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January 8, 1977
The train ride back to Hogwarts was filled with high energy as people embraced those they hadn't seen all of break. The trolley lady made her rounds, allowing Evanna and her friends to splurge on the sugary and savory snacks before heading to a fulfilling dinner.
"How sloppy are the lot of ya's? We have dinner in an hour." Avery muttered sarcastically as he groaned and leaned over in his seat, feigning to be full. The wrappers of assorted snacks littered the cloth benches.
"Avery, don't act like you're not going to eat a full plate of food, dessert, and then some." Evanna stifled an eye-roll.
"So?" he shrugged his shoulders. "I'm a growing boy."
Summer and Jack giggle in sync, covering their mouths, as Evanna's face twitches, hiding a laugh, making it look like she ate something sour.
"Is that what your nan tells you, Ave?" Summer poked at him through more giggles.
Avery sat up quickly with a borderline offended expression in the furrow of his brow. "Ay!"
"Is she lying?" Evie's chuckling now.
"Well, I mean- does it matter?" He was blushing now, and Evanna was going to torture him further by continuing, but she was interrupted by the opening of the carriage door.
"There you guys are!" It was Lily Evans with her full head of red hair and a cheesy grin on her face. "I've been looking all over."
The group in the carriage grinned back at her and let out a chorus of "Hey, Lily!"
Color, tinted Avery's cheekbones as Lily made her way in to sit next to him. Her eyes glinted as Avery put his arm around her shoulder somewhat hesitantly like he was checking to make sure it wasn't too much.
Evie, Jack, and Summer gave each other knowing looks and smirks before Lily said, "How was everyone's break?"
"Oh, you'll never guess what happened to me and Avery!" Jack started, his hands shooting around excitedly.
The group was soon swept into chatter and laughter about everyone's holiday break, making the time pass as quickly as the Scottish countryside outside the window.
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The food at the feast was- as per usual- fantastic. Evie and her friends piled their plates high with anything they could reach (Avery got thirds) and by the time dessert came the group clutched their stomachs.
Jack and Summer decided to eat dinner at the Gryffindor table that evening, considering it was the first night back from break.
