"Dad!" Rose exclaimed as the group got to the train station in Hogsmead. Ron Weasley scooped up his daughter, "Hey Rosie." Hugo spotted his mother. "Mum! You're here!" He let go of Maddie's hand and rushed into Hermione Weasley's arms. Then, the two switched. Maddie smiled at the reunion, telling herself not to be jealous. Then the Potter children hugged their aunt and uncle. That left Lena, Maddie, Claire, one of James' friends, one of Albus' friends, and one of Rose's friends standing unaddressed and uncomfortable.

"Kids," a new female voice said. The children turned to see Ginny Potter approaching them. "Mum!" Lily shouted and the entire hugging process occurred again.

"Introduce me to your friends," She said.

Lily turned around, "That's Maddie, and Lena's her twin, and there's Claire." Mrs. Potter waved and smiled brightly at the children. "And," Albus spoke up, "my friend is Dough." James also pointed out his friend, Caleb.

Weasley kids' turn. Hugo went first, "Well, Lils beat me to it, but that's Maddie, Lena, and Claire." His mom smiled brightly. Claire stepped forward. With her small voice she managed, "Hermione Granger?! You're amazing, let me just say." Hermione blushed, "Why, thank you, Claire!"

Rose then introduced her friend, Sarah. There was silence, and then the train whistle of the Hogwarts Express blew twice, signaling the pack should board. They all settled into the compartments according to group: Lily, Hugo, Maddie, Claire, and Lena were one; Rose, Sara, and the adults were another, and finally James, Albus, Dough, and Caleb.

It's funny, Hugo thought, that they were all sticking to groups when soon they'd be living in a safe house together.

The trunks, owls, cats, and frogs were stored somewhere else.

The groups chatted amongst one another during the ride.

-----

"We're here!" Harry announced as the muggle car reached a windy driveway with a beaten-up cottage nested in between forest. "That's not nearly big enough," Claire protested. Everybody in the car stopped chatting and glanced at her. "Sorry," Lily smiled, "muggle born." "How do you think that sixteen people fit in a single muggle car, hm? Magic, of course." Lena told her.

Hermione giggled and turned towards Harry, who was driving. "Sounds like you at the qudditch World Cup."

Once inside, they all gathered around a huge expertly-crafted table. Hermione cleared her throat, and the chatter silenced. She pulled out her wand and a velvet sack floated towards the table. "So," she began, "this is an eight bedroom home. That means pairs. But, before you start fighting over who bunks with who, just know you will not be selecting your own bunk mates." All the kids groaned. "Really, mom?!" Hugo sighed.

She shook her head, "The adults-" Ron cut her off, "Uh, it was all you. Don't make  them hate us, too." She sighed and started again, "I want to impress on you the fact that through the midst of this, friends are important. What better way to do that then make some new ones? So, names will be drawn from the bag. The adults already have their roommates."

She stuck her hand in the bag. "Okay, first up: Dough and Caleb." The two boys sighed and looked at each other. Different years.

"Albus and James." Hermione said this half-heartedly, thinking about how they wouldn't make new friends.

"Sara and Lena." Sara looked at her best friend longingly.

"Lily and Claire." Maddie's heart sunk. Ideal bunk mates had been taken. "Oh, wait," Hermione said, "we need to have a single threesome. So, let's see." She dug deep. Please, please, please... "Rosie!"

Maddie realized what this meant: she and Hugo were paired together. Oh no.

Hermione plucked the two last slips of parchment from the sack. "Hugo and Maddie."

Lily flashed the two a wide grin. Albus stepped forward, "Whoa... you're just gonna let the boy and girl be roommates?" Hugo glared at his cousin, obviously disgusted. "We're eleven." He spat in his direction.

Hermione grinned, "This is gonna be great! Go get unpacked, guys. Your luggage is out front.

Lily pulled Maddie over to the side, "Ooh...". She fake punched her, "Shut up."

Hugo walked up to her, "Hey, roomie."