"Gerard! Can I sit with you? Please? I'll leave you alone once we make it to the school, but please?" Mikey begged as they made their way across the train station.

Gerard let out a playful groan as they continued along. "I thought you were irritating as a first year." He teased.

Mikey stuck his tongue out at Gerard, earning a light tap on the back of his head from their mother. He muttered a silent apology while Gerard hid a silent snicker.

"Come on! While you boys are at school, your father and I can have date night every night." She laughed, earning groaned responses from the two Way boys.

"Is that why you were so eager to send us both off last year?" Mikey asked as they made it up to the wall they needed to run through.

Their mother laughed as Gerard got ready to run through. "It was our first real alone time together in ages! It's not that I don't love you, but I did very much enjoy it."

"Can we just not come home to the announcement of a new Way?" Gerard asked with a huff of air and a smile tugging at his lips as he shook his head.

"Two was quite enough for me."

"Can we not talk about this?" Mikey asked before sticking out his tongue in disgust.

Gerard rolled his eyes as his mother laughed. He rushed at the wall before further conversation was made, grinning as he found himself on the other side.

"Gerard!"

Gerard turned at the sound of his friend's voice. Patrick was waving his yellow and black scarf up in the air. "Over here, Gerard!"

"How was the summer, Patrick?" Gerard asked, riding the cart he was pushing over. How he missed crashing into anyone was pure luck.

Patrick shrugged. "It was okay." He replied with a high five to Gerard once he was close, "Caught up on a lot of shows we missed during the school year, hung out with some old friends, messaged back and forth by owl..."

"By owl?" Gerard asked with a sly grin, "Who's the lucky witch or wizard?"

Patrick's cheeks reddened as he pushed his trunk towards the train. "No one... Maybe a Gryffindor beater, but who's to say..."

Gerard laughed, "That leaves one of two people." He said as he followed Patrick, "Hurley... Or Wentz?"

"You know I like dark hair." Patrick grinned before bursting into a fit of giggles.

Gerard's mouth dropped open from the admittance. Patrick had first really met the Gryffindor when he was running late for quidditch practice during their second year. Patrick had been on his way outside when the player had run into him, sending both boys flying to the ground. Pete had hurriedly apologized, trying to help Patrick up while also trying to get his broom. Patrick had waved away his worry, but they had began to talk during meals ever since.

"Is it official?" Gerard asked as they loaded onto the train.

"It's something." Patrick shrugged. He looked back as Mikey could be heard yelling through the crowd. "Your brother gunna ride with us?"

"I'd of thought he would ride with someone in his house." Gerard shrugged as he waved at his brother, "Although, we tend to ride with mixed houses."

"Speaking of mixed houses," Patrick said as he tugged his trunk onto the train, "How's Frank?" He added a wink at the end.

Gerard grinned at his friend. During their first year, they continued to meet in the owlery late at night. They would then walk back down to their common room areas; Frank would always walk Gerard to the Hufflepuff common room before traveling to his own.

Upon their second year, with the addition of being able to try out for quidditch, the two boys found themselves wandering the grounds more. They were usually accompanied by other friends, but it was still nice. Frank ended up being a chaser for his team that year, but didn't try out their third year.

"I've got time." He shrugged simply during one of the walks down from the owlery when Gerard asked.

Their third year had probably been the most fun. While Gerard now had his brother at the school, cheering as he was sorted into Ravenclaw, they also got the privilege of being able to go to Hogsmade. Frank had been there before, though he wouldn't share when, and showed Gerard around. They spent a particularly long time at the candy shop, ending up with several cartons of every flavor beans each.

It was now their fourth year at Hogwarts. The anticipation of what this year would bring left Gerard in wonder throughout the summer. He was so excited to get back to his second home. He was so excited to see his friends.

"Let's hurry and get a compartment before they're all full." Mikey urged as the train's whistle echoed through the air.

Gerard and Patrick both nodded as they made their way into the train. They walked down the small corridor, looking for empty rooms. They passed several full ones, as well as, one that held only two figures furiously making out.

"Oi, get a room!" Patrick yelled into the room through the cracked door.

The two pulled apart, one wearing Gryffindor colors and the other wearing Slytherin colors. "Oi, this is a room, tree stump." The Gryffindor boy smirked before turning his head to reconnect lips with the Slytherin.

"At least attempt to hide your shame, Ryan." Patrick teased as they walked on. They could hear Ryan's giggles still echoing when they stopped at the very next compartment, which was empty.

"This seems good." Patrick smiled as they slipped inside.

Mikey sat eagerly by the window, looking out at crowded the platform. "Oh, Gerard, mom says bye. Are we going home for holidays this year?"

"I don't know yet!" Gerard exclaimed with a laugh, "Calm down, Mikey, there's still time to decide."

Mikey just groaned, leaning back in his seat. Gerard rolled his eyes. Patrick sat by the doors, his eyes scanning the people walking by.

"So, Gerard, if McGonagall can transform into a cat, are you allergic to her?"

"Mikey, oh my god."

"He does make a fair point, Gerard."

"Patrick, stop encouraging him."

As they debated the subject of Gerard's allergy, Frank was boarding the train with Tyler. The two spoke quietly about their summer as they traveled down the train car, stopping only when they found the familiar Brendon Urie sucking the face of a Gryffindor.

"There's first years on this train, you pervs." Frank said as he slid the compartment door open.

Brendon pushed the other boy away with a small grin. "Either they see us now, or they catch it in the halls." He replied as the Gryffindor giggled, burying his face in Brendon's chest.

"Let's traumatize them sooner rather than later." Tyler laughed with a crooked smile.

"That's the ticket!" Brendon exclaimed, pointing at Tyler with amusement. "See? I knew there was a reason he's a Slytherin."

"Glad I can live up to my house reputation in sass." Tyler replied as he shut the compartment door.

"You're out of your shell more than our first year." Frank yawned as Tyler sat down next to him, "Pretty rad, man."

Tyler smiled at Frank while Brendon pressed a quick kiss to the top of the Gryffindor's head. "Gunna sit on my lap the whole trip, Ryan?"

"Best seat in the house..." Ryan replied with a sly grin. He rested his head against Brendon's chest and let his eyes close with a soft escape of breath from his nose.

Frank rolled his eyes at the couple, "C'mon, guys..."

"What? You jealous?" Brendon winked, "I thought you had Gerard?"

"Melanie says you guys still aren't official." Tyler chimed in, looking at the floor. "You've been talking since first year..."

"Talking and face sucking are two different things." Frank said, crossing his leg. He and Gerard were just good friends. They had never gone to the point of kissing or hand holding. There wasn't even an excuse for it, it had just never really happened. "Unlike those two," he gestured to Brendon and Ryan, "or you and your own Gryffindor. What's up with all the half Gryffindor relationships?"

Tyler looked down at the ground with a small grin on his face. "Josh is just so brave and strong... I don't really see that in myself..."

"You've got those somewhere." Frank defended him, "Don't forget that you also have ambition, cunning, leadership, and resourcefulness on your side."

"Sly little Slytherins..." Ryan yawned. He was still cuddling up to Brendon, refusing to move off his lap. "My mom almost married a Slytherin... But she fell for the muggle next door. Still pretty cool..."

Brendon smiled down at Ryan, holding him around his waist. Frank turned to the window, surprised to see that the train was moving. During their conversations and pauses for thought, he hadn't even noticed the train starting on its course for Hogwarts.

"Guys! The trolley lady is on her way." Tyler said, excitedly. "I hope she has liquorice wands!"

"Sign me the hell up!" Brendon grinned. He kept one arm around Ryan, who had actually fallen asleep on his chest, to dig into one of his pockets.

Frank grinned, adjusting himself to sit upright. "Get me a chocolate frog." He said, digging into his own pockets for some money.

The train ride continued on with the group sharing their candies and talking about whatever until they made it to the school's platform. They popped up and made their way out, following the crowd to the carriages. Frank grinned when he saw the familiar white hair just a bit ahead of him.

"Hey! Ger-" he was cut short by a body bumping into him and knocking him to the ground. He groaned as he pushed himself up. He felt a soft grip holding onto him, helping him rise.

"I'm sorry, Frank!" A soft voice behind him exclaimed.

"It's okay I mean-" Frank turned once he was steady on his feet to be greeted by Jamia. Her lips were colored in a manner that complimented her face and strands of her hair hung loosely in her face. She offered him a smile, but he only gave half of one in response. "Hi, Jamia..."

"Are you looking for someone to sit with during the carriage ride?" Jamia asked with the tilt of her head. Her hair tilted with the movement, slightly covering her eyes.

Frank turned back to the way he had been originally facing. Gerard hadn't gotten into a carriage yet. He was still waiting with some other students. "Maybe some other time, Jamia."

"It's only once a year though, c'mon, please?" She pressed, smiling sweetly at him.

"Maybe at Christmas or something." Frank said, beginning to move away from her.

She pouted as she watched him move towards a group of Hufflepuff students. One of her fellow Slytherin's, Hayley, stepped along side her.

"Face it, he's just not into you, Jam." She said, twirling her finger in her short red hair.

Jamia's eyes narrowed at the dark haired boy that had walked away. "I don't give up so easily, Hayley..." She muttered before walking with Hayley towards one of the waiting carriages.

Frank had finally caught up to where Gerard was. "Hey!" He grinned as his pale haied friend turned.

"Frank!" Gerard exclaimed, throwing his hands in the air before hugging him. "Missed you on the train!"

"I got caught up in everything." Frank shrugged, happily hugging Gerard back.

When they pulled apart, Frank cocked his head before reaching out to fix Gerard's tie. Gerard laughed, nervously, as Frank fiddled with it.

"S-so how was your summer holiday? Did your little sister give you any troubles?"

With Gerard's question, Frank froze. However, it was only for an instance before he was hastily finishing up work on his friend's tie.

"What's trouble is how you still can't manage a bloody tie after almost four years." Frank laughed as he let the accessory drop against Gerard's chest, "Can't believe you, sometimes."

"I tried!" Gerard argued, getting caught in Frank's, now successful, attempt to change the subject. "Been looking up youtube videos and everything."

"Youtube?" Frank asked with confusion drawing over his expression.

Gerard rolled his eyes. "Oh, come on, I know I've mentioned that to you at least a dozen times."

"I've told you time and time again, I don't pay much mind to muggle technology." Frank laughed as the familiar carriages began to move along to allow more student to load on. He smiled at the empty air in front of the carriage, slightly confusing Gerard. Frank could be strange, but he seemed to be acting exceptionally so today. Gerard almost had déjà vu of Frank interacting with the empty air in front of the carriages before...

"Guys! People are going to take your seats!" Patrick exclaimed from where he was climbing inside the carriage, "C'mon!"

Gerard nodded, hurriedly moving to climb in with Frank close behind. Besides Frank, Patrick, and Gerard, there was a silvery gray figure sitting in the carriage.

"Jon?" Gerard asked as he settled into a seat beside Frank.

The ghostly figure turned with a sly grin. "Boo."

"Who is he?" Frank asked with the tilt of his head. He figured it had to be a ghost from the school, noting that Patrick seemed to recognize the spector as well.

"I'm Jon." The ghost replied as the carriage began to move, "Just thought I'd give you lot a bit of a heads up." He paused. "Well... Them two." He said, gesturing at Gerard and Patrick. "Don't really know you much. Wasn't expecting you."

"How thoughtful." Frank replied, crossing his arms. Gerard tapped his shoulder before looking at Jon.

"What's up?" He asked.

Jon adjusted his robes, noiselessly. "Trelawney has been having predictions again. Meddlesome Slytherins amongst other things. No offense." Jon directed the last sentence to Frank, who shrugged.

Patrick looked confused. "She couldn't even properly predict when that Ravenclaw, Kenny, was going to be sick in class. I hate for it to come out like that, but..." Patrick bit his lip.

Jon just shrugged, "Sometimes, she's right. Not often, but there is a reason Dumbledore first hired her." Jon relayed, "She has her moments..."

"Were you here for Dumbledore?" Frank asked as the carriage jolted a bit, causing all the living passengers to jump.

"He was here for the battle of Hogwarts." Gerard said as he readjusted in his seat.

"Like, the actual battle of Hogwarts?" Frank asked with wide eyes, "I heard that was a slaughter."

"It was." Jon confirmed, "I was just one of many. Most people moved on, though, I'm stuck. At least the other ghosts and occasional students are good company."

"Did you actually see... Him?" Frank asked in a hushed voice.

"Who?" Patrick whispered with confusion.

"You know..." Frank shrugged as a nervous look crossed over his face, "him."

"Are you still afraid of his name?" Jon asked, leaning towards Frank. His ghostly glow was the only thing lighting up the carriage interior as they moved towards the castle, giving an eerie atmosphere. "After all this time?"

"There's no power in the name of a dead man." Gerard said, nervously scratching the back of his neck.

Jon turned to him, "Then say it." His grin became slightly lopsided as he spoke.

Gerard bit his tongue. He shouldn't be afraid of a name. His mother had spoken it out loud, but most other witches and wizards he encountered were still hesitant. It made him wonder what unspoken horror the man caused along with what was known...

"Who is it?" Patrick pressed, looking between the three for an answer. "Muggle born, once again in the dark."

"The dark lord." Jon whispered as he sunk back into the black seat his figure had been appearing to sit above, "He who must not be named..."

"His name supposedly comes with a curse." Frank laughed as if he was trying to casually brush away the idea.

"Supposedly..." Gerard added almost silently.

"If it doesn't, what is it?" Patrick asked, lowering his voice with the others. It only seemed appropriate.

"Shall I say it?" Jon whispered with a gleeful grin. At the eventual nod of everyone in the carriage, he turned to Patrick. "Alright... His name was, lord Vol-"

At that same moment, the carriage door snapped unexpectedly open. All three boys screamed with a jump in their seats. Jon cackled with laughter, fading through the seat to leave them with their uneven breathing.

Frank had wound up partially on Gerard's lap, holding tightly to his arm as if his very life depended on it. Gerard was holding onto Frank's robes in the same way. It was still a moment after their fear faded that Frank slid back to his original seat and they both released each other.

"Right..." He gasped with a sharp intake of breath, "S-sorry about that..."

"That's alright..." Gerard nodded, still trying to maintain his own breathing.

Patrick was hiding his face in his hands with a low groan. "I swear, Jon has been hanging out with Peeves again..." He muttered when he pulled his shaking head up, "Always gets better with the tricks when he hangs out with Peeves... I miss when Jenna could tell him to stop foolin'."

"That ghost is a dick." Frank muttered as he made his way out of the carriage.

"Aw, c'mon, Frank. Ghosts just wanna have fun." Gerard grinned in an attempt to move past the scare as he followed Frank and Patrick out.

"A. Dick."

"I may be dead, but I'm not deaf."

"If you weren't dead, I'd kill you."

Patrick nudged Gerard as Frank as the ghost boy argued back and forth. "Didn't they get off on a great note?" Patrick laughed, softly.

"Hopefully it can only improve." Gerard shrugged, holding back a laugh when the ghost faded and Frank was left yelling at open air. This year was already starting off rather interesting...