Great Gates of Hogwarts: Ilvermorny Arrival Open

@Catriona Staverly & @Maggie Parker & @Lark Flaer & @Elzabeth Gillan

While Don appreciated the fact Delia was there to notice, he sort of folded in on himself and ended up feeling more guilty, because that meant he was really outwardly jutting his discomfort, which made other people uncomfortable, which made him more uncomfortable, and then it was a cycle that he did not want to continue. He just needed to bare through it a little bit longer - the absence of other people was already making him feel less tense, anyway.

"No, no. I'm good here. I can... I can smell the Americanness from the carriages, and stuff. I'm kind of nervous, honestly... dunno what kinda diseases they have." He scratched the back of his neck, popping his lips in. He wanted to take a nap. "Say, where'd you think we're gonna crash, anyway? This school is as big as the Great Wall of China, you think they can make us a place to stay? I bet they can. That would be so cool." He sort of gushed, but taking a glance at how big the school was, and how few students from America tagged along... well, there had to have been a place in the castle for them to crash, right? If there wasn't, he'd have to riot.

"Also, I'm starving. I might die of dehydration, or worse, breathing British air with absolutely no sustenance to provide me with health. Can you imagine? If I die, you guys will have to lead the most dull lives ever... oh God, imagine? Delia, you'll be an accountant, and you, Owen- you'll be a model, but you'll get someone pregnant way too early and then never get over it, and you, Hunter- well, you'll just become a football addict..." He stared at Genevieve, looking slightly mortified. "You? I can't even say it, Gene. I can't, I couldn't bring myself to. You'd just be so heartbroken until you died... all because I didn't get some grub... imagine that tragedy. Someone should make a play."

@Thora Larkston @Bridget Collins @Katrina Walker | dNPC Astrid Kovac

Both girls responded with their own response. One sounded to be more about the prankster side of Thunderbird, while the other had understood her mini-joke within her question. She smiled at both of their responses.

”Yeah, it’s been casual. Haven’t found any good.. uh.. ,” She exaggerated her thinking pose, before continuing, “people who need a laugh. On the other hand, I would agree with you, Phyllis, about the classes. But, hey, new learning styles. Hopefully, they don’t cover stuff we already know. While the classes might not be great, I do still need to learn the material. I know absolutely nothing.” Astrid laughed, hoping these people weren’t like some of the pure bloods she had heard in the halls. But she couldn’t really hide her oblivious nature when it came to magic, so... that was that.

The girl who had been teased by the larger group, “popular” kids if she had to stereotype them, or maybe the class clowns. Astrid knew she was a Thunderbird, she had skimmed faces of a decent amount of Thunderbirds. What year she was, Astrid had no clue, but Astrid was certain the new girl wasn’t a first year.

Phyllis invited the other girl into the group, so Astrid waved and said her name when it was the best time for introductions.

@Bridget Collins| @Teiki Laurent| @Katrina Walker

Karilyna groaned (in her mind, of course) as Phyllis introduced herself to Iris. Iris Fields, the rainbow girl. Seriously? Of all the people she could've brought over, she had to say hi to Iris. The only reason Karilyna tolerated the third year amongst the happy chatting group of first years was that the other older kids had been being mean to her, kicking her out of their little "I'm so cool group". The first year rolled her eyes, wanting to confront the older kids but not wanting to get in trouble on her very first day here. It wasn't worth ruining herself, even if something like that was naturally her disposition.

"Hi Iris," Karilyna acknowledged the girl. She wasn't nearly as low as those fourth years who kicked people out of groups. "Yeah, I agree with you guys about the classes too," Karilyna jumped back into the conversation. "Hopefully their classes are better here--they were absolute trash back at Ilvermorny--the teachers at least," she joked. Astrid seemed pretty nice, and of course she knew Phyllis pretty well anyways. Iris, though, honestly, she wasn't exactly one to stereotype, but as Iris was a Thunderbird, Karilyna kind of expected her to stand up for herself there. Honestly, she didn't really know much, being a first year, so what did she know? Smiling, she turned back to the group. "Do you guys know anything about Hogwarts? I mean, I'm not a sweat or anything, but I did do some research..."

@Gem Stuart, @Catriona Staverly, @Lark Flaer, @Elzabeth Gillan

Owen laughed as Don rambled on about what would happen if he died, and how Owen'd become a model and get pregnant. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was off about Don, though- he seemed kind of uncomfortable.

Owen shrugged it off, though. He was probably hungry or tired or something of the like, as he'd said before. Owen had never been good at talking to people about their like, feelings and stuff, but maybe he'd ask Don about it later. He'd want the same.

"I dunno," Owen wondered, "I wouldn't mind bunking with a House here or something, as long as I'm in a dorm with you guys." That, and Owen was curious as to what the houses here were like. What the the Wampus of Hogwarts? He'd heard that Horned Serpent was called Ravenclaw at Hogwarts, but nothing more than that.

"Whatever would we do without you, Don?" Owen teased, sarcasm dripping from his tone. However much he teased, though, it was true- the group had kind of come together in second year when Don joined, and if any one of them left, the whole group would probably fall apart.

"I feel you, though- I've been running on chocolate frogs and soda since 6 A.M." Owen agreed, being reminded of his hunger. "I wonder where their cafeteria is? D'you think it's as fancy as the outside of the castle?"

@Maggie Parker @Gem Stuart @Lark Flaer @Catriona Staverly

Hunter chuckled at Don's rambling. Sometimes the things he came up with were so creative it surprised him, there was no way Hunter would have been able to come up with all of that on the go.

. . .Hunter- well, you'll just become a football addict..."

Hunter recoiled at his words, a wide smile spreading across his face. "Football? Since when did you think I would be into football?" Hunter hadn't even watched the sport in at least two years, he was more of a Quidditch guy than anything. Quidditch was much more fun to watch, plus the whole bulger ramming into kids on brooms sometimes made for an interesting game even if that did sound horrible.

"I wonder where their cafeteria is? D'you think it's as fancy as the outside of the castle?"

Hunter looked up at the castle, moving his arm so it hung loosely on Gens shoulder. "I'll bet it is, I just hope they have indoor plumbing. Can you imagine?" Hunter had a brief image of having to go to an outhouse to do his business which caused his face to scrunch up in disgust.

Surely they did, this was a magic school after all, but who knows? Maybe the people here are insane and they were about to walk into their own doom?

Hunters stomach growled, reminding him he had only had a measly PB&J for lunch on the way here. At this point, he was hungry enough he could eat a whole cow if he tried.

Played as Simon Belanger

Mentions @Maggie Parker | Interacts with @Meenauh Silmataurea & @Alexx Séverin

Simon was sure he had the girl made - that she would sign the petition and all would be right with the world - when suddenly out of nowhere a petite blonde girl appeared and let out a stream of French that made Simon stare in impressed consternation. Was this some sort of joke being played on him? Had Owen or one of the Captain's other friends he didn't know well set this up to stir up some chaos? It didn't make sense that a British person would know French, and for a long second he was about to laugh and say that she'd done it, she'd gotten him good. Until he remembered that Hogwarts was for the majority of Europe, just as Ilvermorny was for the majority of North America. Of course! Other nationalities came here! Now all he had to do was prank her in French.

He grinned confidently, cracking his neck as he thought back to the wonderful foundation he'd gotten from Canadian French class. Ah yes, he could do this. He'd spent years conjugating the verbs Avoir and Être! He'd watched videos where French people mimed out a word and said it aloud! He listened to Stromae and knew every word of Papaoutai off by heart! "Oui, Mademoiselle," he said, dropping into a bow before straightening and letting the words roll from his tongue. "Baguette du fromage! Le chat est noir. Bon, bon, je suis un petit merde." The last bit was something his sisters always called him, so he may as well introduce himself that way. Laughing as if what he'd said made an incredible of sense, he took her hand for a hearty shake.

Holy cow, this girl had a list of titles. Comparing himself to her was like comparing a duck to a swan, and he had to dig deep for something to say that would impress both her and the other girl he'd approached. Their reason for coming to Britain was to show off to the other school, after all. Something like that. Releasing Alexx's hand to take a step back and cough into his palm to clear his throat, he looked at them both gravely before speaking. "My name is King Simon Stormborn of the House Targaryen, the First of His Name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men, The Rightful King of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm, King of Dragonstone, King of Meereen, Khal of the Great Grass Sea, the Unburnt, Regent of the Realm, Breaker of Chains and Father of Dragons."

Owen called his name just as he finished, and he drew in a deep breath to call back, "Sup, dude? I'll catch up with you later!" before turning to the girls. "So that's me." He was sure they'd get the reference, since everyone seemed to have seen the show and these girls were British after all. Even if he didn't actually have a cool title, memorizing the entire thing word for word had to be at least somewhat worthy of the attention of one of them. Maybe if he could get to know them, one of them would even show him around the school - a Hogwarts resident would be ideal for getting to know the buildings nooks and crannies. "And do you also speak French?" This addressed politely to Meenauh, since she had yet to say a word and he was beginning to worry he'd accidentally tried to mess with a deaf person. "Are the two of you from France?"

@Max Avery , @Meenauh Silmataurea

Alexx choked on her own spit. Why would someone introduce themselves as a "little shit"? Well, if anything, he was being honest. Naturally, Alexx cracked a smile. "Well, someone should have told me that I was in the presence of a king! I would have signed the petition faster!" She held her hand out for the paper, prepared to sign it. "This is a perfect idea for an article, by the way. I could get the whole school interested in this! A good cause, a good article, and I come out on top once again. Thank you, your highness." She chuckled, eyes wrinkling at the ends. This wasn't a fake laugh, like many of the ones that she staged with her peers. Instead, this was genuine. This kid had jokes!

She went ahead and budded in on his query. "I am from France, originally. South-central. But I did live in the States for a number of years before moving to Manchester." Her heart pained momentarily as she thought of home. Which home? France? The French Quarter? There were many homes. She didn't like Manchester all that much, but it was where she lived. She couldn't exactly help that.

It was amazing to Alexx how quickly Simon had changed. His slew of titles, that long dissertation, right into a casual "Sup, dude?" It was outstanding. She desperately wanted more of this mysterious boy. Even if his French was quite bad, and mostly nonsensical. By Merlin, she would teach him! He would become fluent! Anything for a cute boy, though, right? Anything for a cute boy.

But Simon was so much more than cute. He was funny. Eloquent in his own way. He wasn't a formal, elitist-vibed prick like some of the boys here. He was calming. Alexx wanted to be around his aura forever. He was someone that was the opposite of Alexx. Someone that got through life carefree. She would have given anything to be like that, and she was proud of him for it. This boy was, sure enough, all himself. No one had a grip on him telling who to be, or when, or where. He was Simon. King of... Those places. Wherever they were.

Poor Alexx, who did not understand his references. Poor little pureblooded Alexx who hated to be in the dark... Was she to simply roll with it? How could she stop, mid-interaction and confess that she had no idea what he was talking about, and that he sounded partially insane? Perhaps Meenauh would understand, and then she could blow it off as if she knew all along. Meenauh seemed smart, after all, what with her muggle concepts and science corners. These were all things far beyond Alexx (though the proud serpent child would never confess this out loud). Simon seemed to possess a knowledge that was far beyond her as well. What was that word he had said? Tar...Gar...Yen..?? What on earth was a Targaryen? Was that from another language? Was Canadian culture really that different from any other culture? Her head was spinning. It was time to stop.

Mentions@Maggie Parker, @Gem Stuart, and @Max Avery || Interacting with no one

Aphrodite was passing through the grounds, curious to see what the whole Ilvermorny arrival was all about. There were so many of them, all of them in little groups huddled together. She tried to spot someone she knew from classes, though she was presented with no luck.

As she stood quietly, observing those around her, she heard a males voice with a rough and absolutely dreadful phony french accent. Her head whipped around quickly, even if they weren't talking to her. She was intrigued now, and nothing could break that. She listened to their attempt of forming a francais sentence, though it barely made sense.

Aphrodite almost choked from laughter after that last part, though. Had he been aware of what he was saying? She figured no, causing her to giggle more. "Cheese baguette!" The cat is black, "Well, I'm a little shit." The boy had said, his smile seemed to show that he was confident in what just came out of his mouth.

As she walked away quietly, trying to contain her laughter, she spotted another crew of Ilvermorny students. Though, she noticed one particular boy that caught her eye, his american accent giving her chills. He was attractive, yes, very attractive at that. He looked to be no older than 14, his shaggy blonde hair falling in his eyes.

Quickly averting her eyes away from him before noticed, she glanced at a boy beside him, one he referred to as 'Don'? Weird name, though she shrugged it off. She found his smile quite warming, and couldn't help but smile herself when seeing it.

Soon after, Aphrodite just found herself standing awkwardly in front of them. Although, their backs weren't turned to her, instead they we're all facing each other, too caught up in one another's conversations to tell she's there.

Playing as Meenauh Silmataurea

Interacting with @Alexx Séverin and @Max Avery (Simon)

The boy — that boy, yes, started to speak French and Meenauh wanted to dive into the crowd right away. Best if not noticed by anyone. By the end of the boy's speech in French she was frowning as even with her limited knowledge of French she could decipher the boy said complete nonsense in terms of supporting a conversation. Especially the petit merde. The laugh made it look even sillier than before the laugh.

He tried to correct himself by stating a list of his obviously fake titles. Though, Meenauh had to admit they were memorised and pronounced with precision and confidence. The titles were some kind of a reference, but she never read them anywhere (she would remember) and only the hint of 'Father of Dragons' made her think of that popular among muggles story about wars — Bones of... something. Whatever.

But the more surprising behaviour for Meenauh was the light-hearted and easy-going way to switch between the conversations as if the boy had two completely different personalities at the same time. And right in the middle of those thoughts, which were accompanied by Alexx's witty and healthy-humoured comments, she got interrupted with a question. A question directed at her. Or at the two of them. She couldn't quite catch as she really didn't feel well in conversations with more than one person.

Once again, Alexx was the first to answer and Meenauh prayed for her health once again. She was rehearsing in her mind how to announce her departure along with answering the question about her French speak-ability. The rehearsal went mute once Alexx mentioned Meenauh's native town. If she'd have been drinking, she'd choke. During the whole previous year, she didn't meet a single person from Manchester. She lived her whole life there among muggles without meeting a single wizard or witch child. Or maybe they were hiding it the same way Meenauh did? What if she actually met them but would never get to find out now?

Her eyes widened and her head inclined a little as in surprise:

"I beg your pardon, Alexx? Did you just say Manchester? I was... I was particularly sure you reside in the States," she inquired with a deep interest, but then quickly half-turned to the boy to announce, "And no, I don't speak any French, but your speech was substantially amusing," and turning back to Alexx, "I'm from Manchester."

She had no brisky Manchester accent as she didn't have any opportunity to pick it up. She lived in her personal family bubble, which wasn't connected to Manchester in any way, except the obligatory need to reside there.

And now she found out about another person, who lived in Manchester. For how long? Could they have met before? Maybe she could pay her a visit sometime?

Interacting as approved dNPC Iris Fields| @Thora Larkston @Bridget Collins @Teiki Laurent

Iris smiled gratefully as the girls quickly accepted her into their mini-group. She allowed them to finish their conversation before entering herself into the talking. "Ya, i'm Iris." Iris grinned realizing how pathetic her words had sounded, "I didn't really look into it. I did mean to though." She trailed off, "It surprised me who they chose to come though, that is as much as I payed attention to." Iris couldn't help but glare at the group that had previously kicked her out without reason.

She began to take note of the girls while no one was talking. The girl that had introduced herself as Astrid appeared quite nice. She had a friendly smile and a welcoming attitude. The beside her was a girl that Iris hadn't quite remembered her name, yet she seemed slightly hesitant. Finally, Phillis- who Astrid had mentioned her name- seemed really nice, she was quick to accept and Iris was very grateful for that.

Iris waited for someone else to respond, she really wanted to be friends with these girls. Sure, she usually wouldn't hang out with firsties- at least she thought they were- but, who knows, they seemed like genuine friends already. Besides, it would be nice to have friends right off the bat, they were going to be here for two months. She was content here, with three people- a decent sized group.