2019-2020 First Year Entrance Finished

Interacting with @Alaric Equinox & @Janus Lumley

While still a little frightened of the Professor with the vibrant red eyes, Piérre was pleasantly surprised when the teacher responded with a gentle, soft tone, very much how Piérre was used to interacting with distinguished members of Maddie’s jobs. The professor gave a kind close-lipped smile, and gently offered Piérre assistance with getting into the gondola. He had mentioned something about being able to interact casually with the professors, but it sounded like it had been good on Piérre’s behalf to have come out respectful.

Getting in the boat was an easy task, and while Piérre could have managed on his own due to experience mounting and dismounting the floating boats and bridges of Venice. Now was no different. Piérre wondered how Romeo was getting along. There was no doubt in his mind that Romeo was at least as charismatic as he himself was, but as a twin, he always had that little worry gnawing in the back of his mind, no mater what he did to attempt to quell his nerves.

Finally, Piérre was gripping both sides of the boat, leaning out I front of the tip of the boat to look out over the pristine waters, smooth and black as glass. What kinds of unknown creatures lived in their depths, Piérre mused. He wished to venture into the blackness and meet many strange and curious creatures. He had heard rumors of there being merfolk, and Piérre was keen upon finding out if those hearsay rumors were true. He was quite a gossiper himself.

Piérre looked back to the pale professor, smiling much more easily now. Maybe he would take classes soon and get to learn more about him. ”Thank you!” He said genuinely, watching as the other boy was seated.

Awesome! A boat partner! A chance to meet someone new! Piérre was interested as to how the boy was going to answer his previous question. They would have the spam of crossing the lake on the enchanted gondolas, so there was some time to kill.

"Well, I don't know much about the houses so I don't even know which one I want to get in. My father only told me that he was in uh, Huff- Hufflepuff. I can't wait to see the castle though, it will be unbelievable to live there! I hoped we would see it from here but there's just this black lake..."

Piérre nodded empathetically as the boy squinted into the water through his glasses. Piérre was guessing that this boy was either a Muggleborn or a Halfblood, judging by how uncertain he was about the houses. In fact, the only reason Piérre had known so much about the school ahead of time was that he had been raised by a witch for four years, in the span of which he had been taught everything, from basic knowledge of semi-normal races, to blood statuses, and even about some natures of hexes and charms, though Piérre had no ability to cast them yet. He was simply too young and had too short of an attention span to retain anything.

”Yeah, I’ve heard a lot about the castle, like, Slytherin house, those guys are the snakes, their common room is in a dungeon, and that’s why they don’t like the other houses. They got jealous that everyone else called dibs on the higher floors. Like Ravenclaw, they’re right below the owlry! Easy to send or receive Howlers!” Piérre couldn’t prevent himself from grinning as he began to go off on a semi-fabricated rant. It was true that Ravenclaw and Slytherin were at the highest and lowest points in the school, but as to why, Piérre couldn’t hazard a guess. He went on, finishing his thought before slipping against the bow of the gondola and almost tipping water into it in his clumsiness. ”But the lake is kind of pretty, isn’t it? I mean, once you get past how scary it looks at first. I hear that Nessie, you know, Loch Ness, used to live here before she was transferred to the lake in Scotland!” Piérre breathed the last bit to make it sound more confidential. Piérre didn’t know if what he said was true, but hey, it made for a good story, and so in Piérre’s book, it was gospel.

When Piérre’s words were done sinking in, Piérre waited for a reaction, and then the boy asked a second question:

"Oh sorry, and my name's Janus. Nice t'meet you, too. Where are you from?"

”Nice to meet you, Janus! It sounds like Janet, but you’re a guy, so it’s even cooler. Janus... Janus!!” Piérre lowered his voice to sound like a biker dude. It sounded comical in his innocent voice, but Piérre was naturally rather good at mimicking others, even if he didn’t have a special ability which really made him change forms or shape. Piérre laughed good-heartedly once before answering Janus’ question.

”I’m from Italy. Florence. Me and my family moved here when Romeo and I were six. We’ve been to so many places! Florence, Rome, Naples, Venice... visited Pompeii a couple times, but then when we heard about London and the rumors of magic, we made our way here. My first parents were Muggles. Didn’t know much about magic, so they learned about it the hard way from me and my twin. We actually burnt down our first house on accident! When we were five!” Piérre cackled aloud, hugging his arms tightly to his chest in a fit of overemphasized dramatics.

Suddenly he stopped, causing the boat to shake from the sudden change of Piérre’s mood. He leaned towards Janus, getting close but not too close. It was his nature to be a little nosy, but he had learned to keep the getting close and personal vibe to a non-creepy standard.

”What about you?” Piérre tipped his head like a curious puppy, intrigued. ”You sound British? What town are you from? Maybe I visited there before!”

Interacting with: @Alaric Equinox @Artemis Vernatis @Ruthie Greer
Boat is open for two more first years!

The flicker of movement revealed one of the most dazzling, sparkling man, whose smooth, velvety voice only added to his allure. He had only spoken two works, but that was enough for her pupils to widen to attempt to meet her new prey's eyes, wanting more. If Caradoc Browne ever spoke to her again, she would resume her conquests, but he had been oddly...elusive since the first year dance. Olphie was not a very patient woman. For now, this new Astronomy Professor could satisfy her desires. 

With a small nod, smile still affixed plastically upon her face, she returned his words: "It's a pleasure, Alvin."  Caradoc had taught her one valuable life lesson, and that was that playing hard to get seemed to work best with the Hogwarts professors. "You are forgiven,"  she added with a soft smile; though intended to be kind, there was a little bite to her words. Was that nerves? Certainly, no...Olphie was used to crowds surrounding her. Though her fans were normally quite a bit...taller.

A second man joined the duo, and Olphie's grin widened as he entered. The nerves would pass; Artesan's flirtatious behavior around her always calmed her down. He really could stand to be a bit more discreet, but now that he had gotten that handsome haircut, Olphie could not deny that his handsomeness exploded. Olphie couldn't put her finger on it, but it was as if someone had given him a complete facial makeover. "Arthur!" The woman yelped as she set eyes on the professor, who she had not seen since the end of the last school year. Puffing heavily, even though the distance was quite short, she ran in Architect's direction and attempted to jump into his arms. If she failed, she would trip, land on the ground, and though she looked a little more worse for the wear, chuckle as if nothing happened. If she succeeded, she would...be in his arms. "I've missed you!"

The trio explained the situation, and Olphie watched with the smile resembling a Muggle Barbie doll as students dispersed to their respective boats. Mouth slightly ajar in excited anticipation, Olphie waited...and waited...and waited. Until finally, a beautiful, golden haired child approached her. “Are you taking students in your boat?” 

With these words, the child had solidified her position as Olphie's favorite first year student. "Why yes dear! Come right ahead! I'm sure these two will join us. What's your name, dear?"

She tried to sneak a glance at Albatross and Artsyfartsy, and if they met her eyes, she would toss a little wink at them. Soon thereafter, Olphie turned around and made her way into the boat, with the student(s) at least Ruthie, others can just say they joined without fearing godmodding behind her.

Ruthie’s expression had only increased in awkwardness as she waited for the woman to indicate if she was, in fact, taking on students in her boat. And it seemed that she was. The lady’s reply was not only affirmative, but enthusiastic. Ruthie felt her face relax into a smile. After all, this was surreal if her suspicions were right. “Ruth,” she introduced herself as she stepped forward, following the woman into the boat.

As she did so, she noticed another student had joined them. He was a dark-haired boy, who’d also wanted to ride with the female staff member. He’d introduced himself right away with a confidence Ruthie hadn’t yet mastered. Perhaps he didn’t know they might be stood in front of a Quidditch heroine? Perhaps he didn’t care? Or perhaps he was arrogant enough that it didn’t matter either way. In any case, he smiled at her a friendly greeting considering they were likely all nervous enough as it were. “There’s plenty of room,” she addressed him to give him a comforting inclination that he was welcome as she gestured to the free places in the boat. She hoped the staff lady wouldn’t mind her jumping in like that.

Unsure, Ruthie looked out across the lake, which was calm and settled as far as she could tell in the low light. Light was the great controller of visibility, which she’d come to learn when out on the boat with her father. How odd it felt to not have the strong winds of the constant push and pull of the tide along the side of the boat. Sitting there, she missed that uncertainty. The water felt unfamiliar without it. But this was the place her mother had come to study and she must have made the same journey. Turning her head to see if could catch a glimpse of the castle’s light, she decided she had nothing better to do than to trust the process and wait.

Sliding her hand against the wood, she needed something to focus her attention on besides memories of the home she’d left behind. At first, she thought she might strike conversation with her new first year companion, but nothing was coming. “Excited?” she asked him, wide-eyed, imagining he too had Hogwarts built up in his mind as some kind of wonderful place. And yet she couldn’t get her suspicion out of her head. So strong was the curiosity, she couldn’t hold back the question: “Em, excuse me, Miss, but you haven’t Quidditch, have you?” Well, that was stupid. Everyone played Quidditch when they were young, obviously. “Professionally, I mean,” she qualified so as not to sound quite so much like a dolt.

Now that the question was out in the open, Ruthie felt her back sink into her place on the boat. Either she’d be right and they’d be in for a memorable boat ride with stories of Quidditch glory, or she’d walk into those halls as a naïve child. Suspicions aside, it was clear she was a ‘go big or go home’ kind of girl.

Interacting with @Olphie Bercegeay & @Asher Ravencroft

@Alaric Equinox @Janus Lumley @Piérre Marchonné

While others had taken the train ride as a chance to meet and greet their new classmates, Daniel had only been able to marvel, wide-eyed, at the countryside that hurtled by the window. He’d never left Manchester before, and while the city had its perks, there really wasn’t anything comparable to the rolling greens and deep forests they passed. He’d kept his eyes glued to the outdoors until it became too dark to do so, and then took advantage of the quiet train car to catch a nap. He’d slept fitfully the night before, too anxious and excited for this day to arrive.

As he stepped onto the train platform at Hogwarts, the evening air crisp and earthy, it took everything Daniel had not to gawk at the massive castle looming in the distance. This was the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry; a place that he had only heard of for the first time three months ago. He’d had really no idea what to expect, other than the kind shopkeepers of Diagon Alley telling him how much of a treat he was in for. And now, this was his school. His first school. An honest-to-god castle. What had he done to deserve something as cool as this?

All around him students milled, finding friends, while an adult’s voice shouted for them to follow. Daniel allowed himself to be swallowed into the crowd, slowly treading their way to the lake. He was so fixated on the castle that he almost bumped into the person in front of him when they stopped. Beyond lay a series of small wooden boats, lit by candle. Everyone was quickly pairing up and finding places to sit, leaving Daniel to make a decision where he wanted to sit.

One boat in particular, short one person, caught his attention. A tall, well-dressed man stood at the stern, helping students into the boats. Feeling more comfortable around adults, Daniel gravitated towards this man, fidgeting with the hem of his homemade sweater. “Would it be alright if I join your boat, sir?” he asked, careful to meet the professor’s eyes as his mother had taught him. He was aiming to make a good impression, nervousness be damned. Still, he couldn’t help but be taken aback when he noticed the unnatural red sheen of his pupils. Was that a trick of the light?

Two boys were already neck-deep in conversation inside the boat, which both relieved and agitated the young wizard further. He made it his mission to listen to the conversation at hand without interrupting, for his curiosity was also getting the best of him. Why did the professor look so strange? He’d never seen anything like those red eyes before. Then again, he’d never seen most of anything like this before - a hidden train platform, magic sweets, a castle straight out of a picture book, and boats without any sails or oars.

They hopefully would continue the conversation they were having, leaving Daniel to his own devices -- or, worst case scenario, they’d stop talking and start asking questions of him. He wished that his mother was here so that he could hide himself behind her skirts, or duck behind her shop counter. ”H-hello,” he mumbled to the other boys his age, looking down at his worn sneakers.

Rose gave up trying to exit the train. There were too many students, much too many for her liking, but it was a school after all. Rose quietly returned to her seat and sat there, staring out the window. Even from her booth, she could see the grand castle, calling her name. It was close to early evening, and the dimming sunlight shone on the walls of her future - no, current place of learning.

After the students exiting the train had turned into a trickle, rose grabbed the trunk and carefully stepped onto the granite floor. She observed the scene. Students were scrambling into tiny wooden boats, finding and telling their friends how their summer had been. Unlike those her age, Rose preferred reading in dimly lit corners and tranquil places, where there were little to no signs of human habitat. Although Rose was eager to not be the last one standing, she didn't know which boat she should sit in. And asking? Well, that's just pushing Rose out of her limits too much.

Rose stalked over to another blond girl talking to a teacher (who looked extremely familiar) and a boy wearing a cloak with one of her favourite books, Hogwarts: A History, between his arm. Rose had read it over and over again throughout the summer, memorizing each and every page. She loved the funny footnotes and how much information it gave her before her journey to the famed school. He has great taste, she thought.

Afraid of interrupting the student's conversation, Rose stood in the middle of the dock and waited. She couldn't quite hear what the girl was saying, but she must've been quite excited based on her facial emotions and talk time.

"All aboard!"Yelled a man's voice.

Rose quickly ran, stopping halfway, forgetting her trunk. She went back and dragged it, half sprinting towards her chosen boat.

"Um, e-excuse me, ma'am? Would y-you mind if I rode with you? Rose managed to squeak out.

The woman agreed enthusiastically. Rose thanked her and found her place in the boat. The seats were old, yet comfy, and calmed her. Thoughts of chatting with her boat mates came, but Rose was too shy to say anything and ruled it out.

While observing the ripples in the water, she thought about her family. What is she missed them? Could they visit? Rose knew the answers to these questions, but still, it made her comfy knowing there was something to think about.

Ah! Rose had brought a book. She took out her copy of The Tales of Beedle the Bard and smiled. Good thing she hadn't relied too much on the Hogwarts library and brought her own form of entertainment. The book was worn with use, but it was still readable. It had been one of her favourite books growing up, and it still holds a place in her heart.

She flipped to the first page and started to read.

Interaction with @Ruthie Greer @Asher Ravencroft & @Olphie Bercegeay

Reducio

Interacting with @Santario Martin 

"Arthur!"

OOC: My boat is open for two more students. We will most likely move this thread along to the actual lake ride in the next staff post though.