26 Feb 2023, 01:37
First Journey
Overlaps and expands on: The Sendoff
Nella maneuvered her luggage through the train corridors leaving a trail of 'excuse me, pardon me, so sorry' in her wake until she found an empty carriage that had a view out the opposite side of the train from the platform. Her mum had to work soon, so wouldn't be able to watch the train leave so she may as well leave the compartments with that view for those students with parents that were able to stay. If she were truly honest she was a little sad that she wasn't one of them, but at the same time she understood that her parents work is also important.
One of her favorite things about both the dress and the hoodie she was wearing were the pockets. And the hoodie had nice deep ones, deep enough to tuck a book into. Her dress pocket had her purse with pocket money enough for the tea trolley for lunch. Pulling the book - The Keeper of the Lost Cities - carefully from her pocket Nella sat on the hard seats in the compartment, taking a window seat of course, and got as comfy as she could. Opening up to her bookmark she settled in for a good read.
Of course. One can only settle in so we'll on a hard train seat while excited to be off to a legendary school she's only heard about, to learn magic properly. Pair that with the increasing amount of noise from outside the compartment as it drew nearer to the time of departure, and Nella was more often staring into space than reading the words on the page infront of her. Soon enough the compartments would start filling up and almost certainly there would be companions filling the compartment before long.
(294 words)
Nella maneuvered her luggage through the train corridors leaving a trail of 'excuse me, pardon me, so sorry' in her wake until she found an empty carriage that had a view out the opposite side of the train from the platform. Her mum had to work soon, so wouldn't be able to watch the train leave so she may as well leave the compartments with that view for those students with parents that were able to stay. If she were truly honest she was a little sad that she wasn't one of them, but at the same time she understood that her parents work is also important.
One of her favorite things about both the dress and the hoodie she was wearing were the pockets. And the hoodie had nice deep ones, deep enough to tuck a book into. Her dress pocket had her purse with pocket money enough for the tea trolley for lunch. Pulling the book - The Keeper of the Lost Cities - carefully from her pocket Nella sat on the hard seats in the compartment, taking a window seat of course, and got as comfy as she could. Opening up to her bookmark she settled in for a good read.
Of course. One can only settle in so we'll on a hard train seat while excited to be off to a legendary school she's only heard about, to learn magic properly. Pair that with the increasing amount of noise from outside the compartment as it drew nearer to the time of departure, and Nella was more often staring into space than reading the words on the page infront of her. Soon enough the compartments would start filling up and almost certainly there would be companions filling the compartment before long.
(294 words)
26 Feb 2023, 06:20
First Journey
Julie hurried across the platform, dragging her unbelievably heavy luggage along. Only if she hadn’t taken so many books, it would have been much easier for her to carry the suitcase. Now just taking the suitcase seems to drain all her strength out.
Finally, she managed to squeeze onto the train, then randomly found a relatively empty compartment and entered. She asked, out of breath: “May I sit here?” Then she realized that the other girl inside was lost in thought, and obviously didn’t hear her at all. Therefore, she just sat down without being invited and immediately laid her suitcase down on the ground. Finally, I can relax for a while without having such a burden with me for the whole time! She thought to herself.
Just as she was about to take her own book out, she glanced up and saw that the opposite student was reading The Keeper of the Lost Cities. Hmm… I’ve heard that the book is quite interesting, but haven’t got the chance to read it yet. I wander what it’s about...
“Hi! What’s your book about? Is it interesting?” Julie asked as quietly as possible, trying not to startle the girl, while silently hoping that she could hear her this time.
Finally, she managed to squeeze onto the train, then randomly found a relatively empty compartment and entered. She asked, out of breath: “May I sit here?” Then she realized that the other girl inside was lost in thought, and obviously didn’t hear her at all. Therefore, she just sat down without being invited and immediately laid her suitcase down on the ground. Finally, I can relax for a while without having such a burden with me for the whole time! She thought to herself.
Just as she was about to take her own book out, she glanced up and saw that the opposite student was reading The Keeper of the Lost Cities. Hmm… I’ve heard that the book is quite interesting, but haven’t got the chance to read it yet. I wander what it’s about...
“Hi! What’s your book about? Is it interesting?” Julie asked as quietly as possible, trying not to startle the girl, while silently hoping that she could hear her this time.
Word Count: 208
It is not our abilities that show what we truly are, it is our choices.
26 Feb 2023, 20:29
First Journey
Nella was pretty sure she had just read the same paragraph without taking it in for the last 10 minutes. With a sigh she moved her gaze to staring out the window, her gaze in the middle distance as she zoned out waiting for the journey to start. She started to wonder what the other kids sin her year would be like. What would it feel like to not have to hide half of herself from the new friends she would undoubtedly make. So caught up was she in thinking about the friends she was going to make, she didn't notice a potential new friend entering the compartment with her at first.
It wasn't until the new girl sat down and asked about her book that she came back to the present with a start. "OhmygoshI'msosorry," She said all in a rush. "So rude of me. I'm not usually so spacey," she continued with a friendly smile blooming on her face. She took in the other girl, a blonde like herself, and thought over the question she'd only just caught. "Oh this?" She turned the book over in her hands so the other girl could see the cover better, "It's about a girl who lives with humans then finds out she's actually an Elf from a magically hidden society and has to go and learn to control her magic and save the world I the process. It's quite fun, but I guess liking it is probably a bit silly considering.... well all this." Nella blushed a little, and gestured around indicating the train and the students and the fact that they were all about to go learn magic at a hidden school. "If you're interested though I'm nearly finished. You could borrow it after? I'm Nella, by the way."
Word count: 299
It wasn't until the new girl sat down and asked about her book that she came back to the present with a start. "OhmygoshI'msosorry," She said all in a rush. "So rude of me. I'm not usually so spacey," she continued with a friendly smile blooming on her face. She took in the other girl, a blonde like herself, and thought over the question she'd only just caught. "Oh this?" She turned the book over in her hands so the other girl could see the cover better, "It's about a girl who lives with humans then finds out she's actually an Elf from a magically hidden society and has to go and learn to control her magic and save the world I the process. It's quite fun, but I guess liking it is probably a bit silly considering.... well all this." Nella blushed a little, and gestured around indicating the train and the students and the fact that they were all about to go learn magic at a hidden school. "If you're interested though I'm nearly finished. You could borrow it after? I'm Nella, by the way."
Word count: 299
27 Feb 2023, 11:07
First Journey
Julie listened intently to Nella’s description of the book, her lips curling slightly into a subtle smile. As a typical bookworm, she reads books of all categories, but also especially likes fantasy novels about magic. Only now that Ella mentioned it, did she realize that this hobby is indeed quite unusual, considering that they are currently in such a magical world as well.
She studied the other girl carefully, and decided that she seems like an interesting and generous person to have a conversation with. “Really? I’d love to borrow it after you’re finished. Thanks a lot!” Julie replied, grateful that Nella had suggested to lend her the book, or she’ll never be able to bring herself to ask.
Speaking of Elves, Julie recalled what her parents had once told her, that some house elves used to work in the Hogwarts kitchen. However, she decided not to mention that, just in case Nella took her as a show-off. After all, for muggle-borns, or even some wizard-borns, they don’t know much about the Hogwarts castle before they came here. Instead, she merely said: “My name’s Julie, nice to meet you! This is my first year here, are you also a new student?”
Then she reached her right hand out for Nella to shake, as a sign of friendliness. Usually Julie isn’t much interested in making friends, and prefers to keep to herself. However, somehow she just has an innate good feeling towards the girl opposite her. Maybe we’ll become friends one day? I sure hope that I won’t be SO unpopular as in my previous muggle school. She thought hopefully to herself.
She studied the other girl carefully, and decided that she seems like an interesting and generous person to have a conversation with. “Really? I’d love to borrow it after you’re finished. Thanks a lot!” Julie replied, grateful that Nella had suggested to lend her the book, or she’ll never be able to bring herself to ask.
Speaking of Elves, Julie recalled what her parents had once told her, that some house elves used to work in the Hogwarts kitchen. However, she decided not to mention that, just in case Nella took her as a show-off. After all, for muggle-borns, or even some wizard-borns, they don’t know much about the Hogwarts castle before they came here. Instead, she merely said: “My name’s Julie, nice to meet you! This is my first year here, are you also a new student?”
Then she reached her right hand out for Nella to shake, as a sign of friendliness. Usually Julie isn’t much interested in making friends, and prefers to keep to herself. However, somehow she just has an innate good feeling towards the girl opposite her. Maybe we’ll become friends one day? I sure hope that I won’t be SO unpopular as in my previous muggle school. She thought hopefully to herself.
Word Count: 271
It is not our abilities that show what we truly are, it is our choices.
27 Feb 2023, 22:43
First Journey
Nella noticed the other girls small smile, and found herself smiling in response. She always enjoyed bring joy to other people and she was glad that she was able to do just that for the other girl. She took the proffered hand and shook it - firmly but with an element of friendliness too. "It's lovely to meet you Julie." She let go of the other girls hand and relaxed in her seat a little bit.
"This is my first year too," she continued on, answering Julie's question. "I'm pretty excited though. My mum went to Hogwarts and I want to be a potions mistress like her when I graduate... or even better!" She continued enthusiastically. "I'm not super sure about which house I think I fit into though," she followed up with, a bit of hesitation creeping in, "but honestly I'm not sure it should matter as much as it seems to." She looked up, brightness taking over her face and she earnestly continued, "I just want to learn magic, become the best witch I can be, and make amazing friends along the way." She suddenly blushed and looked a little sheepish, but honestly. Friendship to her was more important than what house that friend belonged to. After all, it's not like you stay in house groups after graduation.
'Maybe that was too much info all at once?' She thought to herself. She didn't even know yet if this girl was born to the magical world. What if she had just overwhelmed a muggleborn with all this extra knowledge? But backtracking now would seem weird if she wasn't muggle born... well. The only thing now was to wait and see if Julie thought she was odd, or if she was on her way to having her first hogwarts friend.
(Word count: 300)
"This is my first year too," she continued on, answering Julie's question. "I'm pretty excited though. My mum went to Hogwarts and I want to be a potions mistress like her when I graduate... or even better!" She continued enthusiastically. "I'm not super sure about which house I think I fit into though," she followed up with, a bit of hesitation creeping in, "but honestly I'm not sure it should matter as much as it seems to." She looked up, brightness taking over her face and she earnestly continued, "I just want to learn magic, become the best witch I can be, and make amazing friends along the way." She suddenly blushed and looked a little sheepish, but honestly. Friendship to her was more important than what house that friend belonged to. After all, it's not like you stay in house groups after graduation.
'Maybe that was too much info all at once?' She thought to herself. She didn't even know yet if this girl was born to the magical world. What if she had just overwhelmed a muggleborn with all this extra knowledge? But backtracking now would seem weird if she wasn't muggle born... well. The only thing now was to wait and see if Julie thought she was odd, or if she was on her way to having her first hogwarts friend.
(Word count: 300)
28 Feb 2023, 10:31
First Journey
After listening to what Nella has just said, Julie felt much more relieved. If her mother went to Hogwarts, then Nella would at least have some basic knowledge about the Wizarding World. And that, would definitely make their conversation easier for her, without having to explain everything.
Only now that Nella mentioned which house she would be in, did Julie realize that she never even wondered about that. With her craze for books and knowledge, both her parents and herself have always believed that she’ll be a prefect fit for Ravenclaw. But she does also share some Slytherin traits though…
“Definitely. Our house doesn’t determine who we are or who we can be. I do think that I’d either be a Ravenclaw or a Slytherin though, most likely I’ll be in Ravenclaw.” Julie considered what Nella had said about her mother being a Potion mistress, and added: “I’ve been studying first-year Potions at home for a while, have your mother taught you any potions in advance?”
Julie immediately regretted what she had just said. After all, if Nella’s parents hadn’t taught her anything before she came to Hogwarts, it would seem as if they’re irresponsible, or that Nella’s too ignorant, which isn’t what she meant. I guess that’s the problem of being unsociable. I hope she doesn’t mind… Julie secretly decided that, from now on, she would think twice before saying anything, just in case it’s too hurtful. Even Julie herself can’t understand why she cares so much about Nella’s feelings. She’d never been the sort of person to take other’s emotions into much account, and especially won’t over-worry herself by what she said.
Only now that Nella mentioned which house she would be in, did Julie realize that she never even wondered about that. With her craze for books and knowledge, both her parents and herself have always believed that she’ll be a prefect fit for Ravenclaw. But she does also share some Slytherin traits though…
“Definitely. Our house doesn’t determine who we are or who we can be. I do think that I’d either be a Ravenclaw or a Slytherin though, most likely I’ll be in Ravenclaw.” Julie considered what Nella had said about her mother being a Potion mistress, and added: “I’ve been studying first-year Potions at home for a while, have your mother taught you any potions in advance?”
Julie immediately regretted what she had just said. After all, if Nella’s parents hadn’t taught her anything before she came to Hogwarts, it would seem as if they’re irresponsible, or that Nella’s too ignorant, which isn’t what she meant. I guess that’s the problem of being unsociable. I hope she doesn’t mind… Julie secretly decided that, from now on, she would think twice before saying anything, just in case it’s too hurtful. Even Julie herself can’t understand why she cares so much about Nella’s feelings. She’d never been the sort of person to take other’s emotions into much account, and especially won’t over-worry herself by what she said.
Word Count: 274
It is not our abilities that show what we truly are, it is our choices.
1 Mar 2023, 02:58
First Journey
Thank goodness. The other girl seemed to be part of the Wizarding world too and perfectly whelmed by Nella's torrent of words. She considered Julie's words, mulling it over for possibly the first time. She had been so focused on getting to hogwarts, that she hadn't really thought about the house she wanted to be sorted into. Realistically what you wanted only had a very small part to play, if any, but speculation could be fun.
"I think I'll be Ravenclaw too," she replied. "I know family doesn't really matter but mum wad a Ravenclaw amd it would fit with my overall goals. Although I can definitely see Hufflepuff as a contender. I think I would prefer Ravenclaw though. And yeah, I've picked up some things from mum. I'm allowed to visit her work sometimes, and the amount of information I've collected from her well meaning colleagues... well I could probably write a small book!" She joked. And she had indeed been given a lot of unsolicited advice from her mums colleagues.
Nella was surprised by Julie's words though. Her mum might have let her help from time to time, or explained what she was doing while Nella watched, but she'd never been allowed to make a potion all by herself before. It was infact something she was really looking forward too. She fiddled with the book in her hands a little before continuing, confiding in the other girl. "If I'm honest though," she started slowly, "I've not done a lot of Magic before now, outside of unintentional magic of course. My dad is human and the compromise was that pre-hogwarts I learned to exist in the muggle world. Like him. So that I could understand how they live and work and stuff. So I guess... I mean, I know more about magic than a muggle-born but it's all second hand or from books. It's partly why I'm SO looking forward to school!" She ended with enthusiasm, although the way she fiddled with her book belied the nervousness she felt about the confession.
It surprised her too. She'd never felt weird about her muggle upbringing til now, and had never thought to question if it was normal or not. While she knew that technically everyone started at the same place - the beginning- she all of a sudden felt like maybe she was already behind.
(Word count: 395 words)
"I think I'll be Ravenclaw too," she replied. "I know family doesn't really matter but mum wad a Ravenclaw amd it would fit with my overall goals. Although I can definitely see Hufflepuff as a contender. I think I would prefer Ravenclaw though. And yeah, I've picked up some things from mum. I'm allowed to visit her work sometimes, and the amount of information I've collected from her well meaning colleagues... well I could probably write a small book!" She joked. And she had indeed been given a lot of unsolicited advice from her mums colleagues.
Nella was surprised by Julie's words though. Her mum might have let her help from time to time, or explained what she was doing while Nella watched, but she'd never been allowed to make a potion all by herself before. It was infact something she was really looking forward too. She fiddled with the book in her hands a little before continuing, confiding in the other girl. "If I'm honest though," she started slowly, "I've not done a lot of Magic before now, outside of unintentional magic of course. My dad is human and the compromise was that pre-hogwarts I learned to exist in the muggle world. Like him. So that I could understand how they live and work and stuff. So I guess... I mean, I know more about magic than a muggle-born but it's all second hand or from books. It's partly why I'm SO looking forward to school!" She ended with enthusiasm, although the way she fiddled with her book belied the nervousness she felt about the confession.
It surprised her too. She'd never felt weird about her muggle upbringing til now, and had never thought to question if it was normal or not. While she knew that technically everyone started at the same place - the beginning- she all of a sudden felt like maybe she was already behind.
(Word count: 395 words)
1 Mar 2023, 12:42
First Journey
Oh dear. Am I so awful at socializing that I can’t even express my point out correctly without being misunderstood? Julie groaned on the inside, but managed to not let her self-blame show. What she had meant was that she has been reading the textbooks for quite a few times and her parents have helped her solve the difficulties she encountered, not that her parents have been allowing her to practice making potions all by herself. However, she has indeed secretly try it for a few times…
“No, that’s not what I mean. Of course we aren’t supposed to make any potions by ourselves, at least my parents wouldn’t allow me to do so. But I have succeeded in trying it out for a few times without my parents noticing though.” Julie can’t help but give Nella a mischievous grin. Although she’s often seen as a quiet & introverted girl, she actually loves successfully breaking the rules that others have set for her. Guess that’s one benefit that female stereotypes brought her, making it much easier for her to break rules while not getting caught than the boys. Most teachers (and parents) think that boys tend to be more naughty, resulting in them paying less attention to girls.
Julie suddenly realized that Nella still doesn’t know anything about her life before Hogwarts, so she added: “I’m wizard-born, and both of my parents used to belong in Gryffindor. I’m sure I wouldn’t belong there though.” Is it possible to keep friends that don’t belong to the same house as myself? Julie silently hoped that she and Nella would be in the same house, or else they won’t see much of each other anymore once they enter Hogwarts.
“No, that’s not what I mean. Of course we aren’t supposed to make any potions by ourselves, at least my parents wouldn’t allow me to do so. But I have succeeded in trying it out for a few times without my parents noticing though.” Julie can’t help but give Nella a mischievous grin. Although she’s often seen as a quiet & introverted girl, she actually loves successfully breaking the rules that others have set for her. Guess that’s one benefit that female stereotypes brought her, making it much easier for her to break rules while not getting caught than the boys. Most teachers (and parents) think that boys tend to be more naughty, resulting in them paying less attention to girls.
Julie suddenly realized that Nella still doesn’t know anything about her life before Hogwarts, so she added: “I’m wizard-born, and both of my parents used to belong in Gryffindor. I’m sure I wouldn’t belong there though.” Is it possible to keep friends that don’t belong to the same house as myself? Julie silently hoped that she and Nella would be in the same house, or else they won’t see much of each other anymore once they enter Hogwarts.
Word Count: 286
It is not our abilities that show what we truly are, it is our choices.
1 Mar 2023, 22:05
First Journey
Ema stiffly said goodbye to her parents as she shook her father’s hand and then her mother's but was quickly hugged by her grandmother’s while her grandfather chuckled at her mock groaning and complaining as she tried to stave off their attempts at fixing her hair which she’d covered with her beanie already before glancing at the time and bade them farewell promising she’d owl them her house when she was sorted tomorrow.
She then quickly but smoothly headed down the train avoiding people as she tried to spot an empty carriage but found no such luck, she didn’t want to go hang with her brother knowing that he’d want to spend some time with his friends though they wouldn’t mind her company as they’d met her and hung out with her as well not just her brother.
She spotted two girls chatting…she hesitated for a bit before deciding maybe it could be worth a try to maybe make some friends even if they weren’t in her house. She quickly checked her appearance: Short auburn hair tousled as usual somewhat covered by her black beanie, her blue-green eyes a tad weary with sleep from the early wake-up call, then she checked her clothes: black trousers, green converse then a simple grey t-shirt with a green, black, and grey flannel on top and around her waist a black hoodie.
She politely knocked on the door and opened it “Sorry to bother you both but can I sit with you?” She smiled sheepishly.
Word Count: 250
She then quickly but smoothly headed down the train avoiding people as she tried to spot an empty carriage but found no such luck, she didn’t want to go hang with her brother knowing that he’d want to spend some time with his friends though they wouldn’t mind her company as they’d met her and hung out with her as well not just her brother.
She spotted two girls chatting…she hesitated for a bit before deciding maybe it could be worth a try to maybe make some friends even if they weren’t in her house. She quickly checked her appearance: Short auburn hair tousled as usual somewhat covered by her black beanie, her blue-green eyes a tad weary with sleep from the early wake-up call, then she checked her clothes: black trousers, green converse then a simple grey t-shirt with a green, black, and grey flannel on top and around her waist a black hoodie.
She politely knocked on the door and opened it “Sorry to bother you both but can I sit with you?” She smiled sheepishly.
Word Count: 250
5 Mar 2023, 08:24
First Journey
Of course she was being silly. No one was allowed really to do underage magic deliberately, and definitely not once they got their wands and the trace. To have done a few practice ones on the sly though, that was risky but Nella was impressed Julie had managed.
"OH! Of course." Nella said brightly, and with a sheepish giggle. "I think that now this is all happening it makes me such a strange bundle of nerves and excitement and the... I don't know how to put it," she rambled on pensively. "A need to prove myself I guess. It makes the mind go into some weird places though. I'm impressed though that you got away with it- even without the whole underage magic thing my mum would notice immediately if any of her ingredients were missing. And I think I fear her more than the Ministry." She laughed, and gave the other girl a big, cheeky grin. She took in the girls other words too. Both parents from Griffindor, that would be a legacy to live to. Nella was grateful knowing that both her mums legacy was something she both aspired to achieving as well as hoping to surpass, and that her mum whole heartedly supported her becoming her own witch legacy be damned. She did also know that some magical families put a lot of stock in legacies and not fitting the mold could be a problem.
"Two griffindor parents? Seems like some big expectations in your future?" Nella talked before even thinking her words through and mentally kicked herself. "Only in that I know some families out anoot of stock in legacies. That must be tough y'know? But if it's not where you should be then it won't be. The world has a way of working out." Nella gave what she hoped was an encouraging smile and noticed that the corridors were getting increasingly noisier. Cooking her head towards the compartment door she commented, "can't be too far away from departing now. I can't wait to get there!" Her voice oozing with enthusiasm.
(Word cout: 345)
"OH! Of course." Nella said brightly, and with a sheepish giggle. "I think that now this is all happening it makes me such a strange bundle of nerves and excitement and the... I don't know how to put it," she rambled on pensively. "A need to prove myself I guess. It makes the mind go into some weird places though. I'm impressed though that you got away with it- even without the whole underage magic thing my mum would notice immediately if any of her ingredients were missing. And I think I fear her more than the Ministry." She laughed, and gave the other girl a big, cheeky grin. She took in the girls other words too. Both parents from Griffindor, that would be a legacy to live to. Nella was grateful knowing that both her mums legacy was something she both aspired to achieving as well as hoping to surpass, and that her mum whole heartedly supported her becoming her own witch legacy be damned. She did also know that some magical families put a lot of stock in legacies and not fitting the mold could be a problem.
"Two griffindor parents? Seems like some big expectations in your future?" Nella talked before even thinking her words through and mentally kicked herself. "Only in that I know some families out anoot of stock in legacies. That must be tough y'know? But if it's not where you should be then it won't be. The world has a way of working out." Nella gave what she hoped was an encouraging smile and noticed that the corridors were getting increasingly noisier. Cooking her head towards the compartment door she commented, "can't be too far away from departing now. I can't wait to get there!" Her voice oozing with enthusiasm.
(Word cout: 345)