[Color=Goldenrod][Center][h3]The Train:[/h3][/Center][/Color]

The Hogwarts express was slowly getting over-crowded. Witches and Wizards from all sort of different families and houses scrambling to find a train booth for the long journey.

Squeezing past a few people. Arianna's long hair fell over her face, shielding herself from most. It was her 6th year at Hogwarts. And you'd think that she would have been excited. But for her, it was anything but. The horror of last year was still very much ingrained in her mind. Having lost her father, the wound was very much fresh. But she wasn't the only one grieving. Knowing, Harry too was torn over the loss of Sirius Black.
[i]'I killed Sirius Black...I killed Sirius Black...I killed Sirius Black'[/i] Even now, Arianna still could hear Bellatrix's shrill laughter echoing in her mind. It was enough to keep her awake at night. Barely any having gotten any decent sleep, since then. Almost walking into the glass door of a booth, as she hadn't been paying attention where she was going. Going to make a B-line for another booth, but a voice stopped her from doing so.

"Ari...Arianna." The familiar sound of Hermione's voice brought her back to reality.

[Color=Gold] "Huh?" [/Color] Arianna's slightly monotone voice filled the air. Realising that she was standing outside of their usual booth. [Color=Gold] "Oh right, booth." [/Color] Muttering to herself, she took her usual spot by the window on the right side. Upon sitting down, she noticed Hermione's concerned face. Arianna could never hide anything from her friends. Most knew how to read her well. But it didn't stop her from putting on a brave face. [Color=Gold] "I'll be fine. Promise." [/Color] Trying to give her the best reassuring look that she could. Glancing out of the window, as they waited for the rest of their little crew to join them in their booth.
The booth usually consisting of herself, Hermione, Harry, Ronald, Axel, Mimoza and Rowan. It had been like that for years. Whilst the group might have been a group of unique individuals; equally talented Witches and Wizards. They meshed together perfectly. Making each other stronger, when someone was at their weakest.

[Color=Goldenrod][Center][sub][h3]Meanwhile...[/h3][/sub]
[Sub]At the entrance of the train;[/Sub][/Center][/Color]

[Color=Crimson] "Excuse me...coming through.." [/Color] A male voice breaking through various chit-chats on the train. Trying to squeeze himself through. Axel's blonde hair a ruffled mess. Most of the time, he opted for a neat hairstyle. But today's chaos at the train station and boarding the Hogwarts Express, left him looking otherwise. The chaos had never changed, for as long as he had been going to Hogwarts. Most of the chaos and excitement, always coming from first years, than most returning students. Axel was never one for waiting patiently at the front of the train. He'd much rather be sitting comfortably in his usual booth, with his friends. Than be waiting for ages to find a seat..or standing the entire journey.

It took a few moments, before the line was slowly moving a bit quicker. [Color=Crimson] "Finally." [/Color] Muttering to himself in relief. Now it felt like he could actually breathe, let alone move.

Eventually, he finally managed to get to his usual booth. Seeing it was slowly filling up with familiar faces. [Color=Crimson] "Hey everyone." [/Color] His greeting as always, seemed to be jovial. It was hard to catch him in a bad mood. Unless people he loved got hurt; Axel was never one to be angry or down in the dumps. Sitting down, he leaned against his seat with a sigh of relief. Finally, he could relax and catch up on what everyone's been up to over the holidays.