30 Jan 2023, 21:09
Adventures take a while to start
Sorry it's such a long entry! Feel free to skip to the final paragraph - you won't have missed anything!Irina was filled with a desire to simultaneously give a high pitched squeal, hysterical laugh and shout of rage. On the most exciting day of the year, the day she had been waiting for for months and months, the muggles decided to come in swarms and droves, going from something boring to something stupid - and here she was, wetting herself out of the desire to get. On. That. TRAIN!
"Reenie, calm down!" She stopped jumping long enough to raise an eyebrow at her sister, Idril, who was smiling affectionately down at her, a look of both bemusement and exasperation on her face. "If you don't stop jumping, you're gonna pee your pants!"
Irina rolled at her eyes at Idril. She had been through this anticipation before - why wasn't she understanding her absolute desperation to get onto the Platform? Irina turned to her Dad to begin nagging him again, when he looked down at her and beckoned with one of his worn hands. She gave an excited squeal, took a tight hold of his hand and ran towards the wall standing between Platform 9 and Platform 10. Platform 9 and 3/4. Her Dad laughed as she dragged him forwards. She saw the wall nearing, took a deep breath and . . . opened her eyes.
It was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. Sleek and red with white, fluffy smoke eminating from its chimney. The words, Hogwarts Express were written in gorgeous golden lettering across its side. Irina's heart seemed to swell inside her chest, causing her throat to ache and constrict. She was finally here. She was about to start one of the greatest adventures of her life so far.
The goodbyes were finished in uder 3 minutes. As painful as it was to say goodbye to her parents and younger brother, her excitement to get going eventually overcame her sadness. Waving a final goodbye to her family, she jumped onto the train, lugging her overly large trunk along-side her. Idril was shouting down the corridor to some of her friends that she had just spotted. She turned to look down at her younger sister, fizzling with uncontained glee.
"I'm gonna go and sit with my friends. You'll be okay?"
Irina beamed broadly at Idril, already heading towards an empty compartment. "Couldn't be happier. I'll see you at the sorting!"
She closed the door behind her, shoved her trunk (with enormous difficulty) onto the luggage rack and sat down, looking out of the window at the busy platform. She continued to fizzle silently, trying hard to contain her excitement. She didn't want to freak anyone out if they came into her compartment, especially as this was the prime chance to make new friends. She dimly ackowledged her surprise at the lack of fear and trepidation she was feeling, but the thought stopped as she heard the door behind her open.@Adya Oakes
Speech: Cayenne
Thoughts: Teal
I don't have a train of thought. I have 7 trains on 4 tracks, all narrowly avoiding each other when the paths cross, all the passengers are screaming and there's that annoyingly calm female conductors voice in the background.
1 Feb 2023, 04:02
Adventures take a while to start
@Irina Shevel
The waves of fuzzy voices of hundreds of people, hit her ears as Adya passed through the wall. Her fingers tightened around her thumb in nervosity. Upon roaming her eyes around the foreign place, people bidding goodbye to their children, siblings quarrels, excited faces and likewise normal stuff stretched through the sight.
Even with how normal these people look, they aren't normal. Today onwards neither is she. A witch! That's what her identity will be. The thought overwhelmed her. Swallowing the lump in her throat, Adya tightened her grip on her trolley bag which she dragged alongside her.
This wasn't her usual demeanor. The fright in her mind overpowered her excitement and curiosity. The silly feeling will vanish. It had to! It was her determination that brought her here after all the arguments she had with her parents. Whatever comes her way, she'll face it. If not, will get used to it.
After finding a couple of compartments fully occupied, the ebony haired dragged open a relatively empty compartment. Sighing in relief, Adya stared at the girl who was present there. Should she smile? Is she welcome here? Is the girl biased against people with- not so magical backgrounds? Or is she someone like Adya?
It doesn't matter. Silence never was her best language. "Hi?" as she plopped herself on the seat on the other side, facing the girl. "Is this your first time?" Her eyes gazed at the girl's expression for any sign of unwelcome.
4 Feb 2023, 22:32
Adventures take a while to start
A girl with gorgeous, straight, black hair entered the compartment, sighing with relief and staring intently at Irina. Irina's first thought was how incredibly beautiful the girl was! Her hair shone slightly from the light coming through the window and her eyes were almost black, making her face seem even more beautiful.
Irina felt an almost imperceptible feeling of embarrassment coupled with amusement as she glanced quickly into the window, Her hair was incredibly messy, itsvolume almost doubled with the amount of knots! She looked down and noted she was wearing odd socks and jeans that were covered in dirt. 'Oops! Nice try and a good first impression. Hey ho, I've never been a self-concious person anyway.'
The girl seemed to hesitate for a small moment before striding confidently forwards and plopping herself down in front of her.
"Hi? Is this your first time?"
She continued to gaze at Irina's face, evidently waiting to see what type of person Irina would be. Irina was an incredibly confident person so didn't usually feel scared or uncertain in social situations. But her younger brother was very awkward so she understood how others might feel. She didn't know how scared this other girl was, but in case she was frightened, Irina decided to be her usual, bubbly self.
"Yeah, it's my first year! I'm guessing it's yours too?" She stuck out her hand enthusiastically for the girl to shake.
"M'name's Irina! Nice to meet you."
She leant back against the soft chair and peered out of the window, looking at the anxious parents waving goodbye to their children and the panicked pupils, rushing onto the train as fast as they could.
"How long have you been waiting for your letter? I've been waiting for years - ever since my sister got hers! She's 3 years older so I've had to watch her go to Hogwarts for ages! When I got my letter though . . ."
Irina leant further against her chair, sighing deeply. She wondered momentarily whether she had been talking for too long (something she had been constantly reminded about doing).
She slapped her head with her hand and leant forwards again, gazing into the girl's eyes. "My days, I haven't even asked your name? Sorry, I'm not so good at the whole, 'Letting other people talk' part of the conversation. So - what's your name?"@Adya Oakes
Speech: Cayenne
Thoughts: Teal
I don't have a train of thought. I have 7 trains on 4 tracks, all narrowly avoiding each other when the paths cross, all the passengers are screaming and there's that annoyingly calm female conductors voice in the background.
11 Feb 2023, 07:54
Adventures take a while to start
@Irina Shevel
The way the brunette turned away from Adya's stare was clear enough to prove how uncomfortable the girl feels. How uncomfortable she made her feel! If it had been any other day, Adya would have been entertained by it. So many questions touring inside her head. In her search for answers to those, Adya had to tie her tongue to prevent herself from messing things up. Today is an exception to her usual behaviour.
Enthusiasm mixed with confidence replaced the girl's earlier expression when she introduced herself. Irina is a first year too. Two thoughts wavered. whether she should be content that they both share a somewhat similar experience or be disappointed that the brunette mightn't reach her expectations of knowledge about the school. Her lips quirking to a side, Adya reached for Irina's outstretched hand. Before she could say a word, Irina talked again.
Her unpaused utterance failed to provide space for Adya to reply. Adya didn't want to interrupt her either. The information seemed to flow out through her words without even trying. Adya nodded with acknowledgement as she spoke. Her waiting for years for the letter made it easier to figure out a bit about her family background. The only doubt she has now is how biased this girl is towards someone who doesn't come from a wizarding background. That someone being Adya.
Thank the stars! Finally, Irina became aware of the fact that Adya didn't say a word after raising that single question. Chuckling a bit, "Yes, I can totally see that- by the way, I am Adya Oakes" she leaned back on the seat. Brushing her hair back, "About your questions earlier, I am first year too- I never waited for the letters". Was it obvious enough to let someone know her background? "- So your family is- like-" argh! what was that?! "- are you from a wizarding background? Like a long line of witches and wizards?" She scrunched her eyes a bit involuntarily as her head was titled slightly.
12 Feb 2023, 16:16
Adventures take a while to start
Adya chuckled and responded, "Yes, I can totally see that- by the way, I am Adya Oakes"
"Nice to meet you!" Irina beamed, silently berating herself for not giving Adya time earlier to respond.
"About your questions earlier, I am first year too- I never waited for the letters. So your family is- like - are you from a wizarding background? Like a long line of witches and wizards?"
From this, and the fact that Adya had screwed up her eyes with discomfort, Irina gathered that Adya was a muggle-born ('I mean, who wouldn't be excited for their Hogwarts letter unless they didn't know about it!?').
This fact didn't bother Irina at all - personally she didn't see why the whole 'muggle parents' thing was so bad. She was excited and intrigued to have a muggle born friend . . . well, maybe a friend. It would depend what Adya wanted.
Adya asked nervously about Irina's background and she happily responded, eager to share information and assure Adya that she completely fine with her parentage.
"Well, I'm a half-blood. My Mum and Dad are both half-bloods too; Dad's parents were pureblood but Mum's family have been half-blood for quite a while. We aren't enormously bothered about blood status though - my Mum's brother married a muggle and Dad's parents don't care who they all marry. So are you muggleborn then?"
She paused, suddenly realising that Adya, as a muggle born, might not know what any of the blood status terms meant. She stayed silent, waiting for Adya to ask any questions if she needed too.
ReducioThis is a gap for Adya to ask a question if she need too. If not, never mind! Obviously, you can reply with 'Yes I'm muggle born' (not exactly that) if you want.![]()
"This must be pretty terrifying for you then. I mean it's a lot to take in. I can't even imagine. Well, I know a lot about Hogwarts and obviously I actually live in the Wizarding World so I can answer anything you're confused about, don't know or want to know! So do you have anything ou want me to explain?"Interacting with @Adya Oakes
Speech: Cayenne
Thoughts: Teal
I don't have a train of thought. I have 7 trains on 4 tracks, all narrowly avoiding each other when the paths cross, all the passengers are screaming and there's that annoyingly calm female conductors voice in the background.
23 Feb 2023, 13:55
Adventures take a while to start
@Irina Shevel
Every now and then nodding, Adya steadied her gaze on Irina as she went on about her family blood status. With every word uttered, her mind clouded with confusion. The word that grabbed her attention was half blood. From her explanation, Adya got to know Irina was a half blood. The truth be told, the entire explanation to some degree dizzied her.
In spite of that, Adya's supposedly new friend at the mercy of events isn't biased on the blood status . "If by any chance it means someone from a non wizarding family background, then yes. I am a muggle born" Adya squinted her eyes wondering if the term she used was right.
Without a single percent of doubt, Adya was terrified of the outcome of her decision. But the most terrifying thing is admitting to someone that it's terrifying. " Not terrifying and all-" she made her smile as convincing as possible. "- But yes, It's definitely a lot to take- My parents weren't entirely happy about this-" the dark eyes shifted to its gaze through the window as arms crossed, hugging herself.
Her eyes darted back to the girl's face with a short chuckle, "In all honesty, I'd say I want to know everything but I suppose a train ride would barely be enough, So-" Adya squeezed her brain in search of a useful question. The only question was, what is the key element needed to survive in this school but the girl was just a first year like her. Maybe she has to search for it herself. "- So what are you most excited about?"
28 Feb 2023, 21:14
Adventures take a while to start
Irina felt a twinge of guilt, angry at herself for being inconsiderate enough to forget that Adya wouldn't know what a muggle-born was!
"Yeah, that's right. So, a muggle is a non-magical person, meaning a muggleborn is a kid who is magic but has muggle parents. Half-blood means a magic kid with at least one parent who is either muggleborn or halfblood. Halfblood means someone who has or had a muggle/muggleborn in the blood line. Pureblood means they're ancestory is entirely made from wizards. Some purebloods can be a bit prejudiced and rude but most are fine. Oh! There are also squibs who have magical parents but no magic."
Irina took a laugh gulp of air, taking a few seconds to think over the amount of words that had just come spewing from her mouth. She then let out a loud giggle and doubled over, a hand over her mouth.
"Sorry," she chuckled, "I keep on forgetting that long speeches like that can be pretty off-putting. I can be quite a lot to handle sometimes! Sorry 'bout that." She gave Adya an encouraging grin.
The grin faded rapidly however, when Adya told her that her parents hadn't been happy about this. There was a muffled silence as Irina tried to figure out what to say.
I'm . . . I'm really sorry."
She hesitated for a moment longer before slowly moving to sit next to Adya, whose arms were now wrapped around herself. Irina laid her hand gently on Adya's arm and paused for a second, aware that advice wasn't always the way to go in moments like this. That sounds really confusing. If . . . if you ever need someone to talk to . . . I'm always ready to listen. I've been told I give pretty good hugs." She hoped the small joke wouldn't annoy Adya. Maybe it would make her feel better?
"- So what are you most excited about?"
Irina leant back against the chair and stared at the ceiling, thinking it over.
"I can't wait to learn magic. I mean, my sister's been going to school for 3 years and obviously my parents are magic so I can't wait to be able to actually do it myself! We're not allowed to do magic outside of school, you see. Absolute nightmare. Oh, and of course I can't wait to make friends."
Irina was about to ask Adya again about any further questions when there was a strong jerk and the train began to move. Irina lost her balance and fell off of the chair, landing in an ungainly heap on the floor. She picked herself up quickly and excitedly rushed to the window.
OH MY DAYS! We're finally going!!"
She continued to stare out of the window, watching and waving as the platform moved past her faster and faster . . . until it was out of sight. There was the steady rumble of the train as it chuffed happily along and Irina sat down happily with a contented sigh.
"I know this seems like a lot, but just start small! Anything at all you need me to explain? I know I'm a first year like you but I'm sure I could help? Try me! It could even be something like 'What do you know about wands?' (which I know a lot about) or 'What do the 4 houses of Hogwarts mean?' I know about them too cause my sister told me all about them."Interacting with @Adya Oakes
Speech: Cayenne
Thoughts: Teal
I don't have a train of thought. I have 7 trains on 4 tracks, all narrowly avoiding each other when the paths cross, all the passengers are screaming and there's that annoyingly calm female conductors voice in the background.
16 Mar 2023, 15:04
Adventures take a while to start
@Irina Shevel
Adya was literally on the edge of drawing her notebook out of her bag to put down the brunette's words. Although with her memory power, it's safe even if she waits until they reach the destination. "It sounds interesting" Adya nodded with her eyes narrowed as she tried puzzling out the blood status thing.
The train was yet to start but Adya already began swinging her legs as she remained in the same place for quite a while. Moreover, her cravings to explore her new school excessed her impatience. Pointing a soft smile at Irina, "It's alright, don't be sorry for this- I like to hear people talk", which was partially true. Never was she bored of gaining information.
When the grin faded off from Irina's face, Adya's thoughts altered between fabricating her past or saying the truth that it didn't bother her... to a great extent. Adya blinked cluelessly as Irina felt sorry and moved beside her. "Oh- it didn't bother me in the slightest" Adya placed her palm atop the brunette's hand. She didn't like being pitied. People pitying over her fake stories was totally fine. The actual ones... Yuck no!
With a chuckle, " I could use a hug now especially from someone so sweet as you" Adya opened her arms as she tilted herself towards Irina. She didn't realise how badly she needed a hug until it was offered. Not because of her parents' disapproval alone. Also because various emotions are hitting her all at once. When in her old school, her best friends were there to have her back. But they wouldn't be with her on this journey. The young girl was clueless on what she's got to deal with.
Dragging herself out of the stupid gloomy mood, Adya listened to the other girl. " So you'd get to spend more time with your sister, I see?" Adya looked through the window with a slight smile, already missing hers. "It's going to be weird, we all were always together- me and my sisters" Adya worded out further. Oh god! Why is she going blue again?! Faking a relieved smile "I mean it would be wonderful to not have them clinging around- I actually pity you" Adya clicked her tongue playfully.
As the train started with a jerk, Adya gripped the seat edge for balance but her new friend fell off the seat. Adya bit back her laugh at the sudden movement. Before she could help her, Irina picked herself up unaffected. "Careful" Adya murmured, keeping her voice low to not show her amusement. As she faced Irina, "What do the 4 houses of Hogwarts mean?" She quoted the question that caught her attention as she tilted her head a bit.
19 Mar 2023, 20:21
Adventures take a while to start
Interacting with @Adya OakesAs Irina explained about wizarding blood status, she could see Adya's eyes spark with interest. Her eyes were narrowed as though she were trying to puzzle something out. Irina herself became curious about what was happening in the other girl's head. She remained silent however, as she had the feeling that Adya wouldn't be best pleased if Irina started invading her privacy by asking "So what are you thinking right now?"
As soon as Irina began showing signs of pity or sympathy, she could see Adya begin to squirm - clearly this girl didn't want or didn't need sympathy of any kind. Irina was desperate to inquire further, see if there was anything she could do to help Adya . . . she wanted to help so bad! But if Adya didn't want to talk then Irina would follow her lead. It caused her own stomach to knot but she remembered what her mum had told her about being polite and respectful - ugh, what a time to remember life lessons.
She thought it was a good sign however, that Adya placed her hand over hers and an even better sign when Adya lent forwards for a hug! Irina loved hugs, whether it was giving or recieving them. She responded with enthusiasm, hugging Adya tightly (probably too tightly if truth be told, but the combination of words she wasn't going to say and adoration of hugs was too much for her).
Once the hug was over, they moved onto the topic of Hogwarts. Adya bantered about siblings and Irina felt a slight sense of relief that Adya seemed to be happier. She seemed to falter as she reminisced over her sisters but quickly picked it up again with a joke towards Irina.
"I mean it would be wonderful to not have them clinging around- I actually pity you."
Irina laughed and nudged Adya in the ribs. "Yup, I bet you anything there's gonna be at least 3 teachers who say 'Ah, yes the secind Shevel child. You look just like your sister!'"
After the train moved and Irina fell in an undignified heap to the floor, Adya said, "Careful," in a gentle tone. Irina was fairly sure Adya was trying to conceal a trace of amusement but she didn't mind. She was incredibly climsy so this sort of thing would be happening all year!
"It's okay," she chuckled, "This sort of thing is completely normal. You're probably gonna have to tell me to be careful quite a few more times this year." She winked slyly.
Irina settled onto her chair again and looked excitedly out of the window at the blurred shapes, before Adya asked, "What do the 4 houses of Hogwarts mean?"
Irina perked up and wriggled to the edge of the chair. Answering questions was fun!
"Well there's Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. They're all named after the founders of Hogwarts! Godric Gryffindor, Rowena Ravenclaw, Helga Hufflepuff and Salazar Slytherin." She paused, wondering if it would be too much information for Adya but then remembered the intrigued look on Adya's face earlier. She felt a slight sense of awe and respect for the girl as she continued.
"All the houses value different aspects and characteristics which is how you get sorted into them. Gryffindor values bravery and loyalty, Ravenclaw values intelligence and intelect, Slytherin values cunning and ambition and Hufflepuff values kindness and patience." She paused again with a slight scowl on her face. "My parents and sister wouldn't tell me how they sorted you. My guess is its a personality kiz like the muggles use. But on parchment not compluterz cause that sort of thing doesn't work in Hogwarts, obviously."
"I think I'd probably be in Hogwarts or Hufflepuff - I'm quite nervous actually."
She hesiated only for a fraction of an instant as she listed to the whispered doubts that trickled through her brain. They had started as soon as her owl had come but she'd managed to suppress the thoughts. To distract herself, she asked, "So, what house do you think you would be in? I can tell you more if you need me to?"ReducioI'm so sorry this is so long! Ignore any bits you don't want to respond to Xx
I don't have a train of thought. I have 7 trains on 4 tracks, all narrowly avoiding each other when the paths cross, all the passengers are screaming and there's that annoyingly calm female conductors voice in the background.
28 Mar 2023, 12:00
Adventures take a while to start
@Irina Shevel
"Miss! I am trying to reach my destination with no bones broken" Adya let out a laugh as Irina squeezed- or crushed her into a hug. Merely certain persons had given her this sort of hug. Receiving such a hug from a person she just met was weirdly comforting. Whether it was the result of her nervousness or the other girl's open hearted behaviour, Adya has no clue. One thing that's clear is she's grateful for having met this specific girl during this journey. Despite it all, something in the corner of her mind as usual repeated the words trust no one to pull her off too much emotional connection with people.
Adya's eyes widened with surprise at the familiarity in the story regarding their sisters " My sister and I usually deal with that too but not by the teachers- but some people asked if we're twins-" as she remembered how her new neighbour and her mom's colleague asked if they both were twins. Narrowing her eyes in confusion in thoughts, "- Though I don't know why, Anvi is an inch shorter than me and looks more like my dad-" Adya tilted her head towards Irina with her lips stretched into a smile, "- However I can't deny that she's the prettiest". No matter what, she won't admit it in front of her sister!
"I am completely okay with it, maybe I'll prevent you from slipping next time" the hint of amusement still unfaded from her face. Adya was hardly clumsy and in addition, she had experience with clumsy friends. Adya leaned forward with interest to hear the details of the four houses, nodding every now and then until the pause. Adya wondered what the pause was for but didn't come to a conclusion as her new friend went on. Adya looked through the window before looking up as she rested her head back, "I don't know but I'll be content with wherever the personality tests sort me". Everything about this was overwhelming. Adya closed her eyes as a gulp formed in her throat as her fingers toyed with the hem of her shirt.