If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above.
You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed.
To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.
If you suffer from FOMO or just want to be in the involved with everything, then the middle passenger cars of the train are for you. Just like the other cars, a long corridor provides access to the many compartments, each labelled with a letter, available for you and your friends to hunker down in until the train has come to a complete stop. Cushioned seats and large windows, allowing perfect views of the British scenery on your journey, await.
Well, what are you waiting for? Slide open a compartment door and make yourself at home. Place any of your belongings not in the luggage car on the racks above you. Chat with your friends about what your summer plans, enjoy munching on the snacks you bought from the trolley lady, get ahead of the game by exchanging addresses, or take a long nap as the train travels over numerous hills and mountainsides. Whatever you do, exhibit your best behaviour -- the prefects will be regularly patrolling the corridors and poking their heads inside your compartment to make sure you are doing so.
Rhibear ~ Madam Solo ~ Dark Brooding Girl ~ Accio Jedi ~ Gryffinclaw ~ Just a doll
Heath sat staring longingly out the window until Hogsmeade Station had fully disappeared from view. For so long, he dreamed of going home, but now he didn't want to leave. It felt like he was leaving half of his heart behind! What most people didn't know about him was that he didn't really like being alone; he just accepted it as a necessary evil to avoid getting hurt. But now that he knew how it felt to not have to be alone all the time, he didn't think he could go back to it!
How was he supposed to go from seeing someone every day to not at all for two months? It was bound to be a long, lonely summer, especially with no acting camp or family trip to distract him! He could only recall feeling this lonely one other time in his life, but this time she wouldn't be there to make it better. He sighed sadly, hugging Rey to his chest. "What am I going to do, Rey?" he whispered.
He knew she was only a cat. She wouldn't give him the answer he needed, but she would absorb all the emotions and insecurities he hid from the rest of the world without judgement. The tiny gray bobtail cat purred in reply, nuzzling against his hand as if to say everything would be okay.
__________________
Old voices I had thought long since dead whisper of another life I might have led If I could take that second chance, If I could make my life anew, If only dreams came true...
~ Mrs. Steve Harrington ~ It be like that sometimes.
SPOILER!!: Heath <3
Quote:
Originally Posted by MadMadamMalfoy
Heath sat staring longingly out the window until Hogsmeade Station had fully disappeared from view. For so long, he dreamed of going home, but now he didn't want to leave. It felt like he was leaving half of his heart behind! What most people didn't know about him was that he didn't really like being alone; he just accepted it as a necessary evil to avoid getting hurt. But now that he knew how it felt to not have to be alone all the time, he didn't think he could go back to it!
How was he supposed to go from seeing someone every day to not at all for two months? It was bound to be a long, lonely summer, especially with no acting camp or family trip to distract him! He could only recall feeling this lonely one other time in his life, but this time she wouldn't be there to make it better. He sighed sadly, hugging Rey to his chest. "What am I going to do, Rey?" he whispered.
He knew she was only a cat. She wouldn't give him the answer he needed, but she would absorb all the emotions and insecurities he hid from the rest of the world without judgement. The tiny gray bobtail cat purred in reply, nuzzling against his hand as if to say everything would be okay.
Summer.
This was it.
The {hopefully} peaceful time that Claudine needed after so many months of excitement. She was on her way to the back cars {where she usually found a compartment} but at that moment was passing through the middle cars. Samm the rat was snoozing in her pocket. There were a few pencils in her other pocket but her sketchpad was held against her chest in a sort of embrace by both arms. Claudine had no intention of stopping along the way to the back of the train. She wasn’t even looking for anyone when she happened to spot Heath among compartments of familiar faces.
Should she disturb him?
He seemed preoccupied with the cute kitty. Claudine hovered outside the compartment trying to make up her mind.
Rhibear ~ Madam Solo ~ Dark Brooding Girl ~ Accio Jedi ~ Gryffinclaw ~ Just a doll
SPOILER!!: Claudine <3
Quote:
Originally Posted by FearlessLeader19
Summer.
This was it.
The {hopefully} peaceful time that Claudine needed after so many months of excitement. She was on her way to the back cars {where she usually found a compartment} but at that moment was passing through the middle cars. Samm the rat was snoozing in her pocket. There were a few pencils in her other pocket but her sketchpad was held against her chest in a sort of embrace by both arms. Claudine had no intention of stopping along the way to the back of the train. She wasn’t even looking for anyone when she happened to spot Heath among compartments of familiar faces.
Should she disturb him?
He seemed preoccupied with the cute kitty. Claudine hovered outside the compartment trying to make up her mind.
Heath was so lost in thought that he didn’t even notice that Rey had stopped purring until she jumped out of his arms, meeping and pawing at the compartment door. What in the galaxy had gotten into her?! He blinked confusedly, getting up to follow Rey to the door. “What’s out there, Rey?”Whatever it is, please don’t be a monster! He thought, his hand instinctively hovering over his wand ready to grab it at a moment’s notice. He’d had enough danger for one term!
He opened the door a fraction of an inch, just wide enough to see that there was no monster on the other side. You silly cat! It’s only Claudine, he thought as he picked up the little gray cat. Despite Rey wriggling to break free, he managed to open the door wider. “Hi,” he greeted, smiling. “Sorry about her! She’s usually so good with -” His voice trailed off, and his expression changed at the sight of the creature sleeping in her pocket. “You have a rat?”
The words came from surprise more than anything else; it was obvious she had a rat! Well, that explained why Rey was acting so strangely! His hold on the cat tightened as he stepped back from the door, trying to put as much space as possible between Rey and Claudine.
__________________
Old voices I had thought long since dead whisper of another life I might have led If I could take that second chance, If I could make my life anew, If only dreams came true...
Last edited by MadMadamMalfoy; 08-08-2020 at 07:39 AM.
~ Mrs. Steve Harrington ~ It be like that sometimes.
SPOILER!!: Heath & Rey <3
Quote:
Originally Posted by MadMadamMalfoy
Heath was so lost in thought that he didn’t even notice that Rey had stopped purring until she jumped out of his arms, meeping and pawing at the compartment door. What in the galaxy had gotten into her?! He blinked confusedly, getting up to follow Rey to the door. “What’s out there, Rey?”Whatever it is, please don’t be a monster! He thought, his hand instinctively hovering over his wand ready to grab it at a moment’s notice. He’d had enough danger for one term!
He opened the door a fraction of an inch, just wide enough to see that there was no monster on the other side. You silly cat! It’s only Claudine, he thought as he picked up the little gray cat. Despite Rey wriggling to break free, he managed to open the door wider. “Hi,” he greeted, smiling. “Sorry about her! She’s usually so good with -” His voice trailed off, and his expression changed at the sight of the creature sleeping in her pocket. “You have a rat?”
The words came from surprise more than anything else; it was obvious she had a rat! Well, that explained why Rey was acting so strangely! His hold on the cat tightened as he stepped back from the door, trying to put as much space as possible between Rey and Claudine.
What was that scratchy noise? For a moment, Claudine was confused by the familiar noise coming from inside the compartment. A second later, she realised that it was Heath’s cat scratching at the door. No wonder the sound was familiar; there had been countless times when the kneazles’ of Hogwarts scratched at objects. The door cracked open and Claudine found herself blinking at Heath. “Hey.’’ She lowered her hands and reached the free one instinctively to her pocket that held the sleeping Samm. “Yes, he’s asleep.’’ But at that moment, she felt him quivering. “Oh, no. He’s awake and I think he senses your cat.”
As a matter of fact, Claudine was sure of it for Samm was quivering even more. Though Heath moved away from her, she too stepped backwards a few times. “It’s not a good idea for me to be here now…’’ The last thing she needed was for Samm to escape, running scared along the train. Just hunting for him would be so time consuming.
Rhibear ~ Madam Solo ~ Dark Brooding Girl ~ Accio Jedi ~ Gryffinclaw ~ Just a doll
SPOILER!!: Claudine & Samm <3
Quote:
Originally Posted by FearlessLeader19
What was that scratchy noise? For a moment, Claudine was confused by the familiar noise coming from inside the compartment. A second later, she realised that it was Heath’s cat scratching at the door. No wonder the sound was familiar; there had been countless times when the kneazles’ of Hogwarts scratched at objects. The door cracked open and Claudine found herself blinking at Heath. “Hey.’’ She lowered her hands and reached the free one instinctively to her pocket that held the sleeping Samm. “Yes, he’s asleep.’’ But at that moment, she felt him quivering. “Oh, no. He’s awake and I think he senses your cat.”
As a matter of fact, Claudine was sure of it for Samm was quivering even more. Though Heath moved away from her, she too stepped backwards a few times. “It’s not a good idea for me to be here now…’’ The last thing she needed was for Samm to escape, running scared along the train. Just hunting for him would be so time consuming.
Heath’s eyes darted between the now quivering rat in Claudine's pocket and the cat wriggling in his arms. Any other time, he would've said hello to the little creature, but now he was a bit distracted by Rey's claws digging into him. He winced but did not let go, knowing he was the only thing stopping his scavenger cat from making a quarter portion out of the rat. Poor rat, he thought. It's no fun when someone bigger picks on you, is it?
Something about this gave him a strange sense of deja vu, but it took him a moment to remember why. This reminded him of that COMC lesson last term when he got clawed protecting Rey from the wampus kittens. Now he summoned that same instinct that protected Rey to protect the rat from her. "Rey, you don't want to hurt Claudine's pet," he said in a calm, commanding voice. "He's a friend, not food." Rey's big blue eyes blinked up at him, but he knew the calm wouldn't last long. He was no Jedi, and Rey was too smart to fall for any mind tricks.
Heath was so focused on keeping Rey away from the rat that he almost didn't hear Claudine say she shouldn't be here. His face fell. "Don't go," he blurted out before he could stop himself. Realizing too late just how pathetic he sounded, he corrected himself, "I mean, you don't have to go. I'll put Rey back in her carrier." The only problem with that idea was he couldn't keep his hold on the cat while closing the compartment door. "Would you close the door, please?" He'd do it himself but… cat.
__________________
Old voices I had thought long since dead whisper of another life I might have led If I could take that second chance, If I could make my life anew, If only dreams came true...
~ Mrs. Steve Harrington ~ It be like that sometimes.
SPOILER!!: Heath & Rey! <3
Quote:
Originally Posted by MadMadamMalfoy
Heath’s eyes darted between the now quivering rat in Claudine's pocket and the cat wriggling in his arms. Any other time, he would've said hello to the little creature, but now he was a bit distracted by Rey's claws digging into him. He winced but did not let go, knowing he was the only thing stopping his scavenger cat from making a quarter portion out of the rat. Poor rat, he thought. It's no fun when someone bigger picks on you, is it?
Something about this gave him a strange sense of deja vu, but it took him a moment to remember why. This reminded him of that COMC lesson last term when he got clawed protecting Rey from the wampus kittens. Now he summoned that same instinct that protected Rey to protect the rat from her. "Rey, you don't want to hurt Claudine's pet," he said in a calm, commanding voice. "He's a friend, not food." Rey's big blue eyes blinked up at him, but he knew the calm wouldn't last long. He was no Jedi, and Rey was too smart to fall for any mind tricks.
Heath was so focused on keeping Rey away from the rat that he almost didn't hear Claudine say she shouldn't be here. His face fell. "Don't go," he blurted out before he could stop himself. Realizing too late just how pathetic he sounded, he corrected himself, "I mean, you don't have to go. I'll put Rey back in her carrier." The only problem with that idea was he couldn't keep his hold on the cat while closing the compartment door. "Would you close the door, please?" He'd do it himself but… cat.
Like Heath, Claudine was super worried about the cat pouncing. In her mind, she kept hearing ‘any second now’ and it soon became a mantra. This caused her to take a few more steps backwards. Maybe if she moved slowly, the cat wouldn’t attack. The girl was sure she wasn’t imagining it but the small lump in her pocket that was Samm was now quivering even more. Oh no. That was not a good sign. The poor rat must be up to his tiny ears in anxiety. Her free hand found its way into the pocket to touch the warm form. She attempted to soothe the rat by rubbing his furry head. Even as this was done, she could hear Heath whispering to the cat. The feline seemed to be listening to him too but would that last long?
Yes, it was best that she go.
Claudine had almost turned on her heels when Heath’s surprising outburst stopped her. And what was that facial expression all about? It was possible that she had imagined it all. “You have her carrier here or do you need to go to the luggage compartment to get it?’’ The Snakette was relieved for the solution because she realised just then that she wouldn’t mind spending the duration of the trip in Heath’s company. The realisation definitely took her by surprise. “Um…? Door? Yes, I’ve got it covered.’’ Flustered by what she had just figured out, Claudine crossed the space that she had but between herself and Heath to close the door. Her hand returned to her pocket to comfort Samm. “Sorry for inconveniencing you, Heath.’’
Rhibear ~ Madam Solo ~ Dark Brooding Girl ~ Accio Jedi ~ Gryffinclaw ~ Just a doll
SPOILER!!: Claudine & Samm <3
Quote:
Originally Posted by FearlessLeader19
Like Heath, Claudine was super worried about the cat pouncing. In her mind, she kept hearing ‘any second now’ and it soon became a mantra. This caused her to take a few more steps backwards. Maybe if she moved slowly, the cat wouldn’t attack. The girl was sure she wasn’t imagining it but the small lump in her pocket that was Samm was now quivering even more. Oh no. That was not a good sign. The poor rat must be up to his tiny ears in anxiety. Her free hand found its way into the pocket to touch the warm form. She attempted to soothe the rat by rubbing his furry head. Even as this was done, she could hear Heath whispering to the cat. The feline seemed to be listening to him too but would that last long?
Yes, it was best that she go.
Claudine had almost turned on her heels when Heath’s surprising outburst stopped her. And what was that facial expression all about? It was possible that she had imagined it all. “You have her carrier here or do you need to go to the luggage compartment to get it?’’ The Snakette was relieved for the solution because she realised just then that she wouldn’t mind spending the duration of the trip in Heath’s company. The realisation definitely took her by surprise. “Um…? Door? Yes, I’ve got it covered.’’ Flustered by what she had just figured out, Claudine crossed the space that she had but between herself and Heath to close the door. Her hand returned to her pocket to comfort Samm. “Sorry for inconveniencing you, Heath.’’
Heath fully expected Claudine to leave then, and he couldn't blame her a bit. He would've done the same thing if it was her pet wanting to attack Rey, but that was little consolation to him now. He tried to mentally prepare for the sadness he knew he'd feel when she was gone… but she wasn't gone. His mood instantly brightened. "It's right here," he replied to Claudine's question, jerking his head toward the inside of the compartment. He wasn't stupid enough to leave Rey's carrier in the luggage car for this very reason! She was usually a sweet cat, but she played too roughly sometimes.
Then Claudine said that, and Heath blinked confusedly. "You didn't," he assured her. If anyone had inconvenienced him, it was Rey! No sooner had the door closed that Rey slipped out of Heath's arms, spilling his bag as she jumped from one seat to the next in an effort to avoid being caught. The sounds of bumping and meowing could be heard from the other side of the door as he attempted to catch the little gray cat. He reached out to grab her… almost there, and… got her! He latched the carrier door just in time to stop Rey from darting out.
When he reopened the compartment door, his arms were covered in scratches. Behind him, Rey was yowling and pawing from her carrier. Books, cat toys, (thankfully unopened) candy wrappers, and various other items from his bag littered the floor of the compartment, but he still smiled warmly at Claudine. "Sorry about that," he said. "She didn't scare your rat too badly, did she?" He eyed the poor creature with concern. "It's okay, boy. Rey can't hurt you now," he whispered to the rat. Claudine did say it was a boy, right? He thought he heard her call it a him, but he couldn't be sure in all this chaos!
__________________
Old voices I had thought long since dead whisper of another life I might have led If I could take that second chance, If I could make my life anew, If only dreams came true...
~ Mrs. Steve Harrington ~ It be like that sometimes.
SPOILER!!: Heath and Rey! <3
Quote:
Originally Posted by MadMadamMalfoy
Heath fully expected Claudine to leave then, and he couldn't blame her a bit. He would've done the same thing if it was her pet wanting to attack Rey, but that was little consolation to him now. He tried to mentally prepare for the sadness he knew he'd feel when she was gone… but she wasn't gone. His mood instantly brightened. "It's right here," he replied to Claudine's question, jerking his head toward the inside of the compartment. He wasn't stupid enough to leave Rey's carrier in the luggage car for this very reason! She was usually a sweet cat, but she played too roughly sometimes.
Then Claudine said that, and Heath blinked confusedly. "You didn't," he assured her. If anyone had inconvenienced him, it was Rey! No sooner had the door closed that Rey slipped out of Heath's arms, spilling his bag as she jumped from one seat to the next in an effort to avoid being caught. The sounds of bumping and meowing could be heard from the other side of the door as he attempted to catch the little gray cat. He reached out to grab her… almost there, and… got her! He latched the carrier door just in time to stop Rey from darting out.
When he reopened the compartment door, his arms were covered in scratches. Behind him, Rey was yowling and pawing from her carrier. Books, cat toys, (thankfully unopened) candy wrappers, and various other items from his bag littered the floor of the compartment, but he still smiled warmly at Claudine. "Sorry about that," he said. "She didn't scare your rat too badly, did she?" He eyed the poor creature with concern. "It's okay, boy. Rey can't hurt you now," he whispered to the rat. Claudine did say it was a boy, right? He thought he heard her call it a him, but he couldn't be sure in all this chaos!
Heath having the carrier right there with him made things easier. Of course, any good cat or kneazle owner should have their carriers ready for a situation like these. Claudine’s hand was still protectively resting on Samm’s warm and furry form. The rat was still quivering but so far, he was managing to hold himself together and not attempting to scramble off into hiding. Though, this may not necessarily be a good thing now that she thought of it: Samm may be too terrified to move. Heath’s words didn’t reassure her, however. The way she saw it was that if she hadn’t stopped at his compartment, he’d be having a peaceful moment with the cat…
...not wasting time trying to catch the elusive little creature. Claudine watched on in concern as Heath attempted to capture the kitty. Had Samm not been with her, the girl would have helped. Then again, had Samm not been with her, they wouldn’t be in this situation. The bumps and meows only made her more concern as there was no way Heath was coming out of that compartment unscathed.
So right she was.
The cat was still in a state despite being in the carrier and so Claudine thought it might be a good idea for her to stay outside for a little while longer. “I think she did,’’ the third year stated honestly. “But as long as I maintain some distance from your cat, Samm will be fine. When he calms down completely, I'll introduce you two.’’ She could already feel the quivering easing. “Your arms,’’ she added guiltily and with a wince. “Are the scratches deep?”
Rhibear ~ Madam Solo ~ Dark Brooding Girl ~ Accio Jedi ~ Gryffinclaw ~ Just a doll
SPOILER!!: Claudine & Samm <3
Quote:
Originally Posted by FearlessLeader19
Heath having the carrier right there with him made things easier. Of course, any good cat or kneazle owner should have their carriers ready for a situation like these. Claudine’s hand was still protectively resting on Samm’s warm and furry form. The rat was still quivering but so far, he was managing to hold himself together and not attempting to scramble off into hiding. Though, this may not necessarily be a good thing now that she thought of it: Samm may be too terrified to move. Heath’s words didn’t reassure her, however. The way she saw it was that if she hadn’t stopped at his compartment, he’d be having a peaceful moment with the cat…
...not wasting time trying to catch the elusive little creature. Claudine watched on in concern as Heath attempted to capture the kitty. Had Samm not been with her, the girl would have helped. Then again, had Samm not been with her, they wouldn’t be in this situation. The bumps and meows only made her more concern as there was no way Heath was coming out of that compartment unscathed.
So right she was.
The cat was still in a state despite being in the carrier and so Claudine thought it might be a good idea for her to stay outside for a little while longer. “I think she did,’’ the third year stated honestly. “But as long as I maintain some distance from your cat, Samm will be fine. When he calms down completely, I'll introduce you two.’’ She could already feel the quivering easing. “Your arms,’’ she added guiltily and with a wince. “Are the scratches deep?”
Heath tried to block out the sound as Rey continued meowing her head off. After a few minutes, her yowling turned to plaintive meeping, then finally stopped entirely. Only when she was quiet did he offer her a treat, but she turned away. “I don’t see why you’re mad at me,” he said to the little gray cat. “You would’ve had to go back in the carrier before we left the train anyway.” He couldn’t have her running loose in Kings Cross Station! While Rey ignored him, he turned his attention back to Claudine. “She’s fine,” he assured her. “She just doesn’t like confined spaces.” Not that her carrier was that confining anyway; it was charmed to be bigger inside than it looked so it could hold Rey’s food, water, litterbox, and even a few toys here and there!
The smile on his face faded at Claudine’s words, replaced with a look of concern for the rat still quivering in her pocket. Thinking he might be able to help calm the poor creature, he didn’t wait to be officially introduced, “Hello, Samm,” he said in the quiet tone he reserved for talking to animals. There was no baby talk or gushing about how cute Samm was; he talked to the rat the same way he would to a human friend. “I’m Heath. It’s very nice to meet you.” The thought crossed his mind to encourage Samm to come out of hiding, but he decided against it. He knew how it felt to be forced outside his comfort zone, so he wouldn’t do it to anyone else, not even a rat!
Heath had completely forgotten about the scratches until Claudine mentioned them. He instinctively tried to pull his sleeves down to cover them, but it was no use. They were too short to reach. Besides, there was no point in hiding since Claudine had obviously already seen! That wince and the guilt in her voice hurt him more than his injuries ever could, but she could never know why! “Don’t worry about me,” he said with the same pleading tone and slight tinge of sadness in his eyes as when he begged her not to leave. “My mum’s a healer. I’m sure she’ll be able to patch me up when I get home.” He smiled, hoping that would make Claudine smile too, but just in case it didn’t…
He looked around the compartment for something to cheer Claudine up, and it was only then that he saw the damage left behind from Rey’s escape. Jumping Jawas, what a mess! It looked like a tornado had ripped through the compartment. He quickly picked up the items that had fallen out of his bag, returning them to their proper place. Thank Merlin he hadn’t had time to open any of the sweets he bought from the trolley before this happened, or he would’ve had a much bigger mess to clean and nothing to share with Claudine! “Candy?” he offered, gesturing toward the practically bursting bag. “I think I have some of everything except chocolate frogs.” It was much more than he could ever possibly eat in one train ride, but it had been months since he had any sweets and he got a bit carried away!
__________________
Old voices I had thought long since dead whisper of another life I might have led If I could take that second chance, If I could make my life anew, If only dreams came true...
~ Mrs. Steve Harrington ~ It be like that sometimes.
SPOILER!!: Heath & Rey! <3
Quote:
Originally Posted by MadMadamMalfoy
Heath tried to block out the sound as Rey continued meowing her head off. After a few minutes, her yowling turned to plaintive meeping, then finally stopped entirely. Only when she was quiet did he offer her a treat, but she turned away. “I don’t see why you’re mad at me,” he said to the little gray cat. “You would’ve had to go back in the carrier before we left the train anyway.” He couldn’t have her running loose in Kings Cross Station! While Rey ignored him, he turned his attention back to Claudine. “She’s fine,” he assured her. “She just doesn’t like confined spaces.” Not that her carrier was that confining anyway; it was charmed to be bigger inside than it looked so it could hold Rey’s food, water, litterbox, and even a few toys here and there!
The smile on his face faded at Claudine’s words, replaced with a look of concern for the rat still quivering in her pocket. Thinking he might be able to help calm the poor creature, he didn’t wait to be officially introduced, “Hello, Samm,” he said in the quiet tone he reserved for talking to animals. There was no baby talk or gushing about how cute Samm was; he talked to the rat the same way he would to a human friend. “I’m Heath. It’s very nice to meet you.” The thought crossed his mind to encourage Samm to come out of hiding, but he decided against it. He knew how it felt to be forced outside his comfort zone, so he wouldn’t do it to anyone else, not even a rat!
Heath had completely forgotten about the scratches until Claudine mentioned them. He instinctively tried to pull his sleeves down to cover them, but it was no use. They were too short to reach. Besides, there was no point in hiding since Claudine had obviously already seen! That wince and the guilt in her voice hurt him more than his injuries ever could, but she could never know why! “Don’t worry about me,” he said with the same pleading tone and slight tinge of sadness in his eyes as when he begged her not to leave. “My mum’s a healer. I’m sure she’ll be able to patch me up when I get home.” He smiled, hoping that would make Claudine smile too, but just in case it didn’t…
He looked around the compartment for something to cheer Claudine up, and it was only then that he saw the damage left behind from Rey’s escape. Jumping Jawas, what a mess! It looked like a tornado had ripped through the compartment. He quickly picked up the items that had fallen out of his bag, returning them to their proper place. Thank Merlin he hadn’t had time to open any of the sweets he bought from the trolley before this happened, or he would’ve had a much bigger mess to clean and nothing to share with Claudine! “Candy?” he offered, gesturing toward the practically bursting bag. “I think I have some of everything except chocolate frogs.” It was much more than he could ever possibly eat in one train ride, but it had been months since he had any sweets and he got a bit carried away!
The cat eventually got quiet but Claudine observed that she seemed to be annoyed with Heath. Yet another wave of guilt washed over her. Had she not been present, Heath wouldn’t have been scratched nor would his furbaby be mad at him. Not wanting to argue about the boy’s reassurance, she simply nodded. Needless to say this still did not lessen the guilt. There wasn’t much more of a chance to think about that, however, for a surprised Claudine watched as Heath spoke softly to Samm. She was even more surprised when she realised that Samm had stopped quivering shortly after Heath first spoke. This prompted Cladine to gently lift the rat out of her pocket and cradle him to her chest with her free arm. Samm’s beady eyes were fixed on Heath and after a while, he gave a timid squeak, possibly of greeting.
“I already saw them,’’ Claudine said, referring to the scratches that Heath had tried and failed miserably to hide. ’’Don’t worry about me’’? Was he out of his mind? Of course she would worry because this was all her fault. What if the scratches somehow got infected? She bit her lower lip, tasting the strawberry lip gloss that had been applied. She wasn’t about to start an argument with Heath but the mention of his mother being a Healer did reassure her. “You’ll let her look at your arms at the first instance you see her, promise?’’ Secretly, she wished there was something she could do to help him as he had helped her when she had been down with the cold.
The girl set Samm on a seat furthest away from the cat’s carrier as possible as Heath cleaned up the mess in the compartment. Much to her relief, Samm seemed to be content with the seat and he curled up and seemed to be waiting to drift off to sleep. “Are you trying to distract me from those scratches?’’ she questioned, the edges of her lips turning up. But there was no refusal of the offer and Claudine selected a Cauldron cake after depositing her sketchpad on the seat beside Samm. “Merlin, Heath. Do you intend on eating all of that now? Or did you get them for the summer too?’’ Because that was quite a stash of candy...
.jpg)
Middle Cars 
x12 
x12
