53 Sunday, January 5th

The train ride back to Hogwarts was both one that Noelle had looked forwards to and dreaded simultaneously. While she couldn't wait to hang out with her friends again, try out her broom, and resume classes, it meant leaving her family behind again. It also meant she had to go back to reality, where things were not as peaceful as they appeared. Still, despite her inner turmoil at the thought of possibly confronting Dumbledore about what she'd overheard on several occasions, the train chugged along without delay towards its destination, taking her with it.

Back at school, she wasted no time unpacking and getting everything back in order as it should be, putting away her new gifts she'd received at Christmas as well. Though, she made sure those were kept nearby, knowing that her roommates would ask to see what she'd gotten after showing off their own treasures.

When it came time to eat, Noelle put on her robes once again and headed down to the Great Hall. Her friends and Azraeyn were already there, chatting about the break and whose family had gone where and done what. She sat down, joining right in as though she'd been there all along, but inside she felt a warmth in her stomach as her arm brushed Azraeyn's, like a thousand little tumbleweeds were bouncing about inside her. The idea made her inwardly giggle and relax somewhat, in place of the common butterfly analogy.

Looking down the table to grab a plate of fruit from the middle, Noelle noticed with a start that Dumbledore had already returned, and sat at the far table along with the other professors. She knew better than to try and talk with him now though, with Snape only a few feet from him, but it meant that she ought get her chance soon.

"So Noelle." Brooke started, returning Noelle's focus to the topic.

"Mhm?" She hummed, chewing a bite of watermelon.

"What was the most exciting thing you got over the break?"

The others turned to look at her and she swallowed, thinking about the question. "Well… I really liked and needed quite a few of my gifts honestly… But…. I would have to say I'm pretty excited about my Nimbus 2000." She grinned wide as her friends began exclaiming their surprise and jealousy.

"But wait," Paul interjected, "I thought flying made you nervous?"

"It does…" She admitted, her hands fidgeting underneath the table. "But I've always wanted my own broom. Besides, then I could get used to the feel of it, rather than a borrowed broom that is different each week from the last. And I… enjoy flying under controlled circumstances." She said slowly, considering each word.

Brooke coughed into her hand to muffle her words. "Adrenaline junkie!"

Noelle laughed and rolled her eyes. "Hardly."

They talked and ate in the same fashion until everyone had finished and students were headed back to their dorms. Noelle had begun worrying that perhaps Azraeyn intended to do as he had done months before, admit feelings and then never reciprocate them, as he had said nothing to her about the kiss they had shared before the break. Then, as they were leaving the hall, he caught her hand on his way by and gave it a squeeze, shooting her a warm smile before following his Ravenclaw dormmates.

Noelle smiled and hugged herself on the way back to her dorm with the rest of Slytherin, hopeful that things would be looking up now, after everyone had had some time away.