and she couldn't help but smile happily at him. Yup, that was her goofball talking to a few younger students. Oh hey it was little Ava! She waved at the girl as she was walking in. They were with her on the train ride back last term and ....well she made Ilia about choke and turn red when she asked why she liked Henric. Still, Ava was a pretty awesome little lady. She didn't know the little boy, but she smiled at him all the same. She was wondering if she could manage to get her mother to leave now so that no one accidently mentioned her and Henric dating in front of her.....that wouldn't be good.

Runa was excited to drop her daughter off at school today, she was glad that she had actually gotten time with her this summer and pranced her way into the train station. Here she was being a good mother and all, actually helping push the trolley in her heels and everything! Freya looked so adorable in her new things and Runa couldn't help but puff her chest out a little when showing off her child. Smart and adorable and perfect! Well....except for her choice in friends. She liked that Adi boy, he was very well to do.....but this other one.....oh....speak of the devil there it-erm-he was. She saw the way Freya smiled at him and held back an eye roll. Why this muggle child....really.....She was going to attempt being nice despite herself. "Yooohooo. Hello Henry!" She called out to the boy with her saccharine smile and a wave.

"You know, I'm glad you asked." Garreth admitted. "I was starting to think I'd have to spend the whole trip all by myself." He gave a mock frown and shot a glance up at one of the train's many windows. He looked back at Rachel when she bounced with excitement, agreeing wholeheartedly with her sentiment. Despite all his worries and fears about how it would all turn out, he was very much looking forward to Hogwarts. "I know, right? It's so exciting!"

He snickered when Rachel gave Effie her prefix. "If you saw the way she acts at home, you'd know why we already gave her that title years ago!" He ruffled the fur on the top of Effie's royal head. The cat seemed not to mind, but did make an effort to fix her lovely beige hairdo.

"But what if we end up in completely different houses?" Garreth asked, concerned. "You're so sweet and helpful, you might be a Hufflepuff. And you're not afraid to stand up to father, so you're brave enough for Gryffindor!" The boy genuinely wanted to be in the same house as Rachel, even if that meant he had to muster up Gryffindor levels of courage. His father had always told him he had everything he needed to get into Gryffindor, he just had to want it. On the other hand, he really wanted to get into Ravenclaw. Indeed, he was rather conflicted on the whole situation. Effie looked up at Garreth and meowed in protest, as if she understood completely.

"Well.. On the other hand, you're certainly clever enough for Ravenclaw, and Effie will probably find her way back, no matter how far she has to walk to get from dorm to dorm."

Sha was making her smile, “Well Granda Hayden has great taste then” she grinned over to her. “I will send you loads of photographs of Chestnut and if you let us maybe we can have some of the cousins ride Chestnut just so that he gets his exercise” she offered with a grin. “If not I’ll just ride him for you and even read the letters you write to him” she smiled a bit when she saw how excited she was to see Suri.

“Those two are going to have such adventures” of course she sent smiles to Rachel, Bernard and Benzi who looked extremely distracted, glancing over to Eliot she just smiled softly. “She would be very proud of her,” she practically whispered and smiled a sad smile but that was just how she was. Marsha had grown up without a mom for the longest time without a mom she was sure as a mom herself that Sha’s mom would have wanted Marsha to be happy and have her life filled with joy.

“Yeah I just never expected to see him with a kid” she added with a laugh, looking around she just grinned when she saw the trio. “He looks like a confused tad” she smiled. That was it. Her brother needed to have a kid.


Mel just looked over to Thunder as India was giving more of her stay safe speech and huffed. “Thor she’s going to make me live in the library…you have to tell her that adventures are what make stories worth it” she nodded. When he said she wouldn’t go near the forest she just raised an eyebrow – but the forest was full of creatures and maybe there were dragons in there?

When he added not to go in alone she just grinned. “Of course.” She nodded. “is the forest really that bad? I mean I’ve been in other forest…what’s such a big deal about this one?” She asked her eyes wide with excitement and wonder.

“Ooooh I wonder if I’ll see a lot of Marsha? What if she can’t help me out because were not in the same house?” She asked and raised an eyebrow.


India just gave Thunder a little grin when he moved to Mel’s other side. “You’ve got this Thor,” she added with a grin. “Thor come on I told you that I caught her trying to put frogs on our neighbors chicken eggs?” She asked a little panic in her tone. Yes. Her sister had tried to become the mistress of the deadly basilisk.

“We caught it in time though,” she added, “okay fine…adventuring is aloud but as Thunder said no forest without supervision or better yet not at all…you know those spiders Mika told you about?” She asked, and watched as Mel’s eyes widened, “they live there. That is their realm. You don’t want to upset those spiders do you?” Yes she was scaring her sister but that was what she had to do in order for this to work to her advantage.

Azura nodded her raven hair moving back and forth as she looked at Jasper, "Well that is just according to someone I met in Diagon Alley, apparently Gryffindors had a moving Lion Topiary as well." She shrugged a bit as she looked up at her, her purple eyes wide.

The tie WOULD match his eyes, pretty well. They were actually really pretty.. But of course she wasn't going to say that! Compliments and all that. "I've heard that Slytherin has a snake for a mascot." Her words were horrified.. "I hate snakes." They terrified her! "None of the ties would match my eyes." She joked back with him.. Yup.. Purple eyes had some benefits.. "Though the might clash with Red, so no Gryffindor!" She said with a soft laugh..

Listen to them picking house based on their colors!

She giggled a little.. "Pip Pip, Cheerio and all that!" But she couldn't contain her laughter any more and she burst into giggles.. "Well, now that we have established that how each other's talk is perfect.. It's still super fun to make fun of extreme accents." She said shaking her head a little as she smiled up at Jasper.

"Mmmhmm, so I'll never give you another compliment again.. which might be sad.. But that's how it is." She said as she looked at him with a teasing grin.. Hopefully now they had moved back the awkward stuff!!

Azura nodded seriously as he spoke but then her purple eyes lit up.. "You Draw? That's super cool! I've always wanted to draw, but I'm terrible at it.. I write.. sort of..and I play piano."

Anyooone?? :3
 

Mason, Rachel and Garreth!
 

Haddie followed along, beaming. Mr. Poppy was still held close, but no longer as tightly as he had been. She had found one of her friends finally, and was no longer alone. The security of Mr. Poppy wasn't needed as much now.

They reached the south end of the platform, and Haddie attempted to walk on her tiptoes in order to see over everyone. That didn't work. "Hold on, I got an idea." She vanished into the crowds, slipping and weaving between people with that uncanny skill of hers. A few seconds later her head popped up over the crowd of people against the wall. She scanned the crowded platform, and then grinned.

"I found her!" She yelled and her head vanished from view into the crowd as she hopped off the bench. "This way!" As soon as she was back to Mason and Mark she was gone again, leading the way, much slower, through the crowds, and checking every few steps to make sure they were keeping up.

There! Found her! "Rachel!" Haddie yelled, running the rest of the way to her best friend. "And boy I haven't met. Hi."

A house party in the kitchens and now a moving lion topiary? Hogwarts sounded really weird. Weirder than his father had made it seem. He couldn't help the grin that crossed his face. This would be perfect! This was the type of school that he had been dreaming of going to for most of his life! "I never went to Diagon Alley," Japser told her, partially to explain how he didn't know any of the things she was talking about. "My dad took me to another wizarding world shopping district back in Australia..."

Though now he wished that he had convinced his father to go to Diagon Alley. Not only could he have met people who knew stuff about Hogwarts, but it would've also been interesting to see!

He laughed at her reaction to snakes. "They don't bother me," was all he said though. He didn't want to scare her by telling her that there were a lot of different kind of snakes where he lived. Or the fact that he'd even once found one in his own backyard! Then there were all the wildlife parks where you could hold them for photos....

"Maybe I should be in Hufflepuff, green and yellow would make me a patriotic Australian," he joked before he ended up caught up in thought. "I don't think it's possible for my eyes to clash with any of the house colours," in fact, he was certain that they didn't.

In that moment his mind had just gone crazy imagining random eye colours that would clash with certain houses. Shrugging it off he smiled at her, "Blue would look nice with your eyes?"

Jasper thought that would look nice anyway, with the shade of purple that her eyes were. It was probably the one benefit of drawing, he actually had some clue about colours. Maybe he wasn't always right but... that was a completely different matter....

Again he broke into laughter, the accent still hadn't lost it's humour. "At least we agree the extreme accents aren't what's perfect? Though I agree it's still great."

He hummed in agreement with her, an amused smile playing on his face as he looked at her. "Maybe I should never give you a compliment again either," he teased. "You take them just as well as I do."

Please understand the humour? That was the first thought to fly through his mind, but so far she'd understood him. So he felt a bit more relaxed.

Jasper shrugged at her reaction to his ability to draw. To him, it was just... something he did. "We all can do different things. Like... I'm terrible on a piano?" that much was true. His mother had tried to teach him, and he just didn't want to practice so he'd never improved.

Maybe he should've put an effort in, then they could've played a duet. Or, considering he had his guitar in his trunk, maybe they could still play together that way.

It was nice knowing someone else here liked music and could play an instrument!

Azura made a bit of a sad face as he said that he hadn't gone to Diagon Alley! "Ohh, it would have been awesome if you had! Maybe we could have met there? I met all sorts of people and made a few friends I hope." She bit her lip, her purple eyes slightly worried..before she remembered that perhaps Jasper didn't know what Diagon Alley WAS..

But then he spoke and she knew he probably did. "Ahh, I see, it would have been fun, but at least you got all your shopping done. My parents made me go alone." She said with a sigh, she had gotten all of her shopping done, but just barely! And she had tripped in front of many boys.. it was terrible, but she was feeling better now that she was somewhat normal in front of Jasper!

She smiled up at him as he said that snakes didn't bother him and she just shrugged.. "So I guess that means I can hide behind you when I see one and freak out?" She said with a soft laugh. Though, the idea of seeing a snake terrified her really. She had been bitten by a rattlesnake one time while on vacation with her parents to the American southwest.. It was highly scary and she still got nightmares about it to this day!

She looked up and regarded him for a moment, looking at his eyes thoughtfully.. they were such a pretty shade of green! Almost like the quill she had bought at the ink shop! "No, I don't think it is possible for your eyes to clash with any of the houses.. The would look perfect with anything, because they are such a pretty color."

Ohhh!! Had she complimented him again? Nuts!! She just smiled though and tried to play it off like it was nothing.

"It probably would! I'll be hoping for Ravenclaw then!" She said with a soft laugh, as she giggled up at him, really this conversation was silly, but she was enjoying more than anything!

She giggled a bit at his next words and she nodded, "Mmm, they aren't what is perfect and we do agree, I just wish I knew some more posh English phrases for you.. but I can't seem to think of any at the moment!" She said with a smile.. before shaking her head a little at his next words..

"Oh no! Here we are.. never complimenting the other!" She teased him back as she giggled at him more, he was right, she took them just as well as he did! She wondered if this was going to be a thing now between them.. Trying NOT to complement the other.. Heh.. Too bad she had already slipped up once! She couldn't help it!!

She nodded at him, "Well, I could help teach you if you want.. but i'll understand if you don't! But yeah, My grandparents wanted me to learn how to play, and so I did.. I'm all right at it."

Truth was, she was currently learning how to write music as well as play it! That was tricky, but she was still getting the hang of it!

Anyone can Claim c:
 

Jasper tilted his head slightly as he thought for a moment. "It would've been nice to meet you or other people starting at Hogwarts before coming here," he admitted. That had been another one of his worries, that he wouldn't actually meet anyone that he liked or make friends.

It was a stupid worry, but being so far from home he felt that it kind of made sense...

Not that he'd ever admit it.

"But I'll have a chance to meet them when we're at Hogwarts," he grinned once again at the thought of actually being there. "Maybe next year I'll join you in Diagon Alley," he added on, noticing how she seemed sad he didn't get a chance to see Diagon Alley. Besides, she should know a few places there now considering she had already been there!

"I think Dad was going to send me alone... Mum threw a bit of a fit though and made him take me and make sure I actually got everything," she had taken the whole wizarding school thing pretty well for a muggle. But it didn't change the fact that she was NOT willing to have her 11 year old son running around a place she didn't even know without his father. At least not until right now, where he was on his way to school.

Jasper couldn't help but laugh at her plan if they ever encountered. "You can if we see one, but I don't think they're that common in Great Britain."

He flushed slightly at the next compliment. Didn't they agree that they'd avoid compliments? And pretty? That was the first time anyone had used the world pretty when describing any part of him. This time, he was determined to avoid another awkward situation. "Thanks," he said with a smile. Now how to move on? He could compliment her eyes and say they were nicer? Or he could comment how his own weren't that great? Maybe both.

Yes both was good.

"They're just green," he commented with a shrug, though the smile was still on his face. "Yours are nicer because they're different, its something not everyone has."

For once he was proud of himself. And then he blushed again, scratching his neck as he second guessed whether he actually did the right thing.

"Hmmm.... I don't really know any more phrases... just a few different words we often use," he admitted with a shrug.

"Of course," Jasper grinned, not willing to admit that BOTH of them had already failed at their not complimenting one another attempt. At least they were even?

She wanted to teach him how to play piano? That might actually be cool! Then he could surprise his mother when he returned home! "I think my mother would love that, she tried to teach me once but I... didn't pay attention?" he cringed as he realised what he said. That definitely didn't say that he'd be willing to try.

"Like... I was more focussed on learning to play my guitar." There, Jasper had been able to give his reasoning on why he never learnt!

Maybe she'd still consider teaching him now...

Azura nodded her head sympathetically at Jasper's words, she could fully understand why he thought that! She herself thought that as well, hence why she was glad she had run into so many people! But.. if she was honest with herself.. the person she had enjoyed meeting the most was right in front of her! "Well, despite not going to Diagon Alley, you know one person, Me! And that is better than none right?" She said with a happy smile over at him as she nodded.

"Exactly! We can meet all sorts of people once we get to school." Though.. what if he found someone he wanted to hang out with more than Her?? What was wrong with her? They had only just met!! Why was she feeling sad at something that hadn't happened yet? She was slightly confused now.. though she didn't show it! She just shot him a warm smile as he spoke next. "That sounds like a good idea, I can show you around, since I've been there before!"

She nodded as he spoke of his parents.. "I wasn't so sure I liked being alone, but I got everything done that I needed too and I had few incidents.So that's a plus.. I guess they were trying to help me get braver?" She said with a shrug as she pulled her hair over her shoulder and started to play with it a bit. Though the look on her parents faces when she had arrived on time to their meeting spot, with all of her school supplies and a pet in hand, had made her trip worth it! They were so proud! And she felt better going off alone to school after that!

She nodded seriously as he said she could hide behind him if she saw a snake. "Thank you, I appreciate that, and we might not see one, but it's good to have a plan in place.. just in case." Better to be prepared right? One never knew where these things might show up! Also she KNEW there was one in the castle!

Ohh.. so he noticed her compliment? Whoops! She just couldn't help it! His eyes WERE a nice shade of green, so she HAD to tell him! "You're welcome." She said with a warm genuine smile up at him.. only to blush slightly herself as he spoke back to her..

She wanted to elaborate on his eye color.. but she decided not too! She just shrugged as he spoke about her eyes, "Thanks, at least you haven't called me an alien, or moved in super super close to see them." Yeah, she had gotten some interesting reactions to those shining purple orbs.. His was the chillest, and she liked that!

She smiled at him as he scratched at his neck and she just played with her hair a bit.. despite the fact that they both had just complimented the other.. She liked it, and they had both manage to take it well!

Baby steps??

She giggled a little, "Didn't really pay attention hmm? Well maybe you can when I'm teaching you?" She asked him before a wide smile came over her face..

"You can play guitar? That is so cool! I've always wanted to learn how to play that!

Time to go back to Hogwarts. Man his summer went by wayy too fast. He was kind of bummed Kate wasn't coming back this term. He got the owl from her stating the news. He was still gonna move on. He was going to write her to no doubt about it. As he made his way through the wall and he went to the south end of the platform because there was less people, he noticed a familiar face.

He grinned and saw Candice was there. He made his way over to his friend and tapped her shoulder, "Hey there. Too bad we didn't hang out as much this summer." He put his trunk away and gave to the conductor. He remembered telling Candice the news about Kate this summer. "What do you think is gonna happen this term?"

"Yes, even if Smelliot was a ravenclaw." She grinned a bit about the mean name. She was pretty sure she was clever. "I'm sure i'll look good in any color." She watched her little sister and then looked back at Helen. She would miss her family so much...even though she was totally excited about Hogwarts.

"I'll be sure to write it on my calendar or something!" She bounced a little and then suddenly Valerie was on the ground and hugging her. Alice hugged her back and just felt...sad. She would miss this little booger. The Firstie even felt a few tears.

"I'll miss you, Vally..don't let Ollie get bored without me.. Make him read your stories."

Preparing for the Train
 

Eager with anticipation but feeling those all to familiar butterflies, butterflies which it seemed had been drinking all night and were simiultaneously fluttering while throwing up. Alexander stood patientally waiting for his turn to breach the wall and board the train.

Lost in thought he pondered of future friendships, past passings and his pocket full of presents. His father had packed his left coat pocket with "presents" before he left that morning. His father's definition of presents was loose at the best of times and so the shoddily wrapped package most likely consisted of stale something or other. Alex gave the "presents" only half a thought before throwing it away.

His attention turning to happier thoughts Alex looked around him at all the other people saying goodbye to their families. It warmed his heart that even though his own parents were not there to see him off, love was the prevailling theme of the afternoon.

With a quirky smile, subttle but uplifting. Alex nodded towards Aries (his owl) and started off with haste. Within the blink of an eye he was gone, off to begin another year of the unknown. And oh how he loved the unknown.

Mentions below :)
 

"Yeah, if that happens Ava, you just follow my lead and I have your twin brother in no time." Henric replied confidently. It wasn't hard of a spell to unlock compartment doors anyway, besides he was sure Teddy would come around and talked to them soon. Minor spells but incredibly useful for hijacking into someone's car as well. Heheh....oh uhh... he meant that was a bad prefect thought! Very bad indeed. Ehem.

Suddenly, there was someone calling their names from behind. He glanced back and was delighted to see it was only Teddy! He supposed there was no need for barging into his compartment doors anymore since he hadn't board onto the train yet! "Hey Teddy, woah...you okay mate? Breathe...yes..that's right...catch your breath slowly...." Henric chuckled and patted the boy's shoulder. "We were just talking about you, Ava been looking all over for you too. Ain't she a good sister? Haha! But its great to see you again, Teddy!" he beamed. Oh he noticed the badge, eh? He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, "Thank you, that means a lot."

Henric expected her reaction whenever he mentioned Zander. Mwahaha. He found her weak spot! "Oh what's this? Did I spot two red blotches on your cheeks? Do we need to call a healer? I think her temperature is going up! Quick Teddy, go get help!"he teased as he put a hand on her forehead. She found snogging disgusting? Pfft...wait until she grew a few inches taller. "I'm sure one day you'll understand, sweet Ava, but don't worry...I won't...especially not in front of you younger years," he shrugged and winked. "Excuse me, my Man U badge is not hideous...in fact, it suit perfectly right under my prefect badge. Just cleaned them both thoroughly this morning. See how bright and shiny it is!" he tapped his badges proudly.

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

Henric laughed so hard when he got tickled by Ava. "I'm not insulting you, Ava. Don't ever think that! Alright-alright, I won't call you shortcake. Maybe just 'cake'? How about that?" he chuckled.*Hehehe*

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

Hmm? Henric turned around again. His eyes widened at the sight of llia's mother he came to dread. Oh bloody merlin....not now! "Mrs Valke, happy to see you ...again,"he drawled as he tried hard to smile back. "And its Hen-ric...." Great Dragons, he didn't know how many times he had corrected the woman on his name. He saw his beautiful girlfriend trailing behind and he couldn't help but gawked at her new outfit she worn today. Wow....*cough* His smile got a little more brighter now that she was here. How he wished he could lift her up and snog her at that very moment but...instead, he calmly walked right up to llia and gave her a huge bear hug in front of everyone. He whispered against her ears,"Glad you're here...I miss you," before stepping away as quickly as he came. He didn't want to let Mrs.Valke think they were anything else but bestfriends. It was meant to keep it as a secret between them two. Well...atleast until they had graduated.

"How are you, Mrs. Valke?" he asked, just to be polite.

Nodding his head, Jasper gave Azura a lopsided grin. "One person is definitely better than none," he agreed with her. Especially someone he got along with, so he was rather glad that she had approached him. He dreaded to think the possibility of facing the next 7 years alone.

A melodramatic thought, but still terrifying.

Her smile seemed rather encouraging, and at that he felt a lot better about meeting other people. Azura had already mentioned she'd made a few friends, and if they were anything like her he was sure that he'd get along with them! "That would be awesome," he finally said as she mentioned that she'd show him around Diagon Alley next year. "What is it like? What was your favourite store? Do they have a lolly shop?" All the questions that he had been saving for actually seeing Diagon Alley for himself had suddenly blurted out of his mouth. But he was still too excited to actually care about that. Instead his mind was already racing on what other questions he could ask her!

Jasper listened as the purple eyed girl spoke about how she had gone shopping by herself. "It sounds like it would've been a lot of fun though," he commented, trying to imagine what that must be like. "Dad probably felt the same as your parents, but my mum's a muggle so..." he didn't know how to finish that. He assumed that she felt scared for him. Scared to let him go somewhere where she herself hadn't been and wasn't sure whether it was safe or not.

The boy was trying his hardest to keep a straight face as she spoke so seriously of hiding behind him if they came across a snake. Somehow, he even seemed to have managed to! Nodding in response he smiled warmly, figuring it would comfort her.

The compliments weren't awkward!!!! They had managed to compliment one another!!!! Mentally, Jasper did a little dance of excitement that he hadn't once again made an encounter awkward. He had a feeling he was the reason all of their compliments so far had been awkward! Jasper did however freeze, his head tilting to the side as she began talking about her own eyes.

"Someone called you an alien?" he asked disbelievingly, green eyes wide.

The brown haired boy let out a breath he didn't even realise that he'd been holding when she said she was still willing to teach him, beaming at her. "Definitely," he promised, referring to paying attention. Her comments about guitar made him think for a second, "I could probably teach you in return? Only if you wanted of course."

He was just hoping she'd never ask him to play a sport.

Ever.

Teddy, Henric and Ilia <3333
 

Ava, Ilia, Henric
 

Her mother did not....she just did not.....ugh she did. Ilia wanted to palm her face as she heard her call him Henry again. "Mom, be nice......" She hissed it just loud enough for only her mother to hear, but she looked like a snake that had been poked with her sharp bright eyes aimed warningly. That was her boy, no messing with him except out of love nuh uh. At least Henric was trying to be nice to her.....she knew it could be hard...

-----------

Ava was such a cute little girl, though she would never refer to her that way in front of her, she could tell that she was a proud girl. She smiled a little brighter at the younger lioness's compliment. "Thank you Miss Ava, you look adorable today." She really did...Ilia kind of wanted to hug her. "How is your family?" She sort of missed Zhenya...she was a very nice snake to look up to. Was she related to the little boy? He looked like they might be, though she wasn't sure how and she didn't remember seeing him before.

-------------
Henric had just gotten so darn tall....she wasn't taller than him even in heels. He scooped her up into a bear hug and her smile got so bright that she may as well have been glowing. She wanted to just kiss him but she squeezed him tight and whispered back. "I miss you too love." When they released she still had a beamy smiled but took a few steps back........time to try to gently shake her mother. Smiling up at her mom, her eyes entreating...."I'll see you for the holidays Ma-ma?" She gestured as if she would like to hug her in the parting sort of way. Oh why did you initiate more conversation with her Henric? That isn't how you get rid of her!

When Runa heard her daughter get on to her about her greeting, she nearly wanted to pout. She was trying to be so nice about it too....the being mean to him....He seemed to....actually take it rather well much to her surprise and a bit to her chagrin. "Ooops, sorry Enric. My accent makes me mistake it sometimes. Its harder when its not your first language, yes?" Really that she said in truth, not the oops....and that isn't 'why' she mispronounced it....but it could make that sort of thing harder and English was like her fifth language....although that name was like so Russian or something.

How was she? I'd be better if you weren't so close to my child ragamuffin. Although he was starting to look considerably less scruffy, maybe Freya was starting to rub some class off on him.....She smiled saccharin sweet again. "I'm sad that my Freya is leaving me for months again, but otherwise I'm managing." She pouted at Freya and did give her the hug that she was requesting. "How are you Hen-riiicccc?" She then looked down at her daughter, a genuine look of sadness on her face....she really felt it was harder for her baby bird to leave every time. One more year and she was all grown up and fledged, then she'd probably leave for college and Runa just didn't want to think about her impending empty nest. "Yes, holidays baby girl." She hugged her a little tighter and really did not want to be shaken off or let her child go.

She was still looking around for her brother when she felt someone was tapping her shoulder. "Teddd....Colt! Hi." She thought its her big brother but apparently she's wrong. "Yes, we didn't hang out much this summer." She blame everything on the timing. Yes, timing. But she was glad that they still owled each other during summer. And those last letter from Colt didn't sound so good. She hoped he's not still moping after Kate.

What she think going happen this term? "Awesome think my friend. Awesome think." Grin. "Because you're looking at the new Gryffindor Prefect!" That's why this term going to be EPIC!

Garreth, Haddie and Mason whom Rach hasn't seen as yet ;)
 

"Hadyyyyyyy!"

No, Hady, it wasn't just some random someone you know who had appeared to keep you entertained (or possibly the other way round) but it waaaasss....drumroll....the best person ever!! Aka Magdalena Natalie Traulton!

Yes, yes, thank you, thank you.

Beaming at her friend she gave her a quick yet tight hug. "Hiiii." Wasn't this just the most glorious day ever? They were FIFTH YEARS. Like. They were officially one of the cool kids now. Obviously they'd been part of that very special group before but now it was OFFICIAL. Fifth Years. Maggie had even dressed appropriately.

SHE WAS READY!!!

Please excuse my bad RP. It's late and I'm tired xD
 

Garreth had hitherto not made the connection of Effie the Queen, Rachel the Princess and Hogwarts the Castle, and it amused him thoroughly. It occurred to him that if Effie and Rachel had titles all worked out, couldn't he have a title as well? A Prince maybe? Well, a boy can dream. He'd likely just be the court jester. "Hah, that's true!" he giggled. Hogwarts isn't very princess-esque, but I think it will have to do." he teased, scratching Effie behind the ear.

Rachel was hoping for Ravenclaw? "Really?! I'm sure you'll get in!" this was fantastic news. More and more, Garreth had begun to wish Rachel would end up in Ravenclaw, as if he too made it into the house he so aspired to join, they could not only be together, but be Ravenclaw buddies as well! Could it get any better than that? Scarcely, according to Garreth. Rachel had all the traits that anyone could ever want in a Ravenclaw, or any other sort of Hogwarts student, and if he wasn't mistaken; "I hear your own preference can influence what house you get placed in." he recalled and smiled with glee at the mention of the Ravenclaw tie she had been holding for him for a while. "Did I already thank you enough for the tie thing? Well, thank you again anyway." he was truly ecstatic that Rachel had done him such a huge favor. The way he saw it, she'd practically saved his life!

The boy had taken to teasingly play with Effie's ears, nodding in agreement when Rachel complimented her intellect. Clever as she was, the cat was too busy being pampered and cuddled and teased to notice the other girl that was fast approaching. Rachel seemed to notice her first, followed by Effie, and finally Garreth, the oblivious dork that he sometimes was. He looked up away from the cat and was slightly startled by the presence of someone new, but quickly regained his composure."Hi, Haddie!" he beamed, stretching out a hand toward the stranger. Shy and lacking in confidence as he perhaps was, he was nothing if not polite.

Azura smiled at Jasper as he gave her a rather cute lopsided grin and she nodded, "Exactly they are better than none! And hey.. I'm not so bad ehh?" She said with a warm smile as she looked over at him and she tugged on her black hair a little bit. She was really glad that she had walked over to him! Whatever bravery spell had come over her, she was extremely grateful to it.

"I'm so glad you think so!" She said with a smile before she paused a bit in thought.. What WAS her favorite part? She wasn't sure! "Well, It was super crowded, that's for sure. So that was rather scary, but there are loads of stores! And I'm not fully sure what my favorite part was.. Maybe getting my wand! I loved that part! Or the book shop.. That was super fun as well!" She really loved books, so being in there, she was like a kid in a candy store!

"Well, they do have a candy shop! But I didn't go into it, I didn't have a whole lot of time." She explained to him as she nodded a bit.

"It was fun and scary all at the same time, if you know what I mean.. but yeah, for the most part it was rather fun." She had been so brave! She was so proud of herself!

Ohh a muggle mother! That was interesting! She was from a family of witches and wizards, but she was super curious as to how it worked if one parents wasn't a witch or wizard! She didn't want to bring it up though, because she didn't want to seem like she had blood purity issues.. which she didn't! So instead she just nodded and smiled at him. "She was probably scared a bit huh?" That was all she said as she looked up at him.

"Mmmmm, apparently no one is allowed to have strange colored eyes on earth.. it was.. quite odd and I wasn't exactly sure what to do." She said with a shrug of her shoulders as she looked at him.

"Good! I'll just need to find a piano and we can start!" She said with a nod before smiling excitedly. "I would love to learn actually!! That would be great!"

She looked up at him for a moment, her fingers twisting her hair around her finger a bit nervously.. "Assuming we make it onto the right train and all.. would you like to sit with me?" Hopefully that was all right?

Hadley looked at Garreth's hand, and then up at Garreth. Then back at his hand. How old did he think they were?

Haddie rolled her eyes and smirked to herself. She grabbed his wrist and started to reposition his arm and hand so that his hand was about face high, vertically facing outward. And gave him a high five.

That's more like it.

"So you're the best friend Rachel's been cheating on me with?" she grinned. "We're all sitting together, right? Oh!" Haddie gestured to the girl their age and the boy, about 15, that was pushing her cart. "This is Mason, another firstie like us. Are you a first year, Garreth? You look like you're a first year... And this is my sometimes not a jerk big brother, Mark."

"Okay, you really need to stop introducing me that way."

Hadley ignored him. "He's a muggy."

The smile on her face was causing Jasper to smile, though he pretended to have to think about her question. Figuring she might actually get nervous though, especially based on her tugging of her hair, he grinned at her. "You're definitely not too bad," he remembered to keep the grin on his face. He didn't want her thinking that he didn't like her! That would be terrible.

Jasper nodded as she spoke. "Yeah... getting my wand was probably my favourite part of doing the shopping," his father had gone slowly so that Jasper could look around but... doing it with his father, and only meeting people that were staying in Australia had been a bit disappointing. "Next year we're going to the 'candy shop'," he told her, mimicking her name for the lolly shop. It was going to happen. She would have to have more time, and he definitely had a sweet tooth.

"Terrified," he responded thinking about how his mother had reacted. "Dad had to tell her a bit about Hogwarts, and what happens after school to try to calm her down. Not that she's scared of magic or anything, she's known that I'm a wizard for years," he explained leaving out how she had found out about magic. His feats of accidental magic were something that he probably wouldn't share himself.

His smile had twisted into a frown as she spoke of her eye colour once again. Hadn't these people ever seen coloured contacts or a metamorphmagus before? He could bring up the first though, unsure whether or not she'd spent a lot of time in the muggle world. He guessed she hadn't. "You know a lot of muggles wear contact lenses that are just coloured so that they look like their eyes are purple, or red, or have specific patterns?" he smiled at her when he explained that. Maybe that would make her feel better? Knowing others wanted that..."Besides, what's so great about being like everyone else?"

"Well I brought my guitar with me," he commented. "So it'll be a bit easier to start with that, but I'm sure they'll have a piano somewhere in the castle." They had to, didn't they? Or were wizards not as into music? He beamed at the thought though, both of them learning to play another instrument!

Then Azura asked if he would like to sit with her. He looked at her completely dumbfounded for a second. Firstly wondering why she thought he wouldn't, and partially already having thought they'd sit together anyway. Still, given that she was asking, it meant that she also had to actually like him! That was a good start!

"Of course I'd like to sit with you, why wouldn't I?" the second had slipped out of his mouth before he could stop it, leading to him ending up turning a light shade of pink once again.

At least she'd know he meant it?

Colt scrunched his eyebrows in confusion and asked, "Who in the bloody merlin is Tedd? I mean is that someone I should know?" I mean he was being protective of his friend is all. He was joking with her of course. "I know we didn't hang out I mean why is that? Well I can give you my excuse for being at sports camps" and then trying to keep his mind off things. Awesome....why was it gonna be awe-

AAaahhhhh his friend was Gryffindor Prefect!? He grinned and nodded in impressment. "Well congrats dude. Now I can bend some rules with ya." he winked and nudged her. "You better not be going too hard on me ya hear? Don't let the power get to your head." he advised her. "I am proud of ya.." he chuckled and gave her a honary nuggie and messed her hair up a little bit. Seemed only fitting.

Azura let out a sigh of relief as Jasper said that she wasn't too bad and she gave him a warm smile as she slowly let the strands of her hair slip through her fingers. She didn't know why his opinion mattered so much to her, but it really did! "Well, I can take not too bad." She said with a nod up at him, "You aren't so bad yourself." She said with a nod before she shook her head a bit, they were complimenting each other again, but at least they were taking it well, so she wasn't sweating it! She was thankful he was still smiling at her.. Whew! Dodged a bullet there!

She nodded as he spoke, "Very well, we are going to the Candy shop!" She almost said that it was a date.. but that might be awkward right? So.. this was the next best thing she could come up with! A non date.. date.. though would a date really be so bad??

Whoa now!!

She shook that thought from her mind as he spoke about his mother and she nodded sympathetically. "Well I hope she will be okay. I know it can be scary, my own parents weren't thrilled about me going away and they are both wizards.." She hoped he took that in a good soothing way, for that was how she meant up. "I can understand it might be scary though." She said with a nod! She would be terrified if she had to go to a muggle school for some reason!

She looked up at him as he spoke.."Really? I didn't actually know that, so they used contacts so their eyes will look like mine?" That thought made her smile a bit.. They had to make their eyes look like hers! Maybe they were special after all? She grinned at him, "Other than the fact that you might fit in.. nothing! But I suppose if you have at least one good friends, that's all you need right?"

That was all she needed, and perhaps she might have found hers? She wasn't sure.. but she totally wanted to spend more time with Jasper! Hopefully he would be in the same house that she was!

Ohh he had brought his guitar with him? That was super cool. "Oh I'm sure they will have one." Despite her confident reply, she wasn't sure at all that they would have one, but she hoped they would! She didn't want to slack on her piano lessons just because she was at school!

She bit her lip at his expression wondering if she had overstepped at all, her hair was moving back into her fingers when he spoke and she let out another sigh of relief and she smiled warmly at him..

Yeah, why wouldn't he? "Great! I'm glad to hear it!" She said as she looked up at him and noticed he was flushing slightly pink.. That was adorable! But she didn't comment on it.. and instead just smiled. "I don't know, we have just met and all, but.. It's fun talking to you.."

Oy with the compliments again!

Sarah :3
 

:3
 

Henric blinked. Oops, did he say something wrong? "Oh no Teddy, don't think we're speaking ill of you. We think you're already onboard the train and we want to find you once we're done unloading our things at the luggage compartment area. Come on, lets do that before it gets too full over there," he suggested. He knew plenty of students and family members would be arriving soon, thank goodness they were the first few to reach the platform. Or else, it could get pretty crowded over there. He nodded, "Yes she has, your sister has come to the right person, I'm a prefect now so its my duty to help you lot find your way around here. I expect a lot of first years this year, can't wait to meet them all."

Oooh, Ava was growing mad by the second but he couldn't help it. She looked like an adorable cub when she was being teased by him again. He playfully tapped his chin, "Hmm I think you're right, I don't think any healer can cure this. Perhaps....someone else will," he wiggled his eyebrows, no need to mention the name again. Hehehe. "Kissing someone you really liked isn't gross, cake, its pretty amazing actually... but I'm a prefect so no kissing boys or girls when I'm around at school, that includes you two. " He made a feigned stern look at the twins. He chuckled, "Narh I'm only playing with you...just no fighting and breaking the rules, alright? That's all I'm asking for." They wouldn't want to land themselves in detention like he did last term, now would they?

"NO! I will not, Ava. This Man United badge is precious to me. Leave it alone...you being mean to it. There.. there...don't listen to that blue Chelsea fan." He patted his badge once again.

"Oh right, I know the current prefects though. I'll be working with Norah mostly, our Hufflepuff prefect. Not sure about the rest, why do you ask?" Henric felt suddenly uneasy. Wait...it couldn't be Messer right? No way...no freaking way...please no. He would hate...he meant it... HATE....to see her made into a prefect too. Please great heavens above...NO!

--------

Henric smiled back at llia. Their eyes connected for a moment more before she turned to face her mother again so she could say her goodbyes. "It's alright, Mrs.Valke...it happens..."he replied with a small smile or tried to. He stepped back and let them two have their mother-daughter exchange moment. "I'm sure lli-Freya will do just fine on her own, Mrs.Valke. I always know her to be independent and brilliant at school," he told the older Valke truthfully. "I'm her bestfriend after all and I'm grateful she's here with us, she's really great, Mrs Valke." Henric admitted.

That was a first. Mrs. Valke usually wasn't too concern about his well-being as much as the others. "I'm great as well, thank you for asking." He felt awkward saying this too. Umm...

Jasper grinned at her response to him, especially her comment on him also not being 'too bad'. To him it was amusing on how they had gone from complimenting each other awkwardly, to not exactly insulting each other as an attempt to avoid complimenting one another because it was awkward. The good thing was, at least it seemed they both liked each other's company!

He beamed at the thought of going to the candy shop in Diagon Alley with her. For one, he'd be shown around and then he was going to be able to indulge his sweet tooth. "Great, I can't wait," and he was already really excited! It would be so much fun. Of course he'd also allow her to take him to any stores she wanted to go to.

It was only fair.

"She's still got my sister to fuss over so I think she'll be fine," Jasper commented with a shrug, though it was nice to see that Azura kind of understood where she was coming from. He didn't need to mention that his mum had said he needed to send them letters once a week. "Huh... I thought in families where both parents had gone to Hogwarts they'd be a lot more comfortable sending their kids there..."

Did he sound like he wasn't trying to be empathetic now? He was trying to understand it... but his own father hadn't seemed too concerned or worried about sending him to Hogwarts. Though that could've been because his mother was... Jasper wasn't even sure anymore.

He couldn't help but grin as he made her smile about her eyes! It seemed to be the first time that she had actually smiled when talking about the colour of her eyes! "They do," he confirmed, smiling at her warmly. His face fell slightly at the mention of 'fitting in'. He understood feeling like he didn't belong. He grew up around muggles after all. His mind immediately jumped to something his mum, who had an obsession with Dr. Seuss, had always told him. It also happened to be on a canvas in his room. With a soft smile on his face he looked straight at her and simply said, "Why fit in when you were born to stand out?"

He assumed she wouldn't have heard it before, but it was possible she would surprise him. For him at least, it was something that had stuck. Either way if she believed all she needed was one friend, then he'd definitely be that! And if she wanted more, he'd be glad to be one of many!

"I enjoy talking to you as well," he said with a grin. She was funny! And she understood him! And she didn't mind that he could get pretty awkward.

SPOILER!!: Thank you Haddle-Pop

Hadley looked at Garreth's hand, and then up at Garreth. Then back at his hand. How old did he think they were?

Haddie rolled her eyes and smirked to herself. She grabbed his wrist and started to reposition his arm and hand so that his hand was about face high, vertically facing outward. And gave him a high five.

That's more like it.

"So you're the best friend Rachel's been cheating on me with?" she grinned. "We're all sitting together, right? Oh!" Haddie gestured to the girl their age and the boy, about 15, that was pushing her cart. "This is Mason, another firstie like us. Are you a first year, Garreth? You look like you're a first year... And this is my sometimes not a jerk big brother, Mark."

"Okay, you really need to stop introducing me that way."

Hadley ignored him. "He's a muggy."

Mason laughed as Haddie readjusted Garreth's hand and gave him a high-five. Seriously, this girl was hilarious.

She extended her own hand in greeting to the boy, "I'm Mason. You're a firstie right?" she said and shook the hand that wasn't entangled in the cutest cat ever, "Don't take Haddie to seriously mate or else you'll wander around as if you were Confundus'ed all day long."

Mason turned towards Rachel and engulfed her in a hug, "Hello there my lovely," she smiled at Rachel as she released her, "You ready for the Acromantula? And of course we have to sit together."

Azura smiled warmly at Jasper as said he couldn't wait until next year! Neither could she actually! And it was a whole year away! "I'll be sure to remind you throughout the year!" She said with a soft giggle as she looked up at him, her purple eyes shining happily. "And after The Candy Shoppe, I'll take you to the bookstore." Because she loved books! And she loved the smell of books and magical books were even better!

"Ohh you have a little sister? Is she magical as well? Do you have any other siblings?" She asked him rather curiously. Siblings were a fun concept to her seeing as she didn't have any! She was pretty much a miracle and after her mom managed to have her, she couldn't have any more! So.. It was just Azura! She sighed inwardly, wondering what it would be like to have a brother or a sister!

"Well, I think they are fine with me being at Hogwarts, but it's still hard for them! We are a super close family, it's just my mom and dad and I.. so They were having a hard time with letting me go." Mmmmhmmm, all three of them had cried before they had left for the station! Even her Dad! Azura hadn't wanted to go either! But now.. she was sort of glad she had!

She smiled up at him as he grinned at her.. He had a really nice smile and Azura.. kinda wanted to keep it there! She studied him a bit more, only to find herself feeling a bit sad as his face fell! No!! What has she said that made him look like that? She was wracking her brain a bit.. when he looked her in the eyes and said something that made her heart flutter..

Ohhh.. that was new!

Though.. that was probably some saying... it sounded like it.. but still Azura's little heart was racing a bit.. "I.. guess you have a point there." She paused for a moment.. almost not wanting to test out her theory.. "Where is that saying from?" She asked him as she smiled again at him.

"Oh good! It would be awful if we didn't like talking to each other!" She said with a warm smile as she looked up at him happily.

Helena just laughed. Alice was so confident in herself...she would do well because of it. She just hoped her ego didn't inflate her head more at this school. Her ego was right at the right size. And thinking of Alice's little ego made her...miss her already ;___;

She was going to be a basket case when she got home to Jack.

"I'm sure Ollie would love to read you stories, too, Valerie." She stroked the back of her younger daughter's head. The toddler nodded and took Helen's hand. "All right, Alice...should you...should you go? Or..?" She didn't WANT ALICE TO GO. HER BABY. This was her first child to go to Hogwarts and wifuhretfherifghiehg. And Having gone to Beauxbatons herself, she...wasn't familiar with Hogwarts things.

Garreth, Haddie and Mason <3
 

Jasper grinned at the thought. It was probably a good thing that she planned to remind him, otherwise there would be a small chance he'd forget. Not even purposely, he'd just be lost in thought. "Alright... so we'll go to the candy shop and then the bookstore," he agreed, nodding at the plan.

He'd have to include this in an owl to his mother actually, she'd remind him to go and make sure he got there on time!

"Just my little sister, Fliss" Jasper said with a smile as he thought about Felicity, though he was glad it was just her. He might love her and want to protect her, but sometimes she really bugged him. "She's also a witch," something they'd found out when Jasper got his Hogwarts letter. At that point she'd thrown a fit that she wanted to go to magic school and in her tantrum had used magic for the first time.

Oh. That made sense. He hadn't thought about that aspect of it all too much. It left him unsure of how to respond to that. "Well... you'll see them during holidays and you can write them lots of letters to let them know everything is going well?" there that was a solution to them missing her. Wasn't it? He kept a soft smile on his face to try to tell her he meant well.

Success! She was smiling again! And yes, yes he did have a point! "A muggle author wrote it, Dr Seuss," he said with a smile. Although, he was wondering if she'd think that made it less special or relevant to herself. Perhaps she would...

Should he tell her it's significance to him?

Why not? "Dr Seuss is my mum's favourite author. She often told us quotes and sayings if we weren't sure. When I was upset about being a wizard, mum always told me what I just told you." He looked straight at her as he explained himself slowly, though one he was done he looked away from the girl in front of him, kind of unsure what to do having told her that. Something quite personal actually.

"Well... we're still talking to each other so it would be bad if we didn't like talking to each other," he returned, also smiling once again.

Azura nodded as Jasper repeated the plan back to her. "Mmmhmmm and after those two places we will go anywhere else you would like.. we might have to do some actual school shopping you know." She said with a warm smile up at him. This sounded like so much fun! And she was totally going to remind him about it!

Awww, just one little sister.. "Fliss?" That was a cool name, though she wondered if it was short for anything? "Oh that's so great, so she'll be at Hogwarts soon I take it?" She asked him with a warm smile as she looked up at him. She was always so curious about bigger families! Part of her wished she had a sibling so her parents wouldn't be so lonely!

Azura nodded as he spoke.. the gentle smile on his face calming her to her. "Yeah, I am going to do that and we've already planned out our Christmas, since my birthday is close to it, we always have a big celebration. But, it's just going to be them two, what are they going to do without me?" Her poor parents.. left with nothing to do!

Ahh, it was from someone saying it! Not from himself, though..that was still cool! "I've heard of Dr.Suess." She said softly as she thought about what he said.. her heart flutters had lessened though.. It was a feeling she couldn't quite describe.. but whatever it was.. it was slowly leaving.

Though, at his next words the heart fluttery feeling came back in full force as he told her what it meant to him! It was personal, and for him to share that with her.. it felt like a great honor! Suddenly the phrase seemed much more important than it had been before!

"Your mom sounds like a great person.. and I'm sorry you were upset at being a wizard, but I know I would be very unhappy if you weren't here." She told him truthfully, before she bowed her head a little and looked at the ground for just a moment, before looking back up at Jasper with a smile. "Thank you for telling me that." She said softly.

"You have a point there!" She said with a soft laugh.. "But we do like each other, so we like hanging out!" Though her purple eyes went wide as she spoke..

"I mean.. we do like talking to each other!"

Blazing Basilisks! What a time to forget a word!

Jasper thought about it before nodding. "We probably would have to do some school shopping, but at least if we go to the book store then we'll be able to get some of it done there as well?" There was the positive thing about the stores that they'd mentioned so far. Of course, there'd probably be some other supplies they'd have to buy.

"Yeah, her full name is Felicity... but we always call her Fliss," he explained, noticing the way that she said it almost questioningly. It was like his whole family had started to call him Jazz. Though that was Felicity's fault. She always called him Jazz when she started learning to speak, now it stuck. "She's nine, so she's got to wait another two years... and then she also can choose whether she wants to come to Hogwarts or whether she wants to stay in Australia."

So far, Jasper wasn't really sure whether or not he wanted her to join him at Hogwarts. On one hand he did. She was his little sister and if his parents couldn't, it was his job to protect her. On another, he enjoyed being away from her.

"That sounds like fun," he said with a smile, trying to imagine the celebration they must have. He was unsure with the second part though. "Uh... well I'm sure they'll be alright? Like they'll miss you of course, but they'll probably think of something? Kind of like you'll be alright without them. I mean you'll miss them too. But at Hogwarts you can make friends and stuff! And school will also keep you busy. And..."

He was rambling. Again. He paused. Shutting his mouth and scratching the back of his neck, giving her a sheepish smile.

A grin crossed his face as she mentioned that she'd heard of Dr Seuss. Azura had surprised him once again! As she spoke about his mother he smiled. "She is great... very understanding and always knows what to say." Unlike him. As Azura went on Jasper shrugged, remembering when he used accidental magic at school. Even if the muggle kids didn't know what it was they blamed him for it. Even when it wasn't his fault. But that was over now! Now he was with other witches and wizards! He smiled at Azura, shrugging his shoulders. "I was upset about magic at first, but I'm also really glad I'm going to Hogwarts!" he blushed slightly at her words, and also the unsaid words of 'I'm glad I got to meet you'.

He laughed along with her, though looked at her in confusion as she froze up, before correcting herself. Did she say something she didn't mean? Or did she just not mean to say it?

Either way he shrugged it off, just grinning at his first friend.

Kat had lost her family.... AGAIN. And the whole gang was there. So one would think that she could find at least one of them. Did they even know that she was MISSING? Problaly not. It was hers and Livy's first time to Hogwarts and everyone had gone completely nuts.

Not that Kat was worried her trunk was on the train already so that was taken care of she just needed to find her family and tell them bye.

Her blue eyes were scanning the crowds for them. When she clearly wasn't paying attention to what or who was in front of her. She basically plowed right over someone and she was laying on the floor. Merlin! Someone could have stepped on her.

"Oh no. I'm so sorry. I wasn't paying attention to what was in front of me." Honest. She wasn't paying attention. She stood up before she got squished. She turned and looked at who she had nearly trampled.

Azura nodded as he spoke, "Yeah, that is true, we will be able to get our books at the book shop and I know my way around the ink shop, so Quills and parchment and ink will be no problem to get." She had to thank Blaise for leading her around and helping her get all of those supplies, otherwise she would have been lost forever and heaven help her if she tripped in there! Ink everywhere!

Thankfully that hadn't happened!

"Felicity! That makes sense now, and that's such a cute name. I bet she is adorable." Jasper was pretty cute himself so his sister was probably pretty! But she wasn't going to say that out loud! Nope! A horde of Flying Fwoopers wouldn't get it out of her!

She nodded as he explained how old she was. "And how do you feel about her coming here? He probably had some complicated thoughts about the potential arrival at Hogwarts. She knew her cousin did! She still didn't think he was thrilled about it.

"Yeah it's pretty fun and thankfully I get presents for my birthday and for Christmas." Even though her birthday was three days before Christmas! She nodded thoughtfully as he rambled on a bit.. and she watched him.. It was rather cute.. But again, she wasn't going to say that! She needed to stop complimenting him! They had agreed and she was still doing it! But she couldn't help it!

Merlin something must be wrong with her! Maybe the Fwoopers had gotten to her?

"Yeah, I am sure they will be all right now that I think of it.. They really love each other, they go on dates all the time! Now they can go on more dates." She said with a nod of her head.. They were adorable! Oh her parents! She missed them already! But she wouldn't trade talking to Jasper for anything!

"She sounds great!" Azura said with a warm smile up at Jasper, she could tell he loved his mom and that was super cool as well! She sounded a lot like her own mother, except for the freaking out at going to a wizarding district thing, but she could totally understand that!

She nodded as he spoke and she smiled up at him again, her purple eyes shining.. Well, at least he was glad he was going to Hogwarts!

Whew! She was glad he hadn't caught that.. Goodness what was wrong with her mouth lately? She wasn't sure.. but thankfully he hadn't brought it up! Good!

She hoped he liked meeting her as well! Though as he said.. he wouldn't be here talking to her if he didn't want to.. right?

Right!

So she needed to calm down! "I hope we are in the same house, that would be super awesome!"

"Does that mean you want to make the whole castle pink and frilly?" Garreth smirked at Rachel's comment, still petting Effie. He had heard of her Cactus, but he certainly had no idea it came in a pink pot. Then again, if he thought about it, he could probably guess the color, knowing Rachel.

"I would love that so much! That'd be fantastic!" He clapped his hands together, really quite excited about having Rachel in Ravenclaw with him. He truly appreciated how confident she was that he'd make it into Ravenclaw. Her confidence was rather infectious, and it was beginning to show. He gritted his teeth when she mentioned his father, but brushed it off soon after. "He's just going to have to deal with it!" he smiled.

What an emotional rollercoaster that handshake had been for poor, shy little Garreth. Just the act of extending a hand was risk enough for someone as shy as he was, and the relief at finding his handshake had been accepted was very short lived, as he discovered his hand had been grabbed, not as a return of his greeting, but as a corrective measure. To then have it suddenly slapped was an even bigger blow to his senses.

Typically for Garreth, he of course had to overanalyze the situation. He wasn't sure whether to be upset that he'd apparently broken some sort of social custom in opting for a handshake rather than a high-five, or be appreciative of the fact that despite his apparent faux pas, he'd still been accepted. Luckily, he opted to go with the latter, something he might not have done, had his social skills not already begun to develop thanks to his friendship with Rachel. The boy stood still for a moment in stunned silence, looking at the open palm of his hand, which still stung, before nodding at the girl's question. "Yes, I think that's me." he replied, his smile returning to his face. He nodded again when she asked if he was a first year, and while he would normally reach out to shake Mark's hand, given Haddie's earlier reaction, he decided that probably wouldn't end well. Instead he focused on Haddie's comment, raising an eyebrow. "A Muggy?"

There was little time to await an answer from Haddie, however, as the other girl their age that she had pointed to was already addressing him. This one reached a hand out in greeting, and Garreth, enticed by the return to the familiar pleasantries he had been raised to always uphold, instinctively returned the gesture, shaking the girl's hand with a polite smile, an introduction, and a nod at her question. "Alright, maybe I won't." he grinned at her comment. Maybe he shouldn't take Haddie too seriously. Maybe she was just being funny! Garreth was so used to everyone being so serious, he really hadn't been certain. Now that he thought about it, it had been kind of funny. "What's this I'm hearing about an Acromantula?" he asked, intrigued, and wanting to be part of the conversation.

Haddie grinned. "I can elbow you too, Mase, if you want." She turned back to Garreth "It's Rachel's and my word for Muggles. An inside joke."


"Hey, Rach. Excited about starting your magic school, thingy...?" Mark asked, looking bored as a 15 year old watching his 12 year old sister while she waited to be shipped off to school would be.

Hadley rolled her eyes at Mason and Garreth. "Unbelievable. Guys, you're eleven! Eleven year olds don't shake hands. That's a boring adult thing!" Her expression was easy to read and said something along the lines of, How do you not know this? and You both need my help so much! But she didn't say either of that. Instead she proudly announced, "Well, lucky for me, I'm not scared of anything."

"Ha!"

"I'm not!" Haddie protested.

Mark smirked and held up his hands in surrender. "If you say so, Little mouse." Haddie grumbled to herself at his use of that nickname. "I'm going to go find Dad and let him know where we are." He backed away defensively into the crowd.

Hadley huffed annoyed and turned back to her friends. "And he's back to being Jerkface McGee." She folded her arms in an overexaggerated pout.

"So there won't be too much that we have to worry about buying..." they'd have bought all the essentials this year, right? So all they'd need would be the books for their next year, and more quills and parchment. Though honestly, Jasper was still unsure about using a quill. It's why he had back up pens!

Jasper couldn't help but smile at how she mentioned his sister was adorable, for the simple reason that she could be the cutest kid he had ever seen. Could be. Not always. "She is," was all that he said on that matter.

How did he feel about his sister coming to Hogwarts? He tilted his head to the side for a second as he thought about it. The conflicting thoughts were once again going through his head. "I'd prefer her to come to Hogwarts," he admitted after a few moments. "She'd be alone if she stayed in Australia..." there was that protective older brother side of him coming out. It was probably obvious that he wasn't overly thrilled at the idea though.

He grinned at the thought. That would be great! Having presents 3 days before christmas and then also celebrating christmas and getting more presents! "That'd be cool," he said, thinking about his own birthday. His was Valentine's day...

His nose scrunched up at that thought alone. Every year his mother joked that Jasper was her ongoing gift to her husband.

Jasper couldn't help but smile at the way she spoke about her parents, glad that she was now feeling a bit better. "That sounds very nice," he commented. His parents tried to have a 'date night' once a week, which was a few hours they were able to have alone. It didn't always happen though!

"Being in the same house would be awesome," he said to her, a grin on his face. Before it fell slightly, thinking that maybe they wouldn't be in the same house.... "Even if we aren't, we'll still be able to see each other all the time though!"