"Do you have everything? Olly has been fed, you got your robes, wand is in your pocket safely?"

"Mom, you're making this sound like I'm a first year!"

"Well you're acting like it! Look, your tie is all messed up!"

"Mom!"

Raymond chase struggled to get his mom off him as she fixed the scarlet and gold tie, his father, Gregory Chase simply laughed at the two. When Brittany Chase was finished, she admired her son. "You would have looked so much better in blue, darling..." She said jokingly. Raymond had black dress pants, and shoes with a white collared shirt, and scarlet and gold sweater. His sleeves were rolled up to his elbow, and his matching tie was under the sweater. His hair was a dark brown, styled in a messy, yet perfect fashion. His eyes were dark green, and shined with a sense of duty, yet a little mischievous. "I think he looks just like his old man did back in the day." Raymond's father said, patting him on the back. "Now come on, we don't want you to be late!"

Raymond pushed a cart with trunks, a case holding his broomstick, and a cage for his barn owl, Olly. They quickly pushed through the crowd, and arrived at a wall just in between Stations 9 and 10. Giving his parents a glance, he started to run towards the wall, them just behind him. It was always a scary, intense moment, because it always felt like you were going to crash and be the laughing stock of King's Cross Station. Luckily that never happens.

He entered a completely different world. Students all wearing the same uniform as him were pushing carts of their own with owls, or toads, or cats on top of their own. He saw familiar faces, giving them a smile and wave as they saw him. He had friends in all the houses, Some would argue that he's one of the most popular in his year. Respectable, humble, and very loyal. That was something the Chase's always had.

"Now i want you to work harder in potions... i know it isnt easy, i had the same trouble... but if you stop and just think about the instructions, you should be set." Raymond's father said to him with a smile. He gave a nod. "Thanks dad... I'm gonna miss you guys." He said giving both of them a hug. His mother was on the verge of tears, like every year. "Ah mom, don't cry... I'll be back before you know it, hopefully not in a cast." That joke got him a slap on the arm. Both he and his dad laughed.

He and his family said their goodbyes, and Raymond made his way with his items to the storage cart of the giant black train, eager to start a new year and to see old familiar faces, especially his girlfriend, Samantha.

"Do you have everything? Olly has been fed, you got your robes, wand is in your pocket safely?"

"Mom, you're making this sound like I'm a first year!"

"Well you're acting like it! Look, your tie is all messed up!"

"Mom!"

Raymond chase struggled to get his mom off him as she fixed the scarlet and gold tie, his father, Gregory Chase simply laughed at the two. When Brittany Chase was finished, she admired her son. "You would have looked so much better in blue, darling..." She said jokingly. Raymond had black dress pants, and shoes with a white collared shirt, and scarlet and gold sweater. His sleeves were rolled up to his elbow, and his matching tie was under the sweater. His hair was a dark brown, styled in a messy, yet perfect fashion. His eyes were dark green, and shined with a sense of duty, yet a little mischievous. "I think he looks just like his old man did back in the day." Raymond's father said, patting him on the back. "Now come on, we don't want you to be late!"

Raymond pushed a cart with trunks, a case holding his broomstick, and a cage for his barn owl, Olly. They quickly pushed through the crowd, and arrived at a wall just in between Stations 9 and 10. Giving his parents a glance, he started to run towards the wall, them just behind him. It was always a scary, intense moment, because it always felt like you were going to crash and be the laughing stock of King's Cross Station. Luckily that never happens.

He entered a completely different world. Students all wearing the same uniform as him were pushing carts of their own with owls, or toads, or cats on top of their own. He saw familiar faces, giving them a smile and wave as they saw him. He had friends in all the houses, Some would argue that he's one of the most popular in his year. Respectable, humble, and very loyal. That was something the Chase's always had.

"Now i want you to work harder in potions... i know it isnt easy, i had the same trouble... but if you stop and just think about the instructions, you should be set." Raymond's father said to him with a smile. He gave a nod. "Thanks dad... I'm gonna miss you guys." He said giving both of them a hug. His mother was on the verge of tears, like every year. "Ah mom, don't cry... I'll be back before you know it, hopefully not in a cast." That joke got him a slap on the arm. Both he and his dad laughed.

He and his family said their goodbyes, and Raymond made his way with his items to the storage cart of the giant black train, eager to start a new year and to see old familiar faces, especially his girlfriend, Samantha.

The station was crowded with families and students. Willow gripped her bags tightly, getting anxious at the large amounts of people.
“Don’t slouch, keep your chin up.” Her mother smiled, lifting her head up a little. Her dad smiled down at her proudly, leading the trio towards the train.
“Now, do you have everything you need? Your new books, cloaks, uniform? Did you remember to bring Shadow? How about your pajamas. Oh my goodness, do you have your toothbrush?!”
Her dad shook his head, “For God’s sake, stop nagging her! Save your questions for the interrogations of the bad guys!”
He gave Willow a wide smile, “Just go enjoy yourself. Just remember to study hard! Make us proud!”
After several kisses and hugs, her parents finally allowed her to board the train, waving from the platform.
Make us proud
The words echoed around Willow’s head. It’s been five years and nothing extraordinary has happened. She’s barely passed her classes, hasn’t made any friends, and doesn’t seem to be showing any special talent.
Her parents said that it’s fine, she’s just getting in the swing of things. But how long will it take before she gets comfortable?
Lost in her thoughts, she accidentally bumps into someone. She doesn’t dare look up, instead staring at the floor with wide eyes, “…sorry…”
She could feel harsh eyes on her as she quickly walks down the train, looking for an empty compartment to take refuge in.

The station was crowded with families and students. Willow gripped her bags tightly, getting anxious at the large amounts of people.
“Don’t slouch, keep your chin up.” Her mother smiled, lifting her head up a little. Her dad smiled down at her proudly, leading the trio towards the train.
“Now, do you have everything you need? Your new books, cloaks, uniform? Did you remember to bring Shadow? How about your pajamas. Oh my goodness, do you have your toothbrush?!”
Her dad shook his head, “For God’s sake, stop nagging her! Save your questions for the interrogations of the bad guys!”
He gave Willow a wide smile, “Just go enjoy yourself. Just remember to study hard! Make us proud!”
After several kisses and hugs, her parents finally allowed her to board the train, waving from the platform.
Make us proud
The words echoed around Willow’s head. It’s been five years and nothing extraordinary has happened. She’s barely passed her classes, hasn’t made any friends, and doesn’t seem to be showing any special talent.
Her parents said that it’s fine, she’s just getting in the swing of things. But how long will it take before she gets comfortable?
Lost in her thoughts, she accidentally bumps into someone. She doesn’t dare look up, instead staring at the floor with wide eyes, “…sorry…”
She could feel harsh eyes on her as she quickly walks down the train, looking for an empty compartment to take refuge in.

The station was crowded with families and students. Willow gripped her bags tightly, getting anxious at the large amounts of people.
“Don’t slouch, keep your chin up.” Her mother smiled, lifting her head up a little. Her dad smiled down at her proudly, leading the trio towards the train.
“Now, do you have everything you need? Your new books, cloaks, uniform? Did you remember to bring Shadow? How about your pajamas. Oh my goodness, do you have your toothbrush?!”
Her dad shook his head, “For God’s sake, stop nagging her! Save your questions for the interrogations of the bad guys!”
He gave Willow a wide smile, “Just go enjoy yourself. Just remember to study hard! Make us proud!”
After several kisses and hugs, her parents finally allowed her to board the train, waving from the platform.
Make us proud
The words echoed around Willow’s head. It’s been five years and nothing extraordinary has happened. She’s barely passed her classes, hasn’t made any friends, and doesn’t seem to be showing any special talent.
Her parents said that it’s fine, she’s just getting in the swing of things. But how long will it take before she gets comfortable?
Lost in her thoughts, she accidentally bumps into someone. She doesn’t dare look up, instead staring at the floor with wide eyes, “…sorry…”
She could feel harsh eyes on her as she quickly walks down the train, looking for an empty compartment to take refuge in.

Artemis walked slowly into the concrete wall, ignoring the stares of a few Muggleborn first years who were cautious about their entry. He had taken a portkey here, after a formal goodbye to his mother and father. Personal emotions weren't very important to him, and to be honest, Art wouldn't miss them much. His trunk shrunken and his eyes examining the familiar train with an emotion similar to fondness and relief, Artemis began his usual business.

---

10 minutes Later

---

"...Wingardium Leviosa..."

Sharp crimson orbs rested calmly on the large assortment of black feathers. In one small, almost unnoticeable flick of his wrist, Artemis allowed his magic - calm, controlled, and fearfully precise - to blast out of his wand in invisible tendrils. As soon as the spell was uttered in his sharp, British dialect, the feathers blasted swiftly, yet beautifully into the air, filling the compartment with a lovely cascade. Artemis flicked his wand in complicated patterns, and the feathers followed in a neat row, making letters and art by the direction of the wand's master. Once he was satisfied, Art allowed his wand to slide into it's compartment, located in the boy's Hogwarts sleeves, while the feathers continued to drift through the air, seemingly on their own accord.

"Wingardium Leviosa...progressing impressively..." He wrote in his notebook, opting to use an ink pen instead of an annoying, messy quill. Once he checked that particular spell off, Artemis sighed softly, resting his curly-haired head against the soft leather seats of his empty compartment room. It had only been 10 minutes since he had entered the Hogwart Express, and the Slytherin was looking forward to this particular school year. He had spent the last two years adding to his spell repetoire, and he was finally beginning to master them one by one. Practice makes perfect, after all.

"Diffindo..." In a flash, Art's wand was out once more, the black wood held tersely, yet securely in his pale hands. This was his favorite spell, after reading about it in the library back in his first year. With practiced ease, Artemis twirled his wand between his nimble fingers before doing a series of swift, yet subtle slashing motions through the air, all the while focusing his crimson orbs on the floating feathers.

"Heh..."

Precise, clean-cut pieces of black feather floated into a neat pile inside of the compartment's waste bin. Artemis allowed a smirk befitting of a Slytherin to form on his face before taking out his notes and scribbling neatly into it's word-filled pages.

(Oh God, it may be my internet, or the site messing up, but please ignore this post. There's no delete button as of yet. >.<)

(Snip...)

(Fml...)

"...Wingardium Leviosa..."

Sharp crimson orbs rested calmly on the large assortment of black feathers. In one small, almost unnoticeable flick of his wrist, Artemis allowed his magic - calm, controlled, and fearfully precise - to blast out of his wand in invisible tendrils. As soon as the spell was uttered in his sharp, British dialect, the feathers blasted swiftly, yet beautifully into the air, filling the compartment with a lovely cascade. Artemis flicked his wand in complicated patterns, and the feathers followed in a neat row, making letters and art by the direction of the wand's master. Once he was satisfied, Art allowed his wand to slide into it's compartment, located in the boy's Hogwarts sleeves, while the feathers continued to drift through the air, seemingly on their own accord.

"Wingardium Leviosa...progressing impressively..." He wrote in his notebook, opting to use an ink pen instead of an annoying, messy quill. Once he checked that particular spell off, Artemis sighed softly, resting his curly-haired head against the soft leather seats of his empty compartment room. It had only been an hour since he had entered the Hogwart Express, and the Slytherin was looking forward to this particular school year. He had spent the last two years adding to his spell repetoire, and he was finally beginning to master them one by one. Practice makes perfect, after all.

"Diffindo..." In a flash, Art's wand was out once more, the black wood held tersely, yet securely in his pale hands. This was his favorite spell, after reading about it in the library back in his first year. With practiced ease, Artemis twirled his wand between his nimble fingers before doing a series of swift, yet subtle slashing motions through the air, all the while focusing his crimson orbs on the floating feathers.

"Heh..."

Precise, clean-cut pieces of black feather floated into a neat pile inside of the compartment's waste bin. Artemis allowed a smirk befitting of a Slytherin to form on his face before taking out his notes and scribbling neatly into it's word-filled pages.

(Snip...)

Casimir sat alone in one of the rooms of the Hogwarts Express as he enjoyed the writings of a book of spells he had been studying during his time away from school. As his reputation would suggest, the book held a number of offensive spells and debilitating hexes and jinxes to be used during combat. A few pages more, and he closed the book to recline in his sest and look out the window to relax.
He had always boarded the train early after his first year of going to Hogwarts, doing so to easily find an empty place on the train to make his own before it filled up with more students.... and noise. The time alone gave Casimir time to think about his goals for the school year, to do a bit of reading, and basically focus himself as he prepared to emnark on another school year. Such was the instruction of his father, who had woken him up early in the day along with his mother. They had said their goodbyes and all, so Casimir felt no coldness or resentment towards them for being strict parents as some saw them.

"Wonder what we'll be doing this year?" He asked his Screech Owl, Jersey. Casimir stroked its hornlike feathers and smiled at his beloved pet.

Verlin ran through the barrier of platform 9 and ¾ths with her eyes closed, and a lump in her throat. She had ran through the barrier like all the other first years the previous year, but it still scared her. It scared her mainly because she feared that the wizarding world would reject her. I mean she had started Hogwarts a year later than everyone else, because her magic wasn't quit up to snuff. She had worked, hard studied hard and earned her place in this world. She took a deep breath enjoying the relief that the barrier hadn't rejected her. After all she knew it could happen she heard tale of it happening to Harry Potter himself.

Her deep breath was short lived though, because her mother was right behind her. Her mother looked around with child like awe. Her head was cocked to the side like an enthusiastic Labrador retriever, and before Verlin could stop her she was running up to a nervous looking kid popping a handful of Berty Bott Every Flavor beans into his mouth.

'He looks like a pill popper with his hands shaking like that.' Verlin thought with an evil smile that made her eyes glow predatorial. The predator image was completed by the yellow wolf eye contacts. She saw her mother and clicked her toungue on the roof of her mouth shaking her head. “Mooooom......” She said weakly in a voice of nearly whispered horror.

“Oh are those Bobby Bott Beans!?” Emily asked, and then added “You must tell me which flavors you got!!” She was grining broadly at the boy like a five year old excited by some new toy. The boy was looking down at his feet clearly looking for a way to escape this situation probably thinking the woman was raving mad.

Verlin gave one last well it can't be helped sigh, and went over to rescue the boy from her mothers clutches. “Mooooom how many times do I have to tell you...They are called Berty Bott Every Flavor Beans.....” She grabbed her mom by the shoulder as if the parental roles had been reversed, and guided her back to where she left her trunk, and cat Ester. Ester starred at the pair as if to say 'How dare you leave me for even five minutes.' Verlin mouthed I'm sorry at the cat, and her cat looked away as if still offended.

Her moms attention turned back to the task at hand which was seeing Verlin onto the Hogwarts Express. She looked at her daughter with emotional hazel eyes, and wrapped her in a suffocating hug. “Mom your embarassing me.....” Her mom gave an even tighter squeeze, and Verlin could have sworn she felt a wet spot on her neck, and her suspicions were soon revealed as truth when she heard the hiccuping sniffles coming from her mother.

“I wish you diiiiiddddnnnnn't have to go..” Emily said her sobs growing embarrassingly loud. “I geeeet just sooooo looooonely at home.” The lonely was said with an almost howling sort of wail. “I'm always scared for you especially since your da...... If anything were to happen to you I would be just soo....” Verlin rolled up the sleeve of her trench coat and awkwardly patted her mom on the back.

“Come on mom, I'll be all right your making a scene.....” She peered over her mom's shoulder to see who was watching, and glared down a fourth year boy, and flipped him the bird. The boy diverted his attention immediately. Emily gave her daughter one last bear hug, and looked up into her daughter's face. She furiously wiped her eyes.

“I'm sorry dear. I just worry about you. I have no idea what you get up to at school.” She looked her daughter up and down. “Especially since you wear such dark clothes.” Verlin could sense her mother preparing for a lecture “If you look so dreary all the time dear who knows what kind of people you could attract. Would it kill you to wear some other color other than red and black.” Verlin rolled her eyes, and gave a huff of irritation.

“Not as much as having this conversation for the millionth time is.....” Verlin muttered between gritted teeth. Her mom gave one last aggravated sigh, and straightened out Verlin's trench coat. There was a moment of silence between the two ladies, and Verlin's expression softened, and she said “I'll miss you too mom. I'll write once a week I promise.” In reality Verlin would do no such thing it would just goad her mother's helicopter parenting.

Emily swept her into one more bone crushing hug. “I love you kiddo.” She pulled away and said in her nagging motherly voice “Make a list if you forgot anything. Don't forget to give Ester treats, and for the love of god make some friends this year.”

“I love you too mom.” She gave her mom a peck on the cheek and added “I left some wizarding books out for you if you get bored because I know you like to read them.” She heard steam coming out of the Hogwarts Express, and looked down at her watch. “I better go. If I don't go now all the good seats will be taken.” Verlin turned away from her mom giving the one handed wave. She boarded the train and put her trunk in the overhead compartment, and took Ester out of her carrier and put her on the seat next to her. The cat did two circles, and kneaded her claws a couple times. She let out a this will do meow and laid down. Verlin took her seat stretching her buckle adorned boots out in front of her, and put her hands behind her head. She had that relaxed I'm a rebel and I know it posture. She concentrated and made it so the black wolf ears she favored would show up through the black and red spikes of her hair.

Verlin ran through the barrier of platform 9 and ¾ths with her eyes closed, and a lump in her throat. She had ran through the barrier like all the other first years the previous year, but it still scared her. It scared her mainly because she feared that the wizarding world would reject her. I mean she had started Hogwarts a year later than everyone else, because her magic wasn't quit up to snuff. She had worked, hard studied hard and earned her place in this world. She took a deep breath enjoying the relief that the barrier hadn't rejected her. After all she knew it could happen she heard tale of it happening to Harry Potter himself.

Her deep breath was short lived though, because her mother was right behind her. Her mother looked around with child like awe. Her head was cocked to the side like an enthusiastic Labrador retriever, and before Verlin could stop her she was running up to a nervous looking kid popping a handful of Berty Bott Every Flavor beans into his mouth.

'He looks like a pill popper with his hands shaking like that.' Verlin thought with an evil smile that made her eyes glow predatorial. The predator image was completed by the yellow wolf eye contacts. She saw her mother and clicked her toungue on the roof of her mouth shaking her head. “Mooooom......” She said weakly in a voice of nearly whispered horror.

“Oh are those Bobby Bott Beans!?” Emily asked, and then added “You must tell me which flavors you got!!” She was grining broadly at the boy like a five year old excited by some new toy. The boy was looking down at his feet clearly looking for a way to escape this situation probably thinking the woman was raving mad.

Verlin gave one last well it can't be helped sigh, and went over to rescue the boy from her mothers clutches. “Mooooom how many times do I have to tell you...They are called Berty Bott Every Flavor Beans.....” She grabbed her mom by the shoulder as if the parental roles had been reversed, and guided her back to where she left her trunk, and cat Ester. Ester starred at the pair as if to say 'How dare you leave me for even five minutes.' Verlin mouthed I'm sorry at the cat, and her cat looked away as if still offended.

Her moms attention turned back to the task at hand which was seeing Verlin onto the Hogwarts Express. She looked at her daughter with emotional hazel eyes, and wrapped her in a suffocating hug. “Mom your embarassing me.....” Her mom gave an even tighter squeeze, and Verlin could have sworn she felt a wet spot on her neck, and her suspicions were soon revealed as truth when she heard the hiccuping sniffles coming from her mother.

“I wish you diiiiiddddnnnnn't have to go..” Emily said her sobs growing embarrassingly loud. “I geeeet just sooooo looooonely at home.” The lonely was said with an almost howling sort of wail. “I'm always scared for you especially since your da...... If anything were to happen to you I would be just soo....” Verlin rolled up the sleeve of her trench coat and awkwardly patted her mom on the back.

“Come on mom, I'll be all right your making a scene.....” She peered over her mom's shoulder to see who was watching, and glared down a fourth year boy, and flipped him the bird. The boy diverted his attention immediately. Emily gave her daughter one last bear hug, and looked up into her daughter's face. She furiously wiped her eyes.

“I'm sorry dear. I just worry about you. I have no idea what you get up to at school.” She looked her daughter up and down. “Especially since you wear such dark clothes.” Verlin could sense her mother preparing for a lecture “If you look so dreary all the time dear who knows what kind of people you could attract. Would it kill you to wear some other color other than red and black.” Verlin rolled her eyes, and gave a huff of irritation.

“Not as much as having this conversation for the millionth time is.....” Verlin muttered between gritted teeth. Her mom gave one last aggravated sigh, and straightened out Verlin's trench coat. There was a moment of silence between the two ladies, and Verlin's expression softened, and she said “I'll miss you too mom. I'll write once a week I promise.” In reality Verlin would do no such thing it would just goad her mother's helicopter parenting.

Emily swept her into one more bone crushing hug. “I love you kiddo.” She pulled away and said in her nagging motherly voice “Make a list if you forgot anything. Don't forget to give Ester treats, and for the love of god make some friends this year.”

“I love you too mom.” She gave her mom a peck on the cheek and added “I left some wizarding books out for you if you get bored because I know you like to read them.” She heard steam coming out of the Hogwarts Express, and looked down at her watch. “I better go. If I don't go now all the good seats will be taken.” Verlin turned away from her mom giving the one handed wave. She boarded the train and put her trunk in the overhead compartment, and took Ester out of her carrier and put her on the seat next to her. The cat did two circles, and kneaded her claws a couple times. She let out a this will do meow and laid down. Verlin took her seat stretching her buckle adorned boots out in front of her, and put her hands behind her head. She had that relaxed I'm a rebel and I know it posture. She concentrated and made it so the black wolf ears she favored would show up through the black and red spikes of her hair.

Verlin ran through the barrier of platform 9 and ¾ths with her eyes closed, and a lump in her throat. She had ran through the barrier like all the other first years the previous year, but it still scared her. It scared her mainly because she feared that the wizarding world would reject her. I mean she had started Hogwarts a year later than everyone else, because her magic wasn't quit up to snuff. She had worked, hard studied hard and earned her place in this world. She took a deep breath enjoying the relief that the barrier hadn't rejected her. After-all she knew it could happen she heard tale of it happening to Harry Potter himself.

Her deep breath was short lived though, because her mother was right behind her. Her mother looked around with child like awe. Her head was cocked to the side like an enthusiastic Labrador retriever, and before Verlin could stop her she was running up to a nervous looking kid popping a handful of Berty Bott Every Flavor beans into his mouth.

'He looks like a pill popper with his hands shaking like that.' Verlin thought with an evil smile that made her eyes glow predatorial. The predator image was completed by the yellow wolf eye contacts. She saw her mother and clicked her tongue on the roof of her mouth shaking her head. “Mooooom......” She said weakly in a voice of nearly whispered horror.

“Oh are those Bobby Bott Beans!?” Emily asked, and then added “You must tell me which flavors you got!!” She was grining broadly at the boy like a five year old excited by some new toy. The boy was looking down at his feet clearly looking for a way to escape this situation probably thinking the woman was raving mad.

Verlin gave one last well it can't be helped sigh, and went over to rescue the boy from her mothers clutches. “Mooooom how many times do I have to tell you...They are called Berty Bott Every Flavor Beans.....” She grabbed her mom by the shoulder as if the parental roles had been reversed, and guided her back to where she left her trunk, and cat Ester. Ester starred at the pair as if to say 'How dare you leave me for even five minutes.' Verlin mouthed I'm sorry at the cat, and her cat looked away as if still offended.

Her moms attention turned back to the task at hand which was seeing Verlin onto the Hogwarts Express. She looked at her daughter with emotional hazel eyes, and wrapped her in a suffucating hug. “Mom your embarrassing me.....” Her mom gave an even tighter squeeze, and Verlin could have sworn she felt a wet spot on her neck, and her suspicions were soon revealed as truth when she heard the hiccuping sniffles coming from her mother.

“I wish you diiiiiddddnnnnn't have to go..” Emily said her sobs growing embarrassingly loud. “I geeeet just sooooo looooonely at home.” The lonely was said with an almost howling sort of wail. “I'm always scared for you especially since your da...... If anything were to happen to you I would be just soo....” Verlin rolled up the sleeve of her trench coat and awkwardly patted her mom on the back.

“Come on mom, I'll be all right your making a scene.....” She peered over her mom's shoulder to see who was watching, and glared down a fourth year boy, and flipped him the bird. The boy diverted his attention immediately. Emily gave her daughter one last bear hug, and looked up into her daughter's face. She furiously wiped her eyes.

“I'm sorry dear. I just worry about you. I have no idea what you get up to at school.” She looked her daughter up and down. “Especially since you wear such dark clothes.” Verlin could sense her mother preparing for a lecture “If you look so dreary all the time dear who knows what kind of people you could attract. Would it kill you to wear some other color other than red and black.” Verlin rolled her eyes, and gave a huff of irritation.

“Not as much as having this conversation for the millionth time is.....” Verlin muttered between gritted teeth. Her mom gave one last aggravated sigh, and straightened out Verlin's trench coat. There was a moment of silence between the two ladies, and Verlin's expression softened, and she said “I'll miss you too mom. I'll write once a week I promise.” In reality Verlin would do no such thing it would just goad her mother's helicopter parenting.

Emily swept her into one more bone crushing hug. “I love you kiddo.” She pulled away and said in her nagging motherly voice “Make a list if you forgot anything. Don't forget to give Ester treats, and for the love of god make some friends this year.”

“I love you too mom.” She gave her mom a peck on the cheek and added “I left some wizarding books out for you if you get bored because I know you like to read them.” She heard steam coming out of the Hogwarts Express, and looked down at her watch. “I better go. If I don't go now all the good seats will be taken.” Verlin turned away from her mom giving the one handed wave. She boarded the train and put her trunk in the overhead compartment, and took Ester out of her carrier and put her on the seat next to her. The cat did two circles, and kneaded her claws a couple times. She let out a this will do meow and laid down. Verlin took her seat stretching her buckle adorned boots out in front of her, and put her hands behind her head. She had that relaxed I'm a rebel and I know it posture. She concentrated and made it so the black wolf ears she favored would show up through the black and red spikes of her hair.

Samantha looked at her aunt smiling, her aunt was very proud ofnher niece. This will be her fifth year going to hogwards! And Samantha made pretty good friends and she met a very special guy! Samantha did a little shopping with her aunt before she left.

---

*Few Hours Later*

It was time for Samantha to finally leave in the express train. She had her wand, her robe, any items that she need for the way back and she just had everything with her also her broomstick. Oh. Ofcourse her cat, her cat was always there with Samantha. As they arrived to the train she hugged her aunt and kissed her cheek saying goodbye. "Please...take care of mom..." she told her aunt hoping that her mother would be proud of her.

Samantha sighed getting into the express train as she looked around finding an empty compartment to stay at. She wanted to see all her friends, especially her boyfriend Raymond. Good thing they were both part of the same house. She sat down and looked out the window waiving at her aunt. Hopefully she would bump to one of her friends or boyfriend.

Samantha looked at her aunt smiling, her aunt was very proud ofnher niece. This will be her fifth year going to hogwards! And Samantha made pretty good friends and she met a very special guy! Samantha did a little shopping with her aunt before she left.

---

*Few Hours Later*

It was time for Samantha to finally leave in the express train. She had her wand, her robe, any items that she need for the way back and she just had everything with her also her broomstick. Oh. Ofcourse her cat, her cat was always there with Samantha. As they arrived to the train she hugged her aunt and kissed her cheek saying goodbye. "Please...take care of mom..." she told her aunt hoping that her mother would be proud of her.

Samantha sighed getting into the express train as she looked around finding an empty compartment to stay at. She wanted to see all her friends, especially her boyfriend Raymond. Good thing they were both part of the same house. She sat down and looked out the window waiving at her aunt. Hopefully she would bump to one of her friends or boyfriend.

Samantha looked at her aunt smiling, her aunt was very proud ofnher niece. This will be her fifth year going to hogwards! And Samantha made pretty good friends and she met a very special guy! Samantha did a little shopping with her aunt before she left.

---

*Few Hours Later*

It was time for Samantha to finally leave in the express train. She had her wand, her robe, any items that she need for the way back and she just had everything with her also her broomstick. Oh. Ofcourse her cat, her cat was always there with Samantha. As they arrived to the train she hugged her aunt and kissed her cheek saying goodbye. "Please...take care of mom..." she told her aunt hoping that her mother would be proud of her.

Samantha sighed getting into the express train as she looked around finding an empty compartment to stay at. She wanted to see all her friends, especially her boyfriend Raymond. Good thing they were both part of the same house. She sat down and looked out the window waiving at her aunt. Hopefully she would bump to one of her friends or boyfriend.

Verlin ran through the barrier of platform 9 and ¾ths with her eyes closed, and a lump in her throat. She had ran through the barrier like all the other first years the previous year, but it still scared her. It scared her mainly because she feared that the wizarding world would reject her. I mean she had started Hogwarts a year later than everyone else, because her magic wasn't quit up to snuff. She had worked, hard studied hard and earned her place in this world. She took a deep breath enjoying the relief that the barrier hadn't rejected her. Afterall she knew it could happen she heard tale of it happening to Harry Potter himself.

Her deep breath was short lived though, because her mother was right behind her. Her mother looked around with child like awe. Her head was cocked to the side like an enthusastic labrador retriever, and before Verlin could stop her she was running up to a nervous looking kid popping a handful of Berty Bott Every Flavor beans into his mouth.

'He looks like a pill popper with his hands shaking like that.' Verlin thought with an evil smile that made her eyes glow predatorial. The predator image was completed by the yellow wolf eye contacts. She saw her mother and clicked her toungue on the roof of her mouth shaking her head. “Mooooom......” She said weakly in a voice of nearly whispered horror.

“Oh are those Bobby Bott Beans!?” Emily asked, and then added “You must tell me which flavors you got!!” She was grining broadly at the boy like a five year old excited by some new toy. The boy was looking down at his feet clearly looking for a way to escape this situation probably thinking the woman was raving mad.

Verlin gave one last well it can't be helped sigh, and went over to rescue the boy from her mothers clutches. “Mooooom how many times do I have to tell you...They are called Berty Bott Every Flavor Beans.....” She grabbed her mom by the shoulder as if the parental roles had been reversed, and guided her back to where she left her trunk, and cat Ester. Ester starred at the pair as if to say 'How dare you leave me for even five minutes.' Verlin mouthed I'm sorry at the cat, and her cat looked away as if still offended.

Her moms attention turned back to the task at hand which was seeing Verlin onto the Hogwarts Express. She looked at her daughter with emotional hazel eyes, and wrapped her in a suffucating hug. “Mom your embarassing me.....” Her mom gave an even tighter squeeze, and Verlin could have sworn she felt a wet spot on her neck, and her suspicions were soon revealed as truth when she heard the hiccuping sniffles coming from her mother.

“I wish you diiiiiddddnnnnn't have to go..” Emily said her sobs growing embarassingly loud. “I geeeet just sooooo looooonely at home.” The lonely was said with an almost howling sort of wail. “I'm always scared for you especially since your da...... If anything were to happen to you I would be just soo....” Verlin rolled up the sleeve of her trench coat and awkwardly patted her mom on the back.

“Come on mom, I'll be all right your making a scene.....” She peered over her mom's shoulder to see who was watching, and glared down a fourth year boy, and flipped him the bird. The boy diverted his attention immediately. Emily gave her daughter one last bear hug, and looked up into her daughter's face. She furiously wiped her eyes.

“I'm sorry dear. I just worry about you. I have no idea what you get up to at school.” She looked her daughter up and down. “Especially since you wear such dark clothes.” Verlin could sense her mother preparing for a lecture “If you look so dreery all the time dear who knows what kind of people you could attract. Would it kill you to wear some other color other than red and black.” Verlin rolled her eyes, and gave a huff of irritation.

“Not as much as having this conversation for the millionth time is.....” Verlin muttered between gritted teeth. Her mom gave one last aggravated sigh, and straightened out Verlin's trench coat. There was a moment of silence between the two ladies, and Verlin's expression softened, and she said “I'll miss you too mom. I'll write once a week I promise.” In reality Verlin would do no such thing it would just goad her mother's helicopter parenting.

Emily swept her into one more bone crushing hug. “I love you kiddo.” She pulled away and said in her nagging motherly voice “Make a list if you forgot anything. Don't forget to give Ester treats, and for the love of god make some friends this year.”

“I love you too mom.” She gave her mom a peck on the cheek and added “I left some wizarding books out for you if you get bored because I know you like to read them.” She heard steam coming out of the Hogwarts Express, and looked down at her watch. “I better go. If I don't go now all the good seats will be taken.” Verlin turned away from her mom giving the one handed wave. She boarded the train and put her trunk in the overhead compartment, and took Ester out of her carrier and put her on the seat next to her. The cat did two circles, and kneeded her claws a couple times. She let out a this will do meow and laid down. Verlin took her seat stretching her buckle adorned boots out in front of her, and put her hands behind her head. She had that relaxed I'm a rebel and I know it posture. She concentrated and made it so the black wolf ears she favored would show up through the black and red spikes of her hair.

Isaak and his family had just arrived at King's cross station, heading straight for the barrier between platform nine and ten. He remembered last year when he had first gone through the gateway to platform nine and three quarters. It was weird going through a barrier that looked to be made of solid stone, and he had been nervous the first time, but now he was completely calm with walking through.

"Mum, dad, can i walk through the gateway first?" Alexei asked their parents. the moment he asked that question, Dimitri cut in with an annoyed tone.

"But it was my turn to go through first this time" he said to their mother and father. this happened almost regularly, Dimitri and Alexei would get into a disagreement which meant that their parents had to stop.

"Now you two, this is Isaak's second year at Hogwarts and like last year, we are seeing him off as a family, which means we are going to let him go first" their father said in a calm voice, and both of Isaak's brothers nodded in response. his father then turned to him and motioned with his hands for him to go first.

"Well, lead the way son." Isaak pushed his cart with his school materials and his pet ferret Perun, towards the stone column between platform nine and ten. he came up to the stone and passed right through and was now on platform nine and three quarters. his parents and siblings soon followed and they beheld the wondrous sight of the Hogwarts express. his mother and father helped get his stuff on board the train. he then stepped off the train to give all of them hugs and say his goodbyes.

"I'm really going to miss you all" he said as he embraced his parents and then his siblings.

"We you make us proud my son" his mother told him and his father nodded in agreement.

his sister smiled and said, "I can't wait until next year when I'll finally be allowed to attend Hogwarts."

Isaak smiled at his sister, "and when that happens, Hogwarts will have received a great student and you will make us proud as well."

Anastasia smiled and gave him another warm hug, "It will be nice having my older brother be at school, I won't feel as nervous."

"You won't be, as long as i am at school with you, i will do my best to help you if you needed" he told her. he shared a close bond with his younger sister, and they were pretty close. it was also helpful to be very caring for each other since their younger brothers could be a nuisance sometimes.

"Make us proud son, and remember, you are a Boyars, be proud of who you and where you come from" his father said with a sense of pride in his words.

"I will father, our ancestors will be proud of all your children and we will bring greatness to our family name" Isaak said smiling. His fathered beamed. Isaak really did love his family and he hoped to make them proud. he got on the steps to board the train and before going inside, he gave another wave to his family.

"See you on the holidays dear" his mother said, and he nodded.

"Goodbye, mum, goodbye dad, bye Anastasia, goodbye Dimitri, goodbye Alexei" he called to them.

"Goodbye Isaak" they all said together, and Isaak entered the train and went to look for a seat. for a moment he felt sad to be leaving his family, he had no relatives at Hogwarts but he hoped to make new friends this year. he decided to find a seat with the Slytherins since he didn't want to have to deal with the students from the other houses. he hoped that the place where he would sit would be by a window where he could give one last wave to his family as the train left the station. he was glad that at least this year he wouldn't have to deal with the nervousness of not knowing how the sorting ceremony would go.