Fauna looked out the window as the train slowly began to move, blaring its departure like an irritated owl under a sonorous charm. The rat crawling over her arm jerked a little, but calmed when Fauna ran a finger gently over its head. The compartment felt a bit stuffy, so Fauna took off her straw hat, let it flop on the seat beside her, and watched as the grounds and the greenery sped by faster and faster until they became a blur.

From the commotion and noise near the door, it appeared that students were still trying to find their seats. Fauna fully expected her solitute to be interrupted at any moment. A part of her welcomed the company, as long as it was someone she was friendly with, but another part of her just wanted time to think. She’d always enjoyed riding in cars and trains, especially when the scenery was pleasant to look at. It felt like she could watch the world pass her by and be safe inside her bubble, daydreaming.

Her rat, Bernie, scampered down her arm and straightened to peer out the window, too. The creature then looked back at Fauna as if to say, what’s so interesting about a bunch of trees? If it had been another rat or a crumb, that would be a different matter. Bernie curled up next to the warmth of the window and let out a slight huff. Fauna smiled. Her poor pet would certainly miss the rats and mice of Hogwarts, she thought, even though this meant Bernie would have less competition during meals.

The train rumbled beneath her feet in a steady rhythm of clacks and clicks. She thought back to the End of Year Feast, where the headmaster officially announced his resignation. Fauna put her chin in her hand and let out a sigh much like the one Bernie had moments earlier. She didn’t know what her last year at Hogwarts would bring, but she’d always trusted Greyfriar to be there. To her, it seemed like he was immovable from the castle, a part of the paintings, the armor, the walls. It wouldn’t be the same without his booming laugh echoing around the corridors.

She also worried about what would happen to Ollie. They still hadn’t spoken to each other or come to terms, but Fauna hoped the new headmistress of Hogwarts would be as tolerant (and as good at keeping secrets) as Greyfriar had been. Thankfully, Gunnar would still be there, and she had a feeling his potions dungeon would double as a counselor’s room if the many changes at Hogwarts made the castle an unhappy place to be! She gave a shake of her head, trying to stay optimistic.

It was time to travel home. Zoey was ready to intern at the Daily Prophet, ready to embark on a new adventure. He'd packed all his things, and was carrying them on a trolley looking for a compartment to situate in. There wasn't anyone in particular he preferred to sit with, so he was just going to randomly find a room and sit down, even if it made for an awkward situation.

Finally, he stopped at a car and opened the door. Stepping inside, he hadn't noticed who was in it until he turned around. Sitting alone, minus the company of a rat, was Fauna Blake. He'd heard towards the end of the year that she had been in a debacle with his glorious ex-girlfriend, the evil vampire Vienna. He commended her efforts for trying to battle the foul girl, but he knew Fauna was less skilled in the art of hurting people with pointy things.

Smiling he tucked his things away and sat opposite Fauna. "Ready for summer?" He said with a smile and an arch of his brows. Fauna was a cute girl, not sure if she was his type. Well, that, and she was rumored to be linked with Devlin Matthews, one of his least favorite people.

The door slid open and Fauna turned her attention away from the window to see who had just entered. To her surprise, it was Zoey McAdams. They were on friendly terms, but she’d expected him to ride the train with Beatrix or the Slytherins. A bothersome thought crossed her mind that perhaps this was the only open compartment left!

He smiled at her though, and she smiled back, fidgeting with her hat and wondering where to put it. He sat down opposite her after stowing away his trunk and other belongings, so she just left the hat by her seat and tried not to worry about it.

Zoey then asked if she was ready for the summer. She paused, thinking seriously on the friendly question.

“Uh… well, sort of,” she told him, shrugging sheepishly. “I mean, I uh, have an internship set up. And a part-time job! But I’m not sure I’m really… ready for it…” she trailed off and chuckled, feeling awkward.

“Er, how about you? Don’t you… aren’t you doing something with Naomi Thursday?” Fauna repeated the reporter’s name under her breath, thinking that it didn’t sound quite right.