13 Nov 2021, 20:42
Through Highlands Never Ventured
His foot crossed the threshold at the last possible moment, much to the frustrations of the train conductor. Eliphas had never regarded himself as a clingy child, he had always been rather independent and adventurous. There had always been a parental safety net, ready and willing to catch him should he stumble.
This was different. He paced along the narrow hallway, past several seating booths closed off by windowed doors, and stared out at the platform as the train began to move. Neither his mother or father had begun to leave, waving at him from where they stood, and slowly but surely they began to disappear from his vision as the Hogwarts Express left Kings Cross Station.
The act of finding a booth with a spare seat became rather difficult after that. Most everyone else had already secured their places, and as he made his way down the train, through different carriages, he peeked in on the inhabitants who had not yet begun to change into their school attire. A group of older students in one, the empty seat a daunting task for a measly First Year, others filled to the brim.
With each step he could feel his heartbeat resonating throughout his body, a steady thump thump that threatened to burst out of his chest. One booth with its curtains drawn, another filled with lively chatter, Eliphas was close to giving up and seeking out a bathroom stall for the remainder of the trip. That was until he saw it, a unicorn bright against despair.
As he stepped into the surprisingly empty booth, he couldn't help but consider the fact that he'd have to reconsider many of his more fantastical metaphors. Unicorns, he had recently discovered, were in fact real. Not some mystical, unobtainable thing... No matter, he slipped into a seat and let out a long sigh. With any luck, the only other students still looking for a booth would be fellow First Years, but truth be told anyone could have joined him for his first journey to Hogwarts...
This was different. He paced along the narrow hallway, past several seating booths closed off by windowed doors, and stared out at the platform as the train began to move. Neither his mother or father had begun to leave, waving at him from where they stood, and slowly but surely they began to disappear from his vision as the Hogwarts Express left Kings Cross Station.
The act of finding a booth with a spare seat became rather difficult after that. Most everyone else had already secured their places, and as he made his way down the train, through different carriages, he peeked in on the inhabitants who had not yet begun to change into their school attire. A group of older students in one, the empty seat a daunting task for a measly First Year, others filled to the brim.
With each step he could feel his heartbeat resonating throughout his body, a steady thump thump that threatened to burst out of his chest. One booth with its curtains drawn, another filled with lively chatter, Eliphas was close to giving up and seeking out a bathroom stall for the remainder of the trip. That was until he saw it, a unicorn bright against despair.
As he stepped into the surprisingly empty booth, he couldn't help but consider the fact that he'd have to reconsider many of his more fantastical metaphors. Unicorns, he had recently discovered, were in fact real. Not some mystical, unobtainable thing... No matter, he slipped into a seat and let out a long sigh. With any luck, the only other students still looking for a booth would be fellow First Years, but truth be told anyone could have joined him for his first journey to Hogwarts...
edit: restructured the thread title
Last edited by Eliphas Dune on 14 Nov 2021, 05:42, edited 1 time in total.
The Dust of Stars
Stamina: 5 Evasion: 8 Strength: 2 Wisdom: 9 Arcane Power: 6 Accuracy: 5
I am actively seeking RP partners. Want to write? PM me!
14 Nov 2021, 00:53
Through Highlands Never Ventured
@Eliphas Dune
Orla Finch was never the type to be frazzled, but on this fateful day of all days, Orla Finch was the most frazzled she’d ever been. She thought getting onto the Hogwarts Express would be an easy task. She’d grown up hearing about it-- Simply cross the threshold between nine and ten to get to Platform Nine and Three-Quarters. This would be Caspian’s second year boarding the train to Hogwarts, but for the over-eager and nervous first year, it was her firsts.
Getting through the platform was fine. As Ruth and Louie Finch waved their children off, she charged into the wall as if it would simply break away to reveal the legendary train platform-- To which it did. After that was when the real problem occurred.
“Caspian?” Called Orla, wide-eyed and looking for her brother. She turned around, looking for her brother in the crowd of students, new and returning, finally spotting the blonde menace in the crowd. “Caspian!” She called. The boy perked up, waving his hand with that signature grin. That bastard. “Catch you later Orla!” He said, suddenly more interested in Weldon Inger, a returning second year.
Orla let out an exasperated huff, scrambling to take control of the cart with her luggage on it. With a hefty heave, she pushed it forward, clumsily bumping through the crowd and clutching onto her ticket. This was fine, right? Yes, absolutely it was fine! Orla heard the warning whistle of the train, her heart dropping into her stomach. Shoot… She needed to hurry.
A chaotic scramble began next, with Orla finally situating her luggage, grabbing her bag containing her school uniform, and making a mad dash for the train. Her lungs burned at the effort, panting out and finally reaching the entrance. Clutching at her chest, she sucked in air rapidly, hoping to refill and replace that terrible sensation in her chest.
Caspian was going to get an earful for this one when she got a hold of him…
She glanced through the booths, a frown tugging on her lips. Full… Full… Full… Full! Her mad scramble to even get on the train had forced her nearly to the back, desperately searching for other first years (or at least her brother) or even a booth with an open seat. She felt the train lurch, an indication that she needed to settle in fast. Quickening her pace, she continued her search, exasperated at the lack of empty space.
Orla would’ve passed it, had it not been nearly to the back of the train. Finally. An empty booth. A relieved smile washed over her face as she stood at the entrance. “Excuse me,” She began, looking at the boy inside. “May I sit here?”
Orla S. Finch
14 Nov 2021, 02:13
Through Highlands Never Ventured
After stowing a small bag of immediate items in the overhead compartment, Eliphas turned his sights to the view from the window. He had always enjoyed train journeys.
Once, when he had been around six years old, he and his parents had visited the Lake District. There an old steam train had taken them around one of the lakes, stopping beside an aquarium which they too explored. It had been an amazing experience back then, and yet somehow it didn't diminish this second steam train experience. He remained in awe even now, even as homesickness began to settle into his stomach.
Not for the first time since agreeing to attend, he could not help but wonder if he had made some sort of mistake. Leaving his parents on the platform like he had was a jarring experience, and knowing that there'd be no George or Ashley on the other side to help make that transition easier was daunting. Just a whole host of strangers...
Eliphas sunk deeper into the comfort of his wooly jumper at that thought. He wasn't even really a shy kid. He'd always had an easy time making friends in Primary School, never had an issue speaking with teachers and the like. This felt different though.
He was roused from his uncertain thoughts by the sound of the cabin door opening. There, hovering on the threshold, was a girl who seemed to be around his age. A fellow First Year? He sat up a little in his seat, no longer hoping to shrink into the cushions, and offered her a kind enough smile.
"By all means," he responded, gesturing to the seat across from him. For a moment he was unsure of what else to say, his mind suddenly blank. Then he shook his head, rousing himself from the depths of his mind, and offered out a hand her way. That was how his father had always greeted someone new, after all, a good firm handshake.
"I'm Eliphas, by the way... Eliphas Dune."
While she stowed her belongings he turned his sights back to the view outside the window. No longer surrounded by the bustle of London City, in so short a span of time they were now enveloped by the English countryside. This was more Eliphas' speed, his hometown was surrounded by rolling fields, the hills of Rivington, and the streets had a quaint feel to them. You could see how it had once been a mere village through architecture alone.
For the first time in a few days, since their initial journey down to London, he felt as though he could truly breathe.
Once, when he had been around six years old, he and his parents had visited the Lake District. There an old steam train had taken them around one of the lakes, stopping beside an aquarium which they too explored. It had been an amazing experience back then, and yet somehow it didn't diminish this second steam train experience. He remained in awe even now, even as homesickness began to settle into his stomach.
Not for the first time since agreeing to attend, he could not help but wonder if he had made some sort of mistake. Leaving his parents on the platform like he had was a jarring experience, and knowing that there'd be no George or Ashley on the other side to help make that transition easier was daunting. Just a whole host of strangers...
Eliphas sunk deeper into the comfort of his wooly jumper at that thought. He wasn't even really a shy kid. He'd always had an easy time making friends in Primary School, never had an issue speaking with teachers and the like. This felt different though.
He was roused from his uncertain thoughts by the sound of the cabin door opening. There, hovering on the threshold, was a girl who seemed to be around his age. A fellow First Year? He sat up a little in his seat, no longer hoping to shrink into the cushions, and offered her a kind enough smile.
"By all means," he responded, gesturing to the seat across from him. For a moment he was unsure of what else to say, his mind suddenly blank. Then he shook his head, rousing himself from the depths of his mind, and offered out a hand her way. That was how his father had always greeted someone new, after all, a good firm handshake.
"I'm Eliphas, by the way... Eliphas Dune."
While she stowed her belongings he turned his sights back to the view outside the window. No longer surrounded by the bustle of London City, in so short a span of time they were now enveloped by the English countryside. This was more Eliphas' speed, his hometown was surrounded by rolling fields, the hills of Rivington, and the streets had a quaint feel to them. You could see how it had once been a mere village through architecture alone.
For the first time in a few days, since their initial journey down to London, he felt as though he could truly breathe.
@Orla Finch
The Dust of Stars
Stamina: 5 Evasion: 8 Strength: 2 Wisdom: 9 Arcane Power: 6 Accuracy: 5
I am actively seeking RP partners. Want to write? PM me!
14 Nov 2021, 02:33
Through Highlands Never Ventured
@Eliphas Dune
Orla's shot nerves suddenly faded away when she saw the other hold his hand out. A friendly gesture was all Orla needed to feel a bit like herself. Her nervous smile morphed into a joyous grin as she quickly shoved her bag haphazardly in the overhead compartment before taking Eliphas' hand, with an enthusiastic, albeit a bit harsh, handshake. "I'm Orla Finch! It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance!" The girl chirped, releasing Eliphas' hand and sitting across from him.
It was clear Orla could not contain her relief and her excitement in meeting Eliphas. She'd always been a social person, able to make friends with anything that breathed, so it seemed. Her legs shook with that same excitement as she looked out the window at the slowly accelerating landscape. She was fixated on the softly swaying trees and the warm, grassy hills. It was a peaceful site she'd become accustomed to since living in the countryside. She was quiet for a moment, before bursting back to life as if nothing had happened.
"Eliphas Dune." She stated, hands gripping onto the seat as she eagerly took him in. Orla liked studying people, she liked committing them to memory so she could remember them for a long while. "Is this your first year going to Hogwarts? Or your second? Do you have a wand? Well, I bet you do... What about your books for the year? When did you get your letter? Are your parent's wizards?" Orla was going a million miles an hour, as she often did when her curiosity was piqued by something. It was difficult to get a word edgewise when her mind was going so quickly that she wanted to dump all the questions out at once.
"My parents are wizards. I've got a brother, Caspian, he goes to Hogwarts. Pain in the neck, Caspian is..." She paused, took a small breath, and focused on Eliphas before realizing her error. Her face flushed as she came to terms with her utter absentmindedness. "I must apologize..." She said, huffing out a small laugh and bringing her hand up to the back of her neck as she hung her head. "I get a bit too excited and forget to... You know-- Let other people talk. Mum says it's one of the things I've got to work on!"
Orla S. Finch
14 Nov 2021, 03:13
Through Highlands Never Ventured
Her handshake reminded him of the way in which a cartoon character might shake hands, over zealous. He had half expected her to keep the action going as she spoke, but she didn't and soon enough they were both sat across from one another enjoying the view outside the window.
Orla Finch, he set that name to memory. He liked finches, his favourite was the Brambling which his grandmother would always point out to him whenever they flew into her backgarden. Thinking of her made his chest tighten... Christmas leave was a long ways away.
Thankfully he wasn't left to ruminate on such thoughts for long. Orla, he soon discovered, was something of a whirlwind. Not the devastating kind which swept in and destroyed all within its path, but one fueled by its own excitement and a genuine desire to know. Eliphas decided almost immediately that he liked this about her.
It began with just his name, urging him to look away from the countryside as she studied him from across the way. Something about that made him want to reciprocate, he'd always been a fairly astute individual, able to pick up on subtle changes in those he kept company with. She seemed a little restless, though he couldn't pinpoint whether it was excitement, anticipation, or a natural inability to sit still which caused such.
The whirlwind truly picked up as the questions began to barrel his way.
At first he tried his best to answer as the questions came, he foolishly began to state "Yes," to the first question, then shook his head as she queried whether it was his second year instead. But before he could respond came questions of wands, and books, and the acceptance letter, and his parents... Eliphas was quick to fall into a comfortable silence, a small smirk on his lips as the girl verbal vomited.
Where most might have been off-put by this, frustrated that they couldn't get a word in edgeways, the empathetic side of him took over and he merely let it be. This was obviously all new to her too, going away from home that was - she seemed well versed in the wizarding world - and truth be told he had always been the kind of person who was simply happy to listen.
There was a lot you could learn about someone if you were willing to keep quiet and let them speak.
Finally her cheeks flushed and she settled down with all the questions. She even went so far as to apologize, though he shook his head a little in response.
"Psht, it's alright," he assured her with a light chuckle of his own, "I don't mind." Though in the silence which followed he relayed the questions over in his mind and then smiled as he pondered how to approach them all now. Lightning round? Lightning round!
"First year, yeah I have a wand -" he gestured to his luggage, "Cherry wood, dragon heartstring, if you're interested... - I got the books that were listed, I got my letter earlier this year, and only my dad's a wizard but he never told me about it and I'm pretty sure he's never used magic around me so I never knew. All a surprise."
Was that everything? He glanced up and to the left as he tried to recall if he'd missed anything. Nope... He felt certain that was everything. He glanced back her way.
"Caspian, like the Prince from Narnia?" Eliphas had always enjoyed those books, they were his first step into stories of a more fantastical nature. A Horse and his Boy was probably his favourite installment, if he had to choose... "What was it like, being raised around magic? Did you go to a regular Primary School like the rest of us? Or do you have your own schools?"
Eli wasn't sure why those were the questions he wanted to ask, deep down he supposed he was holding out hope that maybe George was secretly a wizard... Maybe then he wouldn't be facing the school year alone.
Orla Finch, he set that name to memory. He liked finches, his favourite was the Brambling which his grandmother would always point out to him whenever they flew into her backgarden. Thinking of her made his chest tighten... Christmas leave was a long ways away.
Thankfully he wasn't left to ruminate on such thoughts for long. Orla, he soon discovered, was something of a whirlwind. Not the devastating kind which swept in and destroyed all within its path, but one fueled by its own excitement and a genuine desire to know. Eliphas decided almost immediately that he liked this about her.
It began with just his name, urging him to look away from the countryside as she studied him from across the way. Something about that made him want to reciprocate, he'd always been a fairly astute individual, able to pick up on subtle changes in those he kept company with. She seemed a little restless, though he couldn't pinpoint whether it was excitement, anticipation, or a natural inability to sit still which caused such.
The whirlwind truly picked up as the questions began to barrel his way.
At first he tried his best to answer as the questions came, he foolishly began to state "Yes," to the first question, then shook his head as she queried whether it was his second year instead. But before he could respond came questions of wands, and books, and the acceptance letter, and his parents... Eliphas was quick to fall into a comfortable silence, a small smirk on his lips as the girl verbal vomited.
Where most might have been off-put by this, frustrated that they couldn't get a word in edgeways, the empathetic side of him took over and he merely let it be. This was obviously all new to her too, going away from home that was - she seemed well versed in the wizarding world - and truth be told he had always been the kind of person who was simply happy to listen.
There was a lot you could learn about someone if you were willing to keep quiet and let them speak.
Finally her cheeks flushed and she settled down with all the questions. She even went so far as to apologize, though he shook his head a little in response.
"Psht, it's alright," he assured her with a light chuckle of his own, "I don't mind." Though in the silence which followed he relayed the questions over in his mind and then smiled as he pondered how to approach them all now. Lightning round? Lightning round!
"First year, yeah I have a wand -" he gestured to his luggage, "Cherry wood, dragon heartstring, if you're interested... - I got the books that were listed, I got my letter earlier this year, and only my dad's a wizard but he never told me about it and I'm pretty sure he's never used magic around me so I never knew. All a surprise."
Was that everything? He glanced up and to the left as he tried to recall if he'd missed anything. Nope... He felt certain that was everything. He glanced back her way.
"Caspian, like the Prince from Narnia?" Eliphas had always enjoyed those books, they were his first step into stories of a more fantastical nature. A Horse and his Boy was probably his favourite installment, if he had to choose... "What was it like, being raised around magic? Did you go to a regular Primary School like the rest of us? Or do you have your own schools?"
Eli wasn't sure why those were the questions he wanted to ask, deep down he supposed he was holding out hope that maybe George was secretly a wizard... Maybe then he wouldn't be facing the school year alone.
@Orla Finch
The Dust of Stars
Stamina: 5 Evasion: 8 Strength: 2 Wisdom: 9 Arcane Power: 6 Accuracy: 5
I am actively seeking RP partners. Want to write? PM me!
14 Nov 2021, 03:40
Through Highlands Never Ventured
@Eliphas Dune
Having one's fire stamped was something Orla had dealt with often. She felt things so intensely and so quickly that she feared if she didn't get it all out at once it dared to stay pinned up and burn her down from the inside. From her perspective, the world was this vast place with a million and one things to learn, and a million and one people to meet. It was impossible to meet all of them or learn everything, but she wanted desperately to learn as much as she could and meet as many people as she could. Her hunger for knowledge and her fondness of people was often squashed from the outside world, however.
Too loud, too obnoxious, too excited, too much... Orla Finch was too much for most people and that scared her sometimes. Luckily for the girl, her optimistic nature allowed her to ignore most of those voices that did nothing but try and silence her. Still, she was conscious of herself.
Her eyes practically lit up when Eliphas spoke. He didn't mind. He didn't mind the chattering and the rapid-fire questions? Well, that was certainly good news for Orla. Her smile returned to her face as she felt a sense of friendship begin to blossom. If he didn't mind her chatting, that meant that maybe, perhaps, this would be Orla's first actual friend at Hogwarts...
She listened intently as if what Eliphas was saying was the most interesting thing she'd ever heard. And in all honesty, it was close to it. Just as much as she was great at talking, she was an exceptional listener. Active, engaged, and clearly paying attention to what the other was saying, her expressions were lively and full of wonder as she absorbed the information he told her and filed it away in her mind for safekeeping.
She nearly gasped when Eliphas mentioned Narnia. "Exactly like the Prince from Narnia!" She exclaimed. "My mum loved the books as a kid, and so did my dad! So.. Caspian got stuck with being named Caspian." She chuckled, remembering her mother telling her the story of both her name and her brothers. Ruth read the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe to the two siblings when they were younger, as a bedtime story. She'd always loved the tale of adventure and danger and wonder and magic.
She swung her legs in a soft rocking motion, tilting her head as she listened to his next questions. "I went to a regular primary school! That's where I met my best friends! But I guess... It was just like..." She pressed her lips together, trying to figure out a way to phrase it. She'd always grown up around magic so it felt normal to her. She didn't talk about magic to her muggle friends, but her home was full of it. "I guess I just got to see magic a lot younger than some people, you know? And read a lot more about it." She said, grinning. "I actually slipped one of my mum's Herbology books with me..." She admitted deviously.
Orla loved reading about Herbology and her mother wouldn't miss one book... She hoped...
"And what about you? Was finding out about magic shocking? Did you pass out? Or were you excited? I know I would definitely be excited if I'd never known magic was real..."
Orla S. Finch
14 Nov 2021, 04:41
Through Highlands Never Ventured
The whirlwind calmed as he spoke into being his responses to her questions, and watched as she lit up once more. That was always the best reward when it came to empathetic understanding, seeing people flourish as themselves rather than closing themselves off behind some sort of mental locked door. Even at such a young age he'd learned to appreciate such.
As talks turned to the Chronicles of Narnia, Eliphas hastily shifted out of his seat and stepped up onto it in order to reach his bag in the overhead compartment. For a moment he rummaged, before pulling out the 2001 hardcover all-in-one book he'd cherished for years. It had been his mother's, and she'd sent him along with it. He slumped back into his seat and held it up with a grin. There were folded corners that were visible even when the book was closed, and it had definitely seen better days. Well loved, his mother always said.
"Have you read 'A Horse and his Boy?'" he asked excitedly, holding the hardback in his lap as he quieted down enough to listen to her responses to his own questions. The answers honestly amazed him, and his eyes widened. So it was possible, then? Would George be at Hogwarts?
Calm it, he reminded himself, as he let out a slow exhale to stem his excitement. The last thing he needed was to get his hopes up only to have them dashed against the rocks when he realized his childhood friends were not, in fact, wizards.
"That is so cool!" he exclaimed instead, pushing aside thoughts of his best friend in favour of present company. "Do you know any spells already? How long have you had a wand? For years?" Then came mention of the book Orla had sneaked from home. Herbology... "You mean, like plants and stuff?" He pondered that for a moment, before mentally shrugging. That could be cool, right? He wondered what sorts of magical plants there were...
"I couldn't believe it, to be honest. I've read so many books about magic, watched so many films... It still doesn't quite seem real, you know? I was excited, yeah, but also a little sad... But it did make my dad tell me more about his side of the family, so that was nice. They let me choose, if I wanted to come or not. I almost didn't. Poor George is going to be alone in Form when he starts Year 7... And I've never really been away from my parents before."
He reached up and rubbed the back of his neck for a moment, reliving that whirlwind of emotions he'd felt when the letter had first arrived, and the subsequent days of discussions and decisions.
"But yeah, mostly I'm excited. I can't believe it's real..."
As talks turned to the Chronicles of Narnia, Eliphas hastily shifted out of his seat and stepped up onto it in order to reach his bag in the overhead compartment. For a moment he rummaged, before pulling out the 2001 hardcover all-in-one book he'd cherished for years. It had been his mother's, and she'd sent him along with it. He slumped back into his seat and held it up with a grin. There were folded corners that were visible even when the book was closed, and it had definitely seen better days. Well loved, his mother always said.
"Have you read 'A Horse and his Boy?'" he asked excitedly, holding the hardback in his lap as he quieted down enough to listen to her responses to his own questions. The answers honestly amazed him, and his eyes widened. So it was possible, then? Would George be at Hogwarts?
Calm it, he reminded himself, as he let out a slow exhale to stem his excitement. The last thing he needed was to get his hopes up only to have them dashed against the rocks when he realized his childhood friends were not, in fact, wizards.
"That is so cool!" he exclaimed instead, pushing aside thoughts of his best friend in favour of present company. "Do you know any spells already? How long have you had a wand? For years?" Then came mention of the book Orla had sneaked from home. Herbology... "You mean, like plants and stuff?" He pondered that for a moment, before mentally shrugging. That could be cool, right? He wondered what sorts of magical plants there were...
"I couldn't believe it, to be honest. I've read so many books about magic, watched so many films... It still doesn't quite seem real, you know? I was excited, yeah, but also a little sad... But it did make my dad tell me more about his side of the family, so that was nice. They let me choose, if I wanted to come or not. I almost didn't. Poor George is going to be alone in Form when he starts Year 7... And I've never really been away from my parents before."
He reached up and rubbed the back of his neck for a moment, reliving that whirlwind of emotions he'd felt when the letter had first arrived, and the subsequent days of discussions and decisions.
"But yeah, mostly I'm excited. I can't believe it's real..."
@Orla Finch
The Dust of Stars
Stamina: 5 Evasion: 8 Strength: 2 Wisdom: 9 Arcane Power: 6 Accuracy: 5
I am actively seeking RP partners. Want to write? PM me!
14 Nov 2021, 04:51
Through Highlands Never Ventured
To think that before the day an owl delivered his letter of admission, neither Charles' nor his parents knew anything about the magical world. It is still an enormous ordeal to unpack it all, and even now, standing before a sign saying Platform 9 and 3/4, he can't believe his eyes. Of course, when the letter first arrived, his parents threw it out like any junk mail. But when a second arrived soon after in the hands of a wizard, it didn't take long to convince them. The world wasn't what it seemed, and now Charles was here to explore the unknown.
Getting to king's cross station from his hometown would have proved difficult, being nearly a 5 hour drive. Fortunately, magic turned out to be quite helpful. By visiting a nearby train station and running through the barrier same as any other student, he was transported to the proper station. It seems the magical community was kind enough to provide easy transport for the muggle-born children without alternative ways to enter the platform. And now here he was, watching as students hurriedly entering the train. With everything packed into a trunk, he decided to follow behind a larger group. It seemed smart to keep close to the kids that knew what they were doing. He'd hate to find himself lost on the first day of school. After all, he was incredibly anxious to see Hogwarts in person.
It turns out that being late to the Hogwarts Express was an incredibly poor move. Nearly every booth was filled, with a select few having an opening next to teachers or older, sneering students. He'd rather not have a miserable trip, so he continued down the train until he reached near the back where, luckily, a few booths remained. One in particular caught his eye, with only two students inside. They seemed to be his age, so he guessed they too were first years. He couldn't believe his luck! It seems he managed to find a decent group, perhaps even one that knew more about Hogwarts than he did. Being tutored by a student in a magical family would give him a leg-up when they finally reached the castle.
He slid open the booth door as politely as he could.
"Excuse me, do you two mind if I join you? I'd rather not sit with any of the older students."
@orla finch
@eliphas dune
Getting to king's cross station from his hometown would have proved difficult, being nearly a 5 hour drive. Fortunately, magic turned out to be quite helpful. By visiting a nearby train station and running through the barrier same as any other student, he was transported to the proper station. It seems the magical community was kind enough to provide easy transport for the muggle-born children without alternative ways to enter the platform. And now here he was, watching as students hurriedly entering the train. With everything packed into a trunk, he decided to follow behind a larger group. It seemed smart to keep close to the kids that knew what they were doing. He'd hate to find himself lost on the first day of school. After all, he was incredibly anxious to see Hogwarts in person.
It turns out that being late to the Hogwarts Express was an incredibly poor move. Nearly every booth was filled, with a select few having an opening next to teachers or older, sneering students. He'd rather not have a miserable trip, so he continued down the train until he reached near the back where, luckily, a few booths remained. One in particular caught his eye, with only two students inside. They seemed to be his age, so he guessed they too were first years. He couldn't believe his luck! It seems he managed to find a decent group, perhaps even one that knew more about Hogwarts than he did. Being tutored by a student in a magical family would give him a leg-up when they finally reached the castle.
He slid open the booth door as politely as he could.
"Excuse me, do you two mind if I join you? I'd rather not sit with any of the older students."
@orla finch
@eliphas dune
14 Nov 2021, 05:06
Through Highlands Never Ventured
@Eliphas Dune @Charles Hedge
"I have read all seven." Orla boasted proudly. "At least three times each." She said with a grin. The muggle books from her childhood were a staple in her life. She remembered at times, she and Caspian would fight over the books if they got to rereading them at the same time. Which would often end in fights that Ruth broke up begrudgingly but amused by the children's infatuation. "So, of course, I've read it!"
She shifted in her seat, observing the book a bit. It seemed that it was worn, a used book that had been read by possibly many hands, and seen by many eyes. That book had lived a life longer than their own, she hoped. "Well... Know is a strong word." She chuckled. "I've read about all sorts of spells but... I'm not great at them, to be honest. Caspian tried to teach me a few last Christmas break but I nearly caught the house on fire..." She chortled at the memory. "But Mum is a herbologist! She deals with all sorts of magical plants and stuff. One time, she got a batch of Bubotuber in... Those things were the ugliest plants I've ever seen. Looked like... slugs... Or something." She shuddered at the thoughts. "Apparently, if you squeeze the pus, you can use it as a remedy for bumps on the skin." She shook her head. "But it just looks vile to me."
"As for my wand..." She sighed. "I only got it this year, from Ollivander's. Aspen wood and unicorn hair." She grinned. "Probably the prettiest thing I own."
She tilted her head at the sound of his slight sadness. She understood how emotional it could be to leave the muggle world. Unlike a lot of children of wizards, Orla had grown up in the muggle world. When she had to leave her friends, it was such a strange experience. Caspian was lucky in finding wizards in the world to make friends with, but Orla... Well, her lot of friends were all muggles.
"My dad nearly had a fit when my brother first left. Sent him an owl almost every other day. Caspian was so mad at him... He kept telling dad not to worry about him and made dad promise not to do the same this year for me. But Caspian says it's great. So... I can't help but hope it will be."
Suddenly, the door of their booth door opened and Orla's head snapped up to see who had done so. Her eyebrows quirked up and tilted her head, offering a wave at the boy, hoping to beacon him in. "Of course! Come on in!" Orla said, ever friendly as always. It seemed that Caspian leaving her was perhaps turning out better than she'd expected. "I'm Orla Finch!" She pointed to Eliphas. "That's Eliphas Dune--" She pointed out, still looking up to the other. "What's your name?"
Last edited by Orla Finch on 14 Nov 2021, 05:25, edited 1 time in total.
Orla S. Finch
14 Nov 2021, 05:22
Through Highlands Never Ventured
Eliphas could barely contain his excitement.
What were the chances that he'd end up sharing a booth with a fellow First Year student who also enjoyed the works of C.S Lewis? He reckoned it was not particularly high, especially in this day and age where movies and games seemed to be the dominant form of media. Not that he didn't indulge in such himself, Sundays had long been days for he and his friends to play online games together. But still, most of his school mates didn't really like to read books, especially not physical ones. They'd much rather use Audible, or something like that. Eli liked how books felt in his hand, and he'd refused his parents offer to get him a Kindle on more than one occasion.
"I almost set the house on fire heating up a frozen pizza in the oven," he admitted with a chuckle, as she spoke about how her attempts at magic had almost done the same. "Your way is much cooler, honestly. Though I don't think either of our parents would have liked it if we'd succeeded, huh?"
He wondered how fire suppression worked in the wizarding world. Did they have easy ways to distinguish wayward fires? Or did they have to call on the fire brigade also? The more he thought about the differences between the two the more questions he was left with. It was truly mindboggling!
"Unicorn hair.. the first wand he had me try had that for a core. I ended up smashing something with it..." He grimaced, cheeks quickly flushing red at the memory. He'd reassured him that it wasn't anything he hadn't seen before, though. That had been a relief.
"Sent him an owl? Why did your brother need so many owls?" His question was somewhat cut short though by the emergence of another at the door, a fellow First Year perhaps? Like Orla he smiled in the direction of the other kid, and shuffled over on the plush bench in order to make room for him. Since Orla dealt with the introductions, he simply raised a hand and waved by way of greeting and waited for the boy's answer to her question.
What were the chances that he'd end up sharing a booth with a fellow First Year student who also enjoyed the works of C.S Lewis? He reckoned it was not particularly high, especially in this day and age where movies and games seemed to be the dominant form of media. Not that he didn't indulge in such himself, Sundays had long been days for he and his friends to play online games together. But still, most of his school mates didn't really like to read books, especially not physical ones. They'd much rather use Audible, or something like that. Eli liked how books felt in his hand, and he'd refused his parents offer to get him a Kindle on more than one occasion.
"I almost set the house on fire heating up a frozen pizza in the oven," he admitted with a chuckle, as she spoke about how her attempts at magic had almost done the same. "Your way is much cooler, honestly. Though I don't think either of our parents would have liked it if we'd succeeded, huh?"
He wondered how fire suppression worked in the wizarding world. Did they have easy ways to distinguish wayward fires? Or did they have to call on the fire brigade also? The more he thought about the differences between the two the more questions he was left with. It was truly mindboggling!
"Unicorn hair.. the first wand he had me try had that for a core. I ended up smashing something with it..." He grimaced, cheeks quickly flushing red at the memory. He'd reassured him that it wasn't anything he hadn't seen before, though. That had been a relief.
"Sent him an owl? Why did your brother need so many owls?" His question was somewhat cut short though by the emergence of another at the door, a fellow First Year perhaps? Like Orla he smiled in the direction of the other kid, and shuffled over on the plush bench in order to make room for him. Since Orla dealt with the introductions, he simply raised a hand and waved by way of greeting and waited for the boy's answer to her question.
@Orla Finch / @Charles Hedge
The Dust of Stars
Stamina: 5 Evasion: 8 Strength: 2 Wisdom: 9 Arcane Power: 6 Accuracy: 5
I am actively seeking RP partners. Want to write? PM me!