The black cat made his way out of the compartment, Gwen hopped off her seat and followed Jinx. As soon as she opened the compartment door, the sixth year looked around. She couldn’t see the cat anywhere. Ughhh. Great. Why did Jinx always have to go for a walk in the train?! The Ravenclaw remembered that nearly every train ride, she had to search for the cat who was probably playing with some shoelaces or worse, a pigmy puff.

Ugh. Where was that cat?

And this time, she didn’t have any of Kurumi’s tuna cookies for cats to use in order to find Jinx. Well… there was no other way of finding the cat than calling his name. ‘Jinx?’, the girl said, but there was no ‘meyow’ whatsoever in reply. Come oooon. Where was Jinx? After moving around to the front of the train, still no sight of the cat, Gwendolyn decided to go back and search around the back of the train.

"Gwen!'' Jory called as soon as he spotted his friend. She seemed to be looking for something. Normally by now he would have been in a compartment, reading for sure but he had no idea why he wasn't. He felt sort of restless.

Anyway. "What's up?'' he asked. "Er, did you loose something?'' He looked around without the slightest idea of what to look for.

Mordred stood up and got out of his compartment and walked aimlessly on the train corridor. As much as he wanted to sleep all the way until the train reached Hogwarts, he simply can’t put his mind to shut up and thought that walking might help him. He hung his head and placed his hands inside his pockets and started to walk toward the middle train. The boy hoped he won’t bump into a certain puffer since he wanted to start off his sixth year on a high note. Obviously his summer did not end so well, so he’s expecting that the train ride won’t ruin the onset of his second to the last year aboard the Hogwarts Express.

What was she supposed to do again? Riiiiight. Patrol the corridors like a good Prefect would do because it was part of her duty. Okay, okay. She got it.

But before she did, Beezus knelt down for a few moments to adjust the strap of her sandals. After doing so, she straightened back up just in time to see a certain someone emerge from one of the compartments, his back to her.

The Ravenclaw grinned slightly. She knew who it was. That hair? Yeah, definitely him. With a snort, she quickly but silently strode after the Slytherin until she was close enough before swiftly latching behind him and covering his eyes with her hands.

“First off it’s Ethan…and then…” Mordred’s thoughts trailed off as his vision suddenly went pitch black, and warm hands were over his eyes. As much as he wanted to play the guessing game, he simply get himself into the mood. “I’m not guessing who it is.” The sixth year said bluntly and sighed. He reached out and pulled away the hands slowly off his eyes and turned around.

“Prefect Applehead.” Mordred gave her a small grin and eyed her badge. “Patrolling duties, huh? Am I your first victim?” the Slytherin smirked as he leaned against the wall of the compartment.

Meh. He didn't seem to be in the mood. The Ravenclaw briefly wondered what's up with him before taking her hands away from his eyes. When he spun around, she took a small step back.

Prefect Applehead.

SNORT.

At least he was grinning even though it wasn't his usual lively one. Fighting an eyeroll, she replied, "Mhmm! You should feel lucky. " She nodded at him and crossed her arms over her chest. "Don't I get a hug from Greece?" Because she had a hug from Europe for him. Heh.

"Very fitting, don't you think? An applehead prefect. We don't get that very often in Hogwarts." Mordred said in a placid tone. He'd usually smirk and grin at his own taunting, but he was just not in the mood.

"Ah, yes. Your first victim. I am pleased." he said again in a calm manner and bowed down to her like a real thespian. Mordred then made a face and shook his head when the prefect asked for her hug. "You know me. I don't do hugs." He would have done so if he wasn't in a foul mood. Even so, he was thankful that she was around. Mordred felt like jumping off the train a few minutes ago until she came. "How was your trip?"he asked diverting the conversation to a more pleasant one.

An applehead Prefect? If that had been literal then there was to be a huge possibility that the current Head Boy was going to eat her. O.o Yeah, well, since he was so obsessed with apples. Eh! She shuddered at the mere thought.

She wanted to bring that matter up to him though, it'll be worth a laugh but noticing how his tone went, she decided against it. Beezus narrowed her eyes at Mordred. Something was really going on. He just wasn't being....normal. "All right. Mordred Alexander Mordaunt, spill. What's up?" He was starting to worry her.

She only stuck out her tongue and made a face at his sarcasm...and the bowing. Okay, okay. No hugs. She knew he wasn't the type. It was worth a try though. Hmmp. Then he was asking about the trip. The Ravenclaw eyed him some more. Was he attempting a turn of conversation? ..No, thank you. "It was fine. Now talk.." They can deal with her dilemma later....after he tells her what was causing his almost suicidal demeanor.

Mordred sighed and shook his head, knowing very well that a stubborn person like Beezus won’t let him get off the hook easily. A lot of things are going on for him and he just wants to go home and lock himself up. Of course, his parents won’t allow him to do that after they saw his OWL result. He can’t afford to put his sixth and seventh year to waste, since he was well on his way to becoming a Junior Auror. “Walk with me.” The sixth year gestured his head towards the middle train and flung his left arm around the Ravenclaw prefect and kept his other hand inside his pocket.

“Ethan’s parents are getting a divorce.” How’s that for a start? Not too honest, hm? Nope, he knew she’ll be able to cope up. “I’m worried about my cousin, really…” Mordred trailed off and continued to walk down the corridor looking down, completely defeated with the news. “My aunt Cassandra, Ethan’s mom will be leaving London for good to hunt down her husband.” The sixth year made a disgusted face and continued. He stopped walking and stepped away from Beezus and leaned against the compartment’s wall. “I don’t know what will happen to Ethan, though.” Mordred rubbed his forehead in frustration and shook his head.

Walk with me?

Walk with him? He better talk while they walked because she wanted to know what was going on NOW. She snorted but still nodded at him when he gestured to the middle train's direction. With his arm around her, she looked up at his face as they took steps. Whatever his problem was seemed to be really bothering him.

The Ravenclaw gently slapped him on the chest with the back of her hand. "You're so tall now." Just an observation.

Anyway...unto more pressing matters. WHAT??! Beezus eyebrows immediately met each other and she frowned. Yeah. She was worried for his cousin too. Ethan was a good kid. "That doesn't sound good."

And to make things worst..."They're leaving him behind? Can't his Mom bring him with her?" She asked, moving around to stand in front of him while he slumped on the wall. "Hold on..I don't get this part. Why is his mother hunting down her husband? Is he not okay with the divorce so he...ran away?" She needed understand it first.

Ugh. This was giving her a headache.

Right.

After leaving her bunk at the luggage compartment, Kat went to look for a free compartment. She hated getting the less favorable seats so she wanted to hurry up the train and just grab a free compartment. For herself. Or maybe for a few friends if they wanted to join cos... eh, yeah they were friends. In fact, Kat wouldn't mind if anybody else joined cos she was feeling awkwardly friendly today. New students, I guess. Excited to see the new Snakes that would join them for the term. Who knows? Maybe she could actually make friends.

Passing by, she saw Bee. Kat smiled at her, acknowledging her presence. Uhm, and she was with another dude. That familiar Slytherin guy she saw at the Sleeping Area back when the common rooms were locked out, if her memory wasn't fuzzy or failing her. Sorry, don't know you dude.

Anyway... was there an empty compartment. ANYWHERE? Merlin.

He was literally a growing boy, since he got his height from his father. Mordred simply grinned at what looks like a compliment and continued to walk. “It’s troublesome actually since I need to buy new robes for school.”

“It isn’t good at all. You’ve met Ethan, and he’s not being himself lately.” The Slytherin rubbed his temple this time and sighed. Mordred can’t say out loud how much joy Ethan brings to him whenever he’s being hyper-active, or just being his bubbly self. The young man grew up in a sad, cold and aristocratic environment, and he doesn’t want Ethan to have that kind of childhood.

Mordred looked around and saw a younger Slytherin pass by and acknowledged Beezus. He just stared at her when she looked and diverted his attention back to the prefect.

“My aunt’s too enraged with her soon to be ex-husband, and my mother thinks it is best to leave Ethan behind.” The boy accidentally eavesdropped on his parents’ conversation about looking after his cousin. His aunt protested, of course but it seems that it was the only way. “Besides, he’s starting formal lessons in Hogwarts soon. He can’t tag along forever.” And Mordred won’t let Ethan’s father near his own son. He broke up his own family, and so did Ethan’s heart. The Slytherin will do anything to keep him away. “It was her husband who filed for divorce. I don’t know what his reasons are, but my aunt’s not happy with it.” Mordred closed his eyes and shook his head in disgust. “All of those happened in front of Ethan.” The Slytherin scowled at this and exhaled sharply. “His own family breaking up in front of him. He’s not an idiot, for crying out loud!” Mordred crossed his arms in frustration.

Clement still didn't really have no idea where to go on this train. Maybe he should've come over in the summer, made some friends instead of spending his whole summer in Paris. He was sure he'd find someone or somewhere to sit with soon. Although the compartments looked pretty packed. Oh dear. He didn't have this trouble at Beauxbatons. His father just took him. But now he was on a train. Well. So was the rest of the population of Hogwarts, so it really wasn't going to be that hard to find someone to talk too.

Cle wandered through the train corridor, deciding whether or not to just talk to someone. That's what he would've done in france. But that was france. These were English people. Weren't English people supposed to be really rude? Maybe he'd keep a little silent for now.

"Ugh. I can't imagine him not being so active, Dred." Yes. She'd met Ethan before and his energy was one of the things she liked about him. Really..She just couldn't find it in her to imagine that happy-go-lucky kid sad and lonely.

The Prefect shook her head.

When Kat came around, she returned her smile with a brief one of her own. Mordred was channeling his miserable vibes to her, it seems. She was beginning to feel distressed too.

Nodding, she said, "I think your mother is right too. If his parents get into another argument when she finds her, it won't be good for him to be around." Ugh. Adults and their conflicts.... The brunette stood there, listening to her friend's sentiments, grimacing some, frowning some... Hearing him say that it all happened in the young boy's presence made her hiss. Seriously?

"Merlin..." she muttered begrudgingly. "He's not." She knew how Mordred felt about grievances in the family, she knew that this affected him so much. "Hey, calm down." The Prefect reached up and ruffled his hair... His voice was starting to rise...

"Can't you and your family take him in?" Since he was an only child. Surely, Mordred's parents wouldn't mind, right? She'd met his father before and he was nice.

Kat needed a compartment. ASAP. It was lame that many have managed to get compartments already. LAME. Kat was left with the less favorable ones this time. Just lame. But better than nothing? Yeah, that's it. She wanted to sit, that's all. She's been standing for an hour.

When she was about to check the back cars, she noticed someone. Who seemed... well, lost? And quiet. TOO quiet. Kat hated quiet. Besides Bee and the talking Slytherin with her, there was no sound at all unless you could hear the conversations from the people behind the glass doors of their compartments. Being with someone so quiet was... awkward. He seemed like a new kid though, except he didn't look like a first year. No. Kat looked at him. "Hello," she said. He wasn't mute right? "You must be new here, are you?" And that didn't seem too mean right? HEY, Katrina Hudson was being friendly for once.

“I don’t like seeing him sad. I…just want to be happy because…” Mordred trailed off and cleared his throat. He wasn’t a happy child when he was about Ethan’s age. He knows how it feels to be left alone inside a huge house with no one except Calen his own house-elf, and his nan. “I don’t think I’ll get used to him being depressed. He has to get over it…but, how in Merlin’s underpants do I help? I’m far away from the kid.” Mordred bit his lower lip and rubbed his nape. He promised he would write to Ethan as much as he can, and that they will get through his dilemma together.

Mordred winced as the prefect reached out and ruffled his hair. He brushed it with his fingers right away and his hair fell back to place like nothing happened. “You’d be as infuriated as I am if you were in my position.” He said as he calmed himself down and placed the back of his head against the compartment wall. “I suggested that to my parents during my last night back in the mansion. They think it’s a good idea, but…” the boy trailed off once more and sighed. “…of course Ethan has to agree to it. I can’t force him to live with my parents since…they are not his parents.” Mordred was pretty sure that Ethan will cry for his mother every night, even if he allowed him to stay in his bedroom.

The thought of Ethan crying made Mordred’s insides churn. His thoughts then went from his cousin to his recent argument with Ella. He knew how much Ethan adores the young lady, and Mordred would love to ask for her help…but then, his pride was sky-high that he’d rather deal with Ethan on his own than talk and fix things with the Hufflepuff.

Clement's eyes widened a little as someone spoke to him. Well he'd gotten his wish anyway. He was gonna have someone to talk to now. That was probably something. A good thing. She might be able to introduce him to other people, and then he wouldn't be so much of a loner. Because he didn't like being a loner. It sucked. He really was regretting not making friends or going to Diagon Alley because the school year. It was a big regret. "Hi." His voice laced thick with his french accent. That was something that he wasn't going to lose any time soon. Maybe that wouldn't be so good.

Was it that surprising that he was new? Did he have a big flashing sign saying that he was new on his head. A grin came onto his lips. Maybe it was obvious because he was being a loner and stuff. "'Ow did you guess?" He asked with a little laugh. He hoped it wasn't that obvious.

What? Why'd he widen his eyes? Did she... scare him? Uhm, she didn't do anything scary. Or maybe the guy thought she did something scary. Kat looked at her back. Nope, nothing scary there. Then she looked back at the guy in front of her. Okay, you can stop staring now. Oh, and Kat noted the accent. "You're French?" she asked. She had friends in Beauxbatons who had that accent, but the guy shouldn't worry cos she could understand him. Plus his accent was way better than Professor Christiansen's. Who is, uhm, gone.

Oh, see? He actually wasn't that... quiet and lost. Kat smiled back at him. "You look better when you smile, keep it that way," she complimented. Nope, she wasn't flirting. Someone should smile right? And it looked weird if you just kept a straight face... all the time. "Well, I could always tell if someone's new. You looked lonely." she said. Looked cos that was past and now he was smiling. Yay? Besides, lonely was... bad. "I'm Katrina, by the way. Katrina Hudson... Slytherin Fifth Year." And you are?

Well. She'd guessed that he was french. Cle decided that wasn't to be that hard really. He did have a rather obvious french accent. "Yes I am..." He nodded, with a grin present on his lips. This wasn't so bad. Talking to people. And this girl looked his age, so it wasn't that hard really. He figured talking to a first year or something would be a little strange. They would be all hyperactive and stuff. Not that cool. He decided to try to stick to people his own age. Then at least they wouldn't make him sticky or something. With all of their sweets.

The girl was complimenting his smile. "Oh...Maybe I will..." Cle mused, laughing a little. If she liked it, then maybe he should smile more. It did make him look better to be honest. It must do. He had looked lonely? Oh wow. Maybe it had been really obviously. "I was a bit..." He mused with a shrug." It had not be fun. But he had a friend now, or would have a friend. So that was good. "It's nice to meet you Katrina." He nodded, now smiling. "I'm Clement Belrose... no house yet."

Ah well, he is French. One thing nice to know. But Kat made connections... She wasn't that dumb of a Slytherin. 'Scuse me. "So if you're French, you must be from France... Did you go to Beauxbatons?" That's like the only French school Kat knew. But if there's more then that'd be great information to add. It would be useful, maybe. Oh and another grin? Nice to see your smile, dude. Plus, it was worse enough to be alone AND not making friends with that straight face.

Now that Kat had the boy talking AND smiling (it was a big step), Kat beamed at him. And... Oh, maybe it was weird to be so forward and say he looked lonely. She's gonna have to watch her mouth. Eep. "Not anymore lonely now, right? Kat said, smirking. Cos she knew she was the reason why he wasn't lonely anymore. She was being conceited but whatever. Clement? "Nice to meet you too, Clement," she said. "You've got a nice name." For a boy. So, uhm...they can't stay in here forever right? "Do you want to get a compartment?" she asked. Kat could sit with him, if he wanted. Being alone in a compartment was... lonely. Again. Clement didn't seem to be the guy who should be lonely.

And there was the connection of Beauxbatons. Everyone always assumed that French people went to that school. Most of them were right, but it didn't really bother Cle that much. He had liked that school. "I did." He nodded that smile still present on his lips. He had sort of wanted a change though, which was why he had decided to join the exchange program. It was going to be fun. He was excited to come to Hogwarts. It was such a cool school, he'd read a lot about it over the holidays. He just hoped that it wouldn't get too cold. Clement really did not like the cold at all.

Not lonely anymore? Cle smirked at her. "Who could be lonely with you around?" He mused with a little shrug of his shoulders. He'd only been talking to her for a few minutes, but he already though that she was pretty awesome. "But yes. I'm not lonely anymore." Which was good. The train journey looked pretty promising right now. "I do? It's french...obviously..." Considering that he was French. It would make sense really. Oh a compartment. "That would be great..." He mused with a nod. "I thought I would have to go in one on my own before...."

Good. He came from Beauxbatons. It just proves that Kat wasn't that dumb after all. She had a brain... but not like the ones that aren't properly used. Kat nodded at the dude. Clement, if she wasn't mistaken. He still had the title of Quiet Boy... until he's proven it wrong that he could talk and socialize. Kat wouldn't blame him, though, cos he's a new boy. And uhm... being like that was normal, I guess...?

Uhm, what? Testing your luck, boy? Dylan had done that already but nah. Instead of mentally judging him, Kat giggled a bit. That was odd. She didn't always tolerate boys taking a chance on her, but this one... well it was weird, the effect he had on her. He was funny. I don't know. Oh, and Clement was a French name? "Interesting," she said cos she didn't know that prior than now. And he accepted her invitation. Kat smiled a bit more at him. "Nah, guys like you don't deserve to be alone," she said. He was nice and friendly... and maybe besides having Kat, he could make friends. "Where do you wanna sit? There's the Front Cars over there," she nodded north. "Or here at the Middle Cars," she glanced at him, checking to see if he was still moving and not frozen. Heh. "Or back there at the Back Cars." Or if he preferred to stand in here forever, Kat wouldn't mind. "Take your pick, Cle." That was his nickname right?

Ugggh.

It was taking her forever to find the cat.

As she kept looking around, hoping that she would finally spot the black cat, Gwendolyn heard someone call her name. The sixth year turned around, only to see Jory standing a few feet away. ‘Hi’, she said with a grin on her face and hugged her friend. ‘It’s good to see you’, she added before drawing her attention back to the floor, in order to look for the cat.

‘Umm... I can’t find Jinx’, she told the Hufflepuff, but decided it was best not to bore him with the whole thing she had told Kurumi last year. She didn’t really lose Jinx, the cat wanted to go for a walk. Ehm. ‘You haven’t seen him, have you?’, she asked, still looking around, without noticing that Jinx made his way to the place where Jory was standing, and started playing with his shoelaces.