Closed I am lost and can't find my classes, what a dreadful first day Finished

☽⦙ Interacting With | @Tommy Patterson ⦙☾
☽⦙ Hex Code | #810B2D ⦙☾

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As a fifth year, Dori knew the ins and outs of Hogwarts and could probably walk the halls in the dead of sleep. Some of their exploration had been without their consent, such as their foray into the basement under the Common Room of Hufflepuff. But otherwise, most of the exploration was consensual. It was incredibly rare to see a student this late into the year lost without any sort of aim. But as Dori trotted back through the hallways after visiting the lavatory during class (as a golden retriever of course since that form was infinitely more fun than being human), they seemed to spot one of those students trailing slowly through the hallways.

They shook off their form quickly, rising to well- not quite tall. They were still short and their opportunity for growth spurts had long passed. "Are you alright?" The person in front of them was incredibly young, definitely a first year. Still bright eyed without the traumas that came with this school. They held out their hand, "I'm Dorion, you can call me Dori. I use they/them pronouns, and I'm a fifth year in Hufflepuff. Did you need help finding your way? Surely your Professor will be happy to have you returned." This did remind them of their prefect days, wandering the halls with permission and helping students find their way. But- technically they still weren't breaking rules and they were trustworthy enough to take extra time coming back from the lavatory. They would explain to their Professor later if it was an issue.

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Tommy was shocked. This was the first time someone even close to the same age group of him had been open and friendly. While trying to keep his jaw from hitting the floor, Tommy stammered "H-h-ello Dori" . Although he was nervous, he took a deep breath before continuing. "I'm new here if you couldn't tell. I'm trying to figure out where my classes are before I start attending so that I can avoid being late and embarrassing myself, my family, or my Hogwarts house. I only just transferred to Hogwarts recently, and it's so embarrassing coming so late into the year and not knowing where I'm going, where anything is, or who anyone is. I hope this isn't all too much information for you, but if you could just help me find my classes, I would be eternally greatful."


Tommy then began to dig through his pockets, trying to find the list of courses and locations that he was provided. Upon finding the note torn into three flimsy pieces, he embarrassingly pulled it out and mumbled, "Looked like I have to go to charms, potions, transfigurations, DADA, and HOM. I'm not quite sure what this one says, 'ronomy' it's a bit too torn to read, but there is also herbology and flying. I promise I'm not always this disorganized... only, most of the time". This poor joke was followed by anxious laughter as Tommy waited anxiously for Dori's reply on where to go and how to find his way around Hogwarts.

☽⦙ Interacting With | @Tommy Patterson ⦙☾
☽⦙ Hex Code | #810B2D ⦙☾

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Oh wow. This kid was in- rough shape.

There was a part of Dori that wondered if they had been in this rough of shape according to upper years when they were a first year. The teenager listened politely, folding their hands in front of them and nodding to indicate that they were indeed processing this information. As they had stopped quite a bit away they walked closer, trying to peer at the familiar note that every body received when they first started.

A soft hand laid on his shoulder encouragingly. "I know this must feel overwhelming, but trust me it gets easier. What is your name?" While he, hopefully, introduced himself Dori scanned the note, gently taking it from him. "Defence Against the Dark Arts and History of Magic are those two acronyms. Astronomy is the one that's torn, that's all the way up at the tower and you'll be escorted from your dorm at night to that so you don't have to worry about where that one is. But why don't we start with just getting you to the class you're supposed to be in? I can come walk you to your next class after." They smiled down at the- well, they were only a few inches taller. Tall first years always making Dori feel even shorter than they were. But they headed off to the class that the boy was supposed to be in with a gentle stride.

"If you don't mind me asking, did you just like- move to the region of Hogwarts? I think it covers most of the UK. It just must be rough transferring so late. But trust me, you'll get absorbed by people quite quick." Their eyes lingered on the deep emerald of Slytherin, maybe not- as quick... Dori wished the boy was in Hufflepuff because he was sure to have a myriad of people willing to help him along. Rather than some of the more stuffy people that ended up in Slytherin, not to say they were all bad.

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"Oh sorry, I forgot to introduce myself." Tommy mumbled, embarrassed as his cheeks flushed red. "My name is Tommy Patterson, a wizard from London." Tommy said awkwardly, trying to puff out his chest while trying to stand as tall as he could. "Sorry, my mother instructed me to stand tall and proudly introduce myself when I meet my peers. But I think I just make a fool of myself." After a moment of awkward laughter Tommy continued "As for why I am transferring to Hogwarts so late... well it's a bit of a sensitive topic but I think I'll be asked it a lot and you seem nice so I think you're okay to tell. I was actually bed ridden due to an illness. I'm not really sure how to pronounce it but all I knew was that I had no energy and that now I am very far behind on my classes at Hogwarts." The mention of how far he was behind on classes made Tommy turn a little shade of white showing the dread he felt inside.

The colour quickly returned to his face as Tommy continued, "I see you're in Hufflepuff, you must have a lot of friends then. I'm pretty jealous. Apparently, the sorting hat is never wrong and I'm not saying I doubt it, but most of my family are Ravenclaw's with the occasional Gryffindor. I hope I don't tun into more of a black sheep for being sorted into Slytherin." A clear sense of confusion showed on Tommy's face "I don't really think I'm cunning or ambitious, I just want some freedom and to do my own thing in life. Even though I'm only eleven, it's always trying to live up to my family's expectations and do what they want. I guess for the remainder of the school year I won't have to worry about that until I go back home now,". Tommy stopped rambling and stood still with a puzzled look while his jaw hung agape. "Wait a second, this is the longest I have ever spoken to someone I'm not related to without being made fun of. You haven't even tried to cut off my ramblings. Wait or have I spoken too soon?"

At this point, Tommy had almost seemingly forgotten about the classes he was meant to be finding. but a hope stirred within him. Although he had gone out looking for his classes, Tommy was hopeful he had in fact found his first friend.

☽⦙ Interacting With | @Tommy Patterson ⦙☾
☽⦙ Hex Code | #810B2D ⦙☾

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There was a part of Dori's heart that truly felt for this first year. There was community in being lost in the beginning, remembering how there were groups of first years that would be lost and found their way through the castle together. "I think you'll be well received by others just by being who you want to be. It took me awhile to figure out who I wanted to be, but you'll get there don't worry. If you want, I can always help you study. First year has important fundamentals that will build the rest of your wizardry. But- you might have to find someone else for transfiguration because that is my worst subject." They laughed shyly, the one bad mark on their schooling.

Dori listened thoughtfully as they nodded and kept pace guiding him to class. They nodded and hummed in agreement. This was the second first year with the habit of rambling, Dori knew that they had heavily practiced the habit in first year but they did not realize it seemed to be a quite common affliction affecting eleven-year-olds. It took a couple steps to realize that that Tommy had stopped walking, and they turned slightly to look at him. "I hate to break it to you, but you and every other first year are having similar crises. Come on, I don't want you to be too late."

They kept walking, taking a moment before speaking again, this time slowly to give Tommy enough time to absorb everything. "I am muggle-born, so I had no idea where I would fit in general. The house names really meant nothing to me, and it was a sort of scramble to figure out what everyone else stood for, but also what I was supposed to stand for. Loyal, hard-working, I am. But I can be impatient and brash when I am angry and doesn't that make me unfit to be Hufflepuff? I have spent many hours awake at night thinking about it. And you should know you have stared at the same ceiling many others have stared at with the same question. Why am I here?" They looked at him with a small smile.

"The sorting hat is never wrong. I have known many Slytherins, one I considered my brother before he left Hogwarts. Resourcefulness, determination, while they may seem selfish and self-determined, they can be some of the kindest that do anything for the people they love. The houses are not black and white, we are complex children. Your house does not determine who you are, you do. We are children, and the school forces us to forget that. I'm only remembering at 16 years old, the things I have lost under the trauma of wizardry. Of being in dark basements being attacked and balls that are attacked by giant beasts. You will have time, Tommy. To grow into who you are. Under the guidance of Slytherin, of friends, and professors." They turned and stopped, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder.

"Take your time to become who you want to be, even if people force you to become someone quicker. I'll be there to beat them up if they try." They looked over to the door they had stopped in front of you. "For now, just focus on your class. Which we have arrived at. You'll be great, Tommy. And if you ever need me, just send me an owl." They dropped their hand, before dropping to all fours as a dog and trotting off to their own class.

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Tommy could breathe a sigh of relief. The upper year had given him a lot of advice to think about. He had seemingly clamed all his worries. Tommy would remember this moment for the rest of his life. He finally had made a friend. By technical definition, he had made a best friend. This was his first and only friend and, therefore, his best friend.

Tommy was not worried about being a tutor but the thought crossed his mind that instead of using Dori as a means to better himself, as he planned to do with the mentors he hoped to make, he could ask Dori as someone on an equal level in the relationship to help him and do favours for him. Tommy smiled at the thought of this, truly happy to have someone he felt he could depend on. He thought it would be nice to be able to be relied on by a friend as well. He would use his future mentors to not only be the best version of himself for his reputation in Slytherin and future wizarding career, but also to be the best version of himself so that Dori could rely on him in times of need.

Dori's word about the sorting hat put his mind at ease. At least one person would validate his feelings and make him feel like he was where he belonged. Maybe his family wouldn't understand, and maybe other students wouldn't understand, but Dori DID understand, and that is what mattered. The upper year, Hufflepuff seemed to believe in Tommy and Tommy did NOT want to disappoint his newly found friend.

Tommy knew realistically others in the future may not be as nice as Dori was to him, but he also knew that in his hardest of moments, when he felt things could not get any worse, he could depend on the boy. Tommy watched as the boy transformed into a dog before trotting away. Another good sign, Tommy's favourite animal, was always a dog. A golden retriever was always such a friendly breed. He reflected on this prior to entering his classroom. He thought to himself, this animal perfectly suited Dori.

"This isn't goodbye @Dorion Anderson, until next time"

OOC: Thank you for the amazing thread Dori