All Aboard!
created by brookline quinn!
|
spacing for the sake of spacing apparently |
Pyce was chatting happily to Hecate as they made their way through the crowd. The two of them, as well as all of the other students who had attended summer camp, had flooded Station 9¾ at 10 am. Some of the older students headed straight for the train, while numerous younger ones stayed behind and met up with family who made the trip to King's Cross to see them off. Pyce and Hecate's family had offered to do the same thing, but both twins thought that they would be just fine, and had said their goodbyes when they left for summer camp.
"I can get us a train car!" Hecate chirped, struggling a bit with his luggage. Pyce would have offered to help, but they weren't feeling so benevolent to their brother at the moment.
"Take my stuff too?" Pyce asked as innocently as they could. Hecate rolled his eyes and grabbed Pyce's trunk, stacking it on top of his and stumbling his way over to the train. Pyce bit back a laugh. They hadn't expected it to be so easy. There was a small "woof" next to them, and Pyce looked down. Standing at their feet was Moxy, Hecate's pet half-crup. Ah. Pyce should have known there would be a catch. Pyce shook their head before looking back up, scanning the crowd. With luck, they could find a familiar face to join them on the train ride. Pyce would have said that just Hecate would be enough, but they shuttered to think of all that could happen with just them, Hecate, a train compartment, and seven-ish hour train ride. Oh, yeah, and pets. Moxy was still at Pyce's feet, sniffing the ground curiously, and Horrorcow was perched on Pyce's shoulder. They were keeping a close eye on her. She was a tiny little dragon, and Pyce couldn't bare the thought of losing her.
No, there was a good reason that Pyce wanted company on the train, company that wasn't their brother. It was better for the both of them that they weren't in a confined space with just each other for too long.
354
@Katelyn Magnolia, @Nico Dawson
ReducioAnd so starts the train thread! Pyce and Hecate are coming in from summer camp! Also, feel free to godmod Hecate all you want, he's a rascal, but that's what makes him fun!
"The only thing stopping me from having a dragon living in my backyard is the law. Absolutely nothing else."
All Aboard!
|
|
"Do you have everything? You're books?"
"Yes."
"You're wand? You're Remembrall? You're-
"Yes, I got everything, Mom!" Katelyn snapped around to glare up at her mother, her voice drowned out from the chatter of fellow students. Her mother looked down at Katelyn with a worried expression. She looked away from the angry child before speaking again, her voice meek compared to before. "Okay..sweetie, I wish you the best of luck at Hogwarts. I'm sure you'll enjoy it there just as much as I did.." She rested a gentle hand on Katelny's shoulder who by now was looking away from her mother. Katelyn didn't respond at first before shrugging away her mother's hand. "Dad should be here..."
Her mother sighed. "Sweetie, I understand things are...complicated right now, but I want you to just focus on school. You might feel out of place there, but I assure you, you're right where you need to be."
Katelyn didn't respond, her mother decided to try and change the topic. "Well, let's go see if we can find your friend you met in Diagon Alley. They'll probably be around, ready to board the Express." She tried to keep her voice cheery and uplifting, which did little to improve Katelyn's already sour mood.
The pair made their way through the crowded station, emerald eyes soon landing on the bright ginger hair of Pyce. Katelyn's sour face lit up as she ran towards Pyce, leaving her mother behind. "PYCE!!" She skidded to a stop next to them with a huge smile on her face, her mother rushing to catch up to the eager child.
"When I think of destiny, I don't think of a predetermined fate you can't escape. But rather... some sort of final goal, something you work towards your entire life."
All Aboard!
created by brookline quinn!
|
spacing for the sake of spacing apparently |
"KATELYN!" Pyce cheered, matching their friend's enthusiasm. They quickly hugged Katelyn, smiling happily. "You made it!" Then, realizing that was a bit of a silly statement, Pyce continued. "I mean- Of course you did! I'm happy to see you again! Hecate's already on the train, getting a compartment for us! Oh, and I don't believe you've met Moxy or Horrorcow. We got them after we split ways in Diagon Alley." Pyce gently scooped Horrorcow from their shoulder.
"Horrorcow is a bearded dragon! And Moxy," Pyce returned their lizard to her perch and motioned to Hecate's puppy still sitting at their feet, watching all the passersby. "Is a Wexford half-crup! They're technically a magical beast! If we get into specifics, it's a crup, wizard dog of sorts, mixed with a Jack Russell Terrier!" Pyce was about to continue, but stopped themself. There wasn't exactly a rush, there was still quite a bit of time to board the train and get settled, but better safe than sorry.
Pyce laughed a bit awkwardly. "But I can tell you more about all that on the train." They glanced over to Kate's mother. "If, um, if your mum's okay with that? Goodbyes, and all that? I already said mine before going to summer camp..." Pyce scuffed their shoe on the ground and tried not to look the woman in the eyes. They still didn't really know how to feel about her. Pyce's dad was also a muggle, and they didn't know much about him, but their mother had never shied away from the twins questioning her about him, not that either of them asked often. Pyce knew that their dad knew about magic, but that he had never known about them and Hecate. Their mom never really got into the specifics, but Pyce assumed it was something with the disconnect between the magic and muggle worlds.
But the same couldn't be said for Katelyn's parents. Pyce was sure that it was something that adults could understand better, but- Pyce shook their head. They didn't want to think too much into it. It wasn't even their issue to begin with...
355
@Katelyn Magnolia, @Nico Dawson
ReducioThere is an owl hooting outside as I write this, and I just think I need to share
"The only thing stopping me from having a dragon living in my backyard is the law. Absolutely nothing else."
All Aboard!
|
|
Katelyn squeeled happily as she returned the hug, bouncing in place slightly. She giggled at Pyce's statement. "Yup! And I didn't get lost this time!" Katelyn proclaimed with a proud grin on her face. She listened as Pyce rambled on about Hecate getting them a spot on the train before her attention was pulled to the animals Pyce had on them. As Pyce held up the bearded dragon, Katelyn stared at it in wonder. "Wow...I've never seen a bearded dragon before.." When her attention was pulled to the dog at their feet, Katelyn couldn't help but kneel down to pet the dog. "Aww..aren't you just the cutest?"
Katelyn had almost entirely forgotten her mother was there, but once Pyce mentioned her, Katelyn's smile slowly dropped. There was a very clear shift in atmosphere; everything was tense, on edge, just waiting for something to snap. Her mother cleared her throat, putting on a brave smile despite her daughter nearly glaring daggers at her from over her shoulder. Since when did her little girl learn to do that?.. "Of course! I think Katelyn's more than eager to go see Hogwarts, I'm sure you kids will have a blast there." it was painfully obvious Katelyn's mother wasn't sure how to handle her daughter. For as much of a sweet kid as she is in literally any other instance, for an 11-year-old kid, she sure knew how to glare daggers at someone, and it just so happened to be her mother of all people. "Katelyn and I have said our goodbyes already. I'll go put your stuff on the train, sweetie." Her mother moved towards the train, luggage trolley pushed along.
365
@Pyce Rotanski, @Nico Dawson
ReducioHalf awake while shoving McD's chicken nuggets in my mouth while I write this. also thought I'd give this extra bit a shot
"When I think of destiny, I don't think of a predetermined fate you can't escape. But rather... some sort of final goal, something you work towards your entire life."
All Aboard!
banner by Esme Hestridge
Interacting with: @Pyce Rotanski, @Katelyn Magnolia
The train station was packed to the brim on the busy September morning, so the Dawsons had to dodge and weave through the endless crowd. They weren’t exactly sure where to go - the mysterious 9¾ number did not help.
Nico was excited nonetheless, as they’d never ridden a train before, nor got to explore train stations, so they cheerfully went on towards platform nine, which seemed like a good place to start. As their parents were arguing whether asking staff for directions was a good idea or not, a curiously dressed woman pushing a trolley full of odd-looking baggage passed them. If anyone was a good candidate to ask, it was her.
Their suspicions were correct as the woman revealed herself to be a witch, and after a short explanation, she disappeared as quickly as she came. Even though she only spoke with Rachel for a moment, that moment dawned on Nico. It really was time to go, and they wouldn’t be seeing their parents for a long time. “I guess it’s my turn,” they mumbled, avoiding looking their parents in the eye. They feared if they did, they wouldn’t be able to hold back their tears. “Absolutely not, not so fast!”
Their father squeezed them so tightly their ribs felt like cracking. They could also feel themselves getting lifted a bit, before Phillip let go and they switched to their mother’s considerably gentler hold. “We won’t be going to the other side with you, that’s your new world. Get out there, quickly find someone to talk to, and watch out for your luggage.” She moved Nico’s forever unkempt hair from their face with a smile. They hesitantly returned it with a nod. “I’ll write to you often,” they replied. “You sure will! We expect a letter every two days, with reports on your grades.” Rachel raised up her finger in a playfully threatening manner.
Nico looked up at the clock, which slowly but surely was approaching departure time, and they still had to figure out how things were on the other side. They glanced at their parents once again. Phillip put his hand on their shoulder. “Well, off you go!” he said, gently pushing them as they ran towards the wall.
It was no doubt the correct platform. Full of kids with their parents, some of them already wearing their robes, some holding cages with owls, rats, or strange pink puff balls. Nico was amazed - but so far surrounded by kids older than them. They pushed on, hoping to find other first years. Such was when they saw a flash of red and orange hair ahead.
The pair seemed like they knew each other. Both the girl and her ginger-haired friend looked excited, especially when they observed something the shorter one was showing. Nico couldn’t tell what it was from far away, so they approached with curiosity. “Um, hello! Are you also first years?” they started, before slightly jumping when they realised what the object of admiration was. “Oh wow! Is that a lizard? I’ve never seen one up close!” They had the urge to touch the cage, but used all their willpower to stop themselves. “Hope I'm not interrupting, the name's Nico!”
wc: 536
. ‧͙⁺ . *･༓☾ . ܁₊ ⊹ . ܁ ܁ . ⊹ ₊ ܁. ☽༓･* . ⁺‧͙ .
.
ability: charmer
sta 3 eva 9 str 3 wis 6 arc 6 acc 8
All Aboard!
created by brookline quinn!
|
spacing for the sake of spacing apparently |
Pyce was swiftly distracted from the building tension between Katelyn and her mother by another student walking up to them, greeting both Pyce and Kate. Pyce startled, having not noticed them until they spoke. Pyce righted themself quickly, doing a quick check of their little lizard, making sure she wasn't dislodged from her roost on their shoulder.
"Oh. Um, yes! We are both first years." Pyce gently pat Horrorcow's head. "And this is Horrorcow! She's a bearded dragon." It had been a while since Pyce had gotten to interact with anyone new. Sure, at camp they had to room with people they had never met prior, but Stella was there! Pyce had to get used to meeting more people they weren't used to. With summer over, the time they could spend with familiar faces was done. And that was fine! Pyce knew how to interact with people! At least, that's what they told themself, despite not having made eye contact with the other student even once since they had started talking. It was when Nico introduced themself that Pyce finally built their nerve and tried to match Nico's enthusiasm.
"You're not interrupting at all! I'm Pyce Rotanski, it's nice to meet you!" Pyce greeted with an inviting smile. Moxy barked his own little greeting, and Pyce silently hoped Nico didn't mind dogs.
222
@Katelyn Magnolia, @Nico Dawson
ReducioI love writing Pyce, they have no idea how to talk to people sometimes
"The only thing stopping me from having a dragon living in my backyard is the law. Absolutely nothing else."
All Aboard!
|
|
Katelyn's attention was pulled from her mother to a foreign voice as she turned around and was greeted by another kid around their age. Her scowl was replaced with a smile as she nodded at their question about them being first years, as Pyce started rambling about their lizard. She poked her head out from behind Pyce as she spoke with a cheery tone and bright smile. "And I'm Katelyn Magnolia, nice to meet you Nico!"
Katelyn glanced around a bit but noticed Nico's parents weren't with them; possibly, they're like Pyce, where they said their goodbyes before summer camp? Stepping out from behind Pyce, she spoke up, trying to be heard over the crowded train station platform. "Hey, Nico, where are your parents?" She questioned as she looked around to see if there were any adults who looked remotely like Nico. She noticed there were fewer kids on the platform; the train would probably be leaving soon. "We should probably find our seats soon, it looks like everyone's on board already. The train might leave soon." She cautioned as she kept glancing back to the train to make sure there were still time for them to get on.
"When I think of destiny, I don't think of a predetermined fate you can't escape. But rather... some sort of final goal, something you work towards your entire life."
All Aboard!
banner by Esme Hestridge
Interacting with: @Pyce Rotanski, @Katelyn Magnolia
Nico was quite content when their greeting was reciprocated kindly, their smile widening. “Nice to meet you Pyce, Katelyn. And Horrorcow!” they spoke, giving the duo a small nod. They were then caught off guard by a sound coming from somewhere around Pyce’s feet - further investigation showed it came from an adorable dog, seemingly insulted for being omitted. “Oh, I didn’t notice you! Hello to you too, little guy,” they said, bending slightly to get a better look at the creature.
As cute as it was, it raised some concerns in their head. They were sure the letter mentioned you may only bring one pet with you, but both of the animals seemed to stick close to Pyce rather than Katelyn. Before they got the chance to ask though, the girl redirected their train of thought. "Hey, Nico, where are your parents?"
Right, most of the kids here were still with their families. The girl herself was talking to her mom just seconds before Nico approached them, so the lone child probably looked a bit strange. “Well, my parents aren’t wizards so we said goodbye on the normal part of the station. They said something about this being my world, not theirs… but I think my mom was just scared of running into a wall,” they chuckled, though with a small hint of sadness in their voice. They were a bit jealous - they thought back to all the scenes in the movies, with people on the station waving behind the train until they couldn’t be seen, and how much they wanted to experience it. However, it was unlike Nico to let such thoughts get to them, so they brushed it aside. “There is always next time! Maybe next year I’ll make them go through with me,” they grinned.
What saved them from further pondering the implications of their parents being gone was simply time; they noticed Katelyn constantly turning towards the train and the clock behind them. Just like she said, it was time to get on. “True. You probably figured I’d ask since I came up, but could I sit with you guys?”
wc: 354
. ‧͙⁺ . *･༓☾ . ܁₊ ⊹ . ܁ ܁ . ⊹ ₊ ܁. ☽༓･* . ⁺‧͙ .
.
ability: charmer
sta 3 eva 9 str 3 wis 6 arc 6 acc 8
All Aboard!
created by brookline quinn!
|
spacing for the sake of spacing apparently |
"I don't much like that "running through a wall" thing either. I've never actually been onto this platform before, never really had a reason." Pyce fiddled with their sweater vest.
The train had been slowly filling up the whole time, and while Pyce hadn't taken noticed of it as fast as their companions, once it was voiced, it was quite obvious that they were among the only students left outside of the train.
"Right! You can absolutely sit with us, Nico!" The more, the merrier! And the less likely it was for Hecate to bother Pyce. "My brother said he was going to find a compartment, so their should still be plenty of space for us." Assuming Cate hadn't also met someone on the train. Either way, the trio should be fine.
Pyce looked down at Moxy. The puppy was somewhat trained, Hecate working on him since he got the pup. Of course, that was with Hecate, and Pyce would rather not embarrass themself trying to get Moxy to listen to them. Instead, they scooped the pup into their arms, making sure his squirming didn't dislodge Horrorcow, and made their way to the train. Moxy yipped a few times to make his displeasure known, but eventually settled, tail wagging and smacking Pyce repeatedly.
213
@Katelyn Magnolia, @Nico Dawson
ReducioAnd we're back! Onto the train!
"The only thing stopping me from having a dragon living in my backyard is the law. Absolutely nothing else."
All Aboard!
|
|
Once it was decided, she followed the pair to the train; steam billowed from the front of the train. She looked up to admire the train before her, painted in red and black. It looked outdated in design compared to the sleeker, more modern trains she was accustomed to. Following Pyce and Nico, she climbed up the stairs and into one of the train cars. The narrow hallway was crowded with kids, both young and old, trying to find an empty compartment to sit in. She squeezed past the kids, trying to find the compartment Hecate hopefully saved for them.
She was knocked back and onto her butt by an older kid. She let out an irritated groan as she looked up, beginning to say something. "Hey, watch where you're-" She cut herself off as she looked up and saw the much older kid, easily late teens. She immediately swallowed her comment. "Sorry.." The older kid shrugged before following their friends further down the train, she picked herself up and dusted herself off. "Can't wait til I'm older, than I won't be pushed around all the dang time." With a sight she continued down the narrow hallway to find Hecate, hopefully.
"When I think of destiny, I don't think of a predetermined fate you can't escape. But rather... some sort of final goal, something you work towards your entire life."