The ride to Hogwarts had been mostly uneventful for James.  Aside from having to calm down a few over-eager first years teaching their new muggle-born friend how to play Exploding Snap, most of the compartments that James passed on his patrol were quiet.  He did have to revisit the first-years and remind them to calm down an hour later, but that really was the only noteworthy event of the nine hour train ride.

The ride from Hogsmeade Station to the castle was likewise uneventful.  James got on a carriage with a few of his Quidditch teammates and they shared their enthusiasm for the upcoming season.  They had come within a hair's breadth of winning the Quidditch Cup for Gryffindor last year, only for it to slip through their fingers at the last game by a measly 10 points.  James was determined not to let that happen this year, and he was already formulating strategies and planning weekly training as soon as he decided who was going to be playing for them this year.  They needed a new Keeper and one new Chaser this year as the previous players had graduated, but James wasn't going to shy away from picking other new players if some of his current teammates weren't up to snuff.

Arriving at the castle, James headed into the great hall with the rest of the students.  He noticed a few friends and acquaintances from the other houses as they entered and nodded or waved to them if they happened to look his way.  He took a seat next to Elliot and the rest of the current Quidditch players as well as a few prospects who were hoping to ingratiate themselves with the rest of the team in the hopes that it might better their chances of being selected for one of the open positions.

"You excited for Quidditch this year?" James asked Elliot as he took his seat next to the seeker.[@josephb]