3 Jan 2023, 01:32
Compartment 11 - The Start of a New Journey
Feint wisps of smoke drifted past the window of the compartment located only one carriage behind the train itself; it was almost empty save for the young blonde boy who sat back with his hands behind his head and feet kicked up on the opposite bench. His deep brown eyes looked out to his left, watching the window and all that was outside. As the Hogwarts Express chugged its way through the English countryside, the scenery outside the window was a blur of vibrant colours and breathtaking beauty. Rolling hills and forests stretched out as far as the eye could see, bathed in the warm glow of the autumn sun. The leaves on the trees were a riot of golds and reds, their branches rustling in the gentle breeze. In the distance, sheep dotted the green fields, and Liam could have sworn he could occasionally hear the faint sound of their bleating could be heard through the glass.
As the train wound its way through the countryside, the scenery changed constantly, offering a never-ending parade of stunning vistas. Majestic mountains loomed in the far off distance, their peaks dusted with snow. Crystal clear streams flowed alongside the tracks, their waters sparkling in the sunlight. Liam had been waiting patiently ever since they left the station to see the first hints of towers that would indicate that Hogwarts was only a short time away. In reality it was going to be quite some time until the train reached its destination, but Liam didn’t mind.
He was happy to sit and watch the world go by, lost in his own thoughts and excitement. The compartment itself was small and cosy, with plush seats and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The walls were panelled in a rich, dark wood, and the windows were framed by heavy velvet curtains that kept out the bright autumn sun. Liam's luggage was stowed neatly under his seat, and a small basket of treats sat on the seat just to the right of him, temptingly close. He had packed a few of his favourite snacks and drinks for the journey, knowing that he would need sustenance for the long ride to Hogwarts.
As the train rocked gently back and forth, Liam closed his eyes and let out a contented sigh. He was exactly where he wanted to be, and he knew that the best was yet to come. He couldn't wait to see what the future held, and he was ready for whatever lay ahead… but before he could do any of that he just had to wait and enjoy the journey.
As the train wound its way through the countryside, the scenery changed constantly, offering a never-ending parade of stunning vistas. Majestic mountains loomed in the far off distance, their peaks dusted with snow. Crystal clear streams flowed alongside the tracks, their waters sparkling in the sunlight. Liam had been waiting patiently ever since they left the station to see the first hints of towers that would indicate that Hogwarts was only a short time away. In reality it was going to be quite some time until the train reached its destination, but Liam didn’t mind.
He was happy to sit and watch the world go by, lost in his own thoughts and excitement. The compartment itself was small and cosy, with plush seats and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The walls were panelled in a rich, dark wood, and the windows were framed by heavy velvet curtains that kept out the bright autumn sun. Liam's luggage was stowed neatly under his seat, and a small basket of treats sat on the seat just to the right of him, temptingly close. He had packed a few of his favourite snacks and drinks for the journey, knowing that he would need sustenance for the long ride to Hogwarts.
As the train rocked gently back and forth, Liam closed his eyes and let out a contented sigh. He was exactly where he wanted to be, and he knew that the best was yet to come. He couldn't wait to see what the future held, and he was ready for whatever lay ahead… but before he could do any of that he just had to wait and enjoy the journey.
4 Jan 2023, 00:29
Compartment 11 - The Start of a New Journey
A heavy clatter could be heard outside the compartment as a trunk smacked hard against the floor. Matt, a boy of 11 had been left to carry his rather heavy trunk aboard by himself despite the fact that he had two older, and more importantly, stronger siblings attending Hogwarts. He muttered a curse under his breath, planting his hands on his hips as he took a moment to gather his strength, apologising with ragged breath as students tried to force their way past his trunk which was now blocking the walkway. Some pupils did offer to help but as a creature of pride, Matt quickly declined.
Finally, he reached down for the handle of his trunk and heaved it onward, looking for the first compartment that wasn't full. It didn't take Matt very long as his loud grunts carried down the carriage, finding compartment 11 which only seemed to carry one blonde boy, who looked a similar age to himself. Not allowing Liam to enjoy his moment of peace for very long, the compartment door slammed open and with further grunting and several beads of sweat for good measure, Matthew entered.
"Alright? Howsabout you give es a-" he paused, realising that once again he was speaking in his quite thick northern accent. He slowed down, taking a breath before speaking in a manner that was easier on the ears. "Sorry, don't suppose you'd be able to help me lift this up onto the rack? I'll have to leave it lay on the compartment floor otherwise." He hated that he was asking for help, but it was true. It wouldn't be easy for others to get into the compartment otherwise.
Finally, he reached down for the handle of his trunk and heaved it onward, looking for the first compartment that wasn't full. It didn't take Matt very long as his loud grunts carried down the carriage, finding compartment 11 which only seemed to carry one blonde boy, who looked a similar age to himself. Not allowing Liam to enjoy his moment of peace for very long, the compartment door slammed open and with further grunting and several beads of sweat for good measure, Matthew entered.
"Alright? Howsabout you give es a-" he paused, realising that once again he was speaking in his quite thick northern accent. He slowed down, taking a breath before speaking in a manner that was easier on the ears. "Sorry, don't suppose you'd be able to help me lift this up onto the rack? I'll have to leave it lay on the compartment floor otherwise." He hated that he was asking for help, but it was true. It wouldn't be easy for others to get into the compartment otherwise.
M.R. - Stats - Stamina: 6, Evasion: 8, Strength: 5, Wisdom: 5, Arcane Power: 5, Accuracy: 6
5 Jan 2023, 01:12
Compartment 11 - The Start of a New Journey
It was easy to get lost in the passing landscape that slowly moved into and out of the frame of the train windows. One could almost describe the view of the patchwork fields dotted with sparse forests as serene, Liam definitely enjoyed the scene for the time being as there was little else to occupy his attention. That was, until the sound of a scraping case and grunts of effort culminated into a single thud of his compartment door opening. He blinked in that moment, his peace disturbed by the figure that now stood in the doorway negotiating the way forward with the large trunk that the new boy held. Liam’s caramel irises motioned to his right and fixed on the figure to scan him for a moment - his gloss of sweat wasn’t normal for most people but it was evident that the case itself wasn’t particularly easy to move around. Liam reconciled that this new boy must have been dealing with this inconvenience for some time, and judging by his facial features and general physical composition the two of them were roughly the same age.
Without standing the blonde boy spoke up with an inviting gesture of his right hand. “Come on in, looks like that trunk has been giving you some trouble.” He was immediately met with a harsh northern vernacular which the other boy almost immediately reworked into something clearer. Liam wasn’t too bothered by the former but appreciated the convergence for the sake of clearer communication. He then stood with a smile on his face and took the two steps towards the door to position himself next to the trunk. “We’ll manage this just fine,” the words escaped his mouth as he squatted down to grasp onto two corners of the trunk, ready to lift. “On three we’ll lift. One… two…” A sharp intake of breath followed as the boy readied himself for the maneuver. “Three!”
Legs and arms strained and shook as Liam motioned to help lift the trunk into the overhead storage, but it didn’t take the pair long to precariously slot the wide storage case up and into the overhead bin. Liam clapped half clapped half dusted his hands off, flexing his fingers and palms after the effort while he turned and took the two steps back towards his seat and relaxed back into his original position. His arms returned to rest behind his head, and his two feet found their perch across the compartment from him on the opposing bench. The blonde boy reached out and gestured towards one of the free spaces in the compartment. “Feel free to join me and take a seat, most of the compartments will be crammed by now. I’m Liam by the way, I didn’t catch your name.”
@Matthew Robertson
Without standing the blonde boy spoke up with an inviting gesture of his right hand. “Come on in, looks like that trunk has been giving you some trouble.” He was immediately met with a harsh northern vernacular which the other boy almost immediately reworked into something clearer. Liam wasn’t too bothered by the former but appreciated the convergence for the sake of clearer communication. He then stood with a smile on his face and took the two steps towards the door to position himself next to the trunk. “We’ll manage this just fine,” the words escaped his mouth as he squatted down to grasp onto two corners of the trunk, ready to lift. “On three we’ll lift. One… two…” A sharp intake of breath followed as the boy readied himself for the maneuver. “Three!”
Legs and arms strained and shook as Liam motioned to help lift the trunk into the overhead storage, but it didn’t take the pair long to precariously slot the wide storage case up and into the overhead bin. Liam clapped half clapped half dusted his hands off, flexing his fingers and palms after the effort while he turned and took the two steps back towards his seat and relaxed back into his original position. His arms returned to rest behind his head, and his two feet found their perch across the compartment from him on the opposing bench. The blonde boy reached out and gestured towards one of the free spaces in the compartment. “Feel free to join me and take a seat, most of the compartments will be crammed by now. I’m Liam by the way, I didn’t catch your name.”
@Matthew Robertson
8 Jan 2023, 03:14
Compartment 11 - The Start of a New Journey
Matt nodded as sweat began to run from his forehead, as the count to three began, he took one sharp breath inward, holding it. On "two" he tensed his upper body, bending his knees. On "three" he pushed the air he was holding out through his tight lips, extending his knees as he "." he took a deep breath, as three was called he extended his knees and together with Liam, the trunk was forced up into the overhead storage.
Matt collapsed backwards in a heap onto the seat opposite Liam, panting as his arm shot upward to wipe the sweat from his brow. "Thanks, appreciate it mate. I'm Matthew, but I prefer Matt. I was sat in with my brother but his friends joined him in the compartment so they all kicked me out. Don't think they were being serious but I know when I'm not wanted..." He sighed, still taking quite deep breaths. "Do you know anyone who's already at Hogwarts? Any brothers or sisters?"
Matt was trying to determine if Liam would be feeling lonely at the moment. Considering the blonde boy was previously sat alone, he expected he would be, but it's possible that just like him he had siblings that didn't want to sit with him.
Matt collapsed backwards in a heap onto the seat opposite Liam, panting as his arm shot upward to wipe the sweat from his brow. "Thanks, appreciate it mate. I'm Matthew, but I prefer Matt. I was sat in with my brother but his friends joined him in the compartment so they all kicked me out. Don't think they were being serious but I know when I'm not wanted..." He sighed, still taking quite deep breaths. "Do you know anyone who's already at Hogwarts? Any brothers or sisters?"
Matt was trying to determine if Liam would be feeling lonely at the moment. Considering the blonde boy was previously sat alone, he expected he would be, but it's possible that just like him he had siblings that didn't want to sit with him.
M.R. - Stats - Stamina: 6, Evasion: 8, Strength: 5, Wisdom: 5, Arcane Power: 5, Accuracy: 6
8 Jan 2023, 04:15
Compartment 11 - The Start of a New Journey
Liam was secretly glad for the company, this Matt guy seemed alright and plus the compartment was still reasonably spacious for the two of them. His eyes flicked from the scenery beyond the window back towards his new companion for the journey - at least they had enough room to spread out and relax. The seconds ticked by on Liam’s watch, filling the space between bursts of conversation; it wasn’t anything fancy, just a stylish muggle device that his grandfather had given him a couple of years back. He’d been glancing at it from time to time, but really he had no idea how long the journey to Hogwarts would take.
The blonde boy’s right eyebrow rose as Matthew spoke, reflecting his surprise at the treatment the boy received. As the oldest sibling he could relate to being annoyed by a younger brother, but Liam certainly didn’t think he would kick either his brother or sister out of a carriage - especially in their first year. “That’s a bit unfair, don’t you think? My little brother is named Matthew too, but I’d let him stay in the compartment.” He paused for thought. “Is this normal for the two of you?” And honestly, don’t worry, the two of us can chill out here for the rest of the journey. I’m guessing you’re a first year too?”
It was true that Liam did know one or two people at Hogwarts, mostly just the odd cousin or family friend though - none of whom were the same age. “I know one or two people, but they’re not exactly friends that I’d spend time with. Plus they’re a bit older. How about yourself, do you know many people at Hogwarts aside from your brother?”
The blonde boy’s right eyebrow rose as Matthew spoke, reflecting his surprise at the treatment the boy received. As the oldest sibling he could relate to being annoyed by a younger brother, but Liam certainly didn’t think he would kick either his brother or sister out of a carriage - especially in their first year. “That’s a bit unfair, don’t you think? My little brother is named Matthew too, but I’d let him stay in the compartment.” He paused for thought. “Is this normal for the two of you?” And honestly, don’t worry, the two of us can chill out here for the rest of the journey. I’m guessing you’re a first year too?”
It was true that Liam did know one or two people at Hogwarts, mostly just the odd cousin or family friend though - none of whom were the same age. “I know one or two people, but they’re not exactly friends that I’d spend time with. Plus they’re a bit older. How about yourself, do you know many people at Hogwarts aside from your brother?”
10 Jan 2023, 01:42
Compartment 11 - The Start of a New Journey
Matt felt his lips screw up on one side of his face as Liam spoke about the differences in his brotherly relationships. It was true that he'd hoped for a warmer reception from his own older brother, if he was seen hanging around with older students he may gain a reputation for being one of the cooler first years straight off the bat. This clearly wasn't going to happen, and his brother's reasoning for giving him the boot was that Matt hadn't yet been sorted and may yet prove to be a "Slytherin in waiting"
"Yeah... It's normal, I think I'm secretly my mam- uhh, mum's favourite so he acts like that to somehow get back at her." he folded his arms, his breathing finally becoming lighter, his skin returning to a more healthier shade than the tomato red it had just been. "Yeah, I'm a first year. I'm really excited to see the castle, I expect I'll be sorted into Gryffindor. My whole family has been Gryffindor you see. It was clear from the smile that Matt was now showing that this was a thing of pride for him, though underneath it all, his stomach twisted. There was still every chance that he wouldn't be sorted into the house where the brave of heart dwells. It wasn't worth thinking about.
"Same as you, I've got an older sister as well, and I know a few of their friends from when they'd visit us during the summer, but I'd rather not sit with my sister to be honest. A bit embarrassing to be sitting in a carriage full of girls."
"Yeah... It's normal, I think I'm secretly my mam- uhh, mum's favourite so he acts like that to somehow get back at her." he folded his arms, his breathing finally becoming lighter, his skin returning to a more healthier shade than the tomato red it had just been. "Yeah, I'm a first year. I'm really excited to see the castle, I expect I'll be sorted into Gryffindor. My whole family has been Gryffindor you see. It was clear from the smile that Matt was now showing that this was a thing of pride for him, though underneath it all, his stomach twisted. There was still every chance that he wouldn't be sorted into the house where the brave of heart dwells. It wasn't worth thinking about.
"Same as you, I've got an older sister as well, and I know a few of their friends from when they'd visit us during the summer, but I'd rather not sit with my sister to be honest. A bit embarrassing to be sitting in a carriage full of girls."
M.R. - Stats - Stamina: 6, Evasion: 8, Strength: 5, Wisdom: 5, Arcane Power: 5, Accuracy: 6