10 Oct 2023, 09:30
First trip to an unknown destination
Friday, the 1st of September 2023,
Hogwarts Express
Departing of London, King's Cross
Hogwarts Express
Departing of London, King's Cross
Looking at her family left on platform 9 3/4 through the large window , Hailey feels a mix of feelings.
Sadness, excitement, melancholy, tenderness, curiosity...
Her parents and Paul wave to her again and she responds mechanically, her eyes locked with theirs.
They will stay until the train starts moving.
His father put his arms around his mother's shoulders in a tender gesture while she placed her hands on the shoulders of Paul, her little brother. A perfect, ideal image that the blonde alone in her compartment hopes to keep on her retina or at least in her memory. The last time I see them before Christmas. This thought grips his heart. They have never, ever been apart for this long. And she will miss them. Even Paul and his little quirks.
Her gaze falls on the latter's face. He tries as best he can to appear nonchalant, as if it doesn't affect him, but the blonde is not mistaken and easily notices her brother's bright eyes. Soon, little brother, soon you too will be on this train.
But here, “soon” is still akin to three years. But hey, little Paul won't be alone either. Hailey's gaze then meets her mother's. She recently told them that she was expecting a new child. A little brother or a little sister? It's an locked mystery, his father had joked.
Yes, even without her, her family will have something to occupy their minds.
A dull noise then resonates and the station master's whistle rings in the air, everywhere.
That's it. I leave.
Her breathing seems to become rarer and by reflex, the blonde places her hand on the window, her eyes meeting the gazes she loves so much.
We’ll see each other again soon, she whispers. Although they can't hear her, her parents nod with a sad smile and blow her a magical kiss.
As the train sets off, Hailey can't help but follow them with her eyes.
When they're not much taller than Playmobils, the blond exhales finally.
Come on, it's going to be amazing.
@Isadora Everridge
color =#c24400 ~ First year
No story lives unless someone wants to listen. The stories we love best do live with us forever.
12 Oct 2023, 02:27
First trip to an unknown destination
Reducio
Date: Friday, September 1st, 2023
✹✧~✧✹
Back again onboard the Hogwarts Express. It's not quite as terrifying as it was her first year, when she didn't know anyone and was petrified of being rejected by the Sorting Hat. Though, it's not exactly comfortable either.
Dora returns from changing into her Hogwarts robes, since she figured it would be better to get it out of the way, to find her and Bradley's carriage completely full. She slides the door open and tries to figure out where she can sit back down, but Bradley looks up and says, "Oh, hey Dizzy. You can find another place to sit, yeah? Thanks a bunch." The boys around him snicker and Dora slowly closes the door and walks away.
'I suppose I can come back for my bag when the train stops..' She thinks, but now's the tricky part. Most of these carriages are full, so where is she going to sit? She hasn't seen anyone she knows that well either. If only she had a friend to sit with..
Finally she comes across a near-empty carriage. There's one young girl sitting inside, with blonde hair and freckles. She's staring out the window, so Dora knocks lightly on the door before she opens it so as not to startle her. "Erm.. Everywhere else is full so.. do you mind if I sit in here with you?" Meeting new people always makes Dora nervous, even if she's getting more used to it. She hopes she isn't disturbing this girl here.
✹✧~✧✹
Interacting with @Hailey Cochran
Isadora Ramona Everridge - Word count: 248 - Color: #631679 - Ency
13 Oct 2023, 22:29
First trip to an unknown destination
Her gaze wandering outward as the train picked up speed, Hailey sat quietly on the blue seat of the compartment.
She felt alone, there in her compartment that was far too large for one person.
From time to time, she heard laughter coming from the corridor as young people crowded around, heckling and chatting, laughing, delighted to see each other again after a long summer.
She hoped that this great magical adventure that awaited her would also be human. Yes, she hoped to meet people there to get along with. I would even say more : she hoped to make friends there. Maybe she will even find those she met in Diagon Alley some time ago?
Her mind formulated their names although her lips remained closed.
King's Cross station had obviously disappeared from the landscape and the city of London was slowly starting to move away, leaving the London countryside to take over.
What if, what if people knew each other from before Hogwarts? What if they had been in a primary school specially designed for witchy families?
After all, I come from a “mixed” family.
I hope I won't be excluded.
But hey, I'm probably getting ideas.
There will surely be students in the same situation as me. Mum told me that this school welcomed all the aspiring wizards in Britain. It's a lot, though. And Alyssea was so sure i'd love there.
Her thoughts then went to where the school could be located. She said it was in Scotland. In the Highlands. The thing is, I've never been there myself. Is it like in Ireland? Also green, hilly? With lakes, mountains?
Mom said it was big. Phew, I can't wait to see it with my own eyes.
By the way, this is the first time I'm on a train without Mom and Dad. It's so weird. And what do I do, if I want to go to the toilet for example? The train looked super long. I shouldn't get lost. That would be so stupid.
Well, after all, there's probably a number above the compartment door.
Suddenly, there was a soft knock on the door, pulling her out of her thoughts and questions. The blonde turns her head to notice a young girl, a dark brunette who timidly opens the door.
- No, of course, come on in !
As the girl enters, Hailey takes the opportunity to observe her. The brunette had long hair, a pale face and was already wearing her school uniform, with the same yellow and black crest as Alyssea. Hufflepuff. She's in Hufflepuff. What if it turns out, she knows Alyssea?!
Wait, why is she already in her uniform? Did she arrive at King's Cross like that? Or...did she just change? Do I have to change now too? Oh damn, I don't know anything, shame.
Determined to regain courage, Hailey sits up and, looking at the newcomer, gives her a smile:
- Hey, must we get dressed now? Or do I still have some time? Because my uniform is in my trunk and... pff, I admit that I'm a little too lazy to take it out now. (embarrassed smile) You're in Hufflepuff, right? I met a girl from your house in Diagon Alley the other day. (new smile)
I need to stop talking. Stop talking. Hailey, she's going to think you're weird if you don't shut up.
Looking away briefly, Hailey feels herself turning pink. Hopefully the new girl doesn't find her weird and decides to stay.
@Isadora Everridge
She felt alone, there in her compartment that was far too large for one person.
From time to time, she heard laughter coming from the corridor as young people crowded around, heckling and chatting, laughing, delighted to see each other again after a long summer.
She hoped that this great magical adventure that awaited her would also be human. Yes, she hoped to meet people there to get along with. I would even say more : she hoped to make friends there. Maybe she will even find those she met in Diagon Alley some time ago?
Her mind formulated their names although her lips remained closed.
King's Cross station had obviously disappeared from the landscape and the city of London was slowly starting to move away, leaving the London countryside to take over.
What if, what if people knew each other from before Hogwarts? What if they had been in a primary school specially designed for witchy families?
After all, I come from a “mixed” family.
I hope I won't be excluded.
But hey, I'm probably getting ideas.
There will surely be students in the same situation as me. Mum told me that this school welcomed all the aspiring wizards in Britain. It's a lot, though. And Alyssea was so sure i'd love there.
Her thoughts then went to where the school could be located. She said it was in Scotland. In the Highlands. The thing is, I've never been there myself. Is it like in Ireland? Also green, hilly? With lakes, mountains?
Mom said it was big. Phew, I can't wait to see it with my own eyes.
By the way, this is the first time I'm on a train without Mom and Dad. It's so weird. And what do I do, if I want to go to the toilet for example? The train looked super long. I shouldn't get lost. That would be so stupid.
Well, after all, there's probably a number above the compartment door.
Suddenly, there was a soft knock on the door, pulling her out of her thoughts and questions. The blonde turns her head to notice a young girl, a dark brunette who timidly opens the door.
- No, of course, come on in !
As the girl enters, Hailey takes the opportunity to observe her. The brunette had long hair, a pale face and was already wearing her school uniform, with the same yellow and black crest as Alyssea. Hufflepuff. She's in Hufflepuff. What if it turns out, she knows Alyssea?!
Wait, why is she already in her uniform? Did she arrive at King's Cross like that? Or...did she just change? Do I have to change now too? Oh damn, I don't know anything, shame.
Determined to regain courage, Hailey sits up and, looking at the newcomer, gives her a smile:
- Hey, must we get dressed now? Or do I still have some time? Because my uniform is in my trunk and... pff, I admit that I'm a little too lazy to take it out now. (embarrassed smile) You're in Hufflepuff, right? I met a girl from your house in Diagon Alley the other day. (new smile)
I need to stop talking. Stop talking. Hailey, she's going to think you're weird if you don't shut up.
Looking away briefly, Hailey feels herself turning pink. Hopefully the new girl doesn't find her weird and decides to stay.
@Isadora Everridge
color =#c24400 ~ First year
No story lives unless someone wants to listen. The stories we love best do live with us forever.
16 Oct 2023, 05:31
First trip to an unknown destination
Reducio
Date: Friday, September 1st, 2023
✹✧~✧✹
"No, of course, come on in!"
Relieved, Dora enters the car and sits down near the door to give the girl her space. All the while, though, she's nervously aware of the eyes on her. She sits up a little straighter, wondering if she looks odd. 'Is there something on my face?' She can glimpse a vague reflection in the door window, and nothing stands out. 'Maybe I'm just odd looking in general..'
Then, in a burst of speech eerily similar to a friend of Dora's, the girl asks, "Hey, must we get dressed now? Or do I still have some time? Because my uniform is in my trunk and... pff, I admit that I'm a little too lazy to take it out now. You're in Hufflepuff, right? I met a girl from your house in Diagon Alley the other day."
The girl finally stops the spill of words, cheeks tinging slightly pink. It takes Dora a moment to take in everything she said as it came out quite fast. Now it she really reminds her of Tesla.. It's endearing, for sure, and it seems from what she's saying that she's probably a first year. Gosh, Dora was so nervous last year.. This girl must be feeling similarly.
"Oh, no, you don't have to change yet." Dora answers, hoping her answers can quell the girl's worries at least a little. "I just decided to change early, you only have to be dressed by the time we arrive. And, um, yes, I'm in Hufflepuff." She says it with a fragile sense of pride she's been trying to build. Despite her initial disappointment of not being sorted into Slytherin, the people in Hufflepuff she's met have strengthened her admiration for the house. Dora idly wonders who the girl met in Diagon Alley. 'Probably no one I know.' She thinks, not having all that many friends.
"My name is Isadora Everridge." Dora introduces herself cordially, "This is my second year."
✹✧~✧✹
Interacting with @Hailey Cochran
Isadora Ramona Everridge - Word count: 269 - Color: #631679 - Ency
22 Oct 2023, 15:25
First trip to an unknown destination
Why isn't she speaking ? Did i say something wrong ? Did I speak too fast ?
Oh. I see. I spoke too much, that's it. Damn. The first girl on that train I meet and she's already thinking i'm weird. Heck, what can I do ?
As Hailey's brain is rolling, processing, her gaze flips everywhere around but to the dark brunette girl. Her fingertips tapping against each other in a nervous but subtle gesture, the blonde wonders how to fix the situation. Apparently, the girl in front of her didn't know what to answer to her questions.
But finally, a voice is heard and Hailey's gaze falls back to the face in front of her.
The brunette explains that she doesn't need to change yet, at least not until they arrive.
- Ah OK thank you.
And when will it be? How long will the trip last?
Yes, more they talk - and the few words between them wasn't a big and long exchange - and more Hailey was aware of questions popping into her head. But she was determined to not bother her new comrade. She didn't want to bother her to the point she would want to leave. No way. So she keeps her questions for herself and turns her head to the window.
When the brunette opens her mouth again, Hailey is rather relieved: she wasn't the only one ready to continue this discussion. The Hufflepuff introduces herself and the Irish girl smiles automatically.
- Nice to meet you Isadora, my name is Hailey - she thinks a little, realizing that everyone she met who goes to Hogwarts also has this habit of saying their last name - Hailey Cochran. And it's my first year, but I guess you guessed that, she adds with another smile, this time amused.
Encouraged by these presentations, Hailey decides to continue and asks the first question that comes to mind:
- I imagine you're delighted to be back at Hogwarts too? The girl who, like you, is in Hufflepuff told me that it was so cool there and that I was going to love it.
Leaning back against the back of the bench, the blonde lets her gaze drift to the old ceiling.
- Of course I'm curious to see what it looks like there. I just hope... I won't mess up anything. You see, apart from the few people I met in Diagon Alley, I don't know anyone so... (shrugs) it's both exhilarating and... scary? (embarrassed laugh) Sorry to bother you with my moods. Maybe you have some advice to give me?
Hailey wasn't sure why she was confiding in Isadora like that. They had only known each other for barely a few seconds. But strangely, putting words to what was churning inside her head felt good.
@Isadora Everridge
Oh. I see. I spoke too much, that's it. Damn. The first girl on that train I meet and she's already thinking i'm weird. Heck, what can I do ?
As Hailey's brain is rolling, processing, her gaze flips everywhere around but to the dark brunette girl. Her fingertips tapping against each other in a nervous but subtle gesture, the blonde wonders how to fix the situation. Apparently, the girl in front of her didn't know what to answer to her questions.
But finally, a voice is heard and Hailey's gaze falls back to the face in front of her.
The brunette explains that she doesn't need to change yet, at least not until they arrive.
- Ah OK thank you.
And when will it be? How long will the trip last?
Yes, more they talk - and the few words between them wasn't a big and long exchange - and more Hailey was aware of questions popping into her head. But she was determined to not bother her new comrade. She didn't want to bother her to the point she would want to leave. No way. So she keeps her questions for herself and turns her head to the window.
When the brunette opens her mouth again, Hailey is rather relieved: she wasn't the only one ready to continue this discussion. The Hufflepuff introduces herself and the Irish girl smiles automatically.
- Nice to meet you Isadora, my name is Hailey - she thinks a little, realizing that everyone she met who goes to Hogwarts also has this habit of saying their last name - Hailey Cochran. And it's my first year, but I guess you guessed that, she adds with another smile, this time amused.
Encouraged by these presentations, Hailey decides to continue and asks the first question that comes to mind:
- I imagine you're delighted to be back at Hogwarts too? The girl who, like you, is in Hufflepuff told me that it was so cool there and that I was going to love it.
Leaning back against the back of the bench, the blonde lets her gaze drift to the old ceiling.
- Of course I'm curious to see what it looks like there. I just hope... I won't mess up anything. You see, apart from the few people I met in Diagon Alley, I don't know anyone so... (shrugs) it's both exhilarating and... scary? (embarrassed laugh) Sorry to bother you with my moods. Maybe you have some advice to give me?
Hailey wasn't sure why she was confiding in Isadora like that. They had only known each other for barely a few seconds. But strangely, putting words to what was churning inside her head felt good.
@Isadora Everridge
color =#c24400 ~ First year
No story lives unless someone wants to listen. The stories we love best do live with us forever.
27 Oct 2023, 03:30
First trip to an unknown destination
Reducio
Date: Friday, September 1st, 2023
✹✧~✧✹
'Ah, so she is a first year.' Dora takes the confirmation, listening as Hailey continues. "I imagine you're delighted to be back at Hogwarts too? The girl who, like you, is in Hufflepuff told me that it was so cool there and that I was going to love it."
Well, whoever she talked to seems nice. Curiously, Dora asks, "Do you remember her name?" Even if she doesn't know who it is, maybe she'll come across them in the future, in a class or something. Dora wonders if Year 2 classes will be much harder than Year 1.
"Of course I'm curious to see what it looks like there. I just hope... I won't mess up anything. You see, apart from the few people I met in Diagon Alley, I don't know anyone so... it's both exhilarating and... scary? Sorry to bother you with my moods. Maybe you have some advice to give me?"
Advice? Maybe, but Dora is barely an expert on Hogwarts. She's only been there a year, after all. She can relate to feeling scared though. "You're not bothering me." She reassures the girl, "I'll try to answer questions as best as I can. I didn't know anyone going to Hogwarts my first year either. And Hogwarts... well, it's a big castle on a hill, with a big lake beside it and the Forbidden Forest." Dora thinks back to her entrance. "First years were led across the lake on rowboats last year. I think it's tradition. You'll get a good view of the castle from there."
'I hope this is helpful..' Dora worries. She's trying to be more sociable, but it can be difficult. At least Hailey seems nice, and not like she finds Dora annoying. Honestly, this is much better than riding with her cousin.
✹✧~✧✹
Interacting with @Hailey Cochran
Isadora Ramona Everridge - Word count: 209 - Color: #631679 - Ency
20 Nov 2023, 11:12
First trip to an unknown destination
As Hailey indiquated what Alyssea had promised her, a curious look appeared on her train companion's features.
- Alyssea, Alyssea Brown.
I hope I see her again at Hogwarts.
- So, do you know her?
As she speaks, over and over, Hailey lets her thoughts slip past her lips. A brief silence ensues and Isadora assures her that she is not bothering her.
The blonde smiles, a little relieved although she knows that the brunette can say that honestly or just out of politeness. But this brief idea evaporates as quickly as it appeared when the Hufflepuff tells her about her own experience.
The young Irish girl listens attentively, especially when her older comrade draws her a picture worthy of the coolest novels she has ever read. A castle on a hill ? Surely normal for people from Scotland but for Hailey...
Wait, did she just say a forest that is... Forbidden ? For what ? Is it... dangerous ? Or does it just belong to a not very nice old man ?
In any case, the setting that Isadora depicts for her seems quite fantastic and the girl's eyes shine with excitement while she is completely hanging on his lips.
- That looks...wow ! But why is the forest forbidden ? And the Lake, you said we cross it only when we are in first year, right ? Did...did you like it ? In any case, it looks really cool! I think it’s a great tradition! Too bad it's just for the first years. Afterwards, are we allowed to borrow the rowboats ? For example, on the weekend when the weather is nice ?
@Alyssea Brown for the mention
@Isadora Everridge so sorry for the delay
- Alyssea, Alyssea Brown.
I hope I see her again at Hogwarts.
- So, do you know her?
***
As she speaks, over and over, Hailey lets her thoughts slip past her lips. A brief silence ensues and Isadora assures her that she is not bothering her.
The blonde smiles, a little relieved although she knows that the brunette can say that honestly or just out of politeness. But this brief idea evaporates as quickly as it appeared when the Hufflepuff tells her about her own experience.
The young Irish girl listens attentively, especially when her older comrade draws her a picture worthy of the coolest novels she has ever read. A castle on a hill ? Surely normal for people from Scotland but for Hailey...
Wait, did she just say a forest that is... Forbidden ? For what ? Is it... dangerous ? Or does it just belong to a not very nice old man ?
In any case, the setting that Isadora depicts for her seems quite fantastic and the girl's eyes shine with excitement while she is completely hanging on his lips.
- That looks...wow ! But why is the forest forbidden ? And the Lake, you said we cross it only when we are in first year, right ? Did...did you like it ? In any case, it looks really cool! I think it’s a great tradition! Too bad it's just for the first years. Afterwards, are we allowed to borrow the rowboats ? For example, on the weekend when the weather is nice ?
@Alyssea Brown for the mention
@Isadora Everridge so sorry for the delay
color =#c24400 ~ First year
No story lives unless someone wants to listen. The stories we love best do live with us forever.