Third Year's the Charm
September 1st 2025
Dialogue
English: #e22400
Spanish: #fdc700
I closed my eyes and pushed my trolley towards the ticket barrier. I opened my eyes and saw the scarlet red Hogwarts Express. It was ten to eleven we had cut it a bit close.
"Bye Love. Do be careful." said Mum with a small strain on her face. She is a bit worried that Hogwarts might not be the safest place to be. What happened last year at Hogsmeade had her a bit rattled. But we did not have much of a choice. The other schools were too far and we would have to move. The train whistled. I gave my parents a quick hug before pulling my trunk towards the Hogwarts Express.
I dragged my trunk up the steps of the Hogwarts Express and found myself a empty compartment. The train started to slowly move and I waved out the window to mum and dad. Before long, King's Cross Station was just a small dot behind rows of trees and bushes. I turned back and lugged my trunk up to the rack. It was even heavier than last year and the year before. More books of course. It's my third year at Hogwarts and we had even more subjects to study. Care of Magical Creatures, Divination, Ancient Runes and Muggle Studies. The British countryside flew by as we started to pick up speed amidst my thoughts.WC: 228/200 Tags:@Lillian McMason
Third Year's the Charm
Leon had been staring out the window for a while now, nose nearly pressed against the glass, watching the countryside rush past in a blur of green. The compartment was quiet — oddly quiet, really. But that was bound to change if he had anything to say about it.
The sound of someone dragging a heavy trunk broke the silence. Leon turned just in time to see an older student — third year, maybe? — hoisting a luggage case that looked more like a portable library than a travel bag.
A grin spread across Leon’s face — the kind that meant trouble, or at least a very chatty first-year was about to introduce himself.
“Blimey... Is that all books? You studying to become the next Minister for Magic or just trying to derail the train with sheer weight?” he asked, eyes wide with a mix of admiration and cheek.
He shifted in his seat, clearly preparing to settle in for a proper chat.
“I’m Leon. First year. First time on the Express... and you’re in third, yeah? How did you survive this long? Is there a secret spell they teach you? Or just a solid stash of sweets?”
He held out a hand, beaming.
“Mind if I sit here? I promise I’ll only ask questions for half the journey.”
The sound of someone dragging a heavy trunk broke the silence. Leon turned just in time to see an older student — third year, maybe? — hoisting a luggage case that looked more like a portable library than a travel bag.
A grin spread across Leon’s face — the kind that meant trouble, or at least a very chatty first-year was about to introduce himself.
“Blimey... Is that all books? You studying to become the next Minister for Magic or just trying to derail the train with sheer weight?” he asked, eyes wide with a mix of admiration and cheek.
He shifted in his seat, clearly preparing to settle in for a proper chat.
“I’m Leon. First year. First time on the Express... and you’re in third, yeah? How did you survive this long? Is there a secret spell they teach you? Or just a solid stash of sweets?”
He held out a hand, beaming.
“Mind if I sit here? I promise I’ll only ask questions for half the journey.”
Third Year's the Charm
September 1st 2025
Dialogue
English: #e22400
Spanish: #fdc700
A boy much younger than me was already in the compartment. I had been too busy dealing with my trunk and waving goodbye to my parents that I had kinda ignored his presence. He had messy brown hair and obsidian-black eyes. Probably about 11 or 12.
“Blimey... Is that all books? You studying to become the next Minister for Magic or just trying to derail the train with sheer weight?” he asked, eyes wide with a mix of admiration and cheek.
Minister of magic huh? As much as that sounds fun, I don't think I'll pursue an office job in the ministry. Too much paperwork and whatnot.
"Third year mate, more classes and more books." I said simply.
The boy shifted in his seat, clearly preparing to settle in for a proper chat.
“I’m Leon. First year. First time on the Express... and you’re in third, yeah? How did you survive this long? Is there a secret spell they teach you? Or just a solid stash of sweets?”
I laughed at his ridiculous questions but come to think of it they probably don't seem as ridiculous if I was a first year. First years all had that glint of excitement on how Hogwarts was this magical place filled with adventure. I'm sorry to say that apart from the classes teaching magic, it felt like a normal boarding school. Maybe I'm just boring. Those are just my experiences.
"Alejandro Garcia. First of all, quite easy to survive this long. Hogwarts is quite boring believe it or not. No they don't teach you secret spells and I guess there is a secret candy stash." I replied ticking off the questions in my head.
Honeydukes was basically a candy stash right. Not secret though, many first and second years still go there with a fake permission slip. Prefects usually don't care. Just have to watch out for professors.
He held out a hand, beaming. I took his hand and shook it casually.
“Mind if I sit here? I promise I’ll only ask questions for half the journey.”
"Why not? Go for it."
I gave a faint sigh. Did I ask this many questions in first year? This was going to be a long trip.WC: 371/200 Tags:@Leon Cardasso
Third Year's the Charm
Leon showed a hint of disappointment in reaction to Alejandro's words. "Boring?" With the stories his parents told, that wasn't the word that came to mind when he pictured Hogwarts. But that disappointment didn't last long before the Cardasso boy's curious gaze returned, along with a flurry of questions. "What was Hogwarts like?", "Were there really ghosts there?!", "What about the secret rooms?" This was definitely going to be a long trip!
When the questions about Hogwarts ran out, Alejandro became the target. From questions about his parents' professions and the reason for his name, to his favorite flavor of Every Flavor Beans! Obviously, this trip wasn't all about questions; Leon took the opportunity to introduce each member of his family in detail.
After two, no. Maybe three... Well, after a round of questions from a restless mind, the time was lost. What matters is that it was all over (at least for now): The silence had now become gratifying. The beast of a thousand questions had gone into hibernation.
Was this boy a wizard or a sphinx, having so many questions on the tip of his tongue? Where did so much energy come from? Was this child under the influence of some potion or spell of chatter, or was it all just anxiety about starting school?!
Leon's head slid across the cushioned seats of the cabin until it rested on Alejandro's shoulder. Even asleep, his body bounced occasionally, as if he still had energy left.
Whether entering that train car had been a mistake was a question only Alejandro could answer.
[@Alejandro Garcia]
When the questions about Hogwarts ran out, Alejandro became the target. From questions about his parents' professions and the reason for his name, to his favorite flavor of Every Flavor Beans! Obviously, this trip wasn't all about questions; Leon took the opportunity to introduce each member of his family in detail.
After two, no. Maybe three... Well, after a round of questions from a restless mind, the time was lost. What matters is that it was all over (at least for now): The silence had now become gratifying. The beast of a thousand questions had gone into hibernation.
Was this boy a wizard or a sphinx, having so many questions on the tip of his tongue? Where did so much energy come from? Was this child under the influence of some potion or spell of chatter, or was it all just anxiety about starting school?!
Leon's head slid across the cushioned seats of the cabin until it rested on Alejandro's shoulder. Even asleep, his body bounced occasionally, as if he still had energy left.
Whether entering that train car had been a mistake was a question only Alejandro could answer.
[@Alejandro Garcia]
Third Year's the Charm
September 1st 2025
Dialogue
English: #e22400
Spanish: #fdc700
Leon seemed a bit disappointed by my response. Which was expected. I think I thought along the same lines when I was first on the train. What came after were multiple rounds of question from the young first year. What's Hogwarts like? It's a castle. A very big castle. Very easy to get lost in. Were there really ghosts there? Yes. I personally steer clear of them. They give me the chills. What about secret rooms? There's rumours of the room of requirement. Never found there though.
When he ran out of questions about Hogwarts, the subject turned to me. What do my parents do? My mum's a witch and worked in the ministry and my dad's a muggle engineer. What's the reason for my name? I dunno. It's common spanish name. Ask my parents. Why couldn't I be born with a much cooler name. Like Leon. In Spanish it translates to lion. Imagine being named Lion. My favourite most ridiculous question has to be what my favourite flavour of every flavour beans are. I cracked a smile when Leon asked that. I'm not a big fan of them but if I had to choose then probably apple. Nice and boring.
After three or four rounds of questions, Leon fell asleep on my shoulder. Finally some peace and quiet. I rested my head on the window. Outside the train the sun had began to set. The trees turned a brilliant shade of red and orange. Soon it was pitch black outside the train. That means we were almost there. I gently nudged Leon trying wake him.
"Mate, we almost there. You'd better get changed into your robes." I said to him.WC: 281/200 Tags:@Leon Cardasso
Third Year's the Charm
It took a while for the boy to respond to Alejandro's call, his eyes opening like those of a baby about to see the world for the first time. The bright light in the carriage made it a little more difficult for Leon, but his eyes soon adjusted.
"We're here," the little boy asked, but this time his spirits were more subdued—perhaps sleep had truly calmed this beast. Leon remained with his head on his shoulder for a few more moments, only turning it toward the window to enjoy the sunset.
The time had come. All the stories his parents had told him, all the adventures and mischief he could get up to, his friends—and his "enemies" too. Although, if everyone were like Alejandro, perhaps this wouldn't be a recurring problem.
Leon pulled his suitcase, grabbing his Hogwarts robes in one go. The first year was so excited he intended to change right then and there. After taking off his shirt and attempting to remove his other clothing, Leon turned back, his eyes then reminded him of the presence of another student in that same carriage. The once pale boy turned red in a matter of seconds.
"S-sorry... I-I forgot you were here..."
@Alejandro Garcia
"We're here," the little boy asked, but this time his spirits were more subdued—perhaps sleep had truly calmed this beast. Leon remained with his head on his shoulder for a few more moments, only turning it toward the window to enjoy the sunset.
The time had come. All the stories his parents had told him, all the adventures and mischief he could get up to, his friends—and his "enemies" too. Although, if everyone were like Alejandro, perhaps this wouldn't be a recurring problem.
Leon pulled his suitcase, grabbing his Hogwarts robes in one go. The first year was so excited he intended to change right then and there. After taking off his shirt and attempting to remove his other clothing, Leon turned back, his eyes then reminded him of the presence of another student in that same carriage. The once pale boy turned red in a matter of seconds.
"S-sorry... I-I forgot you were here..."
@Alejandro Garcia
Third Year's the Charm
September 1st 2025
Dialogue
English: #e22400
Spanish: #fdc700
The young boy slowly opened his eyes. It took a bit of time for him to adjust to the blinding lights but soon he was grabbing for his trunk and immediately started changing. I stared at him. Shouldn't we be changing in the bathrooms or something?
"S-sorry... I-I forgot you were here..." stammered Leon face red with embarrassment.
Seems he's finally noticed that I was still in the compartment. I was never this eager to go to Hogwarts. Sure my mum had told me great stories but still, I didn't really know what to expect from a magic school.
"It's fine mate, I'll just go to the bathrooms to change." I said to him
I grabbed my robes and slipped out into the corridor. There was a bit of a line for the bathroom to change. I waited restlessly for my turn. The line looked much shorter from far away. I was finally able to get into one of the stalls and quickly threw on my robes. On the way back to the compartment, the train began to slow to a halt. I opened the door to the compartment to find Leon all dressed in his robes. No house badge yet for him of course. He needs to get sorted first.
"Hey Leon, do you know what to do after you get off?" I asked the boy.
I know the caretaker should be waiting for students but it can get really confusing with lots of people going their separate ways. Come to think of it, I think the caretaker's changed every year.WC: 262/200 Tags:@Leon Cardasso
Third Year's the Charm
Leon blinked a few times, his face still slightly flushed, but that familiar mischievous smile was already returning — the same one that always appeared when he wanted to change the subject.
“Ah, right… I suppose I just have to follow the crowd, don’t I? Or find someone who looks like they know what they’re doing — like me.” He shrugged, fastening his robes, which still hung a little crooked. “My mum said the caretaker takes the first-years to the boats… or maybe it was her brother who said that. Anyway, someone leads us. I hope.”
He laughed softly, though his dark, attentive eyes drifted towards the corridor, filled with genuine curiosity, as if trying to make sense of every sound coming from outside. The screech of the slowing train, the excited chatter of students, the distant whistle — everything seemed to hum with anticipation.
“It’s strange, isn’t it? Thinking that in just a few minutes I’ll see the castle for the first time.” Leon paused for a moment, excitement flickering in his eyes. “I bet it’s massive. And full of secrets. I hope so. It’d be such a disappointment if it were just… a school.”
He grabbed his trunk, took a steadying breath, and smiled at his companion. “Shall we? I don’t want to miss the first mystery of the year. First impressions matter — and I intend to make mine count.”
@Alejandro Garcia
“Ah, right… I suppose I just have to follow the crowd, don’t I? Or find someone who looks like they know what they’re doing — like me.” He shrugged, fastening his robes, which still hung a little crooked. “My mum said the caretaker takes the first-years to the boats… or maybe it was her brother who said that. Anyway, someone leads us. I hope.”
He laughed softly, though his dark, attentive eyes drifted towards the corridor, filled with genuine curiosity, as if trying to make sense of every sound coming from outside. The screech of the slowing train, the excited chatter of students, the distant whistle — everything seemed to hum with anticipation.
“It’s strange, isn’t it? Thinking that in just a few minutes I’ll see the castle for the first time.” Leon paused for a moment, excitement flickering in his eyes. “I bet it’s massive. And full of secrets. I hope so. It’d be such a disappointment if it were just… a school.”
He grabbed his trunk, took a steadying breath, and smiled at his companion. “Shall we? I don’t want to miss the first mystery of the year. First impressions matter — and I intend to make mine count.”
@Alejandro Garcia