Here We Go Again ((Open to S6s))

[Mary Evans]

September first and Mary’s last morning for quite some time waking up in her dragon filled bedroom. Next day she will be waking up in a green room, and four-poster bed, but it will be different. It will be up in Scotland for a start, and it won’t really be hers either. Today is the day all of the wizarding world wakes up early and heads off to Hogwarts, everyone under 17 is stuck doing it at least. The room seemed empty, somehow, not lacking in any real necessities like the bed or dresser, just lacking in life. There were no clothes on the floor, the make-up was gone from the vanity, and the wizarding wireless was nowhere to be found. What was there was breakfast, a bagel loaded with cream cheese and a big bowl of strawberries. If the house elves had already been there it meant there was no avoiding it, not that Mary wouldn’t try, it couldn’t really be morning already.

Three minutes later the music was getting loud and Mary was forced to roll out of bed to deactivate that retched spell. Her mother was determined to torture her, that was the only explanation as to why she would have the elves bewitch the room to play music that gets louder as Mary is trying to sleep in. The outfit Mary had picked out the night before was laying, folded through the night, on her vanity and Mary picked it up, not perfect, not what she felt like wearing, but for the sake of staying packed it worked. Black jeans with gold pointed boots and a gold flowy blouse. Once breakfast was finished there was no avoiding it anymore, it was time to leave home and move on to her sixth year at Hogwarts.

Leaving a note saying goodbye to her parents on the kitchen table Mary walked out the door and into the waiting car. After flopping into the nearest seat Mary pressed her forehead against the window and watched the streets fly by as they drove at more than typical speed. Within 10 minutes the car was stopped in front of King’s Cross station and the driver was opening Mary’s door. Followed by her trunk, being pushed by her driver, Mary stepped through the barrier between platforms 9 and 10, not caring what muggles saw her, she wasn’t going to stay up there with them any more than she had to. Oh how she couldn’t wait to turn 17 so she could apparate and stay away from those… people forever.

Students floated around, greeting each other, checking out each other’s new haircuts. Mary knew whoever she would want to see would find her and went to get a good seat; before she was stuck with some second year Gyrffindors with their bloody attitudes. Finally coming to an acceptable car Mary slid open the door and stepped in. “Out” she said simply to a small girl with long blond hair who was waving at her family out the window. The girl looked up at her, petrified, had to be an unsorted first year brat, before running out into the hall. “Kids”, Mary said with a smirk as she settled herself in a seat by the window.

[Kennedy Valak S6]

For once, Kennedy wasn't eager to leave his manor for the summer. Normally, he was more than ready to get away from his parents, his dreadful sister, and the rest of the drama that suffocated him when he was home. Now, however, what waited for him at school seemed much worse. The whole summer, Kennedy spent his time wallowing in the unknown that clouded his crazy life. How quickly the short time he and Fiona had to be happy together vanished. Now, he didn't even know what to expect. He began to even question his own feelings, having so much time for doubt and disbelief to take over inside of him.

With a cautious eye, Kennedy carried his belongings through the brick wall between platforms nine and ten, making his way onto platform nine and three quarters which was bustling with families and students saying their goodbyes. He was alone, and he kept a look out for Fiona, Pyro, Cass, or anyone else that he had been more than happy to avoid for the summer months. Sure, he was in denial that his life was in total chaos, but Kennedy wasn't sure how else he could deal with it. He just wanted some answers, some resolution, or just a simple peace in the whole situation. He was beginning to not even care how it all ended, as long as it did end.

Quickly, he boarded the grand entrance of the Express, looking to find a place to settle. Smaller, excited students raced happily down the narrow corridors, bumping into him as they passed. "Watch it," he shouted back at them impatiently. They were too busy enjoying themselves though to care much. Turning back to continue on his way, he almost ran into another group of younger students who had quickly exited the compartment to his right. Kennedy peered in and saw Mary Evans comfortably settling in. "Better be careful. She'll jinx you," he threatened jokingly. The younger students gave him an apprehensive look before scurrying off just as the other group had.

Once they were out of his way, Kennedy opened the compartment door and entered, tossing his stuff onto the empty bench. "We should make this a tradition," Kennedy said, nodding to Mary as he took a seat across from her. "Of course, the number of Hogwarts Express trips we have left is starting to fade away, you know. Reaching in his bag, Kennedy took his wand and waved it through the air. "Gosh I can't wait until I'm seventeen," he added with a tone of bitterness. "Then, no more waiting for summer to end to be able to use magic.

While more students passed by their compartment, Kennedy watched them through the glass window. He kept thinking he saw glimpses of Fiona's red hair, but it never turned out to be her. He played with his wand, twirling it through his fingers and casting small spells just to get back into practice. With one of the decorative pillows levitating in the air, Kennedy cast a smirk Mary's way. "Truth or dare?" he asked jokingly, but wondered what Mary's response would be.

[Mary Evans]

Outside the door Mary heard a familiar voice talking to the little girl she just scared out of the compartment. "Better be careful. She'll jinx you" it said and Mary simply sat back with a grin; she would have too. People tended to take her seriously, though, so it didn’t often come to that. Something which Mary was grateful for, yes she knew a few good jinxes, but she always felt true intimidation lay in the voice rather than the wand. Anyone could cast a spell, really, but it took something more to scare someone off with just a tone. So there she was as Kennedy walked through the door, lounging in her seat, settling herself in for the long ride ahead.

“A fair few; especially when you think of Christmas and Easter holiday’s especially” Mary replied when Kennedy suggested their riding together becoming tradition. “I certainly don’t mind the company. Well, your company at least. I don’t understand why they don’t do 3 trains; one for the unsorted little brats so no one is subject to their ignorance, one for the Slytherins so we all have space and the time to be together or not as we see fit, and one for everyone else to drive each other insane on. I mean really, would you seriously miss parents like that out the window?” Mary asked, pointing with a look of disgust at a mother sobbing uncontrollably as she waved goodbye to the train.

A scowl crossed Mary’s face momentarily as Kennedy pointed out the unfairness of the trace on people under 17. “I know, it’s insane, it really is. We’re untrained, they claim, but if we were born in September we would be days away from 17 and from being allowed do magic. I mean how fair is that? At 17 you’re more trained than a 16 year old in the same year as you? Apparating too, it’s simply unjust. And here I am, born in August, I still have forever and a day left before I can do anything. Especially while they so vigilantly police, or at least try to police, the magic we do at school. Untrained, it’s so ridiculous, I’d love to show them how untrained I am.” Mary ranted, “but, of course, I am an Evans. We simply do not behave like that. We’re not filthy little mudbloods, so proud that we have to be brutes about our magic. I am better than that.” She finished with a deep sigh, composing herself with a cruel smirk.

The train filled up and students filed past the door, but all seemed too busy or too wise to disturb them. Out of the blue Kennedy brought back their game from last train trip by asking her truth or dare. “Well I do believe I went last the other time. But no matter, we’ll make it a whole new game. I do trust, however, that you remember I am no chicken, I am not one to shy away from uncomfortable questions. Truth.”

[Kennedy Valak S6]

"Wouldn't that be nice," Kennedy said with a laugh, thinking about having their very own train just for Slytherins. As he looked out the window at the parent Mary was talking about, he was thankful that his mother was probably sitting at home either off to herself with her writing or chasing after his brat of a sister.

Apparently, Kennedy's own frustration of not being able to do magic when underage had led Mary to ramble off a list of her own complaints. She did make some good points though, which made Kennedy wonder why the law was based on age rather than skill. Shrugging, he didn't say anything though, happy that his birthday was in October and not as far away as August like Mary's.

"You have a good memory," he commented, when Mary said that she had indeed been the last one to go during their previous game of Truth or Dare. Allowing him to ask first though, Kennedy had to think for a second, as he wasn't quite prepared for Mary to agree so willingly. "Truth," he repeated with a thoughtful stare. Not wanting to take an eternity, Kennedy went with one of the first things that crossed his mind, even if it wasn't the best question he could have came up with.

"You have the choice of marrying any sixth or seventh year from Hogwarts. Who do you choose?" Kennedy knew it was a silly question, but romance always seemed to be a good topic to use if you wanted to make someone squirm. Mary had surely succeeded in that the last time they played. " And death is not an option," he added, remembering that Mary was quite good at twisting the game for her advantage. He gave her an impatient look, hoping that she might be just a bit stunned with his question. However, it was Mary, and so a quick, suave answer probably wouldn't surprise him.

"And after you give me your answer, I'll go with a truth of my own," he said while Mary appeared to be pondering her answer.

[Mary Evans]

A grin swept over Mary’s face at her first thought when Kennedy asked who she would take given the order to chose one senior Slytherin and marry them. His comment about death not being an option made her giggle a little, she hadn’t even thought of it. What was funny about that was how well it showed that Kennedy remembered how Mary played this game. Which only made her want to give her gut reaction answer more. Sure, it wasn’t serious but… it was a good answer. Would make her, at least, laugh. “Mack.” Mary said with a smirk. “You never said it had to be someone I was actually romantically interested in and I could stand rooming with Mack while going off and dating the boys of my choosing for the rest of my life. Besides, Slytherin Prefect, I think I could do worse… like the other Slytherin Sixth Year Prefect” she couldn’t resist but to add. “Only joking, Dear. You would be just as good as Mack. But in all seriousness I have no idea. I was thinking of looking international for my husband. Or older maybe. Aden was cute. So was Leland come to that. So I probably would just take someone I could be happy hanging out with. ((Side note, I can’t really answer better than that as… we have so few boys in those years))

“Or I could just die.” Mary finished, sure it wasn’t her idea, but she couldn’t give up a line when it was handed to her like that. “Before I hit the grave, though, I suppose I had better come up with a truth for you.”

Mary stared out the window, trying to think up a good truth for Kennedy. The train began to pull out of the station as she thought. She watched the families through the window and remembered her first time on the train, watching her parents as the train sped away. She was glad to be going to Hogwarts but a little nervous as she had no idea what she was in for.

“A serious one” Mary said, chewing her lip thoughtfully, “thinking back to your first year self, six years ago on the train… what would you have thought of yourself now? I mean, your 11 year old self… what would they say about who you became? About your years at Hogwarts so far… how they turned out?”

[Kennedy Valak S6]

Just when he thought that all ends were covered, Mary sprung another one of her witty responses his way. How had he failed to mention that she had to choose a guy, and only one at that? Shaking his head in disbelief, he shot back a smart comment of his own. "Mack can have you." The thought of Mary and Mack married and living together was an awkward thought that made Kennedy laugh for a second. "You'd be too high maintenance for me anyways," he added, still giving Mary a pretend look of scorn for once again finding a way out of playing the game the right way. Still, he thought it was amusing playing Mary's version of Truth or Dare.

When she said that her question would be a serious one, Kennedy let out a groan of irritation. Serious meant that it would be harder to come back with something Mary-like, something witty. It was hard enough for Kennedy to think on his feet; add in the serious aspect, and he was pretty much trapped in whatever question Mary threw his way.

"This is supposed to be a game," he complained jokingly. "Games are supposed to be fun, and thinking isn't fun for me," he added, furrowing his brow as he starred at Mary and thought about his answer. "Well, let's see... my first year self was... hmmmmm." Kennedy had to think hard about who he was in relation to who he had become. "I was downright arrogant," he said simply with a shrug. It was scary, yet he couldn't help but imagine himself as his sister was now. "So..." he continued, "I suppose that my first year self would have thought of my current self (he was getting quite confused with the whole aspect) as some washed-up, weak phony." Or, maybe that was what his current self though of him now, he wondered to himself. The question had now made him quite uncomfortable, or at least the way he chose to answer it had felt rather revealing. Kennedy didn't like to be revealing.

"Why am I telling you this?" he questioned teasingly, blushing a bit as he never really liked talking about himself being weak. Kennedy shook his head, deciding that his answer was good enough as it was, even if Mary was looking for more. She had such a knack for playing people, or at least him, he thought. "Truth or dare?" he asked again, more than happy to keep the game moving. "And mind you," he said with a forced threatening voice, "I will find a way that you can't slither out of whatever it is that you pick." He glared at Mary again, shaking his head as the glare slowly turned to a subtle smile.

[Mary Evans]

Mary smirked at Kennedy’s reaction to her answer. A good part of the fun playing this with Kennedy is getting that look on his face like she just completely bewildered him. It was always fun being smart-alecky but especially so when you had someone like Kennedy on the receiving end, doesn’t get offended and knows how to have fun with it. But doesn’t try to upstage her.

“Me? High maintenance? Do you spend any time with the other Slytherin girls? I’m one of the easy ones. Of course as Slytherins we take a little more pride in our appearance than the other girls. But that’s just because how we appear actually matters. We actually matter. And really Kennedy, if you aren’t going to be with a girl that matters then you shouldn’t be with a girl at all…” Mary said out of hand with a touch of humour, but more than a wee bit of truth. How she ever bought into that “equality” idea, how she ever could have been so blind to the way things work…

“We were all arrogant in our first year. Not near as bad as the current first years, thankfully but…” Mary said, purposefully not commenting on the actual answer. It was interesting to know. And though Mary would never tell anyone, it was a comfort to know she wasn’t the only one who’s past self would hate them. Perhaps first year Mary wouldn’t be so disappointed, but third year Mary… she would have a fit. Mary almost felt like she had a mini fit everyday thinking of the way she used to be. The different code she used to hold so dear.

“You’re telling me this,” Mary said coming back to the issue at hand, “because you know you can get me back now. I think I will go with a dare, we haven’t had one yet. But I have to admit, I will insist on playing my way, whether you consider it proper or not. What can I say, I amuse myself better than anyone I know.”

[Kennedy Valak S6]

A girl that matters... or no girl at all. The statement made Kennedy wonder what this year would hold for he and Fiona. He wanted for everything to work out, but something inside him had been giving him a sour feeling when he thought about his future with Fiona. She mattered... she mattered to him, and Kennedy hoped that they could work things out. Hopes and reality didn't always mesh though, Kennedy knew this form experience. When Mary shared a bit of herself concerning the question that she raised, it brought Kennedy from his own musings enough to nod with her in agreement. "Yeah, it's odd how we change, sometimes becoming people we would have hated in our past."

"I highly doubt I will even come close to succeeding in getting you back... especially if you do play by the Mary Evans rules of truth or dare." Kennedy's voice was sarcastic as he started to think of a dare appropriate to their situation. Everything he thought of though seemed to have an obvious Mary-like response that if he could think of, she would surely have thought of something one step better. "Now you're making me think," he complained with narrowed eyes.

"Well, previously, we covered the stealing dare, and the kiss. Hmmm, what else seems daring enough for this game of ours. You know... since our last game, I've been appointed prefect, which means I now have to be more careful of the chaos I help in causing." Kennedy gave another grin as he continued to stall while trying to think of a good dare. "Alright," he said finally, deciding that it was the best he could think of. It wasn't great, but it would do. "I dare you to go into the men's lavatory in the back of the train, wait for a male student to come to use the restroom, and then come out as if nothing was wrong." He gave her a wide-eyed look, wondering how she might improvise on this one. It wasn't terrible horrible to begin with, but Kennedy would get at least a slight laugh in seeing Mary come out of the boys' restroom. Either that, or it'd be worth the look on the guy's face who was going in to use the facility after seeing her exit.

[Mary Evans]

When Kennedy mentioned turning into people they would have hated Mary half bit her lip. It was funny, getting to know someone through a game like this. Sure, that was the point of Truth or Dare when you were 10 and having a sleepover with your girlfriends you already knew through and through… but exposing yourself like this now… it was almost scary. To be honest, Mary didn’t really know why Kennedy was telling her all that, or why she was responding in such a telling way. All she knew was she hoped to Hades that she could trust him, to be either discrete or dense. From all she had seen so far she had to really hope it was the first as the second was unlikely.

Mary gave a playful sigh when Kennedy said he didn’t think he would get her back. “Honestly, you make it sound like I am playing a completely different game or something. Just because I don’t succeeded your tasks in the way you intended doesn’t mean I am not playing as expected. Besides, you’re supposed to think. People don’t get this kind of information out of me without some effort.”

The dare was easy enough, but being Mary she had to find some way to make it that little more fun. She could spoil Kennedy’s plans by finding a male friend and bringing him in with her… Or she could do something better. “Fine, fine. And I suppose you will want some sort of assurance I am going? And of course a good view of the action…” Mary said with a smirk crossing her lips. “Let’s head off then.”

Grabbing Kennedy’s hand Mary marched him down the train. Just to make it a little more fun Mary winked at a few people she noticed look out their compartment windows at them. “Now, you sure you mean this one?” She asked when they reached the boys bathroom. “Well, okay then.”

Being a fairly small person Mary often surprised people with her arm strength. She really looked tiny but she had been a beater for a few years now; so especially when catching people off guard Mary had strength enough to do what she needed. Getting a firmer grip on Kennedy Mary shoved him into the bathroom then followed him in. “Hello in here?” she called but the bathroom was totally empty. Letting go of him Mary went and sat on the counter and took a look around, “Not quite spotless is it?” Mary said scrunching up her nose.

Hearing someone outside Mary smirked, jumped off the counter, and pulled Kennedy into a stall. Just as she got their stall door closed she heard the front door swing open. Sticking out her tongue at Kennedy Mary opened the door to the stall and walked out of the bathroom, as though nothing was unusual, just as the dare had specified.

((Note: There is some g-moding in this post but it was agreed upon prior))

[Kennedy Valak S6]

This was even better than he thought. Mary suggested that Kennedy come with her so that he'd get a better view when she emerged from the men's restroom, making a fool of herself in the process. She didn't seem to give him much choice as she grabbed him by the hand, but Kennedy didn't mind as he was just amused that he'd get to watch up close instead of from a distance.

Soon, they were in the back of the train, and Kennedy scanned the hallway to see if there was anyone nearby. "Yup, unless you know of another one..." he replied, laughing quickly until Mary suddenly grabbed him and forced him inside. He turned quickly to see her enter behind him, and then his mouth dropped as he'd realized what trap he had walked into this time. "You little..." he began, shaking his head in disbelief as he watched Mary take a seat beside one of the sinks. When footsteps from outside the door indicated someone was on their way, Kennedy turned his head to see, again being forced by Mary, this time into an empty stall.

"What are you..." he whispered, stopping mid sentence as the unknown male entered. He gave Mary glare as she stuck our tongue out and then left the stall. Kennedy simply stood there for a moment, listening for an exchange of words between Mary and the other boy. Nothing was said though, but he did hear what sounded like a gasp before the door closed again, indicating that she had left the restroom completely. Not really wanting to step out and see who was standing there, Kennedy waited for only a second before realizing that if he didn't follow her out without waiting, Mary would surely ridicule him.

Shaking his head and gathering his pride, Kennedy exited the stall, only to see Bryce Alexander, a fellow prefect, starring at him with a look of shock. "We're all done now," Kennedy said cheekily, unable to stop himself from cracking a grin. Then, he left, finding Mary waiting just outside the door. "Ok... you're officially the most random truth or dare player I have ever met," he said while still shaking his head. "I'd pick a dare, but after that, who knows what you'll come up with. Ah, just give me a dare anyways."

((Bryce Alexander used with permission))

[Mary Evans]

It worked, Mary grinned to herself. Kennedy went along with it perfectly, that could have failed if he struggled, but now that prefect boy… Ha, well Kennedy deserved it, he was the one who set the dare. Not like Mary’s reputation had anything to lose, she was single and already known as a huge flirt. Kennedy, well any girl worth dating would believe him that nothing happened anyways, he was an honest guy. But a little bit of gossip flying could be a good way to start the year, make it less dull than others – without being such a roller coaster as some. She heard Kennedy tell the boy they were all done and had to bite her lip to keep from giggling more, good boy playing along.

When Kennedy stepped out of the bathroom and started saying how random she played Mary just linked her arm in his again to walk back to the compartment. “I wouldn’t call it random, I just have fun with it. It’s not fun to look like you were in the boys room by accident… but it is quite fun to start some trouble looking like you had a reason to be there with a specific boy. Even if that boy was you.” Mary added the quip in with a grin. “A dare though… my Dear I don’t know what to say…”

A dare, Mary wasn’t overly good at coming up with dares. She was quiet the whole way back just trying to come up with something good. Slowly thoughts formed, it wasn’t the best, but it was serviceable. “Okay,” Mary began as they reached the compartment again, “a few doors back was a group of first year girls who eyed us out the door – evidently they have no idea the way the house system works. I dare you to go in there, ask to sit with them, and then moan how you are trying to hide from a bunch of Gryffindors who are picking on you. Now, I need you to put on a good performance, I want to see the horror on their faces when some of them get sorted into Gryffindor, thinking they are being placed in a house full of selfish bullies.”

[Kennedy Valak S6]

Oh Mary. What would Kennedy do if she hadn't been there to entertain him for the Express rides. Sure she was random, and possibly she even played a bit of an unfair version of truth or dare, but Kennedy couldn't deny that it didn't make him laugh. Plus, it made the time go by much faster; a lot better than just sitting and trying to force awkward conversation. Serious issues weren't a favourite pastime of Kennedy's, at least not unless you were really close to him, which only happened on occasion. When they arrived back near their original compartment, Mary had come up with a dare for Kennedy by that time. The compartment a bit down from theirs housed a trio of first year girls as Mary had explained. The concept of the dare was rather humorous, but it would surely give Mary a good laugh to see Kennedy have to act like a scared little boy. "Fine. Easy enough," he answered with confidence. This was one that Kennedy shouldn't have any trouble with. Mary had already seen him at some of his worst. Last time, he was not only slapped by a girl at least two years older after kissing her, but he was humiliated by Draco Malfoy who was in his seventh year at the time. What could be worse than either of those instances?

With a sigh, Kennedy made his way back to where the girls were, putting on his best worried look as he quickly opened the door to see them all three stare at him with wide eyes. "Can I please stay here?!" he asked, trying to sound and act as frantic as possible. "There is this terrible Gyrffindor bully out there and... well... you saw that girl that I passed with just a few seconds ago? She's actually a boy. The bully cast a spell on him that made him turn into a girl. I really don't want that to happen to me, and so I need to find a place to hide." Kennedy had to stop himself from laughing. It would be priceless to see the three of them stare at Mary as if there was something wrong with her." Turning and looking both ways down the aisle, Kennedy gave Mary a sly wink before moving back to the girls. "Oh wait! He's coming now. Nevermind, I've gotta run!"

With that, Kennedy pretended to be running away, totally aware that his acting skills were a bit on the rusty side, if even worth that much credit. Still, he had completed the dare and likely been able to start the rumour that might be passed around between all first years, saying that Mary was indeed a boy stuck in a girl's body. That would be priceless if it had to be revealed in public that it was indeed just a dare. Kennedy could see it now... Dumbledore announcing in front of the whole school that first years need not worry about anybody casting spells to change their gender. Laughing as he lead Mary back to the compartment, he asked what she picked next. "Truth or dare, Mary? Of should I call you Mark?" Slowly, Kennedy was learning that two could play at her game, though as the original inventor of their alternate version, Mary was surely a bit wittier when it came to making the responses original and fun, whilst at least sticking to the main parameters set forth in each dare.

[Mary Evans]

Following slightly behind Kennedy Mary was able to listen in on what he told the girls. He may not be the greatest actor ever but considering he was talking to mindless 11 year olds she could tell they would buy it. There was something oddly satisfying about knowing this would terrify these poor young kids into thinking they were in the wrong house. A small bit of admiration came as Mary heard Kennedy say she used to be a boy. So, he was a Slytherin, for real. Good, only makes the game more fun. As for the girls who were now going to run off with the idea she was a boy… well that could be dealt with if she ever bothers to care. Soon Kennedy ran out and the girls stared after for a moment before Mary saw them put their heads together in nervous whispers.

“Well done my friend. I must applaud your inventiveness in your performance. Those little girls… the terror they must be feeling… brilliant. And of course you may call me Mark if you wish, just don’t expect me to behave like a lady while responding”, Mary said with a sly grin.

The English countryside was flying past the window as Mary looked out, wondering if she was up to another dare just yet. As she sat in her seat and put her feet up on the seat beside her, though Mary decided she was perfectly comfortable where she was. “I think I will go with truth, requires less effort, besides I imagine the snack cart will be coming by soon and we don’t want to miss that. I am famished, why do they never serve a proper lunch on this blasted train? Just sweets off a cart; how juvenile. You know it must have been Helga Hufflepuff who came up with that harebrained idea. Bloody Hufflepuffs, not overly offensive but they can never get anything right, can they?” Mary said in a nonchalant voice to show she didn’t really care, she just wanted some proper food brought to her soon.

[Kennedy Valak S6]

Wow. A compliment. That put a slight grin on Kennedy's face. It wasn't often that Mary offered a compliment as opposed to some snide criticism. He knew though that her critical attitude was mostly for fun, but it still was rather intimidating. Having been able to draw a seemingly sincere compliment was something that Kennedy viewed as quite an accomplishment while in Mary's company. He said nothing of it though, listening as she complained about the lack of proper food on the train. This brought another grin to his face, a little more prideful than the last.

Being that Mary wasn't a prefect, it was obvious that she hadn't been in all the compartments on the Express. Given special privileges as a prefect, Kennedy knew that there was one place that had proper food. It wasn't meant for the students, but who would miss two minuscule little sandwiches? With a wink and his wand at the ready, Kennedy flicked it to open the compartment door with the right charm. Then, through his smile, he spoke a second spell. "Accio sandwich cart!" He hoped that the spell would work, and it wasn't until a few seconds later that he heard the faint sound of squeaking wheels and a few surprised cries from students who must have been wandering the corridors. "Sounds like lunch," he noted, still sporting a rather noticeable grin. Then, the cart came rushing into the room. Kennedy cast charms to close the door and let the curtains cover the windows in case prying eyes wondered where the cart had disappeared to. "Mmmm... looks like we've got the entire assortment." He scanned the various meats and cheeses, helping himself to a sandwich. The cart had even come fully loaded with a variety of glass bottles of fruit juices. "No need for the snack cart now." He started eating his sandwich after popping open a cold bottle of mango juice.

"So, a truth..." he said between bites. "Well... seeing that I've already got the answers to the real questions I've been dying to ask, as I've had a few opportunities to already find out what the real Mary is thinking..." he trailed off, trying to think of something that might be perhaps a little less serious and a bit more fun. He didn't want to spoil the lunch with anything serious. "Would you rather reveal your deepest kept secret or spend the entire school year ahead of us having to dorm in the Gryffindor tower?" Kennedy gave her an inquisitive look. He wasn't actually asking her to divulge her deepest secret, but moreover wondering how guarded Mary would keep it. "Oh, and it would be me that you would be telling it to." Kennedy could just have heard her response had he not clarified that. She would have said something along the lines of 'I would tell my secret to a mannequin' or something of the sort. He was proud that he had clarified before she answered, but he knew that his pride could quite possibly short lived if she somehow found another loop hole in his question. Still, he hoped it was light enough that she would simply answer. It hadn't been that hard of a question after all.