An unanticipated journey
One thing Ivy was not looking forward to was the train journey. Hours long, sitting in a stuffy compartment with people she barely know, Ivy hoped for the worst. It was bad enough that she got totally lost trying to find the platform - but honestly, who wouldn't? Not wanting to make a fool out of herself before the year even started, Ivy search long and hard for an empty compartment until she found what she was looking for, and sat down, glad to have found solace.
"This is going to be great," Ivy mumbled to herself, for no one was there to hear her, before pulling out a book to read. She may as well keep herself entertained, after all, it would be a long journey. Of course, there were other ways Ivy could suppress her boredom, roam around, meet new people for example, but she wasn't going to do that. No, she was perfectly happy in her own little compartment, keeping to herself. In fact, she quite liked being alone, it allowed her to think without interruption. And she sure did have a lot to think about. Not long ago Ivy was living a completely normal, uninteresting life, and now? Well, let's just say things were getting a little more intriguing.
Suddenly, the train started to move, huffing along the ancient railway. Ivy exhaled loudly, preparing herself for the journey ahead and where it would lead her. She new, sooner or later, she would have to make friends with people, or she'd go insane at Hogwarts, but she would rather it be later. Unfortunately for her, as soon as the thought crosses her mind, a kid, looking about the same age as her, knocks on the compartment door.
"Everywhere else is full," the kid informs Ivy, "Seeing as it's just you..." They trail off, sensing the lack of need to finish their sentence. Ivy sighs, knowing sooner or later, her temporary peace would have to be destroyed, and she reluctantly shifts her luggage aside to make way for the newcomer.
"This is going to be great," Ivy mumbled to herself, for no one was there to hear her, before pulling out a book to read. She may as well keep herself entertained, after all, it would be a long journey. Of course, there were other ways Ivy could suppress her boredom, roam around, meet new people for example, but she wasn't going to do that. No, she was perfectly happy in her own little compartment, keeping to herself. In fact, she quite liked being alone, it allowed her to think without interruption. And she sure did have a lot to think about. Not long ago Ivy was living a completely normal, uninteresting life, and now? Well, let's just say things were getting a little more intriguing.
Suddenly, the train started to move, huffing along the ancient railway. Ivy exhaled loudly, preparing herself for the journey ahead and where it would lead her. She new, sooner or later, she would have to make friends with people, or she'd go insane at Hogwarts, but she would rather it be later. Unfortunately for her, as soon as the thought crosses her mind, a kid, looking about the same age as her, knocks on the compartment door.
"Everywhere else is full," the kid informs Ivy, "Seeing as it's just you..." They trail off, sensing the lack of need to finish their sentence. Ivy sighs, knowing sooner or later, her temporary peace would have to be destroyed, and she reluctantly shifts her luggage aside to make way for the newcomer.
An unanticipated journey
"Everywhere else is full," Says Finius. More to himself than to the girl in the train car. "Seeing as it's just you.." Oh God why was he still talking? Did he need permission to share a public space? Should he ask just to be polite? He cautiously sat down across from the girl, what else was he going to do? The other train cars were full of the social and loud kids who were such a mental drain to be around, and he needed to relax before the rest of the excitement of school began. He had noticed a book in her hand but she had closed it. Did she want to socialize or was she just being polite?
"Um, getting a head start on the reading? Or just for pleasure? I wish I could pull out a school book but I think my suitcase might explode if I try to open it right now." He was rambling, how did everyone make conversation look so easy?
Finius tried not to stare but didn't want to seem uninterested either, he was curious about what she was reading but thought asking more about it would just lead to more rambling and one sided conversation.
"Um, getting a head start on the reading? Or just for pleasure? I wish I could pull out a school book but I think my suitcase might explode if I try to open it right now." He was rambling, how did everyone make conversation look so easy?
Finius tried not to stare but didn't want to seem uninterested either, he was curious about what she was reading but thought asking more about it would just lead to more rambling and one sided conversation.
An unanticipated journey
|interacting with @Finius Allred|
God, this kid was awkward. But then again, who was Ivy to judge? In as subtle a way as possible, she observes him in an attempt to get a better understanding of the kid. He seems shy, and his long arms dangle lankily at his sides as though he's unsure of what to do with them. Ivy also notices a scar on his forehead, making her curious as to where it came from. Before she can make eye contact with him, however, she quickly withdraws her glance and looks back at her book. Would it be so bad if she were to just pick it up and read again? Of course it would. Sensing a conversation with the boy being inevitable, she lifts up the cover of the book and shows him; It's Hogwarts, A History.
"It's actually interesting, you know," She informs him, without lying, "Especially if you're muggle-born, are you muggle-born? Either way, it's worth a read." Not allowing him any time to reply to her, Ivy swiftly moves on. She'd prefer to avoid the awkward silences, and she has a feeling that if she lets this boy talk, they'll be a lot of them.
"Nice wand," she notes. It's long and dark brown. Sturdy too, as though it will be capable of powerful things in the future. The boy, however, not so much the same. "Well then, what's your name?" She asks, hoping for an answer, "I'm Ivy, Ivy Finch. And you are....?"
An unanticipated journey
Okay conversation successfully started, so far so good. "Oh, I'm Finius Allred. Most people call me Fin. Is it that obvious I'm muggleborn? What gave it up? I've been just trying to catch up on all this. I did read the intro to each book but my Da' told me to leave it in the suitcase and meet some people. I guess the only reason me Ma and Da' forked out for all this magic business was so I could break out of me shell." He looked down at his wand when she mentioned it. "I guess it's pretty cool, won't really know for sure till I learn a proper spell now will I. But it gave me a swirly light show when I waved it the first time so I guess that's a good sign. I think the old wand guy said it was Jackalope antler and Chestnut. I looked up Jackalope in the beastiary-I mean Wonderous Beasts and Where to Find Them. I think its a magic rabbit from the wilds in North America." "I think I saw one in a game once where you're a cowboy. But before now I thought that was a taxidermy prank some gaffer did back in the day."
Oh god did he just say gaffer? He really needed to work on concealing his accent better, it didn't sound at all sophisticated like the girl who seemed a bit intimidating in her prim perfect sort of way. He also just realized how long he was rambling, it's like he's said more words in the last conversation than in the last month.
Oh god did he just say gaffer? He really needed to work on concealing his accent better, it didn't sound at all sophisticated like the girl who seemed a bit intimidating in her prim perfect sort of way. He also just realized how long he was rambling, it's like he's said more words in the last conversation than in the last month.
An unanticipated journey
backdate. September 1st.
@Ivy Finch, @Finius Allred"Try not to get yourself in trouble," Granny told him, as she squished his cheeks, not willing to let him go. Edmund controlled the urge to roll his eyes - asking that of him was like asking any wizard to not cast spells. "Make a lot of friends and pay attention to your lessons. If anyone messes with you, you can write a letter, and your father and I will show up at Hogwarts right away, and --"
"Mum, he'll lose the train," mused Theodore, placing a hand on his mother's shoulder.
That was enough to make Granny sigh, looking away to cover her teary eyes and trembling lips, so scared to let her favorite grandson go so far away from them. Granny waved her hand, muttering something incomprehensible before walking away, leaving the two of them alone.
Father shook his head in amusement, messing with Edmund's hair. He said, "Do your best, Eddie. Have fun,"
"I will, pa," He smiled, before giving him a tight hug.
He waved at his father and entered the train, not daring to look back because it would only make things difficult for his heart. It was the first time he was going to be away from his family, and he still didn't know how to feel about it. On one hand, he was excited - it was Hogwarts, after all, but part of him hoped he could see his family regularly.
Edmund dragged his trunk around, looking for a place. A group of older students entered a compartment together, slamming the door shut before he could try and join them. Ouch. It'd be best to find a compartment with other first-years, so he wouldn't feel like he was intruding, you know.
He watched as a boy with redish-brown hair entered a compartment. From a glimpse, it looked partially empty, with only one other person inside. Edmund rushed in there, waiting a second before knocking on the door and sliding it open, smiling.
"Ayo," He said, bringing his trunk in so they wouldn't kick him out.
The boy he saw was looking a bit awkward like he was unsure of how to act. He wore glasses and his face was covered with freckles. The other person was a girl, with long brown hair and pale skin, holding a book - Hogwarts, a History, he recognized.
Edmund sat right next to her, crossing his arms as he slid down on the velvety seat, getting comfortable for the long hours stuck in the train - not good for his hyperactive self. "Edmund Dempsie," He tilted his head. "Pleasure meeting you,"
An unanticipated journey
|interacting with @Finius Allred and @Edmund Dempsie|
"Your scar," Ivy says with a knowing smile, pointing gently to his forehead, "Any wizard would be able to get rid of that in no time. Therefore, you must be a muggle-born." She leans in, finally showing interest in the conversation. Sure, Finius was rambling, but at least he was coming out of his shell. What more, Ivy could see he was somewhat intimidated by her, and, as terrible as it sounded, she liked that, though she did try to make him more comfortable. "Where are you from, Finnius? I could tell you're Irish from a mile away, of course, but what part? I've never been outside of London before today, but I'd like to travel when I'm older." Before he has a chance to reply, however, another kid enters, clearly more confident than Finius, for he slides right over next to Ivy and introduces himself.
"Edmund Dempsie," He says to her. "Pleasure meeting you." Ivy doesn't reply at first, annoyed that the boy has invaded her privacy so brashly. She also has a feeling this kid is proud, to say the least, what with his cocky demeanour. And though she can be so herself, she hates proud people, and has always preferred associating herself with much more grounded people. Instead of replying, therefore, she just looks out of the window and at the countryside, for the train has sped well out of London by now. She knows she's probably judging Edmund too soon, but that's just what she's like. Of course, first opinions are never really accurate, and she must remind this to herself when she think about the boy. Who knows, maybe they'll even end up being friends? After all, it is a long train ride.
An unanticipated journey
Ivy's response to his entirely awkward ramble was cut off by someone else joining the car. (something about wizards not having scars. Healing magic was a thing?) Finius was partially relieved to not be the center of the conversation but now there was a new person to deal with and he had to start all over with introductions and everything. He seemed kinda like some pushy people he knew but would try not to judge too early, pushy wasn't always bad, just uncomfortable. He started again with his introduction oblivious to Ivy's lack of response being anything more than just letting him talk first. But he did feel a bit of tension building, or maybe that was just his sense of social anxiety. "Um hi, I'm Finius but most people call me Fin. It's nice to meetchu too. We were just discussing wands. And where we grew up. Mine is a Jackalope antler and chestnut. And Belfast... is where I'm from. I don't think we got to Ivy's wand yet. But she's from London. So whoever you guys want can go next. About the wands I mean..." He looked down at Edmund's wand, honestly he didn't know one wand from another. Were some wands better than others, or was it subjective to each wizard? Pros and cons for each? Maybe they would go over that at Hogwarts. This felt like it would be a long train ride.
An unanticipated journey
@Ivy Flinch, @Finius AllredThe seconds of awkward silence that followed his entrance did not bother him in the slightest, smiling and nodding to what the obviously shy Finius had to say. Edmund was more than used to conquering rooms and leading conversations - louder than most of his friends, and an unrivaled conversationalist that made sure to include everyone. He channeled his constant need to talk by making sure even the shiest of people could talk to him.
It was hard, but he did his best.
He considered the two of them to be very shy. The pretty girl - Ivy, as Finius had said - had looked away and avoided his general direction, so, maybe they already knew each other, and his presence was uncomfortable? It was alright. He wouldn't let things be awkward, being locked in silence for hours would be hell for him. All of his friends - Olivia, Bailey, or even David - were off somewhere else and the train was about to leave. He couldn't walk around in the hopes of finding them.
"I'm from London too. So is my wand," said Edmund in his perfect posh accent, showing it off to Finius, shaking it lightly, like it was a toy. He scratched his chin, staring at it. "It's made of mayhaw wood and dragon heartstring if I'm not mistaken. Ollivanders said it's for energetic wizards which are accurate. What about yours, Ivy?"
An unanticipated journey
|interacting with @Finius Allred and @Edmund Dempsie|
"What about yours, Ivy?"
Upon hearing her name Ivy turned to Edmund, who was clearly addressing her. She wasn't going to lie: she had zoned out for most of his introduction, but was pretty sure the conversation had returned to wands. Ivy stares at Edmund's, and he seems incredibly proud of it, before looking back at him. Clearly, he was trying to get her attention.
"Mine's aspen wood," she says simply, twirling the piece of white wood between her fingertips. In the short time she had owned the object, she had grown rather fond of it, and was more than happy to talk about it. "And it has a Phoenix feather core," She continues. "I'm not entirely sure as to what that means, although I've heard they're quite rare. Do any of you know how to use a wand?" She asks, turning to both the boys, "I don't have a single clue, but I hope they teach us soon."
For whatever reason, Ivy had a feeling Edmund was getting the wrong impression of her, as though she was something of a push-over. That must be why he was so direct with her. Of course, she didn't care too much about what he thought of her, but she didn't want to be misleading even still. Despite her initial dislike of Edmund, Ivy forces herself to converse with him, simply for the sake of doing so.
"You're from London, did you say?" She repeats with a forced smile, "So am I. It's nice to be getting out of the city for once though, don't you think?" Ivy could tell, from his perfect accent and precise diction, that Edmund was probably something of a posh-boy, and probably grew up on a different side of London to her. Even still, she had to find some kind of common ground with him, didn't she?
An unanticipated journey
Finius definately felt the tension rising in the box car, Ivy was practically burning Edmund with her gaze. She was starting to scare him a little bit. I guess she prefered to keep their coversation going and he was butting in? Or did he do something else to offend her. It seemed like those two were like oil and water, he did not see them getting along. They needed a buffer, and he was the only one here. "So, do you have any classes you're really lookin' forward to? I wouldn't mind seeing some magical creatures meself, or hopefully casting some handy charms." Oh god, the way he said charms sounded just like that leprecon for the marshmellow cereal that they really enjoy in North America. "I imagine there could be some really cool punchy spells too, what do they call those, hexes? Not that I'd want to use them on another person but it could be good to have in your back pocket if someone decided they didn't like the cut of your... I mean wanted to start a fight." He had stopped himself from saying 'cut of your jib' but was pretty sure they caught it. "I guess they 'ave magical police for that kinda thing though don't they."