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Speech: df0c0c

Alex waved bye to his father from the window of his compartment. As the train started with a roar, his parents slowly started to fade. This was the first time he was going to be away from his parents for so long, but he wasn't nervous or scared. In fact, he was excited. Alex has been exposed to magic from the very start, as he was born into a pure-blood family. He wanted to channel his magic and become a great Auror like his father. He knew that, like himself, there would be many more students who had dreams like he had.

Alex sat in the compartment looking outside the running train. The beautiful scenery was exactly like how his father described to him. He had a few candies in his pocket. He put his hand inside the pocket of his robe and pulled out a candy. He slowly started to munch the candy and look outside the scenery, enjoying the train journey to the fullest. His mind went back to what his parents told him about how to behave in school, what things should be done, and what shouldn't.

Alex remembered the moment at the station. His father was kneeling beside him and saying,"Alex, you are going to Hogwarts to become a great wizard. Remember that and don't ever let stupid things like blood supremacy let you dictate your actions. Be kind to everyone. And, if you make Muggle friends, then help them understand the Wizarding World." Alex was determined to learn, explore, and help anyone who came his way. Suddenly, the door of the compartment opened.

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@Zephyr Deakin

credit to amazing Skylar Astor

Zephyr left the compartment feeling much better compared to the moment he entered the train. Talking to one student helped him a lot and assured him that what he was feeling was valid and common for first years like him, especially for someone who's new to the wizarding world. The train didn’t feel quite as big or intimidating anymore. He walked down the corridor of the Hogwarts Express, passing compartments filled with students. Some doors were closed, others half open. He didn’t want to interrupt groups that clearly already knew each other.

He glanced through the glass of each compartment as he passed; some were crowded, messy, and quiet, and there was one he spotted with only a single student inside. A boy sat by the window, looking outside, completely absorbed in the moving scenery.

Stopping, he debated whether he should join him or not, but wasn't that his main purpose for leaving his old compartment? To explore and meet more students? Old nerves tried to come back in, but they didn’t stay long. He reminded himself that everyone here was new to this in one way or another. Heaving a deep sigh, he tapped his knuckles against the glass.

The boy looked up, he quickly smiled at him as he slid the door open just enough to poke his head inside. “Hello there. I’m Zephyr Deakin. Mind if I join you?” He didn't go inside just yet and waited for the boy’s response, still smiling. The countryside rushed past the window behind them. Meeting new people was not that hard; they're all very nice to him so far. Perhaps he didn't have to face this journey alone.

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Speech: df0c0c

Alex was lost in his own world, looking outside the windowato the scenery, when a voice came through from the compartment door. Alex turned to see a light-skinned boy with brown hair and quite handsome green eyes and dimples, who was smiling at him. Something about the boy's energy made Alex happy. The boy introduced himself as Zephyr, which, for Ale,x was a unique name. He hadn't this type of name before. Zephyr introduced himself and asked if he could join Alex.

Alex, without hesitation, said, "Yeah!! Why not? Come.. I am Alex Thompson." Alex said politely. He was glad that a new person was approaching him. He saw it as a sign that he was approachable enough that people were willing to come and talk to him. Alex was always anxious that he would be able to connect to everyone, but seeing that people were coming to talk to him encouraged him greatly.

Alex was looking forward to having a great conversation with Zephyr and trying to get to know him and tell him about himself. Alex thought that this conversation might turn into a great friendship, which Alex deeply wanted. He was quite sure that he could make more friends in Hogwarts,s but why not start early? Alex was out-going so he could make friends easily, and he knew it very well.

@Zephyr Deakin

credit to amazing Skylar Astor

Zephyr was relieved when the boy answered so quickly and didn’t seem bothered at all by his presence. He slid the compartment door open fully and went inside to join him. Once sitting across from him, he set his bag down by his feet. “Thanks! It’s nice to meet you, Alex.” He seemed to be a friendly lad, which was great, just like the girl he had just talked to a while ago. Since he was not great at starting conversations, this would help him address that issue, as once someone welcomed him, it was easier to stay and talk.

He glanced out the window too and watched the fields blur past them. “The view’s really nice, I’ve never been on a long ride like this before. Actually, everything about this day was new to me, especially the wizarding world.” He didn’t really grow up around magic, so this is all new to him. Until now, he was still trying to convince himself that he belonged on this train.

Despite his reservations and concerns, he found himself feeling calm as he sat there. “So, um,” He sounded more relaxed now, “are you excited about Hogwarts? Or are you also nervous like I am?” He smiled at him, hoping that sounded normal and not awkward. It was then that he remembered the small paper bag his father had handed over to him when he was about to enter the train. He told her he would find it interesting. Although curious, he promised to open it once he was seated.

Grabbing the paper bag, he opened it and pulled out two boxes of chocolate... frogs? "Huh...? Are these...." He looked up at Alex, "Real chocolate frogs?" That sounded like a dumb question, but ever since he learned about the existence of the magical world, everything was possible. Feeling sheepish, he offered one box to him, “Do you want one? I’ve got two boxes anyway. It’s better to share than eat it alone.” How was he supposed to eat it if it turned out alive?

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Speech: df0c0c

Alex listened to him. Zephyr seems nervous, just like Alex was. It was the first time Alex was alone in a compartment, talking to a total stranger. This made him more nervous than attending Hogwarts itself. Alex was a friendly and outgoing child, but talking to a stranger with a totally different background was difficult for him, too. When the Zephyr said that the view was great and that everything, including the Wizarding World,d was new to him, Alex's eyes lit up. Alex always wanted to meet a Muggle-born wizard, rd and it seemed like a dream come true.

Alex said,"So you don't know about the wizarding world. Means you are a muggle-born? I always wanted to befriend one." Alex was always curious about the Muggle-world. His father worked as an Auror, and he himself didn't know much about the Muggle world. Whenever Alex questioned him about the Muggle-world, he would give vague answers. The same goes for his mother.

Alex chuckled softly when Zephyr asked him whether he was nervous or excited. Alex chuckled, not because the question was awkward, but because he was thinking about how much he had heard about Hogwarts from the stories he had heard from his mom and dad. He said calmly,"No offence, Zephyr. I have heard about Hogwarts so much that I know half the school till now. Don't worry, brother. It's gonna be great and fun. Especially when you are a Muggle. It becomes more special. So sit back and relax"

Ales looked at the chocolate frogs Zephyr offered. Alex liked those, especially the cards they had with the frog. Alex said,"Sure, why not!!" His hand reached across the compartment as he took a chocolate frog

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@Zephyr Deakin

credit to amazing Skylar Astor

Zephyr felt more relaxed as the boy's excitement and confidence filled the compartment. He seemed completely at ease with everything, and that added to his own confidence. So far, with the two students he has met and talked to, he's not doing badly at all; maybe making friends was not so scary after all. "Technically, I’m a half-blood, but I didn’t really know anything about the wizarding world until I got my Hogwarts letter.” His response to the boy's assumption that he is a muggle-born. “I thought my dad was just a normal human, but it turned out he came from a pureblood family. He decided to live in the muggle world after he married my mum. So, I’ve never really grown up around magic or anything like this. Everything’s new to me.”

He didn't want Alex to think he was completely clueless, but how do you even explain that without sounding weird? Magic was something he only ever heard about in stories as a child. Now it was real, and it was right here, and he was on a train headed to a school full of it. Who wouldn't freak out? “So, what about you? You mentioned that you already know some things. Can I ask what you know about Hogwarts? And what should I be prepared for once I arrive? I don’t want to do anything wrong.” He was trying to show how eager he was, rather than being clueless. Inside, his nervousness was growing again. Everyone’s probably used to this, right? They all know what they’re doing.

Alex took the chocolate frog while he opened his. His eyes narrowed when the little frog jumped and twitched, hopping across his hands and almost onto the table. He recoiled and stared at it in disbelief. "Woah! It’s moving! How... how are we supposed to eat this?” He was expecting it to hop right back out of the box.

Speaking of the box, he noticed the golden card inside. He pulled it out and studied it; the name read Albus Dumbledore. “There’s a card inside, it says Albus Dumbledore? Who’s he? Some kind of famous wizard?” There was curiosity in his eyes as he looked at Alex again. “Does everyone get these? And do I keep it, or…?”

He set the card down for a moment, still staring at it because the man in it was moving too, but then it disappeared. "That's odd, it disappeared! Where did it go?" The more he tried to understand, the more confused he felt. It was both amazing and overwhelming for someone like him. "I know I sounded stupid, but all of these are really new to me."

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Speech: df0c0c

Alex was loving his journey towards Hogwarts. He was having fun talking to Zephyr. Alex knew about Pure-blood, which he was himself, and muggle-born, but it was his first time he was seeing a half-blood wizard. Alex was always eager to explain the magical world to anyone who needed to know about the Wizarding World. He said with subtle excitement, "No problem, brother!! It's my first time as well meeting a half-blood. Actually, pure-blood families think their bloodline should remain 'pure' and thing.. But it's alright." Alex was delighted that he could make a person comfortable who was exposed to magic for the first time.

As Zephyr asked him about Hogwarts, his mind flashed back to all those times when his dad told him stories about Hogwarts and how his father had many adventures. Alex was excited to explore the large and mysterious castle of Hogwarts. But seeing the nervousness of Zephyr, Alex said soothingly,"It's fine!! Nothing will happen. First-year students are generally kept away from dangerous things like magical creatures and all. All we might be learning this year are basic spells and normal level of dueling spells. " Alex couldn't understand Zephyr's nervousness properly because he had been around magic ever since he was born, but he was empathetic to Zephyr's situation.

Alex chuckled to Zephyr's astonishment on opening the chocolate forg box and said,"Don't worry, it's just a bewitched forg. You can toss it into your mouth directly. Sometimes he can also jump, but only once. You can only pray it's not yours." Alex was still feeling a laughter he didn't want to show, or else he could turn out as rude as well.

But the turning point came when Zephyr acted clueless about Albus Dumbledore. He said in shock,"You don't know Albus Dumbledore?? He is one of the greatest wizards the Wizarding World has ever seen. He is one who defeated Ginderwal and also helped Harry Potter in defeating Voldemort." Alex was quite shocked as he thought even Muggles knew about Alue Dumbledore, but turns out they don't. Alex added,"By the way, you keep the card, and he can't stay here with you in the card for the whole day. " But the nervous line that he sounded stupid made Alex feel bad. Alex kept his hand on his shoulder and said while giving it an encouraging squeeze,"It's ok, Zephyr. It's the first time for many people. If you ever need any help, tell me. I will help you."

To lighten the mood, Alex asked cheerfully, "By the way, which house do you wanna be in? I personally want to be in Hufflepuff. They are very loyal and help in making great friends."

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@Zephyr Deakin

credit to amazing Skylar Astor

Zephyr frowned at what the boy said, merely out of confusion with a bit of curiosity. “Wait… why would pureblood families think their blood should stay pure?” There was uncertainty in his tone. “Does that mean they don’t like half-bloods or even muggle-borns? Do they hate us?” He looked at Alex in alarm, his green eyes were wide as he searched for answers. He couldn't help but overthink already. Since he's considered a half-blood, does that mean some people won’t like him? Will they treat him differently? Or worse, will they try to make him feel like he was below them? Now he was anxious again.

“I know you said it’s okay, and I’m glad you’re fine with it, but it’s worrying. I didn’t know people cared that much about blood status. I thought magic was magic, and everyone’s the same. Right?” His voice lacked conviction, unsure if he sounded naive. Is that how it works here? Are people judged before they even start school? He looked out the window again, trying to ignore his own nervous thoughts. “Why would anyone care about something like that? I just don’t understand it.” The thought of pureblood prejudice stayed in his mind, now he was silently hoping everyone at Hogwarts was not like that.

Still trying to get ahold of his chocolate frog, he stopped shortly, "I’m supposed to just catch it in my mouth?" Uh... He laughed nervously. “I... Err, I can try that, hopefully it doesn’t jump at me too much.” This is way weirder than he imagined. He knew he probably looked ridiculous with his own astonishment but can you blame him? This is a first for him. According to Alex, Albus Dumbledore was famous. His eyes widened even more. “I’ve never heard of him. All of these are not in the stories I read.” He felt a little embarrassed and worried that he sounded clueless. "Ginderwal? Who's that?" He was confused at the mention of another name he didn't know about.

Looking at the card, the other boy said he can keep it and that it won't be able to stay in there the whole day. Weird, why put it there in the first place if it'll just leave later on. He still liked the muggle version of it, the still pictures. At least they're stuck there forever and he can admire whatever is in the photo.

Alex put his hand on his shoulder and gave him assurance that he would help him in case he needed it. He was comforted by his words. “Thanks, Alex. I’ll probably have a lot of questions, so I’m glad I can ask you about anything.”

At the talk of houses, he thought about what his dad told him about Hogwarts houses before. Hufflepuff is for the loyal. “Hmm… I’m not really sure yet. I don't have preference to be honest? I just want to be in a house where I can fit in and make friends. I don’t want to feel left out.” He glanced at Alex, trying to gauge his reaction. “But Hufflepuff does sound nice, I will like that too. What about you? Why Hufflepuff?”

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Alex heard Zephyr's question. Alex was only 11, and he was kept away from the toxicity of the "pure-blood" mindset by his parents. He also never understood this discrimination. He replied to Zephyr with the same curiosity, "To be honest, bro! I don't understand this system either. My mom and dad always kept me away from these stupid things. As for hating..." Alex didn't know a way to say this without sounding rude. He decided to be truthful and said in an apologetic voice,"Some families do. And, they do it quite intensely. I never liked this whole thing anyway." Alex was a bit uncomfortable on this topic as he didn't want to turn out to be one of those who hate half-blood or muggle-born.

Alex couldn't answer Zephyr's questions without sounding rude. He now had to decide whether to be truthful and polite. He chose truth. Alex said, "Zephyr, the pure-blood things muggles are below them because they can't do magic. That's why they have arrogance. But many pure-blood people have no issues with Muggles. Like me!! Even when Alex was not including himself, he felt awful saying. He added sadly, "You know, my father and mother both are pure-blood. However, my father's family severed contact with him because he defended his brother, who had married a Muggle. My uncle and aunt are the only members of my paternal family I know." Alex hadn't told this to anyone, but something about Zephyr made him trust him and share this.

Alex chuckled at Zephyr's confusion and nervousness. He was loving helping Zephy understand the Wizarding World better. Alex said while chuckling, "Yeah!! It is somewhat like that only. Don't worry; initially, it feels weird, but then you get used to it." Alex understood the amount of secrecy the wizarding world had maintained that Zephyr didn't know about Dumbledore and Grindelwald. Alex took on the opportunity and started saying,"Actually, many years back, there was a wizard Gillert Grindelwald. He was manipulating the pure-blood wizards and witches to establish their dominance, as they had magical ability and that they were above Muggles. You can consider him one of the darkest wizards in history. Albus Dumbledore beat him and established the peace and secrecy of the Wizarding World again." Alex was feeling quite delighted about telling Zephyr the whole story he had probably heard by his father for at least a thousand times.

Alex smiled warmly and said, "It's fine! I like telling stories and explaining this amazing world to the ones who are new here." While Alex didn't have a solid answer for why wanted Hufflepuff, he just simply said," It's is the least intense house. Means... I think in Hufflepuff, there can be fun and warmth while all the houses are just too intense. Making friends in Hufflepuff will be easier as well."

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Zephyr Deakin@

credit to amazing Skylar Astor

Zephyr was still trying to process this whole pureblood-keeping-their-bloodline-pure thing. He couldn’t quite wrap his head around it. In the muggle world, he had never seen anyone judge someone before they even met them, and the idea that people could hate him simply because of his bloodline was frightening and made him uneasy. Aside from his anxiousness, there was also curiosity. Why did it matter so much to them? He couldn't understand the indifference to blood status that is not pureblood.

Looking at Alex closely, he noticed the topic was making him uncomfortable as well. He reminded himself to be careful with his words and not overreact, as that might also affect the other boy. He explained to him that not all purebloods were like that, that some were accepting and even friendly toward Muggle-borns and half-bloods. That didn't give him reassurance, to see is to believe.

But, setting aside his worry, Alex seemed genuine and kind, and that gave him hope that he could find people to trust once he arrived in school. It was mentioned that the reason why purebloods looked down upon other blood statuses is because of their inability to perform magic. That probably explained the arrogance of those people. But Alex also said that many purebloods are also fine with muggles, like him. “To be fair, you sound like one of the good ones. You’re not like that, right? You don’t care about blood or anything like that?” He wanted to make sure he was not jumping to conclusions.

He reminded himself yet again to give it a chance, and that thought slowly eased his tension, and it was now replaced by cautious optimism. He would have to watch and learn in the coming days. Not only did Alex explain the logic behind pureblood's intention, but he also shared about his family. That his father's family cut him off for marrying a muggle. "Woah, that sounds like what happened with my father, too. My dad was disowned for marrying a muggle." Was it really that serious? Losing your family just because you fell in love with someone other than a pureblood? If he looks at it in the grand scheme of things, this sounds like a typical muggle story drama with rich and poor families. The same principles can be applied. Accepting it all at once was overwhelming. People really judge others here, but at least Alex doesn’t care.

Listening to him with much gusto was entertaining. He really knows his stuff, and that made him a bit more at ease. “I'd like to believe that, that I’ll get used to it in no time. I just didn’t know any of these things existed.” As per Alex, the wizard dude with the complete name of Gillert Grindelwald tried to control people. He frowned as he listened, trying to picture it and imagining a wizard convincing others that they were better than muggles. “And Dumbledore stopped him. No wonder he's a very famous person. Are there any other famous people appearing on cards like this? I'd love to collect if there are more.” He glanced at the card in his hand again and nodded, “I understand a bit now. That's an interesting story. Is that historically significant in the wizarding world?”

Alex’s excitement and patience were starting to get to him, he can relax and smile better now. He seemed really happy to explain things and didn’t make him feel stupid for asking. “Thanks, I really appreciate you explaining all this. I'll be totally lost without your little story.” Their discussion shifted to Hufflepuff house. “You really seem to know what you’re doing here. I hope I can be as confident as you are someday.” Even though his nerves have not completely gone away, he feels much better now, and talking to him helped with that.