Schuyler slowed to a stop at the northern end of the platform and set her trunk down. Now, despite the fact that this was her first time at Platform 9 3/4, she still told her parents that they could go. Because, hello? She was fifteen! Her parents were lovely and marvelous, but she and her older brother Ansel did not need them cramping their style by hanging around like clingy parents. They understood.

Now, Ansel had wandered off to go see if he could buy something hot and delicious before he boarded, and this meant that he left his poor, younger sister all by her lonesome. She didn't ACTUALLY care, but maybe she would pretend that she did so that she could get a sympathy bite of whatever food Ansel eventually came back with.

How long until this train would come, again?

This was it. He was nearly done with his schooling but of course he would have to most likely attend Wizard University, Nashville really didn't want to think about his future quite yet, he just wanted to get through this term without any fights, Quidditch loses and Dementors. Nashville's first year at Hogwarts wasn't really the greatest but he was better than being at Durmstrang or Beauxbatons but the seventeen year old like Beauxbatons a lot more than Durmstrang.

Hopefully this year would be the greatest that it really could be and of course he would have to study but he could do that any point and he would have to make pie and pie for Ryan and all of the other seventh years as well. Or maybe just the ones that he knows because he would make pie for the ungrateful people that are out there in the world and Hogwarts. Nash has this thing where you should befriend someone before you ask them to make you a damn pie because it is the polite thing to do in the world but not all people are polite.

Just thinking about pie made Nashville want to eat some pie, he would have to start baking little miniature take along pies. Or have the little candy trolly lady start selling pies so he could eat on the way there but no one makes pies like he does.

Stan wandered off towards the other end of the platform for a walk before boarding the train. The boy still had the biggest smile on his face. He was going to Hogwarts! One of the best schools there ever was. Not that he didn't miss his old school already but Hogwarts.. All his mates back home were totally jealous of him.

.... "Oh! I'm sorry." Stan apologized, as he suddenly bumped into someone. 'Someone' turning out to be a really pretty girl. Heh. He'd been bumping into pretty girls all summer. Not that he was complaining. "I guess.. I didn't see you."

Noting how distracted Forrest seemed, she was about to point it out when she found herself being distracted by a VERY familiar voice. She looked around in all directions until she spotted him and gave a wide grin.

"Kitty!Tobias!!"

And he actually had a kitty with him. How very fitting but no time to point that out. "Ready for another term? Did you eat yourself full before coming. Chances of there being a good feast are slim." She wouldn't lie to herself about heading off to a grand feast. No way. She did that last year and was sorely disappointed. As it stood she had already conditioned her mind and stomach because once she got back to school, she wouldn't be able to eat as much as she wanted and it wouldn't be nearly as good.

"What's his naaaame?" At the moment the fact that she'd lost her own kneazle had slipped her mind.



Something was very much off with Forrest today. She typically found him looking upset except for that time they met up at the festival and she was now willing to bet that school made him unhappy. First day going back to school and he looked close to tears. Had someone gotten to him before she did and said something off to him. If so, she'd find out and they'd be confronted.

No need to ask, he never seemed to wanna talk about it. She'd drop it for now until the situation presented itself again.

"Is that where you live? I had no idea. Erm...why didn't they simply floo? It's much faster, all they'd need is floo powder..."She wasn't sure how wizard things worked when it came to muggles but they must have been fine...lots of muggleborns took there families places with them...right? Or was she just assuming again?

Wait, he didn't know Felix? Too distracted maybe. [b]"She snapped her finger, trying to pull his attention from the wall. "My kneazle. I can't fine him." By now Forrest was drawn from the wall but only because of Kitty!Tobias. There was a start.

It HAD been a long time since she'd had a decent talk with the Hufflepuff but it wasn't intentional. The year had been super busy and the dementor attacks hadn't made it any better. "I think our last proper conversation was the night you were yelling at everyone to back away from the goblin and her sword." Lex said, laughing when she thought about it. That night had been epic, no questions asked.

"I've been good. Had a nice summer. What about you? How've you been?"

Did she have a nice summer too? Her OWLs were just last term so she should have wasted away summer for the heck of it, yeah?

Schuyler slid her hands into her back pockets and rocked a little on her feet. She wasn't really nervous about starting at Hogwarts, just more excited than anything. And here it all began, today. First the platform, then the train, and then school. Her thoughts were wandering and swirling around what might happen this coming year when suddenly someone bumped into her from behind.

Honestly. Some people were so rude.

Well. Nevermind that. Whoever it was had now apologized.

She turned around to see a boy who looked to be around her age. At least he had the sense to say 'sorry;' that earned him a point. "You didn't see me?" She did a sort of half laugh, half 'pfffft' sound. "I'm wearing bright yellow shorts!" Silly boy. But of course Schuyler wasn't mad or anything. How could she be mad today?

Kalla was not really FEELING this Hogwarts thing, but she was always up for an adventure. So here she was, her trunk already tucked away, her black cat on her shoulder. Yeah. Her cat was cool like that. MHM.

Nooooow... to make friends or enemies before the train arrived? And WHERE were all the boys?! She had met a LOT of girls, only one of which she deemed worthy of conversing with again... SIGHS. Kalla put on her best "approach me, I'm nice" smile and waited... for something to happen.

PEOPLE PEOPLE!

Not only Forrest, but also LEX was here. Forrest had stepped a little closer, which showed Tobias that he was interested in chatting to him, but obviously didn't want to just abandon them. That was cool. Tobias would just close the distance between the two of them.

With a glance at his grandparents who gave him encouraging smiles, Toby stood up before scooting closer to the others on his handy dandy skateboard. It made him taller and everything, which he liked.

But he only had to close a gap of a couple of metres, and once he was within conversation distance of the two of them he stepped off the board, keeping on foot on it to make sure it didn't roll away.

Beaming proudly at the attention his adorable little kitten was getting, Tobias held the creature out slightly to show him off a little bit. "Yeah, he's mine. I got him a few days ago. I haven't got a name for him yet... names are hard."

He was grinning properly now. "I'm good. Super good. I'm excited, you know, to get back." So he could fly. And practice magic. ALL THAT GOOD STUFF.

Tobias smiled enthusiastically at Forrest. "How about you? Looking forward to us being second years?" Toby was. Seriously.

Then he looked at Lex. "Hi Lex!" Oh yeah, the food. "Well, my grandmother made me a big breakfast, 'cause she said she knew I wouldn't eat a lunch if she packed one for me." 'Cause of all the sweets she knew he'd 'smuggled' into his bag. "I hope there's a good feast though. My grandfather told me Hogwarts feasts have the best food, and I haven't been able to experience it yet."

SO unfair.

It was at that moment that Tobias regretted not having his full attention on the kitten, because he leapt up and BIT Toby's nose. Not too bad, but NEEDLE TEETH HELLO. Tobias pulled the kitten off his face and stared at him. The cat just stared innocently back at him, head tilted slightly to the side.

Benjy had got stuck in the queue to load his trunk up the luggage cart, and so had been separated from his cousin. It didn't take him long to catch up though, and the sound of wheels grinding on the platform announced his appearance at her side. He swung to board to a halt right in front of her, and flicked his board up into his hand.

"Wotcha smiling about?" he asked curiously. She looked like she was trying to be nice. He wasn't sure it suited her. Course, he was only her baby cousin, so what was he to know?

Hogwarts.

Ella had mixed feelings about going back. The positives being Quidditch and friends and magic, all good things and all things she'd been missing over the summer. The negatives were no more Dad, Gran, Caleb, and Dino... Plus those who weren't returning this year. It was going to be weird without them. She just...didn't really know how she was feeling. Go figure.

The soon-to-be seventeen year old sixteen year old wandered over to the North End of the Platform after saying her goodbyes, feeling a bit down. Since she wasn't in the mood to chat just yet, she observed instead. Smiles were given when she spotted some of her favorite ickles as well as Alexa, Soph, Laura, and Nash. Oh and that Stan kid, the one who'd offered to help her with the gumballs, he was here too. Interesting.

Now to wait for the train.

Benjy. The telltale sounds of rebellious youth ground to a stop right in front of her. LOVELY. And yet, her smile did not falter. "It makes me more approachable when I smile, no?"

OH HEY LOOK!! Another Ogden had arrived to say goodbyes? Kalla really did smile as she spotted Garrick. Pointing over Benjy's shoulder she giggled. YES. GIGGLED.

Okay.

So.

Garrick had more than a few reasons for being here right now. But the most important was seeing his cousins off to the train. And yes, he had grown a few inches over the summer. And had a pretty rocking tan. THe wonders of Fiji!

Running a hand through his messy hair he smiled a big ole Ogden smile for his female cousin. With a package tucked under his arm he came to a stop beside Benjy.

"Didn't think I'd leave without saying goodbye, did you?"

Forrest just nodded at Alexa, and started accepting the hard fact that that miracle he'd secretly been hoping for wasn't going to happen any time soon. So he turned fully to Alexa with a confused look on his face. He'd never told her about his family life? It was weird. She ought to be one of the first people to know it.

"My dad works there at an oil company," he said in response to their Saudi Arabia flight. He remained thoughtful at her question, and his frown got deeper.

"Erm... I didn't know they're allowed to do that? I don't know where too. I bet it's a lot of paper-work though... with their being a muggle and stuff. I guess plane's easier." He shrugged. He had just never thought about it. And he didn't have the chance to think this time as well, seeing Tobias decided to join them and Forrest chose to speak to him rather than think about his family and be sad.

"He's... cool," Forrest said as he grinned at the kitty. He wanted to pet him, but it would look girly. "But you just called him 'Bludger'. It kinda suited." He shrugged. Tobias loved the game too, so why not?

He wondered how Tobias was so excited to be returning, but didn't ask it. Apparently, it was just him that missed his family. Oh well. Maybe he would get over it after some time...

"Yeah, I am excited too!" He grinned. His problem wasn't with the school, it was rather the seperation. "I'm thinkin' maybe this year will be better. The Headmistress had promised so." Maybe? Maybe? He was hopeful. If not, he would ask Bristol to bake him some cookies. Maybe she would be willing to share them with Tobias too.

...

He looked at the cat just in time to see him biting Tobias' nose. He couldn't decide whether he was allowed to laugh or whether he should offer help, but in the end, he was laughing.

"Maybe his name should be Biter."

"To be honest, I'm not entirely sure." He found her smiling slightly freaky. "But then it's not something you do for me often. Not unless you're planning, and then it usually has a sort of smirky thing about it." Just, the whole thing was unnerving.

And then she giggled. Shaking his head at her ridiculousness, he turned to see who she was pointing at.

OH.

Benjy bit his lip, and dropped his gaze. He wasn't really sure how to react, and his stomach squirmed a little. They'd clearly both changed in their time apart, and Benjamin couldn't help but look his cousin up and down with his grey-blue eyes. Garrick had grown, that was clear. He'd overtaken Benjy in the height stakes now, despite the dreadlocks adding a bit of extra height. He also had a tanned glow...Fiji had treated him well.

As Garrick addressed him though, his stomach settled and his lips curled upwards. "Left it a little late, didn't you?"

He wasn't quite off the hook yet.

Kalla was offended. Maybe. Slightly. She didn't care.

So her face back into something of a scowl. She didn't NEED his approval. Or Garrick's. PAH.

As it was, she moved forward and kissed Garrick's cheek. "Looking well, Cousin. Fiji was just the ticket, yeah?" And she saw the package... was it for HER. She was clearly the best cousin EVER. She deserved gifts.



Garrick returned Kalla's cheek kiss and held her at arms length for a long moment. "Look at you. So pretty, little lady. And heading off to Hogwarts. I don't think I have ever been so proud!" The last was meant to be slightly sarcastic. And he wiped a fake tear from his eye.

And yeah, he had something for her, but the package was for Benjy.

And he had something for Blue... if he could find her. :/

Patting Kalla he turned to Benjy, smile wide. "Well we only just got back and settled. Only to leave out again tomorrow. Sorry I didn't get to visit with you." And yeah... he held the poorly wrapped package out to his cousin. "For the train ride. And something of an early birthday present."

Because he didn't forget.

There was a care package. Lots of food. And a book. Also the gift. A peace offering of sorts... a framed picture of the two of them as kids. Seated with both their fathers by a Wizard's Chess board. It was one of the few photos Garrick had of that time frame. And he thought Benjy could do with a reminder of better times...

With that scowl on her face, Kalla was soon forgotten. It was all about Garrick right now.

And that smile.

That smile that just melted through Benjy. It brought relief, and love, and friendship...and washed away all the bad stuff that had happened from last term to now. Just him being here meant so much, and Benjy grinned back, before pulling Garrick into a tight hug. "I'm glad you made it. I'm sorry I wasn't allowed to come see you either. Looks like you had a 'alf decent time in Fiji though."

He pulled back to take the present, a frown flickering across his face. What was this for? "G, you shouldn't have." He was seriously touched by the gesture though, and his face soon lit up again. "All for the train, or am I meant to save some of it for the 19th?"

Kalla was not forgotten, by any means... so he noticed her slip away from the two boys, a hurt look on her face. No. He hadn't meant to... Sighs. Glancing over Benjy's shoulder he let his smile falter for a moment. "Remember I said to take it easy on Kalla, yeah?" Just a reminder.

And then he was being HUGGED. Unexpectedly. He returned the hug and chuckled lightly. Pulling away he shook his head. "You can open it all on the train. Mum is going to send you care packages. I made sure of it." Nevermind that Garrick wouldn't be getting care packages... he had informed his mum that he didn't need them... that Benjy should get them all. And after some heated debate she had agreed.

MHM.

"And Fiji was alright. Edan is doing much better. Glad of it. That place was dead boring sometimes." It wasn't THAT boring, he just didn't want to upset Benjy. And he HAD missed him, but he had made some friends there, too and was looking forward to Durmstrang. He had even begun to fill out some. Muscle, but you KNOW. He was getting a bit bigger. Perhaps he could intimidate people?

"How was your summer, anyway?"

Benjy gave Garrick a look. "Only as easy as she gives it to me." Though, he knew it would be different now they were off to Hogwarts...his territory. She'd never done the school thing. He sighed. "I doubt she needs me, but I won't let either of you down," he added, more sincerely this time.

She was family, after all, right?

"G..." Benjy didn't know say to say, and tears were almost threatening in his eyes. He refused to cry, especially in public, but after everything Garrick had done this? "You didn't need..." He left it unsaid. Garrick knew he didn't need to already, but that was what friends did. Not just any friends either. Best friends.

"Clearly, if you turned to tanning and weights," Benjy commented with a grin. Yes, he'd noted that Garrick had filled out. Whether it was hormones or working out, Benjy was relieved. It probably wasn't enough to win a fight with the bigger guys, but it was at least enough to hopefully prevent him from being a target.

Benjy shrugged. "On the whole, rubbish." He fiddled with his earring, a habit he'd quickly picked up since Kalla had done the deed. "On the plus side, I got a raise in allowance, didn't get grounded and started playing chess again." The grounding thing was still a mystery, truth be told. Especially given his hair and his piercing, but he wasn't going to complain. "I spent some time with Lex too." Y'know, just so there weren't secrets between them.

"You're gonna do great at Durmstrang, I know it." He could tell that something had already changed in his mindset, and Benjy was proud. If him not being there had done that, then maybe his miserable summer was worth it. "I've just got one condition. That you tell me about it." He grinned. "And if you do get in some scrapes, well, there's a box of stuff on my bed that might help you with that." He winked. Garrick wasn't the only one who could do gifts. Even if Benjy's was on a more limited budget, and the fact it was left behind home was due to him completely giving up on the idea of seeing Garrick before leaving. "It's not much...but might help in a tight spot or three."

Garrick gave his cousin the eye and then shook his head. "She's not nearly as tough as she lets on, you know." That was all he was going to say about Kalla. He loved her, but he knew bravado when he saw it. Though he didn't make a habit of telling people she was merely a great actor...

And he was uncomfortable with Benjy being so touched by the gifts and the gestures. He should be used to it by now... Benjy liked giving gifts. He merely shook his head and held up a hand to stop his cousin. "Seriously, it's no big deal." He had not mentioned that he had things for Kalla and Blue... Heh.

Tanning and weights! BAH! "I am not that pretentious and you know it. I had to do a lot of work around the place... and it was a tropical island. I was in the sun all the time. Tanning and weights. Really." He HAD been working, catching Edan up on things that had been left undo since he was recovering. It was hard work. He even had a callous or two. MHM.

And his smile came back, brighter now. "Well it sounds like you did well then. Good on you for not getting into trouble. And don't ever let me hear you think about running away. I nearly came home immediately. Don't ever think that. We all love you, Benjamin. Even if you don't think so... I promise we do." His dad had even bragged on how well Benjamin had behaved himself. And how precious Kalla was... and how he was finally proud of Garrick for doing something right.

Which had been a shock.

But whatever.

And yeah he heard the Lex comment. And didn't care enough one way or the other to comment on it in return. He merely nodded, unaffected. Her friend was still dead to him. And she was still a toad. But he didn't care that Benjy spent time with her.

Durmstrang? Eh. "It'll be different. That's for sure. Jessa wrote me she is having fun in New York... and she met a boy from Hogwarts. But won't tell me who it is."
Jessa being Kalla's lovely sister. No really, she was LOVELY. Nothing like Kalla. Heh. "A box to help me with what exactly?" He would investigate when he got home, though. He had to go visit with Benjy's mum anyway.

MHM.

Clapping his cousin on the shoulder he smirked slightly. "Have you seen Blue? I need to give her something." There. No secrets. He had other reasons for being here. Benjy now knew that. And he was excited to give Blue... what he was there to give her.

"Neither am I, apparently," Benjy said with a sheepish smile, "but it doesn't mean she lets up on me." He'd look out for her though, because deep down he knew she was probably having as a hard a time with all this as him and Garrick. And it was due to him that she was having to go in the first place.

Sure, it wouldn't usually be a biggy. Garrick had regularly shared stuff with Benjamin throughout their childhood. It was just the thought that his cousin had thought about him, however upset and angry and whatever else he'd been. For Benjamin, this wasn't about the gift - he didn't even know what was inside it - but what it meant about their friendship. He wouldn't say any more on the subject though.

He snorted. Garrick probably could be that pretentious if he wanted. "Maybe I did get the better end of the stick then. Though the rain put a downer on things." He chuckled. "What they have you doing?" Was it proper physical work, or just sitting in the sun ordering people around? Because the latter didn't count

Benjy smirked. "I guess. Though, I admit I'm intrigued how I didn't." They had barely batted an eyelid at his earring, and his hair had only gotten a comment? Which had confused him, unless given Garrick's comment they'd though he was going to do something far worse? Garrick hadn't even commented on his new look so far today, though it was likely Kalla had given him a heads up on that one. "It's really rather curious."

As for running away, well that had been foiled at the point of where to go to. Benjy gave Garrick a small smile. Without that letter arriving, it might have been quite a different story, and he'd have had chance to find somewhere. "I know you do. You're still my best mate. Always will be."

He gave Garrick a playful poke. "Oi you, changing the subject again. I don't expect big long newsy letters. But I want something." He'd be suspicious else. "I know you'll get other friends and you'll be busy. Just, don't become a stranger. Else I'll have to come and check up on you myself." He meant it too.

Heh, the box. "I guess the best description would be a survival box," Benjy said with a shrug. It had seemed a good idea at the time, but maybe Garrick wouldn't be as pleased with it as he hoped and wouldn't have a use for it. He clearly hadn't picked up on his meaning. It was Benjy's way of supporting him through the transition to Durmstrang. "Sort of, a taste of home, and some essentials if you get in a tight spot. Doubt anyone wants to have a fist fight if a dungbomb is set off." He give a light, but slightly strained, chuckle. He wanted to be happy, but he knew that things had changed, and were going to continue to do so.

Blue? Benjy gave a small frown. "No, sorry," he said with a shake of his head.

Of course she hadn't let up. It wasn't in her nature to let up. Heh. So Garrick just shrugged and gave a nod. "Just look after her, yeah? She needs it more than she lets on." Garrick had the ability to see right through some people's facades. Yep. And Kalla was one of them. And yeah, he knew Benjy wasn't hard, either. Now that they had spent a summer apart.

What did they have him doing? "I did a lot of work on the reserve. Building a fence, general upkeep on things. Just helping Edan out as best I could." No big... but he held his hands up to show Benjy his callouses. SEE. He had done lots of work over the summer. LOTS.

And the gift... it was from his heart. He didn't think it was a big deal, though. He had told Benjy he loved him. And was his family... as well as his friend.

Rather curious that he had managed to behave himself? Yeah. Not really. It was obvious that Garrick tended to be a bad influence, perhaps? PERHAPS. But yeah, he saw the earring and the hair... but he didn't think it was a big deal, really. It wasn't a fashion statement that HE would have made, but he supported Benjy. And yeah, he flicked one of the dreds off of his shoulder and shook his head.

Yeah, he was Benjy's best mate. "Remember I will come back and punch you in the face if you even think about something so selfish again, okay?" Because it WAS selfish to run away, ya know. VERY. But he pulled Benjy in for another brief hug. Like... we're cool.

Ugh. Durmstrang. Garrick was nervous about it. Very much so. "Not changing the subject. Not at all." He really did not want to change the subject, but somehow Jessa had come to the forefront of his mind. "I will write, Benjy. I will. I promise."

...WAit. Was he so sure that Garrick was going to get in a fist fight? SERIOUSLY. "I'm good, Benjy. I promise. I have charm. I am not intending to get into a lot of fights." NOT GONNA HAPPEN.


And why the frown... Garrick frowned at him. "What's up?"

Feeling pleased about being able to get through the Wall by himself, Adi made his way towards the Platform, marveling at the amount of chattering students. The many sounds of their various animals made up for half of the noise created by the students.

He looked around for any of the few familiar faces- Marigold, Tessa or even the rude boy from Scribbulus, but it was impossible to find any in this crowd. Feeling alone, Adi stood by himself at the Platform waiting for the train and trying to keep out of the other students' way.

Annabeth couldn't say she was sad because of the end of Summer holidays, not even sad for leaving her home and family nor for being alone there in the middle of the crowd... In fact, she was radiant! It was wonderful to be free, without her annoying family and their endless problems. Muggles! She hated them... not for being Muggles, but for being thieves... The best thing that happened during the summer was professor Lafay having hired her; she loved the little girl and loved to have her own money... Unconsciously, she patted on her trunk; it was filled with her new robes and the school supplies, all new - no second-hand books this time. She was proud of herself. She glanced around not looking for anyone in special, grinning. Everyone there looked interesting, then she amused herself observing the other students and their families. All those good-byes and "don't forget send me an owl twice a week", "if it'd be cold, wear your sweater under the Hogwarts' robe", "don't break any rule or I'll bring you back to home!" were fascinating for her: it would be amazing having a lovingly family! It reminded her Hecate Lafay. Professor Lafay was the most brilliant, kind, sweet, and an upright woman she had ever know.

Stan raised an eyebrow and looked rather amused. Although, he really needed to look where he was going. He got so distracted sometimes.. Oh, look. It was the blonde from the gumball machines and she was going to Hogwarts too! How exciting. Stan smiled brightly at her before he turned to look at the girl with the yellow shorts.

"If I didn't see you, I obviously didn't see your bright yellow shorts." The girl seemed rather offended so he just flashed a cute smile at her. What? He just liked to show off his smile. He had a nice smile. Or so he'd been told.

Laura saw Alexa waving and saying HI, which was strange because all the fun they had was under the ice-cream effect right, the putting posters up and trying to get people to eat loads of ice-cream. "How are you today?" Laura smiled as she gave the younger girl a small smile and a little wave.

Laura smiled at Sophie. "I can't wait to try and learn some more magic." Laura couldn't believe they were coming of age soon. "Don't worry Sophie before you know it you will be turning seventeen." Laura couldn't believe she was saying that, it was scary how fast the time was flying. "Seriously can you believe that we are turning seventeen, it seems like yesterday, I was a wild child blowing up doors and just having fun." Laura giggled, that year had been the best.

Laura thought long and hard about how to reply to that question. "To begin with it was bad, I spent most of my time in my room just thinking about things, but then DJ came along and I had some fun." Laura winked at her friend, it had been a blast with DJ about. "So are you looking forwards to this year then?"

Laura was waiting for Sophie to reply when she suddenly spotted Ella, she smiled at her and then gave her friend a small wave, wondering if there roommate would join them.

Benjy smiled. "I'm sure the last thing she wants is her kiddy cousin looking after her, but I'll keep an eye." His eyes scanned the platform for wherever Kalla had wandered off too, but he couldn't spot her. "What house do you think she'll get?" Benjy was still angling for Slytherin, but maybe Hufflepuff would be rather interesting. Haha.

Oh, PROPER work. What a shocker. "Glad you got to help out Edan. We don't see him nearly as much as we should." Or, since Garrick had spent the whole summer with him, Benjy didn't see him as much as he should or would like. "And even the marks to show it. I'm surprised you didn't wear gloves to protect your soft, precious skin." He was joking of course, Garrick might be more sensitive, but he'd never been totally sappy. And in response to Garrick's work wounds, Benjy pushed up his sleeve, and showed his cousin a pretty impressive gash on his elbow with a grin. "I landed the 360. Not before giving the pavement a chunk of arm though."

Of course Garrick wasn't the bad influence. He was the GOOD influence. Benjamin's substitute conscience. OH. Haha. That might have all clicked in to place right there. Well, it was good to know there was room to push some more...because he was planning to. Pretty much as soon as he got back to the castle. "Oi!" Benjy said, as Garrick flicked one of his dreds. "You think they suit me?" He didn't care either way, but he wanted at least ONE opinion on the subject. What's the point of doing something if you don't get a reaction?

Benjy smirked. "Now, that's fighting talk." Benjy probably would have actually quite liked it if Garrick HAD come back and punched him if he'd gone through with it. "But point noted." And another bro!hug.

He wasn't much relieved by that. Garrick had done the exact same thing in his letters. But finally he got a promise, and Benjy nodded. "Well, you don't have to take the box if you think it's stupid." Maybe it was. "I just wanted to feel like I could do something to help." It was partly his fault that Garrick was going there in the first place, and he'd tried to do the box for the right reasons. "I can use the stuff if you don't want it, s'alright." There was some food stuff in there - Bertie Botts beans and the like - but also some purchases from Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes (both fun and useful), a sneakoscope, and a small portable camera with the hope that Garrick might share some of his adventures with him pictorially.

"Hmm?" Benjy tried to look brighter, but it didn't work. "Eh, nothing major. A nagging feeling that for the second time in my life everything is going to change." Maybe his rebellious exterior was all about hiding everything that was going on inside. The feeling of having been settled, and it all getting ripped away again. And he wasn't sure he could share that stuff with Garrick any more. Not once had Garrick said anything about Benjy being his best mate back, nor had he shown any worry about this new start. Even if his cousin was trying to cover his feelings, Benjy could usually read him. But today, he couldn't.

Attempting to flash on Ogden smile, Benjy shrugged, mainly to himself. "It doesn't matter. I'll see you at Christmas, right?" For their traditional big family meal. And now it was Benjy's turn to change the subject. "How about we go find Blue?"

There were only a few minutes left till the departure time. The Express was whistling urgently, and Forrest was stressed a little. He knew they still had time, but it was hard to keep calm while the train was being impatient. He stopped in front of the first compartment door, put her bag down and turned halfway towards her.

"The luggage compartment is just inside," he said and eyed her. He seemed to have forgotten all about the f-incident, but he was being careful to look only into her eyes.

"After you," he said, because manners mattered.