[Hogwarts Between] Auld Lang Sine

[Patrick McCartney]

[OOC: Take Two (this is actually the original) ]

[OOC:  Global Event:  This goes across all threads as they stand at
this date.  Please do not respond to this thread, but respond to your
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this event. ]

Laughter, tears, confusion, anxiety, and excitement all crowded
together in the bustling group of students as they hurried through the
corridors of the passenger cars.  The search was on for friends,
familiar faces, acceptable groups, proper procedures, and just a place
to sit.  Luggage, owls, hats, frogs, capes, and cats were a main
ingredient in the mix.

Not all of the students had found compartments when the train whistle
blew announcing the imminent departure from station.  A wave of heads
jerked up and down as the shock of the shrill signal moved through
those who were still in the corridors.  The sound increased the sense
of urgency to get to where they wanted to be, but not one student could
move any faster than they already were.

There was a second blast from the whistle.  Many students in the
corridors reached out and grabbed whatever they could to hold on, for
they knew what to expect.  There was a jerk and a screech as the first
power from the steam engine was delivered to the wheels.  Then the
train shuttered as it began to pull away.

Students pulled open windows and fit their heads outside.  From the
station, the side of the train looked as if it grew petals blowing in
the wind.  Hands and heads reached out, screams of “Good bye” and “I’ll
send you an owl” filled the station.

The passenger cars slid past the platform.  Between the platform and
the train shouts met shouts, tears met tears, and the final good byes
for the school year were sent.  To the students, the station seemed to
slide past their feet, and is the platform floated away and finally
disappeared from view they know they were on their way to Hogwarts.