Daniel was looking over the train to find a compartment with his known acquaintance on it. This is not his favorite part of Hogwarts, the summer and the train ride bound home. Home to his lonely manor, all alone with his helpers and with luck, his godfather.

He sat on an empty compartment and settled. He looked at the window and saw the majestic Hogwarts castle on the horizon. A tear fell from his eyes, but he wiped it before anybody would see it. He will definitely miss school.

Stupid Prefect's compartment.

Huffing under his breath, Clifford skulked straight past the compartment, big feet shuffling sadly. His last ever journey on the Hogwarts Express... DUDE, that was just too weird.

TOO WEIRD!

Bleh. Finding himself an empty compartment, the eighteen year old slipped inside and slid the door shut behind him. He wasn't in the mood to listen to any squealing first years right now..

Dropping his rucksack on one seat, Clifford then proceeded to spread himself across the entirety of the other, crossing his arms behind his head.. lounging comfortably. Had to spend the last journey riding cosily, right?

The Hogwarts express? ALREADY?

Why was this going so quickly! He hadn't even said goodbye to EVERYONE at the feast yet! And now they were on the train, and the thought of being home again was looming. He'd be home, with his dad, and no Sylvia. Shudder. But, now he was old enough to leave home, he was planning on doing that straight away. He couldn't BARE the thought of his little sister being at Hogwarts, his dad at work, and him being alone in the large house that he called home. Because, he was too old to have Sylvia's nanny, so he really wanted to move out.

Sulking, Miles mopely walked down the train, ignoring the happy younger students who were happy that they had made it one year at Hogwarts and were excited about going home again. HA. Wait until they were taking the trip he was, he was never coming back on this train again. EVER. Miles continued to walk down the train, not really sure when he was willing to actually find a compartment.

Okay so he basically slept through the whole feast. Though he wasn't really sleeping, just more daynapping and pretending to listen as the Deputy Headmaster spoke the final words of the year. Sure he should have paid more attention - especially when he praised Hufflepuff on their Quidditch Cup win. But he didn't. He didn't even eat much.

He didn't talk to any outgoing students.

He didn't even talk to Truebridge.

Slump.

But as he walked through the corridors of the Hogwarts Express, the sixteen year old knew that ought to change. It was his last chance, opportunity, possibility to even hope of SEEING them again.

Peeking into each compartment, his heart sank as he didn't see any of the graduates he wanted to speak with. Until ... one compartment later; Clifford Carden! Sliding the door open, Dominic poked his head in.

"Carden!" Sure they'd never really been best buds, but the boy was decent and friendly enough. Even if he didn't approve of snogging Willow. "May I come in?"

MMMM.

He could just fall asleep riiiight here. The movement of the train was kinda soothing and he was luffly and comfy and -

Clifford jumped and sat up right when he heard someone sliding the door to his compartment open. And who was that poking their head in? Dominic Denton. Hm. "Uhhh.. sure, go ahead," the Slytherin shrugged his shoulders, nodding at the seats opposite him.

Denton was alright. A little crazy for snogging the two scariest girls in Hogwarts.. but alright.

For a moment, Dominic wondered if Clifford was going to open his eyes. But then he jumped at the sound of the door opening and the sixth year regretted his actions. Wasn't there a way to make things more subtle? Apparently not.

"Thanks," He murmured stepping in fully and settling in the seat opposite the recently graduated head boy.

"Soo..." uh, why did he want to speak with Clifford again? Must. Not. Depress. "Any words of wisdom?" Referring of course to the fact that he was going to be graduated as well, this time next year.

With a rather blank expression on her face, Anna Greingoth climbed aboard the Hogwart's Express. She walked halfway through the train, chickened out, then turned around to walk all the way back to the front. Once she got there, she realized how silly she was being and turned to walk back towards the middle of the train.

"I can do this," she said aloud, speaking to absolutely no one in particular. "I...can...do...this." With Charlotte's cage dangling from her left hand and Piccadilly cradled in her right, Anna proceeded throughout the train once again. When she reached the middle compartments for the second time, she froze, fighting the urge to turn around and walk right back up to the front.

She was simply postponing the inevitable, though. She'd already graduated, and she wasn't returning to Hogwart's no matter how many times she paced the train. She might as well hold her head high and take it like the adult she'd become. At least Cale was waiting for her on the other side of this train ride. That was something to look forward to. Yup.

Why did Denton want to sit in here with him? Sure, Clifford thought the Hufflepuff wasn't half bad, but surely he had closer friends elsewhere on the train? Maybe he --

Oh. THAT's why.

Words of wisdom?

One dark, skeptical eyebrow raised and Clifford tilted his head to one side. Really.. him? Wisdom? WHUT!? "Sorry to disappoint you, Denton.." the older boy started with yet another shrug of his shoulders, "but.. y'know, wisdom ain't really my thing.."

Wisdom was far too smart for him.

Anybody who knew Vanessa Corbette knew that she rarely went around with her hair all pulled back into one pony tail. But she wasn't feeling too happy at the moment, she really didn't want to leave Hogwarts. Frowning a little she wandered through the train, trying to find the one person she knew that would understood. It looked like he was hiding though, because she really couldn't find him.
She walked through the middle carts, before she finally found him, sitting in a compartment on his own. She slide the door open carefully, and slipped in closing the door behind her.
"This is it." She spoke quietly, leaning against the door. "We're leaving." She sighed, smiling a little at him.

"It looked like Hugo and Evolette didn't want you to leave" She pondered with a sad smile. "Your gonna miss them."

Not really sure where to go, Anna simply stood in place and glanced around the train. The prefect's compartment would be nice and quiet, but she really didn't want 'nice and quiet' right now. She wanted say goodbye to all her friends and experience what was left of her time as a student with as many different people as possible. She also needed to talk with her now-former co-prefects and let them know how nice it was to work with such a great team. Sure, there were a few ups and downs and personality conflicts, but for the most part, it'd all been a really wonderful experience.

Speaking of prefects, Anna happened to glance over and notice that Clifford and Dom were seated in a compartment just to the left of where she was standing. She slid the compartment door open and faced the two boys. "Hey, Dom...Clifford," she greeted. She moved inside just a bit and put Charlotte's sort of heavy cage on top of the seat. "So, erm, I came to say that it was really cool being prefect with you two." Her voice sort of cracked a little, but she took a deep breath to hopefully prevent any crying. "...and, I was also wondering if..." She fidgeted a little, feeling like she might cry, then quickly added, "May I sit here, please?"

Bah! Why on Earth should all the compartments be filled to the top already? And why did she have to leave Hogwarts so late? And why did she have to be so awful at applying make up that she hardly hid her red, puffy red eyes and far too red cheeks?

Well, it was the cost of being so beautiful. You didn't need make up and when you tried to do it, well, you failed. Yup. All perks of being beautiful and having perfect skin.

That only compartment that seemed to have space for her still was one at the right, one that was already occupied by two boys, it seemed. Well, it didn't matter - as long as her and her small bag fitted inside.

Aaah, but was that Greingoth?! She had obviously decided to go to that compartment too, and what was it she was saying? Dom and Clifford? Go figure! Just the person she had been dreading to see. Just the thought of never seeing Clifford again was enough to create a bump in her throat and she squeezed her eyes shut. She was eighteen now. She didn't cry.

"Move, Greingoth." She finally said, deciding to torture herself a little bit more and share the compartment with the one person that she should be avoiding. "You're blocking the entrance."

Reed walked through the train trying to find a compartment. He was looking through to see if he saw any of his friends. So far he hadn't found any. He did however find an empty compartment. He opened it and sat down.

He couldn't believe that this year at Hogwarts was already over. It had gone by soooo fast. But this summer was going to be amazing. Going home to Jordan's house and Bee coming with him. He couldn't wait.

Speaking of Blake he was wondering where she was. Oh well. He looked out the window into the hall way to see if he recognized anyone that walked by.

Words of wisdom.. PSSSH.

Clifford was still feeling a little dumbfounded by Denton's freaky question when he heard the door to the compartment sliding open yet again. Looking up, he found it was none other than Anna bloody Greingoth.

So much for escaping the Prefect's compartment, huh? Seemed like they were al following him in here instead. Hmpf. It wasn't like he could just refuse them entrance though, was it? Sure, he was Head Boy and all, but it wasn't HIS train, nor his compartment.

Shuffling awkwardly in his seat, Clifford nodded in appreciation at Anna's words. He'd had a hard time seeing eye-to-eye with Miss Bossy Boots over there.. still, it was weird thinking he'd probably never see her again. She'd never ever get on his last nerve again. Odd.

"Erm.. yeah, I don't see why not.." he mumbled unsurely, glancing at Denton before turning back to Greingoth. It wasn't like there was no room.. and she looked like she was ready to cry any minute.. AND he had wanted to thank her for helping him back in those floods.

But wait - he knew that voice.. How could he NOT?

That voice telling Anna she was in the way.. that voice was enough to make Cliffford's stomach turn nervously. Still, he kicked his rucksack off one of the seats. "Plenty o' room in here." Right.

Things went easly fast when packing his trunk and posessions. After all, this year he didn't have many, except an extra bag of Honeydukes' candies, who Emiliano carried with his hand, the trunk, and his school bag. He still wondered where Karma was, but for now, he hoped she was alright and that he would be able to see her soon before summer started.

Emiliano found an empty compartment and walked in, sitting down immediately and looking inside his school bag for pencil and paper, as well for the toy balls, which calmed his nerves.

He was excited to go back home.

Anna swallowed nervously, fearing that any second from now, Clifford or Dom one would speak up and point blank tell her she wasn't welcome to sit with them. She was a graduate now, and she feared that they'd feel as if they owed her nothing...not even a nice and polite reply. She glanced awkwardly to the side and thought about just telling them nevermind, but she was stopped when she heard someone behind her rudely instructing her to move. She rolled her eyes a little, then stepped out of the way...

...only to turn around and see Evangeline Green. Some things never change. Anna didn't want to argue with anyone on her last day as a student, though, so she said nothing in reply to the rude comments. "Hello, Evangeline. Congratulations on your graduation," she simply said.

Anna nodded once toward Clifford, then took a seat right next to Charlotte's cage. Things were going to get awkward in here now, weren't they? That'd been the one thing she had hoped wouldn't happen, but it seemed to be inevitable. "Congratulations on your graduation, as well, Clifford," she continued.

Linda got inside thetrain.An year gone so soon!!She wondered where Bella and Laura were.But she was sure they'd catch up.

Hm. Evangeline's expression changed the second Anna turned back to face her. Something looked off about the girl, it was like her aura of over-confidence had stayed behind at Hogwarts and .. even if somewhat amusing to see .. it was also disturbing. Because if Anna was upset, it simply wouldn't be right to be nasty to her.

Bummer.

"Uhm. Yeah, thanks. Congrats, aswell, I suppose." Congratulations for graduation? It was a little bit weird, but Greingoth had always been weird. Forget courage. Weirdness was a Gryffindor trait. But finally - finally she stepped into that compartment, allowing Evangeline to follow in.

Clifford had said there was plenty of space, after all.

HAH! Plenty of space?! Evangeline's features twisted in depreciation when she entered and realised that the only seat available was right beside Clifford. talk about failing avoiding him. "Hi Dominic! .. Clifford." She almost mumbled, shyly, the last name, before taking the available seat.

oh dear. This would be an awkward journey, would it not?

Okay, he would've preferred to tell Denton lots of words of fake wisdom over this. Maybe he should've told Anna and Evangeline he and Dominic were busy having a 'guy chat' and sent them on their way?

Well, it was too late now.. Anna had gotten herself comfy and Evangeline.... Evangeline was occupying the seat riiiiight beside him. And to think, mere moments ago he'd been lounging comfily across the seats ready to nod off.

"Uhm.. yeah, hey.." Clifford mumbled shyly in reply, clearing his throat awkwardly as he glanced around. At least the girls might be able to give Dominic the words of wisdom he was looking for. Heh. "And uh - congratulations to you too, Anna." He carried on, shuffling nervously, arm brushing against Evangeline's in the process. Oh gawd. Concentrate.. "I erm - I've actually been meaning to uh ... thank you. Y'know.. for helping me in that flood. Yeah, the piggy back ride was much appreciated."

The piggy back ride was much appreciated!? Guh, he was a doofus.

Congratulations...she supposed? Anna blinked then distracted herself by looking over at Charlotte, who looked as if she'd enjoy nothing more than a nice flight so as to stretch her wings. She spoke softly to her pet for a few moments, then straightened up and turned towards the other occupants of the compartment. Had seven years together not helped in making things any less awkward? Apparently not. One could only hope, at this point, that they'd all cross paths somewhere in their adult lives and finally make amends. "Thank you, Evangeline," she finally said.

"...and thank you, too, Clifford," she said, responding to what his congratulations, as well. She smiled and nodded when he brought up the piggy back ride she'd given him during that whole fight with the merpeople. Despite she and Clifford's differences, she'd never have let anyone lacking the ability to swim fend for themselves in that crazy water. "I was glad to help, and you're quite welcome." Awkward. Why was this so awkward? Would they ever even see one another again?

EEE! Going back homeeeee! Livvy couldn't be any more excited than she was now as she strutted through the halls of the train. It was sort of nice to be out of school at the moment... and she rather liked the feel of it. Summer... and her birthday! It was great. And the first time that she wouldn't be going back to Taiwan. Who could ask for a better summer?

But the school term had gone by so fast. Way too fast. But Livvy was still psyched out for the summer. She had been invited to tag-a-long with Rachel for some little ditty with her new boyfriend and his acting friends. Oh... yippee... Livvy gets to meet famous people. She still wasn't quite sure she was liking the idea... but at least she got to hang out with Rachel. The two hadn't completely disconnected. Even though now with Reid... and such a huge bundle to handle... Rachel still considered her as a friend. It meant a lot.

And here she was... searching for a compartment... normally she would sit in the back of the train, but that's apparently where the 'cool' people sit and she didn't want to go back there. And for some reason, Livvy was in a 'making friends' mood. How odd. Nothing could falter her cheerful mood... except for hearing the name, 'Reid'. Or some odd form of it. Not that she didn't like the boy... it's just she always got a tad bit upset from hearing it.

Livvy soon found a compartment with a Hufflepuff boy about her age. Hmm... should she really go in there and 'mingle'? Why couldn't she just sit with her already made friends? Hmm.... that brought up another question. Where were they anyway? Shrugging, Livvy smiled slightly and asked, "Hello... do you mind if I sit here? If you don't want to, I'm cool with finding another compartment."

She didn't know if she wanted to sit with Rachel... since there was Reid... and they'd probably want their privacy and stuff. Their stupid privacy. But Livvy was above all that. She was a Ravenclaw of course. Ravenclaws could make new friends. Why not? But did she really have to pick a Hufflepuff? They weren't all that bad though. Except for the Quidditch ones.. oh... they were just eeevviil. But at least this compartment was 'Reid' free... right?

Reed couldn't wait to get off the train and head towards France. He had missed his sisters, particularily Jordan, so much. And now he was moving in with her. His parents had finally given permission for him to move into her chateau with her. He was bloody stoked.

Then only thing that could have made it better was if Blake was there with him. Oh well, she would probably turn up later. And anyways he would be spending most of the summer with her. Things just kept getting better.

Then he heard someone open the door to his compartment. His first thought was Blake but as he turned he saw a Ravenclaw girl standing there. They looked about the same age, but he had never seen he before.

"No, go right ahead" He said with a smile as he motioned to a seat in the compartment. He found it funny that he was meeting someone new since they were on their way to leave for the summer. But the boy didn't have a whole lot of friends so a new face was as good as any.

"I'm Reed Kaisen" He said introducing him self. There was no need to say he was in hufflepuff since he was still in his robes, which reminded him that he needed to change out of them before they got to the platform.

Livvy studied the boy, cocking her head to the side. She had never seen him before but he seemed friendly enough. Just perfect to make as an acquaintance. Speaking of acquaintances, Livvy wondered how Garret was after their trip to Honeydukes. Boy... had they eaten a lot of candy that day.

Turning her attention back to the boy, Livvy smiled back as she walked in and sat down next to the window, staring back at the boy. It was rather odd how she just wanted to... make a friend at this moment. She had an entire term this year to make friends... yet she decided to make one on the trip back home. How odd she was these days.

Rubbing her forehead where she had been poked profusely by Cam, Livvy looked towards the boy as he spoke once more. Wait... wait who whaaat? ....... oh great. His name was Reed... and here Livvy thought she could get away from it. But she wouldn't let that boy get to her. And why should she be prejudiced against the name 'Reed'?

Smiling, Livvy replied, "Nice to meet you Reed. I'm Olivia Zhang. But I go by Livvy."

Wiping a tear away from his cheek quickly, Miles turned around to see his favourite Hufflepuff. "Don't say it like that." He rolled his eyes and smiled. This is it? Made it sound like they were about to do something dreadful, and even though leaving forever did suck, it wasn't like they were demolishing the school or something and no one else could go again. There would be many students after him who could have a seven-year funfest. Yes, school was fun fest. Hehe.

"Yeah, sorry about that. I guess we wre all just over upset." He shrugged it off, he kind of liked the feeling that they were going to miss him that much, even if he would see them during the summer LOADS and when they graduated too.

Okay so perhaps Dominic shouldn't have asked Clifford for the words of wisdom; the look that was on the former Slytherin's face was just too bewildered and the sixteen year old wondered if he should have started with someone else. Yes, it would have been smarter to ask Anna or someone, but truthfully he didn't want to. He wanted Clifford's opinion on the matter of graduating.

"I know," he bit his lower lip hesitantly. "But I ... Clifford. It doesn't have to sound intelligent. I just...I wanted to know what's like? How does it feel? To be done forever with Hogwarts?"

And then the compartment door slid open, Anna coming in and ruining their unofficial 'guy chat'. But Clifford had already said there was plenty of room for her to join them ... and even for Evangeline too. But of course, why would he refuse the latter; they were dating, right? At least that's what someone told him last year in the stands and he hadn't heard differently...

"Hey Anna." Her voice was just heartbreaking and it dawned on Dominic that this train ride might be the last time seeing those three people for awhile. He was also wondering if perhaps this was the Prefect's Compartment that he sat in by mistake. "Oh. Um. Thank you. I've enjoyed being prefect with you too." It was true.

"Hey Evangeline," he greeted in response to the Slytherin as she took the seat next to Clifford. Where else would she sit? But that was hardly relevant to her eyes ... her red puffy eyes that hid her normally flawless skin. She hadn't been crying, right? Because Dominic could NOT deal with crying. "Allergies?" He asked, because that had to be the reasoning for the imperfections.

"Uh. Yes... And congratulations to all of you. I forgot to say." Dominic offered a small smile to the three former seventh years. His three 'colleagues'.