A look of confusion crosses my face at Bridget's words when she sees me. [i]"Er, Alex? Did you plan on changing clothes for...15 days? You don't have anything to take with you!"[/i] I frown, folding my arms over my chest. [b]"Hmm. I hadn't realized we weren't coming back here today; my misunderstanding. Allow me to um. Pack more reasonably for a two week venture,"[/b] I say sheepishly. Back in the dorm, I open my bag and proceed to pack extra clothing; both robes and muggle clothes consisting of jeans and hoodies. I also packed with me school books for each of my classes, in case I decided I wanted to study ahead. And some owl treats as well, because surely Gaia would find me later on.

I return back down, my bag considerably heavier than it had been the first time; but still tied to my waist, looking little more than a knapsack. We then headed to breakfast, grabbing a quick bite to eat. As we head to the carriages I turn to face the school one last time before departing. It feels like I'm leaving home, to be honest. Hogwarts is my only home now. [b]"Farewell,"[/b] I mutter under my breath. I then turn to see the carriages. And the thestrals that pull them. I watch Bridget pat one, and I smile. Most would recoil in fear, if they knew just what it was that pulled us to and from the Hogwarts Express. But not her. I, too, give a Thestral a little pat as I board the carriage, taking a seat right next to Bridget.

The carriage ride was about as uneventful as the train ride. I spend about as much time talking to Bridget as I do sleeping, and I briefly wonder if my tendency to fall asleep during transport like this is annoying for her--but I don't ask her. Before too long, we are back in London, at Platform 9 and 3/4. I hop off the train, suddenly as energetic as ever.

[b]"WELL, am I glad to be off that train,"[/b] I exclaim, with a smile. [b]"Now, while we [i]could[/i] walk, I have a better idea,"[/b] I say, nearly pulling Bridget along behind me. I find the nearest curb and I hold my wand in my right hand, extending it in front of me. It doesn't take long for a bus to seemingly appear out of nowhere. [b]"The knight bus,"[/b] I say. [b]"I don't know if you've had reason to ever use it but...I'd make sure to hang on if I were you, because it can get little...bumpy."[/b] With a wry grin, I hop up onto the bus, give the driver a nod, and flop down in the nearest seat. [b]"Oi, driver, the Leaky Cauldron please. And make it snappy if you would? We've got business, mate."[/b]