The Journey Back PV Mahlioz Evethisawe Finished

Mahlioz stood looking up at the gargantuan magical train for the second time in her life. This time, though, her family wasn't with her. They were still in France - Mahlioz's sister didn't go back to Beauxbatons for a few days, so her parents and sibling had decided to spend another week in Colombes. Mahlioz's muggle grandmother had accompanied her by train to the train station, and had decided not to stay to watch her grandchild run through a wall. She was not at all used to the magical world yet, so the two had said their farewells outside platform 9 3/4.
As much as she would miss her family, she was looking forward to getting back to school. There was still so much for her to learn, so many people to meet, so many books to read... she grinned at the thought, excited. Two weeks in Colombes with her favorite people had seemed way too short, but she was glad to be back anyway.
Better get on this train, Mahlioz thought to herself. She didn't want to be one of the last ones on again, like the first time she'd been here.
How does the Hogwarts Express even work? Wizards know nothing about muggle contraptions, and I doubt a muggle is driving this thing... Although it was a concerning matter, she decided to let it slip - for now - as she mounted the train. Trailing her things behind her, she arrived at a compartment that seemed empty enough. A black-haired girl with glasses, maybe a year older than her, was sitting in it. Being the timid girl she was, Mahlioz would have rathered a fully empty compartment, but there weren't very many of those, and besides - the girl was reading a book. Mahlioz was too curious to leave now.
She opened the door of the compartment, and, feeling slightly guilty at having to interrupt the supposedly second year's reading, said, "Hello... do you mind if I sit here too?"

Rita was just reading her book when she heard the footsteps of someone approaching her seat and the voice of someone asking her if they could sit next to her. "Someone must be coming to sit next to me. Let me just check who is coming." The Second Year Hufflepuff with short straight black hair thought, before looking around and found a girl with brown skin, short curly black hair, and piercing green eyes who seemed to be shorter and younger than Rita herself asking if she could sit next to her.

"It`s OK, you can sit here if you wish. I don`t really mind, I`m just reading my book." The Second Year Hufflepuff replied, "By the way, my name is Rita, and I`m a second year Hufflepuff, if you can`t tell. So, do you have a good Christmas holiday?" The Hufflepuff drew a question at the other brown-skinned girl, hoping to start a casual conversation though she totally understood if the other girl chose not to answer. She understood not everyone is as extroverted and open as Rita herself, some people are just introverted and shy, and would choose not to talk when they meet someone for the first time. Rita was not sure which type this particular brown-skinned girl was, but no matter which type the other girl was, Rita could totally understand her. "She can choose not to talk; it is totally fine that we just have a quiet journey back to Hogwarts where I just read my book and she just do whatever she wants or needs to do. She does not have to talk if she prefers rather not to. It is totally understandable. Not everyone is as extroverted, open, and talkative as me, and I appreciate the diversity in people." The Second Year Hufflepuff thought when she waited for the other girl to reply.
Interacting with: @Mahlioz Evethisawe

Mahlioz brought her trunk in with her before closing the compartment door. "Thanks," she told Rita with a relieved smile, putting her trunk away and then sitting on the bench opposite from the second year. She had a déja-vu moment as she fiddled with her green hoodie strap, a little flustered. She'd been nervous the first time on this train, and it was starting to come back to her. So much for her new year's resolution of being less shy. She suddenly understood why she was like that. Because, well... people were stressful. Always thinking about how they percieved you was stressful. Talking to those you didn't know was stressful. Bref, (French for "in short") pretty much anything to do with people was stressful. There were many reasons to be shy.
Luckily for her, the other girl started the conversation, so there was no awkward silence. Mahlioz knew straight away that the Hufflepuff wasn't what you'd call introverted. Which, after all, wasn't always rare for a Hufflepuff. "Oh, um... Yeah, I did, thanks. I mean, I don't know many people who don't like being off school," she replied, trying to calm herself down. There was no reason to feel nervous. Shy was one thing, but nervous... she'd be fine. This girl wasn't a serial killer, she was twelve years old. "I'm Mahlioz, Mahlioz Evethisawe. First year Slytherin, if you couldn't tell from the color of my hoodie." She attempted a small smile. "Uh... what about you? How were your holidays?"
As she waited for a response, her eyes flitted to the book the other was reading. She wondered what it was. Then she focuses again, looking back at Rita's face. She was being rude, wasn't she? Asking a question, then looking at a book instead of concentrating on the answer... she blushed slightly, hoping the second year wouldn't notice.

Rita was glad that the other girl with brown skin and short curly black hair did reply to her. The Second Year Hufflepuff with short black hair honestly did not expect the other girl would reply to her. "She seemed to be quiet and shy, I honestly thought she won`t reply to me. Glad she did. Maybe we can have a casual conversation during the journey." The Hufflepuff thought and looked up from her book and began to reply to the other girl who introduced herself as Mahlioz, such an uncommon first name, "Yeah, spending some quality time with your dearest ones over the break is always a fascinating thing! I miss my family so much when I am boarding at Hogwarts! Sure there are many interesting things to do, but there is no place like home."

"By the way, your name is Mahlioz? That`s an uncommon first name! My holiday is also great, having a big Christmas dinner and going out with my family is always great, and I also had a sleep over at my friend`s house for the new year party! I suppose you had a great break too! What are your expectations for this new semester? I suppose there must be many interesting things to do at Hogwarts during this second semester, I know there is the blossom ball and other stuff, such as clubs and errands." The Second Year Hufflepuff continued to speak, then threw another question at the other girl, hoping to maintain the conversation for them. Rita always loves small talks between both old friends and new people, though she totally understands not everyone love them, some people just found them meaningless and would rather focus on something they are more interesting, which is absolutely understandable.
Interacting with: @Mahlioz Evethisawe

Mahlioz was starting to feel less nervous, which was a relief. She nodded at Rita's first comment, adding, "I agree! Sometimes people complain about their families but honestly it's awesome getting to spend time with them. As much as I love Hogwarts, it doesn't compare with home."
She kept listening, smiling, to the girl in front of her. It was obvious the other loved talking, and was glad Mahlioz had done so with her. She nodded again with a tentative laugh at the mention of her name - "Yeah, it's not common, exactly... I don't think it has a meaning. My parents just liked the sound of it. Rita's a nice name, though! I've heard it before, it sounds kinda... majestic."
She let the second year finish talking before replying. "I'm glad your holiday went well too. If you don't mind my asking... do you have a wizard family or a muggle one? Because a Christmas dinner can be very, well, different, depending on the kind of family you have." She hoped she hadn't offended her. She hadn't meant for it, but it had come out sounding slightly judging. She reddened, and tried to cover it up by continuing. "Uhm- yeah- that's cool, though. A sleepover." She'd never had one - well, unless you counted boarding school, but that wasn't really a sleepover - and wondered what it was like. "That sounds like fun. I can imagine how loud it must have been counting down to 2023." She grinned.
"In answer to your question... I'm not really sure what I'm expecting. I've learned not to expect anything from Hogwarts, because it will flip you around and upside down and inside out and in two seconds you'll have no idea what just happened. Magic is... confusing, to say the least. But I'm looking forward to learning more, as boring as that sounds." At the mention of the blossom ball, she frowned, confused. She'd never heard of it before, but it was a ball, which had people, which was never good. "Wait, what's the blossom ball?"

Rita was glad that Mahlioz started to talk a lot more and no longer seemed to be introverted and shy as she seemed to be at the beginning of their encounter. "Maybe it is my extroverted and carefree personality that helped her come out of the shell a little bit. Being an extrovert is usually not a bad thing, I suppose? Although sometimes I can be too open and extroverted, I guess?" The Second Year Hufflepuff with short black hair thought while listening carefully what Mahlioz was saying.

"You are totally right. The relationship between me and my parents are tough from time to time, but I absolutely love my family and absolutely miss my family members when I am away boarding at Hogwarts. The cliche is true, there is no place like home." The Second Year Hufflepuff finally replied, "Yeah, it is a good name. My real name is actually Margaret, but I go by Rita."

Then, Mahlioz asked that particular thing Rita was not very comfortable with, her blood status. Being a muggle-born wizard, Rita worried about the discrimination from the pureblood wizards, especially with that M-word, so she would not usually talk about that unless someone else asked her about that. "Honestly, I don`t really understand why people care so much about people`s blood status. No matter what blood status we are, we are all wizards. So, on the inside, we are all the same, no matter we are born to wizards or muggles." The Second Year Hufflepuff thought with a little confusion and anger, before finally replying to the other girl with brown skin, "Yeah, I am a muggle born, if you can`t tell. But I never understand why people want to know other wizard`s blood status. Pure curiosity, or for other reasons? Who knows. Let`s just move on."

Then Mahlioz began to talk about life in Hogwarts and blossom ball, topics that Rita was more inclined to talk about, "I understand your point. Magic IS confusing. Who knows what will happen in this new semester. I just hope I am enjoying my life and be happy." The black-haired Hufflepuff continued to speak, "In terms of the Blossom Ball, I suppose it is just an event in spring where students can dance and do other activities like making a flower crown. Actually, I don`t know much about it, we will see when it is the time for the ball." When Rita finally finished speaking, she showed the other girl with brown skin and short curly black eyes a friendly smile, hoping the other girl named Mahlioz did not feel offended by what she said.
Interacting with: @Mahlioz Evethisawe

Mahlioz smiled. Rita really seemed like a nice person, and maybe, well, they'd even end up being friends? It didn't happen often, finding a friend, and Mahlioz didn't really mind, usually. She was never looking for one. But now that she had met this Hufflepuff, she hoped they'd really get to know each other better.
"Yeah, that's true actually!" she answered Rita with a small laugh. "I guess there's sometimes a good reason for a cliché. Friends are great and all, but family is different." She nodded at the second statement. "Makes sense. Margaret is a beautiful name, but it can quickly become endearing, I imagine. Rita is easier, and honestly (in my opinion) prettier." She smiled genuinely, hoping she hadn't offended her. It was so hard to know what to say around people...

As soon as Rita answered her second question, though, Mahlioz sensed the dryness in her tone. It was a touchy subject to some, after all - Stupid, Mahlioz! Why did you have to go ahead and ruin it all?! You didn't have to ask that, and now it's too late!! She felt terrible, and quickly tried to fix her mistake. "Oh- I'm - I'm so sorry! I swear I was just curious because of the Christmas dinner! I know what it's like at both muggle dinners and wizard ones, and I was hoping it would help me visualize... I swear I'd never judge someone just because of what their parents were, it's not their fault!" It seemed the more she said, the more damage she made. She couldn't bear looking at the second year now, and stared at the ground in guilt, gratefully accepting the proposition to move on. What an idiot I am!

As Rita started talking about other things, more school-inclined, Mahlioz finally got the courage to look up again. She felt it would be rude not to - and just as rude not to respond. "Yeah, keeping your mind on the bright side, I see. Just enjoying life is definitely something to aspire to." She wasn't sure whether it was too early, but a small, bright smile escaped her. "Ohhh, I see. That's interesting... I guess it sounds like fun." She knew she'd probably end up hiding in the library during the ball, but... there was no need to say that part aloud, was there? ...And maybe, just maybe, she would end up going...? Her eyes were foggy, and she blinked to bring them back to reality, awaiting Rita's response.

Rita turned the other first year girl with brown skin and curly black hair with a warm smile as the other girl continued to speak about her name, blood status, expectation for the new semester, and stuff like that. "Mahlioz seems to be a very nice girl, she insists that she does not judge people on their blood status, saying beautiful things about my name, and is pretty interesting to chat with. I wish I can get to know her as a person more. Maybe I can ask her about her hobbies and stuff like that." The Second Year Hufflepuff with short black hair thought.

"Thank you for saying so many nice words about my name! I like the sounding of your name as well! Mahlioz is such a unique name!" The Second Year Hufflepuff finally replied, "OK, enough about the names, unto the blood status thing. I totally understand you are just purely curious and does not judge people based on their blood status, but I am just sort of sensitive about this particular topic cos I know some people, particularly some pureblood wizards, just thinks wizards of other blood status do not deserve to study at this magical school and would discriminate them, even use that M-word, you know? Hopefully you are not that type of wizards."

"Yeah, I know there will continue to be some interesting activities for us to enjoy our life at Hogwarts in this new semester besides all the busy and boring schoolwork and the blossom ball is just one of them. There is Valentine event and other stuff waiting for us for the second semester, and I am kind of looking forward to them!" The black-haired Second Year Hufflepuff continued to speak, "Now, could we talk more about each other as a person? Like what are some of your hobbies and interests and are you interested in joining any sports team? For me, music is a big part of my life, piano, singing, listening to music, that is just so fascinating! Have I mentioned I am a beater on the Hufflepuff Quidditch team? Quidditch is physically demanding and difficult, but it is so much freedom and fun riding on the broom and striking the bludgers! I also like taking a stroll and going outdoors, learning about magical creatures and plants, talking to people, and I have to admit my guilty pleasure, eating!" Talking about music, Quidditch, and other hobbies, Rita`s face clearly lit up as she got quite excited about those topics. She turned to the other girl with brown skin and short curly brown hair with a big smile, hoping the other girl did not mind about her excitement about one of her favorite topics.
Interacting with: @Mahlioz Evethisawe

Mahlioz grinned as the two kept talking. She didn't know how long it had been since the train had left the platform, but outside the window the background had drastically changed. Ten hours in a train had sounded endearing, but with Rita in the same compartment? Mahlioz found she was looking forward to it.
"Aw, thank you," she replied to Rita's compliment about her own name. She's so kind... Then the conversation went back to the blood status, and Mahlioz nodded vigorously at pretty much anything the Hufflepuff said. "I completely understand, I'm so sorry about that. I've heard about the discrimination and your reason not to want to share is very valid. And no no no there is no way I'm that type of wizard! I'm not even a pureblood, my dad is a muggle!" she stumbled over her words, desperately trying to reassure Rita.

As the second year started talking about events at Hogwarts, Mahlioz started getting just as excited as her. "That sounds like so much fun, I'm looking forward to it! I'm not usually much of a, well, people person, but I feel like these things could be pretty cool!" It was true that once she got used to it, she was a lot less shy. She realized it was happening even now - since the two girls were well into a conversation, Mahlioz was way less inclined to hide her thoughts and emotions. Just that fact made her smile.
"Oh, you play piano? That's so cool! I play violin! Music is also a big part of my life, my whole family plays lots of instruments! Music is really interesting, she answered Rita. Then her eyes grew wide. "You're a beater? I could never. It sounds terrifying, I start trembling just at the sight of a broom! I know it's not really normal for a wizard, but I'm terrified of heights! And in the middle of a field, with flying magic balls flying at you from all sides?" She shivered. "No thanks. You're super brave." She let the girl finish, listening intently, before answering again. "All of your hobbies sound super fun! I can tell you really like plants. For me, I like reading, mostly. But I also love to write and draw, learn about pretty much anything, and, erm..." She searched for more. She couldn't be this boring, there had to be something else... "Oh yeah! I recently started learning archery, it's super interesting!"