3 Jul 2021, 01:00
The Steam Train Experience
[font=Book Antiqua]
Reducio
Interacting with: @Gilbert Harrington @Nicole Morales
The Steam Train Experience
Finally - finally - it was time to depart for Hogwarts. Allegra thought that she ought to have made the journey a month a go, but her mother had refused to let her attend the Hogwarts summer camp. “You must focus on music during the summer, then you will have the whole year to focus on magic,” Cadenza had said, sternly. Instead of meeting potential new friends for the upcoming year at Hogwarts, Allegra had spent weeks participating in a course for young pianists. She had enjoyed it immensely - but there was a part of her that felt envious of the kids at Hogwarts Summer Camp, who were bound to be making friends already, who would already know each other by the time she arrived, who may not have room to include another...
Mother said, for the sake of disguise, that a muggle wheelie bag was the way. The traditional Hogwarts school trunks, big and square, stood out as old fashioned and impractical. When Cadenza had first brought the bag in, Allegra had pouted. She’d looked forward to owning her very own school trunk, and this was not what she’d had in mind. In her opinion, the wheelie bag would only blend in for as long as they remained on the muggle side of the barrier, but the minute they reached Platform Nine and Three Quarters, Allegra was sure she would stand out. However, she could not deny the practicality of the item. With its four wheels and slender build, she merely had to push it alongside her, which was far easier than carrying it with a handle. And at least the muggles did not turn in their direction.
For a pureblooded family, the Steinways were uncommonly used to the ways of muggles. As such, Allegra was familiar with muggle clothing, and sported jeans, trainers, a grey waterproof jacket and a purple and green striped jumper. Purple and green, the colours that signalled being a witch - not that it mattered, it was such a common combination that a muggle could also wear it by coincidence. Likewise, Cadenza sported a long sleeved dress and tights, and her father, Brio Steinway, wore a hoodie and jeans.
Not everyone had succeeded in blending in so easily. Allegra caught sight of many a wizard doing a poor job of hiding themselves. One family sported a gigantic trolley of luggage, complete with an owl cage perched on top, as if carrying a large bird around was normal; and their attempts at muggle attire were the equivalent of a patchwork quilt of randomly shoved together garments (which, Allegra supposed, could be excused on account of London being a mish-mash of weirdness anyway). An old wizard dropping off his grandson sported platform boots, a tartan skirt, a loose, floral women’s blouse and a Manchester United themed cap.
The muggles turned their heads and whispered about how odd some of these people were, before rolling their eyes and going about their business. Those weirdos were probably going to a festival, or something.
Reaching the platform was as simple as leaning against the wall, as if one had stopped to check their directions or tie their shoelace. In a split second, the muggle world vanished, and Allegra was thrown into the chaos of wizarding children and their families heading for the huge, majestic Hogwarts Express. It was a steam train Allegra had heard a lot about, but had never seen. Tall and red, it stood proudly on the tracks, its open doors welcoming the students on board. Some were already in their robes; others still wore their home clothes.
“This is it,” she murmured, feeling very small in front of the ginormous train and the many students boarding it. She turned towards her parents, suddenly aware that it would be a long time until she saw them next.
“Do us proud,” said Cadenza, “and remember to keep up with the piano.”
“I will.” Allegra’s fingers twitched by her side, as if the mention of the piano had stirred something in her muscle memory.
“We will see you at Christmas,” said Brio.
Allegra nodded and hugged her father, and then her mother. “Goodbye,” she said in a glassy tone, holding back tears. Her hand clutched the handle of her wheelie bag, which stood out like a sore thumb as being very distinctly muggle. She hauled it onto the train, found a storage compartment to set it in, and then wandered through the carriages for a place to sit, glad to be rid of the bag for a bit. Her hands brushed over her jeans - muggle clothes on a pureblooded witch. An odd combination indeed.
Now that she was alone, she felt a little lost. There were so many people, many who already knew each other, and she wondered how she would even begin to make friends. Even the younger ones had found groups. She thought about approaching some of them, but hesitated, not wanting to intrude on whatever they were doing. Instead, she slipped into a reasonably empty carriage, mildly hoping that someone might take pity on her, offer a few kind words or give her some direction.
Maybe it was a good thing she hadn’t attended the summer camp, or the separation would have lasted even longer. Excited though she had been to come to Hogwarts, for the first time, she felt overwhelmed. Christmas seemed forever away. Mother had said she would soon settle in, and Allegra believed her, but hoped that it would happen sooner rather than later, so that this weighted sense of loneliness might leave.
Beneath her feet, she felt the train rumble, and pressed her face to the window to catch sight of her parents one last time. Her mother and father were waving with smiles on their faces. She felt a small bit of comfort from seeing them, but soon, their faces disappeared amongst the crowd of parents seeing off their children. Unhappily, Allegra turned away from the window, and took to staring around the train, trying to find something to focus on. She eventually settled on tapping her thigh with her fingers, playing out a simple melody on an imaginary piano.
Allegra Steinway
Stamina 5 | Evasion 4 | Strength 2 | Wisdom 7 | Arcane Power 7 | Accuracy 5
3 Jul 2021, 13:02
The Steam Train Experience
The pair of them had arrived, falling into step side by side, upon the threshold of platform 9 3/4. He drew in a long deep breath, his fingers twitching, entwining into the shirt of the man before him who could only beam back in earnest.
"Well, this is it" Arthur spoke softly, " think you will be alright?"
Gilbert bestowed a swift nod.
"This... is the first time you have been outside of the estate without your mother..."
His lip creased."I know..."
"I expect... This will be quite the change for you..."
"I know..."
"And... you won't have me around either..."
He sniffled thickly. "I know..."
"Well then, guess it is time to go!"
"Wait!"
Without further ado, Arthur clasped his hand firmly within his own and leapt through the barrier, pulling a bewildered Gilbert along in his wake...
It was chaos. Sheer, utter, chaos. Birds flapping, cats trilling, the occasional bark or two from those who brought the family crup or dog along. Children laughing, children crying. The hurried patter of feet up and down the platform, the incessant rattle of buckles and clasps amidst the transportation of luggage. As they made their way through the crowd, Gilbert could not help but notice Arthur's hand still firmly enclosed in his own. Is that not the sort of thing Father's do? With a soft twinge of embarrassment, he wriggled his fingers free and cupped his hands behind his back.
"Is everything alright, Master Harrington?" Arthur asked curiously.
"I am fine... and don't call me 'Master Harrington' here!" Gilbert spluttered, turning a delicate shade of pink
"Oh, would you prefer simply 'Gilbert' instead?"
"That is most unbefitting of your station!"
"Yeah, I guess you are right... I was getting ahead of myself" Arthur chuckled apologetically.
"But..." A dramatic flush of crimson flooded his cheeks as Gilbert reached out once again for Arthur's hand "...It is okay for today"
Ignoring the outstretched hand, Arthur haltered the trolly and kneeled down to the floor. In one swift motion, he had swept Gilbert into a tight hug, much to the latter's humiliation. Still, he loosely draped a hand upon Arthur's shoulder and buried his face within the butler's jacket. As awkward as the sudden burst of affection was, he was thankful. It was something he only ever got from him. With a tender smile, he pressed his forehead against the man's shoulder. Not even his own mother bestowed a hug quite as sincere as he did. He was secretly glad she had neglected to come to see him off.
"I'll send you lots of letters..." He whimpered softly.
"Save some of them for your mother, I am sure she will love to hear from you too"
Gilbert crinkled his nose. There was no denying she would expect some form of communication though he severely doubted it would be lovingly received...
A loud piercing shrill echoed along the platform. Gilbert hastily redoubled his grip. He didn't want to let go, he didn't want to leave. All he wanted was to stay in this embrace with Arthur. And, as if on instinct, Arthur retracted himself, forcing Gilbert to let go so he could straighten himself up. Taking a step back, he watched the man busy himself with the luggage, unclasping his trunk from the trolly and heaving it up into the carriage.
"There you go, you should be good from here"
"You're... not going to help me find a place and put it away?"
"You will be fine, I promise!"
Gilbert highly doubted that, however, he jumped onto the train to stand beside his packed belongings. The loud shrill had returned, this time accompanied by a wave of steam engulfing the sea of faces upon the platform. By the time the foggy haze had cleared away, all he could make out of Arthur was his retreating back towards the exit...
Gilbert blinked. The gentle rumble beneath his feet felt so surreal. The temperate chatter in the background from each compartment only added to the overabundance of sound. Grasping the handle of his trunk, he proceeded to drag it up the aisle in search of a place he could make himself comfortable. Many of them appeared to be full. A few spaces became apparent here and there, though the people inside were far too exuberant for his taste. Eventually, he stumbled upon one, that contained a single girl staring out of the window. He swallowed hard. Was this a good choice to make. It looked quiet and comfortable enough but... Gilbert glanced down at his attire. He would need to change into his school robes at some point. Could he change in front of a complete stranger? In front of this girl? His fingers hesitated upon the handle. In truth, he could wait for the little lady to excuse herself to go to the bathroom. That was bound to happen at some point right? But if so... wouldn't she need to change into her school robes too? His face transformed into a flushed beetroot. Would he even be allowed to watch that?! He firmly shook his head. That would be completely inappropriate! He would simply excuse himself if she starts to undress! Yes! Crisis averted. Reputation intact!
Confidently, he slid open the door to the compartment and without even so much of a greeting, strolled casually on in with his trunk at his side. Did he need to give her a greeting? Did he need to introduce himself? Probably not. This was public transport after all. He was entitled to sit where he chooses. Now he just needed to get it right above... her head. Gilbert glanced up, his fingers trembling. How in the world was he going to get it up there?! And without dropping it on her?! Should he ask her for help? No! You do not ask a lady to help a gentleman! Still, if he was to proceed with the plan as intended, she was in danger!
"M'lady?" He begun, prodding the girl's shoulder.
"Please do forgive me but... could you please move?""
"Well, this is it" Arthur spoke softly, " think you will be alright?"
Gilbert bestowed a swift nod.
"This... is the first time you have been outside of the estate without your mother..."
His lip creased."I know..."
"I expect... This will be quite the change for you..."
"I know..."
"And... you won't have me around either..."
He sniffled thickly. "I know..."
"Well then, guess it is time to go!"
"Wait!"
Without further ado, Arthur clasped his hand firmly within his own and leapt through the barrier, pulling a bewildered Gilbert along in his wake...
It was chaos. Sheer, utter, chaos. Birds flapping, cats trilling, the occasional bark or two from those who brought the family crup or dog along. Children laughing, children crying. The hurried patter of feet up and down the platform, the incessant rattle of buckles and clasps amidst the transportation of luggage. As they made their way through the crowd, Gilbert could not help but notice Arthur's hand still firmly enclosed in his own. Is that not the sort of thing Father's do? With a soft twinge of embarrassment, he wriggled his fingers free and cupped his hands behind his back.
"Is everything alright, Master Harrington?" Arthur asked curiously.
"I am fine... and don't call me 'Master Harrington' here!" Gilbert spluttered, turning a delicate shade of pink
"Oh, would you prefer simply 'Gilbert' instead?"
"That is most unbefitting of your station!"
"Yeah, I guess you are right... I was getting ahead of myself" Arthur chuckled apologetically.
"But..." A dramatic flush of crimson flooded his cheeks as Gilbert reached out once again for Arthur's hand "...It is okay for today"
Ignoring the outstretched hand, Arthur haltered the trolly and kneeled down to the floor. In one swift motion, he had swept Gilbert into a tight hug, much to the latter's humiliation. Still, he loosely draped a hand upon Arthur's shoulder and buried his face within the butler's jacket. As awkward as the sudden burst of affection was, he was thankful. It was something he only ever got from him. With a tender smile, he pressed his forehead against the man's shoulder. Not even his own mother bestowed a hug quite as sincere as he did. He was secretly glad she had neglected to come to see him off.
"I'll send you lots of letters..." He whimpered softly.
"Save some of them for your mother, I am sure she will love to hear from you too"
Gilbert crinkled his nose. There was no denying she would expect some form of communication though he severely doubted it would be lovingly received...
A loud piercing shrill echoed along the platform. Gilbert hastily redoubled his grip. He didn't want to let go, he didn't want to leave. All he wanted was to stay in this embrace with Arthur. And, as if on instinct, Arthur retracted himself, forcing Gilbert to let go so he could straighten himself up. Taking a step back, he watched the man busy himself with the luggage, unclasping his trunk from the trolly and heaving it up into the carriage.
"There you go, you should be good from here"
"You're... not going to help me find a place and put it away?"
"You will be fine, I promise!"
Gilbert highly doubted that, however, he jumped onto the train to stand beside his packed belongings. The loud shrill had returned, this time accompanied by a wave of steam engulfing the sea of faces upon the platform. By the time the foggy haze had cleared away, all he could make out of Arthur was his retreating back towards the exit...
Gilbert blinked. The gentle rumble beneath his feet felt so surreal. The temperate chatter in the background from each compartment only added to the overabundance of sound. Grasping the handle of his trunk, he proceeded to drag it up the aisle in search of a place he could make himself comfortable. Many of them appeared to be full. A few spaces became apparent here and there, though the people inside were far too exuberant for his taste. Eventually, he stumbled upon one, that contained a single girl staring out of the window. He swallowed hard. Was this a good choice to make. It looked quiet and comfortable enough but... Gilbert glanced down at his attire. He would need to change into his school robes at some point. Could he change in front of a complete stranger? In front of this girl? His fingers hesitated upon the handle. In truth, he could wait for the little lady to excuse herself to go to the bathroom. That was bound to happen at some point right? But if so... wouldn't she need to change into her school robes too? His face transformed into a flushed beetroot. Would he even be allowed to watch that?! He firmly shook his head. That would be completely inappropriate! He would simply excuse himself if she starts to undress! Yes! Crisis averted. Reputation intact!
Confidently, he slid open the door to the compartment and without even so much of a greeting, strolled casually on in with his trunk at his side. Did he need to give her a greeting? Did he need to introduce himself? Probably not. This was public transport after all. He was entitled to sit where he chooses. Now he just needed to get it right above... her head. Gilbert glanced up, his fingers trembling. How in the world was he going to get it up there?! And without dropping it on her?! Should he ask her for help? No! You do not ask a lady to help a gentleman! Still, if he was to proceed with the plan as intended, she was in danger!
"M'lady?" He begun, prodding the girl's shoulder.
"Please do forgive me but... could you please move?""
~ Gilbert H. Harrington
3 Jul 2021, 22:04
The Steam Train Experience
This was it. Today was the day for her departure. Ever since she had found out she was going to be attending a magical school to learn magic, Nicole had been up and down with her emotions. She was going to be leaving her parents, but she was getting an exciting opportunity. But then again, she had to deal with months of her parents searching for any information about her blood status. Nicole had no idea what that meant, but apparently it was something that took up her mother, Samantha's time.
Just before they had left for Kings Cross Station, Samantha had finally decided to let Nicole in on what was worrying her so much.
"It's nothing personal... Well, my experience at the school is that some students like to pick on others due to their blood status. It's not nice to say the least. And I don't want you to have to go through that."
It went past Nicole to care,
"Ma, I don't care about that, if people are mean over one thing then it shows their true colours immediately. I just want to learn and make you proud..."
That was all that was needed for a smile to grace the woman's face, perking up the young girl herself.
Heading to the station was chaotic, something Nicole didn't like. There were way too many people for her liking, but she took note of some oddballs with large trunks and cages with owls? A quick glance to Samantha who gave a soft smile in return was everything Nicole needed to know. This was common for wizards and witches to have these old fashioned trunks. The girl had noticed her parents arguing over whether it was best to just use a normal suitcase and things, but Samantha had been insistent on using a trunk. She followed a couple of other people to platform 9, but she looked aghast upon seeing people running into the wall.
"Wait, we have to run into a wall?" she asked incredulously. As she looked up at her parents, Mike had a very similar reaction to her, but Samantha laughed it off.
"You'll be fine, just need to relax and go for it."
With a deep breath, Nicole began to run into the wall. A large woosh sound filled her ears. The girl opened her eyes to see a new platform, labelled as 9 3/4.
This was going to be interesting… The girl thought to herself.
A lot of people were already at the platform. One in particular was a boy, who looked very nervous in her opinion. He ended up making direct eye contact with Nicole and waddled his way over to her. He wondered if he could stay with her and her parents. But before she could answer, Michael had already agreed.
“Where are your parents?” She questioned him to only get a shrug in return. He began to follow the small family towards the train. Nicole stopped and clung to her father and mother.
“I am gonna miss you.” Mumbling, she buried her head into his side to hide her bright red face. “As am I, kiddo. But don’t worry, I’ll see over Christmas, alright?” Giving a brief nod, Nicole took the cart of luggage from Michael and made her way to the queue of people.
The train was astounding, but Nicole couldn’t take any of it in due to the pesky boy following her as if she knew where she was going. He kept trying to bring up conversation, much to her dismay. Regardless, the girl ignored him and found a way to get rid of him.
A group of kids were coming past the opposite way, so she barged through them, causing a massive grumble and struggle as she squeezed through and dived into the first carriage she could. Inside were two people already, but she couldn’t just back out now or the boy from earlier would find her.
”Uh, can I please stay with you? I have someone clinging onto me and just got rid of them.”
NCole Morales
4 Jul 2021, 00:51
The Steam Train Experience
Her fingers tapped out the theme of Für Elise on her lap. She longed for a real piano. There was nothing like playing the music for real and hearing the notes out loud. The notes spiralled in her head, slightly odd, as if someone had taken the tune and twisted it. It was music, but not - accompanied with an undertone of worry as she imagined what her life at Hogwarts might be like. She couldn’t seem to imagine it properly, the notes were all wrong!
A prod in her shoulder jolted Allegra out of her reverie so suddenly that it was accompanied by an internal whoosh of magic as her features shifted. Brown eyes dulled into a weak grey-brown; hair became limp and mousey; nose and lips shrank by a mere few millimetres as she jerked her head to find the source of the disturbance. A young boy with jet black hair stood by her, trunk at his side.
She took a calming breath, and slowly her features melted back into their normal shape. Warm brown hair and eyes, with a smattering of freckles across her face. She did not need a mirror to sense the surge of magic fade, but knew that anyone who noticed her appearance change would think her incredibly odd. It had happened before, when muggle children looked at her and couldn’t work out why they felt unsettled. And even among magical children, her ability stood out. Metamorphmagi were rare, and to see one’s appearance change could be startling. At times, people had requested that she do amusing things to her appearance, but she had yet to exert enough control over the ability to manage it particularly well."M'lady?"
“Sorry,” she muttered, flushing red. “I didn’t mean to. I’m a metamor...I can change my appearance. Sometimes it happens by itself.”
Only then did she realise the oddness of the boy’s greeting - “...M’lady…” he’d called her. It was ever so more refined than the way most boys spoke. And there she was, doing a terrible job of articulating herself, stuttering through her justifications, looking every bit the lost sheep.
“Sure,” she responded automatically, and shuffled out of the seat. Her brooding thoughts about saying goodbye to her parents left her head. Looking between the boy and his trunk, she felt mildly envious of how more traditional it looked than her wheelie bag (which she was now extremely glad to have stowed out of sight). It crossed her mind vaguely that she should help him with it, but feared that her pathetic strength would lead to nought but chaos. Still, it was only polite."Please do forgive me but...could you please move?"
“Can I h…”
But before she could finish, the carriage door barged open again, and Allegra stumbled backwards, out of the way of a tanned girl with dark hair, who looked like she was in a hurry.
Baffled, Allegra nodded slowly. Though the girl had provided a nice distraction from the handling of the trunk, she privately hoped that whoever the clinger was, didn’t follow the girl in. She would rather not end up being their next victim."Uh, can I please stay with you? I have someone clinging onto me and just got rid of them."
Once the moment had passed, and the risk of an awkward silence approached, Allegra couldn’t put it off any longer. “We should help him with his trunk,” she said vaguely, gesturing towards the boy. Then clumsily added, “Also, my name is Allegra, what are your names?” It was better to get it out of the way, else she might find herself in a situation where too much time had passed to justify asking.
Allegra Steinway
Stamina 5 | Evasion 4 | Strength 2 | Wisdom 7 | Arcane Power 7 | Accuracy 5
6 Jul 2021, 02:14
The Steam Train Experience
He could not help it. It was far too late. He stumbled back, a hand blindly reaching for his truck in search of support. In truth, he was very unsure of what he had just witnessed but he could feel it, that unsettling sensation, churning away inside his stomach. That feeling was very real. His breath had become firmly hitched in the back of his throat and was refusing entry. He hoped she had not bore witness to his distress, that his surface display of emotion was merely a blank slate. Unfortunately, this was not so. It was etched, clear as day for all to see.
"Sorry I didn't mean to. I'm a metamor.."
"A metamorphmagus" He whispered, finishing the word for her. His knowledge of them, however, did nothing to settle his unease. Metamorphmagi were rare, really rare. Not once in his lifetime had he stumbled upon such a being, and he certainly had not expected an encounter of this kind to occur with the very first person he met.
It took him a moment to realise that the young lady had acknowledged his request and even more notably, had slipped away to give him the space he needed.
"Thank you, I gladly appreciate it" He replied with a swift nod, trying to regain his composure. He had barely moved an inch when the sliding door to their compartment was thrown across and yet another young lady came tearing in. Upon her explanation for her sudden presence, Gilbert swiftly leaned around her and slid the door shut. In his honest opinion, three was a crowd already and he certainly did not want the company of a First-Year stalker. That sounded far too troublesome for him to contend with.
"We should help him with his trunk"
"There is no need, M'lady" He beamed with a wave of his hand. If only he was as strong as he was confident. With some careful manoeuvring, he had already managed to slip the trunk onto the compartment seat but there was no denying the tricky feat of placing it on the railing above their heads. Crouching low, he gripped it firmly on the opposite corners and heaved it into a cradle. It had already begun, the strain upon his arms began to burn, a smarting sting gnawing away at his elbows.
"Also, my name is Allegra, what are your names"
Seriously?! She chooses now to proceed with formalities?! Gilbert allowed himself a sharp gasp of air, he could feel the aggravating accumulation of sweat upon his brow. With a slight readjustment, he slipped his hands to the underside so all he had to do now was push. A frustrated groan slipped past his creased lips, his body trembling beneath the weight.
"Miss Allegra... I really... do not think now... is a good ti- gah!"
It had occurred so suddenly, Gilbert had barely any time to register it. A soft, and yet, ever so daunting clink of metal reached his ears. The clasps had become unclipped, the leather straps unfastened, and the entire trunk swung forwards showing those below it in its contents. The cauldron was the first to tumble, narrowly avoiding Allegra amidst the commotion. A large assortment of clothes rained down upon them, followed by the endless shattering of glass phials spilling onto the floor.
The once pallid face of Gilbert, now shone a vibrant shade of crimson as his belongings scattered themselves throughout the compartment. All he could do now was stare determinedly upon the floor, the little strength that remained, holding his trunk high above his head. He could not move. He could not face them. His shoulders quivered in agony and yet he refused to let go.
"I am sorry"
Little droplets fell thick and fast, landing softly upon the floor at his feet.
"Sorry I didn't mean to. I'm a metamor.."
"A metamorphmagus" He whispered, finishing the word for her. His knowledge of them, however, did nothing to settle his unease. Metamorphmagi were rare, really rare. Not once in his lifetime had he stumbled upon such a being, and he certainly had not expected an encounter of this kind to occur with the very first person he met.
It took him a moment to realise that the young lady had acknowledged his request and even more notably, had slipped away to give him the space he needed.
"Thank you, I gladly appreciate it" He replied with a swift nod, trying to regain his composure. He had barely moved an inch when the sliding door to their compartment was thrown across and yet another young lady came tearing in. Upon her explanation for her sudden presence, Gilbert swiftly leaned around her and slid the door shut. In his honest opinion, three was a crowd already and he certainly did not want the company of a First-Year stalker. That sounded far too troublesome for him to contend with.
"We should help him with his trunk"
"There is no need, M'lady" He beamed with a wave of his hand. If only he was as strong as he was confident. With some careful manoeuvring, he had already managed to slip the trunk onto the compartment seat but there was no denying the tricky feat of placing it on the railing above their heads. Crouching low, he gripped it firmly on the opposite corners and heaved it into a cradle. It had already begun, the strain upon his arms began to burn, a smarting sting gnawing away at his elbows.
"Also, my name is Allegra, what are your names"
Seriously?! She chooses now to proceed with formalities?! Gilbert allowed himself a sharp gasp of air, he could feel the aggravating accumulation of sweat upon his brow. With a slight readjustment, he slipped his hands to the underside so all he had to do now was push. A frustrated groan slipped past his creased lips, his body trembling beneath the weight.
"Miss Allegra... I really... do not think now... is a good ti- gah!"
It had occurred so suddenly, Gilbert had barely any time to register it. A soft, and yet, ever so daunting clink of metal reached his ears. The clasps had become unclipped, the leather straps unfastened, and the entire trunk swung forwards showing those below it in its contents. The cauldron was the first to tumble, narrowly avoiding Allegra amidst the commotion. A large assortment of clothes rained down upon them, followed by the endless shattering of glass phials spilling onto the floor.
The once pallid face of Gilbert, now shone a vibrant shade of crimson as his belongings scattered themselves throughout the compartment. All he could do now was stare determinedly upon the floor, the little strength that remained, holding his trunk high above his head. He could not move. He could not face them. His shoulders quivered in agony and yet he refused to let go.
"I am sorry"
Little droplets fell thick and fast, landing softly upon the floor at his feet.
~ Gilbert H. Harrington
11 Jul 2021, 20:34
The Steam Train Experience
Nicole felt as though she had disrupted something between the other two people occupying the carriage. The other girl had slowly nodded her head, in what Nicole assumed was shock. Like she wasn’t expecting to deal with another person or something. She shuffled her feet and glanced downwards, but thankfully the topic changed to helping the boy with his trunk.
This had caused her to perk up a bit, but when he tried to manoeuvre it to where he wanted it to go the clasps had undone and everything fell out! She was grateful she stopped herself from following suit or she would’ve been hit with more items to count. Though her vision was temporarily blocked from an item of clothing covering her head. Her fingers pinched the fabric and peeled it off her head. Only to see that it was a pair of the boy’s underwear.
Nicole’s face furrowed in disgust as she flung the underwear, towards the boy who was flushed with embarrassment. She ignored his apology as she muttered to herself. This was how her day was going to go… it was an absolute mess.
She turned to leave, but then caught the boy from before apparently searching for her through the window. From there she had to make a choice, would she rather stick it out with this nice girl and the lanky kid, or was she going to have to deal with the clingy boy from earlier? With that she pulled the blind down and turned back to face the other two.
Her foot was getting caught amongst some of the clothes so she kicked at the other mounds of clothes that landed on the floor and noticed the amount of flamboyance and luxury in it. He’s definitely rich or something… she thought to herself. She then realised that the girl had actually called for introductions. Hers was… Allegra? Wasn’t that something to do with music? She vaguely remembered that from one of her television shows she used to watch.
“Nicole, but you can call me ‘Cole.” Another look at the boy before her, but clearly he was a bit busy dying of embarrassment to notice her. She took a moment longer to take him in. He was very weepy and meek in her opinion.
“So, do we get to hear your name or will I find it labelled on your underwear or something?" Nicole tapped her foot rather impatiently. He was clearly not going to respond without some form of encouragement.
“Or should I just name you myself?” A mischievous smirk crawled onto her face, as she folded her arms over her body. She had to have some fun after all and if he was this easily embarrassed over things then perhaps she could poke some fun at him from time to time. Nicely though. She did want to try and make friends.
NCole Morales
11 Jul 2021, 22:31
The Steam Train Experience
[font=Book Antiqua]There was no time for him to answer. Perhaps ignorantly, or out of sheer arrogance, the boy had taken it upon himself to handle the trunk alone. Lanky, rather fragile looking, Allegra wondered how he thought he would manage it. No sooner had he attempted to lift the trunk did the whole thing collapse upon him. The contents rained from above, and Allegra's hands slammed against her ears from the cacophony of shattering glass, tumbling clothes and the thundering boom of belongings as they landed on the floor. The trunk - miraculously - remained in his arms, limp, empty. Embarrassing.
The noise dimmed, until there was only thumping blood between her temples. Allegra lowered her hands. Only the sound of sniffling as the boy sobbed out his apologies remained. The other girl looked remarkably unfazed.[/font]
[font=Book Antiqua]Not that it mattered now. As Allegra took in the scene before her, names suddenly seemed unimportant. But Nicole - Cole - seemed adamant about continuing. As if a disaster hadn't just happened. As if a trunk fiasco was par of the course.[/font][font=Book Antiqua]“Nicole, but you can call me ‘Cole.”[/font]
[font=Book Antiqua]"For goodness' sake!" Allegra interrupted. Did Cole simply refuse to see the sight before her? Did she not consider that it might be kind to help the boy rather than tease him? However foolish the boy was, Allegra was positive that not even the biggest imbecile on the planet wanted their underwear on display. "Look at this mess," she huffed.[font=Book Antiqua]“So, do we get to hear your name or will I find it labelled on your underwear or something? Or should I just name you myself?"[/font]
She rounded on the boy, overcome with rage. "This is what happens when you decide to be arrogant and conceited. You thought you could impress us by doing it all yourself, and look where it landed you! Now put that thing down and then we can start clearing up this mess."
But where were they to begin? "Perhaps there is someone around who knows a repairing spell," she suggested, eyeing the shattered glass miserably. How humiliating it would be if she had to go and fetch someone. Not even having arrived at Hogwarts and already involved in someone else's mess.[/font]
Allegra Steinway
Stamina 5 | Evasion 4 | Strength 2 | Wisdom 7 | Arcane Power 7 | Accuracy 5
13 Jul 2021, 13:01
The Steam Train Experience
His lips trembled, silver streams wetting his blotched cheeks. At long last, he silently lowered his trunk to the ground, if only to bury his head in the crook of his elbow. "I am sorry... so so sorry" He bleated thickly into the sleeve of his woollen jumper. A sickening sensation dwelled deep in the pit of his stomach, forcing a sprawling hand atop the handle of his empty container. Arthur had told him he would be fine. He had promised him. But he wasn't fine at all.
With great trepidation, Gilbert peered over his shoulder, pressing a sweaty hand to his stomach. A rhythmic throb pounding within his ears, flushing his face the deepest crimson. A name? His name? He would have to give it. There was no way he could allow this lady to bestow one upon him. No doubt she would pick one that would bring him much shame and humiliation for the years to come.
He swallowed hard. He couldn't do it. He couldn't say it. With a pained grimace, he bowled his head forward allowing his hair to fall before his eyes. His lips had parted in a feeble attempt and yet not a single sound came forth, his voice lost before it had even left his throat. It came with some relief when the other young lady snapped her annoyance, but it was incredibly short-lived and his heart sank like a stone as she rounded on him.
This was the real world. No safe confinements of his home. No sprawling hills and valleys for him to hide behind. No one was coming to his rescue. He was ashamed. He was humiliated. He was an embarrassment to his family's name, on his knees, clutching desperately onto this girl's hand begging to be kept hidden from view. So pitiful. "It will be fine..." He repeated. It came cold and expressionless, a stark contrast from before.
At long last, he let go. Bending low on all fours he began to cup the broken shards of glass into his hands and placed them neatly within a loose sock. For whatever the glass phials were for, he would have to come up with a plan for that later...
Something soft and unexpected grazed the back of his neck, causing him to blanch. With inquisitive fingers, he reached up to grasp the strange additional fold of fabric one of the ladies had thrown towards him. Whatever had been squirming within his gut immediately recoiled in horror. Entwined within his grip was a pair of white briefs, his briefs, that must have become scattered amidst the commotion. 'They saw my underwear?!'“So, do we get to hear your name or will I find it labelled on your underwear or something? Or should I just name you myself?"
With great trepidation, Gilbert peered over his shoulder, pressing a sweaty hand to his stomach. A rhythmic throb pounding within his ears, flushing his face the deepest crimson. A name? His name? He would have to give it. There was no way he could allow this lady to bestow one upon him. No doubt she would pick one that would bring him much shame and humiliation for the years to come.
He swallowed hard. He couldn't do it. He couldn't say it. With a pained grimace, he bowled his head forward allowing his hair to fall before his eyes. His lips had parted in a feeble attempt and yet not a single sound came forth, his voice lost before it had even left his throat. It came with some relief when the other young lady snapped her annoyance, but it was incredibly short-lived and his heart sank like a stone as she rounded on him.
That was not it. That was not it at all. Why could they not see that? Taking a tentative step away, he wrung his hands vigorously, the briefs ensnared between his forefinger and thumb. "I did not mean to come across as arrogant..." He spluttered. He hated it. He hated how he was trying to justify himself between massive sobs. How his voice kept hitching within his throat, how it cracked and croaked between each word. "I did not mean to come across as conceited either..." The whites of his knuckles were beginning to show, the briefs wound so tightly within his hands it was beginning to strain against him. "I just... did not want to be a burden... I did not want to cause you any trouble...I-I-""This is what happens when you decide to be arrogant and conceited. You thought you could impress us by doing it all yourself, and look where it landed you! Now put that thing down and then we can start clearing up this mess."
Someone?! Someone else?! Someone else to witness this?! Lunging forward he hastily clasped his hands firmly around hers, his fingers straining upon her wrists. "No! Please! Don't do that!" He bawled, sinking to his knees "It will be fine, it will be, I promise!". Ha. The same thing Arthur had said to him and look how that ended up."Perhaps there is someone around who knows a repairing spell,"
This was the real world. No safe confinements of his home. No sprawling hills and valleys for him to hide behind. No one was coming to his rescue. He was ashamed. He was humiliated. He was an embarrassment to his family's name, on his knees, clutching desperately onto this girl's hand begging to be kept hidden from view. So pitiful. "It will be fine..." He repeated. It came cold and expressionless, a stark contrast from before.
At long last, he let go. Bending low on all fours he began to cup the broken shards of glass into his hands and placed them neatly within a loose sock. For whatever the glass phials were for, he would have to come up with a plan for that later...
~ Gilbert H. Harrington
20 Jul 2021, 01:18
The Steam Train Experience
While she had a bit of fun teasing the boy, she was actually going to help him once she was done. But before she even could she was told off by Allegra. What surprised her even more was when Allegra had faced her frustration on the boy. Nicole’s brows furrowed in confusion.
When had he acted arrogant or conceited? Unless this had happened before her arrival then she had not once seen him act that way. Yes, he may have acted a bit overconfident in regards to putting his trunk away, but accidents happen.
She had not received any impression from him that he was that kind of person. Her own judgement of him seemed very meek and perhaps dependent on others. And with his current state at this moment, he was definitely mortified beyond belief.
Another issue she had with Allegra’s tone. It felt quite harsh in general, if he was acting that way then perhaps there could have been a nicer way of saying it. Nicole felt sorry for him in a way. It was evident he had not intended for this whole incident to happen.
“Perhaps there is someone around who knows a repairing spell,” Allegra had suggested, but before Nicole could take any action on it, the boy had jumped in, adamantly refusing for help. And he had carefully swept the broken glass into a loose sock. Nicole worried he may cut himself by accident. If blood was drawn then she would have an issue.
She would’ve liked to at least help him fix that. Her mother had given a heads up on what kinds of things she’d learn at Hogwarts, but she never fully explained any details. Nicole guessed it was to not ruin the fun of learning these things. Which she had appreciated up until now. Now what were they going to do about the clothes and other items that had flown everywhere?
“Alright then… how about instead of just standing there, we pack your things back into your trunk before someone else decides to make an untimely appearance?” Nicole suggested further. The last thing she wanted for the boy was to face even more humiliation. By somebody who wouldn’t really care to make friends and play nice. With that she bent down and began to gather some items nearby. This time she was more delicate about any underwear she found. Though a thought went through her and she paused.
“Do you want them folded or should I just throw them into your trunk…” Nicole had just realised he had never actually said his name. To not make the question end on a weird note, she then spurted out, “dude..?” Her cheeks flushed a little bit from her own minor embarrassment but kept her gaze on him. Hopefully he would finally get the chance to introduce himself now.
NCole Morales
20 Jul 2021, 02:18
The Steam Train Experience
[font=Book Antiqua]In all of this, a single thought troubled her: Why, oh why, did Cole insist upon continuing to talk about the boy's underwear? Allegra did not want to know, nor - she assumed - would the boy, who looked down and depressed as he began to clear up his belongings. She resigned herself to looking around for the remaining books and clothes that had scattered across the floor, doing her best to avoid any remaining glass shards. The boy had quietened down considerably, the sniffles had stopped, and he cleaned up the glass - she wondered how his hands were surviving - by scooping it into a sock, slowly, deliberately, his expression empty.
She thought about the way he'd grabbed onto her desperately, so determined not to seek help, to not be seen by others in such a state. In a way, this came as a relief, as she did not want to be lumped in by association. The boy's stupidity, along with Cole's witty remarks, had already cost her a peaceful journey without getting heckled for it.
Although, upon hearing his desperate pleas, her original assessment of the boy as arrogant was beginning to melt away. His desire to not be burden had turned into quite the self-fulfilling prophecy; his intent, however, seemed genuine. It had truly been an accident caused by poor judgement.
And the manner in which he declared "It will be fine, I promise..." As if he was telling it to himself as much as he was saying it to Allegra. The words threw her back into memories of walking onto a stage, sitting down at the piano and preparing herself to play. "It will be fine..." she had told herself, so many times, to calm herself down, to convince herself it would be okay. So that her fingers might fly across the keyboard with ease and dexterity, not missing a single beat as she captured her audience with sound.
"Just get it all in," Allegra interjected, upon hearing Cole's question. She had no qualms about the manner in which the trunk was packed, more that it ought to be packed and stowed away as quickly as possible, so as to avoid further problems. She knelt next to the boy, her expression softer than before, her original outburst quickly over as she realised that the situation could hardly be undone now. And roasting the poor boy over it would achieve little except to give all three of them a very bad time as they endured the lengthy train ride together.
If this was how it was to be, they may as well start getting along. "Um..." Where was she to begin, after such a rocky start? If only the moment could be erased, and she could return to the moment when she had first introduced herself. A clean slate. A chance to do something differently, to prevent the chaos from happening. If she had only insisted on helping the boy with the trunk. If he had only allowed her to help.
"Did you come from far?" she asked him. "I came from London, so it wasn't far for me." If anything, a bit of conversation might distract from everything that had happened, and slowly start to get things back to normal.
[/font]
Allegra Steinway
Stamina 5 | Evasion 4 | Strength 2 | Wisdom 7 | Arcane Power 7 | Accuracy 5