Willow wobbled on the cobblestone, still feeling slightly dizzy. A group of girls came out behind her, one bumping into her. Before she could fall flat on the ground, Hagrid quickly caught her and placed her back upright.

"How ya doin there, Willow?" The large man asked, smiling.

Willow smiled back, "A-alright. Can't wait to get back to your class!"

Hagrid bowed before walking off into the distance, shouting at more first years to go follow him. Willow rubbed her head, and walked along, looking for a mostly empty carriage to sit at. She noticed Raymond sitting by himself in one, scanning the crowd. Was he looking for Samantha maybe?

Brutus exited the express train, he adjusted his tie and walked out to the carriages. He sat down on the comfy leather seats and examined the fine embroidering of the carriage by touching the sides of the seats. It felt strange, to be back in the school again. Brutus let out a long sigh and leaned back, crossing his legs as he did so. He opened up his book and flipped to the page he was currently reading. The tall boy had to hunch over, he didn't want to be immediately spotted by the others.

His frog Brutus Jr. hopped out of his front pocket and plopped itself onto his lap, it croaked and settled down on his lap, its eyes slowly blinked one at a time.

Brutus remained quiet as he waited for others to load onto the boats and carriages, he didn't mind it really some students were new and were still rather shocked that they were actually accepted. So of course, it would take some time.

Artemis stayed behind as students upon students flooded off of the train, bumping into each other and generally creating a group-effort of loud voices, hushed voices, and stomping feet. Once he was sure that he was among the last few on the train, the white-haired Pureblood stood up from his seat and exited his compartment, moving down the halls until he found the exit to the train. The trolley lady was still making her rounds, despite the fact that there was hardly anyone else on the train, so Artemis grabbed a standard green and white lollipop. He popped the treat into his mouth as he moved about the crowded grounds.

"Here again..."

Despite the melancholy tone in his voice, Artemis felt the familiar snake-like grin form on his pale face. Making sure that his black Slytherin robe was on correctly, Art began his hunt for an empty, or at least semi-empty carriage. Thankfully, it didn't take him long to find one with a familiar face. A familiar face connected to an abnormally tall body. One of his friends from years back. He had stayed in contact with the male, and because of their similar personalities but starkly opposite appearance - Brutus being black-haired and tall, while Artemis was short and white-haired - they managed to stay good friends regardless of years.

"Hello Brutus," the short, frail-looking albino greeted quietly, slipping into the carriage and lowering himself onto one of the leather, soft seats. He saw the other sibling - someone he didn't really care much for, to be honest - enter the carriage, and slipped back into his quiet state, twirling his wand boredly though his nimble fingers.

Ann hoped into the carriage with her brother, so she could claim it before anyone got any ideas. If they wanted this carriage, too bad for them. She looked down at the frog with a grin. "Can I borrow him? I want to stuff him into someone's goblet and see how they react" she said with a snicker. She knew her brother would be completely against the idea, but it never hurt to try. After all, watching some student scream at the sight of a toad in their pumpkin juice would be hilarious. Especially some dorky first year. "By the way, the offer for the chocolate frog still stands" she offered.

Ann sorted through the stolen goodies she had picked up. She was a kleptomaniac, she often stole without purpose. She had tried to steal from Hogwarts a few times, but the ghosts and paintings are such tattle tales.

"Artemis..." Brutus glanced up and nodded his head at the small boy, a small smile forming on his lips. "Good evening to you, I hope the ride wasn't too long and annoying as it was for me." He turned his attention toward his elder sister and grunted, "I'm not too fond of chocolate, and I'm not too fond of Brutus Jr. being a toy either."
He looked back down to his book and turned the page, speaking as he did so, "Are you seeing as many buffoons as I am. This semester is filled with too many overly excited pre-teens..." Brutus chuckled at his own joke and began to silently read.

He didn't mind the company of logical people, but what he did mind were the idiotic new students that had to touch and talk to everything that moved. It annoyed him immensely, especially due to the fact that he hated physical contact. Brutus' frog hid under his Ravenclaw robes to hide from his sister, the frog appeared to be afraid of the elder sister.

The rest of the train ride passed in relative calm. Willow had woken sometime after her episode. Thankfully Willow, Samantha, and her got along relatively well. Though, Acacia had wanted to throw Sam out of the compartment one or two times, she kept her guise of friendliness up for the most part. They didn't talk much after the train was well on its way to Hogwarts. Mainly, because Willow wasn't one for talking much and Acacia had very little to actually say towards the other Gryffindor. So, she made a bit of small talk but for the most part drank Pumpkin juice and other sweets from the trolley.

---

As the train pulled to a stop, Acacia couldn't help but to feel a little excited. She was glad to be back here and back to her studies. Free of her boorish grandmother and her hateful brother. Here, she felt truly at home, especially among the other Slytherins. Soon, the students began to leave the train, pushing and shoving their way off. The first years making up the most of the offenders, eager to see Hogwarts for the first time. She made her way off the train, loosing Samantha and Willow in the process. That was good, at least she got rid of Samantha. Now she had to decide should she find some fellow Slytherins so she could actually be herself for once, or try to find Willow again. No doubt the poor girl was having trouble already. Thankfully, the decision seemed to make itself as she caught Willow out of the corner of her eye. She muffled a snicker as she tripped, nearly falling. Hagrid managed to catch her fall, much to her dismay. She would have found that rather hilarious. Putting on a friendly smile, Acacia waved to willow.

"Willow!" She said as she walked over to her new 'friend' "Isn't it great to be back? I can't tell you how great it feels to finally be back. Saved this from the Trolley earlier. You can have it if you want." She said as she offered a chocolate frog to her. Acacia would seem probably a littler overly excited to most of the others. While she was excited, it wasn't for some stupid reason to just get away and back to Hogwarts. Well, that was part of it. But she had other reasons for being excited. This year, she planned to try a few things, that probably weren't strictly legal.

Epiphany said
"Artemis..." Brutus glanced up and nodded his head at the small boy, a small smile forming on his lips. "Good evening to you, I hope the ride wasn't too long and annoying as it was for me." He turned his attention toward his elder sister and grunted, "I'm not too fond of chocolate, and I'm not too fond of Brutus Jr. being a toy either."He looked back down to his book and turned the page, speaking as he did so, "Are you seeing as many buffoons as I am. This semester is filled with too many overly excited pre-teens..." Brutus chuckled at his own joke and began to silently read.He didn't mind the company of logical people, but what he did mind were the idiotic new students that had to touch and talk to everything that moved. It annoyed him immensely, especially due to the fact that he hated physical contact. Brutus' frog hid under his Ravenclaw robes to hide from his sister, the frog appeared to be afraid of the elder sister.

Artemis chuckled under his breath, sheathing his wand (hurhur) and folding his arms into his sleeves. "Magic excites people, I guess. I hope that we do not get any more Nazi Hitlers in Slytherin, however." The smaller boy took a note from the older male's actions, summoning his journal with a mutter Accio.

"I heard that a girl actually fainted..." He began scribbling into the journal, amongst other notes such as 'Trudo needs work' or 'Fiendfyre needs to be more streamlined'.

Frankie stood onto a thestral-drawn carriage - not that she could see the thestrals, but she had heard tales of them and their iridescent skin. The carriage wobbled under her weight and she distantly wondered if Augustus and Elina were right behind her. She had rather enjoyed their company on the train though she wasn't sure if they enjoyed hers, but she dearly hoped so. If not, then it was their loss and yet she didn't even want to think of the prospect. Frankie sat onto the leather seat and moved her curly mess of red away from her face in aggravation. Her stomach growled and she couldn't wait until the feast.

Finch frowned as he realized it was likely he would be riding alone once again. The tall Auror sat back comfortably and looked at the Thestrals in front of him, "Such a beautiful creature." He said softly to himself. He ran a hand through his graying hair closing his eyes and his mind wander.

Willow turned away from Raymond, facing the chocolate frog held out in front of her. She quickly held up her hands, "O-oh no, I really couldn't...you deserve it more than I do..." She smiled shyly, "I wanted to thank y-you for what you did back on the train...I can't believe I just blacked out like that." Willow blushed slightly at the thought, cursing herself for being so weak. Already news of what happened were spreading around. Way to start the year...

The girl clasped her hands in front of her, looking around, "Um I-I was just looking for a seat to take in the one of the carriages..." Since the students have just been released from the train, there were many open spots still available. She'd better find one quickly before they start filling up...

Verlin got off the train wagging her tail enthusiastically, and gave out a whoop of joy. On the train she had taken off her trench coat, and replaced it with her modified robes. She was truly a Hogwarts student once more. She took Ester from her place on her shoulder, and tossed her up in the air and caught her a few times, and then placed a kiss on the cats head. The cat whined pathetically as if to ask 'why me.' In her enthusiasm her tail and ears disappeared leaving her a normal girl with odd yellow eyes. She thought about redoing the transfiguration, but then decided against it. She knew the teachers, and staff didn't always appreciate her canine appearance, and thought it might be a better omen for the start of her year if she didn't appear in her canine attire for once. She spiked her hair up so it all stood straight (think Vash the Stampede from Trigun). She then looked to Isaak. "Let's get a carriage together. You're the only Slytherin of our year that talks to me."

She remembered her mother's urging to make friends, and grinned privately that she could actually tell her mom she had made one. She led the way to an empty carriage, but not before she caught a glimpse of those creepy looking horse creatures. One turned its head and looked straight at her. She wanted to scream. She knew why she could see the horses. "Daaaa..." She whispered to herself. She shook her head and snapped out of it, and boarded her carriage.

Grace arrives at Hogwarts

Grace finally discovered Abby's location just minutes before the train arrived at Hogsmead station. The enormous feline was sitting in a compartment with two delighted first year girls who were lavishing her with attention.

When Grace entered to retrieve her familiar Abby complained greatly but didn't struggle. She was taken back to the baggage car but not enclosed in her cage. Instead Grace asked her to wait for the train to stop and then meet her at the Hufflepuff dorms.

When the express finally stopped Grace was a bit worn but ready for more. She assisted Hagrid in rounding up the first years and saw them follow the gentle giant to the lake's edge. Once that task was done she climbed aboard the last carriage to the castle.

She used a house keeping spell she'd learned last year to tidy up her robes before entering the great hall.

She found her way to the head of the table where she joined Hufflepuff's Boy's Prefect.

//////////////////////////////////////

The new Professor enters the hall

Professor Mystérieux entered the Great Hall his robes made of dark fabrics and silk. His hair is black and quite long with a luster that caught the light of the floating candles above him. He has a rouge's face complete with a close trimmed mustache and van dike goatee, he appears more at home on the deck of a pirate ship that in a Hogswart teacher's robes.
He take a seat with the other instructors making a point of sitting next to Hagrid who chuckles at something that passes between them.
All through the Great Hall girls take notice of the handsome rouge some nearly swooning with delight as other begin speculating what position he might hold.

Breathing heavily, Samantha woke up gasping for air. She had a nightmare but she didnt understand what was it.....She looked around and noticed no on, looking at the Window she saw the kids getting off. "Oooh." Samantha was going to be alte! "Waaaait!" She yelled so the train wont leave her. "hold on. One more person is hereee." She looked up to grab her bags but it looked like it was already sent to her Gryffindor dorm. Samantha ran out and her cat behind her as she fell on the ground dirting herself with the dirt. "Awwww." She stood up looking around trying to find one of her friends or boyfriend. Samantha continued to walk brushing the dirt off her clothing. "Lordddd. I really need to stop sleeping..." she noticed Willow sitting on a Carriage she was going to go but she wanted her friend to have some alone time. Besides Willow might be Samantha's roomate. She looked at Raymond and walked towards him sitting next to him, coughing. "Im so sorry, I didnt know what happened to me earlier on." She said fixing her hair and dusting the dirt. Her cat now sitting next to Samantha. "Ray....im sorry for kicking you out earlier. I just wanted Willow to be alone."

"Oh don't be silly." Acacia said with a soft smile, placing the chocolate frog in her pocket for now. "You don't have to thank me. Any decent person would have done the same, and if someone didn't then they don't deserve to be called your friend. Friends look out for friends, right?" Bleh. All that sentence was riddled with so much niceness and idiocy, she almost wanted to gag. She would not be using that sentence again. Ever. Not unless she absolutely had too. She was glad after they got to the grand hall, she'd be able to converse freely with her fellow Slytherin's. She was growing tired of this little charade of hers, and she could use some time to recollect her thoughts and decide how exactly she'd want to proceed with this little plan of hers.

"Oh, I haven't found a carriage yet either." She said, taking a quick look around at the mention of Willow trying to find one. "Want to ride together then? Looks like there's a free one over there." She might as well ride with Willow. It would be better than her going with some stranger. After what happened on the train, she doubted Willow was feeling very confident, so it was a nice opportunity to gain more of her trust.

Finch notices a pair of girls chatting as carriages begin pulling away, he sits there looking at them for a moment deciding how to proceed. After a few moments deliberating he moves over giving room for them to sit down but doesn't call out to them.

the train ride was not that bad, he got a chance to talk and learn more about Verlin. he still thought of her fashion as odd, but she seemed like a nice person, and she wasn't putting on a charade like Acacia. when the Hogwarts express arrived at the station, Isaak made sure that he had everything he had brought with him into the compartment. after he made sure, he got off the train and walked with Verlin towards a carriage.

"Well i'm glad to finally have someone to spend the ride to school this year" he said to her as they came to a carriage. he noticed her scared expression on her, he looked and saw the Thestrals who were ready to pull the carriage.

When he got into the carriage with Verlin, he asked her, "can you see the Thestral?"

if she could then it meant that he wasn't the only one who could see the winged creatures and he was curious to find out if she could see the animals.

A rush of students came suddenly, as they scrambled to get into carriages. Willow found herself grabbing onto Acacia's arm so that she wouldn't get separated, hoping the girl wouldn't mind. After the crowd cleared a little, she found herself below a girl with a shock of red hair. Willow always wished she had red hair, it'd be better than her boring brown strands... She looked away quickly, hoping she wasn't offending by staring... Tentatively, Willow peeked at the corner of her eye at the dark creatures attached to the carriage. She felt a strange attachment to them, seeing as they were considered outcasts as well with the whole "omens of death" thing, which wasn't really fair. Holding back the urge to reach out and pet the creature, Willow quickly turns to Acacia, "W-will this be fine here? That girl looks friendly..."

"Yes I can. My da he...died... He was an auror and he got killed." She shuddered at the memory. They had to go down and confirm her dads body as it was badly mangled he was still breathing, but just barely and there was nothing St. Mungo's could do. Having no one to watch her Emily had to take Verlin along with her. She looked and was horrified by what she had seen. Most of the time she did a good job of forgetting what she had seen, but sometimes it crept up on her. She turned to Isaak giving him an odd smile, and did her best to pretend like everything was fine. Ester licked her hand in a comforting way.

She came completely back to reality and raised her eyebrow at Isaak "You can see them too. I know not to many people can..." She smiled sadly, and said "I'm glad to have someone else to ride with this year too. Last year I didn't make too many friends. Our house isn't always so easy to be in." She got in the carriage and took a seat, ready to be away from the Threstal's. They weren't violent creatures or anything, but that did always unsettle her. She took a deep breath glad to be smelling the smells of Hogwarts once more. Her stomach growled ready for the feast.

Isaak was glad to know someone who could also see the creatures, when he first saw them and didn't really know anyone else who could, he had worried about his mental state and was scared that he might have been seeing things. but he did eventually learn about the Thestrals after doing some research about them.

"Yeah I can see them too. my uncle was a professional Quidditch player and he was one of the best in the league. unfortunately there were wizards who bet a lot of money against his team and they were willing to do anything to not lose the bet. so when my uncle took to the air and the game started, they sent a curse at him and even though it wasn't meant to be deadly, it hit above his heart and it killed him. me and my family were watching the game, it was one of the few times we went to see one of his games. i was ten years old and the game was meant to be a gift for my coming first year at Hogwarts. they caught the scum that were responsible for his death, and from then on, I swore to not commit underhanded crimes and try to live an honorable life. that is why i do not take kindly to people who are very manipulative and hide who they really are. anyway, I'm sorry that you had to experience such a tragedy especially since it was your father who died. my uncle is one of the reason why I really want to get on the Slytherin Quidditch team" he said to Verlin, and gave a sigh.

he wasn't use to telling people that story but something inside him told him that the girl was someone he could trust and it was good to have someone who shared in his experiences with loss. it would be helpful in case Acacia tried to do something terrible to them.

Suddenly, the two of them were surrounded by a sea of students, clambering to get a seat on a carriage. No big deal, she never had a problem in a crowd. She had a way, of moving through them without many problems. Willow, on the other hand would probably not take kindly to it. It was then, she felt someone grab her arm and looked over to see Willow clutching her arm like her life depended on it. Acacia gave a soft smile, though it wasn't for any good reason. Befriending Willow had gone better than she had hoped it would. At least, it seemed to be going well. The coming days would determine whether or not Willow thought of her as a friend.

As the crowd dispersed, the two of them found themselves at an almost empty carriage, only one other person was sitting there. Willow timidly looked at the Thestrals pulling the carriage. She herself couldn't see them - she had never been close to 'death' or some such. But from the way Willow looked at them, she assumed she could. Willow then turned to her and asked if they could sit here.

"Sure. It looks fine to me." Acacia said, opening one of the carriage doors and climbing inside, sitting opposite of the other girl. "hope you don't mind two others." She said to Frankie, giving Willow a friendly smile and motioning for her to take a seat.