Final Departure. All Aboard?

[Willa Robbins]

Lord above, she needed to stop thinking about her relationship with Benji. She kept going over it, the way that he'd always cheered her up, shared her loves, how they'd sneak out to the greenhouses, have fun...how it'd felt when he kissed her...

She'd done what she had to do in ending it, and yes it was uncomfortable now to think of him and what they'd had - she missed him, selfishly. They'd felt so good for each other at the start, and Willa knew that he still felt that they were.

Well, at least until the other week.

He was better suited as her friend, she felt, not as a long-term romantic interest - and she hated making that decision, because he was so good to her, and did try, but there was just something...

Missing.

The girl's discomfort was increased but she did her best to smile as the vivacious and beautiful Guin joined the group, sliding onto Sirius' lap and making him smile in a way only she could. She'd brought treats, kindly, and was trying to lighten the obvious somber mood of the cabin. At her mention of an all-nighter as well as Arnie, Willa awkwardly looked away, thankful that James, Lily, and Remus were passing on the evening as Sirius moved to whisper in the girl's ear. Not that she had anything against the Gryffindor girl, she just -

She knew, as everyone present did, of the long-time relationship between Sirius and Guin. As a relationship like theirs was something she couldn't see herself being all right with if she was involved in it - friends with benefits or whatever they wanted to call it - it was just a mite uncomfortable to have it on display right in front of her. And James and Lily on one side of her, happily committed to each other. And Remus missing Charlotte on her other. Peter missing Daisy at Sirius' side. Doe missing Arnie on his other...

She just hoped that if Arnie came, he wouldn't bring his best friend. She didn't want to say or do anything to make things worse between herself and Benji, wanted to give him time to come to terms with the shift, herself as well.

But it was odd to feel so alone again after the night that she'd had, that they'd all had. It had been such a grand time - attending with Sirius, her friend making the night so special in an abundance of ways. And they had kissed - the same lips that had been exuberantly against hers with something to prove now tickling Guin's ear. She knew that they were just friends, but it had just been fun and maybe it was having more alcohol than she ever had, but she'd been delightfully warm and there were sparks she'd read about in all her books. But it'd just been good to spend the night with them all, and what had been extra wonderful was seeing Ludovic and Guin together. She'd felt horribly awkward after accepting to go with Sirius and then realizing that he was seeing Guin, in his way, so had wanted to set the other girl up - who better for the Quidditch player than another? And a delightful and handsome one? They'd seemed to have a great time, or so she'd thought, but here Guin was back on Sirius' lap? A letter would surely be waiting for her at home from Ludovic expressing his delight at having been able to attend the dance with Guin, and what could she tell him?

She swallowed and put on a smile again, looking over to the pair across from her. "Did you have a nice time with Ludovic? He seemed to really enjoy being back to Hogwarts and meeting you - I'll warn you that you'll likely start getting fan-mail from him now." Knowing her graduated Hufflepuff friend, this was not an exaggeration. He was incredibly optimistic and fervent about his love interests, and hopefully would be suited for Guin...she didn't want to be responsible for more heartbreak.

[Deleted]

The dark-haired, blue-eyed girl liked making her friends happy. If she had the funds she would for sure spoil them all rotten. So she smiled brightly at Remus and all the other who accepted her candy, then pushed the ones who hadn’t to take one to indulge. Man the cabin was growing warm with all their bodies pressed into it! It was a bit crowded now that they were all adults and adult sized. Maybe a little of the warmth and a little of the crowded feeling came from sitting on Sirius’ very accommodating lap. 

Guin was so glad they were back in each other’s good graces. Everything had really made a turnaround in the last few days. Really one day. At the start of Graduation Day Guinevere Crane had been an unusual wreck, and by the end of it she had it all figured out again. Now she was here with all her good friends and life was just beginning! “Didn’t mention an exact time, but sure he won’t be long. Can’t stay away can he?” Guin said cheekily.  

Arnie was a great bloke and good for Dorcas she thought. No matter what some people currently sharing the compartment thought about the younger boy. But Guin’s forte was being Switzerland, she could please them all. “I’m in!” she said enthusiastically to James then pouted at Remus. “Come on! We all have to go. I’m sure your mom would want you to go.” She said pointedly. Even after seven years she hadn’t made such leeway with this boy. He hadn’t even budged a bit when she had started sleeping with Sirius.  

Which is what she hoped to be doing later, apparently Sirius was on the same wave length. Spontaneously Guin rushing in and gave her boy toy a lengthy kiss. “Well that’s a given. We always have more fun just you and me.” She said quietly when she pulled away, hovering close to his face and smiling invitingly. Then Willa was speaking and she whipped her head around to see the girl properly. It was an odd question all out of the blue but Guin guessed that she and Ludo were god friends so maybe not so odd. She gave the badger of their group a big smile, reaching across to grasp her hands.  

“Thank you so much for introducing us, he was great really, but I doubt I’ll be getting much fan-mail. He is way too famous for me.” She said honestly. Ludovic was an interesting fellow, more than just a Quidditch player, which is all she had ever thought him as. And not really a jerk, which was a surprise. All in all it was nice to have met him and she had Willa to thank for that. Though…”I’m sure Doe enjoyed him more however.” She quipped teasingly to her best friend.  

[Admin]

Dorcas was happy to receive a chuckle from James when she laughed...at least she wasn't the only one trying to take this lightly. Leaving wasn't going to be easy for any of them, but if they at least tried to look at it from a more positive side, than maybe they stood a chance at having fun in the first month or so of being home and knowing you were never going back.

She felt relief she hadn't know she had been carrying leave her shoulders when James spoke. It wasn't a secret that none of her male friends really seemed to like Arnie all that much, and while she wasn't even sure how long she and Arnie would last, she did hope that it would be long enough to experience everything she possibly could with him before he found someone better suited to him. Knowing that her friends weren't just going to give up on her because they didn't approve of her boyfriend, however, was quite reassuring. "Great! So where do you think a good place to go would be?" She knew of a couple nice wizarding restaurants in London, and some of them were even near King's Cross Station...

There were so many great things about her friends, but something Doe had always loved the most about her best friend Guin was how she could walk into a room and simply change the entire atmosphere...and James adding on to that new energy was great to watch as well, "I'd be interested in meeting up, I can't imagine us not being able to spend more nights in Hogsmeade together." It had become a pastime of theirs after exams had hit, as they had nothing to do for a week until all of their tests had been marked, and going to Hogsmeade together to chat over a pint of Wizard's Brew was so much more relaxing than worrying about what was to come. The majority of them were headed off to the Order, although they still had no clue when that would start for them, so in the meantime, why not party their days away! She frowned when Remus declined the invitation though...they were all in this together and the more that people didn't want to hang out, the more likely the chance that they would lose contact from the group.

Although, Guin and Sirius weren't going to have any trouble staying in touch with the way they went at each other in more private settings. Doe had heard all of the stories from her best mate, and she was willing to wager that things would become more interesting between her and the bloke she was sleeping with if they kept it up through the summer. It seemed like they both had a good thing going, and they always seemed to understand what it was the other wanted...it got her thinking that maybe there was more to them than she had ever thought to consider. Her eyebrows rose as she picked up on Sirius' comment to Guin, and they only shot up more when Willa decided to bring up that Ludo Bagman had escorted her best friend to last night's graduation ball. This was definitely not a conversation that she could be around for...Dorcas worried that she would get too carried away with it.

She shook her head at Guin's words and stood up from her seat, "Nice try! You're not roping me into this so early in the day." She smirked, "I think I'm just going to go find Arnie, save him a trip over to us." Doe squeezed past all of the long legs in the center of the seats and with a final wave, she was on her way to find her boyfriend. He would be able to distract her from the conversation she had just left.

[James Potter]

Lily was soon tucked into his side - well, after getting him back for tickling her friend - and the couple watched Sirius with mutual amusement as he made a fool of himself over trying to fit across the bench. But the lightheartedness was short lived, as after Lily suggested the meet-up on September first and Sirius didn't respond as she expected, she stiffened beside him, definitely about to go at it with his best mate. James tensed warily, not wanting this at all, but ready to spring in and advocate for whoever needed it. In a simpler world two of his most important people would get along, and would have gotten along since they met. But the world wasn't simple, not a bit, and this wouldn't be the first time that they'd fought.

James was good at reading his mate, though, and although it was a bit of an awkward exchange, things were soon smoothed over as much as they could be. Sirius had the good grace to look abashed - So you weren't trying to come off like that? - and Willa picked up the slack, and Lily...did her best to sound all right with it all. This was definitely something James would need to work on this summer - getting the two of them to bury whatever hatchet there was. It wouldn't be easy, but hopefully there would be some sort of resolution before too long. He needed both Lily and Sirius in his life, and he wasn't going to spend his years caught between them. They'd have to learn to more-than-tolerate each other. Each was sharp and passionate and felt that they were in the right the majority of the time...

Uphill battle, indeed, but one he was determined to fight.

For now, though, it was peaceful enough of a time to sit back and give her side a reassuring squeeze as the conversation went on around them. He looked to her after Doe's question of a place to meet up, his excitement of the idea building. "Know any places around there?" he asked, smiling over at her, just so pleased at their proximity. It'd been a bit of a struggle to balance the "professionalism" required by being Head Students with the excitement of being together, but now they could be as obvious of a couple as they wanted. And James was always looking to explore more of the world she knew and he knew so little of, so hoped she'd suggest a cool Muggle spot...

The delightful Guinevere arrived, and James eagerly leaned around Lily to grab a handful of the offered treats with his free hand, winding up with a frog and Droobles, mostly, not a bad mix. He started on a piece of gum and offered the others to Lily, soon amusing himself, as the group spoke, with filling the ceiling with blue crazyberry-scented bubbles. But he let out a laugh, giving Doe a knowing look at the laughs they had shared then, as the girl spoke about their Hogsmeade nights. It had been fun to just unwind with everyone after exams, take over Hogsmeade with the other seventh years and just enjoy each other without the stresses of school bearing down on them. He'd spent most of that time with this group, naturally, but it'd been good to check in with others he'd lost track of over the years, see where everyone was off to. His group was mainly headed to the Order, but most others had things in the works as well, whether they were picking up positions at the Ministry or at shops in either Muggle or Wizarding towns and villages. He'd had to cover up his true intentions, of course, saying he was likely headed into the Auror program, but it'd nonetheless been a good way to end the year - and the first time, mostly, to see those in other Houses drunk, which had given him no end of amusement.

Moony was, however, not catching on to the ideas of funner things. James blew a disgruntled bubble in his direction as the Marauder spoke about his mum's sickness - not everyone in the compartment knew the truth, so he could hardly argue, but that didn't mean he was in agreement about Remus' decision. He had asked the others to give him space during the moon for the first time since they'd become animagi, and James was anything but pleased. He wanted to be there for his friend, help him find another safe place to transform and roam, but no.

He'd see sense after this one, James was certain, and then they could reevaluate...

And then it seemed as if he and Lily weren't the only couple in the compartment - Sirius and Guin were not-so-discreetly whispering to each other as the girl sat on his lap, and he caught himself wondering what was going through the Hufflepuff's mind. She was a sweet girl who'd grown on him by the end of this year, and he knew her well enough to know that she was non-confrontational. So if she was as into Sirius as it often seemed she was, however subtly...she'd have to pick up her game to compete with the girl currently holding his attention. Unexpectedly it was Willa who next spoke, and James had to hold back a laugh at the passive aggressiveness of it all - and how warmly it was received by Guin. Didn't she see how the girl was trying to remind her that she'd just been on a date with - of all people - Ludo Bagman? James had been shocked to see the Quidditch player at the dance, even more shocked to find out that he and Willa were friends, but his aversion to the Wasps had kept him at an arm's length last night.

Doe was on her feet after Guin's tease, however, leaving them for her boyfriend. James gave her a wave, knowing she'd be back before they arrived at King's Cross, and let himself tiredly lean into Lily and allow the others to carry a conversation. The past few days - hell, this year - had been exhausting, but due to his responsibilities he'd had to be on always. He was much looking forward to having her to himself tonight and taking it easy.

[Daisy Hookum]

The day after graduation and her birthday - and Daisy was more than ready to already be off the train. It was nice spending time with her close group of friends in their own compartment, talking about how nice the night before had been and discussing what they would be doing over the summer. It was hard to believe that the next year would be her last. Still, she had other people she wanted to see, people who wouldn't be returning next year. So with a tug on Charlotte's arm, she pulled them out of the compartment, looping her arm through her friends as they strolled down the train.

"Come on Char, let's go find the boys. It'll be your only train ride with Remus, and I'm sure he wants to see you," Daisy said enthusiastically, giving a smile and a laugh as she dragged her friend along. Truthfully, she was panicked about going into the compartment. Everyone would be in there, and while she was friends with most of them, things had changed over the past few months.

They passed by Dorcas in the hallway, and Daisy gave her a smile as she walked by. She was probably off to find Arnie, and Daisy had to admit they were adorable together. She was glad they had stuck together this long, and it had given her and Arnie something new to bond over as both their significant others wouldn't be returning to Hogwarts next year.

Stopping outside the compartment, she pulled open the door, surprised at how tense the air in the room was. Giving a smile, she let go of Charlotte's arm, climbing over the group as best she could to situate herself down on Peter's lap. "So recent graduates, how does it feel be so grown up?"

[Remus Lupin]

Remus looked to Lily, smiling as she mentioned a sweets trolley. That would be a welcome addition to the brunch, and she knew how much he loved sweets. Unfortunately, her sentence wasn't finished as Guinevere arrived. He had the feeling that both he and Lily were in the same boat when it came to the spunky girl. She was nice to be around, but difficult for the quieter ones to really get to know. And she had become a common occurrence in Remus' life since her and Sirius had started their "relationship". He gave a smile at her words, unsure of what to say. His Mom would want him to spend time with his friends, but the situation wasn't so easy given the timing. "Maybe in a couple of weeks I can join you all, how about that?"

Thankfully Willa was changing the conversation, and he raised an eyebrow in surprise. He knew that Ludo had accompanied Guin to the ball the night before, but the remark was out of the blue. He wrinkled his nose, ignoring his confusion as the girls bantered. He waved to Doe as she left, glad that there was slightly more room in the compartment. The space didn't last for too long, however, as Daisy and Charlotte showed up. He gave them a smile, pleased to see his girlfriend standing in the compartment doorway as Daisy made herself comfortable. While it was cute for the couples in the room to be so close, he certainly hoped no one expected the same from him and Charlotte.

"Here," he said, scooting the best he could so that Charlotte would have room. He looked to Daisy as she spoke, giving a shrug. "Well, I think the general agreement is that it's going to be strange not coming back next year."

[Charlotte Fudge]

She was out the door of their compartment before she knew what had grabbed her.

But by now, really, Charlotte should stop being surprised at the impetuous nature of her best friend - Daisy wasn't one to not go for what she wanted! So she let out a laugh at the other girl's words, playfully dragging her feet a bit on the carper as she'd genuinely done when they were young. But something sounded a bit odd - or maybe the grip on her arm was a tad too tight...

"You're right, of course," she said before realizing how conceited that sounded. Not that it was conceited to think your boyfriend would want to see you - but - "I mean, yes, it's our only one, but it's also his last one. It's special to him and his mates, don't want to intrude if they're...well, you know how they get," she finished rather lamely. It was just hard to articulate, but the group, they were close, with so many inside jokes and shared adventures, that she often felt like she had nothing to say when she was in their company. And she was awfully sure they wondered why Remus was even with her, as it was sometimes so difficult for her to get a word in edgewise, either out of the sheer foreignness of the conversation or her own shyness and inability to relax around them when they were all together. But the last thing she wanted was for his friends to doubt her...so she steeled herself, giving Dorcas a wave as she passed them, and shortly Daisy was opening their compartment.

"Hi, hope you don't mind..." The girl trailed off as Daisy left her and quite literally climbed her way through the tangle of legs to get onto Peter's lap, and she met Remus' eyes - the smiling bloke thankfully sitting near the compartment wall on the door side - with a chuckle. He was kindly trying to make room for her, but the place was so packed it wasn't doing a whole lot of good - she couldn't blame Dorcas for leaving! Mighty crowded, but with a friend group like this - one she knew she wasn't quite in, Merlin but she had to try harder, they were all just so close and had been for years - Char knew she shouldn't have been surprised.

"Thanks," she said quietly, crossing her legs as she squeezed in next to Remus, trying to make herself smaller, and becoming overly aware of how - er - overly couple-y the other couples in the compartment were being. Even Lily and James were cozy! Charlotte supposed it was natural to be getting caught up in the moment - freedom of graduation, the world at their feet and all, and for those two not having the responsibilities of Head Students anymore - but it was definitely not something she felt comfortable displaying with her boyfriend in front of people! As dearly as she did care for him, it was just - wasn't that supposed to stay between the couple? Not be out there for everyone to see? Or maybe they were just too newly "official" for her to be comfortable with it. Whatever the case, the girl did take his hand as he spoke, giving it a squeeze. "Absolutely will be - we all grow up here, really, just as much home or more than whatever we've got out of here," she said honestly, really trying to put forth more for them all. It was an intimidating group, not that they tried to be, but by their very nature as best-of-friends.

And loud, usually very loud, they were. Bit in contrast to her general tone.

But she wanted to be with Remus, and he loved them - she loved Daisy and Lily, surely she could give the friends without flower names more of a chance too?

"But," Char continued, looking up at him with a smile before turning to the rest, "it's got to be just as exciting as it is strange, isn't it? New opportunities and everything, it's going to be another adventure for all of you."

"It definitely will, Charlotte," said Willa, awkwardly getting to her feet within the tangle of limbs that composed the compartment, trying not to trip over anyone on her way out. "I'm just going to go see the prefects, didn't have proper goodbyes with enough of them!"

[Deleted]

A queasy feeling settled in Lily’s stomach. She wouldn’t call it jealousy persay, but the cause of her unease was easily defined as uncertainty about her and James’ future. In particular, if she fit into it. He obviously wanted her to, but the compounded years of friendship between Sirius and James made her feel out of place. The continued animosity between the two caused an incompatibility that she was unsure even the love between herself and James could surmount. She had tried all manner of placating methods in the months since December. It seemed that even simply agreeing with the gruff Gryffindore graduate would take the entirety of her energies.


Lily had lived happily without James for years and she was sure if they really wanted, Lily could move on. She could join the Order and he could become an Auror and the world would move on. Cordiality would be key, and that was something she prided herself on.

Remus’ smile was enough to keep her level headed and optimistic. They had a special bond of being on the same page consistently that not even Lily’s boyfriend could claim. He’d need a ton of sweets in the coming months. Lily knew Dumbledore wasn’t done advocating for Remus and his situation. Sometimes it takes someone else knowing that as fact to keep the person it affected most believing it. Lily would be that person for Remus Lupin no matter what.


Willa’s poise in the face of Guin’s preening was admirable. Lily didn’t know her friend to be caddy or passive aggressive, but she seemed to have found a cause that was worth stooping to a lower level for. Ludovic Bagmann and Guinevere Crane seemed like a good match on paper, and for Sirius’ sake Lily hoped Willa was right.


It wasn’t just the strength of her relationship with James that would keep Lily Evans eternally connected to Sirius Black, but also that of her friendship with Willa. There was no getting out of it. The both of them would have to make it work. It was beyond Lily’s capacity to wonder how they would finally come to terms and how volatile it would be or not.


While all the girls were on edge because of Guin, all the boys seemed to tense up when she mentioned Arnie was coming. Oh come off it. Lily mentally pleaded with them all. Doe’s happy. As conversation, laughter, and bubbles crisscrossed the confined space, Lily opened the chocolate frog offered to her. It made a respectable effort to jump to freedom, but Lily caught the animated candy before it could land. She savored it, knowing that just because it was off the trolly didn’t make it taste better. But it would never taste the same again.

The role of silent spectator suited Lily well. She was not quite a part of the group. It was more like she was a moon that had orbited around them for years. She was more or less present, and had some pull but was overall not involved in their lives. Except for the man melting into her right now. He had fought tooth and nail for her to let him in, so now she would fight tooth and nail to keep him around without sacrificing her drive to change their world. He felt the same drive, but would he respect that in her? Or would he fly into an overprotective fury? Dorcas’ announcement pulled Lily out of reverie.


A grimace curled on Lily’s lips as Dorcas voluntarily left the compartment. Lily would have loved to see Arnie. They didn’t’ get much time together or know each other all that well, but for some reason she felt he was a kindred spirit. The two nerds dating the star Quidditch players. Before anyone could see she transformed it into a smile. “Enjoy.” Lily said feeling a bit out of place, but friendly at the same time. She shot Doe a wink.



Char and Daisy replaced her former roommate not too soon after her exit. Their combined charm added even more excitement to the already rambunctious room. Char attempted decorum so Lily met her eyes and shook her head to answer the young woman’s question. “It feels like a massive weight off.” Lily responded. She didn’t want to think of how hollow that statement was, what with the bombshell she would have to drop on James later. Remus chimed in and Charlotte added her own hypotheses. “I mean throw the real-world adventures at me any day, I still won’t have to keep you lot from breaking the rules anymore.”

[Deleted]

Sirius grinned as he turned his gaze to the beautiful Hufflepuff sitting across from him. Was she...making a dig at Guin? Or not even like a dig, but more a way to get under the other girl’s skin. Thankfully Guin didn’t pick up on it - at least to his knowledge - but he knew Willa enough to see that something was going on with her. It wasn’t really a huge secret that they spent a lot of time together - or that he fancied the pants off her - and all he wanted to ask was if she was okay. What was spurring this reaction from someone usually so thoughtful and kind? He chuckled and gave a short wave to Doe as she left, ”Yeah Robbins, how’d you keep your friendship with an international Quidditch star a secret for so long?”

You’re not jealous. You’re not jealous.

Except that he was. A buzzing in the pit of his stomach had started, and he tried to shut it down. He had a beautiful girl sat on his lap, wanting to bed him the first chance she got, and here he was being jealous of Willa and Ludo Bagman. He had no clue how they would have met outside of their mutual house, but the difference in age was worrying him. Had the Quidditch star ever taken advantage of her when she was younger? Had she ever wanted him to? The questions were endless, and he found himself almost wishing that Guin did go for the older Hufflepuff, just so that Willa wouldn’t.

His thoughts were still playing around in his mind when Daisy and Charlotte came into the compartment. It was cramped enough as it is, and even though they were slim, the new girls were quite literally not fitting in. Sirius was happy to let Remus lead the conversation, because he was pretty distracted by Willa leaving. He patted Guin’s thigh twice and moved to stand up, ”Take my seat, I’ll be back later-” He grinned and started out of their little area, ”Robbins, wait up!” The door slammed behind him, and it interrupting Evans wasn’t the worst thing either.

[Willa Robbins]

James seemed set on filling the ceiling of their compartment with sickeningly sweet bubbles, and while he wasn't fully succeeding yet, as the train jostled them all about strange panels of light hit the lot of them. Something within the bubbles was causing the most incredible light show to those paying attention, which Willa ardently was - it was preferable to seeing her date from last night with another girl on his lap, a girl who'd started snogging him minutes ago. Well, that's how long it felt to her, that was probably an exaggeration, really, and it was fine, just not what she expected, and there really shouldn't be a reason this was bothering her -

Perhaps, though, the sight of that was what prompted her to - once their faces had detached - ask Guin about her date for the graduation. Was Ludovic truly so soon out of her mind? How could that be, he was one of the most charming and entertaining people she had ever met! And what was that tone? She never sounded so, er, snippy. But the vivacious brunette was all smiles as she took up her hands in hers, assuring her that while she'd enjoyed her time that night, she didn't anticipate anything else. Over Guin's shoulder, Sirius was looking at her oddly, and the intensity of it made her quickly sweep her eyes back to meet Guin's. Giving her hands a squeeze back before letting go, Willa continued brightly, "He's still down-to-earth, really - I wouldn't count it out of the question!" Why are you pushing this so hard? Even she couldn't convince herself that it was all because she didn't want her big-hearted friend to go through any sort of heartache, unfortunately. She gave Doe a small smile at Guin's tease, but then her friend was excusing herself from the compartment before any sort of story could be had. Not the worst idea, leaving, the usually chipper girl thought rather sullenly, although she quickly mentally kicked herself in the shins for thinking it. This was the last train ride with her friends, she should be cherishing this!

They're your friends - why're you so uncomfortable around them today?

Sirius brought her attention back to him at his question, and she really didn't know what to say. She'd shared a House with Ludovic for years, and after his graduation it'd been absolutely natural to maintain ties through letters and seeing him over breaks. The girl tried for a smile, shrugging her shoulders. "Er - he didn't have that sort of name recognition when we met," she started, feeling horribly awkward. "Lots of us become friends in Hufflepuff, I guess, we've never really thought too much on it. He's come to visit a few times - my little sister's got the most terrible crush on him actually," she laughed, picturing Jo's doe-eyed advances, "but he handles it like a champ."

With Daisy and Charlotte joining the compartment, it really was too full for anyone to make a convincing argument to the contrary. After the niceties were exchanged, and before anyone started kissing (Good lord, get a grip.) she decided to take the opportunity as an out, conjuring up a white lie to do so. "It definitely will, Charlotte," said Willa, awkwardly getting to her feet within the tangle of limbs that composed the compartment, trying not to trip over anyone on her way out. "I'm just going to go see the prefects, didn't have proper goodbyes with enough of them!"

(ooc: sorry about the weirdness of having her leave in Char's post end and then bringing her back here - did not think that through! HAD TO RESPOND TO THE CRACK KISS and all, silly past self. but yes willa out now, here she is)

[Deleted]

“Well, you will be the first to know should I hear from Mr. Bagman again, promise!” Guin said jokingly, wanting to add, but not wanting to annoy Willa, that she still found it a highly unlikely outcome. Ludovic had been surprisingly down to earth, and incredibly attractive, and charming gentlemanly, but...he was still an internationally famous Quidditch star...and she was still, Guin. Hogwarts resident slag no longer, but a slag all the same and nowhere near the caliber as Ludovic Bagman. 

When Sirius spoke up, the recent graduate turned to him: “That is a good question. I never thought to ask when I said yes.” and then she turned back to Willa to hear her answer, genuinely curious to know. Not just every one had a celebrity as a close friend; Guin knew they must be close, how else would Willa have gotten him to go to a dance with a complete stranger? The darker haired girl nodded along with Willa's words, thinking that her explanation was an expectable one. Hufflepuffs were awfully friendly, Guin thought, picturing Doc and smiling. She would miss him, along with all the others they were leaving behind: Arnie, Doc, Charlotte and Daisy, Tommy, Benji, the list seemed to just go on and on...

Willa stood up and bid her farewell, pulling Guin from her momentary funk and pushing a smile to her face. “Alright then, tell Meredith to shove it, one last time, from me!” She said excitedly, waving the other girl off. Then, quite by surprise, she was being dumped unceremoniously off of Sirius's very comfortable lap. She looked after him, supremely confused as to how the atmosphere had changed so quickly. Not knowing why, she looked to James then. Had she missed something? But she didn't voice her questions, knowing that she was probably just making things out of nothings. Hoping it was nothing out of the ordinary but feeling like it was, feeling like she was losing it, she was losing it all!

Guin dropped down into Sirius's empty seat, fighting the emotions that had plagued her only twenty four hours prior: everything was falling apart! And she was annoyed again with her long-time lover, something that was happening all to often lately. I cannot go back to thinking like this. Guin told herself fiercely. Sirius will be back, this is a train, where is he going to go? And we will pick up where we left off, like we always do. Everything is going to be fine. The girl nodded to herself and focused on her group of friends that remained. “So,” she said with forced cheerfulness to Daisy and Charlotte. “Are you two looking forward to your last summer as students? Personally, it was my best summer ever. You two will have to ring me up when you have some free time, we could get together and do something fun.”

[James Potter]

Their compartment could very well have had one of those revolving doors muggles were so proud of, what with the sudden exodus and influx of people. As soon as Doe was out to see the Peasel, Daisy and Charlotte were attempting to fit within whatever space there was left. In the short in-between, the awkwardness among the odd trio of Sirius, Guin, and Willa was palpable; Guin was being her usual shining self, really, but the Hufflepuff graduate was soon making an excuse to leave...with Sirius near chasing after her?

Tired as he was, James didn't find himself really wanting to engage in what had just transpired, but couldn't keep a disgruntled look from his face as he watched his brother leave his old teammate so abruptly. Yeah, the blokes all could tell that "Robbins" had been on his mind for a while, but even though they'd gone to the graduation dance together...by how Guin had made her comfortable entrance, and the disappointment he could feel coming from her, the lion and lioness hadn't exactly talked out what was between them moving forward. The girl caught his eye as he looked back her way, and he gave a sympathetic tight-lipped smile back. Gonna have to get him on it, if he's not going to do it himself. Only right to fill her in! It was fantastic to see Sirius excited about a girl again, it was, but did he need to hurt their friend in the process? Must be a better way.

Both of the new arrivals were continuing on at Hogwarts next year, and he was curious at what the transition would mean for his friends and their relationships; as he'd heard from an over the moon excited Sirius, Willa had broken things off with the Ravenclaw she'd been dating, possibly because of their not continuing on in the same space anymore. He hoped the same didn't happen for Remus and Peter's relationships, truly - Daisy was like a sister, and brought so much light into Pete's life, and all of theirs, that losing her would be more than a shame; while newer to the group, and not as known, Charlotte was yet obviously bringing a happiness to Remus that James never before seen...They'll work it out.

Although...perhaps more difficult to accept than not returning to Hogwarts was the gentlemen's decisions to join the Order. It was difficult to imagine Daisy giving Peter up for anything, but could him putting his life at risk be the thing to do it? And Charlotte...didn't know the full situation when it came to Remus. How much would he fill her in on before summer was up? The unknowns were rather sizable, but James was hopeful for the lot of them. Merlin's beard, if you can get things to work with Evans, they can figure this out. He nodded along with Remus' sum-up to Daisy's question, laughing as his girlfriend chimed in.

"Oh yeah?" James asked, hazel eyes meeting sparkling green as he looked over to her with a grin. "What're you gonna fill your days with then? So much free time, if you're done hounding us - " The knock to his side was earned, and his laughter died off as Lily seemed stumped for any kind of verbal reply. Usually she was quick on her feet, but maybe the future was too much to discuss in any detail for her? He'd restrained himself, truly, in inquiring about this sort of thing yet - he knew what was in his heart and on his path, and now that they were true Hogwarts graduates, adults in the Wizarding world, surely they could handle a candid talk about what was next for them as individuals and as a couple. The plan was for her to come to his home tonight, which would give them the perfect time to - among other things - iron out some of the details.

As Guin re-entered the conversation after taking a few moments to compose herself, he felt Lily shift and raised his brows at seeing a more serious look on her face than anticipated. "All right, Evans?" he asked, voice low in concern. She'd been seeming off - putting on smiles he could see through, poor thing - and maybe...this wasn't the best spot for her at the moment. While James felt a bit silly - Weren't you just thinking how strange it is everyone's in-and-out? - he quietly suggested, "Should we get some air?" After her nod, he stood with her hand in his, shooting a guilty smile to the party. "Gonna stretch our legs, back in a bit," he promised, maneuvering out of the compartment.

[Daisy Hookum]

Well they had certainly walked into...something.

As comfortable as she was on Peter’s lap, the air in the compartment was tense, as if they had just missed whatever was going on. Willa was quick to leave them shortly after their arrival, followed by Sirius (who had dumped Guin from his lap). Last night had been fun, exciting, and as always with their group, filled with drama thanks to Sirius Black. Whatever was going on between him and Willa needed to get sorted out, as well as whatever was going on with him and Guin. But Daisy was staying out of it, she had told herself that. If Sirius wanted to talk to her about it, he would talk to her. It was as simple as that.

James and Lily were leaving soon after, making the compartment roomy enough for her to take a proper seat next to her boyfriend, and she shot Guin a smile as she replied. “I’d be looking forward to it more if I wasn’t going to be stuck at the tea room in St. Mungo’s so often. It’s a fantastic summer job, but it’s not exactly what I’d like to be doing with my days away from school.”

[Remus Lupin]

Guin’s arrival to their compartment seemed to set in motion a string of events. A lot had happened the night before, and he couldn’t blame Willa for being overwhelmed. Especially with her and Sirius - not that they were an official thing - but last night was certainly telling. And while the compartment was crowded, he did feel bad for Willa as she explained her friendship with Ludo. Her departure wasn’t surprising, but he exchanged a glance with James as Sirius chased after her. Whatever was going on, he hoped that his brother would get it sorted. And make it clear to both girls where they stood.

Before long James and Lily were also leaving, and the compartment was much less crowded. Daisy still seemed content to sit on Peter’s lap, but Remus scooted over so that his girlfriend wasn’t so squished in the corner, dropping an arm around her shoulders as he stretched his legs out. “I’m sure once we are all settled there will be plenty of housewarming parties for us all to get together at,” he added to the conversation, “Of course I don’t want to interrupt quality girl bonding time for the three of you, but you’re obviously all welcome to come to my place.”

[Charlotte Fudge]

Charlotte exchanged an uncertain look with her best friend as the mood of the compartment, and its occupants, rapidly changed. First the newly graduated Hufflepuff was out, and then Sirius, and James and Lily...While she appreciated having more space, she felt like she and Daisy surely had missed something. Her heart went out to the other girl left, though, as Guin did her best to look unruffled by the sudden change of events, even starting up conversation with them! Even though she wouldn't count herself and the more outspoken Gryffindor graduate properly close, it was still incredibly sweet of Guin to offer up her company. "That's a lovely idea, Guin, I'm sure we can make something happen," she added politely after Daisy's words. The girl settled back into the comfort of her boyfriend, chuckling quietly as he offered up his own new home as a place for them to get together. "Thanks, love." She hoped it wasn't too forward to think, but Charlotte anticipated spending...a lot of her summer there with him. Summers at the Fudge residence were nothing to brag about, and while he was starting up with work soon...You'll find the time.

"What are you planning to get up to this summer?" she asked of Guin, truly uncertain about the girl's post-graduation plans. She hadn't heard her name come up in any conversations about the Order, so whatever she was thinking of doing would be different than many of her friends' pursuits. Char could empathize with her there, if it came to it; while she knew that this was something that Remus felt he needed to do, and while it had been kind of him to debate it through with her when the opportunity had arisen, she was no fighter. She didn't feel that indescribable need in her soul to put wrongs to rights through violence action. With any luck, the war would be done before Remus or his fellows were even out in the field...