[center][h1][color=#1E90FF][i]Lara Donner[/i][/color][/h1][/center]

Lara practically flew off of the train after it stopped and she exchanged polite goodbyes with both Brady and Miley, only barely managing not to break out into a full blown sprint. Finally, after nine long hours of being cooped up in a small compartment, they were at Hogsmeade station and if she was quick, she might be able to snag a carriage for herself.

Don't get her wrong, Brady and Miley were really nice during the entire trip and she was starting to really enjoy their company, but, well, it took time for her to really feel comfortable around anyone and while she likes them well enough, it was a relief not having to worry about whether or not she was messing up big time and that they'd end up hating her for it...

And, if she managed to snag a carriage before other people got there, it would mean that she'd have a few precious moments with the entire reason that the carriages are able to move at all.

Weaving through the students, she stopped at a still empty carriage near the back, after all, they'll all arrive at Hogwarts in time anyway, so it doesn't really matter whether her carriage leaves first or not, and looked at the gorgeous creature in front of her with awe. I guess you could say she was unique in that regard. Not many witches or wizards would look at the skeletal creatures and be able to see past their spooky and sinister appearance, but how can she do the same when those majestic creatures has such a kind and gentle nature?

"Hey there boy." The thestral looked up at her as she slowly approached him, bending his head slightly down to meet her touch when she gently held out a hand. Stroking it gently, Lara couldn't help the smile crossing her face. "I see that professor Hagrid has been taking good care of you, you're so amazing..."

If she was worried about someone potentially seeing her talking and petting thin air, she didn't show it, after-all, she already had a less than pleasant reputation as a '[i]teacher's pet[/i]', she doesn't have much to lose in that regard...