1st September 2024

Hogwarts Express

The day had finally come. Conrad could barely sleep the night prior; the overwhelming force of sheer excitement kept him buzzing through dusk and dawn. And yet, the boy sprang into motion the moment it was time to be up. Scranning his breakfast down with haste, barely even paying any mind to his siblings. Why would he? It wasn't their big day; it was his! And before he knew it, he was through Diagon Alley, past Platform 9¾, and ready to say farewell to his parents and siblings.

Frankly, the young wizard was barely distraught from leaving everything he's ever known behind—if only temporarily. Perhaps it was his excitement or the prospects of his newfound freedom. Maybe the solace of finally being rid of his annoying little brother and sister. Or it could've been something else entirely. Not that it mattered; he was here regardless. Stepping onboard the Express and marching down its length with his belongings. Just about managing to hulk his trunk past anyone passing in the opposite direction.

A deep, exasperated sigh escaped him as he clambered his way into a suitable compartment. Primary mission: accomplished. Nicely settling into the comfort of the cushioned seat. Nice, spacious, and empty. Perfect. A long journey lay ahead, and Conrad was ready to spend it staring into the British countryside as it whizzed past, with nothing but the pictureque view and his thoughts for company—one could hope. Even so, coming all the way down from Scotland to London felt like a waste—an entire day spent locked in a moving metal box with random people he'd inevitably be forced to interact with. Gross. Few fates were worse.

But maybe it wouldn't be so horrible. Maybe everyone would just leave him in peace, or perhaps he'd meet someone actually worth his time. Whatever it would be, Conrad paid it no mind. His bright blue gaze fixed on the platform edge as the train slowly pulled out of King's Cross Station. No going back now—on the road to a new beginning.

Tag @Elena Clark‎

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Mentions: @Conrad Wolverstone

English | thoughts	Date: 01/09/2024
Outfit: Reducio	OOC Notes: Reducio Sixth Sense is in effect code made by 𝑅𝑒𝓎&𝐿𝒾'𝓈 𝑅𝑒𝓂𝒶𝓇𝓀𝒶𝒷𝓁𝑒𝓈

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Somebody end me. The platform was a whirl of sound and chaos, loud children running and shouting, parents dragging suitcases behind them, a real cacophony of excitment and goodbyes that only seemed to get louder. Having parted from her parents some time ago, the young girl was now struggling, trying to navigate her way to the crismon train. Carrying her heavy trunk - unable to chose which books to leave behind, she had taken them all - with one hand, the other gripping her bag, she had an unpleasant expression etched on her face. Loud and crowded places were never her favourite, especially after a particularly desagreable night. Her first day of school was nothing like she had imagined. For starters, she had expected to sleep more than just a few hours - but when nightmares couldn't find her, anxiety took their place. She had spent her entire night picturing the day ahead, and woke up with heavy eyes and a pouding headache. Sighing, she tried to focus on the positive - the exciting journey ahead of her. A hint of smile already playing in the corner of her lips, she took a deep breath and plunged into the sea of screaming kids. Reaching safely the train, a new mission now began : finding a calm, if possible empty wagon. Her efforts were vain, every compartments was filled with soon-to-be students, who all knew each other. A true nightmare. Feeling as if thornes had wrapped around her throat, she pressed on. Finally reaching a seemingly empty one, she opened the door, only to face a young boy who appeared to cherish his solitude. She had only a split second to decide between leaving and asking. With the iminent departure of the train announced, orientating her choice towards the latter, she took a deep breath before speaking. "Excuse me, is this seat taken ?" she asked, trying to be as polite as possible. "Everywhere else seems a bit, uh, full." The boy had coffee brown hair that highlited a pair of striking pale blue eyes, reminding her of the ancient porcelain pots in which her grandma often served tea. He exuded a reserved and quiet aura, yet somewhat elegant and poised. Her navy eyes drifted to the window as the train began to move, her hand reaching for the doorway to steady herself. Waiting for his response, the blonde haired girl calmly gazed out at the fading landscape.

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Word Count: 401/200

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1st September 2024

Hogwarts Express

Conrad quickly found himself in a world of his own. Ready to relax for the next Merlin knew how long it would take to Scotland on the train. So impractical, but that's the way the cookie crumbled—it'd be worth it in the end. His mind drifted into the aether, pondering the day's fruitful offerings that await him at the end of the journey. By this time in the evening he'd be in his dorm, likely asleep, sorted and proud to be a Slytherin. There wasn't even a figment of doubt in his mind about it—he would be a Slytherin, and he'd be the prime example of one. His mother, father, grandparents; all proud alumni of the Serpent House—there was no other course. It ran in his veins. Nothing vexxed him more than suggestions implying otherwise, but at last, soon all the doubters would be proven wrong. As they always were, eternally wro—

Shrrr!

The compartment door slid open, interrupting Conrad's mystified train of thought. He broke free of his trance—ugh. Just as it started getting good. His inquisitive gaze fell on the perpetrator, stood sheepishly at the door; the harrowed question escaping her lips. It took every muscle in the boy's face to hold is eyes from rolling all the way back into his skull. There was just the faintest glint of annoyance in his eyes. Well masked behind the charming smile he'd mastered over the years. Curling across his cheeks the moment interaction ensued, without an input from the boy. Useful for getting those pesky aunties and uncles off his back at his parents' balls and galas. No one cared to bother the sweet, quiet boy for too long. At least that was the idea, and it usually worked.

Here though? One could only guess. It clicked after the fact—a bright and pleasant smile was a recipe for disaster a warm welcoming. Now he had no other choice; "No, it's free." Evidently... marked by it being empty. His eyes lingered on the girl, her delicate golden hair and glimmering sapphire eyes, before his gaze shifted to the empty seats. A moment passing; "You can join me, if you'd like." His gacious deed for the day, only because there was apparently no space left elsewhere. Doubt, but his polished smile persisted inspite of his internal cynicism.

Tag @Elena Clark‎