To say that Eloise still had mixed feelings about returning home for the few weeks of holiday was an understatement. Although she had finally forced herself to make a final decision, refusing the option to go back on it at the last minute, Eloise was feeling uneasy. She hadn't been properly home in nearly a year - since last Christmas, actually. That had been when her parents were trying their hardest to withdraw her from school (efforts which had obviously since died down, though she knew what they still thought) and Eloise had basically lived at the home of various friends.
Now, unfastening the toggles of the new slate blue cloak she'd purchased during last week's Hogsmeade trip, Eloise found an empty compartment and tossed her purse idly onto the seat next to her. She sat down in a huff, a slight frown on her face and her jaw set.
Cinnamon and Sticks chattered in their travel cage at her feet. She lifted it to her lap and poked her fingers in at them, wondering if anyone would be joining her on the ride home. It might do good to talk.