Smoke Over Hogsmeade
The morning of June 30th arrived, marking the end of Luca's first year at Hogwarts. He felt that his growth since first arriving at Hogsmeade Station had been significant. Although he was still a young boy at twelve, being on his own at Hogwarts for an entire year made him feel more self-reliant than ever. Luca had learned more than he'd expected, made new friends, advanced his dreams, and prepared himself for future success, but he still quietly longed for home.
Date: June 30th, 2025 Time: Early Afternoon « Preceding | Following »
Luca had written home far less than he intended to, and his mother made sure he knew that, but he was off on the opportunity he refused to squander as a Hogwarts student. He didn't want to betray too much on purpose over letters, so he had everything to tell his parents and his nanny when he got back to Corranado Manor outside London. Still, his year at Hogwarts had reinforced his independence, and he had built a routine that worked for him.
On this particular day, Luca woke up well before dawn to prepare for the trip. He triple-checked to ensure everything had been packed in his trunk before the house elves came around to retrieve it. Since the trip was expected to take eight hours from Hogsmeade Station to King's Cross Station. Full meals on the Express were scarce as he'd learned on the way to Hogwarts, although the trolley made several rounds during the ride.
However, he was constantly growing, so he decided not to skip a full breakfast to sustain him for as long as possible. He wanted to be able to enjoy the ride comfortably on his way back. Truthfully, he did not eat as much as he should have, since a quiet, bittersweet excitement dulled his appetite. However, he had consumed enough not to ride on an empty stomach. A Slytherin cannot be cunning on an empty stomach. During breakfast, he meticulously watched everyone coming and going, making mental notes for the year to come.
After an earlier lunch than usual, everyone started lining up as Professors herded the first years and second years to begin walking down the path to Hogsmeade Station. Wondering if Harvey valued commitments more than some others he had invited, Corranado looked around for his half-Goblin friend, whom he had asked to sit with him for the long ride home. Not yet willing to assume the worst, he made his way into an empty compartment with a good view, leaving the door open as he expected Harvey to find him.
The 2 o'clock hour was nearly upon them.
STA: 7 • EVA: 10 • STR: 0 • WIS: 7 • ARC: 2 • ACC: 9 Parselmouth • Evasive Maneuvers PC: Luca Corranado | OOC Notes: Always open to interactions. "His story continues" means Luca is no longer there! iNPC: Silvio Accardi |
Smoke Over Hogsmeade
@Luca Corranado
Harvey had spent a quiet morning making sure that he crossed his T's and dotted his I's. While many of his peers ran this way and that to say their last good byes, he really wasn't feeling all that sentimental. Yes, the boy had made friends, some good ones at that, but that was something he never felt overly emotional about. They could always write letters or set up a visit to maintains connections. No need to be so dramatic about it all. So, he kept to himself, ate a full breakfast and prepared to be escorted to Hogsmeade Station.
It was remarkable how much could change in less than a year. While Harvey was always a confident lad, it would be a lie to say that he wasn't a bit intimidated and overwhelmed when first starting school. He had yearned for his bedroom and his caretaker, Burok. It was a bit surprising at first just how much he missed his home even though he often thought of the place as a bit cold. The comforts and leisures he enjoyed there made Hogwarts feel like a prison camp at first. Shared bunk rooms and facilities, scheduled meals, mandatory activities. Might as well slap a number on his stripped jump suit! However, over time Harvey had grown used to it and had found a sense of independence. All part of growing up he supposed and while it would be nice to be back in London perhaps part of him would miss that autonomy.
When the time came the boy followed the others towards the station. Harvey was set to meet his friend Luca for the ride home and he did not want to risk compartment space running out for them to share. He tried looking for him as they were shuttled along, but to no avail. So, when they finally made their way to the station he beelined it for the train and began searching the compartments. Harvey grinned when he came across the right one and found Luca waiting. It was nice that he was not the only one to take his commitments seriously.
"Luca." Harvey made his presence known as he offered his friends a courteous nod. "What I wouldn't give for a portkey right about now. This ride is dreadfully long, but I suppose we should make the best of it." The part-goblin settled in on the seat across from Luca and began to unpack a few things from his satchel that would make the ride a bit more comfortable. "So, back to London we go, Luca. What's first on your to-do list?"
Second Generation Character of Howard White
Smoke Over Hogsmeade
The boy’s name from a familiar voice caught his attention, and he looked up to see his pointy-eared adventuring companion. Pleased at not having been deserted a second time, Luca motioned to the seat across from him on the other side of the train car. After Harvey settled in, the boy went back to gazing out at the castle he had called home for the last eight months. Truthfully, he would miss the independence that came with being a student, but he longed for home. The Slytherin would never admit it out loud, but he wanted to spend time with his parents.
Date: June 30th, 2025 Time: Early Afternoon « Preceding | Following »
Shaking the adolescent feelings from his mind, he responded to the half-goblin’s query. What would he be doing at home? He wasn’t sure of the state of things at home as he had been so far removed for what seemed like a long time. He wondered where his parents were and if they would be home to greet him. Lorenzo and Amelia had been particularly proud to see their son off to Hogwarts, so he hoped that they would keep the same energy on his return from school.
“I am looking forward to seeing my father’s owl, Midnight, and my nanny. What about you?" Luca asked in return.
STA: 7 • EVA: 10 • STR: 0 • WIS: 7 • ARC: 2 • ACC: 9 Parselmouth • Evasive Maneuvers PC: Luca Corranado | OOC Notes: Always open to interactions. "His story continues" means Luca is no longer there! iNPC: Silvio Accardi |
Smoke Over Hogsmeade
@Luca Corranado
It was hard to say if Harvey wanted to spend time with his grandfather. Of course the boy treasured the lessons he received from the old goblin and he could spend hours going through their collection of jewelry and armor, but was there anything there that was warm? Perhaps a flicker of it here and there. Larnak had taken on much more of a tutoring role in Harvey's life. Yes, they were family, but perhaps never the family that either of them wished for? Regardless, they were soon to be reunited and it would be nice to discuss all that he had learned in his first year at Hogwarts.
Harvey offered a slight shrug at the mention of the family owl. It wasn't that he judged Luca for being fond of the bird, but he would never understand people's fascination with animals. The birds were quite impressive in their abilities to circumnavigate the globe at incredible speeds. That could not be argued against, but weren't they just another tool for a wizard's disposal? Sure, they needed to be properly cared for. Harvey was no monster and would never condone the abuse or negligence, but that's about as far as his fondness would go. Maybe he just hadn't met the right animal yet.
However, as Luca mentioned his nanny, Harvey would perk right up. Burok had been with Harvey since birth. Like a second mother and if he was telling secrets, more of a mother than his own sometimes. It wasn't that Harriet did not love him. She just wasnt capable of offering much else. Burok on the other hand had made sure he had everything a growing boy could need and taught him how to be self sufficient to boot. Larnak would provide knowledge on business, the importance of social standing and the intricacies of banking, but it was Burok that provided the necessary lessons to actualize these things. "I too look forward to seeing my caretaker. We exchanged owls a few time while at school, but I'm sure she has a whole summer of stories and lessons planned out for me."
Speaking of lessons, there was another reason Harvey was excited about the summer. "Grandfather will also be covering metal smithing in his summer lectures as well and I am very eager to get started." Anyone that knew Harvey would surely question his enthusiasm for such a labor heavy task, but what proud goblin didn't at least understand the basics of the craft? "It will be sometime until I see the forge, but exciting nonetheless. What about you, Luca? Any summer activities planned?"
Second Generation Character of Howard White
Smoke Over Hogsmeade
Luca began wrapping his mind around the idea that everything exciting he wanted to do at Corranado Manor had to fit into three months. Three months suddenly felt like far too small a window for everything he intended to accomplish. He had been accustomed to being able to get up from his studies and generally do whatever he desired as long as he finished his work before the end of the school day. Lillianna maintained a structure in the young wizard’s life, and though Luca occasionally chafed under it, he now recognized how much that structure had shaped him. Still, she also allowed him much more freedom than the Professors did at school. The idea of only having three months of unstructured time was a new concept to the independent child that Luca had become, so he looked thoughtful for a moment.
Date: June 30th, 2025 Time: Early Afternoon « Preceding | Following »
“I admit that I sent my family too few letters this year, but the excitement of being on my own was too hard to ignore. I suppose I underestimated how quickly days fill themselves at Hogwarts,” the Slytherin said self-analytically. He could count on two hands the number of letters he had exchanged with his parents and his caretaker. The boy wasn’t necessarily ashamed or embarrassed, but he knew he owed them more effort next year. "Yes, I am sure my nanny does as well! Now she can concentrate on magical studies as opposed to just general ones,” Luca said with some practiced excitement.
Lillianna was always exceptional—far more perceptive than most adults he knew—at tailoring her lessons to her students’ needs, so Luca wondered how she might approach nurturing his mind, which had definitely grown during his first year. As Harvey spoke, the Corranado boy’s ears perked up at the mention of metal smithing. Metal smithing wasn’t something he was very familiar with, and as analytical as his young mind had become, he was still a boy, so certain things brought him some excitement.
“Metal smithing? That sounds like an excellent skill to learn! Tell me about that—if you don’t mind. Is your Grandfather a blacksmith?” Luca asked. He was eager to learn more, perhaps even join if the opportunity presented itself.
STA: 7 • EVA: 10 • STR: 0 • WIS: 7 • ARC: 2 • ACC: 9 Parselmouth • Evasive Maneuvers PC: Luca Corranado | OOC Notes: Always open to interactions. "His story continues" means Luca is no longer there! iNPC: Silvio Accardi |
Smoke Over Hogsmeade
@Luca Corranado
Harvey would always hear the word manor and feel a twinge of jealousy. Not that his grandfather’s London townhouse wasn’t worth a fortune and filled to the brim with luxury, but it almost paled in comparison to some of the properties among the magical elite. He would often daydream of owning his own one day. The idea of seeing the name Barrows above the entrance gate, the thought of immaculate gardens sprinkled with rare statues and marble fountains often sent sparks through his mind. Harvey’s imagination could go wild when thinking about it, but it was not merely flights of fancy. The boy would have his fortune one day. There was simply no other way about it.
“Yes, it often felt like weeks were going by in a matter of days.” Harvey agreed that the taxing Hogwarts schedule pretty much kept them busy from sunup until bedtime. His strict upbringing had at time felt so restrictive, but he was grateful for it during his first year. Harvey witnessed many students struggle with the regiment of it all and he silently thanked Larnak and Burok for properly preparing him for it.
“I very much look forward to continuing my magical studies as well.” Harvey agreed with his newfound friend. “Even though we can’t actually practice anything.” He added with a shrug. No underage use of magic outside of school made sense in theory, but to think of three months without using his wand seemed absurd. How was he supposed to keep up with his skills? “Though I must admit I am dreading some remedial courses in Herbology. I still can’t believe that it’s a mandatory subject at Hogwarts.” Harvey huffed at the thought of it, though it was just a mask to try and hide the fact that there was a subject he had not excelled in.
The subject of metal smithing would keep Harvey’s thoughts from souring too much though. “No, he is not a smith himself, but he is a collector of goblin metals and jewelry. We have an extensive collection in our vault at Gringotts. However, my grandfather does believe that everyone of goblin blood should at least know the basics of smithing. Keep the culture alive and well. What does you family do, Luca? I’m afraid I haven’t asked before now.”
Second Generation Character of Howard White
Smoke Over Hogsmeade
Luca listened quietly to the part Goblin as he spoke of time feeling as though it were faster in the castle, a concept Luca was not entirely unfamiliar with. The youngest Corranado thought about the many times during his first year at school when he checked a calendar, noticing that the days were blending. Time compression was a shared experience between Harvey and Luca. It wasn’t magic, but it felt familiar to Luca all the same. The young wizard thought about discipline and structure, lending the impression of a quicker passage of time, suggesting that their shared discipline made time pass more smoothly. “I think our discipline and structure make the time pass more smoothly,” the young boy commented as the train continued down the tracks towards King’s Cross.
Date: June 30th, 2025 Time: Early Afternoon « Preceding | Following »
Nodding in agreement to both Harvey’s comment about continuing his studies and subtle frustration over not being able to do magic because of the Decree for the Reasonable Restriction of Underage Sorcery, but his mind drifted to other ways to practice magic without breaking the rules. “I would argue that there are ways to practice aspects of magic without violating the Decree. From what we’ve learned so far, magic is based on two primary schools of thought for casting: incantation and wand movement. These can be practiced independently of each other without the risk of casting. This can only improve our ability once we return to a controlled environment where magic is permitted,” Luca surmised. “As for herbology, I find it to be a necessary skill. I aspire to be an Auror, and potions are essential, which makes herbology as important as well.”
The boy showed considerable interest when Harvey spoke about his culture’s metalsmithing and collecting goblin metals. He enjoyed learning about new cultures because one of his father’s lessons was to take an interest in everything. If you’re the most intelligent person in the room, you’re in the wrong room, Luca’s father would say to him. “I would love to have a piece of goblin metal as a keepsake—something meaningful, not just decorative. My father works in wizarding real estate, mostly high-value properties and acquisitions. My mother is in wizarding finance—risk management and investment work.”
STA: 7 • EVA: 10 • STR: 0 • WIS: 7 • ARC: 2 • ACC: 9 Parselmouth • Evasive Maneuvers PC: Luca Corranado | OOC Notes: Always open to interactions. "His story continues" means Luca is no longer there! iNPC: Silvio Accardi |
Smoke Over Hogsmeade
@Luca Corranado
"Agreed." Harvey knew for a fact that only the disciplined would make it out of Hogwarts fully prepared for the adult wizarding world and he was determined to be among those ranks. His strict adherence to his schedule and routines had set him up for more success than many of his peers. Yes, schooling was stressful for all except maybe the ones destined to mop floors for a living, but Harvey would at least not be the one having a mental breakdown in the library over this exam or that assignment. "Remind me not to curse my grandfather too much for cracking the whip. Would have been a much harder time without that foundation to build off of."
Harvey shrugged and nodded along as Luca offered his advice about continuing their studies. "Good point." It wouldn't be much different than school when he thought about it that way. Harvey often practiced both wand movement and his incantations without actually attempting the spell. However, there was such a satisfaction that came with a perfect cast. It was what set them apart from the muggles after all. The actual ability to perform magic. "I will miss the power behind it all though. It's our birthright wouldn't you say?" Harvey was no supremacist. He didn't believe that they should rule over the non-magical people, but he agreed that their worlds should remain forever separate. "I suppose it does make sense the more you think about it. Imagine some of those Gryffindor goons out in the world without repercussion." He snickered at his own joke before the topic of Herbology continued.
"Yes, yes. I know." Harvey waved off the thought. As much as he detested the subject he knew why it was required. "I am glad it will be over after fifth year." There was no way he was pursuing that course to the NEWT level. "Auror though? Very ambitious of you, Luca." He wouldn't expect any less from his fellow Slytherins, but that was quite the prestigious career to pursue. "International business for me. Import, export. Procurement of rare, fine goods. I'll travel the world one day, my friend and trust me, I'll be buying all of my potions premade." Again, he smirked at himself.
"I'll host you over the summer. I have a few personal items that I think you might enjoy." Harvey knew just what he meant when Luca wanted something more than decorative and he had a piece in mind that just might do the trick. The subject of their parents professions piqued Harvey's interest when Luca spoke what they did for a living. "Real estate and finance. Impressive. Does your mother have any business at Gringotts? Perhaps she knows my grandfather. He holds a high position there. Loans mostly, but he ventures go far and wide."
Second Generation Character of Howard White
Smoke Over Hogsmeade
Luca nodded with quiet respect toward Harvey’s grandfather, who sounded much like his own father in terms of the structured upbringing. Most of his childhood was spent with Lilliana, but her structure was not without the influence of his parents. Luca, your father says... would be the words coming from Lilliana’s mouth more often than not. She did an excellent job as his nanny, balancing structure with love. A slight half-smile played across the Corranado boy’s lips as he mentally noted that discipline builds results. Both Harvey and Luca were products of that.
Date: June 30th, 2025 Time: Early Afternoon « Preceding | Following »
The young wizard’s expression tightened slightly in a curious disagreement as Harvey mentioned the power of magic being their birthright. While there was truth to his words, Luca did not share his view. While he did not categorize Harvey as a supremacist or entitled, he believed that a more pragmatic approach to magic was more appropriate. Power required control. Privilege demanded restraint. “Perhaps, but skill in magic matters far more than inheritance,” Luca said in a measured tone as they rode towards home. As he thought, the boy readjusted his robe slightly.
“Too focused on their courage to be focused on anything else, but every house has their reckless ones,” Luca quipped back to Harvey as he let a slight, restrained smirk play across his face at the insult to a rival house. However, he could not hold back a chuckle as he thought back to the times when prideful, boastful Gryffindors spent more time cheering than training. This would not serve them well if they ever faced Luca on a dueling platform. Every house had its strengths, and while pride and courage had their place, determination and cunning always won the day.
His posture straightened slightly when the half-Goblin mentioned his ambition, which gave Luca a bit of pride of his own. He hadn’t really shared this with everyone he came into contact with, so he was glad that the first person he honestly told was receptive. He knew that his parents’ jobs were prestigious, but he wanted to strike out on his own. Luca tilted his head as Harvey mentioned going into international business. He narrowed his eyes thoughtfully and learned forward slightly, analyzing Harvey further as a definite future contact. “A good person to know, then,” Luca commented with a smile, “Glad we ran into each other outside the abandoned stalls, eh?”
The boy was pleasantly surprised when Harvey offered to host him, because culture was a definite interest of his. He showed measured gratitude for the offer and nodded. Mentally, his curiosity was spiking, but he wanted to remember his manners. “I would be honored. Perhaps I can have Lilliana reach out to your grandfather after we’ve settled in at home? And yes, my mother does quite a bit of business at Gringotts, so they may indeed know each other! We may have a connection we did not even know of.”
STA: 7 • EVA: 10 • STR: 0 • WIS: 7 • ARC: 2 • ACC: 9 Parselmouth • Evasive Maneuvers PC: Luca Corranado | OOC Notes: Always open to interactions. "His story continues" means Luca is no longer there! iNPC: Silvio Accardi |
Smoke Over Hogsmeade
@Luca Corranado
Harvey welcomed Luca's respectful disagreement on the topic of inheritance and skill. Far too often his peers weren't willing to enter meaningful conversation. It was mostly this quidditch game or that, which couple was in and which couple was out. It was fine for small talk, but Harvey enjoyed digging into the underbelly of serious topics. Boring to some, riveting to him. "Cant argue too much with that. Inherited power is meaningless if you don't know how to use it. I just meant that limiting our ability to use an innate gift seems rather...forceful." It did belong to him, yes? Magic was in his blood, a part of his very being. Who was to say when or when not to use it? But, regulation kept the world in order. "Like we've said though, probably for the best."
After a playful jab at their school rivals, the topic would shift to future endeavors. Luca should feel prideful about his ambition. It's what defines them as Slytherins anyways. The people from his house would hopefully remain allies and go out into the world seeking positions of influence and power. The connections made at school would allow a social web that Harvey had ever intention of taking advantage of. "Yes, I'm not much one for fate , but I do count myself fortunate to have been chased your way. We will need these connections as we pursue or goals. What is it about law enforcement that appeals to you?" Harvey was curious about the way Luca thought on this. He himself would not be opposed to "bending" the rules if it was needed to get the job done. Was Luca the righteous type?
"It's settled then. I'll have Burok begin with the scheduling as soon as I am home." It would be nice to see a friend over the summer, but it would also prove an opportunity to show his grandfather that his first year had gone quite well. High marks in class, influential friends. Just as instructed. Harvey's eyes brightened even more when Luca claimed his mother did a lot of business at Gringotts. If he had made an in with people his grandfather already did business with then that would prove even more beneficial. "Very good. If our families are already connected we only stand to deepen that tie. We will be masters of the house one day, you know?"
Second Generation Character of Howard White