The platform was as busy and crowded as it had been ever since the first time she had seen it. She tucked behind a few loose strands of hair behind her ears and proceeded towards the gleaming vessel.

She was mentally capturing it all – her last time on the Hogwarts Express. She opened the small purse she had slung over her shoulder and pulled out the small metal badge. It had the words HEADGIRL engraved on it. She pinned it onto her robes. Grabbing the railing, she hauled herself into the train.

Lily Evans felt at home. She glided across the corridor, towards the middle compartment and slid the door open.

"Alice!" She screamed at the sight of the compartment's single occupant. "It's been ages!"

"Yes, it has been Lily." The other girl replied matter-of-factly and got up to give Lily a quick hug. "More importantly, what do you think of my hair?"

"Alice! You insane git!" She exclaimed. "Have you bloody lost it? Why in Merlin's name have you chopped it all off?" She tugged at the ends of Alice's hair with a disgusted look on her face.

"I hated all the fuss about my hair, so I decided to try something new."

"Suits you but." Lily said, seating herself opposite to Alice. "It makes your face look brighter."

The two had gotten along since they had been both sorted into same house, that of Godric Gryffindor's. The two were completely dissimilar in nature. Lily Evans was more of an introvert and diplomatic as compared to Alice Peterson's highly opinionated, outspokenness.

"So miss head-girl, don't you have to head over to the prefects' coach or something?" Alice said, laughing at her wittiness.

"Honestly Alice," She said glancing at her watch. "But, you're right. I'll be going then."

Sliding out of the compartment, Lily headed towards the prefects' coach. Nodding quick greetings along the way, she entered the prefects' coach. It was very similar to the compartment she had been sitting in earlier only it had been charmed to fit in all the prefects comfortably.

A head peeked in through the door, revealing the messy jet-black hair of the infamous James Potter. He grinned broadly before allowing himself in.

"What are you doing Potter?" Lily said, rolling eyes in utter disbelief.

"A very good morning to you too!" He said rather cheerily ignoring her statement completely, marching up to her with his chest stuck out. He pointed to the shiny piece of metal pinned onto his robe. The words HEADBOY etched into the metal.

"Don't kid yourself Potter."

"I don't intend on Evans. I have been appointed head-boy just as you have been." He smiled. "If you have a problem take it up with Dumby."

"Don't call him that!" She said poking him.

He grabbed her hand and grinned even more broadly.

"Let go you, you…" She was fumbling for a word that would aptly describe him.

He let go of her hand and brushed off the invisible dust on his robes. He looked up at her and shook his head.

"Look, Evans. I honestly am as dumbfounded as you are. I thought Remus would get it, but obviously Dumbledore must have some reason for choosing me over him, don't you think?"

She nodded her head in agreement.

"So I suggest we just be cordial for a couple of hours till things get sorted and then we can get back to being the best of friends."

"Fine."

Something told her it was going to be an excruciatingly long year ahead. The remainder of the journey flashed ahead, and before she knew it she was busy guiding the first years towards the Gryffindor common room.