Pre-dated to the first day of school, September 1st
Mentions: @Harvey Barrows
Gif created by @Aly Salinger

Although his un-comfort was still high, it came more-so from the scenery changing around them, of which he couldn't focus on too much, rather than those in the compartment with him. An amused chuckle got trapped in his throat as the older boy made comments about the scenery being nice. None of it was nice. The niceties they had to exchange, the dusty and overly sweet-smelling compartments and the occasionally whirl of the train as they went round a bend or into a tunnel.

Blaize's eyebrows shot up silently as Harvey engaged with the other boy, whom he had shown extreme disinterest in before. Perhaps he was more status orientated than even his own self. Seeing as asking about family was... not the typical first topic of conversation that came up. He expected maybe something about classes, what you were nervous for, or even heck the favorite color conversation, but nope. Then again, he had assumed this train ride would be a fun ride in silence and he was sorely mistaken. About the fun and silent part.

As the Slytherin boy's gaze landed back on him, he'd stiffen his posture somewhat. Not quite sizing him up but trying to look more presentable than a half-ill slumped over weakling. His sister would be rolling on the floor laughing right now or scolding him for his poor behavior. He much less wanted to envision his parent's disapproval. A shiver ran down his spine, swiping away the thought. The snap of the boy's fingers made him jolt, pulling him from his thoughts once more. Extending his hand, he'd collect the candy and put the artificially sweetened yet still bitter candy into his mouth. The irony to even call it candy when it had much better uses as medicine. Rolling the candy to one corner of his mouth, stuffing the wrapper into his pockets, he'd answer the boy's question.

"Been in the family for quite some time you could say. 1808 was the founding year, I'll be taking over the company and business as the 10th generation owner once I graduate." The words were spouted somewhat dismissively. Blaize wasn't sure how many times he would have to state it, and he would despise it more and more each time. Either people scoffed under their breath, or their eyes lit up at the mention of status, mainly other pureblooded students like himself. As if his statement wasn't good enough, the nagging voice in his head that belonged to his father bit into his skull. Withdrawing a card from his pocket, he'd slide it over, just like how the candy had been exchanged between them earlier. The shimmering card changed images quickly. It was a business card dictating some of the potions they specialized in, being physical or image altering potions. Not like the potions were very relevant to him, or maybe they were who knows.

Harvey Burrows. The name was branded into his skull, especially the last name of which he should take kindly to remember. If they were a customer, he owed them everything. That was what he was always taught. Although his family was Pureblooded, respect was to be had by those who supported them and their business. Afterall, they would not be there without them. "If you grandfather has conducted business with us, we thank you." Blaize's formalities had created an uncomfortable cloud around him, the broodiness increased tenfold as his eyes lost their youthful somewhat panicked light they previously held and the plush red couches surrounding his vision blurred. His gaze was solely focused on the card and the boy in front of him. This was it, this was his future.

---

Previously known as Annie Morgan
2nd Generation Character ency

@Blaize Valerian

Harvey was raised to be a proper gentlemen just like any other boy from a family of wealth and status, but there were certain things about people that made up the core of their personality. No amount of tutoring could shift or mould these traits. They're what makes a person an individual and one of Harvey's was his boldness. He could carry a conversation just fine. The boy knew the pleasantries and the etiquette, but the truth was these things bored him right down to his bones. Why waste precious moments talking about the weather or the latest headline in the Prophet? Why not just get own to the nitty gritty. Who are you and what can you do for me? Some appreciated his candid way. Others? He would have to see.

Blaize would straighten his posture when Harvey's beady eyes drifted back his way. Though the boy was a bit worse for wear it was clear that this Blaize was no commoner. A tantalizing fact that would be remiss not to explore. Harvey did his very best to keep a neutral expression. This other boy was no celebrity or son of the minister, but a proud family business that extended back ten generations? These were the types of people he needed to know. Someone like this to rub elbows with could be exactly what he needed. Harvey was a second year now and while that meant little, it did mean a whole class of students were about to start school. If he could cherry pick the right ones to socialize with, his circle of influence could expand significantly.

Harvey extended his hand to take the card with a smile that was not always to be trusted. "You must be proud to come from such a long line of successful witches and wizards." He slid the business card into his satchel even though he was tempted to look it over more. "I'm sure my grandfather has done business with your family. He expects only the finest, which I'm sure your family provides. Unless they don't serve goblins." Harvey let that statement hang in the air between them. There was no sense in trying to hide the fact that he was part-goblin, not that he would anyways, but might as well get it out in the open. Sometimes these old family held onto old traditions. "Larnak the Lender is his name. He's an executive at Gringotts." The name Barrows held no such weight or prestige, but it was the surname he was stuck with like it or not. The goblins did not bother with them as it was the title you earned that was important in their society. Respect was not passed down from one generation to another. Each goblin being expected to make their own way in life and now Harvey was expected to do the same. Perhaps befriending a Valerian was a step in the right direction. Assuming half-breeds came at no offense...

Pre-dated to the first day of school, September 1st
Mentions: @Harvey Barrows

Ah yes. Pride. In the business, sure. He was proud to be apart of a longstanding family business that had flourished over the generations. But pride was also an ugly thing. What other family would send their son to school with a stack of business card? What other family had taught their kids since the day they could form a coherent word to introduce themselves with their full name, as if without a last name they were worthless?

Pride was something Blaize knew all too well. Because he drowned in it. Not his own, that was for sure but the Valerian pride that tainted him. Pride was a beautiful thing until it wasn't. How many times had he gotten close enough to tell his parents he didn't want to be the heir? How many times was the topic of conversation changed when he tried speaking about his dreams? How many times was his younger sister shunned from private lessons in his father's office when it came to the business because she wasn't the heir? Her passion was undeniable, but she was the second born, destined to nod her head and follow in the shadows. How Blaize wished he could swap roles. Even after the accident with a vampire, which was kept from the public eye and ear, was he still expected to smile, put on a show and take up his eventual position.

Blaize's gaze had glossed over, knuckles turning white as he squeezed his hands together. Blinking back up to Harvey Barrows, his attention being snatched by the word goblin. In an attempt to rack his brain as if the name sounded familiar, he came to little conclusion. He had yet to work with cliental yet. And quite frankly, most adults didn't want a child watching their business exchange. As it was a quick and thoughtless process most of the time, there wasn't much to be observed either. Put in an order, shake hands and make quick thanks and leave. Rather, Blaize would be forced to tell the most honest truth that he could. Whether this was what the boy wanted to hear or not.

"I couldn't tell you if we did business with your grandfather or not given his status. In recent generations, my grandfather included, seclusion has become tighter. In the beginning it was a bloodbath for coin. Low prices, bartering, and selling to anyone. Now, we have a set price and select clients. If you can't meet those requirements, you don't get our business. Unless it is through a buyer who deals them secondhand, but by that point it doesn't come back to our attention, so we don't pay any mind."

Blaize flushed out the words in a monotone voice, his grey eyes watching the boy who sat across from him, inspecting his face for any reactions. The goblin fact still intrigued him though. He had noticed some separate features that stood out to him, yet he wasn't going to comment on it until it was brought up by the boy himself. Clearing his throat a bit he'd release his tight grip of his hands, grabbing the seat cushion to the side of him as he fidgeted with the plush texture.

"Are you proud to be an ah.. part-goblin? How.. how do you deal with being different?" His voice partially cracked towards the end of the sentence, earning the boy a frustrated exhale, as his nose crinkled in distaste at the sign of weakness. It hadn't even reached the red head's train of thought for what he had said. Blaize's blunt curiosity had gotten the better of him and could easily been mistaken as offensive based on what he said, yet it was too late now as the words had already fumbled from his lips.

---

Previously known as Annie Morgan
2nd Generation Character ency

@Blaize Valerian

Pride was something that Harvey was familiar with. His grandfather had amassed quite the fortune and held an influential position at the wizarding world's largest bank. Larnak had his fingers in businesses around the world. In the goblin community few wouldn't know his name and his tribe had cemented itself in goblin history. Harvey looked to all his grandfather had and it did make him proud do be his descendant, but nothing was that easy.

The boy's very existence was only a chance encounter as Larnak fell prey to his own weaknesses. The tutelage he received and the lavish life that he lived only boiled down to the fact that his grandfather had never produced a son od his own. This fact define young Harvey and he knew it well. Yet his beady, black eyes still looked to the old goblin with pride. A role model for what all he hoped to achieve one day.

However, goblin culture was much different than wizard kind. Larnak's tribe did not believe in heirs. It was the family's duty to provide for the youth and to prepare them for a life of success, but when adulthood came they would be expected to forge their own path with nothing but a small loan from their family. So, when it came to family pride, it was there for Harvey, but he would at least not be smothered by it like some of the witches and wizards he knew.

Harvey listened closely as Blaize spoke of his own family's business. Many might hear those words and think of them as pretentious, elitist, or even segregationist, but all Harvey felt was impressed. "Grandfather would have had many other means of procuring potions if not from your family. Goblins and wizards don't always get along." An oversimplification of centuries of war, but it showed that he was not phased by the fact that some might consider him lesser than. "However, I must admit that your family's business sounds rather impressive. Why should they haggle if they produce such a fine product? Masters of trade should have elite customers. It's only natural." Harvey had no problem admired how he felt about such things. In the muggle world he would have been a proud capitalist.

The topic of being a part-goblin was one Harvey was prepared to talk about on several occasion. How could he not? There was no hiding the fact and he wouldn't anyways assuming he could. "I'm not sure pride is the right word for it. I'm confident in who I am though. I have both wizard and goblin blood in my veins. With that comes a power that most do not have. So, there is that." It was an odd position to be in. Not fully human, not fully goblin. Always different no matter which people he looked to. Perhaps pride would come later.

Harvey didn't react to the other boy's cracking voice. He'd outgrow it soon enough and making fun wasn't really an interest of Harvey's. "I don't really have to deal with anything. That implies that I too believe there is something wrong with my unique nature. Like I said, it gives me a power that few have. If anyone wants to deny me for having goblin blood, I'll just have to squash them one day." A smile spread across his lips at the last and his curiosity was peaked. "What do you think, Blaize? What do you see when you look at a part-goblin?"

Pre-dated to the first day of school, September 1st
Mentions: @Harvey Barrows

The reaction did not go as he expected. The tightness in his shoulders dipped as Harvey more or less agreed with his family's way. Well at least one person in this train cart agreed with it. A nervous chuckle escaped the boy. This older boy was quite smart. Although his intimidating effect had worn off, it wasn't replaced with awe, but almost a pang of jealousy, especially when he discussed his family situation and pride itself.

"That surprises me, but I suppose you aren't wrong. It seems I have much to learn about the business myself. For being born into the family not knowing any other world besides wizarding world, I feel blind sometimes."

Shifting to sit further upright in the seat, he focused in on the surroundings again. It had gotten darker. It seems the train ride may be nearing its end soon. He would surely become a bundle of nerves again, but the talking had somewhat soothed him, granted it was about one of his least favorite topics. Blaize tilted his head, tuning back into Harvey as the boy began to talk more in-depth about the blood that ran through his veins. He wasn't quite sure how half-breeds came to be, naturally that is, lest he didn't want to know. His own experience was one that caused the occasional nightmare, but surely Harvey had a much easier go of it.

"I'm confident in who I am though."

The words rang loudly in his ears as if fireworks had just been set off in his mind. He wanted that. He needed to strive for that. Confidence, but not the generalized confidence a lot of people wanted. He needed to be confident in his own self. He had confidence in his family, that they would protect him no matter what. No matter how many mistakes he made. He had confidence in the business. It had been going for this long and was quite the success, he didn't have to worry about that. But what about himself? The family and business were not things he prided himself in and they certainly didn't need his help. Well, he tried to convince himself of that as the heir title clung to him over the years. The ringing died down as his gaze hyper-focused on the cushions above the boy's head. It wasn't a simple question, one that had an answer but would not be found for a long while. How had Harvey figured it all out so quick?

Shaking this new-found idea, he caught the latter half of his question being answered. Did the boy just not let these sorts of things affect him at all? His skin did seem tough, penetrable as expressions rarely changed on his face. That much was noticeable. Or perhaps he did crack, he crumbled and broke and had to re-build himself back up stronger so it wouldn't happen again, and this was the after effect. That was prying too much. His gears whirled, perhaps too much. It was likely almost audible at how hard his brain was working to wrap his mind around everything just said in the compartment. These words would not quickly be forgotten.

"Ah no I didn't mean- there's nothing wrong with being unique. Rather it gives you more abilities to do things, or power as you said.." He trailed off, unable to formulate the correct things to say in the moment. Not any better than how Harvey had already explained it. He was an outside lens; it wasn't fair to speak on his own experiences. But that is exactly what the boy asked him to do.

Blaize blinked, fidgeting with his hands once more. He'd stare Harvey square in the face, his gaze not wavering from his eyes. And then he took a breath.

"I don't know what to think. But I see you. A face, your face. A person who is not new to this life but recently immersed in it more than you've ever been before. I see fearlessness staring back at me, but I know there is more to you than what meets the eye. Surface-level descriptions are for those who don't want to get to know you. And I think we are already far past that point."

He faltered, blinking away the tears that formed in his eyes from not breaking eye contact.

"What do you want me to think, Harvey? What do you want me to know, or to tell me? What do you want to show me?"

---

Previously known as Annie Morgan
2nd Generation Character ency

@Blaize Valerian

Harvey noticed a shift in the other boy's demeanor. The tensing in his shoulders seemed to relax. Perhaps feeling at ease knowing he was around another like minded person. Often times Harvey's opinions were considered harsh or even elitist and though it often turned people off that was exactly the way he intended them to be. No nonsense, no sugar coating. The boy was determined and ambitious. There simply was no time for other people's feelings. Stop to consider every last one of them and nothing would ever be accomplished. Larnak had seen to that lesson throughout Harvey's tutelage, but the boy was a natural.

It was however nice that Blaize seemed to be able to relax around him. Harvey had learned in his first year that thought he was small in stature, he could still have an intimidating effect on people. One of the many tools he kept in his repertoire and an effective one at that. Mostly he looked to achieve his goals through wit and guile, but every once in a while the situation would call for a little more flex than that. A sharp tongue and keeping an air about you that simply said "I do not care" was hard for most people counteract. Those that could should be kept as fiends anyways. His thoughts were getting away from him. Focus.

"I am sure you will catch on quickly. Keep your thoughts logical and try not to let emotion cloud your judgment. I'm sure your family has made some tough decisions along the way, but look where they are now. And when in doubt, fake it till you make it, they say." Harvey was just regurgitating lessons he had been taught by his grandfather, but showing weakness was not acceptable. Even if you had to lie or cheat your way through it, you simply did not back down.

The day was getting later when the topic shifted to Harvey's half-breed status. He was lucky enough to be born that way naturally. Not that he held anything against those that were turned. They too held a rare power. Harvey was just glad his existence did not come about that way. However, confidence was something that could be either innate or learned. Some people just have it hardwired into their personality like Harvey did. Perhaps because he knew one day he would have to carve out his own life. Nothing was going to be handed to him as much as he would have liked it to be that way. Perhaps it was just because he didn't feel things like most of his peers did. Harvey was a bit odd like that. Not evil or malicious. Not yet anyway, but rather uncaring of other people's opinions.

"Exactly." There absolutely wasn't anything at all wrong with being unique. Though he did enjoy the word powerful much more when it came to describing it. The corner of Harvey's mouth would show the slightest grin when Blaize caught his eye and kept an unwavering gaze. So many would look away from too much direct eye contact. Maybe there was some grit to this boy after all. Harvey listened closely as he answered his question. Fearlessness was one of the masks he wore. No matter how tight your stomach turns or how weak your knees felt, your expression could never show it. No one ever was truly without fear, but a backbone of steel could take you far. The pair of them would finally blink as Blaize got to the real meaning of Harvey's question.

"Correct. I agree we are much past the point of needless, surface level observations. Quite boring if you ask me." There were few he had met so far that were willing to shed the social norms and get down to the nitty gritty of it all. Not that Harvey didn't expect others to act civilized and with good manners. Certain customs had to be upheld, but in those rare moments when you could really share yourself. Moments just like the one they were in now. It was nice to be able to pull back the veil and bare your teeth. "You can think whatever you'd like. All I wish to show you is my true self. There are going to be many people who are going to try and get in my way, Blaize. I don't intend to allow them to do so. It would be nice to have a friend or two along the way though." Harvey's words sounded a bit menacing, but his tone was rather nonchalant as he stared down at his fingernails. Time for a manicure soon. Harvey's black stare retuned to Blaize with the hint of a wicked smile on his lips.

Pre-dated to the first day of school, September 1st
Mentions: @Harvey Barrows

It was a never-ending stare-off between the two boys it seemed. He always felt like he was under observation after he said something. But when Blaize wasn't met with a retort, he felt relieved. Perhaps it was the sense that he didn't have to try to win a futile argument all the time. What's said was said and it was left to hang in the air for a few seconds to be digested and responded upon. It was a very mutual eye-to-eye seeing conversation that they had. And the boy was older than him too, so keeping up was surprising.

Why was it always the first thought or instinct to feel intimidated when there was a person older than you who didn't treat you like a kid? Well, perhaps it was because they were both kids, but the air in which they spoke felt free of judgement and purely full of curiosity and knowledge, which he would never refuse, especially if there were no strings attached.

A small exchange of reassurance was sent his way, making his stomach flop again with nerves and emotions. Catching on wasn't the problem. He was sure he could do just fine in the realm of business in a few years' time and he didn't even need to be ready until he was 18 which was eons away in his mind, but it was the entire idea of the future that unnerved him.

"Harvey?" He tested the boy's name. "Your words make sense to me, but how can you be so sure when the future is so far away? As far as my family is aware, I'm not allowed to fail let alone change my mind. My future is set in their eyes, but only I am the person who could mess it up and then what?" He let out a small exhale of amusement through his nose, a way to deflate stress. Fake it till you make it? That's been his whole life moto up until this point. He swore up and down no more faking once he got to Hogwarts. But sometimes faking was easier than telling the truth. It was a double-edged sword.

Blaize fidgeted with his hands, popping his knuckle as if it would release some of the raging emotions in his belly and mind. His gaze shifted back to Harvey who had respectfully held his gaze all the while when they talked. The boy seemingly approved of his answer to the complex question thrown his way. His head did a small curt nod when he made a comment about surface level observations being boring. He was in agreement once more with the boy. On a lot of things it seemed.

A low hum escaped Blaize's throat as he considered Harvey's words.

"Sometimes I just want to stop thinking and have people just tell me. But it's not that easy to wish something like that to fall into your lap." He gulped at the boy's next words.

"All I wish to show you is my true self."

Monster. Monster. Monster.

His skull pounded in rhythm with the erratic beating of his heart. The shrill sound of the Hogwarts Express' whistle sounded, making the boy jump. He gave a lopsided smile to Harvey before breathing out meekly.

"Me too."

Liar. Coward.

His heart would slow as did the Express and their surroundings. He looked out at the darker scenery. A giant lake stood in the way of them and the castle. Blaize's attention was torn momentarily as he saw the boats and mentally groaned, remembering his parent's telling him something of the sorts would take him there for the first time. He turned back to Harvey as he purposed the idea of a friendship. Or at least that's how he heard it in his mind. The nonchalant tone of the other boy was not eerie or uncertain to his ears anymore.

"Consider us friends, Harvey Barrows."

Blaize tossed a toothy smile towards the boy before steadying himself on his feet and scrambling to get his luggage as the corridors of the Express got louder. He faltered, hoping this didn't look like he rushing to get out and was being rude, so with his cases tucked under his arms, he did an awkward wave. Then, the boy turned back around and set foot into the crowd, getting swept with the quick moving feet as his red hair and sickly pale skin disappeared from the train cart's view.

Reducio

Blaize exits the thread

---

Previously known as Annie Morgan
2nd Generation Character ency

@Blaize Valerian

As the day grew later Harvey did something that he usually reserved for private moments. He let his posture slip ever so slightly. His shoulders would drop just a touch. The long fingers that had been perfectly intertwined for the length of their conversation finally fell slack as Harvey let his guard down and finally relaxed. It was just a slight change in his physical demeanor, but anyone that knew the boy well would know it was not something that happened often. With all of the pressure that Harvey put on himself along with the pressures their society could put on the next generation of witch and wizard it often left him a bit rigid. The brief moments where the boy could simply sit and converse with another like mind were always a breath of fresh air.

"Blaize..." Harvey said the boy's name back in jest, yet the question asked brought some serious thought with it. How could Harvey be so sure of the future? Perhaps it was a confidence that had been tutored into him since he was old enough to walk? His grandfather had instilled in him a belief that he was destined for great things because that was exactly what his grandfather demanded. There was no room for anything else. However, many people crumble under such pressure or they find a way in life that would be defined differently. Yet Harvey took to it quite naturally. "Well, I believe in myself. I'm no seer, so there is no telling what will come, but I just know that it will be great." A bit of an arrogant statement, but that's just who he was. "If your family is anything like mine, they will find something to criticize no matter what we do. Succeed for yourself and that will shut them up."

Harvey nodded along as Blaize wished for a life that was lived on autopilot. Descendants of the rich and powerful that could just coast their way through existence without a care. It was a tempting thought from time to time, especially when the pressures of this life threatened to overwhelm Harvey. Yet every time it felt like he was going to buckle, the boy shrugged it off and grew all the more stronger for it. "It would be easy, but something about you tell me that you'd be miserable living such a way."

The boys were showing each other their true colors. The basis to any strong friendship, but still too early to show all of the closet's skeletons. Perhaps one day if they could find a way to remain true friends. Harvey's gaze would follow out the window as the sun was nearly down and Hogwarts' surrounding came into view. Their time together had drawn to an end and Harvey was happy that the carriages would take him in this year. "Friends." He accepted Blaize's offer as they both stood and retrieved their things. "Don't stick your hands in the water. The grindylows bite."

Thread Finished