"I almost DIED!"

The shout was half-petrified and half-indignant, and aimed at the brick wall through which he'd been told to run by a remarkably unhelpful and ambiguous grandfather. It wasn't just that he'd shoved a cart full-steam at what appeared to be a rather sturdy construction of bricks and concrete; he'd also had to haul on the handlebar once popping out the other side to avoid half a dozen families who thought it was a good idea to stop moving directly on the other side of the barrier.

Whether his grandfather could hear him or not was entirely up for speculation, so he did his best to compose himself and attempted to resume a normal, controlled speed as he wandered his way down the platform.

"My summer had it's ups and downs. The good thing is that I finally got some freedom from my mum who finally realized I am old enough to make my own decisions and let me spend the summer as I pleased. It was great, I got in touch with a few close friends in my neighborhood and we talked and hung out together and caught up on so much stuff I missed over the years. I even got to know one of my best guy friends on a more personal level and he kissed me. I was in shock, never in a million years did I think my best friend Sean would kiss me. I was even more shock that I liked it and so did he. My best friend since I was a kid was now my boyfriend. It's so surreal. But then reality creeps in as a realize I'm going back to Hogwarts, I can't expect my best friend to wait for me like that and I ask we just be friends and he reluctantly agrees. Then my OWLs come in and lets just say I'm glad I have another 2 years to prove myself and I will. So what happened over you're summer, tell me everything.".

The twenty-four year old, light brown haired wizard walked along side his family, his eyes darting around curiously. He's never ever been to King's Cross and been surrounded by so many Hogwartians. It was all about the Beauxbatons peeps, okay. David heard the exchange between Demi and Troy. Eeek, he felt bad for the kid. Sort of reminded him of himself. Maybe that's why he was so attached to the kid.

"Don't worry about a thing, 'kay?" he said, ruffling the boy's hair. Gosh, he looked so much like Demi. Though, Demi was hot...with those beautiful blue/green eyes that reminded him of the sparkling ocean waves and...he was getting all cheesy again. Back to the kid. "I'll even finger paint and send you loads of sweets," he said, grinning. "Oh, and your sister will send you baked goods," which he would most likely end up baking himself.

O___O

For a moment, David thought the kid-who-almost-died was going to crash into them, and cause THEM to DIE.

Aslsjfkdslj!:whaa:

He even jumped in front of his future bride, BABY GIRL and tiny!brother-in-law, his arms spread wide and ready to take the hit for them. Fortunately, the kid seemed to have his brakes in check. PHEEEEEEEEEEW! Weren't they lucky.

See. This is why Beauxbatons peeps were better.

Hogwartians were dangerous. Nuff said.

Hey :)
 

Nerida looked behind her no one yet that she knew yet. She just wanted to get onto the train already wasn't it here yet? She swerved around just as she heard what she thought was directed to her, Sixth Year Ravenclaw...That was her. Well it could be other people too but she still turned around.

She looked familiar, Sky right? "Hi, yes! Sixth Year Slytherin correct? I'm Nerida." Just in case she hadn't known her name and was just guessing on everything... Though Nerida was pretty sure she was right on her year and house, she had seen her in classes before but never actually talked to her, or at least didn't remember talking to her.

O_O

Troy jolted at the sound of someone's voice so close to him.

"Are you alright?!" Troy scanned his surroundings and scanned the kid to check if he sustained any injuries.

Demi quickly moved the stroller containing her daughter and her little brother who was holding onto it. "Merlin!" she squealed! She was about to start swinging at someone, but then realized it was a young kid maybe around the same age as Troy?

Troy looked up at his future brother-in-law and nodded, David was such good parent to his daughter Allie and a great partner for Demi. "Okay! And, and don't forget to send me pictures...I like pictures." he bashfully smiled and gave David a BIG hug, the young future Hogwartian looked up to this man. There was something about him that reminded him of his late father and Demi's father, Apollo Hawthorne...Maybe it was the way he loved his little family and didn't ask for anything in return.

Looking over at Demi who was wiped her eyes and sniffling Troy gave her a hug.

"You take care alright, Kid." Demi hugged him back and didn't want to let go. She didn't want to let go of the only remaining piece of her father that was left, in her care. "We'll be here waiting for you, when you get back for the holidays." she held back her tears stinging her eyes. She wasn't good with farewells.

Troy nodded "I'll get good grades and do well and, and have fun 'kay!" he was now sounding enthusiastic.

"Bye, bye Toy." Allie, Demi's two year old daughter peeked her tiny head out of the stroller and waved at her young uncle.

"Bye, Allie." Troy smiled and gave her a hug as well. "See you guys, in a couple of months!" he waved at Demi and David, smiling and nervous all at the same time.

Demi looked a her future husband and her lips quivered.

After the little incident, David lowered his arms and turned to Troy just in time for the hug. D'awww! Awwwww! Merlin. He didn't want to let gooooo. If this was emotional, imagine when he had to see his daughter off? Oh, ho, ho, he was GOING TO DIE...

...Maybe not...but still. This was some sort of sick cosmic joke. Love your child, spend time with your child and then BAM! LET GO OF YOUR CHILD FOR STINKING SCHOOL...

.... Maybe Allie wouldn't go to school. What if Demi or him home schooled her? Who was he kidding? They do that and all Allie would learn about is blueprints and mouthing off people for a fun pass time. Oh boooo! Parenthood was painful. Right in the heart, man.

And then his baby had to get all cute. MANLY!WIBBLE. "Good luck, kid." He ruffled Troy's hair one more time. "Remember, brush your teeth before bed. Always eat your vegetables. Mind your manners..." What else did parents say? "Remember the three second rule. Four seconds is a no-go. Umm...have fun and use Hufflepuffs as shields, 'kay?" Yes! That last bit was what he was forgetting. He's heard stuff, you know.

Sensing that Demi was having a hard time with this, more than she lead, he took her hand in his and gave it a comforting squeeze. Everything was going to be okay. Or else there'd be some butt to be kicked by David Fitzgerald.

Hahaha!
 

"I'm..."

Was he all right? It seemed like something he should seriously check before giving an answer. After patting himself down and checking his hands for friction burn, he answered, "Yeah, I'm fine. Considering I just ran through a brick wall in the middle of a crowded train station. Who planned that out?"

It seemed like a rather devious way to scare the daylights out of young children, if anyone asked him. Which was probably why they didn't.

"You're going to Hogwarts too?"

Forrest silently nodded at his mother and disentangled himself from his mother's arms. He wiped the tears with the back of his hand and breathed deeply to calm down. He wanted to say a proper goodbye to his family, after all, and he needed to think clearly.

And then Nate came over. Luckily, he'd already wiped the tears and the boy wouldn't even suspect he'd just broken down.

"I'm fine, you?" asked the little kid as Christina smiled warmly at the boy, but before Nate could reply back, they heard someone's calling 'Christina, Forrest! Come!'--that someone being his father. "See you at school, yeah?" said Forrest somewhat weakly as a temporary goodbye and simply followed his mother to where his father and brother were.

...

"Train's coming," his father announced them as they saw the big, red figure approaching from the distance. "It's time to say goodbye."

Only, Forrest didn't want to say goodbye.

Upon seeing the approaching train, the little colour that was left on his face drained as well and he started to tremble a little. He'd unconsciously clutched onto his mother's hand as his eyes got bigger with fear. He felt her shiver too with the cool touch of his hand. He didn't want to leave. He wasn't going to leave. He was going to attend Riyadh International School in Saudi Arabia and then he'd probably go to University of Manchester. He was QUITE happy being a Muggle--

"Oh lookit, he's shaking!"

It was of course his brother Jack who'd noticed his visible fear first.

"Are you afraid of other freaks too?"

"Jack! Apologise--"

"What if I am? I can break your bone in a moment--"

"Forrest!"

"You just try that and I'll--"

"Give me your bag to get it on board."

It was of course his father who ended the fight with his utter indifference to their arguments. His lower lip started to tremble threateningly as tears formed in his eyes. He would hold them back, though. He wasn't going to let Jack have that satisfaction of his crying.

He simply stepped aside for his father to see the bag. All the strength was drained from his body too and it took all his will not to beg to stay.

It was Jack who reached for a hug first.

"Sorry for what I jus' said. Have a nice year, eh? And if anyone tries to hurt you, you tell them to me and we'll see in the summer."

Forrest nodded as he tried to smile but failed. He hugged his big brother instead. It was good to hear nice words despite Jack's jealousy.

"Don't cry now, there's nothing to cry for!" James reached forward to hug his little son. He was horrible at consoling, but he tried his best.

"C'mon, you'll see us at Christmas! Just be careful, yeah? Study well, don't enter stupid fights and call us every week. You've got your cell phone? Good. I know you'll make us proud anyway." He smiled confidently, though he'd never been confident when it came to Forrest. He was so accostumed to praising Jack instead that 'Forrest' almost didn't fit in there with 'success'.

As it was impossible for Forrest to speak (or he'd break down completely) he hugged his father tightly too and went over to his mother. She was the most difficult to say goodbye.

"Don't worry, you'll do it," she whispered so no one would hear them as she'd crouched. "You'll show them who Forrest Charlton is!" Forrest sobbed and she petted his hair shortly before standing up. It was getting harder to seperate from him as time passed.

It was a now-or-never moment and he hopped onto the train short of breath, since he was trying to hold off the sobs. He stepped back for his father to be able to put his luggage on, and he tried to smile as tears clearly shone on his face.

"Goodbye," he said in a thick voice and waved with his free hand as the other held onto his bag.

"Take care," his father said with a proud smile on his face. "Goodbye, champ," said Jack. Even he was proud, and Forrest felt braver for a moment, a strength coming from that weird brother-bond.

"I love you, Happy," he heard his mother say lastly as he turned to enter the train.

'I love you too, mom.'

The other girl hadn't even responded yet when Tora noticed mass movement out of the corner of her eye. She turned to notice an arrogant looking girl angrily pushing her way through the crowds of people. Geez... someone looked like she was having a bad day... Not that it was any of Tora's business, but she just couldn't help but shout after her. "Hey you! What's up?"

She hoped it wouldn't be too pretentious to just shout stuff at other random people like that. She pushed her curls back off her face and tried not to smile (just in case that made this angry girl well... angrier).

Wraping up since the train is here!
 

Whew! That could've been embarrassing! "Yep, that's me! Sky, the way." And before she could say anything else, she heard the familiar sound of a certain red train. Figures. Impeccible timing. Heheh. "So, I guess I'll see you at Hogwarts?" Well, obviously, since they both went there and everything.

Apparently, making more than one friend had violently crashed and was now burning to a crisp. Isobel made a mental note, and then started at the unexpectedly angry tone in the girl's voice. Yikes, someone was... possessive. Swift and complete backtracking time, and hopefully she could pretend this never happened.

”I am alone,” she replied, “and I have no idea what she’s doing here, but I’m pretty sure that’s my neighbour.” There, that was a convincing lie, right? And now that she thought about it, the girl she’d been waving too did kind of look like one of the people on her street... Unfortunately, now she’d have to lie to the girl, too. Isobel scrambled to think of a name for the person she was pretending she thought the person she didn’t know was. Wow, that was confusing.

Okay. Isobel paused a moment, and as the girl approached she gave herself a little mental pep talk. “Laura? I could have sworn...” She feigned confusion. “Oh, wow, I am so sorry. I thought you were my neighbour Allison, and I was super confused because she’s a muggle.” aaaaaand there we go. She didn’t know whether or not she was convincing, but all in all she thought that had gone pretty well. She didn’t stutter or blush or anything, and though she knew she was a fairly good liar, it was always pretty nerve-wracking.

“N-no, you look absolutely fine! I really didn’t mean to make you worry, or anything, like I said I thought you were someone else...” Isobel’s mental self slapped her other mental self. She was rambling again, and after a moment she just stopped trying to talk and smiled apologetically.

Well now that the other girl was done waving to her... neighbour? Eh whatever. Tora arched her eyebrow and didn't say anything. Then she realized that she was being reeaaallyy hostile. She took a step back in her mind and checked her attitude. Ouch. What a prickly pear she was! She smiled to prove that she didn't have to be scowl-y all the time.

Apparently the other girl's name was Laura....which reminded Tora that she didn't actually introduce herself yet. Oops. "Well, I'm Tora. Nice to meet you Laura and....?" She asked.

Takin' this on to the train!
 

Isobel smiled back, glad that things seemed to be okay again. She felt a wave of relief that she hadn't somehow managed to screw things up with the first person she'd talked to, before they even got to school. The lie had been somewhat flimsy, but the girl didn't seem to mind.

Of course, just as she thought 'the girl', she realised she didn't actually know her name, and around the same time, the girl introduced herself. Tora, huh? Not quite the name she'd been expecting, but it definitely fit her. "Isobel," she said, "with an O." Nobody ever got it right, even after she told them how to spell it, but she may as well try.

Isobel glanced at her watch, suddenly panicking that they would miss the train, which was, of course, ridiculous. If the train had left already, there would have been some kind of mass hurry by everyone else on the station. Still, better safe than sorry, right?

"We should probably head to the train now," she said to Tora, gesturing. Laura could, of course, follow if she wanted to, but she seemed occupied with another friend. Offering Tora a grin, she headed off to the front of the train.

Isobel, Tora thought it was a pretty name and she could definitely understand "with an O" bit since she got called "Tara" a lot back home. Which was actually really annoying. But anyway Isobel was right- it was time to get on the train. (Gram was probably livid that she wasn't on the train yet)

"Agreed. Let's go!" she said following Isobel. She looked about for the other girl she had called out to before but she seemed to have disappeared. Oh well... maybe they would meet up at school.

She was right- Gram was mad, but thankfully not too mad since she gave Tora a huge bear hug before sending her up the steps and onto The Hogwarts Express. "Have a great time- and don't you forget to do your homework!" Gram called after Tora. "Love you Gram! See you at Christmas! Bye!" Tora said over her shoulder. She would miss her grandmother, but there was no way she would be homesick. There would be too much new stuff to absorb for that!

Nerida smiled yes, she was Sky. Just before another word could escape either of their mouths, the sound of a familiar train was heard. Great timing train, she mentally grimaced, figures she would start speaking to someone and it would get there. She smiled and said to Sky "Yeah, see you in class." With this Nerida started to make her way to the train.

Seconds after running through the wall, Dylan appeared on the other side along with his family. He gasped at the sight of the train. Wow. It was so big and shiny! The boy was eager to get on it and to Hogwarts but then again...he didn't wanna leave. He'd definitely miss his mother, father, and his siblings; Blake and Lydia. He turned to face them.

"Owl us as soon as you get there, okay sweetheart?" Alexandra said to her son, leaning down so that she could look him in the eyes. She smiled at him. "I will. I'll miss you mum," Dylan said quietly, hugging her tight. "I will too, Dylan." she said, returning the hug. He then hugged his father, Lydia, and Blake. "Goodbye." he said, smiling weakly at them and waving as they said their goodbyes and gave more quick hugs before walking off. Dylan then turned to the train and gulped. So this was it. Today, he'd be on the train to Hogwarts.

Hogwarts.

He was actually going today. The first year still couldn't believe it. Sighing, he turned around and felt small compared to all the other taller students walking around him and almost knocking him over a few times. Gripping his trolley tightly, he began walking along the platform. He searched for any familiar faces...like Melanie, Hazel, Marigold or someone.

Anyone?
 

They reappeared on the magical side of the wall. They were all relieved to be there, but it was most visible on Forrest's face. He was still magical. He was still cool. It was his worst fear to turn a squib, but he wasn't one for another year. It was easier for him to grin now, and he grinned, elated, at his family. His father and brother were busy examining the train, but his mother winked at him and grinned back. Everything was PERFECT!

He scanned the area quickly but couldn't see anyone he knew. He shrugged. They were a bit early anyway, because the rest of Charltons would catch a plane to Saudi Arabia afterwards. He turned curiously to his folks, and saw his father had his bag in hand.

"Y'know we need to go early t'day," James Charlton explained to his son and was pleased to see him nod silently. "So here's your bag. Jus' be a good boy, study hard an' we'll see you at Christmas." There. Now, go.

Christina Charlton wasn't surprised to hear those were the last words of her husband to their son. It took all her will not to scoff, and instead looked intently on her son. She got down on her knees, not caring whether her trousers got dirty by the dust, and stared into his eyes.

"Have fun there with your friends. And don't worry about bullies. You're worthy of everything." She'd whispered the last part for only his ears, and she knew that brought a big lump into his throat. It was always hard to say goodbye to her dearest son. She knew her son would worry day and night about bullies, but at least she knew he had friends there that looked after him. She hugged him tight, but had to let go upon hearing her husband's impatient humming. She got to her feet and didn't try to dust off the dirt. Her son was more important than a little dust. She'd deal with that later.

Oliver, like his father, didn't try to hug or show any kind of affection for his little brother. Instead, he had been busy scanning the area for girls around his age, and when he realised it was his turn to say goodbye to his little brother, he just yawned lamely.

"Yeah, take care Forresty," he said lazily and turned slightly towards the exit. There wasn't anyone around, and life was boring without beautiful girls. Could they leave now?

The lump in his throat made it harder to talk, but twelve-year-old managed it without tears.

"Yeah, goodbye," he said in response to their goodbyes, and waved back. Grabbing the hold of his luggage, he took a few steps towards the train. He wanted to be the first one departing, since it was quite uncool to be so attached to his family. Upon turning his back, he saw that his mother waved him one last time before she passed through the wall and the lump in his throat just grew heavier. He had to blink to avoid tears, and bite his lower lip to stop its trembling. He didn't want to get on the train yet, so he just stood there, holding the luggage that lay on the floor. He needed a distraction... please?

Sophie
 

Laura couldn't believe it. She was already going back to Hogwarts for her sixth year, which meant that she only had two years left at Hogwarts. She actually remember her first time going on the Hogwarts Express, it had been one of the best days of her life.

Laura looked around to see if she could actually see any of her friends but unfortunately she couldn't which meant they probably wasn't there unfortunately because she really wanted to see her friend Sophie and tell her all her awesome news.

Too bad her parents couldn't stay much longer that day and wait with her until the Hogwarts Express left. Also, too bad Mordred himself couldn't come to say goodbye. Sophie sighed after having walked past the wall between platforms 9 and 10 and slowly scanned the area.

Not many people there yet. No wonder, though, it was quite early. She did see a small boy who she had briefly met during a lesson last term, but whose name she still didn't know and she smiled at him. The poor thing seemed lonely and... wasn't he a Hufflepuff? Or was he a Gryffindor? Sophie did sort of remember the colours of his robes, but she could be wrong. "Hello there!" She greeted him with a warm smile, pulling her trunk with her. Better forget about Mordred for a bit, yes? Yes. "I don't think we've properly met before! I'm Sophie."

Then she saw her fellow roommate. "Hey, Laura!" And she waved a hand at the blonde. "Hello too!" Heh!

Laura looked at Sophie and smiled. "Hey Sophie. You looking forwards to this year?" Laura wasn't sure how she felt because it meant she was growing up, though she would be seventeen in December which meant she was able to use magic when she wanted which she knew would be awesome and she couldn't wait for that.

"So did you have a great summer?" Laura summer had been interesting to say the least but she didn't care about that now she was going back to Hogwarts and this term hopefully no dementors would come around and play.

Hai to Sophie and Laura toooo
 

When she found her kneazle she was going to skin him alive--okay no way, no she wouldn't but she would tell him she would if he ran away again. Lex wanted to go looking for her friends but instead found herself looking for a kneazle that must have obviously been happier being lost. She'd already checked the south and was back up in the north end checking.

He'd come through the barrier with her...she didn't think he'd go back but just in case, she made her way there. Standing nearby was FORREST!!!

Alexa grinned at the no longer First Year and made her way over. "HAI!!!" Looking just behind him were the retreating figures she'd seen collect him at the end of last year. "Your parents aren't sticking around this time?" A question she obviously already knew the answer to but she asked anyway. "And have you seen Felix?" Maybe he had.

Just a bit further off was Sophie and next to her...eh Laura. Hiiiiii!!!" She said, waving to them both. Lex was a lot of things but she wasn't rude.

Forrest or anyone can talk to him *doesn't want to intrude*
 

Once they were all on the platform, Tobias handed over the unnamed kitten inside the carrying basket to his grandmother, whilst he helped his grandfather with his trunk. The man used magic to get it on the train, and then the pair used their muggle-know-how to get it tucked away in the luggage rack, leaving PLENTY of room for all the other students' luggage.

Toby still had his backpack on. It had his skateboard strapped to the front of it and contained the uniform he would be changing into when they got close to the school, as well as a couple of books; one on Defence Against the Dark Arts and the other on Ancient Runes. There was probably a History book in there somewhere, plus a few other bits and pieces. His grandmother had put a temporary charm on his uniform so it didn't get creased, and said the charm would last about 6 hours from when she'd cast it.

Looking at his two grandparents, Tobias bit his lip. He knew they would leave when he wanted them to, no earlier or later. The cool thing would be to say they could leave now, that he could handle it from here... but maybe they could just... chill on the platform for a bit.

"Stay?" he said tentatively, looking between the couple. Both of them smiled gently and nodded. There was a bench a little way up the platform, and the two of them sat on it whilst Toby unstrapped the skateboard from his bag and used it as his own seat. He retrieved his cat from his grandmother and started opening the cage.

"Uh... Toby. I think it's best you leave him in there," his grandmother said warily, looking around at all the possible places the squirmy kitten could run off to if he made a bid for freedom.

Tobias turned and looked at her with what he intended to be a reassuring smile. "It's okay! I won't drop him or anything. Plus he's been cooped up in there since Brighton. He wants to play!" he told her, as he went ahead and opened the basket and took out the tiny energetic kitten out, leaving the basket behind him.

His grandmother still looked wary and a little bit miffed at being ignored, but Toby's grandfather patted her arm and gave a comforting smile. "I'm sure there are charms to protect the animals. I can always summon the thing if it gets away."

Tobias was oblivious to the two beginning a quiet conversation behind him, far too preoccupied with playing with the kitten in his arms, and gently rocking from side to side where he sat on the skateboard.

Looking around, Tobias tried to see if he could kind someone he knew. There were a couple of people, the main person being Forrest. Tobias gave a grin and freed one hand to wave at the boy. "Forrest! Hey!" Over here, lookit. A Toby. "Hey man!"

At that point, the kitten decided to use Toby's thumb as a kitty chew toy, and the Hufflepuff gasped in pain and looked down at the little monster, trying to free his important digit from the jaws of death. "You little bludger. That's my thumb. You can't have it."

Forrest realised it a second late that someone had called for him. He was still staring at the wall where his family had disappeared, and so he missed the first part of her greeting.

Well, thank you for distraction. Or else, this little boy was going to embarrass himself.

He tried to match her smile, but failed. How could he smile when he had just bid goodbye to his mother anyway? Call him a sissy, but he was still too small not to be affected by being seperated from his family for long.

He didn't remember meeting her ever, but kept it to himself. "I'm Forrest," he replied faintly. Time to look somewhere else form the wall? He didn't think so... the girl was talking to another girl anyway. He could still stare at the wall and hope he could both attend Hogwarts and see his family in the evening.





Someone else decided to distract him too, and he looked at the figure, having difficulty with tearing his eyes off the wall.

"Hey," he said more excitedly than he had been towards Sophie, but his voice was still far away from reaching Alexa's excitement. At the question, he nodded grimly and turned his gaze to the wall again.

"They have to catch a plane to Saudi Arabia. They left early just in case there is traffic." He shrugged casually, but his face showed he was sad for being seperatted. How many days was it till Christmas?

...Felix? "Who?" Consider being eyed curiously, Alexa, because this man's busy staring at the wall and hoping for a miracle.





And finally, after the third greeting, Forrest was regaining his excitement and smile.

He recognised the voice immediately and turned that way to grin at his friend.

"Hey mate!" he greeted back, waving, and forgot aaaaall about Sophie and Alexa. BOY mates came first than any other people.

"How are ya?" he asked as he took a few steps towards him. He was dragging his trunk with him, so he walked slowly and stopped a few metres away from him. He was still with the Sophie-Alexa-unknown girl group, kinda, so it would be rude if he went to sit with Tobias. He saw the kitten and heard Tobias' reprimand, and couldn't help a giggle.

"Cute kitty. Is it yours? When did you get it?"

Not quotingggg, but y'all!